Oceanique to Host Haut-Marbuzet Wine Dinner June 5 with Guest of Honor Henri Duboscq

Evanston’s Oceanique Restaurant (505 Main St., 847-864-3435)

welcomes  Château Chambert-Marbuzet , Saint-Estèphe Proprietor Henri Duboscq for a wonderful wine dinner featuring Haut-Marbuzet vineyards 6:30 p.m., Thursday, June 5. The six course menu with wines costs $110 per person (excluding tax and gratuity). The event is supported by Chicago Gourmets and Eagle Eye Brands.  Reservations may be made by calling 847-864-3435.

Chef/owner Mark Grosz has prepared a stellar meal with extraordinary wine pairings. Vintner Henri Duboscq will discuss tasting notes of each wine.

Chef Mark Grosz welcomes Henri Duboscq

Proprietor Château Chambert-Marbuzet , Saint-Estèphe

Château Haut-Marbuzet, Saint-Estèphe

 

1er

Lightly Smoked Maine Salmon

Seaweed Watermelon Radish

Champagne Reception

 

2ème

Maine Bagaduce Oyster – Caviar

Wild Maine Sea Scallop Michigan Purple AsparagusLemon Grass

2012 L'Excellence de Liliane Duboscq Bordeaux Blanc

3ème

Wisconsin Veal Loin

Morels Favas Belgian Endive

2009 Château Chambert-Marbuzet – Saint-Estèphe

4ème

Cucumber-Lime-Sake Sorbet

5ème

Roasted California Squab

Lavender Cabbage Fiddleheads

2010 Château Haut-Marbuzet – Saint-Estèphe

 

6ème

Warm Michigan Strawberry-Rhubarb Tarte

Caramel Ice Cream

2009 Château les Roques – Loupiac

 

 

In addition to the Oceanique family, the hosts include Chicago Gourmets’s Jean-Jacques Fertal and Don Newcomb.

About Haut-Marbuzet

From 1982 to 1990, Haut Marbuzet was on top of their game as they produced outstanding Bordeaux wine. The wines which showed well young were opulent, lush, oaky and filled with soft, ripe fruit. And the best thing was, they were always fairly priced.  

Haut Marbuzet has a long history in the St. Estephe appellation. The chateau found the inspiration for their name from the sector they reside in, Marbuzet. Haut Marbuzet was established by Alexander de Segur, who owned a myriad of Bordeaux wine properties. At his death, the land was divided and sold. In fact a portion of the vineyards became a part of Le Crock. In 1825, the land was purchased by the MacCarthy family, who officially established what became Haut Marbuzet.

The interesting Duboscq family owns the estate today. Herve Duboscq may have been illiterate until he was at least nine, but he was shrewd.  He built the estate from 17 acres into 143 acres over time.  In 1962 Herve  was joined by his son Henri, who now manages the estate today with his two sons. 

History:

In 1770, the Marbuzet vineyards were part of the considerable hereditary estate, which Sylvester Fatin left for his two daughters. In 1825, the vineyards became the property of the Mac-Carthy family, descendants of Irish Jacobean emigrants. In 1848, as a result of a serious concerning succession, the Mac-Carthy heirs sold the estate in parcels. A hundred years later, in 1952, Hervé Duboscq becomes the owner of a plot of seven hectares called Château HAUT-MARBUZET.

He resurrects the vineyard again and gives rise to a wine of its own style, which immediately charms many experts. In 1962, his son Henri joins him in order to help him reach the only goal, which is precious to the Duboscqs, the “Glory of Haut-Marbuzet”. After buying the neighboring vineyards, as well as pockets, which were originally the results of the Mac Carthy’s parceling out, the vineyard attains an area of 55 hectares in 1994. At the same time, the Duboscqs bought the Château Chambert-Marbuzet, Tour de Marbuzet and Mac-Carthy. All three crus are Bourgeois of Saint-Estephe. Initially listed among the Cru Bourgeois in 1932, and later promoted Grand Bourgeois Exceptionnel in 1978, the estate was classified as one of 9 Crus Bourgeois Exceptionnels in the 2003 official listing.

About Oceanique

Oceanique, celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2014, is one of the Chicago area’s finest and most acclaimed restaurants, serving contemporary French-American cuisine in a beautiful, new dining room. The restaurant is owned by Chef Mark Grosz and his wife, Renée André. The Pastry Chef is Abel Garcia and the Wine Director is Philippe André. The bar area has been expanded and features a new small plates menu to accompany the fine selection of wines, craft beers and artisan cocktails. Guests are encouraged to enjoy a casual meal in the bar area or enjoy the full à la carte and dégustation menus in the dining room. The bar even includes a communal table to encourage single dining or groups.

