A taste of Italy in Centreville

When it comes to visiting other countries, Italy is definitely a must on my bucket list.

I mean, come on!

 As the tinywinegirl and a self-proclaimed foodie, it's a no brainer!

 

In the meantime, though, I found a taste of Italy in one of the most unexpected places.....

 a strip mall in Centreville, VA!

 

 

Ciao Wood Fired Pizza and Osteria opened in the Summer 2014 and is an authentic southern Italian eatery where you are treated like family from the moment you walk through the door. From the red and white checkered cloths covering the tables to the exposed brick walls, this quaint restaurant instantly gave me a comfortable sense of belonging.

 

Sal Speizale, the owner, is from Sicily and is a retired Air Force fighter pilot.  He built Ciao with the idea of feeling as if you're at his mom's house in Sicily. Momma Giovanna, at the age of 87, has visited the restaurant and gave her stamp of approval on the sauce! She also shared her own personal recipe for cannoli which is made fresh at Ciao!

 

Ciao is definitely a rare find in Northern Virginia. Its roots are deep in Italian soil and the recipes have been in the Speizale family for generations. Fresh mozzarella is made daily! Meatballs are hand rolled just like Sal's great grandfather did and pizza dough is made fresh and cooked directly in the wood-fired oven.

 

Now comes the sauce. I need to take a breath here for a minute.
I have never tasted such a rich and balanced tomato sauce! When the sauce is made, the flour has to be mixed with San Benedcito water. It is the only flour that must be mixed with imported water. Perhaps that is part of the allure of this sauce - along with the sweetness of the San Marzano tomatoes, of course.

 

Bruschetta is one of my favorite appetizers, especially in the summer when tomatoes are at their best. I have ordered bruschetta at various establishments and while it's often good, no bruschetta has ever come close to that at Ciao.

 

 

Three generous pieces of toasted bread that are just the right balance of soft and crusty with juicy chunks of tomato, fresh basil, garlic, buffalo mozzarella, drizzled with balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil served on a light bed of mesculin greens atop a chic cutting board-esque platform.

At Ciao, you not only are "wow'd" by the presence of the food but equally "wow'd" by the taste!

That combination doesn't happen often!

 

When I visit an Italian restaurant for the first time, I always want to try what I consider a staple of Italian food which is either lasagna or pizza. If you can't do one of those right, I won't return. If you can successfully create a delicious one of either, then I'll give you a second chance. Very seldom am I blown away by one, much less both. At Ciao, I couldn't decide which to purchase so my friend and I decided to get both and share!

 

Eccellente!

 

 

 

The Lasagna Di Carne is an enormous portion enough for two people (and I mean people like me who like to eat) and was presented in a thick crock-type bowl which allowed it to consistently retain the heat. 

 

This is the first lasagna that I've had where the balance was superb. The homemade San Marzano tomato sauce with meat, the creamy ricotta and the fresh mozzarella blended together with all parts of each noodle perfectly cooked. No chewy or crunchy pieces! The crock also serves those of us well who like to sop up the leftover sauce with the homemade bread.

 

Yes, homemade bread.

While I devoured the bread before I could take a picture of it, I don't regret it. At Ciao, you receive a basket of freshly baked bread made from the same dough as the pizza crust. It's perfect for cleaning up the bowl when you've finished the lasagna.

 

Ciao offers 18 different pizzas in three different categeories - bianche (white pizza), rossa (red sauce) and Neapolitan.

 

Neapolitan pizza originated in Naples, Italy and is made from simple and fresh ingredients: dough, raw tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and olive oil with no fancy toppings. It is defined by having more sauce than cheese which leaves the middle wet or soggy and not able to be served by the slice. As a result, these pizzas are similar to the size of a personal pizza.  They are cooked at
800-900 degrees for no more than 90 seconds! Because of the extremely high temps, you may see black spots the size of a dime on the crust. They are known as "leopard spots" and are a distinct characteristic of a true Neapolitan pizza!

