Solving the world's problems ..... one glass at a time.

Some of the most earth-shattering, life-changing conversations happen at my wine bar. We often end up contemplating life and solving the world's problems.  (Why won't the people that matter listen to us?)

Last night my dad mentioned how he was going to have a glass of Chardonnay before the tasting event started. The wines on the tasting list were all reds. He knows that you should typically start with a white wine first when trying/tasting whites and reds. Cindy, the Chardonnay fan, agreed and said that whites should always come first. Maurine, who was conveniently coined the "Evil Red Genius" based on a maniacal but adorable laugh, guffawed at the silly Denny and Cindy for even thinking white was worth wasting your taste buds on in the first place.

Dad tried to recite what he has always known about beer and wine and which you should drink before the other. If you don't want a hangover the next day then you do some nonsense. I am not a beer drinker so it never stuck with me. I do remember him saying it my entire life but.... Beer on wine everytime or something to that effect.

At that point is when the most brilliant rule came to fruition:

White to Red - Never dead

Red to White - What a fight!

 

Simple. You're welcome.

 

"Denny and the Winos" - a Premium Portfolio Tasting

It isn't often that I get to participate in the special events of my "happy place" because they are unfortunately scheduled on nights that I have to work late (booooo!). However, because of last week's snow storm, the Premium Portfolio Tasting event - featuring the wines of Pierre Seillan - was rescheduled for last night!! So, off to the happy place "Denny and the Winos" went for some Thursday evening fun!

Events like these are fun to me because they are not only delicious but educational!  We spent $25 and had yummy appetizers and an hour of learning and tasting six wines that we normally would never have come into contact. This collection, the Spire Collection, is made up of  high-end wines of Mr. Seillan ranging from $60 to $110.

Educational part - I learned a lot - but this is what I retained:

1. Pierre Seillan, a French winemaker, believes in "playing" with three grapes - Merlot, Cab Franc and Cab Sav. The cool thing is he then takes those three grapes and plants them all over but puts a French twist on them. Tonight we tasted his French, Italian and Sonoma, CA masterpieces.

2. Where does wine get its flavor from? I knew one answer. The skins of the grapes. Where else? Water.

3.  Find a wine you like, don't follow the vintage - follow the producer. Makes sense to me. I love Orin Swift wines - therefore even if I have never tasted it before, I will always purchase an Orin Swift produced wine.

4.  Clay retains moisture.

5. Interesting that my favorite wine of the night was the 2004 Chateau Lassegue St. Emilion Grand Cru - 60% Merlot, 35% Cab Franc, 5% Cab Sav - from 40-50 year old vines grown predominantly in clay and limestone soils.  It also had the best label in my opinion - looks pretty modern when in fact the story behind it is the absolute opposite. It is from the 1300s - the sundial on the label mirrors what is on the estate and exemplifies the perfect sun exposure for the vines. The label was just happened upon one day in the basement of the estate!

Some may think - wow - you're drinking a 2004 in 2014? The interesting fact is that he will not put out a wine for sale until it is READY to drink. Ready to open up and drink now - no need to lay it down and wait for years trying to patient. Made a lot of sense to us "instant gratification" girls. :)

It smelled of dirt, farm and earth and was just extremely delightful on the palette. A "big" red which made me very happy! When I was asking Dad what he smelled he said "dirt" and I was completely in agreement. Then I said it smelled like "farm" to me. He said "dirt/farm - same thing." I said "Nope, I'm thinking manure farm not dirt farm."  Only two wines down and I say " This shit is good - literally!" I crack myself up.

Tasting part - what most would say is the FUN part:
 
2006 Chateau Vignot - St. Emilion Grand Cru - 75% Merlot, 20% Cab Franc, 5% Cab Sav - from 25-40 year old vines grown in sandy gravel.  This wine is known as the "elegant sister" to the 2004 Chateau Lassenge and "light on its feet".  I completely understood that terminology once I tasted it. The aroma was of oak trees (aged 10 months in French oak) and it definitely smelled "bigger" than it tasted. I was stunned by how light it tasted and it reminded me of a fruity California Pinot (which I'm not too fond of) with an aftertaste reminiscent of a Petit Verdot.

