20 April 2014 Happy Easter

Happy Easter

April 20, 2014 By

EasterIt’s Easter morning and while I know I’ll have a lovely brunch with friends, it’s difficult being away from my family in Quebec. Easter was never a hugely-celebrated holiday in my family, we still went to Grandma’s for ham cooked in beer and my beloved Laura Secord chocolate egg (read about this special treat here).

Since Grandma’s gone now and I can’t send her the traditional Easter lilies she loved so much, I bought myself a plant and it’s sitting on my kitchen island with the the two Easter cards I received. The sunshine is coming through the patio doors into the kitchen and I can’t help but smile as I bake a strawberry and rhubarb pie.

Happy Easter!

Veronique

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2 April 2014 Cocktailing at the New Jersey Wine & Food Festival

Cocktailing at the New Jersey Wine & Food Festival

April 2, 2014 By
Christopher James

Christopher James

Last weekend’s New Jersey Wine & Food Festival at Crystal Springs was THE event to attend for all things…well, wine and food-related. While I enjoyed partaking in the various food and wine activities, one session I truly appreciated was the Local Craft Cocktails session conducted by Mixologist Extraordinaire Christopher James of The Ryland Inn.

The 2013 winner of The Iron Shaker competition created five craft cocktails that were simply outstanding. For those of you who’ve not had the pleasure of enjoying a Chris James-created cocktail, make a point to go visit him at The Ryland Inn in Whitehouse Station. Chris serves up the very best drinks I’ve ever had and puts a great deal of thought into the ingredients he uses including juices, bitters and even the ice. The locally-made booze Chris used in the cocktails was:

  • Dutch’s Sugar Wash Moonshine from Pine Plans, NY
  • Brooklyn Gin from Warwick, NY
  • Laird’s AppleJack from Scobeyville, NJ
  • Widow Jane Bourbon from Brooklyn, NY
  • Bootleggers 21 Vodka from Roscoe, NY
Spring Sparkler in Flute

Spring Sparkler in Flute

While all five drinks were stellar, here’s one you’ll enjoy as the weather warms up a bit:

Spring Sparkler

Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces Brooklyn Gin
  • ½ ounce Campari
  • ¾ ounce lemon juice
  • ¾ ounce simple syrup
  • 1 dash Dutch’s Prohi-bitter

Directions:

  1. Shake all the ingredients and strain into a chilled flute.
  2. Top with 1½ ounces brut Champagne.
  3. Garnish with a horse’s neck of lemon peel.

Cheers to well-made cocktails and artisan mixologists like Chris.

Veronique

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11 February 2014 10 Valentine’s Day Sparkling Wines Under $50

10 Valentine’s Day Sparkling Wines Under $50

February 11, 2014 By

specials-valentines4Valentine’s Day is this week, yes guys and gals, and for those looking for an intimate night in, that might mean rushing to the wine store for some bubbly. Here are 10 affordable sparkling wines to toast the year’s most romantic night with.

La Marca Di Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco (Trevisio, Italy) – light, crisp and offers a pleasant dry finish that’s citrusy and fresh ($12).

Pierre Sparr Crémant D’Alsace Brut Rosé (Alsace, France) – features rich strawberries-and-cream with a hint of citrus flavors ($15).

Roederer Estate Anderson Valley Brut (Anderson Valley, California) – rich and slightly oaky sparkling wine with light Asian apple aromas but with bolder flavors of ripe, juicy pear and nutty notes. Great clean, crisp finish ($22).

Schramsberg Mirabelle Brut Rosé (Napa Valley, California) – pale pink in the glass with a light strawberry aroma, juicy fruit flavors and a slightly spicy finish ($25).

Nicolas Feuillatte Brut NV (Reims, France) – very clean, light-to-medium style ($25).

2012 Heart and Hands Wine Company Brut Rosé (Finger Lakes, NY) – this dry sparkling Pinot Noir offers wild strawberry and citrusy notes with creamy bubbles ($27).