Oceanique serves dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday and from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The restaurant is closed on Sundays. Valet parking is available and all major cards are accepted. A private room is available for group events. For more information or to make reservations, please contact Oceanique at 847-864-3435 or visit the website at www.oceanique.com.

Oceanique in Evanston to Host Marimar Estate Wine Dinner, January 31

Oceanique restaurant in Evanston, Ill. (505 Main Street; telephone 847-864-3435; website: www.oceanique.com) will host a special six-course Wine Dinner Friday, January 31, 2014, featuring the award winning wines of Marimar Estate in Sonoma County. The special guest for the evening is Marimar Torres from Marimar Estate. The price is $120 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. The dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. For the Marimar Estate Wine Dinner, Oceanique's Chef de Cuisine and owner, Mark Grosz, has prepared an exceptional six course menu. The first course features Lightly Smoked Salmon with Horseradish Crème Fraîche Cucumber Mint Tarragon. The first course is paired with 2012 "Acereo" Chardonnay, from Marimar's Don Miguel Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. The second course presents Manila Clams Pork Belly with Piquillo Peppers and Spanish Onion, paired with 2010 "La Masia" Chardonnay from Don Miguel Vineyard. The third course is Oeufs Meurette, paired with 2009 "La Masia" Pinot Noir from Don Miguel Vineyard. For the fourth course, Chef Grosz will prepare Roasted Squab with Foie Gras Renee's Cabbage, paired with 2008 "Cristina" Pinot Noir, from Don Miguel Vineyard. The fifth course is a cheese course of Burgundy Cheeses with Fig Compote and Plum Mostarda, paired with a 2009 "Mas Cavalls" Pinot Noir from Marimar's Doña Margarita Vineyard on the Sonoma Coast. The final course is the dessert finale, Litchi & Apple Sorbet with Cape Gooseberries and Dragon Fruit, paired with a 2012 "Acero" Kir. About Mirimar Torres Marimar Torres has been involved in the wine business all her life. Born in 1945 in Barcelona, Spain, she is fluent in six languages and holds a degree in Business and Economics from the University of Barcelona. She is also a graduate of the Stanford Executive Program, and studied Enology and Viticulture for a year at the University of California in Davis. At Marimar Estate, she directs the activities at the winery and its two vineyards: Don Miguel, named for her late father, in Sonoma County's Russian River/Green Valley; and Doña Margarita, after her mother, in the Sonoma Coast Appellation. For more information about Marimar Estate Vineyards & Winery, please visit their website atwww.marimarestate.com. About Oceanique Oceanique, celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2014, is one of the Chicago area's finest and most acclaimed restaurants, serving contemporary French-American cuisine in a beautiful, new dining room.  Oceanique's Pastry Chef is Abel Garcia and the Wine Director is Philippe André. The bar area has been expanded and features a new small plates menu to accompany the fine selection of wines, craft beers and artisan cocktails. Guests are encouraged to enjoy a casual meal in the bar area or enjoy the full à la carte and dégustation menus in the dining room. The bar even includes a communal table to encourage single dining or groups. The restaurant is owned by Chef Mark Grosz and his wife, Renée André. Chef Grosz worked under the tutelage of renowned chef Jean Banchet from the acclaimed Le Français in Wheeling, Illinois. He further refined his skills in France and Hong Kong.  Oceanique serves dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday and from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The restaurant is closed on Sundays. Valet parking is available and all major cards are accepted. A private room is available for group events. For more information or to make reservations, please contact Oceanique at 847-864-3435 or visit the website atwww.oceanique.com. # # #

Oceanique Restaurant Hosts Eagle Eye Beaujolais Nouveau Harvest Celebration Wine Dinner, November 22

Oceanique Restaurant (505 Main Street, Evanston, Ill.; 847-864-3435) will celebrate the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau wines with a special Harvest Celebration dinner on Friday, November 22, 2013. The dinner will be hosted by Jean Jacques Fertal of Eagle Eye Imports with Chicago Gourmets. The five-course menu, with wine pairings is priced at $95 per person, including tax and gratuity. The evening begins with a Beaujolais Nouveau reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m.  

 

Oceanique has been acknowledged for its exceptional wine service, having earned the Wine Spectator "Best of" Award of Excellence as offering one of the top 750 wine lists in the world.  

 

The release of Beaujolais Nouveau is an annual milestone for those wine lovers who look forward to their first taste of these young, fruity Beaujolais wines that are perfect accompaniments to the foods of autumn. "We like to have fun with the Beaujolais Nouveau wines each year," said Chef Mark Grosz. "Our Beaujolais Nouveau wine dinner is meant to be amusing and relaxed, reflecting the joyous character of these wines. It's always a hit with our guests and this year, we again expect a fun-loving crowd of food lovers."  