2004 Chateau Lassengue - I already spoke to that above. By far, my favorite of the night.

2008 Valadorna - Tuscany - 85% Merlot, 15% Cab Franc - this wine definitely smelled better than it tasted which was a let down for me. It has a strong smell of spices - definitely clove with undertones of grape jelly on the palate.  It finished with a gritty aftertaste. Not really a fan - but I'm also not typically a fan of Italian wines in general.

2007 and 2008 Arcanum - Tuscany  - We tried both vintages of the Arcanum. Everyone seemed to enjoy the 2007 Arcanum hands down, except for me. I absolutely despised it and in fact, gave the rest of my tasting to Maurine without hesitation (We have a "no waste" rule). The 2007 Arcanum had a nasty smell and it was extremely bitter to the taste. I was the odd man out on this one but hey - you like what you like, yes? (I can't help but think of my Halloween costume when I see Arcanum though. I was Harley Quinn from ARKHAM Asylum - similar but not quite. I wanted to like this wine for that reason alone.)

2009 Cenyth Sonoma Red -Sourced from top Sonoma Vineyards within the Alexander Valley and Chalk Hill. I was happy the moment I read that information!   This is the debut vintage between the winemaker and his daughter which pulled at my heartstrings. It was a beautiful dark, deep color - by far the prettiest of the evening's wines and smelled like "dirt after a rain storm."

2004 Anakota - Knights Valley, CA - 100% Cab Sav. On the nose, was sand and wet rocks but the taste was a bit too fruity for me. Odd for me to think of a Cab from Cali being fruity, though. Interesting, yet not a fan.  We were told this wine would get "elegant and supple" with age. My response was, "What doesn't get more elegant and supple with age?" Maurine thought we said "subtle". ha!

Postlude:

 

Anyone who knows my dad knows that once the "event" is over he's always up for sharing a bottle of wine. It was only a little after 8pm so the night was young, even for a weeknight. What is the next direction I receive? "Hey Val, pick out a bottle of wine for us to share!" PRESSURE!! Fortunately, this crew trusts me (which concerns me at times and flatters me at others). 

After much careful thought, I decided to go with my old friend, the 2010 Matanzas Creek Merlot from Sonoma.  I could not for the life of me remember what this wine tasted like because I first had it almost three years ago when a friend of mine needed an escape after his mother had just passed away. I told him to meet me at my happy place (after not seeing each other for almost 20 years) and we'd forget about the world for a while. I had no idea that three bottles of Matanzas Creek later, I'd be driving him home and watching him vomit in the kitchen sink of the childhood home where he grew up. Oh, good times. But I digress....

The Merlot was a big hit and I know Chrissy (my friend's mom) had something to do with it.  She loved wine, and although I never got to take her to my happy place, I know she was happy and content that I was taking care of her son after she had left this earth that evening.

In honor of her, we raised our glasses and toasted - to good friends, good wine and to Chrissy!

We also decided to play my typical game of "What do you smell?" Dad knows this game now and plays along. My ladies are still new at this and weren't as excited but soon got the hang of it. Now, I'm the one who says there are no right or wrong answers - you smell/taste whatever you smell/taste - just tell me what it is.

Dad says "bananas". Bananas, Dad? BANANAS? It's a Merlot and you smell bananas? Ok, I'm not judging. I'm perplexed, but I'm not judging. I say, "I smell plum" trying to get it rolling in the right direction. Then someone, I forget who, says it smells "nutty". I'll even take nutty. Ok. That's cool.  Then, what happens, Cindy says "Nutty Buddy! It smells like a nutty buddy". For whatever reason this was the most hilarious thing all night. Dad decides to add on to that comment with
".. which has melted in the sun." Wow - ok - hey! It is what it is - I'm just glad they enjoyed it.

I, then, decided to provide everyone with a little treat and bought the last two sea salt caramel chocolates that were in the case to share.  What a genius idea! Chocolate makes everyone happy - especially winos.

 

 

What a fantastic night! These nights are what makes life good. Good wine, good food, good company! The best part is I left with a huge smile on my face AND in my heart.
Once again, I am the luckiest girl in the world!

