BILOXI, Miss. -- MGM Resorts International’s Beau Rivage Resort & Casino and J Wilkes – Bien Nacido Wines will present a special seven-course food and wine pairing dinner on August 20th.
Wes Hagen, winemaker and brand ambassador for J. Wilkes Wines in the Santa Maria Valley of California will lead the event set to begin at 6:30 p.m. inside BR Prime, Beau Rivage’s award-winning steak and seafood restaurant. Rated as one of the 100 Most Influential Winemakers in the U.S. by noted wine writer and author Michael Cervin, Hagen has 21 years of experience as a vineyard manager and winemaker. He has served more than a decade on the board of directors for both Santa Barbara County Vintners and Santa Rita Hills Winegrowers Alliance and has taught the Food and Wine Pairing Program at Allan Hancock College. He has lectured on the History of Wine and Santa Barbara Wine at Cornell University, Caltech, and many other prestigious institutions. J Wilkes Wines launched in 2001 by Jeff Wilkes with a focus on Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, and Chardonnay. Wilkes made his last wine 2010, before his untimely passing in the same year. The label was relaunched as a tribute to Wilkes love of the Santa Maria Valley. The menu will be as follows:
Foie Gras Mousse & Charcuterie
Quince Jelly, Humboldt Fog, Cherokee Rose, Dried Fruit
J Wilkes, Pinot Blanc, Santa Maria Valley
Baked Oysters
Smoked Truffle Pecorino Cheese
Solomon Hills, Chardonnay, Santa Maria Valley
Heirloom Tomato Salad
Cippolini Onion Jam, Charred Endive
J Wilkes, Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills
Intermezzo - Key Lime Sorbet
Braised Short Rib
Boudin Cake, Grilled Ramps, Natural Jus
Bien Nacido, Syrah, Santa Maria Valley
Local Pork Tenderloin
Rapini, Sautéed Sweet Potato Purée
J Wilkes, Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles
Dessert
Passion Fruit Panna Cotta
Slow Roasted Pineapple
Five of the seven courses will be paired with a specially-selected wine from J Wilkes-Bien Nacido Wines. Must be 21 years old to attend. Tickets are $95 plus tax and gratuity. For reservations, call 1.888.750.7111