I had the privilege of being invited by my friend Lauren to a dinner and wine paring at Lodi’s Alebrijes Mexican Bistro. The food, prepared by chef Ruben Larrazolo, was amazing and the wine by Paso Vineyards was complimentary in every way. I don’t drink wine too often but this was something I would buy for very special occasions.
My favorite dish was the second course – Sope de tinga y queso. It was a masa shell with chicken morita salsa. Just thinking about it makes me salivate.
My favorite bottle of wine was the Late Harvest Viognier parred with arroz con leche (rice pudding). The drink had aromas of honey and melon with passion fruit and kiwi. The wine is barrel aged in French Oak and aged Sur-lie for 13 months. I overheard it being called “sex in a bottle”. It was VERY good. 
On top of being at the event, a small gathering, I ran into two of my favorite Lodi photographers. Angelina, there shooting and serving wine, is the gal who we help each other out with weddings. The very talented Sam of Sam Harnack Studios was shooting for the restaurant. It was great running into them and enjoing the evening in their company.
