The Galt House in Louisville, Kentucky is one of grand old hotels of the city, located right in the downtown area.  It is probably one of the toughest hotels to book for the Kentucky Derby as it is steeped in the lore and history of the city.  While we were in town visiting, our in-laws decided that we should go and have appetizers and drinks.  There is a restaurant on the twenty-fifth floor called Rivue and part of the restaurant revolves ever so slowly so that one can see a panoramic view of the downtown and the river.  The restaurant without the revolving floor is beautiful in its own right.

My Bride decided on having Dungeness Crab Cakes and they were very well done and moist, so often this dish ends up on the dry side, so that pleased us both.  I decided to try the “Kentucky Antipasto” plate and I am glad that I did.  The plate consisted of a Duck Rillette, Pate a la Maison, Father’s Country Ham, Stone-ground Mustard, Cornichons and assorted crackers.  Between the two appetizer plates, my Bride and I were sated and happy.

Our in-laws have been enjoying Pinot Noir wines for the last couple of years; after all of the years that they have enjoyed Cabernet Sauvignon blend wines, either from the great chateaus of the Medoc or the Meritage wines of California.  Pinot Noir wines have always been fine for me, as I have enjoyed the great wines of Burgundy, but I am always willing to try a wine from any where else in the world as well.  We settled on La Crema Pinot Noir 2011 from the Monterey district of California, and I think that the Monterey area produces some excellent wines from this varietal.  La Crema is a popular wine both in their Chardonnay and their Pinot Noir, and it is always a safe selection both in price and quality.  The ambience of the setting and the camaraderie of our companions enhanced the wine so much more.