Thursday Sips & Nibbles

I am back again with a new edition of Thursday Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I briefly highlight some interesting wine and food items that I have encountered recently.
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1) Executive Chef Eric Gburski and Owner Brian Poe are rolling out weekend brunch at Estelle’s and Gburski will be serving up some Southern-inspired homestyle attractions.

For starters, options include: Spicy Smoked-Chicken Liver Deviled Eggs ($3.95); Estelle’s House Pickle Plate (a variety of seasonal pickles with a pickled egg & buttermilk ranch sauce - $6.25); “No Tomatoes, No Beans & No Crying” Authentic Texas Chili (spicy beef & beer chili with cheddar cheese, sour cream & cilantro - $7.95); Buttermilk Biscuits & Sausage Gravy ($6.95); and, Crispy Fried Chicken Livers (with orange marmalade, garlic seared greens & tobacco onions - $6.95).

Gburski is also serving up eight signature brunch plates with selections like: Pain Perdu (Louisiana French toast with sweet battered brioche with orange marmalade & molasses grilled banana - $8.95); Stuffed French Toast “Monte Cristo Style” (smoked turkey, Tasso ham & Gruyère cheese crispy fried with spiced fries - $12.95); Wings Over Waffles (buttermilk fried chicken wings with cornmeal Belgian waffles & dried cranberry gastrique - $10.95); Brisket & Sweet Potato Hash (with cheesy scrambled eggs, buttered toast & house jelly - $12.95); and, Frank’s Brunch Burger (topped with a single runny egg, cheddar cheese, tobacco onions & spicy aioli with house cut fries - $12.95).

Estelle’s will offer a variety of side orders such as: Molasses Grilled Banana ($4.25); Watermelon Radish Salad ($3.25); Garlic Seared Greens ($3.95); Red Beans & Rice ($4.25); and, “Hot as Hell” Scotch Bonnet Sausage ($4.95).  To wash it all down, there are three specialty cocktails ($8.95 each): Mimosa; South End Screwdriver; and, Bloody Estelle’s.

Estelle’s will serve weekend brunch from 11am-3pm.

2) The Beehive is hosting its first-ever holiday Gospel Concert featuring The Roxbury Presbyterian Praise Team on Wednesday, December 19th, from 8pm-12am. Guests can enjoy their favorite holiday melodies while enjoying food and drink including specials from the evening’s sponsor, Bulleit Rye.

The evening’s entertainment will be led by Aaron Bellamy, who has put on many jazz-induced funky performances at The Beehive as co-leader of the Funky Abs. He is the go-to bassist for funk in Boston, but on December 19th he will show his talents in the gospel genre as he leads his band and four singers from his regular Sunday appearance at The Roxbury Presbyterian Church in taking the stage to perform soul-inspired Christmas classics.

The Beehive’s professional bartender team will be serving up some of their highly acclaimed cocktails from the from sponsor Bulleit Rye including the El Chicano, made with Bulleit Rye, Kahlua, Coffee Bitters and a Dash of Illegal Mezcal Joven, $12.50, and other specialty cocktails available that night only.

For dinner reservations or for more information please call 617-423-0069. No cover charge, cash bar, reservations recommended.

3) In the holiday spirit, next week's Cheese Tuesday at L’Espalier will be a very special one for fromager and maitre d’ Louis Risoli – host of the evening – as he celebrates “An Italian Holiday” family tradition with guests, featuring his favorite Italian cheeses and a three-course holiday feast prepared from his family's generations-old recipes.

On the menu, guests will find dishes that Louis’ aunts, mother and Nonna prepared every Christmas and Easter, all served with complementary wines (the family is from Piacenza, Italy, so Parmigiano Reggiano is sure to be a star ingredient). This is a Cheese Tuesday near and dear to Louis’ heart, as he and Chef de cuisine Matt Delisle recently spent an entire day learning to prepare this holiday meal with Louis’ relatives. Enjoy this meaningful meal as Louis shares family stories, and end the evening with an unforgettable “cheese song”.

Cheese Tuesday is hosted by Fromager and Mâitre d’ Louis Risoli and Sommelier Erich Schliebe who offer a tasting event that combines wine and cheese in a casual setting with commentary about each course and its wine pairing, respectively. Cheese Expert Louis Risoli has defined the role of Grand Fromager across the East Coast, is a speaker at national cheese conferences, and is well versed in worldwide cheese varietals and culinary cheese trends. He is one of the few individuals in the country to recently receive certification as an American Cheese Society Certified Cheese Professional ™.

Sommelier Erich Schliebe loves wine because a good bottle has everything he loves about literature: history, geography, sociology, economics, science, and psychology. He can be found comparing wine characteristics to famous artwork, martial artists, and rock bands, making the extent of his wine knowledge approachable and fun.

An "Italian Holiday" will be held on Tuesday, December 18, at 7pm.  The cost is $85 per person, not including tax and gratuity. Reservations are required and can be made by calling L’Espalier directly at (617) 262-3023.

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Thursday Sips & Nibbles: New Year's Eve Edition

I am back again with a new edition of Thursday Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I briefly highlight some interesting wine and food items that I have encountered recently. This is a special New Year's Eve edition, showcasing numerous options for that holiday.
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1) This New Year’s Eve, Belly Wine Bar welcomes 2013 with tunes, dancing, wine (in both magnum and boxed form), cured meats and offal. With two different start times for both the early and late-night inclined, the folks at Belly are entertaining until the clock strikes 12, in a celebration complete with marrow bone luges and music mixed by DJ Just Joan. Price is $70 per guest for entry between 6pm-7pm, and $85 per guest for entry between 9pm-10pm.

2) If you’re anything like the folks from Central Bottle Wine + Provisions, you know there’s no better way to kick off a party than good food and great wine. This year, the Central Bottle team continues their annual New Year’s Eve tradition with $1.00 Island Creek Oysters and a line-up of bubbly from 5pm-9pm. Guests are invited to raise a glass and sling back bivalves before heading out on the town to celebrate 2013.

3) Ring in the New Year in Kenmore Square with Eastern Standard’s regular menu of American brasserie fare as well as a selection of festive specials. Whether you’re dining with someone special or gathering with friends, a celebratory sparkling wine menu with a variety of bubbles available by the glass, bottle, magnum and jeroboam offers the perfect toast to 2013. In addition to regular breakfast and lunch service, ES will serve dinner until 12am, with the late night menu offered until 1:30am and drinks at the bar until 2am. And with The Hawthorne and Island Creek Oyster Bar under the same roof, you ought to get yourself a room at the Hotel Commonwealth and make a night of it.

4) In the heart of Harvard Square, Grafton Street will offer a three-course prix fixe specially created by Executive Chef Eric Gregory ($48 per person with a $10 discount for reservations before 6:30pm). An optional $18 beer or wine pairing will be available to enhance the celebration. From 5pm-9pm, guests can order the prix fixe menu or order a la carte and from the bar menu. The bar menu will be available 9pm-11pm for pre-midnight munching. After dinner, dance your way into 2013 as DJ Axel Foley spins tunes and enjoy a complimentary champagne toast when the ball drops at midnight. Tickets for the late night party are $20 in advance and $30 at the door from 9pm-2am.