Heidsieck & Co Monopole Blue Top Champagne Brut (Epernay, France) – creamy, mousse-like with tiny bubbles that coat the mouth and provide a dry, long finish ($40).

Bollinger Special Cuvée (Champagne, France) – creamy, rich, well-balanced, with citrus, toasted almonds and rich pear flavors ($40).

Domaine Carneros Cuvée de la Pompadour NV (Napa Valley, CA) – wine by French Champagne house Taittinger, this rosé offers ripe strawberry flavor with a nice level of acidity ($42).

Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut (Epernay, France) – understated elegance and subtle flavors ($45).

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Other Neat Things, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , ,
10 February 2014 Dr Praeger’s California Veggie Burger

Dr Praeger’s California Veggie Burger

February 10, 2014 By
California Veggie Burger

California Veggie Burger

Although I’m a diehard carnivore (I’m sure that’s obvious if you’ve read this blog or follow me on Facebook or Twitter), I try to abide by the #MeatlessMonday concept as much as I can.

A friend of mine has been telling me about the Dr Praeger’s Sensible Foods line of frozen meatless entrees and while suspect, I decided to try the California Veggie Burgers last week. I was pleasantly surprised at how moist and flavorful the burger was and served with a portion of steamed vegetables, it was deliciously satisfying.

Dr Praeger’s offers a complete line of frozen meatless entrées available at most grocery stores. I’m looking forward to trying out its other food items.

Cheers,

Veronique 

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29 December 2013 My Top 10 New Jersey Dishes of 2013

My Top 10 New Jersey Dishes of 2013

December 29, 2013 By
Seafood Risotto - HAVEN

Seafood Risotto – HAVEN

While I’ve had many, many memorable meals in 2013 (God knows I over-share), I’ve tried to narrow down the 10 best dishes I enjoyed during the past year. Here’s the list in restaurant name alphabetical order.

Duck, Knoephla and Eggs – A Toute Heure

The Knoephla dish showcases a generous portion of rich pulled duck confit, Knoephla, a German dumpling much like Spaetzle and a New Jersey farm-fresh egg.

Sweetbreads and Crispy Bone Marrow - Escape

Sweetbreads and Crispy Bone Marrow – Escape

Sweetbreads with Crispy Bone Marrow – Escape Montclair

Sweetbreads, Pea Purée, Crispy Marrow, Chanterelles and Grape Juice. Simply an amazing dish. The sweetbreads were tender and perfectly cooked and Chef Gregg was truly gilding the lily with the addition of crispy bone marrow. The best bone marrow I’ve had.

Moules Meunière – Fricassée

The portion of mussels is gigantic and offers a very flavorful white wine, garlic and cherry tomato saucy broth bursting with thyme, basil and mint flavors.

Fluke Crudo - The Ryland Inn

Fluke Crudo – The Ryland Inn

Seafood Risotto – HAVEN Riverfront Restaurant & Bar

Seafood Risotto with Riso Venere, Lobster, Sea Scallops, Shrimps, Sea Beans, Sweet Corn and Mascarpone. The black rice contrasted beautifully with the rich broth and perfectly-cooked seafood.

Combination Kabab Platter – Kabab Paradise

The flavorful dish is comprised of a chicken breast kabab, a beef kufta kabab and a lamb tikka kabab. The meats are moist and perfectly charcoal-grilled. The white accompanying sauce is addicting.

Rabbit - Restaurant Latour

Rabbit – Restaurant Latour

Pork Belly Ramen – Mitsuwa

The ramen bowl features pork belly and hen-of-the-wood mushrooms. The ramen noodles are cooked perfectly, just a bit chewy, and the pork-laced broth is out-of-this-world.

Loin of Young Rabbit – Restaurant Latour at Crystal Springs

Loin of Young Rabbit Roulade with Belly Confit and Sweet White Onion Jus. Tender loin, rich belly and tart jus.

Crescent Duck Breast – The Orange Squirrel

The duck was rare as ordered with a masterly-rendered, crisp skin and paired with earthy carrot quinoa.

