Drinks For Two

Posted by admin on July 30th, 2010

Stefan is kind of a douche about wine. Not only that, but Rachel has started to notice that he’s kind of a douche about a lot of things.

“Oh thank god!” Sarah said, when Rachel told her about these new feelings. “Stefan is the worst. I’m so glad you finally noticed.” A bit pained, Rachel nodded as Sarah recounted her first meeting with Stefan and all the douchey things he’d done since then. “Remember how he said I had a masculine handshake and how it was ‘a bit offputting’? Who talks like that? And what about all of his forgive me buts? ‘Forgive me, but having actually been to Nevada I can say with confidence that humidity is more taxing than dry heat. Forgive me, but coriander and cilantro are actually one in the same. Did you know it’s also called Chinese Parsley? Just a fun cooking fact.’” She rolled her eyes dramatically. “Ass. Even his name is douchey! Stefan. God I hate the letter F.”  Rachel laughed and chose not to mention that Sarah had oddly performed her entire Stefan imitation in a faux-British accent.

But it was true that he had a particularly pompous way of expressing himself. It was one of the things that had, in all honesty, initially attracted Rachel. She mistook his pretensions for admirable intellectualism. And who could blame her really? It was easy to ignore his faults, what with his eyes being so piercingly blue, his arms and chest so firm and tan. He was tall and confident and sexy and, when they first met, had just returned from traveling in Asia and told the stories of his experience with such eloquence and interest to detail. But if you stay with someone long enough, all the things you used to love become little annoyances that you must teach yourself to just grit your teeth and bear. The wine stuff was by far the worst of it.

He would go on and on about wine. “If you really give yourself over to the wine, really open yourself up to its scent and communicate with it, you can almost smell how much rain the vineyard had that season.”

“Mm. Almost,” she had replied with raised eyebrows.

He loved to talk to her about what they were each tasting in a particular glass of wine. “Do you notice the hint of nutmeg? The aroma of soft wood? Is that asparagus I’m sensing here? Oh, how wonderful are those subtle notes of citrus? I think this one might have a bit of passion fruit. Is that passion fruit we’re tasting?” Rachel had never even once in her life tasted passion fruit, so how the hell could she possibly know?

“Sometimes I like to put an ice cube in my red wine,” she once told him. “Like when it’s a hot day and I’m looking to drink something refreshing.” His face had contorted then into a tortured mask of shock and despair. She tried to smooth things over later that same night by bringing one of the empty wine bottles with them to bed and suggesting he could slide the neck of the bottle in and out of her while she took him into her mouth, but the idea made him go limp in her hand and they silently vowed to never speak of that night again.

She remembered all of these moments, all these extended conversations about wine, with increasing frustration now as he rambled on about the three bottles he’d just brought over to her house. “I really had trouble deciding between the 2008 and the 2009,” he said, gesturing toward one bottle, “until I remembered something I read recently about 2008 being a particularly good year for Shiraz in that region. So then my choice was pretty much made for me. Now this one,” he picked up one of the bottles and held it out to her like a waiter during the wine presentation,”this is a very special bottle. That one cost me a bit more than I care to tell,” he chuckled. “That one is just for you, to drink someday for whatever you deem to be a special enough occasion.”

“Oh Stefan,” she felt herself soften, felt the hot rush of her attraction return. “That’s really sweet of you. You shouldn’t have. And look, it has such a pretty label.”

He cocked his head to the side and gave her a sympathetic, puppy dog look–a look she had seen and hated many times before. “Oh sweetie,” he crooned, patting her lightly on the top of her head, “you really are adorably simple, aren’t you?”

In a flash, before she had time to even think about her actions, Rachel grabbed the bottle by its base and smashed the head of it against the kitchen counter. The bottle’s neck shattered and glass and dark wine rained down onto the floor.

