Page 40 - South Mississippi Living - January, 2017

DINING wine centric
story by Lynn Lofton photos by Susie Rheams French wines pair with food for outstanding meal
As the consumption of wine increases in the U.S., dinners pairing wine with food are also increasing. They are usually sponsored by wineries in conjunction with wine distributors and restaurants and include an information component. Mignon’s, the fine dining restaurant at the Palace Casino Resort, has been
a leader locally in wine pairing dinners.
“Our wine dinners have grown in popularity,” says Jim Brown, vice president of food and beverage at the Palace. “Mignon’s opened as a ‘wine centric restaurant.’ By that, I mean that we have always attempted to merge our menu with great wines. We have also tried to educate our guests who have an interest. We have a passion for West Coast wines and love to share it.”
Mignon’s schedules wine pairing dinners at least four times a year
— March, June, September and December. “When we have the opportunity to do something special in a different month, we will always consider it,” Brown added.
Mignon’s
158 Howard Ave., Biloxi 228.432.8888 palacecasinoresort.com
A recent dinner pairing Rémy Pannier wines from France’s Loire Valley and hosted by Dave Koenig and Susie Rheams of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is an example of these outstanding events. In 1956, Rémy Pannier partnered with Maison Ackerman, the pioneer of Loire sparkling wine production. National Brand Ambassador Charlotte Demery was on hand to give tasting notes and answer questions.
The five-course dinner was under the supervision of Chef Adrian Halpaus and included coq au vin blanc, chateaubriand and satsuma crème brulee.
“The menu always starts with the wines. When we have an opportunity to showcase wines from a great producer or one that is bursting onto the scene, we seize it,” Brown said. “The subtle differences in flavors of wine varietals and blends give our talented chef the basis of direction
for his creations. He has the knack
for successfully showcasing both the menu item and the wine that is served with it, making certain they share the spotlight. It’s a talent!”
Wines served included Rémy Pannier’s Muscadet, Sancerre, Vouvray, Chinon Cabernet Franc and Crémant de Loire Brut Rosé.
The next wine pairing dinner at Mignon’s is scheduled for March 23.
40 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • January 2017
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