We are so excited to announce our first Winemaker’s Dinner of the year! We will be doing a Zinfandel Vertical and our guest chef, Austin, Texas-based Louie Ortiz, has designed a delectable five-course menu for us.
I met Chef Louie through a mutual friend while visiting Austin. Louie suggested a great restaurant for all of us to try because he enjoys different textures in foods. During the dinner, we talked about the winery and how someday it would be great to have him come and cook for a special event. A year later, it is finally happening. I thought he would be a great fit because he is easygoing in nature and very creative. I liked his energy and when I asked him if he would consider coming out for a special event, he didn’t hesitate. I really appreciate that he is taking time out of his busy schedule to come to Doffo Winery and create for us. I know we are in for a treat!
I asked Chef Louie a few questions to learn more about his background and his inspiration for this menu.
SAMANTHA DOFFO (SD): Tell us a little about your work.
LOUIE ORTIZ (LO): I work as a chef for a local catering company. I also do consulting on kitchen design and personal Chef work. On an average day at work I create menus, supervise and participate in production, strive to maintain quality and manage all purchasing.
SD: Weren’t you on TV at some point?
LO: Yes, it was for a show called FrankenFood on Spike TV but it isn’t on anymore. Whenever a food show tapes in Austin, like the Food Network’s Throwdown with Bobby Flay, I usually end up helping out.
SD: How would you describe the kind of cuisine you like to prepare?
LO: I enjoy preparing food cooked slow and low. Large cuts of meat that require low temp. and long cook time are sexy to me. My style of cooking is playful and bold. I like to present food that is full in flavor and attractive.
SD: For the Doffo Dinner, what was your inspiration?
LO: My inspiration for the Doffo dinner was family. Just knowing that the Doffo Winery is a family run business and that they take such great pride in producing excellent wine was what inspired me to be a part of this dinner.
SD: What flavors can guests expect from the menu and Zinfandels at the Winemaker’s Dinner?
LO: Some of the flavors guests can expect from the menu will be rich Italian influences, a whimsical take on barbecue by using adobo and pickled vegetables, and a touch of molecular gastronomy to create different textures.
SD: Wow, that sounds delicious! You know, the Doffos, we love sharing our passions. My brother and dad with motorcycles and me, for example, with yoga and natural healing. What about you? What do you enjoy doing when you’re not in the kitchen?
LO: In my downtime, I enjoy spending time with my kids and teaching them about food and healthier ways to prepare it. When I have time to myself, I enjoy the outdoors. Whether it’s hitting up a farmers market on the weekend or riding the trails on a mountain bike. I always try to stay balanced by having an outlet to relieve some of the stress that comes with my profession.
SD: Thanks so much, Chef Louie. We look forward to the dinner!
LO: Me too!
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Take a look at the amazing menu Chef Louie created especially for us. Not only is this dinner a chance to taste his culinary creations, it is also an opportunity for you to taste our exquisite Zinfandels.
Click here to purchase tickets. Seats are very limited for the March 19th dinner, but if you are interested in learning about or joining us for future dinners and events, feel free to email me.