Bella Vita Italian Restaurant - "The Good Life"

A few months ago my boss introduced me to a tiny little Italian joint in my county called, Bella Vita

http://bellavitaonline.com/. What a gem that has been hidden away from me!

Delicious food, inexpensive and the softest garlic rolls I've ever tried!

Earlier this week, I met my parents there for an impromptu lunch.  I always get the "House Pasta" which is rigatoni noodles tossed with chunks of meatballs and sausage, finished with meat sauce and baked under a blanket of mozzarella cheese.  I always get the dinner portion for $10.95 and take half of it home for dinner that night or lunch the next day!

 What a steal!

 Anything with thick red sauce and tons of cheese makes this girl extremely happy!

 

Accompanying the meal is a basket of "to-die-for" garlic cheese rolls that melt in your mouth.

 

I don't have pictures, unfortunately, but my office celebrated our Christmas luncheon at Bella Vita last year.  The chicken flat bread, calamari and bruschetta appetizers were all absolutely delicious.

Decent wine - nothing to really to go into depth about but any hole in the wall who appreciates J.Lohr from California enough to put it on their wine list (which is extremely short) is ok in my book. They sell the J.Lohr Cab Sav there for $8.50 a glass which is insane because you can buy an entire bottle at most grocery stores for under $14.

I've been there so often lately, that the waitress even recognized me.

Hmm... is that a good thing? Ah, hell, why not?!

To follow through with my simple pleasure theme, this restaurant sure is indicative of its name, "The Good Life".

Nothin' finer than an Oregon Pinot Noir

This past Fall, I went to the Outer Banks and stopped by "Trio" http://obxtrio.com/ for the first time. What a fabulous little wine bar and they held some of my favorite Orin Swift wines for me that I couldn't get in Virginia and at almost half the price!  Not only was this place a gem to stumble upon, but it had a great deal on the price of a case of wine so Dad and I obliged. It didn't help that customer service was provided by a very handsome fellow :)

We had all of our case filled up with the exception of one more needed and I asked "Mr. Handsome" to find me a fabulous Oregon Pinot Noir. To my delight, Mr. Handsome was a fan of Pinot Noirs, but only the Willamette Valley ones. My kind of wine guy!

He promised me that I would like this 2001 Rex Hill, and since I had never tried it before, and it was from the Oregon WV and under $30, I had no problem having it find a home as the last spot in my case o' wine!

Last night, I decided to pop open Mr. Rex Hill and what a find! The beautiful deep magenta color led to me stating out loud "love at first smell!" It also goes great with the Solid Gold Oldies channel that was playing in the background. Yes, wine is not only paired well with food, but can be paired well with music! (check out an interesting spin on a Virginia winery http://www.notavivavineyards.com/) 

Rex has an aroma of dark cherry with notes of wood and forest. Dark cherry was also the dominant taste with hints of wet stones and cinnamon. A really nice, smooth Pinot that is earthy - just the way I like it. Oregon, of course!

Thought this pic would be good when I had the idea in my head but then after seeing it, it made me giggle.

Then again, what man isn't happy in blue jeans?

Why should Rex Hill be any different?

Cheers, yet again, to the wonderful state who "flies with her own wings!"

Chicken Chili in the crockpot

I have had two wonderful guys remodeling my bathroom for the last three weekends and decided to pay it forward and make them lunch on this wintry day to thank them for giving up their weekends and putting up with my dog's antics.

Here's my recipe for chicken chili - or perhaps it looks more like a stew. Call it what you want, but it's delicious!

torn up pieces of a rotisserie chicken/or just the breast
4 tsp of chili powder
2 tsp of ground cumin
1 medium onion diced
1 can of sweet yellow corn
1 can of cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
2 tbs minced garlic
2 bay leaves
2- 15-oz cans of crushed tomatoes with basil
1- 15 oz can of tomato sauce (or smaller - to your liking)
1 can of Rotel mild
2 tsp of white pepper
black pepper - to your liking - I never measure b/c I love black pepper, usually ground peppercorns
handful of chopped up fresh cilantro
sometimes I add a small diced jalapeno but I didn't this time.

Scoop out a ton of chili in a bowl and top with shredded Mexican cheese. If it's too spicy, then top with a dollop of sour cream. I also use Tostitos Scoops or Fritos instead of a spoon.