 

The dinner begins with a Beaujolais Nouveau reception, followed by the five-course dinner. The first course features Chilled Lobster Consommé, paired with 2012 Antonin Rodet Macon Villages. The second course is Chicken Liver Mousse with Madiera Jelly and Pôilane, paired with 2012 Domaine des Préaux Saint-Amour. Indiana Quail with Apricot, Chanterelles and Belgian Endive comprises the third course, paired with 2012 Domaine de la Voie Romaine Morgon. Passion Fruit Sorbet serves as a refreshing Intermezzo and the dessert course features Local French Cheeses served with Fig Compote and Plum Mostarda and paired with 2011 Domaine Benoit Raclet Moulin a Vent.  

 

For more information on Oceanique's Beaujolais Nouveau Wine Dinner, or to make reservations, please contact Oceanique at (847) 864-3435 or visit the website at www.oceanique.com.

Chicago Gourmets turns 16 and Oceanique turns 25 - Join the Celebration July 23 at Oceanique

 

Now here's a reason to celebrate...
Chicago Gourmets, the highly regarded gourmet dining club, is turning 16. They've joined forces with Oceanique, the acclaimed French-American seafood-focused restaurant in Evanston, also celebrating an anniversary, its 25th, for a delicious degustation event not to be missed, 6 p.m., Tuesday, July 23. The cost is $89 for Chicago Gourmets members; $99 for non-members.

 

"It is a befitting celebration," says Don Newcomb, Chicago Gourmets' founder. "We're honored and humbled by the enthusiasm that we've had during the past 16 years. When Chef/Owner Mark Grosz approached us to help Oceanique celebrate its 25th, we jumped at the chance." 

Oceanique (505 Main St., Evanston, 847-864-3435), ranked as the number one seafood restaurant in the Chicago area by Zagat Guide, is a well respected and admired restaurant. Oceanique serves the finest organic produce and seafood purchased solely from sustainable ecofriendly sources. Their commitment to excellent service and cuisine has garnered Oceanique recognition by some of the country's most respected publications. They have won Wine Spectator Magazine's coveted "Best of Award of Excellence" every year since 1993. This year, Wine Spectator recognized Oceanique as having one of the 750 best wine lists in the world. Even with this acclaim, guests find the knowledgeable wine service at Oceanique to be refreshingly gracious and down to earth.

 

Oceanique is entering the next quarter century with big changes. "This will be the first event showcasing our new look and new menu," says Grosz. Oceanique closed June 30 for a complete makeover, and is scheduled to reopening in late July with an expanded small plates menu, new bar area with craft cocktails and beers, alongside their Wine Spectator award-winning wine list, modern degustation menu and a totally fresh new look.

 

This Chicago Gourmets event features a specially prepared menu containing new dishes masterfully crafted and executed by Oceanique's Chef/Owner, Mark Grosz. In addition the menu will be complemented by a special wine selection, chosen by Wine Director Philippe André, from Oceanique's extensive wine list featuring over 700 selections.

 

The Menu for the Chicago Gourmets' 16th Anniversary Celebration includes:

 

Virginia Misty Point OystersSpinach  Pernod  Parmesan
2007 Royal Tokaji Wine Co. Furmint - Mad, Hungary

 

Wild Maine Diver ScallopsLobster-Soy Broth  Kimchi  Cilantro
2012 Terranoble Sauvignon Blanc, Central Valley, Chile

 

Citrus-Sorrel Sorbet

 

Wild Delaware SkateFennel  English Peas  Purple Potatoes, Porto
2004 Gaudon - Rioja, Spain

 

Valrhona Chocolate Marjolaine10 Year Mas Amiel - Maury, France

 

This private look at the new Oceanique celebrates the continued excellence of Chicago Gourmets and their ability to provide members with novel, fresh and one-of-a-kind culinary experiences.

 

For reservations or additional information visit www.chicagourmets.org or call (708) 383-7543. Reservations are secured on a first-come basis. Events often sell out early!

 

About Chicago GourmetsThis 16th anniversary celebration on July 23 at 6 P.M. will continue Chicago gourmets' success in providing members and guests with unique dining experiences at Chicagolands most captivating establishments. Their private group events feature showcase menus and signature dishes prepared by the top chefs from restaurants all over the area. Chicago Gourmets leaves no menu un-tasted and takes advantage of Chicago's culinary diversity by sampling all different types of cuisine.

Chicago Gourmets provides members with an inside look into Chicago's hottest new eateries through their special invitations and special "behind the scenes" tours. Membership provides food connoisseurs the chance to preview food trends in addition to opportunities to meet culinary legends, outstanding cookbook authors, wine experts and restaurateurs. For more information on how to become a member, visit the membership section on our website http://chicagourmets.org/membership.html. For any additional questions email sharonm@chicagogourmets.org or call 847-571-1499.