Duck - The Orange Squirrel

Duck – The Orange Squirrel

Fluke Crudo – The Ryland Inn

Fluke Crudo, Summer Melons, Heirloom Tomatoes, Garden Herbs. Just the perfect summer starter with fresh, clean flavors.

House-Made Ricotta Gnudi – VB3 Restaurant

The wonderful Gnudi are pillowy-soft and served with a light, basil-infused tomato sauce.

Let me know if you’ve tried any of these dishes and leave a comment when you do in the new year!

Cheers,

Veronique

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27 December 2013 10 New Year’s Eve Sparkling Wines Under $50

10 New Year’s Eve Sparkling Wines Under $50

December 27, 2013 By

ChampagneThe USA, Italy, Spain, Australia, New Zealand and many other countries produce tasty sparkling wines that differ widely in term of style, price and production method. Here are ten solid options that are easily accessible for your New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Sparkling Wines under $50

  1. La Marca Di Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco (Trevisio, Italy) – light, crisp and offers a pleasant dry finish that’s citrusy and fresh ($12).
  2. 2012 Heart and Hands Wine Company Brut Rosé (Finger Lakes, NY) – this dry sparkling Pinot Noir offers wild strawberry and citrusy notes with creamy bubbles ($27).
  3. Roederer Estate Anderson Valley Brut (Anderson Valley, CA) – flavors of ripe pear with nutty notes ($22).
  4. Schramsberg Mirabelle Brut Rosé (Napa Valley, CA) – nice yeasty aromas and juicy fruit flavors ($25).
  5. Nicolas Feuillatte Brut NV (Reims, France) – very clean, light-to-medium style ($25).
  6. Pierre Sparr Crémant D’Alsace Brut Rosé (Alsace, France) – features rich strawberries-and-cream with a hint of citrus flavors ($15).
  7. Heidsieck & Co Monopole Blue Top Champagne Brut (Epernay, France) – creamy, mousse-like with tiny bubbles that coat the mouth and provide a dry, long finish ($40).
  8. Bollinger Special Cuvée (Champagne, France) – creamy, rich, well-balanced, with citrus, toasted almonds and rich pear flavors ($40).
  9. Domaine Carneros Cuvée de la Pompadour NV (Napa Valley, CA) – wine by French Champagne house Taittinger, this rosé offers ripe strawberry flavor with a nice level of acidity ($42).
  10. Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut (Epernay, France) – understated elegance and subtle flavors ($45).

Happy New Year!

Veronique

Filed Under: Other Neat Things, Sparkling Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
19 December 2013 Open Table Top 100 Best Restaurants in America

Open Table Top 100 Best Restaurants in America

December 19, 2013 By

Open TableOpenTable, the online restaurant reservation site, has announced its 2013 Diners’ Choice Award winners for Top 100 Best Restaurants in America.

These awards reflect the combined opinions of more than 5 million restaurant reviews submitted by verified OpenTable diners for approximately 19,000 restaurants in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

The Top 10 Best Restaurants in America, in rank order, include:

  1. St. Francis Winery & Vineyards – Santa Rosa, California
  2. Mama’s Fish House – Paia, Hawaii
  3. n/naka – Los Angeles, California
  4. Halls Chophouse – Charleston, South Carolina
  5. Charleston – Baltimore, Maryland
  6. ya – Boston, Massachusetts
  7. Orchids at Palm Court – Cincinnati, Ohio
  8. Fearrington House Restaurant – Pittsboro, North Carolina
  9. The French Laundry – Yountville, California
  10. goosefoot – Chicago, Illinois

Here’s a link to the complete list. How many have you dined at?

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Other Neat Things Tagged With: ,
28 November 2013 Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving

November 28, 2013 By

thanksgiving-wine

Filed Under: Other Neat Things
23 November 2013 8 Days of Hanukkah Kosher Wines

8 Days of Hanukkah Kosher Wines

November 23, 2013 By

HannuckaThis year, a very unusual thing is happening, Thanksgiving is also the first day of Hanukkah – Thanksgivukkah as it’s now being called. The Jewish Festival of Lights calls for Kosher wine for many families and while there are fine examples available on the U.S. market, many are simply not. Here are 8 Kosher wines to uncork on the 8 days of Hanukkah.

