Noche Espanola

Noché Española paired together the cooking talents of Executive Chef Ruben Larrazolo, owner of Alebrijes Mexican Bistro in Lodi and the Lodi Spanish wine making skills of Bokisch Vineyards.

As guests dined on Spanish and Mexican inspired dishes, Jesse Christian Hendricks lightly ran his fingers across his guitar. The flamenco melodies added to the evenings ambiance.

Amongst the brightly colored walls, clinking glasses and laughter, Liz and Markus Bokisch made their way from table to table greeting and talking to guests about the food and wine.

The first course was Tomate Relleno de Ventresca de Bonito(tomato stuffed with tuna, garlic and cilantro) paired with Albariño. The Tortilla Española con Salsa de Bourbon (Potato tortilla with Bourbon Ancho Sauce) was served with Tempranillo, a red wine. The Bourbon sauce was sweet with a subtle heat. Graciano was poured with the tird dish of the evening, Paella a la Mexicana (traditional Spanish Paella with seafood and chorizo and a touch of saffron), was being served. A top a bead of bread, Montaditos de Puerco (New Mexican rubbed pork with roasted pepper relish and Asadero melted cheese) was presented with the Bokisch’s Garnacha. The fifth and final course was Queso de Cabra Frito con Miel de Chipotle (Fried goat cheese with Port Chipotle Caramel Sauce) and a smooth Port.

“The atmosphere was fun, festive and lively with Jesse’s classical guitar. I love the décor at Alebrijes – the colored walls and painted figurines make it feel cozy and authentic. The food was fantastic and Ruben did an amazing job combining traditional Spanish foods with a Latin flair. He brought out beautiful flavor combinations with our wines and paired them up perfectly with each course,” said Liz Bokisch. Her favorite food and wine combination of the night was the Garnacha with the Montaditos de Puerco and Roasted Pepper Relish. She says, “I think I’ll have to get the recipe!”