Fine Wine Pairings with Del Frisco’s Popular Menu

Living in Pasadena the past forty-plus years, I have seen many restaurants come and go. Some should have gone, but others, I felt, put real effort into the craft. I can’t believe the influx of steakhouses to our fair city. But, I am here to tell you I love a good steak, and one of the best for my dollar is Del Frisco’s Grille on South Lake Avenue. Pasadena might rival only Chicago as the steak capital of the world. Del Frisco’s is related to the Double Eagle Grille in Las Vegas where they have built their reputation on a menu that features all prime beef.

What they have going here is a great location, an incredible wine list, and a top-notch filet mignon. My assignment was to enjoy the pairing of fine wines with Del Frisco’s popular menu, aided by Del Frisco’s own sommelier – a fun way to go, if the restaurant has a sommelier.

My dinner started with the ahi tuna tartare with avocado and a spicy citrus mayo. Ahi tuna tacos have become a popular appetizer in restaurants and I had these paired with a Paco & Lalo white wine, one of the most popular wines from the region of Rias Baixas in Spain. I’ve never been to Spain, but when I go I’ll visit this wine region for sure.

Next in the adventure was the kale quinoa salad, which was spectacular and went very well with my taste of Flora Springs Chardonnay.

Finally came the reason for our review: the steak – a generous eight-ounce filet mignon with a side of truffled mac and cheese. If you’ve heard my radio show, you know I often talk about steaks and my contention that I can make I great steak at home. This one is as good as it gets, and sommelier Sharha paired it with a wine that I reviewed recently — the Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon. But wait! There’s more! The night was completed with their coconut cream pie. This was so good we went back the next night and got it to go.

One more note: their crab cake is one of the best I’ve had, and that’s saying a lot. No matter the price, when I see the crab cake on the menu, it’s ordered.

Del Frisco’s Grille 55 S. Lake Pasadena (626) 765-9913.

“Dining with Dills” the Radio Show airs each and every Saturday afternoon at 5 p.m. on Angeles Radio Station KLAA AM 830. You can get ahold of Peter through his website www.peterdills.com where you will find past articles and pictures from his culinary adventures.