16 July 2013 WITS Virtual Wine Tasting 2013

WITS Virtual Wine Tasting 2013

July 16, 2013 By

I’ve detailed the concept of virtual wine tasting in previous posts and I try to participate in several of them each year. Last night was the Wine Industry Technology Symposium (WITS) and a virtual tasting of three California wines was hosted from my friends at WineTwits.

For those of you who are new to virtual wine tastings, this is what the concept entails:

  • Buy a bottle of the wine varietal or brand being featured.
  • Invite friends to come over to share the experience with you, or snuggle in your pajamas in front of the computer.
  • Sip and share your wine feedback with other tasters globally using the designated hashtag on Twitter and Facebook!

The virtual tasting was well-attended and the three wineries whose wines we sampled were very active with the virtual tasters. Cheers to Wente Vineyards, Garnet Vineyards and Renwood Winery for interacting with us to the extent they did. I’ll follow up and make tons of new wine friends today as a result of last night’s event.

Here are my tasting notes from the featured wines:

2012 Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay

LSK1042_MF CH 07 1upFor those of us who enjoy moderately-oaky Chardonnay, this is a nice option. 50% of this wine was barrel-fermented in French oak and the other 50% was fermented in stainless steel tanks creating a wine that’s not overly oaky/buttery and has some fruit freshness to it.

Aromas of Asian apple and lychee jump out of the glass. In the mouth, the 2012 Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay is medium-bodied with Meyer lemon and tropical fruit flavors. Finish lingers with some oaky notes and a nice level of acidity.

Pairings: Roast chicken, salmon, pasta in light creamy sauce

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): Chardonnay

Region: Livermore Valley, CA, USA

Price: $13

2011 Garnet Vineyards Pinot Noir

garnetGarnet pinot noirs have amassed rave reviews over the years and the 2011 Monterey County Pinot’s no exception. While it’s a bit more transparent in the glass than I would have suspected, it doesn’t lack in aroma and flavor. On the nose, it’s more jammy strawberry than the typical cherry one might expect. In the mouth, it’s velvety and the cherry is prominent with hints on vanilla and oak.

Pairings: Roasted duck, chicken or turkey, mushroom dishes

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): Pinot Noir

Region: Monterey County, CA, USA

Price: $14.99

2010 Renwood Winery Premier Old Vine Zinfandel

Renwood.Zin.OVAmador_catalogAt 15.5% alcohol, this is a big, beautiful baby. This style of Zin is right up my alley. It’s a huge mouthful of dark, ripe berries with mocha and pumpkin spices notes. This wine screams for a hot grill and meat…and my glass.

Pairings: Barbecue ribs, grilled beef or lamb

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 92.5% Zinfandel, 5.8% Syrah, 1.7% Souzao

Region: Amador County, CA, USA

Price: $19.99

For those of you on Twitter, search for #WITS2013 and see all the fun conversations folks had during the virtual tasting. You’ll likely find interesting wine fans to connect with.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Chardonnay, Other Neat Things, Pinot Noir, Red Wine, United States, White Wine, Wine Reviews, Zinfandel Tagged With: , , , ,
1 July 2013 5 Affordable Wines for 4th of July Barbecue

5 Affordable Wines for 4th of July Barbecue

July 1, 2013 By

Summer WineSummer’s here and we all know that means heat and humidity. What summer also means is fun-filled gatherings, including 4th of July barbecues.

Here are five wines to uncork during your 4th of July celebrations that won’t break the bank but are certain to please your guests:

  • 2011 Herdade do Esporão Monte Velho White ($10): fruity, juicy citrus aromas and ripe apricot and Meyer lemon flavors. Would be a nice option for grilled salmon or chicken.
  • 2011 Brancott Estate Marlborough Pinot Noir ($10): bright, light-bodied showing pleasantly tart raspberries with a slightly smoky finish. Pair this with a burger or hot dog.
  • La Marca Di Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco ($12): light and crisp sparkling wine that offers a dry, citrusy and fresh finish. Perfect to serve as an aperitif as your guests arrive.
  • 2011 Steelhead Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc ($12): tropical fruit aromas and lemony-fresh, slightly honeyed flavors. Uncork this for seafood, a white fish or most light appetizers.
  • 2011 Predator Old Vine Zinfandel ($12): smoky, big and jammy deliciousness perfect for pairing with lamb, beef or barbecued ribs.

