Law Offices of Charlotte Ito

Aloft

Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

James Laube wrote an inspiring article in the September 30, 2012 issue of the Wine Spectator. It’s about Aloft -- the first new Krug Cabernet from Howell Mountain – the product of a “radical and exciting adventure on Howell Mountain” by Peter Mondavi, Jr. and Marc Mondavi, members of the legendary wine dynasty. The Aloft website states their vision to produce truly exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon and winemaker Thomas Brown’s singular goal: the pursuit of quality. Peter, Jr. and Marc Mondavi could have rested on the solid success of Peter, Sr. and Charles Krug. Instead, they’re continuing to break new ground on Howell Mountain. I’m not so presumptuous to compare myself with the legendary Mondavis, but I’m inspired by their extraordinary drive to pursue quality. As I approached my 30th year of law practice and after years of working at big law firms, I decided to go independent. I want to be able to deliver quality legal services in a boutique setting. Although I won’t be able to provide services in every imaginable practice area like a big firm can, I will strive to provide the best quality service in my practice areas. I won’t compromise on quality. So, here’s a toast with Aloft, to independence and this inaugural post of The Legal Cabernet.

Welcome to The Legal Cabernet!

Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Welcome to “The Legal Cabernet”, a blog that covers topics in the legal and wine industries. Naturally, food is an integral part of the mix so we’ll discuss food and hospitality too. Our goal is to discuss the law, wine, food, and any combination thereof. We hope the posts will be interesting and informative, and most important, we hope they will help you unwind from your day. We welcome your comments and look forward to creating an interesting online community.

Short Ribs Rule in 2013 Hall Cabernet Cookoff

Mon, 06 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Kathryn and Craig Hall’s Cabernet Cookoff on April 27 was dazzling, delicious, fun and philanthropic! Select Napa Valley chefs cooked small bites to benefit his or her team charity. There were 2 types of prizes – the People’s Choice (votes of those attending the event) and the Judges’ Choice (professional chefs). Here are the professional chef judges (from left to right): Chef Ken Frank of La Toque, Chef Hiro Sone and Lissa Doumani of Terra, Chef Brandon Sharp of Solbar. The People’s Choice 1st place winner was Carpe Diem and Napa Humane for the braised short rib taco in a steamed bao “tortilla”, Hall Cabernet Pomegranate BBQ sauce, backyard spring greens slaw, and creamy miso aioli. The People’s Choice 2nd place winner was The Grill at Meadowood and Community Resources for Children of Napa Valley for the potato gnocchi with Spanish chorizo, espresso glaze and Parmesan crust. The Judges’ Choice 1st place winner was Oenotri and Clinic Ole for braised short rib with fennel root and arugula and the second place winner was Napa Valley Biscuits and We Care Animal Rescue for braised ancho short ribs with a side of grits. Pictured here from left to right: Oenotri’s Curtis de Fede and Tyler Rodde and the Clinic Ole representative. The short ribs, of course, paired really well with the Hall wines presented: the 2010 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2009 T Bar T Ranch Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2010 Craig’s Cuvee, 2010 Jack’s Masterpiece Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2010 Diamond Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon (all exceptional with Jack’s Masterpiece my favorite).