Master sommelier Roberto Viernes has launched his own wine label, Fil, French for “thread.”
Produced by Chapter 24 Vineyards in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the first bottling, a 2105 pinot noir, arrived two weeks ago. Viernes is back in Oregon this week working on the 2016 vintage.
Viernes describes the wine as “silky and sexy in texture … super velvety, rich but not heavy.” In geek speak, it’s got notes of ripe cherry, caramel and light toffee, with an “herby component.”
The name refers to the thread between pinot noir in the Old and New worlds, he said, as well as the connection between American soil and French-style winemaking.
Fil retails for about $35, which will put it on restaurant wine lists for less than $100 a bottle, Viernes said. “I didn’t want it to be super inaccessible.”
Still, Fil will not be easily accessible. Production is limited, he said, so the wine will not be sold in stores.
Find it for now at Wolfgang’s Steakhouse, Michel’s at the Colony Surf, Azure and Bethel Union.
Cookbook club follows Oprah’s lead
Oprah Winfrey’s cookbook, “Food, Health and Happiness,” will be featured at Williams Sonoma’s Cookbook Club, 6 p.m. March 22 at the Ala Moana Center store.
Hend Yahya, a chef trained in Middle Eastern and French cuisine, will lead a two-hour class, preparing a three-course meal using recipes from the cookbook.
Participants will be able to taste the dishes: garden greens with lemon vinaigrette, turkey lasagna and coconut lime sorbet.
Cost is $75 and includes a copy of the book. Bring a friend for an additional $40, not including the book.
The session is limited to 15 participants. Call 951-0088.
McMuffin purchases benefit robotics
High school robotics teams get a boost from McDonald’s next week as all 74 Hawaii restaurants will donate $1 from Egg McMuffin purchases to the teams.
The donation applies to sandwiches and meals purchased from 5 to 10:30 a.m. during Robotics Week, Monday through March 26.
McDonald’s Restaurants of Hawaii is sponsoring the 10th annual FIRST in Hawaii Regional Robotics Competition, March 31 and April 1 at Stan Sheriff Center (FIRST means For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology).
Last year’s McDonald’s fundraiser raised $40,000 statewide for the robotics programs.
Several robotics teams will conduct demonstrations at McDonald’s Restaurants through the week from 8 to 10 a.m. Visit 808ne.ws/mcdrobotics for a list of the demonstrations.
