Wine, Beer and Restaurant Reviews

Spring Brings Flowers and Rosé, Rosato and Rosado

Spring is the time I like to drink these luscious pink, salmon, rose colored wines. In France they are called Rosé; in Italy, Rosato; and Rosado in Spain. This one called Vitiano Rosato Umbria paired so nicely with a dish inspired by friend Stacy who creates the recipes and writes Stacey Snacks, a perfect pairing for her Grilled Salmon w/ Red Quinoa & Pistachios.

Two Very Special Wines For Spring and Summer Sipping. South African Chenin Blanc & Austrian Gruner Veltliner

We chose these two wines for a recent wedding party we sommeliered*. The bride was buying the wine and we had not actually tasted these before, our research was positive, and they turned out to be exceptional.

I find that, while relatively unknown here in the US, Chenin Blanc & Gruner Veltliner have universal appeal. Everyone loves these wines.

No One Does Wine Like the French, Art de Vivre : A Wine Tour de France at French Institute Alliance Française

One could easily argue, and win the debate, that no one does wine like French winemakers.  And in NY no one does French wine events like the French Institute Alliance Française.

We have attended several and are very excited about their spring 2013 event. More Info and Tickets Here

Fiano, an Ambrosial Grape of Southern Italy, Meets California and Australia for Dinner

There are two white grapes of Southern Italy that I have absolutely fallen in love with. Fiano and Insolia. This wine by the Salento, Puglia vineyard Castello Monaci has lovely crispness, with flavors of honeydew melon, wildflower honey and almond that blossom in a lively mouthful of flavor. It paired so perfectly with a California/Australian (Mod Oz) dinner we made.

Dai-Kichi Japanese - Best in Montclair IMHO

Montclair, has quite a few Japanese restaurants to choose from and when you ask locals which one they like the best they usually have a pretty definite opinion. I am often surprised how many people only know about our downtown options, when we think the best is in Upper Montclair.

We have been loving patrons of Dai-Kichi since its opening in 1988. Our kids practically grew up there and developed their palate over the years from the simply delicious yaki udon noodle dishes to exotic sushi rolls. This kid in particular has been a fan since he was 4 when he would only eat oshinko pickles, beef negamaki with the scallions removed and white rice, today however...

A consistent Best of Essex winner and subject of many favorable reviews Dai-Kichi  (Excellent Luck) is our favorite in Montclair.

Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Rose with an Asian Stir Fry? Well Yea, it Works.

What do you think of when you're looking to pair a wine with an Asian dish? Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc? Probably not a Rose. But this wine from South Africa was absolutely perfect.

It's Fall - Hard Cider Sangria with Braised Chicken Thighs with Parsnips and Brussel Sprouts

I love summer but I love fall too. I think the change of seasons will keep us here in the Northeast forever. The farmers' market is abundant with fall fruits and vegetables which inspired this meal.  

It's the real apple season and this recipe for, Hard Cider Sangria got me inspired. It's by Grace Parisi of Food and Wine and found in the October 2012 issue.

Went so nicely with this fall dinner of roasted root vegetables and braised chicken. That Diana made from a recipe in the same issue.

Arrivederci Estate, Goodbye Summer, with a Toast and a Perfect Dinner

Well this is it, last day, last evening, of the wonderful summer of 2012. We toast and say goodbye with some wonderful "Italian" wine from Barboursville Virginia and a delightful summer feast.

We of course started with a cocktail.