Murdoch Merger and the Cosmo Cafe

We had a wonderful lunch at Cosmo Cafe. Our server/bartender, Aaron did an admirable job with both his service and recommendations. We started with a white shrimp and garbanzo bean small plate, which had crisp shrimp, which were delicate in flavor. The garbanzo beans had that familiar garbanzo bean flavor with the a smoky under flavor.

For entrees, we enjoyed an asparagus bread pudding, ahi with crisp sweet potatoes, and corned beef and cabbage. The ahi was done rare to a turn and served on wilted Savoy cabbage. The sweet potato crisps were a pleasant contrast to both the slight saltiness of the ahi and the Savoy cabbage flavor. The asparagus bread pudding was deservedly rich – no butter, cream, or eggs were spared in its creation – and delicate at the same time. The real surprise came with the corned beef and cabbage. The brisket has subtle flavors from the proprietary blended brine and the vegetables were just a tad underdone to keep them flavorful and extraordinary.

For dessert, we split a chocolate pudding – it was baked, warm, and light and was almost like a soufflé. The strawberry rhubarb tart was served with a crème fraise ice cream, which balanced the sweetness, berry flavor, and tartness within the confines of it dish.

The 2006 Murdock “The Merger” wine reminded noted Francophile, Peggy Haskins of a Cotes du Rhone red she enjoyed on one of her many summers in France. Peggy did not enjoy it when an unexpected menu drop (mine) knocked over her glass and showered her sweater with wine. :doh: She was a good sport and finished her meal sweaterless :yikes: wearing a smart looking blank tank. A blend of (60%) cabernet and (40%) shiraz, The merger is a young and fruited wine loaded with fragrant and plummy fruit and a just enough oak to give it some heft. The wine is enjoyable and is drinkable now and I would feel comfortable serving this wine in a wide variety of dining climates. The wine is sealed with a Stelvin closure, which still suffers from the stigma of cheap wine early adoption. I appreciate and value its convenience in serving wine and its ability to protect wine. 89/100.