Wine, Beer and Restaurant Reviews

Budini Chardonnay, Mendoza, Argentina, New World Wine, With an Eye to the Future

I love wine makers who are committed to producing wines with thought to the future of the earth. Jose Lovaglio who makes this bright and delicious, sustainably produced, Chardonnay is totally there.

We had this beauty with a homemade Italian influenced dinner of sauteed escarole, justed harvested from Vacchiano Farm, via Montclair Farms Market, grilled artisanal sausage from Whole Foods, and pasta with fresh herbs from our own garden. A perfect fresh dinner to pair with this perfect fresh wine. I think Argentinean wine goes so well with Italian cuisine because so many winemakers there have family roots in Italy. 

A day in The City, Biking the Hudson, Lunch at Chelsea Market, Hudson Hotel Sky Terrace, Movies, and Dinner at Indian Road.

As you know we love playing tourist in our own New York Metro area. This Saturday we covered much of Manhattan with a day that started with a fabulous bike tour up and down the Hudson on the magnificent bike paths in Hudson River Park. If you have not explored this part of New York City please put it on your summer calendar.

We rented our bikes from a place on 55th Street, Central Park Sightseeing, they were very nice and fairly well organized.  We rode up to 106th Street but the paths go up the GW Bridge, that will be our destination next trip.

We circled back and stopped off at the Chelsea Market at 16th Street for lunch, then cycled uptown to drop off our bikes before heading off to see Wes Anderson's new film, Moonrise Kingdom. On the way we stopped for a rest and a drink, ummm drinks, at the Sky Terrace in the Hudson Hotel. Met some nice people from San Fransisco there. After the movies we went all the way uptown to 218th Street to a favorite bar and restaurant, Indian Road Cafe.

Le Salbuen, Yes every bit as wonderful as they say. The Cafe & Market Montclair has been missing.

With excited anticipation we drove downtown for our first visit to the wonderful new cafe and market, Le Salbuen, Montclair.

The day, which became our first on the beach, 2012, was promising to be quite beautiful. Looking for a desperately needed break in routine, we skipped our usual morning espresso or french press at home and jumped in the car, top down, and motored down Grove to Walnut.

Early Farmers Market vendors were setting up their stalls and people were wandering the streets. We were greeted with visual delights as we stepped into La Salbuen which is destined to be a darling of Montclair. There are barely words to describe how much we love this place and the spirited hardworking owners Christina and Jon Salierno.

I'm leaving. I am NOT drinking any F&#%ing Merlot! Oh Yes We Are! Bohemian Highway Merlot

Any one who saw the game changing film about wine, Sideways, will never forget that line. They say Merlot took a big hit in sales as a result.

Years later the grape is regaining popularity especially with creative wine marketing efforts like this from Bohemian Highway Wine who bottle and market this delightful wine, Bohemian Highway Merlot.

This very inexpensive Merlot is really a great, bright flavorful, beautifully faceted ruby red wine that is just so pleasing. The wine went great with this simple Asian Chicken salad inspired by a lunch at Yotel, NYC.

New Jersey Wine Festivals and Events Blues and Wine at Natirar Park

There will be a lot of opportunities to experience the wines of newly liberated New Jersey wine makers this Spring and Summer.

You can find information on the Garden State Wine Growers web site.

One great one that we have attended in the past is called Blues and Wine and is being held at the scenic Natirar Park in Somerset County Memorial Day Weekend (May 26-27)  Over 20 New Jersey Wineries will exhibit and great music will be offered up.

Another is bieng sponsored by The Lakewood BlueClaws will host the 2^nd annual Jersey Shore Wine Festival June 2^nd and 3^rd at FirstEnergy Park, Lakewood.

Gabrielle Hamilton's Restaurant Prune on a Warm Spring Night

You have probably heard of Gabrielle Hamilton from all the press on her popular memoir "Blood, Bones and Butter." You may have read the book, like almost everyone else I know. I had the pleasure of meeting her at a signing at Watchung Book Sellers last year.

You have not really experienced Gabrielle until you dine at Prune her tiny but very fulfilling restaurant downtown on 1st Street, between First and Second, NYC.

It is particularly nice in the Spring when the front windows are opened facing the park on this quite street.

Simple Beer Cocktails are Fun and Easy

Although my beer purist friends may groan when they read this, I love a lot of variety in my life and mixing things with the beers I love is included.

Lately I've been trying different cordials with beer and have found that one of my favorites Pama, a Pomegrante liquor that I usually mix with Vodka, also goes great in a simple IPA like this one from Dogfish Head. 

Creme de Framboise, a Raspberry Liquor, is really tasty in a dark chocolate stout, the taste reminds me of Baskin Robins chocolate raspberry ice cream.  

You can get fancier. With these beer cocktails.

I'm Calling This "The Summer of Cava" The Great Sparkling Wine of Spain

I've had two fabulous Cavas this weekend. The first was Castellroig Brut that started a wonderful dinner at Prune in New York. 

The second was Poema that I poured for a Bridal Shower in northwestern New Jersey. Both were exceptional.

We have written often about this wonderful sparkling, Spumante, wine called Cava. Summer Wine - Cava the New (Old) Hot Sparkling Wine and A Fabulous Summer Cocktail - Watermelon, Cava, Lime, Agave Nectar