 

VPN is the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana and was founded in 1984 in Naples to certify pizzerias that only use the proper ancient artisan traditions of authentic Neapolitan pizza. The Association has several stringent requirements that must be met in order to gain certification; of which ALL must be met. Ciao has applied for VPN certification and is anxiously awaiting acceptance.

While I can't wait to go back to Ciao and try a Neapolitan pizza, this trip, I tried one of the Rossa pizzas and instantly fell in love. Bellisimo!

 

 

The Salamino consists of tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, imported pepperoni, basil and parmesan reggiano cheese. It was the perfect combination of sweet and savory. The crust is thin but not paper thin and it's the first time in a long time I ate every bit of the crust. I usually leave the end behind because its boring and a waste of calories. Sometimes pepperoni is very strong and charcoal-like to me but not this time. While I am a huge cheese fan, I could have just eaten the sauce and been perfectly satisfied. It was THAT delicious.

What could have made this meal better aside from a bottle of wine?  (It was lunch and I was with my boss. Come on, I had to go back to work!)
The owner being present and welcoming me to his "home" for the first time. When I told Sal it was my first time at his restaurant, he asked what took me so long! It may have been my first visit but it definitely won't be my last. I cannot wait to go back and eat there again!

By the way, an osteria is an Italian restaurant, typically a simple or inexpensive one.

Need I say more?

A simple Italian restaurant with excellently-balanced and delicious food to match the exquisite family feel accompanied by the presence of the owner, himself!

Thanks for welcoming this simple pleasures girl to the family!

 

"Where we come from, food is a big deal. For us, meals are celebration of family, good food and culture.  We cook with love and take our time to craft distinctive dishes that aren’t just filling, but deeply satisfying. It’s just what we do for family." 

http://www.ciao-osteria.com 

 

 

 



My permanent reminder

A bearded mix of a spin doctor and the front man from ZZtop with a sweet loving smile and eyes that spoke from the depth of his soul eased my mind and took my hand.  The display of comfort portrayed was magnificent as he released the barrage of yellow jackets on my virgin skin. As my right hand clutched my leg, my left arm remained at the artist's mercy. Through the multitude of creative artwork on the walls surrounding me, instantly appearing in front of me was a framed painting of Jesus in his crown of thorns. Pain, I thought? These bees are nothing. At that moment, the sting was at its worse as the spin doctor traced the line that formed my cross. Irony at its best. It was then a release of air was expelled from my lungs and my leg was released of my hand's clutch. An incredible source of strength arose within me resonating from her wedding ring on my right hand. My bursting into the angry beehive was for her. It's the least I could do. Nothing would even begin to compare to the excruciating pain she endured during that three-week long nightmare.

It's simple. It's meaningful. It's unique.
Her handwriting. Our faith.
My inspiration. My constant source of unconditional love.
My permanent reminder.
It's all for her.

There are no coincidences.

“Our bodies were printed as blank pages

to be filled with the ink of our hearts.”

― Michael Biondi

 

 

 

A huge heartfelt thanks to Barb for enabling the connection which inspired this tattoo to come to fruition and to Kevin at Jack Brown's Tattoo Revival in Fredericksburg for the permanency of my creation.

 

 

    

Beer Hound Brewery

 I am always seeking out wineries, distilleries and breweries, not to mention eateries, out of the norm and just on the outskirts of where I live.

 

Culpeper, VA has become one of those areas that I enjoy. I've only been to Culpeper a few times but I've enjoyed each time and I keep wanting to go back every time I visit. 

It's not too far but just far enough for a ride on the Harley.

 

Beer Hound Brewery is a nano brewery that opened in October 2014 as the first ever brewery in Culpeper. It didn't take long for beer enthusiasts to make it the mainstay of the downtown arts district.

