A Night of Elegance and Indulgence: Vine and Dine with Maison Louis Latour

Imagine stepping into a French garden, where fragrant pink and red roses intertwine with lush greenery under the soft glow of ambient lighting. This enchanting setting was the backdrop for #ThePinkBuilding's exclusive event, "Vine and Dine” with Monsieur Bruno Pépin, Directeur Commercial, Maison Louis Latour and Chef Alexa Von Strolley of Tooksie Kay Catering. Hosted by CPJ, this gastronomic evening featured a five-course menu paired with exquisite wines from Maison Louis Latour, providing guests with a truly unforgettable experience.

The evening kicked off with a delightful appetizer: honeycomb-shaped house-cultured butter, drizzled with honey and bee pollen, served with mini Parker rolls. This delectable treat was paired with the Maison Louis Latour Ardèche Chardonnay 2021, a light and refreshing wine with subtle aromas of sage, lemon verbena, and fresh almond. Monsieur Bruno Pépin, described it as "a wine you can drink without food if you want to

The second course, yummy truffled potato dumplings, crispy fried goat cheese, with roasted onion puree and black truffles, was paired with the Chablis, 2022. This wine showcased aromas of white peach with a mineral finish.

Monsieur Pepin explained the difference between the Ardèche Chardonnay and the Chablis, noting that the Chablis has more minerality and acidity due to it being grown in the northern region in Burgundy.

The third course, a tantalizing combination of salmon, passionfruit, scotch bonnet, and chips, was paired with the Beaujolais Villages, 2022. This wine featured a deep color with pleasant aromas of wild strawberries and myrtle, and a smooth, round palate. Monsieur Pepin described it as "very versatile" and recommended serving it slightly chilled.

For the main course, guests indulged in steak frites, potato rosti, and peppercorn sauce, paired with the Valmoissine Pinot Noir, 2022. Monsieur Pépin shared interesting facts about Pinot Noir, explaining, “this last wine is made from Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir is a grape that we grow in Burgundy. So it is red in color, but the skin is red while the flesh is actually white. And if you press Pinot Noir, it's a white juice. It's only the maceration of the skin that brings that color. That's why it's never very dark in color. Although it doesn't look very dense, it's elegant, it's not heavy."

The evening concluded with a sweet finale: strawberry and melilot parfait, pistachio dacquoise, macerated strawberries, and a strawberry and prosecco consommè. All of the wines paired with the five-course menu were from Maison Louis Latour, providing guests with a comprehensive experience of the winery's offerings.

Throughout the evening, Monsieur Bruno Pépin educated guests about the family-owned company and the unique characteristics of each wine. His passion for winemaking was evident as he shared stories about the history of Maison Louis Latour and the unique terroir of the region. Guests were captivated by his expertise and left the evening with a deeper appreciation for the art of winemaking.

The elegant atmosphere, coupled with the delicious food and exceptional wines, made for a truly memorable experience. Guests were seen enjoying themselves, laughing, and taking photos to capture the special moments.

The decor of the event was equally impressive. The transformation of #ThePinkBuilding into a French garden was a testament to the creativity and skill of Aiesha Panton and her PussBackFoot team. Pink accents, along with pink and red roses, soft lighting, and the elegant ambiance created a romantic and intimate atmosphere that perfectly complemented the exquisite food and wine.

Furthermore, the event offered guests a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who shared a passion for fine dining and wine. The intimate setting along with the carefully curated menu created an atmosphere that fostered conversation and friendship. Guests were able to enjoy the evening not only as a culinary experience but also as a social occasion. In addition to the exceptional food and wine, the music added to the ambiance of the evening and created a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. 

As the night came to a close, Kemmar Lewis, CPJ Category Manager, Monsieur Bruno Pépin Directeur Commercial, Maison Louis Latour, and Aiesha Panton, Locale co-director and founder of PussBackFoot, expressed their gratitude to the guests for attending. The event was a resounding success, showcasing the beauty of cuisine and French wine in a truly unforgettable setting.

Overall, "Vine and Dine” was a truly unforgettable evening, a night of elegance and indulgence. The event was a celebration of exquisite cuisine and a showcase of the exceptional quality of Maison Louis Latour's wines. It was an evening that will be remembered by all who attended, and a testament to the success of Locale's commitment to providing unforgettable experiences to its guests.

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