The Macallan National Ambassador Kieron Elliott hosted dinner at Vibrato-November 30th, 2017

     I was excited when I found out I would be attending and reviewing a 5 course dinner and whiskey pairing at Herb Alpert’s Vibrato jazz and Grill. I had never been to this restaurant and jazz club but I had always heard great things about it. Everything I heard was true. Not only is this place a beautiful restaurant and music venue, but the food is great.

    This was a very special night because this was the annual dinner hosted by The Macallan National Ambassador Kieron Elliott in partnership with www.colureanddiamond.com.   The Scottish actor turned out to be a charming host who introduced each meal of the 5 course dinner and each of the 5 whiskeys which was paired with each course. I have done 5 course meals in the past where a wine was paired with each course, but this was my first 5 course meal where a whisky (The Scotts spell it whisky) was paired with each course. Not only was it thoroughly enjoyable but it was a great learning experience. Elliott educated the guests all about whiskey, including how it is made, where it is from, what the ingredients are, and how to drink it. For example, he explained that you don’t need to swirl whiskey in the glass the way you do with wine.

 

     It was amazing to me how they came up with the perfect whisky to complement each course. For example, the first course was the Shishito Pepper Skewer with lemon and bonito. This was paired with The Macallan Edition #2. The whisky seemed to bring out the flavor in the dish and vice versa. I have to imagine that head chef Jordan Rosas and the people from Macallan really did their homework to pair each dish and whisky because every course was paired to perfection.

    Rosas is an amazing chef. He is very creative. We loved the second course, which was Turnip and Ginger soup with marinated Tofu. It was absolutely delicious. Next came the slow roasted Miso Glazed King Salmon, with Parsnip, Umeboshi, Grilled Radicchio, and Genmaicha Bone Broth. I have never tasted better salmon. It was amazing!

    The dessert was great too. They served a creme brulee and a brownie with ice-cream. Both were delectable.

     To top off the night, they gave all the guests a beautiful gift box which included a bottle of The Macallan 12 Single Malt Whisky and a few jazz CDs, including the Herb Alpert and Lani Hall Live Anything Goes album.

      It was a wonderful evening. There was a talented 3 piece jazz band that played throughout the night. If you enjoy eating great food while listening to great live music at a beautiful venue, you have to go to Herb Alpert’s Vibrato Grill and Jazz. If you figured that the legendary Alpert would have a first class restaurant and venue, you figured right!