Rant: Seeking Accurate Information

"There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics."
--Anonymous

When you read a food or drink article, you'll find a number of alleged "facts" within that article. However,  are those alleged facts the truth, or merely errors which are being offered as "facts?" The same can be said for articles about all other topics as well. We are flooded with information from the media and plenty of it isn't true. 

The key question is always: Who can you trust for accurate information?

That cannot be easily answered. In the end, it's an assessment based on various factors, including a source's motivations, biases, knowledge base, experience, skills, and more. It's a crucial assessment if we want accurate data, if we want correct and honest information. If these matters are important to us, then it's our duty to seek the truth, or at least as close as we can get to the truth. And that's a sentiment applicable to so many topics, not just food and drink.

You'll sometimes hear the phrase "Data is truth," but it's not accurate. Data may or may not be accurate dependent on numerous factors, such as who is collecting the data, how they are collecting it, any definitions that were used, and much more. Plus, one's interpretation of that data may not rise to the level of fact or truth. Statistics can be easily manipulated to prove one's own agenda. Facts can also be cherry picked to do the same. We see this occurring all the time in the media. 

During the course of researching and writing my numerous historical articles, I've found plenty of claims, which were "common knowledge," and accepted by many as the truth, yet in the end, proved not to be true. It was easier for some media sources to repeat this common knowledge rather than do their own detailed research. Even some authoritative sources make errors, and sometimes those errors can be easily discerned through additional research. 

Over this past weekend, I perused a Facebook thread dealing with Chinese food, and I found a number of incorrect claims, some repeating "common knowledge" that wasn't actually true. The posters seemed so sure of their claims, but I had done my own extensive research on these issues and knew the "common knowledge" was wrong. However, I know those same erroneous claims will continue to be promoted by others. Too many people accepting information without verifying its accuracy, some refusing to change their minds even if confronted with the actual facts.

The key to discerning an accurate source, to determine what to believe, is to question everything. Question motivations, knowledge levels, biases and more. Don't accept anything at face value. Yes, it takes more time to do this, but it pays off in the end by providing you better and more accurate answers. That questioning can help you trust your source more. For example, the longer you follow a writer, the better you will understand them, and the better you can assess their biases, preferences, and knowledge level. That will lead to a better bond of trust.

Besides questioning everything, you should also consult other resources and not just a single one. The more references you consult, the better your chances of getting accurate information. Don't just consult Wikipedia for your information. Yes, it might take longer to do all of the necessary research, but in the end, you will get closer to the truth, a worthy goal. 

With the information overload found online, please remember that not everything can be trusted. Question everything, and seek as many references as possible. Trust and accuracy comes with time and effort.

Thursday Sips & Nibbles

I'm back again with a new edition of Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I highlight some interesting, upcoming food and drink events. I hope everyone dines out safely, tips well and are nice to their servers.
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1) Committee, the Greek restaurant in the Seaport, announces a special all-day Brunch menu in celebration of Labor Day. On Sunday, September 1st, the Seaport favorite will offer some of its Greek and Mediterranean-inspired brunch dishes all day from 11AM to midnight, alongside the full restaurant menu. This gives guests plenty of opportunity to try the brunch menu created by Committee’s Executive Chef Sebastian Zuluaga, formerly of Saltie Girl, who joined the team this year and explore the new space as the team has also just completed a total refresh of the space, including the coveted outdoor patio.

The all day brunch menu will include:
Strapatsada Omelette – roasted cherry tomatoes, broccoli, onions, feta, served with potatoes and grilled pita
Smoked Salmon Pita – cucumber, crispy & pickled shallots, sesame seeds, scallion–manouri cream cheese
Pancakes – wild blueberries, whipped cream, caramel sauce
Greek Yogurt Parfait – fresh berries, maple sesame granola, Greek honey
Roasted Lamb Hash – sunny-side eggs, slow cooked pulled lamb, roasted potatoes, spicy tzatziki, pickled shallots, grilled sourdough

2) ‘Twas the night before (Allston) Christmas and all through the Sil, the creatures were stirring… but they weren’t a mouse. This Allston Christmas – the ritual, made legendary by college students ditching their apartment lease and furniture on the curb, with Gen Z dumpster-divers scoring big for their new digs – the Silhouette Lounge is getting the party started early with Allston Christmas Eve. Opening early on August 31, from 12pm-1am, the lounge will be decked in Yuletide décor complete with an inflatable Santa dancing in the wind atop the roof.

While jamming out to Christmas classics, scarf down The Sil’s signature “Sil Dogs” – all-beef franks nestled in their buns with the option to top them with ketchup, mustard and relish – for only $1* per ‘dog with the purchase of a boozy beverage. 

*Limit of one per customer at $1 pricing with the purchase of an alcoholic beverage

Channel your inner Clark and Ellen Griswold with festive drink specials: All I Got for XMAS is Storrowed, a High Noon peach vodka seltzer with a Pasoa passionfruit float ($10); The Grinch Who Stole My Parking Spot, a shot of Rumchata peppermint and crème de menthe ($7); and On the First Day of Allston XMAS My… bartender gave me their choice of a shot and beer ($10).