It would pair well with a white wine - perhaps a sweeter Traminette, Vidal Blanc or "Girlsaremeaner" or even a Sav Blanc or Pinot Gris.

My guys raved about it and I was even told by one that he could taste the cilantro. I LOVE cilantro and realize that people either love it or hate it. I don't understand why anyone would hate it, but to each his own.  Three big "mugfulls" and still have a good two dinners left over for me!

Bon Appetite!

The Life Philosophy of a Two Year-Old (or 40 year-old!)

Last year, my "soul sister" was babysitting her two year-old niece and as a result came up with these six points. 

It's amazing to me how relevant the philosophy of a two year old is to a 40-year old woman, a.k.a. ME!

1.  Like who and what you like - no apologies.

2.  Whine and cry if it hurts or annoys you.

3.  Laugh at the top of your lungs.

4.  Eat falling snow.

5.  Give hugs and kisses.

6.  Acknowledge when you absolutely cannot do something ("I can't do it!")

Again, very simple yet I have to remind myself to do these things.....

A Chardonnay and a Merlot under $20

2010 Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay, Sonoma California

When I first took a sniff, I immediately thought of summer and had myself placed on a deck overlooking the ocean. Aroma of apricot, butter and vanilla.  Taste of butter and apricot. It had a smooth but lingering aftertaste. Not too long or offensive but definitely an aftertaste.

I love seafood but I am not a fan of lobster. Why? I don't think lobster has any taste. No, wait, it does. It takes on the taste of whatever it is cooked in or with - usually butter. Chewy butter. However, when drinking this wine, it made me want lobster. Perhaps that is a good idea.... dunking hunks of lobster in this wine or preparing a sauce with this wine for seafood.

 

I always enjoy a good Chardonnay.

What do I consider a "good" Chardonnay?

A Chardonnay from California (Napa first choice, Sonoma, second choice). I don't like stainless steel Chards. I do love oaky Chards or ones that have time in both barrels. Vanilla, oak, butter, toasted coconut - those make me happy. I don't care much for "mineraly" Chards - just my opinion.

However, I'll still take a stainless steel Chard over a Sav Blanc any day of the week.

 

 

 

2010 Milbrandt Vineyards Merlot, Columbia Valley, Washington

After coming back from my hair salon last Saturday morning in Arlington, I stopped at the Bradlee Shopping Center in Alexandria at a place called "Unwined." I'd never been there before and had some time so thought why not stop in and see what they have. Now I am partial to wine bars and considering my neighborhood one is my "happy place" it takes a lot to make me happy elsewhere. "Unwined" didn't make me the slightest bit happy. 

I was the only customer, obviously not a "regular", and neither of the employees spoke to me when I walked in. I am a huge proponent of good customer service and was taken aback. They weren't rude but they didn't go out of their way to assist either.  The store is very small and does not have a good selection in my opinion. They seem to cater toward French wines which is fine but not my thing.

I felt like a Merlot. Not just any Merlot, but a Merlot from Washington State, preferably the Columbia Valley. My rule of thumb: Chards from Napa, Cabs from Cali, Pinots from Oregon and Merlots from Washington. Can't go wrong!

I didn't recognize any of these names but liked the description of this one and it was only $16.99 so no big loss if it's horrendous. Plus, how horrendous could it be coming from the Columbia Valley? When all else fails, what do you do to make a red wine better? ADD CHOCOLATE. Lucky for me, the Alexandria Pastry Shop was next door!

So I bought two pieces of cake and a bottle of Merlot and head to my parents house for wine and dinner. I love introducing my dad to new wines and pairing food with them.  To my delight, this Merlot was pretty good. On the nose was wood and the outdoors in Fall.  It reminded me of being in a log cabin with a bonfire roaring.  The taste was also "woodsy" with spice and tobacco. 

Funny enough, my mom doesn't like wine but will try it every once in a while. She does enjoy smelling it and trying to figure out what she smells. It's become a ritual on weekends when I go by my parents' house.  She laughed and said it smelled like "fingernail polish remover." Hmmmm..... I didn't get that but to each his own! :)

I didn't realize until later that the back of the bottle had a "tear for recipe" portion which I had never seen before!!! What an incredible concept! Why don't all bottles of wine have a recipe included??!! What a genius idea!!!

