Imbolc is a traditional Celtic festival celebrated at the beginning of February to mark the midway point between the winter solstice and spring equinox. It honors Brigid, the goddess of fire, fertility, poetry, and healing, and symbolizes the first stirrings of spring.
Imbolc celebrates renewal, light, and the awakening of nature, as days grow longer. Common themes for Imbolc include purification, hope, and preparing for new beginnings. It is often observed with seasonal foods and by reflecting gratitude for winter’s lessons and anticipation for the vitality of spring.
The menu, created by Ambrosia’s Chef Jason Boyer and his team highlights some of the season’s best local flavors including Dungeness crab and pears as well as winter ingredients from beyond the region such as citrus and pistachio.
Our Guest Chef Michael Pierce, has created a wonderful menu featuring many beautiful PNW ingredients. Originally from the East Coast, Michael graduated cum laude from Johnson and Wales University. While attending culinary school he worked at the prestigious Chandler Hotel in Newport RI and Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys. Upon graduating Michael worked up and down the Eastern Seaboard until heading out west in 2016 to be the Sous Chef at King Estate Winery. Most recently, he was the Chef at Akira here in Eugene and the Sous Chef at 5 Fusion in Bend. Michael likes to bring bold flavors and new styles to classic techniques.
Jennifer Leslie and Andria La Croix will be our hosts for the dinner. Jennifer brings a wealth of experience and a multidisciplinary background to her role in the wine industry. As a certified sommelier, French wine scholar, and WSET Level 3 graduate, Jennifer has excelled in winemaking, distribution, and hospitality. Her career highlights include founding her own wine brand, Vitis Jenifera, and working with esteemed companies such as Skurnik Wine & Spirits, Chambers & Chambers, and Wine.com. She has also gained hands-on experience as a cellar hand at renowned wineries in California and Australia, including Helen Turley's Marcassin and Mt. Langi Ghiran.
Andria has been in the wine industry for more than 15 years, selling wines from our beloved Oregon and all around the world. She loves to travel, enjoying local cuisine paired with wine and learning every step of the way.
Midwinter Feast Wine Dinner Menu
Monday, February 3, 2025
WELCOME
Bischöfliche Weingüter, Trier Sekt, Mosel 2019 Germany
CORSO I
Seared Sea Scallop with Dungeness Crab
Hibiscus tea reduction and orange-ginger coulis
Semillon Torbreck Woodcutter, Barossa Valley 2023, Australia
CORSO II
Chardonnay Poached Pear
Triple cream brie and pistachio pesto
Chardonnay Black Stallion, Los Carneros 2022 California
CORSO III
Confit Duck Ravioli
Rouge hollandaise and pomegranate frisée salad
Pinot Noir, Black Stallion Estate Los Carneros 2021 California
CORSO IV
Wagyu Beef Short Rib
Blueberry demi-glace, roasted root vegetable puree, and fermented raisins
Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Gaspare Vineyards, Napa 2020, California
Eleanor Red Wine Sonoma County, 2021 California (Named after Fancis Coppola's wife)
CORSO V
Olive Oil Cake
Cardamon spiced orange curd
Riesling, Schloss Volrads, Saptlese, Rheingau 2022, Germany
Wine Partner Presenter: Jennifer Leslie and Andria La Croix
Culinary Team: Guest Chef Michael Pierce with Chef Jason Boyer and the Ambrosia Team
Service Team Leads: Rebecca Bartlett and Nick Kennedy
Owner & Sommelier: Armen Kevrekian