5) Lumiere rings in 2013 with a three-course prix fixe feast crafted by six-time James Beard Award nominated Chef and Owner Michael Leviton. As the Board Chair of Chefs Collaborative, Chef Leviton puts his sustainable stamp on the celebratory feast with local/seasonal ingredient-heavy dishes like Hand-Harvested Maine Sea Scallops, Rainbow Ranch Grass-Fed Beef Tenderloin and Apple & Cranberry Maple Almond Crisp. Cost is $80 per person plus $30 for optional wine pairings. Regular dinner service will run from 5:30pm-11:30pm, followed by a celebratory toast at midnight.

6) New Year’s Eve is a breeze at The Grafton Group’s newest destination in the heart of Harvard Square. In addition to free parking and no cover (score!), PARK offers the full menu alongside Executive Chef Mark Goldberg’s one-night-only a la carte options, including “Hot & Cold” Katama Oysters, Grilled Filet of Beef with a side of Béarnaise sauce and Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta. At midnight, noise makers, hats and tiaras will add an extra dose of cheer as PARK welcomes 2013 with a complimentary champagne toast. Dinner will be served from 5pm-10pm, the late night menu will be available from 10pm-12am and the bar will pour drinks until 2:00am

7) Gather in Harvard Square with friends and family at Russell House Tavern for a celebratory three-course prix fixe menu featuring special seasonal fare from Executive Chef Michael Scelfo ($59 per person, with a $10 discount for reservations before 6:30pm). To enhance the festivities, Bar Manager Sam Gabrielli has selected toast-worthy beers and wines for an optional $18 pairing. The prix fixe menu will be served from 5pm-10pm and the tavern menu will be available until midnight.

8) Ring in 2013 at Temple Bar with Executive Chef Greg Boschetti’s three-course prix fixe menu ($55 per person, with a $10 discount for reservations before 6:30 PM) featuring decadent dishes like Lobster Egg Benedict, Slow Braised Venison Osso Bucco and Mexican Chocolate Bread Pudding. Guests can toast to the year ahead with optional wine pairings, champagne and specialty cocktails, available for an additional charge. The prix fixe menu will be served from 5pm-10pm. For additional New Year’s noshing, the late night menu will be served 10pm-12am and the bar will pour drinks until 2:00am.

9) Aura Restaurant at the Seaport Hotel will celebrate New Year’s Eve with an elegant five-course prix fixe menu, from 5:30pm-10pm, accompanied by the musical stylings of the Lance Houston Ensemble and a midnight champagne toast. For the amuse course, Executive Chef Robert Tobin will serve Hash & Eggs (short ribs, potato, egg). For the first course, there are three options: Kabocha & Chestnut Soup “En Cocotte”; Classic Fish Soup; or, The French Salad (frisée, lardoons, quail egg, warm vinaigrette). For the second course, revelers will choose: Mushroom Flight (soup, steak and Napoleon); Chicken Mousse (piccalilli, pretzel bread); or, Crispy Pork Belly (hot & sour soup, kale chips). Seafood-themed third course selections include: Crispy Cod (cabbage, parsnips, romensco); Braised Bass (Guinness, root vegetables); or, Seafood Paella (orzo, calamari, scallops, lobster, mussels, clams). Moving onto the fourth course, another three options: Surf & Turf (filet & lobster, potato gratin, carrots); Slow Roasted Duck (Seaport honey, crispy cottage pie); or, Lamb Shank (mostarda, citrus, vanilla, squash). The grand finale of the evening is a Trio of Desserts (Grand Mariner Brûlée; Chocolate Ganache Cake; Braised Cherry Tart with brown butter filling). The cost is $98 per person.

10) For New Year's Eve, from 5pm-11pm, Avila Modern Mediterranean's Executive Chef Rodney Murillo will serve a four-course prix fixe in addition to his regular menu. Available with optional wine pairings, the menu will be presented as follows. For the first course, there is Seared Foie Gras (roasted honey, crispy apple, port wine). Moving onto the second course, enjoy Hand-Rolled Potato Gnocchi (winter mushrooms, truffle cream). For an entrée, guests will have their choice of Beef Tenderloin (parsnip ravioli, lobster béarnaise) or Seared Red Snapper (littleneck clams, root vegetables, creamy fish fumet). For dessert, Pasty Chef Tom Ponticelli will serve up an array of selections. The cost is $65 per person; $85 w/ wine pairings.

11) Legal Harborside will celebrate New Year’s Eve under the stars at Liberty Wharf this year from 9:30pm-1:30am. Hosted atop the roof in a glass-enclosed space at Legal Harborside, it is the closest one comes to being in a snow globe. At this celebration bidding adieu to 2012 and welcoming 2013, revelers will enjoy the winter scene – complete with Legal Harborside’s copper-clad fireplace – and will eat, drink and be merry with a bird’s eye view of First Night’s midnight fireworks over Boston Harbor. In addition to being supplied with festive noisemakers and hats, tickets to this sky-high soiree include live music and a midnight toast with Gosset "Excellence" Brut NV bubbly. Legal Harborside will also offer table reservations to this year-end celebration. Cost is $45 per person; $400 per couch/table (up to six people).

12) This New Year’s Eve, guests can wine, dine and ring in 2013 with a rendezvous at Tryst in Arlington. Executive Chef Paul Turano will offer a special three course, prix fixe New Year’s Eve menu featuring some of the most popular dishes served over the past year. Guests can begin with favorites such as the Grilled Prawn & Maine Crab Cake with red grapefruit, avocado & pepper aioli and the Duck & Scallion Dumplings with pickled ginger vinaigrette before “getting serious” with entrees such as the Pig Under a Brick, slow roasted pork shoulder, sweet potato polenta, cranberry-pomegranate mostarda & Swiss chard, Miso Glazed Sea Scallops with braised Brussels sprouts & butternut squash risotto and the Slow Braised Lamb with potato puree, watercress salad & harissa roasted vegetables. Toast the New Year with Tryst’s craft cocktails including the Luce Del Sole, Ketel One Citroen, Aperol, & splashes of lemon, orange & grapefruit juices, The Parisian Pear, rosemary & pear infused vodka, Belle de Brillet Brandy, & lemon, and the Falls in Love, Bourbon, cherry liqueur, lemon & maple syrup.

Tryst’s New Year’s Eve menu is $45 per person (tax, gratuity and alcohol not included) and will be offered exclusively on Monday, December 31, from 5pm-11pm. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling 781-641-2227.

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2012: Favorite Wine Related Items

What were some of my favorite wine related items of the past year?

Let me continue the lists of my best recommendations and favorites of 2012. I have already posted my Top Ten Wines Under $15, Top Ten Wines Over $15 and Top Wines Over $50 lists. This post will now concentrate on some of my Favorite Wine Related Items, which are not specific wine recommendations. This is certainly not a complete list but it is more a sampling of compelling and memorable matters I have experienced and posted about over the past year.

This is also a purely subjective list, based on my own preferences, and makes no claims about being the "best" of anything. But all of the items here have earned my strong recommendations and I hope you will enjoy them as well. For more wine related items, you can just search my blog posts for the past year.

Favorite Discount Wine Stores: Once again, this past year has been an economic challenge and wine prices have been on everyone's mind. Consumers want bargains, excellent value wines which won't stretch their wallets. You can buy the cheap wines which can be found in almost any wine store or instead, you can seek out excellent, value wines which put to shame those cheap wines. Certain discount wine stores provide not only excellent prices but also an interesting selection and good service. I want to highlight two such stores which do an especially good job, places where I go to seek bargains: Bin Ends in Braintree and Wine Connextion in North Andover. These stores have remained consistent over time, offering diverse and interesting bargain wines and you won't go wrong checking either of them out.

