Rant: Don't Be A Selfish, Greedy Glutton

As the holiday season nears, food and wine blogs are ramping up to spread holiday cheer. You will read epic tales of sumptuous feasts, accompanied by expensive and rare bottles of wine. You will read plenty of holiday recipes, describing how to prepare some of the most decadent dishes. You will read of pricey gifts received, from costly electronics to tropical vacations. Colorful photos will display all of these hedonistic pleasures in their alluring glory.

But I want to see something more, something meaningful.

I don't want to be regaled by selfish, greedy gluttons. Instead, I want to hear about charitable efforts to help those less fortunate. This should be a time of generosity and charity, of giving to others rather than gorging only ourselves. Though many love the holiday season, it can be a very sad time for those with little or nothing. Every community has some people who find it difficult merely to pay for basic essentials. Share your largess with others, helping those who truly need it.

Even though these are tough economic times for many of us, we all probably can help out others, even if only in little ways. If you cannot spare money, then donate your time or make something to give to others, maybe bake a pie, cookies or casserole. Donate old clothes or other durable items which you no longer use. There are many different ways to help out others besides just monetary donations.

During this season, there are numerous restaurants, chefs, stores and others which are holding special charitable events. Promote those events on your blogs, spreading the word far and wide. Attend those events, encouraging others to do the same. Give to your favorite charities, whatever they might be. Just don't revel in selfish, greedy gluttony, ignoring the plight of others.

This applies to our readers as well, and I encourage all of you to be charitable as well, in whatever way that you can. Be creative in your efforts, even if your own finances are tight. That would be the best gift I could receive from my readers, the knowledge that you have all helped out those less fortunate.

I will do my own part to help the less fortunate, to share what I possess. Year round, I promote numerous food and wine-related charitable events and probably will promote even more this season. I will give to several charities as well, even if I only can give small amounts, to those which are personally close to my heart. I will try to help in a number of different ways and I strongly encourage all of my fellow bloggers to do the same this season.

Let us share with all during this joyous holiday season.

2011 In Review: A Collection of Lists

At the end of each year, I compile about eight lists of my Favorites of the past year: the top wines, restaurants, foods, sake, spirits, and more. These summary posts help my readers more easily find my favorites of the past year, rather than skimming through hundreds of posts on their own. I also enjoy compiling these lists as it enables me to scan over my blog for the past year, to relive many pleasant memories of the food and drinks which most pleased me.

The lists do not necessarily address the "Best" of anything, as I have not partaken of everything in any category so cannot pass such judgments. But, every item on these lists gets my strongest recommendations and I have faith that they should strongly appeal to most of my readers. Kudos go to all of those who are listed in my Favorites, as they have well earned the accolades.

I hope you enjoy.

2011: Top Ten Wines Under $15
2011: Top Ten Wines Over $15 
2011: Top Wines Over $50 
2011: Favorite Wine, Spirit and Drink-Related Items 
2011: Favorite Restaurants 
2011: Favorite Food-Related Items 
2011: Favorite Sake Items 

Friday Sips & Nibbles

I am back with a special Friday edition of Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I briefly highlight some interesting wine and food items that I have encountered recently. For this edition, I offer several suggestions for New Year's Eve and the Feast of the Seven Fishes.
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1)  Enzo Restaurant & Bar, in Newburyport, is celebrating The Feast of the Seven Fishes, the traditional Christmas Eve dinner throughout Italy.  The Feast is available on Friday, December 23rd and Saturday, December 24th by reservation only. This menu is $50 per person with a minimum of two people per Feast. As their menu utilizes only sustainably sourced fish and shellfish, some dishes may change slightly between now and the 23rd and 24th due to availability. Their full menu will also be available for those diners who are not fish fans.

Antipasti
Fritto misto / Fried calamari and vegetables
Insalata di baccala alla casalinga / House-cured salt cod salad
Pate di pesce affumicato / House-smoked bluefish paté
Insalata di casa / Mixed greens salad
Pasta e pesci
Branzino arrosto / Roasted striped bass
Cozze e vongole alla griglia / Broiled clams and mussels
Lasagna della Viglia / Lasagna with anchovy, a traditional Piemontese Christmas Eve pasta
Sarde in saor / Sweet and sour mullet, a traditional Venetian dish
Polenta
Verdure / Assortment of seasonal vegetables
Dolci
Biscotti / An assortment of holiday cookies
Gelati / House made gelato

Call them at 978-462-1801 to reserve your table.