Rock around the Christmas tree in your signature ugly sweater that usually only makes its annual appearance in December and be sure not to sleep on the budget-friendly pitchers, pool, darts, pinball, Big Buck Hunter and – of course – free popcorn.

Rant: Drinking Advice After Labor Day

One week from today is Labor Day, what many people see as the unofficial end of Summer, despite the fact that the official end isn't until September 22. Labor Day also presages changes in the wine and beverage world, beyond the fact it's grape harvest season, and consumers need to pay attention. There are opportunities now that they should take advantage of, to learn more about wine and other beverages, to experience different drinks, and to enjoy plenty of delicious drinks. I've compiled some drinking advice for the Fall and rest of the year. 

1) Don't Stop Drinking Rosé 
It's a myth that Rosé is only a Summer wine. The reality is that Rosé can and should be consumed year-round, no matter what the season, especially as it's excellent with food. Don't be fooled by those who try to claim it's only a seasonal wine. The better wine stores understand that Rosé is great all year round and thus they will stock Rosé throughout  the year, even though many distributors don't push Rosé during this time. Thanksgiving is an excellent occasion for Rosé. For more thoughts on this topic, check out Don't Stop Drinking Rosé.

2) Celebrate International Port Wine Day on September 10

Port wine, produced in Portugal, comes in a variety of styles and types, from Ruby Port to Tawny Port, from White Port to Rosé Port. There are Vintage Ports as well as Ports of various ages, from 10 Years to 50 Years. This holiday is a great time to explore the wonders of Port wine, as well as its food pairings. For myself, Port and Blue Cheese is one of my favorites. You can learn much more about Port HERE, with links to my many Port articles, from the Origins of Port to numerous reviews.  

3) Celebrate Sake Day on October 1
Nihonshu no Hi, known in English as Sake Day, originated over 40 years ago, in 1978, by a declaration of the Japan Sake Brewers Association and is now celebrated worldwide. Japanese Sake remains a niche beverage in the U.S. so this is a perfect day to learn more about it, to sample some delicious Sake, and understand its wonders. Some local restaurants and wine shops may offer Sake Day celebrations and you should avail yourselves of that opportunity. For more thoughts on this topic, check out Celebrate Sake Day!

4) Celebrate International Sherry Week in November
This year, International Sherry Week will be held from November 3-9. Sherry may be one of the tastiest, most intriguing, and unique wines that you're probably not drinking. It remains a tiny niche beverage in the U.S. and like Sake Day, this is a perfect opportunity to learn more about Sherry, to sample some delicious bottles, and understand its wonders. This will be at least a couple thousand Sherry events across the world. For more thoughts on Sherry, check out All About Sherry.

5) Don't Stress Over Thanksgiving Wines
The holidays are a stressful enough time that you really shouldn't add to your stress by worrying about the wine. Do you really need specific Thanksgiving wine recommendations? I don't think so. The more I ponder the question, the more I realize that all you need for Thanksgiving are some good wines, the varietals and/or blends being much less important. As long as they don't blatantly clash with the meal, then they should work and few wines are going to so blatantly clash. Drink wines you'll enjoy and don't worry so much about "perfect pairings." For more thoughts on this topic, check out Rant: Stop Stressing Over Thanksgiving Wine.

6) Don't Be Cheap Buying Holiday Wines
As the holidays approach, you might be planning to host parties for your family and friends. You might need a selection of wine for these celebrations. Price is usually a significant factor in your decision as to which wines to purchase. However, instead of buying just the cheapest wine at a shop, ask the staff at that store for their recommendations for the best value wines. They might be able to suggest wines you might not have considered, wines which offer excellent value as well as taste. These are also some great discount wine shops worthy of your attention, offering compelling wines at a low price point. For more thoughts on this topic, check out Rant: Holiday Wines? Don't Be A Cheapskate.

7) DON'T DRINK & DRIVE!!
This is one of the most important pieces of advice you'll receive this season. Please give this your full attention. If you've had too much alcohol to drink, if there is any doubt in your mind, don't drive. Just don't do it! Err on the side of caution so that if you have any doubt of your capacity to drive, then please do not drive. Take a taxi or Uber, catch a ride with someone else, walk or sleep it off. Just don't drive! For more thoughts on this topic, check out Rant: DON'T DRINK & DRIVE...OR ELSE!!

What post-Labor Day drinking advice would you like to add?

Thursday Sips & Nibbles

I'm back again with a new edition of Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I highlight some interesting, upcoming food and drink events. I hope everyone dines out safely, tips well and are nice to their servers.
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1) On Wednesday, August 27th, at 6:30 PM, join Bistro 5, in Medford, for A Journey to the Italian Coast Wine Dinner.  Chef-Owner Vittorio Ettore states: "When I travel to Italy, I dream, I eat, and then I dream again. And like so many others, I find myself asking: Why is the food so good? Is it the skill? The sun? The bounty of the land and sea? Perhaps it is something deeper — a collective connection between people and their environment, expressed through food and wine. With that in mind, our fish is sourced as locally as possible, and our produce comes from the beautiful Kimball Fruit Farm in Pepperell, MA. This dinner is also a true collaboration, created together with our friends at Wine-Sense of Andover and Mucci Wine Imports." 