Favorite Suburban Wine & Cheese Store: Though I have visited the Concord Cheese Shop in prior years, I hadn't been there for at least a year or so until visiting it a couple of times this past year. I was reminded once again why it is an excellent destination for wine, cheese and gourmet foods. The wine selection is diverse, prices are good and you will find some wines here that many other stores do not carry. And all of their cheeses, a myriad of dairy pleasures, will please everyone. This is another shop you should patronize.

Favorite Wine Stores: This is a list of nine wine stores which consistently impress me with their selection and service. Each shop is worthy of your patronage and wine lovers should make the effort to visit these places if you have not done so yet.
Lower Falls Wine Company in Newton Lower Falls.
Winestone in Chestnut Hill.
The Reserve Bin in Foxboro.
Beacon Hill Wine & Gourmet in Melrose.
Vintages: Adventures in Wine in Belmont.
Spirited Gourmet in Belmont.
Wine-Sense in Andover.
Wine Bottega in Boston's North End.
Central Bottle Wine & Provisions in Cambridge.

Favorite Wine Magazine: For the fourth year in a row, Decanter, a British wine magazine, continues to impress me with its extensive coverage, including many less common wine regions, often ignored or marginalized in other wine publications. Plus it has an amusing wine cartoon in every issue. This is a magazine that consistently delivers fascinating articles and I always look forward to each issue. If you are not reading it, you should be.

Favorite Wine Book: Last year, my Favorite Wine Book was the first volume of The Drops of God, a Japanese manga, a comic book, about wine. Besides entertaining, the book also educated people about wine, helping to reduce the intimidation factor. In addition, some of the language it uses, especially in describing wine is quite poetic. During the past year, three more volumes have been released and once again I have selected it as my Favorite Wine Book. Check out my reviews of Volume 2, Volume 3 and New World. Every wine lover should read this series. Unfortunately, more volumes may not be published unless the books start generating more sales. Give this book a chance and you won't regret it.

Runner-Up Favorite Wine Book: The New York Times Book Of Wine offers an excellent selection of over 125 articles, written by about 28 different authors. It is not a collection of boring tasting notes but rather many thoughtful pieces on a great range of wine topics such as Spanish Sherry, the Japanese Koshu grape, serving alcohol to your children, Txakolina, Madeira, and natural winemaking. These are articles that everyone can enjoy, from those new to wine to the knowledgeable wine geeks. These articles will educate and entertain, and may even getting you thinking about wine in different ways.

Favorite Introductory Wine Book: For someone new to wine, Kevin Zraly's Windows On The World Complete Wine Course is an excellent choice. It presents a nice overview of the world of wine without deluging a reader with too much technical information. Though I have some issues with the presentation of certain wine information, it is still one of the best introductory books available. It is a fine starting point for a wine education.

Favorite Wine Dinner, Domestic: Indigenous and uncommon grapes, compelling wines, superb food, and great people all combined to create an exceptional wine dinner. Legal Harborside hosted Alessio Planeta of Planeta Wines, which owns six wine estates on Sicily. From a Sparkling wine made from Carricante to a red made with Nerello Mascele, many of the wines were fascinating and delicious, while the food, such as Ricotta Gnocchi with truffles and the Lobster Soup were amazing. It was fun and informative, tasty and stimulating.

Favorite Wine Dinner, International: This was an easy choice for a meat lover such as I. While in Chianti Classico, I had the honor of dining at the Antica Macelleria Cecchini, the renowned restaurant of Dario Cecchini, the signing butcher of Panzano. Dario is an extraordinary butcher and offers a prix fixe dinner with five courses of beef, some of the best beef you may ever eat. The steak tartare was simply prepared yet was outstanding, showcasing the taste of the quality beef and not hiding it behind lots of other ingredients. Plus, Dario is a true showman and made it an enjoyable experience. I could have dined here every night while I was in Tuscany. If you visit Tuscany, you must dine here at least once.

Favorite Single Winery Tasting: For the second year in a row, the same winery is involved in this category, though the location was different. As I mentioned last year, the wines of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region can be amazing, and Chateau La Nerthe is a stellar producer from this area. Last year, I tasted the wines at a superb lunch at L'Espalier and this year the lunch was held at Bistro du Midi. From the compelling Tavel Rosé to the 2009 Chateau La Nerthe "Clos de Beauvenir" Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, the wines did not disappoint. They paired well with delicious dishes such as the Coral Infused Chitarra Pasta with Maine Lobster. These are wines worth a splurge.

Favorite High-End Wine Tasting: The Vintus Tour presented 26 wineries, from all over the world, showcasing many higher end wines that reflected terroir, many which are also sustainable, organic or biodynamic. This was a stellar collection of wines, presenting many unique wines which impressed me, and it was a pleasure to get to chat with many of the wine makers. As it was a portfolio tasting, closed to the public, it was not overly crowded so you had the opportunity to take your time with the wines and ask the wine makers questions. Several of these wines ended up on my Top Wine lists.

Favorite Private Wine Tasting: My friend Adam, of Wine Zag, hosts a monthly blind tasting event which is always fun and interesting. Recently, he held a fascinating blind tasting of 90+ Cellars wines against a group of wines he handpicked to compete against them. This was an intriguing challenge and the results were enlightening. Plenty of great people attended the tasting and everyone enjoyed themselves. Unpretentious and casual, it was the type of wine tasting which would appeal to wine lovers of any knowledge levels. I look forward to Adam's next blind tasting event in January.

Favorite Wine Trip, International: Though it was also my only international wine trip this year, my visit to the Chianti Classico region was excellent, with great food, wine, scenery, people and more. Compared to other wine trips I have taken, it was certainly one of my favorites. My trip generated a dozen blog posts and several of the wines I tasted ended up on my Top Wine lists this year. Tuscany is so beautiful and the people were extremely nice. The food was often simple yet made from high quality and delicious ingredients. And so many delicious wines, from traditional Chianti Classico to compelling Vin Santo. It is a region I highly recommend.

Favorite Winery Visit: While in Chianti Classico, I was fortunate to get to visit the Isole e Olena winery, owned by Paolo di Marchi, the Philosopher-Peasant of Chianti Classico. I have met Paolo before but this was my first visit to his winery and it lived up to my expectations. You can read my thoughts in a two-part post (Part 1 and Part 2), but in short, the wines were superb, Paolo was fascinating and I learned much about the winery and the Chianti Classico region in general. I could have easily spent the entire day with Paolo, soaking in his knowledge and experience, while enjoying his amazing Cepparello.

Favorite Mega-Wine Event: Due to their size, large wine exhibitions can have their issues, especially due to the great crowds they generate. My favorite this year of these mega-events was the Mohegan Sun Wine Fest. Besides wine, they also present spirits, beer, and cider as well as plenty of food. The aisles between the tables are wide, there are two floors in the Grand Tasting and they seem to accommodate the crowds better than other events. In addition, besides a Grand Tasting, the Wine Fest has other excellent events such as an Elite Cru Tasting and a Celebrity Chef Dine Around. Several wines from this event ended up on my Top Wine lists this year and I look forward to this event next year.

Favorite Local Wine Bloggers: Locally, there is only a small number of blogs dedicated 50% or more to wine, being far outweighed by hundreds of local food blogs, some which occasionally touch on wine. But of that small group, there are a number who deserve praise for their devotion to wine. I see many of these people at local wine events and they have become good friends too. Kudos to Adam of Wine Zag, Robert of The Wellesley Wine Press, Rob of Fringe Wine, Jason of Ancient Fire Beverage, Todd of Vermont Wine Media and Marie of The Life of Vines. Please check out their wine blogs.

