New York Ratings Party

Manhattan - We finally got everyone together to celebrate the ratings of Jack-FM for reaching the top 10 in New York.

Tao was the choice, a Pan Asian restaurants featuring featuring Hong Kong, Chinese, Japanese and Thai cuisine and is a favorite destination for celebrities and athletes. Tao has 3 levels and we had hoped to be in the prized "Skybox" which offers unparrelled views. Our reservation was at 6 and by 7 the bar was quite the scene and overflowing onto E. 58th Street.
But the food was amazing from basic Edamame, to Lobster Dumplings, to Kobe Beef and Beef Ribs, Tuna Sashimi and more.

But for a celebration this big I had bought two magnum bottles of 1996 Bollinger Gande Annee Champagne - first bottle for top 10, next one for top 5! There was enough to go around and this Champagne scored scored 95 points in wine spectator. We discussed the grapes that make up Champagne and this consisted of 75% grand cru 25 % premier cru vineyards with 70% pinot noir and 30% chardonnay. It was fantastic and was gone in a matter of minutes.

For dinner almost ordered some Gevrey Chambertin, but went with Californina vino instead so we had a few bottles of 2005 - Flowers Pinot Noir - Sonoma Coast - when looking at California Pinots you can't go wrong with Sonoma - Russian River, Coastal, Napa - Carneros and of course Santa Ynez Valley. The Flowers was a deep ruby red with fruit aromas of cherry, blackberry and a hint of vanilla from the barrel aging. It was the perfect compliment to the Bollinger. Didn't realize at the time that it was really a Pinot Noir night from the Champagne to the red wine. Always a good choice.

No big celebrity sightings last night. But we all had a great time...so much that I was still feeling it this morning...can't wait to the next ratings party.

-Brian