 We decided to use the Vinturi for our second glass of the Merlot and what a difference it made! The taste was no longer woodsy but tasted like chocolate! This was even before we tried the cake. It had completely changed. Where it was delicious before it was absolutely divine after being aerated.

That made me wish I had brought over the decanter - next time!

The Chocolate Truffle Cake slice improved the wine and made a very smooth combination. The Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake slice did absolutely nothing. There was no difference in the wine whatsoever. It doesn't surprise me though because milk chocolate usually doesn't affect wine; but dark chocolate is powerful every time!

 

 

A California Chardonnay and a Washington State Merlot will do the trick every time.

As Dad said, "It makes me slur my wine and swirl my words..." or something like that.

 

CHEERS!

 

Reminds me of "home"

When I was a kid, I remember my mom always making "Chicken Noodle Casserole" and I loved it. It's very simple and my mom was never (and still isn't) adventurous when it came to food, but sometimes simple is perfect!

A year ago, I was hospitalized with a horrendous glandular virus and as a result, I lost my taste for a lot of things (thankfully, it eventually all came back). Two things that were tolerable, to the pain and my taste buds, were things I grew up with as a kid - my mom's banana pudding with 'nilla wafers and my mom's chicken noodle casserole.

Now I make both for myself when I feel like I need comforting and something simple but delicious.

I take a little different spin on Mom's recipe and I think it makes it a little more creamy and luscious.

Here's the recipe:

1/2 pkg of egg noodles
1 can of Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup
1/2 can of heavy cream (literally fill the empty soup can to the half mark) Mom uses milk. I think heavy cream makes it better.
rotisserie chicken (Mom used canned chicken)
black pepper
minced onion
parmesan cheese (Mom uses the sprinkle kind. I use the shaved kind)

Boil water for noodles and once roaring, put the noodles in and cook for seven minutes.
Meanwhile mix the soup and half a can of heavy cream together in a mixing bowl until smooth.
Add the black pepper (to your liking)
Cut up as much of the chicken as you like and add it in to the mixture.

Put cooking spray on a 9x13 (or smaller if you choose) glass dish.
Put the cooked noodles into the dish.
Then combine the mixture into the dish.
Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top
Put in a 350 degree oven for 25 minutes.
Check and if it's not bubbling or crunchy on top, let it go for 5 more minutes.
Remove from oven and sprinkle more cheese on top.
Let sit for 10 minutes.

Even though my mom only lives 10 minutes away, every time I make this it makes me feel like "home."

Need an easy comfort food recipe? Here it is!

Last weekend, I made dinner for my parents. I haven't made this dish in a long time and had never made it for them before.

 

Hamburger Stroganoff.

 

It is extremely easy, nothing fancy, but one of my favorite comfort food recipes.

 

Cook 1 lb of ground beef (I prefer 95/5 or 90/10)

 

 

Sautee a box of sliced mushrooms (cut up smaller if you so desire), half of a small onion chopped, garlic and three tablespoons of butter.

 

 

 

 

When both are done, combine the mushroom mixture into the ground beef skillet. Add black pepper and two tablespoons of flour.  Add a can of Cream of Mushroom soup and cook uncovered for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, boil water for pasta. I like to use whole wheat or whole grain angel hair pasta.

Once it is at a roaring boil, cook the pasta for four minutes. Drain in a colander.

Add 12-15 oz. of fat free sour cream to the ground beef mixture and let simmer for 10 minutes uncovered. If you haven't already opened up a bottle of wine, now would be the time do so. I tend to enjoy drinking wine while I cook as is evidenced by the photo below.

 

When done, serve the stroganoff over pasta in a pasta bowl and enjoy! I also like to heat up a few slices of French or Italian bread.  Everything is better with bread!

 

I tend to like a light red wine with hamburger stroganoff. Dad had a 2009 Sticky Beak Syrah on hand so we opened it and it went rather well with the stroganoff. It didn't blow me away but no Syrah has ever blown me away.  It had a faint aroma of spice and nutmeg with a taste of cloves, plum, black pepper and spice.