2)  Enzo Restaurant & Bar is also celebrating New Year's Eve by offering a four-course menu designed especially for this evening. Dinner will be served from 5pm-10pm. The cost is $65 per person and wine pairings will also be available. As they use only humanely-raised meat and 100% sustainably-sourced seafood in their menus, some dishes may change slightly between now and the 31st.

This special evening is available by reservation only, therefore they request a credit card number to hold all reservations. Cancellations must be received at least 24 hours in advance to avoid a $50 per person fee.

Diners can select from one of four offerings for each course.

First course
Selection of salumi (some house-made, some not), gnoccho fritto and pickled veg
Oysters on the half shell, mignonette
Butternut squash bisque with seared gnocchi
House-made salt cod fritters, balsamic vinegar aioli
Second course
Duck conserva raviolo with egg yolk, duck sugo, crisp leeks
House-smoked duck breast, brussels sprouts slaw, quince mostardo
Parsnip sformato winter spinach salad
Winter greens salad with citrus and pomegranate
Third course
Braised cotechino with lentils and crispy pork belly, pickled red cabbage
Beef filet and butter-poached lobster, potato purée, butter-braised spinach
Crespelle with roasted mushrooms, ricotta mousse, roasted tomato sugo
Pan-roasted striped bass, citrus butter, braised fennel crispy fingerlings
Dessert
Crema fritta, chocolate sauce, gianduja gelato
Chocolate torte, glazed chestnut ice cream
Lambrusco-baked pears, almond gelato, pistachio brittle
Bruléed honey-lemon tart, mascarpone-zabaglione mousse

Call them at 978-462-1801 to reserve your table.

3)  Ring in the New Year with 62 Restaurant & Wine Bar in Salem. Chef/Owner Antonio Bettencourt is preparing a special four-course prix fixe menu for $70 per person ($90 with optional wine pairing) featuring his modern take on regional Italian dishes. Diners’ can also elect to dine à la carte and order from the regular dinner menu. This event takes place on Saturday, December 31st, 2011 from 5pm-11:30pm. Reservations are necessary so please call 978-744-0062.

Antipasti
Burrata (Just-warmed burrata over grilled ciabatta with pickled golden raisins & pinenuts)
Pork Belly (Confit pork belly over polenta with bosc pear mostarda)
Primi
Garganelli (Hand rolled garganelli with red wine braised duck, dried cherries, pinenuts & Tuscan kale)
Ravioli (Swiss chard and ricotta ravioli, braised artichokes, basil & preserved lemon vinaigrette)
Secondi
Zuppa di Pesce (Lobster, mussels, scallops and halibut in a spicy tomato and saffron brodetto)
Duo of Veal (Slow roasted veal sirloin and braised short rib, hen of the woods mushrooms & roasted cipolla)
Dolce
Torta al Caprino (Mascarpone and goat’s cheese tort with red wine spiced dried plums)
Warm Toffee Pudding (With toffee sauce and whipped cream)

4)  This Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24, from 5pm-9pm, Owner & Executive Chef Anthony Caturano will “The Feast of the Seven Fishes” at Prezza in Boston’s North End. This traditional Italian feast will be presented over five courses and features the following dishes:

First Course
Crispy Shrimp (With Italian slaw and cherry pepper aioli)
Second Course
Wood Grilled Squid & Octopus (With white beans)
Third Course
Tagliatelle (With scallops, shrimp, garlic and olive oil)
Fourth Course
Wood Grilled Swordfish (With saffron rice, beans and mussels)
Fifth Course
Bread Pudding

The Cost is $60 per person and you should call 617-227-1577 to make reservations.

5) Ring in the New Year at The Melting Pot in Bedford with a 5-course dining experience created just for the occasion. The Cost is $75 per Person (+ tax & 20% gratuity) or $65 per Person for reservations seated before 6:00pm (+ tax & 20% gratuity) and both include a Champagne toast with dessert (1 glass per person). Call (781) 791-0529 to make Reservations.