Enjoy these summer wine and let me know if you try any of them!

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Other Neat Things, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
24 June 2013 5 Traditional Quebec Recipes to Celebrate Saint Jean Baptiste

5 Traditional Quebec Recipes to Celebrate Saint Jean Baptiste

June 24, 2013 By

flag_quebecToday is Quebec Independence Day (also known as Saint Jean Baptiste) and all my friends and family ‘up north’ will be celebrating with fireworks, food and adult libations. Here are 5 traditional Quebec dishes to get everyone in the mood for a very happy holiday.

Bonne Saint Jean a tous!

Veronique

Filed Under: Canadian, Culinary Travel Tales, Other Neat Things Tagged With: , , ,

5 Rosé Wines to Celebrate the First Day of Summer

June 21, 2013 By

Banrock Pink MoscatoSummer’s finally here and what better way to celebrate than with a refreshing, light and crisp glass of rosé?

Here are 5 affordable rosé wines to kick start the summer with:

  • 2012 Banrock Station Pink Moscato ($8) – delicate pink in the glass with refreshing, lightly floral flavors.
  • Pierre Sparr Crémant D’Alsace Brut Rosé ($15) – fragrant strawberry aroma and flavor with a hint of citrus.
  • 2012 My Essential Rosé ($16) – palest of pinks in the glass, this rosé smells and tastes of wild strawberries with a crisp, dry finish.
  • Lucien Albrecht Crémant d’Alsace Brut Rosé NV ($25) – features rich strawberries-and-cream flavors.
  • Schramsberg Mirabelle Brut Rosé ($25) – juicy fruit flavors and a slightly spicy finish.

What are of your favorite rosé wines?

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Other Neat Things, Rose, Blush Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
16 June 2013 2013 Food & Wine Chickie Lobsterfest

2013 Food & Wine Chickie Lobsterfest

June 16, 2013 By

LobstersLast night, I had the pleasure of hosting my 4th annual Food & Wine Chickie Lobsterfest. I was blessed with perfect weather, sunny and 75 degrees, and the festivities took place outdoors.

Pork Belly Deviled Eggs

Pork Belly Deviled Eggs

The evening kicked off with an aperitif of 2012 Banrock Station Pink Moscato, delicate pink in the glass with refreshing, lightly floral flavors and a 2012 Banrock Station Moscato, a slightly lemony, bright and light wine. These wines were paired with cruditées and pork belly deviled eggs. I’ll share my pork belly recipe this week, so be on the lookout.

Lamb Kufta

Lamb Kufta

Next, came grilled chicken satay with Thai Peanut Sauce, a slight variation on my Chorizo and Manchego Bites using one of my favorite cheeses, Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar, and lamb kufta with Tzatziki sauce. These appetizers were paired with the highly-rated Domaine Sigalas Assyrtiko, a big mouthful of citrusy deliciousness.

Next came what folks came to my place for – lobster! For those of you who haven’t dared to make lobsters at home, here are fail-proof Lobster Boiling 101 techniques that will guarantee you great results. My whole family serves lobster with our Lemon Butter Sauce and I did again this time. It’s truly a great little sauce that is equally as tasty with fish or chicken. The two wines being poured with that course were both from the Finger Lakes: Red Newt Circle Riesling and Ravines Dry Riesling, one of Wine Spectator’s Top 100 wines last year.

