Jack and Dolores Cakebread have long believed that a glass of wine was meant to be paired with great food and great company. A chef and master gardener, Dolores planted the first culinary gardens where they remain central to the culinary program at Cakebread Cellars today.
Since we all can’t be in Napa for the Summer season, this watermelon gazpacho recipe and wine pairing is a preview of what’s being offered in Cakebread Cellar’s kitchen, Winery House Kitchen in Rutherford, CA. Enjoy it at home paired with a refreshing glass of 2021 Sauvignon Blanc.
Yield: 8 Servings
Chef: Chef Brian Streeter
Ingredients
1½ lbs. tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and coarsely chopped
2-3 c. watermelon, cut in 1-inch cubes
½ cucumber, peeled, seeded, and coarsely chopped
½ large red bell pepper, coarsely chopped
½ bulb fennel, coarsely chopped
¼ small red onion, coarsely chopped
2 T. extra virgin olive oil, plus more for garnish
3 T. sherry vinegar, or to taste
1 tsp. Kosher salt
3 T. finely diced watermelon for garnish
In a blender in batches, puree the tomato, watermelon, cucumber, bell pepper, fennel, onion, olive oil, vinegar, and enough ice water to achieve a soup like consistency (about 1 cup). Season with salt and add more vinegar if necessary. Chill thoroughly.
Divide the soup among 8 cold bowls. Garnish each serving with a spoonful of diced watermelon. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and serve.
Pair with Cakebread Cellars 2021 Sauvignon Blanc.
New Orleans, LA - On October 22, 2024, I recently had an opportunity to attend the grand opening of Caesars New Orleans, marking the completion of a stunning $435 million transformation of the former Harrah’s New Orleans. It was an evening to remember, filled with excitement, luxury, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. The festivities began on Canal Street with an exhilarating ceremony led by Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg, President & COO Anthony Carano, and Caesars New Orleans General Manager Samir Mowad. The atmosphere was electric as they joined Caesar himself and an iconic New Orleans second-line band in a lively procession into the casino. It felt like the entire city had come out to celebrate, with Caesars New Orleans team members and Mayor LaToya Cantrell also joining the event to commemorate this historic occasion. Anthony Carano’s pride in introducing Caesars to New Orleans was palpable. “From local favorite Emeril Lagasse to our long-time partner, Chef Nobu, to the beautiful state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook, all-new rooms and gaming floor, and of course, our gorgeous new center bar, Octavia, Caesars New Orleans offers something for everyone. It’s a world-class resort in the heart of the Big Easy, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it,” he said. The ceremony was a spectacle, kicking off with an iconic Mardi Gras float featuring Caesar and his court, and a dazzling firework show that lit up the New Orleans sky. The second-line band then led us revelers into the resort’s elegant center bar, Octavia, where we indulged in a “Taste of Caesars New Orleans.” Each bite from the six on-property restaurants was a delightful journey, capturing the essence of New Orleans’ rich culinary scene. Throughout the night, elemental entertainers, including the Saints Cheer Krewe, Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Tramps, and showgirls, created an authentic and unforgettable Big Easy experience. Everywhere I turned, there was something new to marvel at, each performance more mesmerizing than the last. Samir Mowad, SVP and GM of Caesars New Orleans, highlighted the significance of the transformation, stating, “This year marks 25 years since we opened in New Orleans, and the completion of this project is the perfect way to usher in a new era with Caesars. Synonymous with the Caesars name, our new resort is pure elegance, and we’re excited to introduce a luxury brand like this to New Orleans. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community, our team members, and our guests as we come to the finish line of this tremendous transformation.” The hotel itself is impressive,…
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