This past Christmas, Sally's Mom gave us a wonderfully unique gift. She financed a chef's dinner for the two of us plus Sally's brother, Greg, and his wife, Jennifer. Oh wow, it was amazing.

Our dinner was at a private table in the wine room at Le Mistral, a French bistro in Houston, Texas. Chef David Denis chatted with us for a few minutes to learn about our food preferences shortly after we arrived. He then created a five course dinner menu especially for us. 

I got so caught up enjoying the incredible food and some outstanding wine that I neglected to take pictures of each dish or keep copious notes on the wine. It makes for a less interesting blog, but I know I'll remember every taste each time I read this. 

Here was our menu:

1st course: Mushroom and parmesan risotto

Wine Pairing: 2008 Barattaro Venetia Pinot Nero

2nd course: Hand-made goat cheese ravioli with tarragon olive oil zucchini soup velouté

Wine Pairing: 2005 Chateau des Roques Vacqueyras

3rd course: Braised veal osso bucco

Wine Pairing: 2005 E. Guigal Chateauneuf-du-Pape

4th course: Rack of lamb

Wine Pairing: 2005 E. Guigal Chateauneuf-du-Pape

5th course: Chocolate dessert trio

Wine Pairing: Coffee

The very best way to enjoy wine is by sharing it with family over a special meal.