Top Wine Controversy: During the past year, I have ranted, usually on Mondays, about a variety of wine issues. But one of the most popular rants addressed the question of why a number of restaurant reviewers ignore wine in their reviews? It befuddles me that a restaurant review, which should comprehensively address the offerings of a restaurant, would ignore an important element such as the alcohol program. In my rant, I used the Boston Globe to illustrate this issue, showing how their main reviewer often ignored or gave short shrift to the wine and alcohol programs of most of the restaurants reviewed during the summer. I never received any response but plenty of others voiced their agreement that reviewers did a disservice by ignoring restaurant beverage programs.

Favorite Wine History Post: History intrigues me and I very much enjoy researching and writing histories about wine, though I often try to reach quite far back into history, to see the true roots of a wine and its region. This year, I wrote a four part series on The Origins of Port, extending back to the Phoenicians and proceeding through the formation of the nation of Portugal. Many other histories of Port begin much later, like during the 17th century but I felt the true origins lay many centuries earlier. I learned much in my researches and hope my readers benefited from it too.

Favorite Local Wine News: In 2011, a new law allowed local wineries to sell their wines at farmers markets and festivals. I saw that as very positive for local wineries and a later study showed its success. In 2011, sales of Massachusetts wines increased by an amazing 66%, primarily due to their ability to sell wine at the markets and festivals. Great news for local businesses during these tough economic times. Let us hope their success continued into 2012.

Kudos For Sherry Love:  I love Spanish Sherry, from Fino to Oloroso, Manzanilla to Palo Cortado. Unfortunately, that places me in a tiny minority as Sherry, especially dry Sherry, is very much a niche beverage in the U.S. But locally, Sherry is gaining more love, especially by two restaurants, Tres Gatos and Taberna de Haro. Tres Gatos, in Jamaica Plain, now hosts Sherry Tuesdays, where you can sample sherries with pinchos. Taberna de Haro has recently expanded their restaurant and now carries 27 different Sherries, and will be adding more too. Both restaurants deserve big kudos for their passion and support of Sherry.

New Wine Job: Last February, I started a new endeavor, a part time job at the Beacon Hill Wine & Gourmet in Melrose. It has been fun and educational, helping customers select wines, providing recommendations and more. It provides an interesting glimpse into the mind of the wine consumer and has also fueled a number of blog posts. Stop by the store some time and let me help you choose some wines. Besides the wine, the store also stocks some delicious gourmet and artisan foods, so you have one stop shopping for a party.

What were some of your favorite wine related items this year?

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2012: Top Wines Over $50

What were some of my favorite wines of the past year?

Welcome to my third, and last, Top Wines List. I have already posted my Top Ten Wines Under $15 and Top Ten Wines Over $15. It is now time for my Top Wines Over $50. This list only has nine entries as there were not enough worthy wines to complete ten entries. I have certainly tasted more than 9 delicious wines over $50, but that is expected from many of the high-end wines I tasted. For this list, I only added those which were especially fascinating.

Like the prior lists, this list includes wines that during the past year I have enjoyed very much and which I also found to be particularly compelling for various reasons. They might be especially delicious, something more unique or just excellent values for the price. They all stand out for some particular reason above the other wines I tasted this past year.

This is a purely subjective list, based on my own preferences, and makes no claims about being the "best" wines out there. It is primarily the wines which spoke to me the loudest, even when they were subtle wines. These are all wines that I highly recommend and which I believe many other wine lovers will also enjoy.

The wines are not listed in any particular order and each choice is linked to my more detailed prior review. All of these value wines are worth your consideration but please also note that the prices are approximations and the actual price may vary in your area. In addition, some of the wines might not be available in your local area, though you might be able to order them from the winery or an online store, dependent on your state's shipping laws.

1) 2009 Sadie Family Palladius ($60)
This is the second year in a row that my good friend Adam, of Wine Zag, has introduced me to a wine that made this list. The South African Palladius is a blend of eight white grapes, though the exact blend appears unclear. It likely includes Chenin Blanc, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Clairette Blanc and Palomino. As for the other two grapes, they might be Chardonnay, Semillon, Marsanne, or Verdelho. The concept behind this wine was that it should age well in the bottle, pair well with food, and reflect terroir. It succeeds well and this is a sublime wine, which dazzles with its complexity, flavors and structure. From an alluring nose to a compelling taste, this wine is sure to impress almost any wine lover. Savor plenty of acidity, a very long and satisfying finish and its round, full mouth feel. It possesses an intriguing melange of flavors including citrus, peach, honey, spices, herbs, and minerality. In fact, the more time you savor and reflect on the wine, the more subtle flavors which seem to surface in your mouth. This wine receives my highest recommendation.

2) 2005 Telmo Rodriguez Matallana ($145)
Terroir is very significant to Telmo as well. The Matallana is from the Ribera del Duero and less than 300 cases are produced annually. The grapes are grown biodynamically, a careful selection from eight plots of old vine. The grapes are crushed by foot and fermentation occurs in open wooden vats. What an amazing wine, a silky, elegant, and complex creation which seduces your palate with its deep melange of enticing flavors and very lengthy finish. It is the type of wine that shuts down your logical senses and tells you merely to savor and enjoy. A superb choice worth its high price.

3) 2008 Ferrer Bobet ($50) & 2005 Ferrer Bobet Seleccio Especial ($85)
A relatively new producer, which released its first wine in 2008, they impressed me with both of their Priorat wines. They currently use old vine Carignan and Garnacha, from organic farms, seeking to produce wines of  elegance and finesse rather than the powerful, muscular wines you often find in this Spanish region. The 2008 Ferrer Bobet is made from 70% old vine Carignan and 30% Garnacha, fermented in small wooden and steel tanks and then aged in French oak for about 15 months. An elegant wine, with delicious black fruit and spice flavors, silky tannins and subtle floral notes. It has an intriguing complexity that will tantalize your palate, and its lengthy finish will satisfy even the most demanding of wine lovers. The 2008 Seleccio Especial is made from 100 year old Carignane with a tiny amount added of old vine Garnacha, and has been aged in French oak for about 18 months. It has a darker color, almost an opaque purple, and a deeper aroma. The black fruit flavors are more concentrated and its complexity shines forth, adding elements of earthiness, minerality, spice and floral notes. There is just so much going on in this wine, yet it too retains elegance and finesse. Both of these wines are highly recommended and this is a winery to watch in the near future.

4) 2005 Disznókő 5 Puttonyos Tokaji ($60)
Disznókő Winery, located in the Tokaj region of Hungary, was classified in 1772 as a first growth property, and currently consists of about 250 acres. The wines from this region are world renowned, especially their sweet wines, though they make dry wines too. This wine is a blend of 60% Furmint, 30% Harslevelu and 10% Zeta. Golden amber in color, it presents with a mild sweetness, balanced off by a fine acidity, and the flavors are intriguing, with notes of honey, almonds, apricots, and more. Seductive and elegant, it would also pair well with blue cheese or spicy Asian dishes. If you want a superb dessert wine, then look no further.