 

 

As we rolled into town on the Harley, I instantly smiled.
I love downtown areas. I love the quaint feeling and the sense of belonging that is instantly felt.
I loved seeing the train tracks dead ending the street as we found Beer Hound on the right. Following the curved road around to a parking area, I heard music and clapping but the sound of a band was absent. I looked up at the warehouse next to where we parked and saw from where the ruckus was coming. It was a church service, and a lively one at that, which almost made me want to venture inside!

Then to the right I saw something I always gravitate towards....

 

 

 

I'm obsessed with the Virginia LOVE signs and had no idea there was one in Culpeper!

As we walked up to Beer Hound, there were quite a few people enjoying the outdoor patio; some even with their dogs. As we walked inside, I noticed there was only one dude working and he was playing country radio. I knew I'd like this place and I hadn't even tried the beer yet!
 

 

All of the Beer Hound beers are named after famous dogs in movies and history and attempt to link the beer style to the hound.  Being the dog lover that I am, this was right up my alley!!!
 I expected a lot out of this brewery.
The one immediate disappointment I had was that there wasn't a German shepherd beer.
 Seriously?
Who doesn't know and love Rin Tin Tin? 
You know I HAD to express my feelings to the staff!
 

 

 I'm used to breweries in warehouses and Beer Hound was different. It was almost set up like a café with tons of tables and even booths along one wall.  I especially liked the huge chalkboard inviting guests to leave some inspiring sentiments!
 

As always, we decided to indulge in a flight! It's the only way to go!

Teddy - an American Cream Ale - smooth, easy to drink, nothing terrible, nothing fantastic, but decent

Apollo - an official German Hefeweizen with a hint of banana and a hint of spice - quite flavorful. I'm growing accustomed to Hefeweizens.

The Scottie wasn't available. We were given another one to try in its place but what it was, I don't recall.

 Duke - an Amber Ale with some hints of sweetness and a bit of pepper. I could drink this one as well. I'm starting to gain a liking for ambers.

Archie - an English Brown Ale that has an aroma of citrus and baking spices with a mild citrus hoppy flavor and a hint of a caramel.  Not repulsive.

Teufelhunde -  an Belgian Tripel that has some tropical fruit flavors but the bitterness starts to come on at the end. When I start to get a hint of bitter, I know that the IPA is coming soon and the ones that I will tend to enjoy are soon going to be ending.
 

Old Yella  - an American Pale Wheat Ale starts out with a sweet breadlike taste but then bam! Here comes the bitter. Yep, Old Yella may have been a good dog, but his beer is not so much.

Mutt - IPA - yep, an IPA. Bleh. My favorite guy can finish this one.  It's all you, baby!

Fang - an Oatmeal Stout with an aroma of coffee and dark chocolate. If it were a wine, this aroma would make me extremely happy. It has a flavor that bursts dark chocolate and lightly roasted coffee with a full mouth feel. Makes me think of breakfast and I'm not really a breakfast fan. I can usually take a sip of these and be fine but no more than one sip. Too strong for my taste.

Typical for me, I enjoyed everything up to the Teufelhunde. While I love the name, it was the beginning of the bitterness and that's what I don't like about beer. I mean let's face it. Bitter Beer Face is not a good look on me. I'm thrilled that there are so many kinds of beer out there now though. I'm bound to find one or three that I can fathom or, God forbid, enjoy!

 

"Our brews will make your tail wag"

 

Well, I'm not sure about your brews, but this guy sure makes MY tail wag.

Too much? Yeah, ok. Maybe.

Well, Culpeper, you've done it again!

 I enjoy myself every time I'm in your town and I am definitely approve of your first brewery.
 In fact, I plan on making another trip to try out some of Beer Hound's new brews in the future.

Just work on that German Shepherd one, please!

 

 

     

“Whoever drinks beer, he is quick to sleep; whoever sleeps long, does not sin; whoever does not sin, enters Heaven!

Thus, let us drink beer!”

― Martin Luther

The Saturday Trifecta

An adventure on the Harley to a winery, a distillery and a brewery

 

The perfect group of three!

