Disclosure: Cabernet Grill invited us for a complimentary dinner and stay. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Fearless Captivations.
Today I’m excited to tell you about this excellent seven-course, wine-paired dinner we had at Cabernet Grill! The restaurant invited us out to Fredericksburg and it’s easily one of the best restaurants I’ve tried in this town.
Cabernet Grill in Fredericksburg, TX
Cabernet Grill can best be described as classy yet very approachable. You’ll notice the difference in the quality of the food and drink but it’s not stuffy or awkward as finer dining restaurants can be. As you enter the restaurant, you’ll be sure to admire the big Texas-shaped cork art behind the welcome desk. You’ll see cork art all around the restaurant, and it represents what the restaurant prides itself on – Texas wine!
Cabernet Grill only serves Texas wine and more than 25 wineries are represented on their wine list. It’s the reason why they are consistently rated one of the top 100 wine restaurants in the U.S. by different organizations. A pretty cool recognition for a Texas restaurant!
In the entrance, you’ll also see this impressive wine storage, which I think would be a great addition to my house. 😉
In the dining room, there are two spacious floors of seating. The lighting isn’t great for food photos, but it is perfect for an intimate and romantic dining experience.
Chef Ross Burtwell opened the restaurant in 2002 and his Hill Country cuisine features local companies and familiar ingredients. From the gulf’s seafood to the meat from Texas ranches, Cabernet Grill’s menu celebrates the bounty of Texas ingredients.
In the front of the house, Wine Director and Sommelier Elizabeth and our server Joe took care of us very well. Their attentive service and clear presentation were the highlights on top of a great experience. Now, wait until you see the courses Chef and his team prepared for us!
Our Wine-Paired Dinner
We loved our dining experience! Seven courses may seem like a lot but the time flew by as we anticipated and enjoyed each dish in its perfect timing. We had a special tasting menu that allowed us to try multiple dishes and a variety of vegetables, meat, and seafood.
I’m always amazed at how specifically paired wine is able to enhance a dish. It’s an impressive talent that Elizabeth has and during every course we’d look at each other and say, that’s perfect! The balance of salt, acid, spice, and sweet between the food and the wine is a delicate dance, and it’s well done at Cabernet Grill.
Here are the dishes and wine pairings we enjoyed.
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Maple Cayenne Cream and Crispy Pepitas
Pecan Crusted Crab Cake with Mango Mayo and Pico
Pairing: Hilmy Cellars Viognier
Mexican Street Corn with pasilla chile,
Pairing: McPherson Cellars Albariño
Texas Twinkie: Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño with house-made beer sausage, red neck cheddar, and
and
Wild Organic
Pairing: C.L. Butaud Rosé
Rosemary Sangiovese Sorbet (palate cleanser)
Pecan-Smoked Quail with chipotle potato mash, brown butter roasted carrots with almond
72-Hour Niman Ranch Short Rib with paprika aioli,
Pairing: Brennan Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
German’s Chocolate Bread Pudding with brandied Amarena ice cream
Pairing: Llano Estacado Port
Incredible, right?! The short rib was my favorite savory dish, though the arugula salad with those pickled beets was also fantastic. Butternut squash soup and sweet potato mash are two of my favorites, and the ones here did not disappoint. I LOVED the bread pudding and wish I had saved enough room to eat the whole thing!
For the wine, I always think I like reds more than whites, but the viogniers continue to surprise me. This one from Hilmy Cellars is one I’d like to drink again. I’m consistently a rosé fan and this one from C.L. Butaud was wonderfully paired with the Texas Twinkie. The port also surprised me and while sweet, the wine wasn’t too sweet like many ports I’ve had.
Overall, it was a cohesive dinner with a Texas theme. We each had our favorite dishes, though we agreed the pairings were spot on.
When you visit, don’t forget to take Chef’s recipes home with you through his cookbook!
Staying at Cotton Gin Village
After we enjoyed our dinner, we conveniently rolled/walked out the door and a few steps to our cabin at Cotton Gin Village! The property has eight different cabins, including spaces for large groups. It’s perfect for a group trip. They’re also in the process of expanding their lodging.
It was nice to not have to go far and have enough room to spread out. Our spacious Pedernales cabin had a living and dining room with a big comfy leather couch, TV, fridge, and dining table.
Through the sliding door were the cozy bedroom, bathroom, and tub shower. Their soaps made by Fredericksburg Farms smelled so good!
In the morning, breakfast was delivered in a cute picnic basket and included a hot crust-less quiche, sticky buns, yogurt, fruit, and juice. Combined with our hot tea we prepared through the Keurig in our room, this breakfast was one for champions. It was such a nice morning for winter, so we enjoyed this breakfast picnic on our porch.
Conclusion
What a fun, food-filled getaway to Fredericksburg! I know when we visit again, maybe during the peach season or for Oktoberfest, we’ll have to return for dinner at Cabernet Grill. I recommend you visit too!
Cabernet Grill
2805 S. State Hwy 16, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624
Open Tuesday through Saturday, 5-9pm
Which would be your favorite dish?
P.S. Looking for more Fredericksburg tips? Check out my travel guide here.
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