5) NV Barons de Rothschild Rosé Champagne ($125)
The famous Rothschild family has entered the Champagne realm and their offerings are quality. The Rosé is a blend of about 85% Chardonnay, from Côtes des Blancs crus, and 15% Pinot Noir, from Montagne de Reims. The blend includes 5-6% which is vinified as a red wine. This was a superb Rosé with a compelling aroma, subtle red fruit and citrus notes. On the palate, it was crisp, dry and elegant with flavors of red fruits, especially strawberry, and a little orange peel. Complex, a lengthy finish and an excellent balance. Food friendly, this is a hedonistic pleasure.

6) 2008 Barone Ricasoli Colledila Chianti Classico ($50-$60)
While in Chianti Classico, I tasted a number of high end wines, including some superb Super Tuscans, and two of their wines made this list. The Colledila is a single vineyard Sangiovese produced in a traditional style. This is only the second vintage of this wine, and Colledila is the name of the vineyard, a small, 7 hectare plot. Only about 14,000 bottles are produced annually. This was a stellar wine, elegant, complex and compelling. It has an intriguing melange of flavors, cherry, violets, spice, herbs and a little earthiness. Great acidity and a lengthy, satisfying finish. A perfect wine to accompany a fine meal, from pasta to beef. Highly recommended.

7) 2006 Isole e Olena Cepparello ($60-$70)
One of my favorite Chianti Classico wineries is Isole e Olena, and owner/wine maker Paolo die Marchi is a personable and intriguing man. His iconic Cepparello is a Super Tuscan, made from 100% Sangiovese, and I tasted through vintages 2006, 2007 and 2008. The 2006 most impressed me and the Cepparello generally benefits from aging. This wine had a medium red color with an alluring nose of cherry and spice. It seduces your palate with rich, lush flavors of vibrant fruit, spice, and licorice. It is incredibly smooth, with supple tannins, and is also well balanced with a lingering, hedonistic finish. Lots of subtle complexity in this wine, which shows much elegance and style. I cannot recommend the Cepparello enough.

8) 2005 Sine Qua Non "Atlantis Fe 203-1a,b,c" Syrah ($300+)
Sine Qua Non is a cult wine producer which is a favorite of Robert Parker and this specific wine received a score of 100 points. When I bought this wine, I was unaware of its score and found it at an excellent price. The wine is a blend of 93% Syrah, 5% Grenache & 2% Viognier and I thought that the wine might be big and powerful, a muscular beast that might throttle my palate. That was not the case. Instead, I encountered a silk-clad temptress, whose seductive wiles entranced me while her lush lips crushed against mine, inciting my own passions. Memories of that kiss lingered long and I craved for her touch once again. She was an elegant woman yet with the concentrated power and grace of a black panther. I wanted to explore all of her depths, to lose myself within her soft, smooth arms. This was an experience, more than just a taste of wine. Wow! Let me repeat. WOW!

Spain, with three wines, had the most spots on this list with Italy taking two, and Hungary, South Africa, France and California each with one spot. The list is also broken down into 1 Champagne, 1 White, 6 Red wines, and 1 Dessert Wine. Not all expensive wines are worth their high price but these are wines well worth the splurge. These are the type of wines that words often cannot do justice. These are wines to experience and savor, not to dissect and analyze.

If you have some of your own recommendations for wines over $50, please add them to the comments.

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2012: Top Ten Wines Over $15

What were some of my favorite wines of the past year?

Welcome to my second Top Ten Wine List. Last Friday, I posted my Top Ten Wines Under $15, which I hope you enjoyed and found useful. Now it is time for my Top Ten Wines Over $15, though these wines also cost less than $50.

Like the prior list, it includes wines that during the past year I have enjoyed very much and which I also found to be particularly compelling for various reasons. They might be especially delicious, something more unique or just excellent values for the price. They all stand out for some particular reason above the other wines I tasted this past year.

This is a purely subjective list, based on my own preferences, and makes no claims about being the "best" wines out there. It is primarily the wines which spoke to me the loudest, even when they were subtle wines. These are all wines that I highly recommend and which I believe many other wine lovers will also enjoy.

The wines are not listed in any particular order and each choice is linked to my more detailed prior review. All of these wines are worth your consideration but please also note that the prices are approximations and the actual price may vary in your area. In addition, some of the wines might not be available in your local area, though you might be able to order them from the winery or an online store, dependent on your state's shipping laws.

1) 2010 Tikal Natural Malbec ($20)
Produced by Ernesto Catena in Argentina, this wine is made from 100% Malbec, certified organic grapes, and the vineyard is moving toward becoming Biodynamic. The wine spent about a year in oak, mostly second-use French oak, with a small portion of American oak. With a dark purple color, the flavors of the wine burst into your mouth, a pleasant blend of ripe plum, dark cherry, intense spice and bits of mocha. The tannins are moderate, there is good acidity, and the finish is long and satisfying. A hearty fine that will pair well with hearty food, from Bolognese to short ribs.

2) 2006 Eder Raubern Single Vineyard Grüner Veltliner ($17-$20)
The Eder winery, in Austria, is small, possessing about 12 hectares of vineyards and produces only about 20,000 bottles annually. The Raubern is a single vineyard wine that thoroughly impressed me. The melange of flavors fascinated me with their complexity, with plenty of spice and floral notes, yet still with noticeable stone fruit components. Despite its age, this seemed still very fresh and it was a clear winner, sure to please any wine lover. An excellent value at this price point.

3) 2009 Willamette Valley Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir ($43.99)
In general, I enjoy Oregon Pinot Noirs and some are superb. This wine was a stunner, subtle and seductive as well as elegant and complex. The melange of flavors ranged from bright cherry to ripe plum, from cinnamon to black pepper. You need to slowly sip and savor this wine, to perceive all of the diverse flavors within. Well balanced, this wine provides an alluring finish that seems to caress your palate with silk, lingering long within your mouth. A killer wine, I highly recommend this one.

4) 2011 Prieure de Montezargues Tavel Rosé ($20)
This is one of my favorite French Rosé wines, and the 2011 is equally as good as the previous year. The Rosé is a blend of 8 grapes, including 55% Grenache (red & white), 30% Cinsault, 13% Clairette, and 2% Others (Syrah, Mourvedre, Carignan & Bourboulanc). It is produced through pressing and underwent stainless steel fermentation and then a short term of aging on the lees. It was a pale pink color, crisp, dry and elegant. Delicious and complex tastes of cherry, strawberry, and grapefruit with a mineral backbone. You should drink this Rosé year round.

5) 2008 Felsina Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia ($35-$45)
One of my favorite wines from my Chianti Classico trip, the Rancia is made from 100% Sangiovese, all from a single vineyard named Rancia. That vineyard derives its name from a historic farm that once was a Benedictine monastery. The wine was barrel aged for 16-18 months in new and one year old 225-liter oak barrels and then spent an additional 6-8 months aging in the bottle. The Rancia possessed an alluring smell, a melange of wonderful aromas that beckoned to me like a siren. It was a traditional style, with a delightful earthy component, and a compelling taste of black cherry, blueberry, violets, spice, and hints of leather. It was elegant and intriguing, with a lengthy, satisfying finish. Just a superb wine.

6) 2011 Halter Ranch Cotes de Paso Blanc ($24)
Paso Robles seems to be a great region for  Rhône grapes and this Halter Ranch wine is an enticing Southern Rhône blend of 33% Grenache, 26% Roussanne, 20% Picpoul Blanc, 12% Marsanne, and 9% Viognier. It was fermented in French oak, stirred twice a week to mix in the lees, and doesn't undergo malolactic fermentation. The aroma was spectacular, a complex and harmonious melange of floral, fruit and herb notes, all of which also came out on the palate. Peaches, lemons, melons, white flowers, minerality and so much more. Well balanced, complex, a lengthy and satisfying finish, and excellent acidity. A highly recommended wine.

