Mano a Vino

Interesting Italian Red Wines from Friuli

My brother in-law, Perry Weinstein, from California, was in NY on business. He loves Italian wines as I do and finds better Italian wines rare in his home state.

A visit to my favorite wine bar Gottino was in order.

While there we explored several wines with the careful guidance of our bartenders Martin and Jeremy. As the evening progressed we asked for very interesting wines and Martin proudly presented these two gems, a Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso by Vigneti Le Monde a vineyard in Friuli and a Schioppettino By Girolamo  Dorigo whose vineyard is also in Fruili.

You Have to Love a Good Dolcetto

In Italy's prominent wine growing region Piedmont the most famous and expensive wines, Barolos and Barbarescos, are made with the big powerful Nebbiolo grape. If you are a Cabernet fan or just like big tannic wines you will probably love those wines.

But if you are fond of Pinot Noir you will probably love Dolcetto. I do.

Bangkok Garden a Great Thai Restaurant in Hackensack New Jersey

Friends told of this delightful Thai restaurant in Hackensack, NJ. We decided to give it a try and were very satisfied.

Very good Thai has been elusive in Montclair, although I am hopeful for Spice II.

Dined at Sirin in Morristown a few weeks ago and the dinner was mixed, some dishes were very good and others just fair. Service was way off.

Bangkok Garden gets it all right. Delicious food, great service, nice atmosphere, and they have a liquor license so you can have a cold Singha with your dinner. 

Dinner at Macao Trading Company New York City

Went to Macao Trading Company the exciting new restaurant by the people behind one of our favorite places, Employees Only. 

Like EO,  Macao has an unmarked entrance. There it is the begining of a speakeasy theme, here the secret door hides what seems like a wild port bar in Asia. Once inside you are enveloped in a dark aura of mysterious excitment.

From cocktails to dessert everything was wonderful, just all to fast.

New Cocktail, We Called it Red Maven

I have always loved making cocktails, but recently have taken a renewed interest in the craft of making really wonderful cocktails.

Inspired by great mixologists like Alberta Straub, Eben Freeman & Audrey Saunders I created this one that my wife named "Maven."

I added the word Red. Here is the recipe for this delicious cocktail called the "Red Maven."

Oatley Wines from Mudgee, NSW, Australia

I am always delighted to discover another great wine region in Australia. There are so many. One I learned of recently is a region called Mudgee. It is in a beautiful area northwest of Sydney. Great wine has been produced there since the 1800's. 

The name Mudgee is derived from the Wiradjuri term Moothi meaning "Nest in the Hills".

One of the best vineyards there is the Robert Oatley Vineyard nestled in the scenic hills of rich volcanic soil. I recently had the good fortune to to taste some of their wonderful wines.

A Quest for Cocktails

Searching for the holy grail of cocktails has lead me to Macao Trading Company  in Tribeca (review to follow soon) which had many great offerings and to Tailor in Soho, which has delivered the best yet.

Eben Freeman is the master of the bar at Tailor.

"If you think bartending involves a simple mix and match of liquid ingredients, you haven't sampled Eben Freeman's cocktails at Tailor Restaurant in New York City. Not only can he make the perfect classic Manhattan, martini, and Margarita, but he's an innovator, too." Epicurious Making Cocktails with Eben Freeman

Photo by Elizabeth Perrin

World's Best Burger - Shake Shack Uptown - New York City

I know I am begging for a fight making such a bold statement, but we are ready, my son Pierce and I, to take on the challenge. Ready to debate the incredible deliciousness of the Shake Shack burger against any other.

You have to ask yourself, Why do countless people line up outside in all kinds of weather to wait sometimes over an hour to get a hamburger?

I would love to tell you but it is impossible you have to try one for yourself. You could check out this link to New York Mag's Grub Street Blog if you like, Shake Shack Coming to Upper West Side

New York State Wines

Here are three really good wines from New York State that I have enjoyed lately

Warm Lake Estates 2004 Mountain Road Niagara Escarpment Pinot Noir found on the by the glass list at one of our favorite NY restaurants, Il Buco.

The Grapes of Roth 2007 Riesling enjoyed with asian cuisine at the wonderful  new Macao Trading Company.

Millbrook Tocai Friulano which I received as a gift and wrote about a few months ago.

New York wines have really improved over the years, they worth trying.