2002 Casa Castillo Las Gravas

The Jumilla region of Spain is producing some incredible Monastrell based wines, from the inexpensive Panarroz to the more expensive lushness of the El Nido Clio. If I see a new wine from the Jumilla region, I am apt to buy it as I believe I am very likely to enjoy it. That is the case with this wine. I saw it at the Lower Falls Wine Co. and decided to buy it, simply because it was a new wine for me from Jumilla.

The 2002 Casa Castillo Las Gravas ($26) is a blend of 60% Monastrell, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Syrah. The name "Las Gravas" translates as "the gravel" and refers to the fact that the vineyards, located in the foothills of the Sierra Del Molar Mountains, contain a lot of gravel and stones covering the mostly chalky soil. The layer of gravel is between 12 to 18 inches thick.

This is a powerhouse of a wine. First, it has a dark red color, darker than many pure Monastrell wines. It has a dark berry nose with a bit of spice, like black pepper. On the front palate, there are lush blackberries and licorice. It transforms into a long smoky, spicy finish. It is a full bodied wine that is very rich and medium strength tannins. It definitely needs food as an accompaniement. I paired the wine with some grilled filet mignon and it was superb. The Caberent and Syrah definitely added power to the Monastrell. There is a lot going on in this wine and at this price, this wine is definitely worth buying. A recommended Drink & Buy.

Porter Square Food Court

I stopped by Porter Square today and visited the small shopping center which is located in the old Sears building. This center contains an Asian food court, a few Japanese related stores and a few other businesses. Construction work is currently going on there and I am unsure what new stores may be coming in.

I stopped at the Japonaise Bakery to get some shoku pan, sliced white bread that is thick, fresh and delicious. It makes superb French toast and great sandwiches. The bakery serves many other delicious baked goods including donuts.

The Blue Fin, a Japanese restaurant that has some excellent sushi, has expanded and seems to be at least double its previous size.

Tampopo, my favorite restaurant there, is still there. It is a great place for inexpensive but delicious Japanese food.

This entire shopping center is highly recommended for foodies. From Kotobukiya, the Japanese grocery store, to Tampopo, there is something for everyone. And most everything is very reasonably priced.

Porter Square Food Court
Intersection of Somerville Ave. and Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA

Penzeys Spices

Last year while in New York city, I had stopped at a stall for Penzeys Spices. They had a wide selection of spices at very reasonable prices. Many of these were very high quality spices, including some top notch vanilla and cinnamon. Though you can order their spices through their catalog or online, you can also visit their store in Arlington.

I visited their store today and it is impressive. They sell so many different spices, for all types of uses. You can get baking spices, salad dressing spices, taco spices, curry powders, herbs, and so much more. They have many different types of chili peppers as well as soup bases. There is little that you probably cannot find here. Prices are definitely cheaper than in the supermarkets. Just compare prices for vanilla for instance. And from what I have had before, the spices and herbs seem fresher than the other stores.

The store is easy to find, just as you enter Arlington Heights. It has its own parking lot as well. Why pay more at the supermarket? Go to Penzeys instead.

Penzeys Spices
1293 Massachusetts Ave
Arlington, MA
Phone: (781) 646-7707

Snickerdoodles Again!

In my travels today, I located the Arlington branch of the Quebrada Baking Co. I was in search of their fantastic Snickerdoodles! Yes, they did have some though not many. There were only half a dozen left and I bought them all. And they were so delicious. Crisp on the perimter, soft on the interior. Cinnamon/sugar flavor. Just the perfect Snickerdoodle.

They sell plenty of other cookies, cakes, breads and pastries as well. The Arlington store is easy to locate on Mass. Ave. and is well worth a visit.

Quebrada Baking Co.

Two locations:

272 Washington St.
Wellesley, MA
Phone: (781) 237-2111



208 Mass Ave.
Arlington, MA
Phone: (781) 648-0700

Sandrine's

While strolling around Harvard Square on this beautiful day, we stopped at Sandrine's for lunch. I had been here before and enjoyed it so felt we should have a good lunch.

Sandrine's is a French bistro. The Chef, and co-owner, is Raymond Ost who is originally from Alsace. The restaurant is named after his daughter.

The interior of the restaurant feels cozy, intimate and a bit elegant but without any pretension. We were seated right away and when other patrons were later seated, they were no seated near us. Though obviously were trying to cater to everyone's privacy.

The lunch menu has a few appetizers, some salads, sandwiches and a few meals. Much is typical French style food. Sandwiches average $11, and Entrees about $15. Prices are generally reasonable.

While we waited for our meals, we received a basket of hot baguette slices, an excellent bread with a crusty exterior and soft interior. They did bring us additional bread later on as well. A nice start.

We had fresh brewed ice tea and coffee to drink. Both were very good.

We began the meal with a half order of Escargot (snails), baked in a herb and garlic butter sauce ($10). These came out very hot and were tender and delicious. And once you ate the snails, the dish had little indentations with the garlic butter sauce. Perfect for dipping your bread.

For my main dish, I had the Sirloin beef burger with pomme frites $8, with swiss cheese ($2 extra) and bacon ($3 extra.) The burger is reasonable though the extras seem a bit pricey. The burger was delicious, thick and juicy. It came on a soft brioche roll. The fries were shoe strings with a light coating and were tasty. I split my meal with my wife who ordered the Croque Monsieur ($9) which also comes with pomme frites. This is a baked ham and cheese sandwich which was very good. Excellent bread, lots of cheese and good ham. My mother had the same sandwich and enjoyed it very much too. For my nephew, they made him a special order, essentially a grilled cheese and bacon sandwich on a brioche which he liked.

We passed on dessert as we knew we would be hitting some bakeries later.

Service was excellent. Our waitress was prompt, courteous and attentive. And the rest of the staff was very good too.

There are a couple of new French bistros in the area now, but Sandrine's should definitely be considered as an option if you seek a French bistro. The food and service are very good. It has a nice ambiance and plenty of menu options. Prices are generally reasonable. Give them a try!

Sandrine's
8 Holyoke St.
Cambridge, MA
Phone: 617-947-5300