“What the fuck?” Stefan shouted, jumping back as Rachel pushed past him and flung open the freezer door. She reached into the ice box, pulled out a handful of cubes and dropped them one at a time into the gaping mouth of her shattered bottle. “Hey-” Stefan’s voice cracked in protest, but she ignored him and brushed by him again as she moved toward the cabinet that held her wine glasses. Grabbing the largest, roundest glass she owned, she held it by the stem in one hand, the dripping bottle in the other and lifted her arms high above her head.

“Get out.” She told him.

“What?” His voice incredulous.

“Oh and thanks for the wine, babe. You were right, this is perfect for a special occasion.”

Seneca Lake NY Wine Tour Recap

Posted by admin on July 30th, 2010

Did you miss my California recap(s)? Or the Grand Canyon? Check them out here, here, here, and here.

Let me start by saying that I have learned something epic about myself:

Traveling heals me.

Heals me from what, you ask? Well, that’s another post. Or a whole other blog in general. For now just trust me: it heals me.

So basically I am having the most amazing summer! Last weekend I had the opportunity to fly back to my hometown (Rochester, NY) for a combo of events-first, my ten year high school reunion (eek!), and secondly, my bestest friend since high school’s bachelorette party!!!

I don’t have many pics from the reunion, and sadly only about 1/4 of our class showed up. It was still great to see everyone but it would have been much more fun if more people had made it a priority.

Oh well, at least there was….

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…”cupcakes.” Heh.

And wine!

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And old friends!

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After the second winery, shenanigans began…

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Chinese fire drill anyone?

“Voodoo on the Vine” — S.F. Weekly

Posted by admin on July 30th, 2010

Images and captions from SF Weekly

Here are some excerpts from a recent story in the San Francisco Weekly Dining section about Biodynamic farming as it applies to grape growing and wine making.

Explaining Biodynamics to journalists is always fraught with the potential for misunderstanding, and it’s no surprise that the writer of this piece, Joe Eskenazi fails to grasp the underlying philosophy, and many of the subtle underlying concepts and hasn’t undertaken the necessary research to be able  to credit biodynamics with much in the way of scientific backing.

Still, what’s interesting here is that biodynamics in grape growing is increasing in popularity, and that this writer is willing to explore biodynamic practices, unusual as they may seem, in considerable detail. Read the rest of this entry »

Wasting Time with…Marcella Smith, GM of L’Ecole

Posted by admin on July 30th, 2010

Marcella Smith is the General Manager of L’Ecole, the restaurant of the French Culinary Institute, where aspiring chefs hone their culinary skills and where their homework is your meal. Highly regarded in the foodie community, the Michelin-recommended restaurant has received praise from Zagat’s, New York Magazine, and high marks from the hoi polloi on Yelp and Open Table.  We met Smith during a screening of Blood Into Wine, a documentary about Tool lead singer Maynard James Keenan.  Read below to see how Smith likes to waste time…

Describe a typical workday.

Emails, wine list changes, menu changes, staff meetings, meeting with chefs and students on the day’s specials, taking reservations, working the floor  during service which includes: bussing tables, opening wine, taking orders, seating guests, answering the phone, running food, etc. and last but not least….wine tastings!

What made you decide to become a sommelier and delve into the restaurant business?  What do you love most about your position as General Manager?

I was an actor bartending on the side when my husband and I decided to have our first baby (Hazel is three now). I couldn’t fathom being a pregnant bartender, so I quit acting and took a restaurant management job. I went back and got my sommelier certification right after Hazel was born. I think as general manager, I truly enjoy trying to create an atmosphere that is both welcoming and exciting for guests. Other than that…..cocktail experimentation is pretty damn fun!

For those inexperienced wine drinkers out there, could you recommend two or three great wines to break them in?  And for those who hit the bottle on the regular, what are some old standards that you love?