The Menu includes:

Antipasti: Chef’s inspired passed appetizers
La Sabbiona Vermouth Cocktail

Fiori di Zucca “Sardi” (Stuffed zucchini blossoms with Maine lobster, herbs and sheep milk ricotta, zucchini and basil emulsion, and Bottarga di Muggine)
Muscari-Tomajoli ‘Nethun’ Lazio Vermentino 2023

Paccheri Trabaccolara (Locally sourced seafood, large rigatoni shaped pasta, DOP San Marzano tomatoes, lemon zest)
Reale 'Getis' Costa d'Amalfi Tramonti Rosato DOC 2024

Tagliata di Tonno (Bluefin tuna loin, crusted with “Scaccia”, toasted fennel seed and pink peppercorns. Plum, Etna Rossa and orange zest “agrodolce”. Eggplant, plum and mint caponata.)
Palmento Costanzo 'Mofete Rosso' Etna Rosso DOC 2022

Torta della Nonna (Basil infused Ligurian tart, peach-lemon Mostarda)
Cantina Lilliu 'Dunkas' IGT Bianco Passito, Sardegna

The dinner costs: $150 Tasting Menu & Wine Pairings (tax and gratuity not included) and you can make Reservations HERE. 

2) On Wednesday, September 10, during normal operating hours, Anna’s Taqueria is ready to party like it's 1995 as they celebrate their 30th anniversary at the homegrown brand’s 10 Greater Boston locations. From open to close, Anna’s will roll back the hands of time and offer its legendary super burritos – 12″ fresh hot flour tortillas customized to your taste and packed with a main filling, cheese, rice, beans, lettuce, pico, hot sauce and jalapeños – at its original 1995 pricing, $3.50 per oversized bundle of love (Premium add-ons priced à la carte). Additionally, the first 50 faithful through the doors of each location on September 10 will score a commemorative 30th anniversary t-shirt with their purchase. 

Inspired by San Francisco’s Mission District, Anna’s Taqueria was first conceived with the goal of bringing the homestyle flavor of Mexican street food to the people of Boston. Brookline became Anna’s Taqueria first home in 1995, with an additional nine locations joining the family over the decades. Anna’s passion for bringing the best in Mexican food to Greater Boston is only outdone by its passion for supporting the people and causes in its communities.

2024 Varvaglione 1921 Susumaniello Rosé: A Puglia Prize

Apulia, also known as Puglia, is an Italian region which occupies the "heel" of the Italian "boot," bordering the Adriatic Sea on its east coast. This region is best known for its red wines, especially those made from Primitivo and Negroamaro. However, you can find other interesting red grapes there, although their total acreage may be small. One such grape, of ancient lineage, is Susumaniello. 

The name, "susumaniello," may derive from the term "somarello," which roughly translates as "small donkey." This may refer to the hardiness of the grape, as the donkey can handle a great load, or it may refer to the grape bunches, which some claim resemble an overloaded donkey. DNA analysis indicates the grape is a cross between Garganega and Uva Sogra, and there are some claims that the grape originated in the Dalmatian region of Croatia, although proof of such is largely lacking. However, as it's known Primitivo originated in Dalmatia, it wouldn't be a stretch to consider Susumaniello had a similar journey. 

During the 20th century, Susumaniello fell out of favor, as it became low yielding, and farmers preferred to work with more productive vines, like Primitivo and Negroamaro. However, in time, the low yields of Susumaniello became seen as a strength, indicative of higher quality, by a number of wineries, and the grape was saved from extinction. It's now used as a blending grape, as a single varietal, and in Rosé wines. 

Varvaglione 1921 is a family-owned winery based in Leporano, on the coast of the Ionian Sea, in Puglia. It was established just over 100 years ago, making it one of the oldest wineries in southern Italy, and is currently owned and operated by the fourth generation of the Varvaglione family. The winery focuses on the native grapes of the region, including Primitivo, Negroamaro, Malvasia Nera, Aglianico, Verdeca, Falanghina, Malvasia Bianca and Fiano. They own about 150 hectares of vineyards, and also purchase fruit from low grape growers. They are also certified sustainable. 

I recently received a media sample of the 2024 Varvaglione 1921 Susumaniello Rosé (about $19), which is produced from 100% Susumaniello and has a 13% ABV. The wine is aged in stainless steel, with periodic suspension of the lees. With a vibrant pink color, the nose is alluring with plenty of red fruit aromas and hints of spice. On the palate, it is crisp and dry, with bright red fruit flavors of strawberry, raspberry and cherry, along with subtle spice notes. On the lengthy finish, there's hints of minerality, and it's simply delicious. This would be excellent on its own, although it would also be an excellent food wine. 

Overall, this was an impressive Rosé, perfect for the summer, but which would be great year round. It would make a very good choice for Thanksgiving dinner. And at under $20, this wine is a good value as well.