After dinner, we decided to have a chocolate taste test. We tried the wine with a Ghiradelli dark chocolate and sea salt caramel square which made the wine smoother. The Ghiradelli milk chocolate with sea salt and roasted almonds square showed no promise. It didn't change the taste of the wine one bit. However, the wine definitely showed improvement with a slice of  four layer devils food cake with chocolate icing!

 Shocker!

As I've said before and will say over and over, I am not an expert and I enjoy trying new wines and pairing the wines with food. Sometimes it works wonderfully, sometimes it doesn't do much at all.  No big loss because this was a Syrah and I can take or leave Syrahs. 

"The fine art of living well" (God bless my mom)

Yesterday, I went with my mom for her five-week post-intracerebral hemorrhagic stroke follow-up appointment with the neurologist.  I knew, in my heart, that the MRI she had last week would show improvement from the MRI on December 9, 2013 simply because of her physical progress. However, until the good doctor told us, I was still hesitant. The MRI did, indeed, show improvement. Swelling was gone and the bleed was still evident, but substantially smaller. 

The doc was pleased and so were we!   

Mom and Dad decided they wanted to go to my "happy place" for lunch to celebrate.  Five weeks ago, our lives were completely changed as a result of my otherwise healthy mom being told she had a brain bleed and rushed to the neuroscience ICU section of Fairfax Hospital.

So, on a Thursday afternoon, we went to lunch and celebrated with our favorite comfort food pizza - half cheese and tomato for Mom and half sausage and pepperoni for me and Dad.

Mom doesn't drink alcohol but she is always a trooper when it comes to hanging with me and Dad.  As always, I ventured over to the restaurant's adjoining wine bar and, with the help of wonderful Mike (chef and joint owner) and Jeanne (my favorite wine barista), I chose the absolutely beautiful 2008 Merryvale Merlot from Napa. 

 

As Jeanne poured the Merlot, I noticed its stunningly beautifully deep, dark purple color.  On the nose was black cherry and grape jelly. Dad said he smelled a strong musky perfume aroma as well.  The grape jelly theme was still dominant on the taste for me as well as a smoky undertone.  

 -

To finish off the heavenly Merlot, we HAD to share the chocolate lava cake. After a bite of the dessert and then a sip of the wine, the wine was instantly smoother and the smoky taste disappeared.   I recall saying "this is heaven in my mouth." 

 What a delicious combination!

I spent more on this Merlot then I usually would spend on a Merlot, or most any wines for that matter, that I have not tried before. However, it was a special occasion and Chef Mike has not steered me wrong when it comes to wines, especially Merlot (A few years ago he chose one of my all-time favorite Merlots - Helix).

Even though Mom doesn't care for wine or any alcohol honestly, I always ask her to taste something I think she may like or that has a dominant smell. I knew she wouldn't care for this, but sweet Jeanne brought her a tiny little glass to try and she felt so special as a result!

 

How cute are they!

Dad with his BFG and Mom with her tiny glass.

Dad used to only like white wines, and he still prefers them, but he's really starting to enjoy red wines. Once I told him about the chocolate trick it helped. I have encouraged him to take in the entire experience of thinking about what he smells before he tastes it and then what he tastes once he takes a sip. He also has enjoyed how food can change the taste of wine.  This is dad trying to figure out what he smells with the Merryvale. Mom thinks it's cute how he shuts his eyes. A man has to concentrate on something of this importance!

 

As we were finishing up, I turned the bottle around to read what was on the label.

How fitting that the bottle of wine we chose on such an important day, is made by a family-owned winery dedicated to passionate winemaking and "The Fine Art of Living Well."

 

 A healthy mom, a happy dad, a beautiful wine and delicious pizza. 

Need I say more?

White or Red? White AND Red!

Decisions, decisions.
Should I have white wine or red wine with dinner?
That was the important question this past Saturday with my dad when I was at my parents' house for dinner. We were going to clean out the fridge and have a smorgasbord of sorts for food.  '
Why choose between white OR red?
Let's have white AND red!

