Each week I get an email from Astor Wine & Spirits and it makes me wish we had such a wine store locally. Many wine stores have wine tastings once a week. A very few have two tastings a week. This week, Astor has 4 wine tastings! And that is usual for them.
Let's look at their line-up for this week:
Thursday, July 26th: Tasting of some Spanish wines, Beaujolais and Tommy Bahama white and gold rums from Barbados.
Friday, July 27th: Try some French wines, small Italian producers, and a Bambu Mojito made from Bambu ultra-premium white rum, fresh mint, lime, and a splash of soda.
Saturday, July 28th: Try some Spanish wines, more small Italian Producers, and V2 VodkaGet, made of V2 energy vodka and lemonade.
Sunday, July 29th: Try some Muscadets.
All of the tastings are free and there are discounts for the wines being tasted. So why can't a local wine store give us as many options?
Astor Wines
399 Lafayette at 4th St,
New York, NY
Phone: (212) 674-7500
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
TV Diner vs Phantom Gourmet
Which do you prefer, TV Diner or the Phantom Gourmet?
Today's Boston Globe has an interesting article comparing the two television shows and discussing their rivalry. The article has some intriguing facts concerning the shows. I do watch both shows.
First, the Phantom Gourmet makes their guests agree not to appear on TV Diner for a few months after their appearance. The exact amount of time is not specified. TV Diner does not make this same demand of its guests. Dave Andelman claims this restriction is a usual television practice. I have heard of some other shows restricting their guests in the same manner. But, I am not sure it is necessary. Would it really negatively impact the Phantom that much if they did not have the restriction? I think that, if anything, it might hurt the public. I am sure some restaurants don't like the restriction and thus won't appear because of it.
Second, TV Diner is said to feature more high end-restaurants than the Phantom. Based on my viewing, I do believe that to me true.
Third, the Phantom seems like it caters more to men, with its emphasis on topics like the best steak and cheese or best burgers. This is an interesting idea, and I do have to agree with this as well. You see far less women on the Phantom. TV Diner has women regularly on their show, including doing regular segments.
Fourth, TV Diner is planning a future "community event" though no details are given. The Phantom has their upcoming food festival in September.
I saw that MenuPages did discuss this article too. I also made a recent post on the Phantom Gourmet. My personal preference though out of the two shows is TV Diner. I probably see more restaurants on TV Diner that interest me than the Phantom. I do like some of the special segments on TV Diner such as the cooking.
I believe there is plenty of room for both shows in our area. The competition is good for the public.
Today's Boston Globe has an interesting article comparing the two television shows and discussing their rivalry. The article has some intriguing facts concerning the shows. I do watch both shows.
First, the Phantom Gourmet makes their guests agree not to appear on TV Diner for a few months after their appearance. The exact amount of time is not specified. TV Diner does not make this same demand of its guests. Dave Andelman claims this restriction is a usual television practice. I have heard of some other shows restricting their guests in the same manner. But, I am not sure it is necessary. Would it really negatively impact the Phantom that much if they did not have the restriction? I think that, if anything, it might hurt the public. I am sure some restaurants don't like the restriction and thus won't appear because of it.
Second, TV Diner is said to feature more high end-restaurants than the Phantom. Based on my viewing, I do believe that to me true.
Third, the Phantom seems like it caters more to men, with its emphasis on topics like the best steak and cheese or best burgers. This is an interesting idea, and I do have to agree with this as well. You see far less women on the Phantom. TV Diner has women regularly on their show, including doing regular segments.
Fourth, TV Diner is planning a future "community event" though no details are given. The Phantom has their upcoming food festival in September.
I saw that MenuPages did discuss this article too. I also made a recent post on the Phantom Gourmet. My personal preference though out of the two shows is TV Diner. I probably see more restaurants on TV Diner that interest me than the Phantom. I do like some of the special segments on TV Diner such as the cooking.
I believe there is plenty of room for both shows in our area. The competition is good for the public.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
2004 Core Red 163
I am continuing my tasting of wines from the Core Winery. Previously I reviewed their 2005 Turchi Syrah. I now have moved onto the 2004 Core Red 163 ($30).The 2004 Core Red 163 is made of 60% Grenache, 28% Syrah, and 12% Mourvedre. Only 620 cases of this wine were produced. The grapes were grown at an elevation of approximately 3200 feet.
This wine is very fruit forward with lots of cherry and maybe some strawberry up front. Once past the fruit, you taste spice including some cinnamon and clove. The finish is moderately long. It is an easy drinking wine which should not offend anyone. It is definitely a New World wine, and not like the French Rhone wines, though the blend is reminiscent of a Rhone style. It is a good tasting wine but at this price point I was hoping for more. I had hoped for more complexity and not such a bright, fruity wine. So, I was disappointed with this wine. This is a Drink but I would not buy it again.
I await my tasting of their Hard Core, which is supposed to be more complex.