Key Lime Pie

Key Lime Pie

At the request of my guy, I served my Zesty Key Lime Tart for dessert. It’s tangy and light and a great finish to a pretty rich meal.

Overall, it was a fun evening and one not terribly difficult to recreate at your home. If you decide to go for it and want help or tips, just message me!

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: American, Other Neat Things Tagged With: , ,
14 June 2013 June Fork & Cork at Chakra – June 26

June Fork & Cork at Chakra – June 26

June 14, 2013 By

 

Chakra Dining Room

Chakra Dining Room

Chakra Chef Thomas Ciszak and GM/Beverage Director Evelyn Ciszak team with Tuthilltown Spirits distiller Gable Erenzo for the next Fork & Cork supper club dinner featuring four different Hudson Whiskey spirits on Wednesday June 26th at 6:30pm. Dinner starts with passed hors d’oeuvres and the debut of Chakra’s first barrel-aged cocktail: Summer Bloom.

After the cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, guests will enjoy a four-course dinner with whiskey pairings where Chef Thomas Ciszak cleverly weaves elements of grains and malt into the dishes.

WhiskeyGuests will receive a bottle of Hudson Baby Bourbon autographed by the distiller Gable Erenzo ($45 value). Paired dinner is $98 per person.

RECEPTION

  • Passed Hors d’œuvres paired with Hudson Whiskey Barrel-Aged Summer Bloom Cocktail
  • Four Grain Bourbon Cured Salmon – barley-cucumber salad paired with HUDSON WHISKEY Four Grain Bourbon
  • Malt Beer Glazed Duck – spicy carrot coconut broth paired with HUDSON WHISKEY Manhattan Rye
  • “BBQ” Pork Tenderloin – bacon, molasses, pork jus paired with HUDSON WHISKEY Single Malt
  • Peanut Dacquoise – caramelized bananas, jivara milk chocolate chantilly, Hawaiian sea salt paired with HUDSON WHISKEY Baby Bourbon

Chakra (W 144 Route 4, Paramus, NJ 07652) and is $98. For reservations email fork.cork@icloud.com or call 201-556-1530.

About Fork & Cork
Chef Thomas Ciszak of Chakra in Paramus and Blue Morel in Morristown launched his dining club Fork & Cork – a series of intimate monthly dinners for adventurous diners. During the Fork & Cork events, limited to only 25 guests, diners will join Thomas on a culinary adventure – a gastronomic journey across the globe and time (on occasion), with a different theme each month, showcasing Chef Ciszak’s creativity and diverse culinary background, from Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe to New York, and allowing him the opportunity to introduce diners to new flavors and experiences. Join the Fork & Cork club by emailing fork.cork@icloud.com for a free membership through which you will receive advance email invitations to upcoming dinners.

Filed Under: Culinary Travel Tales, Other Neat Things Tagged With: , , ,
11 June 2013 Washington Lake Park Wine Festival June 22 – 23, 2013

Washington Lake Park Wine Festival June 22 – 23, 2013

June 11, 2013 By

Wine in ParcThe summer season will uncork in style when 18 of New Jersey’s finest wineries come together for the Washington Lake Park Wine Festival – the best new wine festival in New Jersey.

The event takes place Saturday and Sunday June 22-23, from 12PM – 5PM each day. The weekend of great New Jersey wine, local culinary treats, fabulous live music, hand-made artisan crafts and kids’ activities is the right way to “sip into summer”!

The event has something for everyone…wine sampling and sales of some of the top award winning wines found in New Jersey, amazing performances by “The Gashouse Gorillas” and “The Funktion”, sales of beautiful wine related crafts, culinary treats for purchase from some of the area’s best eateries and fun activities for kids.