First Course
Champagne Swiss or Baked Potato Cheddar Fondue
Second Course
Colossal Shrimp Cocktail or Lemon Sorbet
Third Course
House or Caesar Salad
Fourth Course
Lobster Tail or Choice Angus Sirloin, accompanied by Shrimp, Buffalo Chicken, Memphis BBQ Pork Tenderloin & Wild Mushroom Sacchetti.
Cooking Styles: Court Bouillon, Bourguignonne, Mojo or Coq au Vin.
Fifth Course
(Accompanied by a Champagne Toast)
Bananas Foster or Snickerdoodle Chocolate Fondue

Vegetarian and Children's Options also available.

6)  Legal Harborside will celebrate its first New Year’s Eve under the stars at Liberty Wharf this year. Hosted atop the roof at Legal Harborside in a glass-enclosed space, you can bid adieu to 2011 and welcome 2012. In addition to being supplied with festive noisemakers and hats, individual tickets to this sky-high soiree include the features as listed below. Legal Harborside will also offer table reservations to this year-end celebration (which includes the all of the following plus a bottle of bubbly – Adriano Adami “Dei Casel” Prosecco – and an appetizer platter):

Raw Bar, from 9pm – 11pm
Shrimp cocktail, four varieties of oysters, clams
Passed Hors D’oeuvres, from 10pm – 12am
Legal’s signature favorites
Midnight Toast with Bubbly at 12am
Adriano Adami “Dei Casel” Prosecco
Sweet Ending Dessert Bar from 12am – 1am
Chocolate dipped strawberries, towers of assorted cupcakes

COST: Individual tickets are available in advance for $80 per person by visiting www.legalseafoods.com. Individual tickets are available at the door for $100 per person on a limited basis. Table reservations are available in advance for $400 (for four people). Up to two additional guests may join the table for $60 per person. Access to this event will only be granted to guests with a ticket receipt and a 21+ ID.

7)  The Beehive, in Boston's South end, will be open on Christmas Eve for dinner and live music. The night will feature live music from Jazzy Soul with the Marty Rowen Band from 8pm-12am, with dinner served from 5pm-11pm.

For more information or reservations visit www.beehiveboston.com or call (617) 423-0069.

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)  This New Year’s Eve, Blue on Highland in Needham will mark the end of 2011 and the start of 2012 with a night of festive celebrations complete with menu specials served all night long (4PM to 11PM) and a New Year’s Eve special dinner package for two for reservations made after 8PM. The New Year’s Eve dinner package will feature two entrees, including butter-poached monkfish and lamb osso bucco, and a half-bottle of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label for only $75 per couple. Join Blue into the waning hours of 2011 and receive a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.

For more information or for reservations, please call Blue on Highland at 781-444-7001 or visit www.blueonhighland.com.

Menu Specials:
Appetizer: 
--Oysters Rockefeller, Served in puff pastry, $13
--Rissotto, Duck confit with roasted mushrooms and black truffle emulsion $22
Entrée
--Butter-poached monkfish with pearled couscous and a mache enoki mushroom salad $28
--Lamb osso bucco with balsamic burgundy demi-glace, germolata, parsnip-white bean puree and pancetta-braised brussel sprouts $28

2)  Ring in the New Year with an evening of dinner, laughter and music at Sauciety Restaurant, located at The Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel. The night will be hosted by comedian Sal Votano and will include a 3-course prix fixe dinner with a variety of live entertainment. The evening will feature four stand-up comedians, headlined by Steve Sweeney, and a New Year’s celebration at midnight that includes a champagne toast, DJ and dancing.

Along with Sweeney and Votano, the live entertainment lineup features fellow comedians Dave Russo and Tony V, as well as singer Carissa Scudieri and Sinatra Experience performer Joey Canzano.

WHEN: Saturday, December 31, 2011 | 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
TICKETS: Tickets can be purchased at www.laughstub.com
• VIP Ticket - $125/person, includes 3-course prix fixe dinner, VIP seating, entertainment & complimentary champagne toast (prix fixe dinner will be served from 7:00pm – 9:15pm)
• GENERAL Ticket - $65/person, includes entertainment & complimentary champagne toast (à la carte bar menu will be available for additional purchase)
* Cash bar will be available and is not included in ticket price
OTHER: This is a 21+ event, photo ID required. Event cost does not include cash bar. Seating preference is based on fist come first serve. Seating requests can be made, but are not guaranteed, by emailing aleksandar.bogdanic@westin.com

3)  Olé Mexican Grill located in Cambridge and Zócalo Cocina Mexicana located in Boston are offering a reasonably priced option for New Year’s Eve with a special $38 per person, 3-course, prix fixe menu as well as treating their customers to free samples of “lucky foods” from around the world and late night surprises to ring in the New Year!

