HOA1 Chef’s Dinner Review

VIA SBINSIDER FOOD CRITIC| GLORIA WOLF

August 10th, 2023

RATING 3.5 stars Pricing, Moderate

The August 9^th Chef’s Dinner at HOA1 exhibited Asian flair in this meal of smoked tri tip with shoyu fried rice.

The meal started with petite crab cakes over dressed mustard greens, topped with a daub of remoulade. The crab cakes were a delight and just the right amount, two crab cakes. This first course was paired with a Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio. This Pinot Grigio is easily found in the local grocery store and has a fresh pure aroma and light, crisp taste.

Our entrée was a perfectly cooked smoked tri tip. While the smokey flavor was pronounced and the meat tender, the flavor of the meat itself was lacking. The vegetable portion was a napa cabbage slaw that was lightly dressed with a ginger-lemon nage. A nage is typically a vegetable stock, in this case flavored with ginger and lemon. Along with the shoyu fried rice, the napa cabbage slaw made a light, refreshing accompaniment.

The entrée course was served with a Tranche Cabernet Sauvignon that was smooth, dry, but not overpowering. This wine from Walla Walla Valley provides a “slice of life” according to their promotional material.

The meal was topped off with a pistachio ice cream, topped with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry. It was a fitting end to a fine meal.

The dining room and Agave lounge were nearly full as the popularity of the Chef’s dinners continues to grow.