The Washington Lake Park Wine Festival is proud to feature some of New Jersey’s finest wineries: Amalthea Cellars, Auburn Road Vineyards, Bellview Winery, Cava Winery, Cedarvale Vineyards, Chestnut Run Farms, Coda Rossa Winery, DiBella Winery, DiMatteo Vineyard, Heritage Vineyards, Monroeville Vineyard, Plagido’s Winery, Renault Winery, Sharrott Winery, Silver Decoy Winery, Tomasello Winery, Valenzano Winery, and Wagonhouse Winery.

Tickets for the Washington Lake Park Wine Festival can be purchased in advance at the discount rate of $15 and at the gate for $20. Spectators and those under 21 are free. Paid admission to the Washington Lake Park Wine Festival includes wine tasting of more than 300 New Jersey wines and a souvenir wine glass. Attendees will be able to not only sample wine but also purchase wines by the bottle or case.

To learn more about the Washington Lake Park Wine Festival or to buy advance discount tickets, go to www.newjerseywineevents.com.

If you opt to go, please leave me a comment so we can meet up!

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Culinary Travel Tales, Other Neat Things Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
4 June 2013 Montclair Food & Wine Festival Gala Dinner

Montclair Food & Wine Festival Gala Dinner

June 4, 2013 By
Culinariane Halibut

Culinariane Halibut

Sunday night, I attended the first annual Montclair Food and Wine Festival Gala Dinner held at the Women’s Club of Upper Montclair. The upscale event, for which I was a guest of Devil Gourmet, one of the event sponsors,  featured some of Montclair best culinary talents and showcased fabulous wines by Amanti Vino, Montclair’s premier wine store.

The dinner was a six-course food extravaganza that encompassed the following menu:

Pig & Prince Amuse-Bouche

Pig & Prince Amuse-Bouche

Amuse Bouche by Chef Mike Carrino of Pig & Prince Gastrolounge

Deviled quails egg, cornichon, sriracha, “PB+J” stone fruit and pistachio butter macaroon, Ahi Poke, avocado mousse, Tokyo green onion, Petite porc pâté en croute.

Wine Pairing: OCD Riesling 2010 SRP $14.99

Orange Squirrel Duck and Oyster

Orange Squirrel Duck and Oyster

First Course by Chef Francesco Palmieri of The Orange Squirrel

Warm Pickled Oyster Mushroom, Duck Confit and Chilled Oyster with Green Apple Fennel Mignonette.

Wine Pairing: My Essential Rose 2012 SRP: $15.99

Second Course by Chef Ryan Depersio of Fascino

Crab-Scallion Agnolotti, Clam-Herb Broth.

Wine Pairing: Moulin de Gassac Guilhem Blanc 2011 SRP: $10.99

Fascino Agnolotti

Fascino Agnolotti

Third Course by Chef Ariane Duarte of Culinariane

Pan Seared Halibut, Bacon Lardon Corn Chowder, Pea Tendrils.

Wine Pairing: Capiaux “Chimera” Pinot Noir 2011 SRP: $31.99

Highlawn Pavillion Short Ribs

Highlawn Pavillion Short Ribs

Fourth Course by Chef Mitchell Altholz of Highlawn Pavilion

Duo of Grass Fed Boneless Short Ribs and Côte de Bœuf with Celery Root Puree, Brunoise Vegetables and Early Summer Truffle Sauce.

Wine Pairing: Jean Edwards “Stagecoach Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 SRP: $64.99

Blu Caramel Panna Cotta

Blu Caramel Panna Cotta

Fifth Course by Chef Zod Arifai of Blu

Caramel Panna Cotta with Banana Juice & Black Pepper Crumble.

Wine Pairing: Echeverria Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 2007 SRP: $19.99

BallroomCoffee: Java Love Coffee Roasters & The Chocolate Path

Wonderful olive oil was provided by Olive That! And More and I’m looking forward to visiting Jen O’Sullivan’s store in the next few weeks.