 

When you head to Fredericksburg in the summer and you want to stay off of 95 South you pop down windy back roads that lead you through woods and farms and eventually to Route 17. 

Well, there's a vineyard that hasn't even been open a year in Midland which just so happens to not be far off that back road route!

Ironic?

Perhaps not, when you have a planner, such as myself, involved in the Saturday adventure.

 

 

 

Grey Horse Vineyards and Winery is located on 35 acres in the beautiful rolling hills of Midland. It is also home to owners Kathy and Jay Fenske's horses. The Fenskes built the vineyard on their own and its name was inspired by their horses, Bethany Bay and her newborn foal, Amira, who is turning gray just like her mom.

 

As the GPS informed us that we reached our destination and all we saw was a long winding gravel road with vines on each side, we took a deep breath and thought, "Harley, don't fail us now."

 

 

 

I have the utmost faith in my favorite guy as a driver and had no sense of insecurity at all. It was quite hilarious to pass by the workers who were tending to the vines. I swear they referred to us as, "Crazy Americans" in a language I didn't understand as we slowly made it past them up the gravel path on a motorcycle. Oh, what we we'll do in the name of wine......

 

We finally made it to the parking lot and proceeded to make our hike to the winery.

This wine better be worth it!

 

 

 

All of a sudden, the beautiful winery appeared before us from a clearing in the trees!

Wow! We sure weren't expecting something of this magnitude!

 

 

The inside of the winery was just as impressive; especially the spacious tasting room.

 

 

Grey Horse also has a beautiful outside deck which forms an L around the building.
This place has "wedding" written all over it.

The owners of Grey Horse work with the Papadopolous family who own Molon Lave and Mediterranean Cellars in Warrenton. Right now, Grey Horse is getting its grapes from those vineyards and making its own wines at the Midland facility. We were told the Fenskes were not fond of overly sweet wines and I was pleased to hear that as that's exactly what I found at Mediterranean Cellars when I went about four years ago.... unfortunately.

We tasted the following wines produced at Grey Horse:

2013 Over Fences - a light white blend of Chardonnay and Vioginer with hints of citrus and flowers. Nothing exciting.

2012 Chardonnay - This Chardonnay "imposter" was not repulsive but if I had been blind tasting, I would never have guessed this was a Chardonnay. Very confusing to me. Not bad, just odd.

2012 Merlot - the surprise of the day - our favorite! Not many wineries in our area of Virginia make Merlot and with good reason - because if they do it's usually terrible. I am a Washington State Merlot fan and we surely do not have the climate conducive to growing luscious, smooth Washington Merlot. This was very enjoyable and we were definitely shocked.


2012 Equidae - This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot was quite nice but didn't compare to the Merlot. Again, I'm not a fan of Virginia Cab Savs. They just aren't bold enough for me.


Along with the wine, we were given a plate of cheese bites and a piece of chocolate for pairing.
While it wasn't anything extravagant and the cheese wasn't anything extraordinary, it was definitely a nice touch.

 

Grey Horse also makes three different sangrias and we both were able to pick one to try.
So what do we do? We each pick a different one so we can try both of them.

We're so smart it scares me sometimes.

 

The peach sangria made with the Chardonnay, peaches, strawberries and blueberries and the raspberry pomegrante sangria made with the Merlot, raspberries, pomegranate and cranberries were both delicious. However, I chose the peach as my favorite simply because it was refreshing on a warm day. It would also be a delicious brunch drink instead of a mimosa. The Merlot-based sangria was good but that Merlot would make an even better mulled wine.

Grey Horse may not have the best wines but they are young and I see a ton of potential!
Once it starts using its own grapes, things could change.
I'll definitely want to make it back and see how its grown in a year or two.

But for now it's time to jump back on the Harley and attack the gravel as we move on to the next destination!

 

Recognize this bottle of bourbon?

I'm sure you have seen it and if you haven't, then you should grab a bottle and try it!

