A Pleasant Surprise

[John E]

I once asked in this forum about people's experiences ordering port in restaurants and, judging from the responses, most have been as diasappointing as mine. This past Friday night, however, I had dinner at a Cuban restuarant in Philadelphia. The dessert menu offered Simth Woodhouse 1985 VP for $20 a glass. I weighed the pros and cons and, ever the optimist, asked for a glass.

For once, I got my money's worth. Whoever decanted it did a good job--no sediment in my glass and, after my first sip, I told my wife that I didn't think the bottle had been open for too long. I took about a half hour to drink it and, while I am not great with tasting terminology, would say that it struck me as a delicious mature port. When I was done, I asked the waitress to inquire when the bottle was opened. She came back and told me two days before. Just right, I would say.

The restaurant was Alma de Cuban, on Walnut St. in Philly. It's a large restaurant, spread over three floors, and quite busy, so I guess they don't have their ports sitting around for too long.

[Andy Velebil]

John,
So many times it's the opposite so it's great to hear you had a good experience at a restaurant. As for the Port, it's a true "under dog" except for those serious about Port who know how good it really is.

[Tom Archer]

I think the best advice regarding port in restaurants is to bring your own and pay corkage..