The evening begins with a Champagne Reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by an exclusive four-course prix fixe dinner complete with Beckman wine pairings beginning at 7 p.m. The exclusive Beckman Vineyards wine dinner is offered at a price of $75 per guest plus taxes/gratuities. Limited spots are available. To make reservations, call (630) 942-6881.
Executive Chef Nadia Tilkian works closely with General Manager Jean-Pierre Leroux to expertly pair her menu with Beckmen wines. The first course of Ceviche of Laughing Shrimp is paired with 2012 Beckmen Sauvignon Blanc Purisima Mountain; followed by the second course, Kaboucha Squash Soup, paired with 2011 Beckmen Cuvee Le Bec Blanc Purisima Mountain. The third course, Roasted Sirloin of Beef, is paired with 2011 Beckmen Cabernet Sauvignon Purisima Mountain. The dessert course features Pumpkin-Caramel Mousse Cake paired with 2011 Beckmen Syrah Purisima Mountain.
About Beckman Winery
Founded in 1994 by Tom and Steve Beckmen, Beckmen Vineyards is a family-run, estate winery located in Santa Barbara County's Santa Ynez Valley. Since its founding, Beckmen Vineyards has emerged as one of North America's premier producers of Rhone varietal wines, while also helping to establish Santa Barbara County as one of California's most highly regarded winegrowing regions.
Eager to return to his farming roots, and convinced of the Santa Ynez Valley's vast potential to produce world-class wines, Tom Beckmen began searching for promising vineyard property in the early '90s. He found what he was looking for on a 40-acre parcel of land with an existing small winery. There he established Beckmen Vineyards. Working together, Tom and Steve began revitalizing the site. Convinced that the vineyard had been planted incorrectly, they painstakingly removed the 16 original acres of vines, and replanted the vineyard with carefully selected varietals, clones and rootstocks.
Committed to building a world-class estate-vineyard program, the Beckmens also purchased a spectacular, unplanted 365-acre Santa Ynez Valley ranch in 1996. Naming it Purisima Mountain Vineyard, Tom and Steve began a meticulous planting process designed to maintain the natural diversity of the site. With an ideal climate and rare limestone subsoils similar to those found in Cote Rotie and Chateauneuf du Pape, the vineyard has proven perfect for producing a range of stunning Rhone varietals, especially Syrah and Grenache.
Under the care and guidance of Tom and Steve, Purisima Mountain Vineyard has earned acclaim as one of California's great Rhone-varietal vineyards. Adding to its reputation as one of the most meticulously cultivated winegrowing sites in all of Santa Barbara County, the vineyard has been farmed 100 percent biodynamically since 2006. Reflecting a passion for quality and a belief in the natural character of the land, the adoption of biodynamic farming practices has only reinforced Steve's vineyard-focused style of winemaking. Believing that the wine in the bottle begins in the soil, Steve and the winemaking team craft wines that capture the unique terroir of Purisima Mountain.
Beckmen Vineyards produces a full line of exceptional estate-grown Rhone varietals including Syrah, Grenache, Grenache Blanc, Grenache Rose, Marsanne, and the Cuvee Le Bec blend. It also produces small quantities of exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. Hailed for the excellence of its portfolio, Beckmen Vineyards was named Food & Wine's "Most Promising Winery" in the magazine's 2000 American Wine Awards. Since then, Beckmen Vineyards has lived up to that promise. In 2007, it was selected as one of the "Top 100 Wineries" in the world by Wine & Spirits magazine.
Beckmen Wine Dinner November 14
Champagne reception
First Course
Ceviche of Laughing Shrimp
Basil, lime and pear
2012 Beckmen Sauvignon Blanc Purisima Mountain, Santa Barbara County
Second Course
Kaboucha Squash Soup
Scented with orange blossom
2011 Beckmen Cuvee Le Bec Blanc Purisima Mountain, Santa Barbara County
Third Course
Roasted Sirloin of Beef
Potato Colcannon, Asparagus, Roasted Marrow, Sauce Bordelaise
2011 Beckmen Cabernet Sauvignon Purisima Mountain, Santa Barbara County
2011 Beckmen Syrah Purisima Mountain, Santa Barbara County
Fourth Course
Pumpkin-Caramel Mousse Cake
Caramel Glaze, Ginger Snaps
$75 plus tax and gratuity
About Waterleaf
Waterleaf restaurant is located at 425 Fawell Boulevard in Glen Ellyn, IL. The 150-seat restaurant lead by General Manager Jean-Pierre Leroux and Executive Chef Nadia Tilkian (left) is a hidden gem, nestled on the campus of the College of DuPage.
Featuring moderately priced brunch, lunch and dinner options, expect to find locally-sourced ingredients on its approachable menu. In addition to a seasonal a la carte menu, Waterleaf features specials events like wine dinners, a prix-fixe 3-course dinner for $33 and an annual food & wine festival every fall.
The contemporary light filled dining room is the understated counterpart to exciting eclectic cuisine. The main dining room has a modern decor and dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows. Its walls display a collection of black-and-white lithographs by renowned American artist Richard Serra. There's a cozy bar area to enjoy libations and light snacks.
Waterleaf Restaurant has earned Diner's Choice Awards for Best Ambience, Best Overall, Best Service, Fit for Foodies and Special Occasion on OpenTable.com, where it maintains a 4.8/5.0 rating.
Most recently, Waterleaf received its second consecutive 2013 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. This award, given annually to restaurants in the U.S. and 65 countries worldwide, acknowledges that Waterleaf's beverage program is consistent with its dining concept, style and price point.
The restaurant is widely recognized as the dining destination of choice for food aficionados living and visiting Chicago's western suburbs.
Waterleaf serves lunch and dinner Wednesday through Sunday. It is closed on Monday and Tuesday. Lunch hours are 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday; dinner hours are 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sunday. Brunch is served 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Call 630-942-6881 for information or reservations or visit: waterleafrestaurant.com.
Jeffrey Dale Starr is a wine enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.
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