 

 

I was fortunate enough to be able to visit the actual A. Smith Bowman Distillery because it's less than an hour south of where I live and about a half hour from Grey Horse!

 

Not only do you get a complimentary hour tour but the tour includes a tasting of three spirits
at the end! Don't expect fancy though.

It's a warehouse that is two levels and to my surprise, Bowman has taken over the entire area
 like a compound.
What an interesting operation!

 

 

 

A. Smith Bowman has been around Virginia farms since 1927! Mr. Bowman's Sunset Hills estate farm was so abundant that he needed a use for the excess grain from his fields so in 1935, after the repeal of prohibition in Virginia, he built and licensed a distillery.  Along with the granary, he also had a dairy farm and his sons continued on with the tradition by continuing to feed the grains from the distillery to the dairy cattle. Some pretty content cows, eh?

 

 

 

In 1988, due to rising real estate and property taxes in Northern Virginia, the distillery was moved to its current location in Spotsylvania County, 60 miles from the original location. 

Still a small and American family-owned company, A. Smith Bowman prides itself on balancing  tradition with innovation and creativity to produce hand-crafted spirits while honoring the groundbreaking legacy of Virginia pioneers.

We toured the facility and were in awe of its sheer size and the lovely aroma of bourbon that surrounded us.

Mmmmm... heavenly.

 

We were able to taste a straight bourbon whiskey, rum (which was way to molasses-y for me), gin (not my thing but no gin is) and a delicious liqueur.

 

Do you like Bailey's Irish Cream or any of the Ghiradelli liqueurs? Then this is for you. Add some to your coffee, pour it over pound cake or just sip on it for a sweet luscious treat.

 

 

 One of my favorite parts is when you get to climb to the top of a ladder and there is a landing with this view. That's a lot of delicious right there!

 Not far from Bowman is a brewery. Actually there are two.

We didn't stop at the closest one but we went a tad bit farther to check out a new brewery.

  

I have a love for firefighters. It comes naturally. You could say it's in my DNA.

 

My dad's father was a career firefighter. My mom's dad was a volunteer firefighter. My dad's cousin is a retired firefighter. All for the City of Alexandria. My mom grew up infatuated with fire engines and to this day, she still gets excited when she hears the sirens and will often "chase" them. She still hasn't been given a ride in one even though many have promised but never followed through (hint hint).

 

My first "real job" right out of college was with the City of Alexandria government in its Code Enforcement Bureau which was a division of the Fire Department. Throughout my 14-year career with various departments in the City, I grew an even fonder of firefighters and became part of their family. There is nothing like a man who will risk his own life to save another. It takes a very special person for that job and I am always in awe of them and their spirit. 

 

I often say that the only thing that truly made me proud to be an Alexandria City employee was the Alexandria Fire Department (and Alexandria Police Department, as well).

 

I couldn't pass up stopping by a brewery which is owned by two firefighters who brew beer in their spare time! In case you aren't aware of the Maltese Cross - here 'ya go!

 

 

 

 

 

While small, the brewery has an obvious cool firehouse theme.

 

 

 

As we feel is necessary, at every new-to-us brewery, we have to get a flight and share. It's the only way to truly gain a true understanding of what the brewery is all about.

 



 

Naturally, my favorite on the flight was the Fireman's Blonde which is a smooth, crisp, light Golden Ale. Again, the only blondes I typically like are dogs and beer.

 

 

The Vanilla Brown was a pretty delicious ale as well. They also had a Summer Saison and Smash which is a single malt single hop ale. Meh. Their IPA is a hoppy, citrusy bitter after taste beer - just a typical IPA to me.  Last was a Coffee Porter which his well, just that. They all pretty much taste the same to me and ruin your taste buds so make it the last one you try. I don't like coffee so making a coffee-flavored beer doesn't excite me. However, I will try them all, because believe it or not, I have found ones surprise me and I end up liking them. In fact, I've found an IPA I could tolerate and even one I enjoyed. But it just wasn't here.

 

Trust a firefighter with your life?