7) 2004 Rodano Viacosta Chianti Classico Riserva ($30)
This is another winner from Chianti Classico. The winery produces traditional style Chianti Classico and I was impressed with all of their wines I tasted. The Viacosta was a stand out, made from 100% Sangiovese that was aged for about 24 months, 60% in French oak and 20% of that is new. It had an alluring aroma and on the palate it was stunning. Complex, elegant, rustic, spicy, and with a lengthy and pleasing finish. A great food wine, this should be in your wine cellar.

8) 2011 Blomidon Estate Winery Rosé ($15.99)
Several years ago, I toured some of the wineries of Nova Scotia but plenty more have sprung up since that time. One of those new ones is Blomidon Estate Winery, which is committed to producing wines using only Nova Scotia grown grapes. Their 2011 Rosé is a blend of three hybrids: New York Muscat, L’Acadie Blanc and Baco Noir. It was crisp, dry, and clean with subtle strawberry and watermelon flavors and hints of floral notes. It was far more Provence style than California, and paired very well with a variety of foods. You never would have known this was made from hybrids. In a blind tasting, you might assume this was a French Rosé.

9) 2010 Planeta Carricante ($36)
Sicily possesses a number of indigenous grapes including Carricante, a white grape thought to extend back to the 9th century and is primarily found in the Etna region. It is a late maturing grape, thrives in high altitudes and has a high acidity which allows it to age well. This wine was made from 100% Carricante and remains on the lees until the February after harvest when it is then bottled. It had a light gold color with an exciting aroma of apples and floral notes. On the palate, it was crisp, clean and complex with a dominant steely minerality and subtle fruit flavors, including pear and green apple. A lengthy and satisfying finish, this would be an excellent seafood wine and it should age very well too. I heartily recommend it.

10) 2010 Joel Gott Alakai ($24)
This California red wine blend is comprised of 77% Grenache, 17% Syrah, 4% Mourvedre, and 2% Petite Sirah. It had an alluring nose, great fruit and hints of spice and was compelling on the palate. Complex, with a delicious melange of reds fruits and spice, with hints of earthiness. It was more on the lighter side with smooth tannins and a lengthy, pleasing finish. An excellent food wine, or something you can savor on its own. Just plain delicious

This is always my toughest list to compile because there are numerous other excellent wines which I could have added. I had to ponder long over which wines to actually add to this list. Like my previous list, no single country dominated though Italy once again occupied three spots, due to my trip to Chianti Classico. California took two spots while Argentina, Austria, Oregon, France, and Nova Scotia each took one spot. The list is also broken down into 2 Rosé, 3 Whites and 5 Red wines. Half of the wines on the list also cost less than $25.

I have plenty of other recommendations for wines at this price point on my blog. There are top notch wines from countries all over the world, made from an incredibly diverse selection of grapes and you can still find plenty of values too. My advice is that you seek out wines outside of your comfort zone. Explore the multitude of diversity in the wonderful world of wine. Taste and try anything new, unique or potentially interesting. I am sure your search will lead to new favorites.

If you have some of your own recommendations for wines that are over $15 but under $50, please add them to the comments.

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2012: Top Ten Wines Under $15

What were some of my favorite wines of the past year?

The start of a new year approaches and it is time to reflect upon the past year, to remember and savor many pleasant memories. As 2012 winds down, many in the media will publish their own lists of the best and worst of the past year, everything from books to movies to music. As I find some value in such lists, I will post some of my own Favorite Lists for 2012, covering food, wine, sake and spirits, over the next few weeks. These lists should provide a comprehensive summary of the favorite items I have encountered this past year, allowing my readers to more readily locate such gems, the best of my recommendations.

My first Favorites List of 2012 is my Top Ten Wines Under $15. In actuality, I have listed twelve wines, pairing a couple together from the same producer. This list includes wines that during the past year I have enjoyed very much and which I also found to be particularly compelling for various reasons. They might be especially delicious, something more unique or just excellent values for the price. They all stand out, for some particular reason, above the other wines at this price point that I have tasted this past year.

This is a purely subjective list, based on my own preferences, and makes no claims about being the "best" wines out there. It is primarily the wines which spoke to me the loudest, even when they were subtle wines. These are all wines that I strongly recommend and which I believe many other wine lovers would also enjoy.

The wines are not listed in any particular order and each choice is linked to my more detailed prior review. All of these value wines are worth your consideration but please also note that the prices are approximations and the actual price may vary in your area. In addition, some of the wines might not be available in your local area, though you might be able to order them from the winery or an online store, dependent on your state's shipping laws.

1) 2010 Adega Condes de Albarei Salneval Albarino ($11.99)
This Spanish white wine was produced by the Adega Condes de Albarei winery, a cooperative of 362 grower/owners equipped with advanced winery technology. I love Albarino and this wine was crisp and clean with a delightful and dominant melange of peach, pear and melon. There was also a subtle minerality with hints of honey and spice. A more voluptuous wine, this can be enjoyed on its own or paired with food, maybe something spicy. An excellent value.

2) 2005 Sella & Mosca Terre Rare Carignano del Sulcis Riserva ($14.99)
At a major wine event, with hundreds of wines, this was one of my overall favorite wines, especially at this price point. This Italian wine is made from 100% Carignan and aged for three years in French barriques. It is a stunning, complex and interesting wine. Spicy and bold, with delicious black fruit flavors, vanilla, a silky mouthfeel and hints of earthiness. Would love to drink this with pork, venison or lamb. An amazing value.

3) 2011 Calamares Vinho Verde ($7-$8)
Yes, it is named after squid and there is even a picture of a squid on the label. It might be easy to dismiss this wine as a gimmick but it is not. This Portuguese white wine is a blend of 40% Arinto, 30% Trajudura and 30% Loureiro with a low alcohol content of 9%. This is an easy quaffer, a wine to drink and enjoy, without any need to think about it. Slightly effervescent, it has plenty of acidity and flavors of grapefruit and lemon, with some mild mineral notes. For under $10, this is a very good choice.

4) 2009 L.A. Cetto Chenin Blanc ($10-$12) and 2010 L.A. Cetto Chardonnay ($10-$12)
L.A. Cetto is a winery in the Baja region of Mexico. Mexican wine you might ask? I haven't tasted many Mexican wines but this winery is doing a great job, especially at this price point and is well worth seeking out. The 2009 Chenin Blanc is made from 100% Chenin Blanc, sees no oak and is crisp and fresh, with delicious fruit flavors of melon, pear and peach and hints of herbs on the finish. The 2010 L.A. Cetto Chardonnay is produced from 100% Chardonnay, sees no oak and is also crisp and clean with delicious flavors of apple, pear, lemon & guava, with a touch of minerality. Both wines have more complexity and character than many similarly priced wines. I will be seeking more Mexican wines.

5) 2010 Castello di Querceto Chianti Classico ($15)
While gorging myself on five courses of beef from an amazing restaurant in Tuscany, I tasted an assortment of Chianti Classico wines. Out of that group, the Querceto stood out, pairing so well with the beef tartare and steaks. The Querceto, made from primarily Sangiovese, is a silky smooth and elegant wine with nice red fruit flavors and a hint of earthiness. It showcases the best of Tuscany at this price point and it would be best served with food.