 

First, was Avery Lane Cellars 2011 Chardonnay from Columbia Valley, Washington. On the nose, this wine was very clean, crisp and had an aroma of ripe pears.  The taste was of butterscotch with a hint of vanilla; perhaps a tiny smidge of apple or apricot even. There was no acid or lingering aftertaste.  It also paired well with the garlic and olive oil sauteed shrimp I prepared!

 

Our red wine for the evening was Old House Vineyard's (http://www.oldhousevineyards.com/index.html)

2012 Chambourcin from Virginia.  My dad is a Chambourcin fan and last year when a friend took me there on lovely afternoon, I tasted this and knew I had to purchase it for my dad. It is called "Wicked Bottom" which was even more appealing to me!

 

It has an aroma of dark fruit such as raspberry or dark cherry with a taste of grape jelly, currant or plum with a hint of cinnamon.  While it went well with lasagna and moussaka, it became quite smooth with a slice of rich chocolate cake with chocolate icing. 

Chocolate easily increased the drinkability.

 

 

So if you can't decide between white or red wine - why decide?

Drink both and enjoy!

Simple salad and bread makes me happy - yay Firebirds!

 About five years ago, I found a restaurant in Fredericksburg, Virginia, named "Firebirds" with which I fell in love. It was about 40 minutes south of my home and was a treat my then boyfriend and I would give ourselves.  It was different than the typical chain restaurants that we tend to have where I live.  The atmosphere was nice, the food was delicious, the wine was good and it was a treat.  We loved sitting at the bar with its beautiful, colorful bottled wall and welcoming fire on a cold blustery day.



 

About two years ago, I was thrilled to hear that my county was getting a Firebirds and it would be less than 10 minutes away!  I very much enjoy the restaurant whether it be on half price bottle of wine Mondays, a family dinner with my parents, sitting at the bar watching a football or hockey game or, as I did today, for a working lunch with my boss.

 

One of the best parts of Firebirds is the bread that you get with each meal, which we refer to as "butt bread".  See for yourself. Some days have more "back" than others. 

 



 

When I first dined at Firebirds, I had the grilled tenderloin salad which comes with bleu cheese crumbles and a balsamic vinaigrette dressing. That was my "go to" order. Funny, that since it is now right around the corner, today was the first time in over a year that I ordered that salad. It was just as delicious as I remembered.

Every. Single. Bite.



 

 

In September 2013,  I decided to try the French dip sandwich with cider slaw and tater tots! A restaurant that offers tater tots as a side has totally won my heart! Not only did I absolutely love and devour the meal, but I have since turned two others on to the heavenly sandwich. The last time I sat at the bar I  met a stranger who had ordered the same thing - dumb luck? I think not!

Excellent taste, sir!

 

  Along with the French dip sandwich, I decided to try the Port City Brewery Optimal Wit Belgian White Ale that was on tap and I liked it. Mind you, I HATE beer. I think all beer is disgusting to put it nicely and tastes like urine. Yep, but for once I liked his beer. I came back in December and tried it again, thinking it was a fluke, and still liked it!!

 

Prior to the French dip infatuation, I used to get the beef tenderloin kabob with garlic mashed potatoes or au gratin potatoes.  Still a delectable choice.

 

I don't have a photo, but I was also introduced to Franciscan Cabernet Sauvignon at Firebirds - a wonderful, big, bold Napa Cab. It's quite pricey so make sure to get it on 1/2 price Mondays or go to your local Wegmans or Safeway and get it for $22 any day. It's totally worth it and it goes perfectly with a big, juicy steak. Firebirds also has LaCrema Chardonnay from Sonoma which is nice if you are in the mood for a white wine.

Bottom line is Firebirds never fails to please my heart, soul and appetite!

Random niceties do matter

On two separate occasions today, and completely unrelated, I found myself smiling and feeling really good because of "random niceties" of two individuals.

On my lunch break, I ran to the grocery store to pick up some things for dinner so I wouldn't have to go after work when it's cold (although it is a whopping 30 degrees today as opposed to 14 degrees yesterday) and dark.  As I rushed past the pharmacy section, I looked over and saw my sweet pharmacist and smiled. She waved and smiled and said, "Good afternoon Ms. Moore! How are you?!" It was as if she was sincerely happy to see me and I, in return, said, "Hello! How are ya?!" back to her and promptly went about my business but with a smile in my heart. It isn't often that we find good customer service these days, much less someone who knows and refers to you by name.  I have a monthly script for myself and my dog, nothing out of the ordinary, but she knows me.

