Wine, Beer and Restaurant Reviews

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.