Wine Kegs and Fresh, Quality Wines On Tap? Count Me In!

A few wine bars and restaurants have sparked a trend that prompts the question: Could the wine bottle ever go out of style? Primarily in California’s Bay Area, with recent reports of followers in New York and Portland, wine is being served from taps. Taking its lead from beer, wine is first pumped into a keg. Been there, done that, right? No, I’m not talking about your college days. While we have seen wine kegs attempted in the past, this round has an advantage: Quality. High quality wineries are now putting their surpluses to use, and trying this alternative to waste.

The Natural Process Alliance has taken this movement a step further. This winery only sells its wines in kegs and reusable steel canteens the size of a standard wine bottle. NPA wines are made with native yeasts and minimal handling. They do not last long, and do not travel well, which limits them to a 100-mile radius. Still, NPA sticks by its guns, and is determined to completely cut down on waste!

Ever return a glass of wine ordered at a restaurant or bar because it tasted stale? Many restaurants continue to pour from a bottle days after it has been opened. Problem solved! Hopefully you haven’t completely lost faith in ordering wine by the glass… Because wine on tap is pushed through the lines by gas, the wine is protected against oxidation –that pesky wine spoiler! Fresh tasting wine is not the only benefit of wine on tap. Restaurants are able to buy this wine without the added cost of the bottle, the cork, etc. This means savings that can be passed on to the consumer!

Despite these benefits, wineries are still reluctant to give up bottles. The kegs have to be cleaned and filled by hand. Bottled wines also travel well, and were made for large-scale distribution. These key problems definitely limit the growth of the wine keg industry. Basically, bottles still serve a purpose! They are easy to deal with, allow the wine to age, and give any occasion a special touch. As wine kegs and wine on tap spreads, making strides to turn wine into an everyday drink, we will have to keep an eye on this fledgling trend.

Looking for a way to try new wines? Check out our Date Night: Couples Cooking Classes! Couples are encouraged to bring a bottle, so you are bound to come across something new!

Nothing But Love For Pacific Community Ventures and PTC’s Ahi Tuna Tartare

On Tuesday, November 2nd, some of the Parties That Cook team attended the Pacific Community Ventures Annual Luncheon and Showcase. PCV is a non-profit organization that invests in small businesses, as well as offers entrepreneurs access to valuable business advising. Bibby had been asked to introduce George Beardsley, who was being honored as Advisor of the Year. George has recently provided PTC with some truly amazing guidance and advice in its endeavors, so Bibby was eager to help. Once again, Crissy was recruited to (wo)man the PTC booth. Carolyn, usually PTC’s operations manager, came out as our Lead Chef for the day.

We had a couple of tables set up with the usual marketing materials as well as an interactive cooking station! Passers-by were invited and encouraged to put on an apron, jump in and help us make Ahi Tuna Tartare for the crowd. We really did get some great volunteers! Visitors intrigued by the cooking station, and attendees interested in hearing more about our business kept us very busy!

It was great to reconnect with some familiar faces, as well as meet other showcasing companies, some of which included: Charles Chocolates (delicious AND represented by wonderful people), Fireclay Tile (beautiful designs, thanks for the tile!), Chile Lindo (glad you got the chance to make some tuna tartare with us!), Rhythm and Motion (dance classes look like SO much fun), InterSchola (brilliant idea), and SFMade (hope to see you again soon!) –they were all SO nice!

Everyone LOVED the Ahi Tuna Tartare on Wonton Triangles, so it only seemed right to share the recipe in a blog (it is also posted in our Appetizer Recipe Library). Fortunately, the wontons made the day before (triangles instead of cups) were crispy enough to last through the day (I made 200, and we still ran out!). This recipe will lead you to an appetizer with fresh, slightly tangy flavors that have just the right amount of spicy kick!

Ahi Tuna Tartare in Toasted Wonton Cups

Wonton Cups:
24 wonton wrappers
Olive oil spray
Salt for light dusting

Tuna Tartare:
9 ounces sushi-grade tuna, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
2 Tablespoons green onions, green parts only, finely chopped
2 Tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
2 Tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, peeled and grated
1 clove garlic, minced
3/4 teaspoon orange zest
1/2 teaspoon Sriracha (red chili sauce)
2 Tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 avocado, cut into 1/4-inch dice
2 teaspoons lime juice
Cilantro sprigs for garnish

Methods/Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Make Wonton Cups: Spray mini muffin tins with olive oil. Spray (or brush lightly) both sides of each wonton wrapper with olive oil. Place wrappers in mini-muffin tins. Bake until golden, about 6 minutes. (They can burn easily so watch carefully.) Remove cups from pan, sprinkle lightly with salt and let cool on a cooling rack.
Alternatively, if you want triangles: Cut the wonton squares on an angle to make two triangles. Spray with olive oil, or brush lightly, on both sides. Arrange triangles on a baking sheet, and bake until golden, about 6 minutes. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle lightly with salt before cooling.

Prepare Tuna Tartare: Mix tuna, green onions, sesame seeds, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, orange zest, Sriracha, cilantro and salt together in a medium bowl.

Assemble: Right before ready to serve, add avocado and lime juice to the tuna mixture (Do not add in advance or the texture will be compromised). Gently mix. Place a heaping teaspoon of the tuna tartare in each wonton cup. Garnish with a sprig of cilantro. Place on serving platter and serve immediately.

This original Parties That Cook recipe makes 24 wonton cups.
For other proven crowd-pleasing recipes, check out our Appetizer Recipe Library!

Check out a throw-back video of Parties That Cook founder and CEO, Bibby, giving a great tutorial on these wonton wrappers!