Then, as I was walking back to my office from the copier this afternoon, a department head said hello to me and then asked "How is your mom doing?" My mom had an unexpected hemorraghic stroke in December and it was extremely traumatic.  I said that she was doing much better and thanked her for asking.  She then proceeded to say to me, "I know how stressful it is when people you love are not well. I understand." My heart was filled with joy because she not only asked about my mom but cared enough to follow up with that genuine statement that meant more to me than she'll ever know.

Yesterday morning started the niceties when the temperature outside was a record 4 degrees and I found that my heat was not working properly in my home. Instead of rising when I turned up the gauge, it was staying the same or falling after an hour or more. An HVAC expert from work came by out of the goodness of his heart to check it out for me. Not only did he assure me that all was working properly and that my house was just old (like me-we were "born" the same year!), but he took the time to actually show me how everything worked and to explain things. He thought nothing of this gesture but it meant the world to me. Not only did it save me a ridiculous amount of money for a diagnostic fee had I called an HVAC company, but most importantly, it gave me peace of mind.

 It really is the simple things in life that make a difference and matter to me.

Sav Blanc fan? This is for you! However, not for me.

It is important to smell wine before you taste it. Very important. So important that you should savor the aroma, think about what you smell.  You may not smell the same things that others do and that's ok. I seldom ever smell what I'm "supposed" to smell. But I take the time to figure out what it is that I smell. I have found that often wines smell the same and this time I was spot on. Just like you know what you like in taste, you often will know what you like in aroma as well. Oftentimes I enjoy the smell of the wine so much that I take a while before tasting it b/c the aroma is so delicious. That was not the case with this wine, however.

I don't typically enjoy Sauvignon Blancs but I still try them. I don't enjoy them b/c they usually taste of grapefruit and I am very opposed to the smell and taste of grapefruit. They also are made in stainless steel barrels which I tend to not enjoy.

However, I hate wasting wine, even if it was just a gift. Last year, a good friend of mine, who is also a wine importer, was kind enough to give me a case of wine. So beggars can't be choosers. I decided to open up the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc - Cloudy Bay -  tonight.

 

 

On the nose, I smelled fruit immediately - melon, pears, grapefruit.  It was very crisp and aromatic. Tangy and almost a tad bitter of an aftertaste. It is a very pale yellow with a hint of gold in color.

 

One thing to note is that often a white wine can be too cold and it changes the taste. I chilled this wine too long and indeed it was too "strong" so I poured a glass, and waited for a half hour and it was much better. I still wouldn't "buy" it by choice but it was better.

I know that Sav Blancs are usually good with seafood and I had already planned to have crab cakes for dinner, hence the reason why I decided to try this wine.  It did, indeed, taste better with the crab cakes.  Still, not my favorite by any means, but tolerable. I drank half the bottle and if I don't drink the rest within the next 24 hours I will not be angry with myself. Again, this was a gift.  You have to try things to know what you like and don't like.





 

Sautéed crab cakes with olive oil and Old Bay, organic sweet corn with a tiny bit of butter and black pepper with a side of Naan.

 

Hey, wait..... the ending of the second glass of Cloudy Bay isn't so bad - maybe it's because I'm watching Juan Pablo on this season's premiere of "The Bachelor".

 

Know what you like and don't ever feel the need to explain!



The Taste

Season 2 of The Taste has begun and I am super excited.
 Anthony Bourdain-love him! Nigela Lawson-superb! Ludo-pain in the ass genius!

Marcus Samuelson-I could do without after eating at his restaurant, Red Rooster, in Harlem two years ago.

Cornbread with incredible tomato chutney. It all went downhill from here - food wise... the company and people I met were incredible.

Fried yard bird aka crazy chicken

Bunny chow which is imposter lamb which looked and sounded amazing but had no flavor except spicy hot

 

 

This will be an incredible season of food and learning on "The Taste" !

As Nigela said, "food can change your life"!