6) 2011 Elisabetta Geppetti Fattoria Le Pupille ($13-$15)
This Italian red, from the Morellino Di Scansano DOCG, is a blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Malvasia Nera and it sees no oak. It is fresh, fruity, rustic and with hints of spice. A very easy drinking, it has a nice character, good complexity and is simply  quite delicious. It can be drank on its own or paired with food, such as a wild boar ragu.

7) 2011 Kanonkop Kadette Pinotage Rosé ($12),
This South African Rosé is from a winery that produces some of the best Pinotage in the world. The Rosé is produced from 100% Pinotage and if you tasted this blind, you probably would never guess it was Pinotage. It is an easy drinking Rosé with tasty red fruit flavors, especially raspberry and cherry, some minerality as well as excellent acidity. It is more Old World than New, with plenty of character and a satisfying finish. It is the type of wine that I could easily drink all day. It is an excellent food wine as well as enjoyable on its own. Highly recommended.

8) Cave Messias 2003 LBV Port (about $15)
The Cave Messias produces an assortment of Portuguese wines from Dão, Bairrada, Douro, Vinho Verde, Beiras, Terras do Sado and Vinho do Porto. Their 2003 LBV Port is a great value, presenting nice complexity, plenty of delicious red fruit flavors and some intriguing spice notes. It was silky smooth and presented a lengthy and satisfying finish. Might be hard to find a better LBV Port at this price point.

9) 2010 Biohof Pratsch Gruner Veltliner ($13) & 2009 Biohof Pratsch Zweigelt ($13)
Austrian wines, both red and white, have much to offer and the Biohof Pratsch, an organically certified winery produces some great value wines. Both of these wines are produced in one-liter bottles, which is 1/3 larger than a usual wine bottle, and cost only $13, which would be equivalent to about $9.30 for a regular 750ml bottle. What a bargain! The Gruner is crisp and dry with bright citrus flavors and hints of spice. A very refreshing wine that would be excellent with food or just as a summer sipper. The Zweigelt is light bodied and smooth with plenty of tasty red fruit flavors. Another easy drinking and flavorful wine. Both are strongly recommended.

10) 2010 Vera de Estenas P.G. Bobal ($13)
This Spanish winery is located in the D.O. of Utiel-Requena and is the oldest winery in that region. The wine is produced from 100% Bobal, an indigenous grape, and spent a few months in oak. It is light bodied with delicious red fruit flavors complemented by a subtle earthiness and hints of spice. I was really amazed at its quality and complexity at this price point and it is a wine I highly recommend.

Once again, there are no U.S. wines on the list. I often find it more difficult to find compelling domestic wines for under $15, especially from California. They exist but I find them much less common than value imported wines. Six different countries made this list and no single country really dominated, though Italy had the most wines on the list with three, partially due to my trip to Chianti Classico last spring. Spain, Portugal, Mexico and Austria all had two wines on the list and South Africa had one. The list is also broken down into 1 Rosé, 5 Whites, 5 Red and 1 Fortified wines.

You will find many excellent value wines from Portugal, including a fair share under $10. Spain has some very good values too, though it seems you need to look a bit harder now than you once did. Austria remains an overlooked region with some excellent values which you should consider. Mexico was the big surprise this year and I need to seek more of their wines out. You can find value wines all over the world, in every region, though some regions provide a greater range and diversity of value wines.

I have other recommendations for wines under $15 on my blog and you just have to search for them. There remain many good buys available in this price range, wines which exceed much of the common plonk out there. It is important to remember that though wine stores sell plenty of wines in this price range, not all of them are of equal value. Wines in this price range do not have to be one-dimensional wines that all taste the same. You can find wines of character and complexity, though you might need to spend a little more time seeking them out.

Wine blogs can help you in that regard, pointing out wines that you might not otherwise know about. Tasting the wines before you buy them is another way to find such values. Or simply ask your trusted wine store owner for advice and suggestions.

If you have some of your own recommendations for excellent wines under $15, please add them to the comments.

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Thursday Sips & Nibbles

I am back again with a new edition of Thursday Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I briefly highlight some interesting wine and food items that I have encountered recently.
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1) Chef Matt Louis, owner of Moxy in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, introduces the new Fab Five, a new five course tasting menu highlighting the restaurant's most popular dishes to date. It is designed to help a guest visiting Moxy for the first time, and quite possibly, experiencing true tapas for the first time. Louis has found "it can be intimidating for guests to order multiple dishes, so we are bridging the gap for them and making some choices that we think they will find delicious and make the whole experience relaxing and fun." Louis observes "most diners are still finding their comfort zone with tapas dining. They worry did I order too much, too little, what is just right?"

Louis is taking away any intimidation factor by selecting the restaurant's favorite dishes, sometimes combining a few into one, so that guests don't miss out on a few favorites. For example, "instead of a clam course, pork belly course and short rib course, we have created one course bringing those ingredients together in a tapas tasting of local land and sea."

The Fab Five is available 7 nights a week and costs $29.95 per person with an optional cocktail & wine pairing for $20.

Sample Fab Five Menu
1
grilled apples & pears
vermont chèvre, caramelized onion, crispy kale, sunflower-pumpkin seed granola
nv farnum hill extra dry cider, lebanon, nh
2
tapas tasting of local land & sea
fried clams, apple cider lacquered pork belly, beef short rib marmalade
nv gruet blanc de noir brut, new mexico
3
roasted cauliflower & brussel sprout leaves, sugar pumpkin puree,crispy sunchokes
throwback brewery "dippity do" american brown ale, north hampton, nh
4
roasted monkfish, sunflower-arugula "pesto", tempura red onion, seared maine cherry tomatoes
2011 adelsheim pinot gris, willamette valley, or
-or-
johnny cake community, cornmeal pancakes, brown sugared pork shoulder, house sauces, crispy onion, pickled cucumbers
2009 artesa elements, napa valley, ca
-or-
misty knoll farms pan-seared chicken thighs, crème fraiche, pickled ginger, cilantro, lettuce for wraps
2010 cortijo rioja, spain
5
new england dessert sampler, whoopie pie slider with chocolate dipping sauce & indian pudding with sweetened cream
broadbent madeira, 10 year malmsey, portugal

Check out my previous review of Moxy. It is an excellent restaurant and this Fab Five is a great way to experience the diversity and quality of the restaurant.

2) What if the Mayans were right? What if the world really does end on Dec. 21st? The Painted Burro is throwing an “End of Times” party on December 21, from 5pm-1am, where guests can enjoy the last luxuries on the Earth’s final day with Chef/Owner Joe Cassinelli and Executive Chef Danny Bua, Jr.’s Latin flavor menu and cocktails. The menu will be jam packed with the Painted Burro’s playful twists on classic dishes where local and seasonal ingredients take center stage as well as some traditional Mayan dishes and Mayan drinks. Mayans are known as the first people to eat chocolate and they also incorporated it into traditional drinks so it will play prominently on the menu.

There will also be games like Mexican Bingo as well as a “confession” box where guests can write their last sins on paper and place them into a box that will exonerate them before the end of the world. There will be a communal countdown to midnight with the entire restaurant and a toast if we make it to December 22nd.

In addition to their Mayan food and cocktails, the Painted Burro will also have their handcrafted margaritas (100% agave tequila, combier & lime to showcase the pure flavors of tequila), wide variety of Mexican beers, and other themed cocktails.

