A Sip And A Thought Field Day: H-E-B Wine Walk at Market Street

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- The H-E-B Wine Walk at Market Street this past Thursday was a crowning achievement to the 20th Annual Wine & Food Week event season, put on by Constance McDerby and Food & Vine Time Productions. It was a true ‘Gem of A Celebration.’ Offering wine and food, and more wine, some jewelry, clothing, windows, a car, a house, more wine, food, and then more wine on top of that. It was wonderful pandemonium, at times so packed you couldn’t move. People were patiently waiting as needed for their next sip, or bite. Friends were conversing and enjoying the atmosphere, of which the weather played its part to perfection with the cool front arriving just in time. I saw no trash on the ground, save one poor unfortunate sample. And certainly not one wine glass fell to the ground, which was everyone’s vessel to the enjoyment of the evening's proceedings.

I’m certainly jealous of the good folk that attend these wonderful wine and food events. For me, it’s work, with a little enjoyment thrown in, now and then. The attendees haven’t a care in The World in enjoying all the Sips and Savors offered, and that’s the way it should be. I certainly need to get an intern to take notes and carry stuff at these gatherings (email if you're interested). But I love meeting all the Owners, General Managers, Chefs, and their underlings. They are true Salt of the Earth folks, aiming to please a sophisticated clientele that The Woodlands has to offer. And you can’t go wrong with what Montgomery County Food and Wine vendors, and what they are putting out for consumers. I’m continually amazed with the new ideas and approaches that are constantly raising the bar and expectations of Wine and Food connoisseurs in our little piece of The World.

I had barely put my media credentials around my neck, before I was pleasantly surprised with H&H Winery owned by Davin & Ricco Manago, who named the business after their kids, Hughes & Huntington. They had a Blanc Du Bois which paired well with a nearby ceviche. It’s a beautiful little rosé with hints of pineapple, melons, and floral notes with a sweet and lasting finish. And it even came in the form of a (wait for it) “Wonder Twin Powers, Activate … shape of a Wine Slushie,” with a mango puree, and it was genius. On top of that, they provided a little touch of their ‘Okey-Doke Then,’ which is their holiday smooth red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, & Mourvèdre, aged in Oak Bourbon barrels. It almost made you wish for 90 degree weather. Just kidding, but it’s a beautiful iced alternative for warmer days. OD-T, on the nose, is mindful of the spirit basin in which it was born, along with the dark fruits and berries that yield its deep red hue, as well as fragrant spices, earthy notes, smoky, and tobacco hints.

I didn’t have to go far for a pairing with the OD-T, ‘Chef Michael’s Gourmet Kitchen,’ a full-service caterer in Tomball, and they were kicking on all cylinders with their Cajun theme. Their ‘Boudin Grilled Cheese’ which I understood to be beef boudin, was delicious, so it cleared the hurdle for pairing. It was a very inventive table, and was literally a mini-meal in itself. Including dessert. Michael had Southwestern Salad with a Chipotle Ranch dressing, Home Fried Ranch & Parmesan Potato Chips, Cajun Mac & Cheese Bites, and Cognac Cherry Fudge Bites. All of it was to die for, especially the chips which had a little give, and were very savory as well. The fudge bites paired well with the Llano Estacado Peach that was within an arm’s reach. The nose blew me away with the peach aroma and floral notes. It was light and refreshing on the palate, and I had to re-up on the cognac cherry to make sure I was able to describe this new flavor combination that needs to be heralded across the region. I’m for sure going to have more fudge from now on with my dessert wines.

I continue to be impressed with Goya Foods. At the recent Platinum Wine Vault Luxury Tasting event, they presented a wonderful Tuna Croquette topped with BBQ Salmon. This time it was a ’Crispy Corn Empanada, with a Black Bean Sauce and Agave Ancho Chili Reduction.’ Chef Fernando Desa has created a fried pocket of savory goodness filled with black beans and a sweet and mildly heated base. Thankfully Llano Estacado had a Riesling nearby to pair with the black beans, but also a Moscato and Gewurztraminer could have partnered as well. Llano Estacado’s flavor profile is more on the sweet side.

There were plenty of great wines, sparkling wines, sake, and other liquid creations that also deserve recognition. I quit counting at 100, and it took 2 ½ hours just to make it around to the beginning. H-E-B represented on both sides of Market Street with their Culinary Cantinas and their wines. Bayway Cadillac had a cool Fun Zone across from the VIP Premium Lounge, which I was so busy I didn’t even get a chance to drop in on. “Your Happy Place” had a cool Space Relaxation Lounge which was sponsored by Aruba Tourism, while Ben E. Keith showed off a Craft Beer Collection; who knew? I also dropped in on Sweet Street, and on the Stella Rosa Liquid Lounge Trailer.

Some other surprises that turned my head were State Fare Kitchen & Bar’s ‘Jalapeno Cornbread Waffle with Birria, & Pickled Red Onion,’ which was a refreshing twist on the traditional chicken & waffles. Federal American Grill had an awesome Shrimp & Grits offering with a Sweet Chili Glaze that impressed. Karmo, a boutique winery out of Cypress (Texas) sources their grapes out of Lebanon which sparked my interest as well, and I’ll be investigating more, with their 11 bottles. Rise, out of Tomball, had a wonderful little souffle that went down so sweet, then I got to talking to someone who recognized me, then I forgot to get with Jack, the GM there; but I’ll be calling before the end of the year. Lastly, I tried Wild Stallion Vineyards owned by Larry and Karen Cress, which is off W. Rayford Road. They had a ‘Mango Ceviche’ with jumbo lump crab, mahi mahi, baby shrimp, and a touch of spice at the end. It paired nicely with WSV’s ‘Sparkling Blue Eyes,’ taking the light fruity tones and enhancing the seafood’s savory flavor.

Another thing I like with Wine and Food Week. And again, Congrats to Constance McDerby and her crew on 20 wonderful years of the H-E-B Wine Walk at Market Street. They, in all the midst of merriment that besieges them at every event, are working behind the scenes, and all year long at that. I love that they support wonderful and worthwhile charitable causes such as the Montgomery County Food Bank, New Danville: an organization in Willis, which benefits adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and The Woodlands Waterway Arts Council. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire season, and I can’t wait until next year to see what’s next on offer.

Ruben can be reached at: ruben@montgomerycountynews.net

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