Wine, Beer and Restaurant Reviews

Albarino Wine - Friendly, Flavorful, FashionableLolo Albarino - Rías Baixas, España

We have written a lot about Albariño and since Spring is here and Summer is just weeks away we are back again. This Spanish white wine, vino blanco, is wonderful all year round but we especially love it in the warmer months.

It is very food friendly, pairs well with everything from a full bodied fish stew to sushi. It is also very comfortable with Indian, Thai, Mexican or as we enjoyed this Albarino, Lolo, with Brazilian at Samba, Montclair. 

From the Valle Central Beneath Andes to Montclair Anakena Sauvignon Blanc

What a world we live in. In minutes I can visit one of my many favorite wine stores and bring home a beautiful piece of South America.

Here's an example, a really really great Sauvignon Blanc from Chile that I found in nearby River Edge New Jersey, from Anakena Vineyard in majestic Valle Central.

Paired this wine with two delicious meals.

Jacob's Creek Wines Australia Since 1847 - Now New for 2012 - in a Word Moscato

Last week we met Chris Morrison, brand ambassador for Jacob's Creek, with all his classic Australian charm, at a dinner he hosted for wine media at the fabulous Hurricane Club on Park Avenue South, NYC.

I've been a Jacob's Creek fan for a number of years, I especially enjoy their Rieslings. On this night we tasted some of their current red wines and were introduced to two very appealing new Moscato wines.

Chinese and Chenin Blanc a perfect pairing with two perfect Vouvrays

Met friends for another fabulous dinner at Chef Jon's in Whippany. Love that place. We had Peking Duck this time and while not quite as good as some of the places in Chinatown, NYC it was still right up there. The other dishes we had were the smoked fish appetizer, scallion pancakes, rice cakes with pork this time and stir-fried eggplant in a rich brown garlic sauce. All delicious.

My friend Marc and I usually talk before going out to strategize our wine for dinner. This time we didn't. To our surprise and satisfaction we both brought Vouvray which when made to be semi-dry is just perfect with Asian cuisine.

Shochu - The Exciting Spirit From Japan

I've heard of Shochu, the national spirit of Japan, but had never tasted it, until today. Apparently it is becoming all the rage in better Japanese restaurants and outstanding cocktail bars in metropolitan America. 

At a fabulous event held at the lovely Astor Center in downtown Manhattan 16 celebrated Shochu producers showed their stuff, Shochu neat and Shochu cocktails created by Junior Merino, The Liquid Chef, it was amazing.