Reservations are welcome by calling 617-776-0005 or booking on OpenTable. There is no cover charge for this party.

3) Legal Harborside is gearing up for the holiday season at Liberty Wharf. From December 2nd through Christmas Day, the second floor at Legal Harborside will serve a “Feast of the Seven Fishes” tasting menu featuring seven courses from the best of the sea.

Legal Harborside’s menu will be presented as follows:
--Merry Oysters (smoked foam, pickled quince mignonette)
--Stone Crab Claws (aleppo pepper kaffir lime romesco)
--Pan Seared Scallop (jasmine-wild mushroom consommé, drunken maitake, bonito flake)
--Butter Poached Lobster (ramen noodle, black miso broth, fresno, cilantro)
--Sautéed Sablefish (burnt flour gnocchi, pickled radish, brussels sprout leaves, celeriac-sherry emulsion)
--Prosciutto Wrapped Monkfish (porcini, savoy cabbage, lobster coral)
--Slow Roasted Arctic Char (leek spätzle, heirloom root vegetable, truffle-parsnip nag)

Cost: $75 per person

4) Olé Mexican Grill is bringing a Mexican holiday tradition to its Cambridge location with the Hot Ponche Cocktail, a traditional punch packed with fruit and served with rum or brandy. The base of the cocktail is piloncillo, a dark brown unrefined cane sugar, mixed with water and cinnamon sticks, and finished with winter fruits like apples, pears, prunes and guavas, which round out the flavors of the punch with tangy, citrus notes.

During the holidays in Mexico, a pot of ponche is always kept hot on the stove and ready for guests, and at Olé it’s no exception. For $8.00, guests can warm up and relax with a hot cup of the delicious and fruity concoction. For those who want to brew their own at home, Ole has shared its original recipe below.

Recipe (Serves 4)
Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:
15 guavas
1 cup raisins
2 cups prunes
300 grams of tamarind
6 pieces of sugar cane
4 apples
4 pears
6 pieces of Mexican cinnamon (15 cm)
Piloncillo (Mexican cane sugar)
30 cups of water

Directions: Chop the fruit and let it boil with all the ingredients (except alcohol) for around 30 minutes or until the fruit is cooked. Serve with rum or brandy.

5) Chefs Brian Poe and Shawn Russell are getting ready to heat things up in the kitchen at Poe’s Kitchen at the Rattlesnake. This winter, take a trip south of the border with new offerings and they have also refreshed their beverage program to bring forth some winter time mixing and shaking.

New appetizers include: Hoppy Beef Empanadas (flaky empanadas stuffed with cinnamon, jalapeño, Tettnang Hop braised beef, Centennial Hop cheese sauce, purple cabbage - $12.95); Taquitos (Fresno chili and beer-braised beef short rib, pepperjack cheese, cilantro slaw, spicy mole, sofrito ranch - $12.95); and, Chipotle Wings (smoked jalapeño rubbed, celery poblano and blue cheese sauce - $10.95). There are eight taco offerings with newcomers like: Antelope Tacos (duck fat infused ground antelope, jalapeño bacon ranch, Chihuahua cheese, smoked Fresno chilies, fried corn tortillas, salsa fresca, dressed greens - $13.95); Spicy Shrimp Tacos (Latin rubbed jumbo shrimp, lime cilantro slaw, spiced roasted pepitas, mango moho, orange jalapeño salsa - $14.95); and, Grilled Lamb Tip Tacos (rubbed with cilantro, chilies and Poe-co Loco seasoning, cucumber, tomatillo and red onion salsa, lamb chopper cheese, corn tortillas - $14.75).

For soups, sandwiches and entrees, winter preparations include: a bowl of Baked Potato Soup (roasted Yukon Golds, Applewood bacon, jalapeños, Chihuahua cheese, cilantro, chive sour cream - $10.95); Latin Catfish Sandwich (Latin spiced Delta catfish, lime cilantro aioli, lettuce, tomato, ciabatta - $14.50); Grilled Portobello Pita (jalapeño marinated Portobello mushrooms, dressed Romaine salsa fresca, roasted garlic and shallot aioli - $11.95); Citrus Grilled Chicken Sandwich (peppercorn, lemon and jalapeño chicken, arugula, chickpea and jalapeño mayo, salsa fresca, ciabatta - $14.25); Chef Shawn’s Enchiladas (chili garlic braised chicken, corn tortillas, spicy tomato chili sauce, melted Oaxaca cheese, shrimp, chorizo, black beans and basmati rice - $17.95); and, Sweet & Spicy Beef Rib (one pound stout braised beef rib, Anaheim chili grit cakes, red pepper roasted asparagus - $24.95).

Rotating seasonal drafts include selections such as: Avery Joe’s Pils ($6.50); Brooklyn Octoberfest ($6.50); Blatant Session Ale ($6.50); Northcoast Redseal Ale ($6.50); and, a half-liter Weihenstephaner Heffe ($7.00). The mixologists will now shake up the following: Cranberry Jalapeño Margarita (Patrón Anejo, muddle jalapeños and cranberries, Drambuie, homemade mix - $12); Harvest Margarita (Cuervo Gold, Dr. McGillicuddy’s Apple Schnapps, fresh apple, champagne, cider mix - $8); Texas Toddy (Deep Eddy Tea Vodka, Peach Schnapps, mint, lemon, cloves, hot water - $7); Royal Sour (Crown Royal, Goji Berry Liqueur, fresh made sour mix, brandied cherries - $11); and, The Bostonian (Espolon Silver, Citronage, agave nectar, fresh lime juice, prosecco float - $10).

For those really looking to take in some heat, Poe’s Kitchen at the Rattlesnake will continue with their waiver-required Ghost Chili Challenge (Espolon Reposado infused with ghost chilies, blood orange juice, homemade mix - $16).

6) Now you can do good and eat well by dining at some of the Boston area’s most celebrated restaurants during the 31st annual Super Hunger Brunch. With a growing list of more than fifteen restaurants, diners can choose sweet and savory dishes from menus designed especially for the Super Hunger Brunch. Prices are set at $25, $35 and $50 per person. This holiday season, give the gift of brunch to the foodies on your list while helping to end hunger in eastern Massachusetts. For more information and to purchase gift certificates visit gbfb.org/SuperHungerBrunch. To view menus and make reservations visit the websites of participating restaurants beginning January 2.

According to Catherine D’Amato, President and CEO of The Greater Boston Food Bank, chefs, restaurateurs and purveyors are among her organization’s most compassionate and consistent benefactors. “The food community has always supported our efforts to feed those in need in eastern Massachusetts. We are so grateful for their time, their talents and their generosity.”  In 2012, over 1,600 people took part in this important fundraising effort that raised more than $67,000.

The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) is the largest hunger-relief organization in New England and among the largest food banks in the country. GBFB distributes nearly 41 million pounds of food and grocery products annually to 550 member hunger-relief agencies and more than 30 direct service programs throughout eastern Massachusetts in a dedicated partnership to end hunger in our region. This provides meals for as many as 545,000 people a year. GBFB is a member of Feeding America, the nation's food bank network.

Participating restaurants include:

·         Blue Ginger

·         Chez Henri

·         Craigie on Main

·         Darryl’s Corner Bar

·         Grill 23 & Bar

·         Hamersley’s Bistro

·         Harvest Restaurant

·         La Morra

·         L’Espalier

·         North 26

·         Rialto

·         Sel de la Terre

·         The Elephant Walk

·         The Fireplace

·         Tomasso Trattoria  

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