For beginners I recommend starting with rosé. It is unpretentious, light, fruity and goes with any food you can imagine. My go-to wine is anything sparkling. Love it….anytime. For those looking for something different, turn to the Jura region of France. Oxidized whites and obscure reds, both really good with food. There is also some amazing sparkling wine coming out of the Jura.

Are there any new promising wines that we should look out for?

Cru Beaujolais (100% gamay [a type of grape]) is an amazingly under-appreciated wine.  It is ridiculously versatile for food pairing:light enough to go with some fish and structured enough to stand up to meat. It is also a great value.

Can you recommend some great wine shops in the city?

The two majors are Astor Wines & Spirits and Union Square Wines.  Other than that, there is September Wine & Spirits and Bottlerocket Wine & Spirits.

Since you’re a part of the city’s restaurant/hospitality community, I’m curious about your favorite places to eat and imbibe.

The RedheadMayahuelDeath & Co, my fire escape (it overlooks the Hudson up in Washington Heights and the sunsets are to die for).

What are some of your favorite NYC neighborhoods and why?

I actually do love Williamsburg. A close friend of mine lives there. When I visit, it seems like I just took a trip back in time to the 80s of my youth. They also have killer restaurants and boutiques. I love Hudson Heights (between Washington Heights and Inwood) because it is hardly like you are even in Manhattan. It is right by Ft. Tryon Park which houses The Cloisters and The New Leaf Café.

Since we met at a TOOL event, I’m assuming Maynard and his projects encompass some of your favorite music.  What are some of your other favorite bands/musicians?

Hmmm….some of my other favorites are Jane’s Addiction, Lucero and Marvin Gaye.

What are some of your favorite films?

I don’t seem to have the attention span to watch movies anymore. Now I just Netflix TVshows and power watch an entire season in a week. I am a major fan of The WireWeedsCalifornicationDexterParty Down and Mad Men.

What do you love most about the city?

There are a million things to love about this city, but mostly I love that it makes me feel special. Weird right?

What is the best way to beat this darn heat in the city?

Sparkling rosé!!!


State wine

Posted by admin on July 30th, 2010

I’m not sure that State red wine and me are ever going to be friends.

Tonight I am trying B.R. Chon silver label Cabernet Sauvignon. The label looked so promising.   Sweet.

I need red wine advise please.

White we have a lovely bottle of Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Chardonnay which was recommended to me by La Sigal based on my La Crema love.

August Oregon Wine Events

Posted by admin on July 30th, 2010

Get your calendar ready because August is packed with Oregon wine events all over the Willamette Valley. In the wake of the epic International Pinot Noir Celebration that took place last weekend in McMinnville, those who attended have had a week-long break and should be ready to dust off their Sunday-best for another month full of wine & food. The rest of us who didn’t attend are admittedly jealous, and will finally quench our thirst at these upcoming gatherings. Plus, let’s face it, summertime in Oregon doesn’t last much longer so we better get outside and enjoy it! Here’s just a few of the celebrations and festivals happening this August to get your wine fix:

  • The Bite of Oregon
    When: August 6th – 8th
    Where: Waterfront Park – Downtown Portland
    Ticket Price: $10 weekend pass, $8 one-day pass, $3 early bird special (no food or beverage included)
    Participating Wineries: Acrobat by King Estate, Airlie Winery, Arcane Cellars, Bridgeview Vineyards & Winery, Capitello Wines, Chateau Bianca, Cliff Creek, David Hill Winery, Duck Pond Cellars, Erath Winery, Foris Vineyards, Girardet Wine Cellars and Vineyard, Helvetia Winery, Henry Estate Winery, Hillcrest Vineyard, Hinman Vinyeards, Hip Chicks Do Wine, Kings Ridge Wines, Maysara Winery, Namaste Vineyards, Palotai Wines, Rizzo Winery, Sake One, Seufert Winery, Spangler Vineyards, Viridian Wines, Willamette Valley Vineyards, Wines By Joe, Zebra Cellars
    Food & Other Vendors: There are over 120 menu items to choose from provided by several (too many to list) restaurants, food carts, and chefs, as well as beer from 14 different local breweries. Live entertainment will also be provided on 5 different stages throughout the festival.
  • Discover McMinnville AVA
    When: Saturday, August 14th, 10am – 2pm
    Where:
    Maysara Winery - McMinnville, OR
    Ticket Price:
    $25 pre-purchase online or $35 at the door (includes AVA Tasting, Appetizers & Etched Tasting Glass) 
    Participating Wineries:
    Amity Vineyards, Brittan Vineyards, Coeur de Terre Vineyard, Coleman Vineyard, Dobbes Family Estate, EIEIO, Kelley Fox Wines, Maysara Winery, Noble Pig, Seufert Winery, Yamhill Valley Vineyards and Youngberg Hill Vineyards 
    Food & Other Vendors:
    SubTerra Restaurant, Willamette Valley Cheese Company, Honest Chocolates, Red Fox Bakery, Red Ridge Farms and Joel Palmer House Oregon Truffle Oil
  • Best of Oregon Food & Wine Festival
    When: Saturday, August 14th, 5pm – 9pm
    Where: The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club – Aloha, OR
    Ticket Price: $30 pre-sale or $35 at the door (includes wine and food tasting). A portion of the proceeds will benefit Doernbecher Children’s Hospital Foundation
    Participating Wineries: Adea, Anam Cara Cellars, Angel Vine Winery, ArborBrook Vineyards, Archery Summit, Ardiri Winery, Artisanal Wine Cellars, Bergstrom Winery, Brooks Winery, Dobbes Family Estate/Wine By Joe, Duck Pond Cellars, Dukes Family Vineyards, EdenVale Winery, Grochau Cellars, Hawkins Cellars, Johan Vineyards, K&M Wines, Matello, Rizzo Winery, Seufert Winery, Solena & Grand Cru Estates, Trisaetum Winery Twelve Winery, VX Vineyards, WillaKenzie Estate, Willamette Valley Vineyards, Woodridge Creek Vineyards, Youngberg Hill, Z’IVO Wines

    Food & Other Vendors: 50 Plates Restaurant, Aquariva Restaurant, Bamboo Sushi, Bethany’s Table, Chonga’s Salsa, Elements Tapas Bar & Lounge, Fanucchi Oils, Koi Fusion, Maialino Bacon, Phresh Organic Catering, Portland Truffle, Red Star Tavern, Silk Restaurant, Sweet Masterpiece Chocolates, Thirst Wine Bar & Bistro, Trébol, Vintage Room at the Reserve, Volcanic Minerals
  • Cubanisimo Vineyards Salsa Lessons
    When: Saturday, August 21st, 5pm
    Where:
    Cubanisimo Vineyards Tasting Room – Salem, OR
    Ticket Price: $15 per person (includes lesson and tasting or glass of wine)
    Notes: I went to this last year and it was a lot of fun! The wine tasting before the lesson helps to loosen up your dancing legs. This is a monthly event with dates throughout the year.
  • Shakespeare at Stoller Vineyards
    When: August 20th – 22nd, 7pm Fri, 7pm Sat, 6pm Sun.
    Where: Stoller Vineyards – Dayton, OR
    Ticket Price: Free, food & wine available for sale, feel free to bring your own food but no outside alcohol
    Notes: Pre-show activities one hour prior, other August performance dates at Reed College in Portland and The Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg, OR
  • Yamhill-Carlton AVA Brings the Valley to Portland
    When:
    Monday, August 30th, 5pm – 8pm
    Where: Gerding Theater – Pearl District, Downtown Portland
    Price: $25 pre-sale or $35 at the door
    Participating Wineries:
    Adea, Alexana Estate Vineyard & Winery, Anne Amie, Atticus Wine, Belle Pente, Biggio Hamina Cellars, Carlton Cellars, Carlton Hill Vineyard, EIEIO & Company, Elk Cove Vineyards, Ghost Hill Cellars, Ken Wright Cellars, Kramer Vineyards, Lemelson Vineyards, Lenne’ Estate, Lunimous Hills/Seven of Hearts, Merriman Wines, Panther Creek Cellars, Penner-Ash Wine Cellars, Roots, Solena & Gran Cru Estates, Soter Vineyards, Stag Hollow, Twelve, Wahle Vineyards & Cellars, WillaKenzie Estate Winery
    Food: La Rambla, Joel Palmer House, Nick’s, more TBA