2011 Tierra Salvaje Pinot Noir Reserve ($11 – Chile) – Bright fruit flavors with hints of chocolate and mocha and a super level of acidity.

Gilgal Brut ($15 – Israel) – A medium-bodied dry sparkling wine perfect to kick start any special get-together.

2012 Segal’s Fusion Dry Red Wine ($16 – Israel) – Blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon that is round and fruity with a bit of spiciness.

2010 Yarden Odem Chardonnay ($17 – Israel) – Pleasant floral, fruity flavors with just a hint of oak.

2011 Galil Mountain Pinot Noir ($18 – Israel) – A delicious and versatile Pinot Noir with typical flavors of cherry and ripe berries with a silky texture.

2010 Tabor Adama Cabernet Sauvignon ($19 – Israel) – Dark ruby in the glass, this big on black fruit and mocha wine is rich and round and perfect with beef.

2012 Herzog Late Harvest Riesling ($20 – California) – A rich but also refreshing  sweet wine with big peach and apricot flavors and hints of the honey flavors that have yet to fully develop.

2010 Binyamina Reserve Shiraz ($21 – Israel) – Big wine with blackberry and cherry flavors with notes of chocolate and smokiness.

Happy holidays,

Veronique

Filed Under: Other Neat Things, Wine Reviews Tagged With:

10 Wines under $25 for Thanksgiving

November 22, 2013 By

Thanksgiving TableThe big, bold flavors of Thanksgiving make it complicated to determine what wines to pair for the holiday. There are no simple answers when it comes to what wine to select as a flavorful white’s great for sides and white turkey meat and a fruity red is great for dark turkey meat and meat or mushroom stuffing.

Following are some affordable wine recommendations that can pair with just about any foods on your Turkey Day table.

Whites

  • 2012 Castello di Amorosa Pinot Bianco ($24) – A crisp dry white wine, light in color, with aromas of tropical fruit, citrus and almonds.
  • 2011 Heritance Sauvignon Blanc ($24) – This Sauvignon Blanc and Roussanne blend offers bright citrus aromas with peach and tropical fruit flavors.
  • 2010 Albert Mann Cremant D’Alsace ($20) – This Alsatian wine offers bright aromas of juicy pear and lemon zest and crisp apple flavors. Simply a super bubbly with tons of creamy, moussy bubbles great for any occasion.
  • 2011 Ravines Dry Riesling ($17) – On the nose, there are lovely aromas of Asian pear and Meyer lemon. In the mouth, the lemon turns to lime and the pear to crisp apple flavors. The finish offers the perfect level of acidity and crispness.
  • 2012 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Barossa Dry Riesling ($12) – Citrusy aromas with fresh, green apple flavors. Lovely crisp, wet stone finish. Perfect to cut through the richness of my mac and cheese and stood up to its spicy Panko topping.

Reds

  • 2010 Campo Viejo Reserva Rioja ($15) – Great balance between cherries, stone fruit and blackberries and clove, pepper and a little vanilla. Smooth and balanced on the palate with a long, lingering finish.
  • 2009 Albert Bichot Pinot Noir Vielles Vignes ($15) – Ripe cherry nose, nice level of acidity and cherries mix with strawberries on this light-medium Pinot Noir.
  • 2011 Los Vascos Grand Reserve ($15) – This Chilean wine is bright with cherries and stone fruit. It’s intense, has a nice level of acidity and a fruity finish with black licorice notes.
  • 2010 Alba Vineyards Old Mill Red ($12) – This medium-bodied New Jersey wine packed with cherry and dried fruit that finishes soft and velvety.
  • 2010 Graffigna Centenario Malbec Reserve ($11) – Medium to full-bodied wine with flavors of ripe raspberries, dates and notes of pumpkin pie spices.

Whatever you opt to pour for Thanksgiving, I hope  you enjoy it with family and friends.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Other Neat Things, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , ,
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