Then trust us with your beer!

 

We may not have been overjoyed by Maltese's beer but their brewery and their motto is pretty damn awesome!

 

I don't know what is much better than a Harley adventure that includes a winery, distillery and brewery all on one summer Saturday with my favorite guy!

 I highly recommend you grab your favorite guy (or girl) and do the same!

 

 

Drink is the feast of reason and the flow of soul.

- Alexander Pope

 

Life's too short to drink cheap wine....

.... unless it's this divine Pinot Grigio from Valdidge, Italy!!

At a typical wine tasting, one will start off with light white wines and slowly build up to the big reds.  Usually, there is a Sauvignon Blanc to start or a dry Riesling. Next comes a Chardonnay or two and then a Rose' to transition into the reds. Beginning with a light red such as a Pinot Noir and then into a  Syrah and Merlot we usually finish with a Cab. A sweet dessert wine will often round out the tasting.

Just as you start off with light whites and build up to big reds, the prices tend to follow suit.

As a result, what I usually end up liking is on the expensive side.

Over the years, my tastes have tended to lean toward the red side of the spectrum with the exception of my unbridled love for Chardonnay. That doesn't mean that I don't enjoy any others; it's just the way my likes have begun to trend. In the summer, I lean more toward whites and in the fall and winter I start transitioning to reds.

Most weekend tastings at my happy place start off with a sparking wine similar to champagne and while I won't turn down a taste, I'm never that excited. It gets your palette ready if nothing else. Next, there's usually a Sauvignon Blanc and everyone knows I'm not a fan. Grapefruit is not my friend and Sav Blancs are a smack of grapefruit in the face. So, until we get to the Chardonnay or a

Chardonnay-esque wine, I just go with the flow, take my sips and anticipate the good stuff.

Well, to my surprise, this past weekend, I not only chose the very FIRST wine on the table but one of the CHEAPEST as my favorite!

Santa Alessandra

 Pinot Grigio

 At under $12 a bottle, this light-bodied, delicate white wine

has a perfect balance of fruit and acidity.

I was pleasantly surprised at my first sip and as the tasting went on, I still favored it of all the Italian whites. While the reds were quite nice, by the end of the tasting, my taste buds were still craving that first Pinot Grigio!

I have nothing against Pinot Grigio at all. In fact, when I first started drinking wine, I recall the mutated Pinot Noir being one of the first transition whites. It was a dry white that I could fathom when I was trying to get out of the "sweet stuff". (For the record though, I NEVER liked Moscato.)

I can't remember the last time I had a Pinot Grigio on a tasting and this one was quite delightful.

My friend, Steve, who I hadn't seen in quite a while, was there and did the tasting with me.

He isn't even a Chardonnay fan and always likes reds best.

 But he even agreed that the Pinot Grigio was delicious!

Just as I suspected, the Pinot Grigio paired excellently with the steamed mussels in wine and garlic appetizer of the night!

Maybe life isn't too short to drink cheap wine after all.

Well, as long as the cheap wine is as good as this one!



Thanks for being my witness and partner-in-crime for this one, Steve!

No one would believe either one of us!

My true love

  

It's mesmerizing.

I can stare at it longingly for hours and never stray.

 

  

It's peaceful.

It provides me with a sense of contentment just by being in its presence.
 

 

 

It's powerful.

It can change all I've ever known in an instant.

 

 

It's enticing.

It draws me in and keeps me coming back for more.

 

 

 

It's addicting.

Becoming one with it made me realize I could never be without it again.

 

 

 

It's beautiful.

It makes me feel like I'm in the midst of pure magic.

 

 

It's soothing.

It makes me believe every sound it utters is meant only for me.

 

 

It's refreshing.

It breathes life into me when I feel as if I have no will left.

 

 

 

It's the one place I feel at home.

It's my heart's one true love.

 

Please note: I was inspired to write this one afternoon in October while in the Outer Banks. I took each of these photos during that trip over a matter of three sunrises.