Plastic Wine Bottles?

Many people won't buy wine in a box. So, would they buy wine in a plastic bottle?

The Daily Mail has an article discussing that the store Sainsbury's, in Great Britian, will soon start selling a couple wines in plastic bottles. The Australians though were the first to bottle some wines in this fashion.

One benefit of the plastic bottles is that they are recyclable and thus good for the environment. They also weight significantly less than glass bottles, 2 ounces as opposed to 14 ounces. So, a case of wine in plastic bottles would weigh 144 ounces (about 9 pounds) less than a case of glass bottles.

For now, only a few inexpensive wines will be bottled in plastic. But, if they sell well, then other wines might be bottled so as well. I am not sure whether many people would be willing to buy plastic wine bottles. It might be fine for a picnic or so, but probably not for elsewhere.

There is a potential problem of chemicals in the plastic tainting the wine, though there is not much information on that danger.

Banana Gel-O Shot

Instructables has some interesting, and sometimes, weird ways to create various food items. I frequently check it to see what might be of interest. I previously posted about a Bacon Placemat I found there. Now I found something new.

Check out: Gel-O-Shot INSIDE A Banana!

Basically you receive instructions for turning the inside of a banana, while it is still in its skin, into a Gel-O like substance. There is even a video. You should note that these instructions make an alcoholic Gel-O, using vodka, though other hard liquors could be used instead.

So Many Wine Tastings

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

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.

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.