Well, Knock Me Over and Serve Me Prime Rib
For the last week, I asked BK what we were doing for my birthday and all I got, every time, was “You’ve got plans.” Every time. All I knew was to dress nicely for work on Friday as I’d be leaving directly after. Well, he surprised me good. While I thought we were just giving my friend Kelly a ride to BART to meet her girl Trisha so they could have dinner with some friends of theirs in the city… turns out those friends were us. When they handed me my present on the train, I read the zippy little poem in the card that informed me we were all eating at The House of Prime Rib.
One short Muni ride later, and we were turning right on Van Ness to go inside. This restaurant has been around since 1949, and it’s known for amazing prime rib carved right at your table. We had talked about going to eat there since October, but it just never happened. So I was thrilled to find out that was our destination. (My only complaint was the extreme low lighting, which made it hard to take good pictures.)
The first bottle of wine we had was the 2004 Waterstone Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. Kelly and Trisha had picked it up on a recent tasting excursion. In my new tasting journal they gave me, I wrote: vanilla, bell pepper, blackberry, currant, and clove…a very nice, mellow Cab. It went with the well seasoned prime rib, made even better with the fresh cream of horseradish. And the wine even made a nice pairing for the creamed corn, which I definitely recommend over the creamed spinach.
The second bottle we ordered off the menu. I noticed the wine list was heavy on Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay (I’m guessing to go with the fresh fish dinner on the menu, not that I can imagine anyone choosing that over the juicy prime rib). BK suggested the 2004 A.Rafanelli Cabernet Sauvignon from Dry Creek Valley, and I immediately agreed. That winery is quite small, not available in stores, and I don’t believe I’ve ever had any. We liked this one a lot, as well. The same alcohol as the first (14.5%), but this one was a little more powerful and not quite as green. We found dark fruit: blackberry and plum, along with spice, and at one point, it reminded me of fresh laundry.
Both wines went well with my rare prime rib, but honestly, I could have been drinking anything and been happy. Ok, almost anything.
Tags: A. Rafanelli Cabernet, great places to eat in San Francisco, House of Prime Rib, Waterstone Cabernet SauvignonRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Cabernet Sauvignon, San Francisco, restaurants for wine lovers
4 opinions for Well, Knock Me Over and Serve Me Prime Rib
Megan
Mar 25, 2008 at 2:53 am
Egads! I recently discovered that A. Rafanelli Zin is t h e b e s t t h i n g e v e r. Must plan a trip there soon — like you ever need an excuse to go to Dry Creek!
Farley
Mar 26, 2008 at 10:53 am
Megan,
I would love to visit and try more. And I haven’t done as much exploration in Dry Creek as I should. Other suggestions?
Kelly
Mar 27, 2008 at 7:51 pm
okay, how perfect was this little 4 person birthday celebration? And how honored Trish and I were to have taken the imfamous Farley Walker and her boo, BK to my FAVORITE steakhouse the night before her birthday!
I must admit, despite no limo, and no boat, adn the long BART ride home, this evening was truly worth it! We couldn’t stop laughing at BK trying to take a picture of the b-day girl without her eyes closing on EVERY picture! And let’s just talk about the wines being so perfect with our perfecly perfect dinner. The Waterhouse Cab was so yummy, it just rythmicly waltz’d together with the prime rib in our mouths!
I always think of Farley whenever I find myself appreciating amazing food and especially when I’m soaking in a bottle of good wine! Thanks Farley for sharing a part of your special day with us!
Megan
Apr 2, 2008 at 6:54 pm
Oooh, where to start? David Coffaro is a must — his “mad scientist” blends knock my socks off and his tasting room feels more like a sports bar what with his slavish devotion to the Raiders manifested through his displays of memorabilia.
Preston Vineyards is also charming, with the tasting room in a rustic farmhouse and lovely grounds visitors are welcome to roam. Their Rhone varietals are delish, although many of the current ‘05 vintage are sold out right now. Sigh.
While less homey, the tasting experience at Quivira is also nice, with broad expanses of glass providing lovely views of the vineyards and a friendly tasting staff. Good Grenache & Zins here.
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