The event was attended by who’s who of Montclair and Essex County and I’m hearing a second annual event is in the works. Connect with the Montclair Food & Wine Festival on Twitter and Facebook to be in-the-know about the 2014 event.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Culinary Travel Tales, Other Neat Things, Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: ,
3 June 2013 New Jersey Beer & Food Festival

New Jersey Beer & Food Festival

June 3, 2013 By

NJ Beer Fest 3The New Jersey Beer & Food Festival takes place at Crystal Springs 6/14 – 6/15. This weekend-long celebration of craft beers also coincides with Father’s Day June 16 making it the perfect destination with something for everyone: beer lovers, golfers and families, with two top US ranked spas and the Biosphere indoor/outdoor pool complex as well.

The two days of beer fest events include the “NJ Chefs & Brews” walk-around reception on Friday 6/14 (8-11pm, $95), with six chefs serving food paired with six New Jersey and New York beers. Participating chefs include Timothy Fischer and pastry chef John Sauchelli of Crystal Springs, Mike Carrino of Pig & Prince Restaurant & Gastrolounge (Montclair), John Halligan of Park Steakhouse (Park Ridge), Carlo Carbonara of Bottagra (Hawthorne) and Eric Levine of Morris Tap & Grill (Randolph).

NJ Beer Fest 9On Saturday 6/15, the ” Beer and BBQ Fest” tasting event gives attendees the opportunity to try 135 beers from 50 breweries including many craft brews from New York and New Jersey paired with delicious barbeque in a picturesque outdoor setting (3pm-7pm, $75 early bird, $85 after June 1st).

Also on Saturday 6/15 starting at 9am golfers will have the chance to participate in the “Brews & Birdies” golf tournament on the resort’s award-winning Wild Turkey and Ballyowen courses. Tastings of craft beers will be available on six holes of the course ($195 for golf and beer tastings). Other activities include a free outdoor grilling class Sat. 6/15 10-11am by Crystal Springs chefs in the resort’s lovely Chef’s Garden and free daily tours of the wine cellar, which is the deepest, most extensive collection in the Northeast US situated in over an acre of underground space and featuring some of the most prized bottles, rare vintages and perfect score 100-point wines.

All weekend, the resort’s two main restaurants, Crystal Tavern and Restaurant Latour, will each be serving special tasting menus paired with craft beers. Crystal Tavern features a three-course “Highlands” menu while Restaurant Latour offers an eight-course tasting menu in addition to a three-course prix-fixe and a five-course vegetarian Garden Menu.

On Sunday 6/16, the beer festival will wrap up with a special Father’s Day Lunch 12-4pm in the Chef’s Garden, a beautiful outdoor restaurant surrounded by a lush garden full of herbs and vegetables used in the resort’s restaurants. Three chefs will each prepare a course that will be paired with a different craft beer ($70 inclusive of food and unlimited beer; lunch menus sans beer will be offered to those under 21).

Reservations for all events can be made at www.njbeerfestival.com or by calling 973-827-5996 x 3.

Filed Under: Beer Reviews, Culinary Travel Tales, Other Neat Things Tagged With: , ,
31 May 2013 Sweet Potato vs White Potato

Sweet Potato vs White Potato

May 31, 2013 By

sweet-potatoEarlier this week, I was telling a friend that sweet potatoes are better for a low carbohydrate diet and glycemic index than white potatoes, but when she questioned me as to why, I really couldn’t address it beyond “I’ve read it in the South Beach Diet book”. I was actually curious for a proper, more intelligent response, so I went back to the book and this is the explanation.

Sweet potatoes are high in fiber and the carbs in them are higher in complex carbohydrates, so it takes the body more effort to break them down than it does white potatoes resulting in a longer digestive process (good thing) and no high/fast peak in blood sugar (great thing), especially for those of us who are prediabetes or have diabetes.

If you’re not a fan of sweet potatoes or simply can’t pass up a high-carb fix, red-skinned potatoes are healthier than white potatoes.

Get your sweet spuds on!

Veronique

Filed Under: Other Neat Things, Potatoes Tagged With: , ,
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