It’s a tradition in many cultures to feature certain food items just before, during, and just after the stroke of midnight. All Guests that are on hand just before the clock strikes twelve will be given a free platter of lucky foods from around the world to accompany their champagne toast and ensure luck in the New Year! (1 Per Table)

The special New Year’s Eve prix fixe menu will be offered in addition to the regular menus at Olé Mexican Grill and Zócalo Cocina Mexicana for $38pp. Dinner reservations are accepted at both restaurants until 11pm and the celebrations continue well into the early hours of the morning with a DJ at Zócalo Cocina Mexicana and lively lounge scene, and a festive environment at Olé Mexican Grill with a special DJ appearance late-night.

For Reservations, call Olé Mexican Grill (617) 492-4495 or Zócalo Cocina Mexicana (617) 456-7849.

4)  On Saturday, December 31st from 9pm-2:30am, The Beehive in Boston’s South End will host their 5th annual New Year’s Eve gala event. The Beehive’s, “Discothèque Burlesque New Year's Eve 2012” is an evening of bohemian decadence and eccentric fun. Guests will explore their senses as they take in the wonders of sultry Parisian burlesque performances by Calamity Chang & Stormy Leather, two of New York City’s burlesque scene’s busiest performers and producers, and dance to the grooves of the all-star band The AB’s featuring vocalist Sinclair Jennings. Executive Chef Rebecca Newell will feature a buffet of hors d’oeuvres and desserts throughout the evening, all served in a cocktail setting. Top it all off and toast the evening with a glass of champagne featured on The Beehive’s champagne list; with over 69 champagnes, it’s one of the most extensive lists in New England!

Cost of the event is $105 per person with food buffet, or $75 per person without buffet. Tax and beverages not included. Both ticket options include admission and entertainment. There is a cash bar all evening. Must be 21+ to attend. Tickets/Reservations are available by calling 617-423-0069 or visiting www.beehiveboston.com.

5)  Enjoy Christmas Day dinner at the Beacon Hill Hotel & Bistro on Sunday, December 25, from 1pm-10pm as Executive Chef Richmond Edes prepares a multi-course holiday feast. Reservations are strongly suggested and can be made by calling 617-723-7575.

MENU


Appetizers:
---Macomber Turnip and Chestnut Velouté, Cranberry, Herbs, Bacon Tuile
--Country Pâté, Traditional Accompaniments
--Baby Greens Salad, Hearts of Palm, Winter Citrus, Aged Chèvre, Banyuls
--Wellfleet Oysters on the Half Shell, Verjus Granita, Grains of Paradise
--Wild Mushroom Ravioli, Arugula, Porcini Broth

Wine pairing (optional)
2010 Domäne Wachau, Grüner Veltliner (Austria) or
2009 Château Pesquié Les Terrasses Rouge (Rhône Valley, France)

Entrees
---Free Range Turkey Roulade
Chestnut Dressing, Mashed Potatoes, Cranberry Sauce and Gravy
--Faroe Island Salmon
Roasted Parsnip, Quinoa, Brussels Leaves
--Fresh Potato Gnocchi
Black Kale, Miatake, Winter Radish
--Painted Hills Strip Loin
Pommes Robuchon, Nantes Carrots, Sauce Vin Rouge
--Roasted Goose Breast & Confit Thigh
Spiced Squash, Lentils du Puy, Pomegranate Jus

Wine pairing (optional)
2006 Kinton Syrah (Santa Barbara County, California) or
2009 Château Moncontour Vouvray (Loire Valley, France)

Desserts
--Bouche de Noël
--Chocolate Mousse Torte
--Pecan Pie
--Selections of Farmstead Cheese

Wine pairing (optional)
N/V Yalumba Muscat “Museum Reserve” (South Eastern Australia) or
N/V Quinta de Noval 10 Year Porto (Douro, Portugal)

Cost: $55 per person, $27 for optional wine pairing. A 20% gratuity will automatically be added to your bill.