I’m sure there are many more wine & food events throughout Oregon this August so please feel free to add a comment below to include any I have missed!

Extended Opening Hours

Posted by admin on July 30th, 2010

From July 30 through September 3 we’ll be opening one hour earlier every day – Hours will be 10am to 11pm

August Wine Tasting Schedule

Posted by admin on July 30th, 2010

We will be offering two complementary tasting events in August.

Weekend Aug 14/15 (and possibly 13) – BC Wine. In conjunction with BowFEAST we will feature a selection of BC wines (predominately whites) over the Saturday and Sunday. May do a bonus session Friday evening, but have to confirm on that. Some of the wines in the line up for the weekend include Dirty Laundry, Blasted Church  & CedarCreek

The second tasting is Saturday August 21. This will be the second in our Unusual Grapes series and will feature wines from Greece. This country has an ancient wine growing tradition – and it’s not just Retsina any more.

The Attack of the Chocolate Burger

Posted by admin on July 30th, 2010

Can you see it lurking, ready to destroy us?

Last night I went to Tender Greens with Whit and Brent, and we were feeling festive because Brent is moving to NYC in a matter of days. Running out of time! So we got a bottle of wine (Gruner… of Austria). (We were on our way to a long movie, and the extra liquids in my bladder would prove near-fatal.)

As we approached the registers, we came upon the desserts. “Is that a chocolate BURGER?” Brent asked. Then: “We have to get one.”

Once the universe starts handing you cake, it just doesn’t let up.

Soon everybody around us (including the people who worked there) were abuzz about the “chocolate burger,” because it is such a hilarious concept. (The girl at the cash register told me that it’s actually called a whoopie pie… we’ve spoken of whoopie pies before.) (And whoopie pie is still a more ridiculous name than chocolate burger.)

I mean, it really did look like a burger.

You be the judge.

It’s two round fluffy cakes with frosting in the middle… the cake version of a macaron.

And THEN as we walked to our table, buzzing about our chocolate burger, we caught the attention of the table next door.

“How’d you manage THAT?” a woman asked. “A bottle of wine!”

“Uh… we bought it?” I said, with maybe a bit of I’m-hungry snark in my voice. Then I realized that the woman was Famous Actress Jennifer Coolidge. Ooops.

We didn’t actually acknowledge that we knew her, so I think she thought we were unawares. She told us that her table of three had eaten FOUR desserts, including the chocolate burger (we had a respectable two desserts– also bought some blueberry cobbler bar thing). She also took a picture of us with our food, because we probably seemed like tourists.

So any actress who eats lots of desserts and is willing to take pictures of idiots with their food is a-okay in my book.

Later, when I recounted this to my mom, she said, “Oh… the ‘bend & snap’ lady?” That hadn’t occurred to me at the time. But yes. Awesome.

I'll bend and snap for cake.

Oh yeah, and the other day I was late for a dinner with some friends (including Brent) and missed seeing JANE LYNCH. That would have been more blog-appropriate. I apologize to everyone.

xoxo…

We’ve all heard of having chocolate with wine… but in wine?

Posted by admin on July 30th, 2010
Yes, chocolate wine. You heard me correctly. Fiancé took me out for our 34th month-a-versary (no, it

Australian marriage visa. Australian Marriage Visa for Thai Wife.
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