Josh Silvers of Syrah Bistro in Santa Rosa is Wine Spectator’s “Zinfandel” issue cover-boy (actually, it’s his rack of lamb, but he makes several appearances inside) for the upcoming June 30 issue. Wait, what?
Never one to be too constrained by labels, Josh got tapped by writer Harvey Steinman to create a zinfandel-friendly menu for readers that includes a salad of grilled squid with warm potato, arugula and chorizo; a sumac and zin-marinated rack of lamb and blueberry compote with buttermilk ice cream. Each course gets paired with lusty sips from the likes of Pedroncelli, Quivira, Seghesio and Sapphire Hill (among others).
But why Syrah on Zin? They’re both big, lush, daring wines that go well with food. Kind of like Josh. Says Steinman, “Silvers’ cooking style fits easily with the rustic, energetic flavors of the wine, favoring as he does local ingredients and direct preparations.”
BTW: For those wondering about Silvers’ new restaurant, Jackson’s — August is the new hoped-for opening date. These things take time, but BiteClubbers will be the first to know.