Cuvee Venus
Chef. Restaurateur. Cooking show host. Culinary radio host. And even winemaker.
Narsai David truly does it all. And always while wearing one of his flashy trademark bow ties.
Born to Assyrian immigrants and raised in the farming community of Turlock, Calif., David learned to cook from his mother. He went on to open the legendary Narsai’s restaurant in Kensington in 1970, along with Narsai’s Market eight years later, which sold all manner of specialty breads and pastries. It’s David you have to thank, too, for introducing the world to chocolate decadence torte, a rich, flourless dessert that so lives up to its name.
Nowadays, you’ll find him on the air on weekends at KCBS radio, where he dishes on favorite ingredients and hot food trends.
For the past few years, David also has been crafting his own wines. He was kind enough to send me a sample bottle of his Narsai David Estates 2005 Cuvee Venus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Its terrestrial moniker is taken from his wife’s first name. And its insignia is Assyrian calligraphy in a nod to David’s heritage.
This Cab is a smooth operator, with velvety tannins against a backdrop of dark blackberries. Rich tasting, it’s a wine you can’t help but linger over with every sip. It would be fabulous with short ribs or a slice of chocolate decadence torte drizzled with berry compote.
The wine is available on the winery’s Web site at $50 a bottle, not including shipping. Or call (707) 963-8446. The 2006 vintage also was just released at that same price.
Love the thought of a glass of smooth Cab with a slice of chocolate torte and berry compote. I’m going to want that for dessert after dinner tonight.
He’s such a famous figure. I grew up listening to his voice on the radio.
chocolate torte drizzled with berry compote…heaven, lovely post!
Sounds divine and Narsai has such an interesting background. I’ll have to keep my eyes peeled for this wine!
What a lovely looking man. And that flourless chocolate dessert sounds wonderful.
I love seeing snapshots of someone’s day to day life! Gorgeous.
Sorry! wrong comment in the wrong place…this is what happens when I have too many tabs open…
what I MEANT to say was…what a jack of all trades! I know little to nothing about wines so I usually rely on other people’s reviews to guide me. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for this!
I never heard from this man before but he is funny looking. Thanks for introducing him to me!
I would tottaly enjoy this fine wine with a piece of chocolate tart with a tasty berry compote over the top! Divine combo!
What a great article, and thanks for the radio links…will have to check these out 🙂
What a multi talented man! And he looks so friendly and happy in that photo too! 😀