Mano a Vino - Eat, Drink, Write - Great Wine, Food, Beer and Places

A Wine Tour de France 2012 - French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF)

This is an event we look always look forward to, The French Institute Alliance Françaises (FIAF) annual Wine Tour de France. Each year FIAF produces a unique series of wine events and 2012 is no exception. 

This year you not only have the opportunity to taste and enjoy the current and historical stories of France's three most prominent wine regions, Burgundy, the Rhône Valley, and Bordeaux; but also learn current trends and critical views on Wine Collecting, the Organic Wine Debate and the controversy around Champagne versus Sparkling.

All this while experiencing some of France's most exciting wines. There are six sessions in all, each presented by noted New York City sommeliers.   

This year there is one more event you won't want to miss, a Special Wine & Chocolate Tasting.   

Find More Info and Register Here 

Le Sughere Maremma by Rocca di Frassinello an "Ideal Italian-French" at Ah Pizz

It was a fun and crazy night. We met up with our friends Stace and Henry at Upstairs for cocktails, wine and small plates. We had a delicious feast but were not quite ready for dessert or to go home.

For whatever reason we had been talking about our favorite pizza places and one thing led to another and before I knew it we were on our way to Ah Pizz.

Needing some more wine we stopped by Angelbeck's and picked up this beauty on Stace's recommendation, a truly wonderful wine from the gorgeous Maremma region on the coast of Tuscany.  We also love wines from Morellino di Scansano in Maremma.

Well, I guess when you put It that way real Chamgagne is really the best

Brought To By Wine.com, Purveyors of Fine Wine and Champagne, Click Twice to See Full Size.

Brought To By Wine.com, Purveyors of Fine Wine and Champagne, Click Twice to See Full Size.

Wine.Com is a great place to find great Champagne. It is also a great source of wine information and ratings that we use this site often.

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Mes Reves Delicious French Cuisine in Bloomfield NJ and Two Lovely French Wines

Mes Reves (My Dream) French Bistro on Broad Street in Bloomfield is just turning a year old. It is the beautiful dream of  Quang Tran, chef de cuisine of Mes Reves and his wife and co-owner Tammie Tran. 

Mes Reves serves a classic French menu made with ingredients from the best purveyors and served with a stylish flair. From the lushly comfortable space, impeccable service and delicious food we enjoyed every moment. And of course the French wine was very good.

Argentinian Wine Documentary "Boom Varietal" Screening and Tasting

As you know we are very enthusiastic about Argentinian wines and culture. Here is an excellent opportunity to experience both.

On Sunday Feb 12th, "Boom Varietal"  will be featured at the NJ Film Fest at Rutgers University. (7pm)  The screening will be followed by a wine tasting where guests can sample many of the wines they see in the film. One of Argentina's most popular winemakers, Hector Durigutti will present.

Samba Brazilian New Montclair Restaurant Review

The owners of Park Street Cafe in Montclair have gracefully revealed their South American personality in a nice new Brazilian restaurant called Samba. 

They have morphed their place that serves great breakfast and lunch to take us to Southern America to enjoy the great cuisine from that part of the world. 

The Samba creation has been open just a few weeks, but Nell and I really enjoyed our dinner there. Other people have been raving as well.

There are some improvements to be made, but we love the diversity of cuisine.

Chef Jon's Authentic Chinese Cuisine Review

Our friends Gail and Marc live in Mendham, we live in Montclair. We are always looking for restaurants in between. Gail suggested Chef Jon's Authentic Chinese Cuisine in Whippany, NJ. It turned out to be a winner. a real winner. In fact I think this places turns out some of the best Chinese in New Jersey.

In September of 2010 the New York Times gave Chef Jon's a great review in Chinese Cooking, as the Chinese Do. They wondered then "Can this last." Well it certainly has Chef Jon's is still wonderful 16 months later. We hope it continues because we certainly will be back.

We love their slogan "Be An Honest Man; Cook Authentic Food."

Jefferson's Cafe - Best Darn Breakfast in Town

Last day with the family before Pierce goes off to college again. We wanted a nice Sunday
breakfast to send him off full and happy.

I had not been to Jefferson's, the quintessential Southern Cafe, in a few years, but I heard that it is still very good. It seemed like the perfect place for a comfortable breakfast.

I was right, the food was very good and the friendly atmosphere just right. Reminds me of an old favorite, the Pink Tea Cup in NYC before it got all fancy.