Recommended Introductory Wine Books
Would you like to learn more about wine? Would you like an introductory overview of the world of wine?
There are several excellent books available that can educate you about wine. Here are a few of my recommendations for such books. These books are all easy to understand but are very informative.
"Windows on the World: Complete Wine Course" by Kevin Zraly. This book is frequently updated and the 2007 edition is currently available. You might be able to find the 2006 edition on the discount rack at your local bookstore. The 2007 edition is a large hardcover book and retails at $24.95. It covers all the basics about wine, the different countries and varietals, recommended wineries and producers, and much more. In addition, it provides alot of wine trivia. It is an easy read and contains alot of interesting and valuable information. Most people will find they learn something from this book.
"Great Wine Made Simple" by Andrea Immer Robinson. This is a revised edition, in hardcover and retails at $29.95. This is also an easy read with lots of interesting and valuable information. It also tries to downplay the wine lingo and talk in more plain English. It goes more in depth in some areas than the Zraly book. It also presents you with some wine tasting suggestions that will help you better understand wine.
"Jancis Robinson's Wine Course" by Jancis Robinson. This is a trade-sized paperback and retails at $29.95. The first half of the book is all about wine while the second half goes into details about the world's different wine regions.
"Oldman's Guide To Outsmarting Wine" by Mark Oldman. This is also a trade sized paperback that retails for $18. This book is a bit more ecletic than the others but contains information you may not find in the other books. It is an easy read and contains numerous wine recommendations as well.
There are several excellent books available that can educate you about wine. Here are a few of my recommendations for such books. These books are all easy to understand but are very informative.
"Windows on the World: Complete Wine Course" by Kevin Zraly. This book is frequently updated and the 2007 edition is currently available. You might be able to find the 2006 edition on the discount rack at your local bookstore. The 2007 edition is a large hardcover book and retails at $24.95. It covers all the basics about wine, the different countries and varietals, recommended wineries and producers, and much more. In addition, it provides alot of wine trivia. It is an easy read and contains alot of interesting and valuable information. Most people will find they learn something from this book.
"Great Wine Made Simple" by Andrea Immer Robinson. This is a revised edition, in hardcover and retails at $29.95. This is also an easy read with lots of interesting and valuable information. It also tries to downplay the wine lingo and talk in more plain English. It goes more in depth in some areas than the Zraly book. It also presents you with some wine tasting suggestions that will help you better understand wine.
"Jancis Robinson's Wine Course" by Jancis Robinson. This is a trade-sized paperback and retails at $29.95. The first half of the book is all about wine while the second half goes into details about the world's different wine regions.
"Oldman's Guide To Outsmarting Wine" by Mark Oldman. This is also a trade sized paperback that retails for $18. This book is a bit more ecletic than the others but contains information you may not find in the other books. It is an easy read and contains numerous wine recommendations as well.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Shepherd's Pie
Shepherd's Pie is one of my favorite comfort foods but I am very picky about what goes into my pie.
It is a traditional English meal that usually consists of minced lamb topped my mashed potatoes. In the U.S., it is usually made with ground beef and may then be called "cottage pie" or "cowboy pie." In the U.S., a layer of corn is commonly added too. A number of other vegetables, such as peas, onions and beans, are sometimes added to the ground meat. Shepherdess Pie is a vegetarian version.
For me, I enjoy ground beef, corn and mashed potatoes. I don't like any other veggies in my Shepherd's Pie. Trying to find that type of Shepherd's Pie though can be difficult. But, I have found one store that has exactly what I want. And their Pie is delicious.
J. Pace & Sons Inc. sells a home-made Shepherd's Pie. It is large enough to feed two people and costs only around $9. What a bargain! They don't make it every day though so it is not always available. You just have to take it home, heat it up and then serve. A quick meal. It has a nice crusty top, soft potatoes and flavorful beef.
I'm having some tonight. Yum!
J. Pace & Sons Inc.
333 Main St.
Saugus, MA
Phone: (781) 231-2741
It is a traditional English meal that usually consists of minced lamb topped my mashed potatoes. In the U.S., it is usually made with ground beef and may then be called "cottage pie" or "cowboy pie." In the U.S., a layer of corn is commonly added too. A number of other vegetables, such as peas, onions and beans, are sometimes added to the ground meat. Shepherdess Pie is a vegetarian version.
For me, I enjoy ground beef, corn and mashed potatoes. I don't like any other veggies in my Shepherd's Pie. Trying to find that type of Shepherd's Pie though can be difficult. But, I have found one store that has exactly what I want. And their Pie is delicious.
J. Pace & Sons Inc. sells a home-made Shepherd's Pie. It is large enough to feed two people and costs only around $9. What a bargain! They don't make it every day though so it is not always available. You just have to take it home, heat it up and then serve. A quick meal. It has a nice crusty top, soft potatoes and flavorful beef.
I'm having some tonight. Yum!
J. Pace & Sons Inc.
333 Main St.
Saugus, MA
Phone: (781) 231-2741
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