6)  BOKX 109 American Prime, located at Hotel Indigo, will host a New Year’s Eve prix-fixe dinner. This special four-course menu will feature seasonally inspired dishes prepared by BOKX 109’s Executive Chef Jarrod Moiles. Dinner will be complemented by live music provided by local artist Matt Antunes. The evening will include a champagne toast at midnight, and plenty of party favors to help ring-in the New Year.

The four-course offering will feature the following:
First Course
Choice of:
--Hudson Valley Foie Gras (Mushroom salad, Brioche, and Sour Cherry)
--Salmon Tartare (Caper, Yuzu, Scallion, Aioli, and Wonton Crisps)
Second Course
Choice of:
--Warm Vegetable Salad (Roasted Fall Baby vegetable, Chicory, Citrus Goat cheese dressing, and toasted Pistachio)
--Arugula and Fried Artichoke Salad (Gorgonzola, Roasted Beet, and Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette)
Third Course
Choice of:
--Lamb Larded Tenderloin (Bandt Farm Tenderloin stuffed with an Australian Lamb Chop, and served with
Winter Vegetable Ragout and Balsamic Roasted Shallot Jam)
--Lobster Stuffed Sole (Braised Winter Greens, Cipolinni Onion, Chorizo and Saffron Cream)
--Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin (Corn Cake, Roasted Tomato Relish and House Mustard)
--Boneless 12 oz Delmonico (Turnip puree, Rock Shrimp Pancetta, Asparagus Hash and Burgundy Gastrique)
Fourth Course
Choice of:
--Goat Cheese Panna Cotta (Red Wine Poached Pear and Aged Balsamic)
--Chocolate Crème Brulee (Bailey’s Cream and Raspberry Sorbet)

Guests may select items from the special prix-fixe menu, or from BOKX 109’s regular menu.
When: Saturday, December 31, Dinner from 5 pm to 11pm, Bar is open from 4 pm- 1 am
Cost: $75 per person (excluding tax; includes a champagne toast at midnight and party favors)
To make a reservation please call 1-617-454-3399

2011: Top Wines Over $50

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

Welcome to my third, and last, Top Wine 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 eight entries as there were not enough worthy wines to complete ten entries. I have certainly tasted more than 8 delicious wines over $50, but that is expected from some 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)  2007 Bodegas Avanthia Mencia ($60-$70)
My friend Adam, of Wine Zag, introduced me to this wine over a game of poker. I really enjoy the Mencia grape and this wine was thoroughly impressive. The taste was lush and silky smooth, an appealing blend of rich fruit flavors, hints of minerality, spice notes and a lengthy and satisying finish. It was quietly seductive, an alluring partner whose lips beckon to be tasted. Only 100 cases were made so it might be a difficult wine to find.

2)  2004 Palacio de Otazu Altar ($50)
This Spanish wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo, a muscular and complex wine that pleases with its tastes of black fruit, ripe plum, spice, vanilla, mocha, and more. Bring on a hearty steak and I would be very happy. This is not a wine you likely should drink on its own, but pair it up with dinner and enjoy.

3)  2002 Collard-Picard Cuvee des Archives Brut (50 Euros)
I have a love for Grower's Champagne and this is a perfect example of the the high quality you can find. It is a blend of old vine Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. This is an amazing Champagne, with a complex character and soul. It is a rich and concentrated wine, with plenty of acidity, some creaminess, and appealing flavors including apples, toast, and spice.

4)  2004 Pierre Gimonnet & Fils Special Club (36 Euros)
More Grower's champagne, this winery produces only Blanc de Blanc, Champagne made from Chardonnay. This wine is fresh, lively, complex and intriguing. Besides apple, melon and apricot notes, there is also a briny taste with hints of toast. It had a strong, unique character and each sip only mesmerized me even more.

5)  NV Bruno Paillard Rosé Première Cuvée ($60-$70)
Bruno Paillard is one of the main producers of Rosé Champagne and this one was a stand out to me. Produced from 85% Pinot Noir and 15% Chardonnay, it was fresh and lively on my palate, with an intriguing mix of red fruits, a bit of citrus, and mild herbal notes. It also possessed a mild creaminess and an overall elegant structure. This would be an excellent food wine.

6)  2000 Disznoko Tokaji Aszu 6 Puttonyos ($75-$90/500ml)
This is the most expensive wine on my list but it is worthy of the accolades. It is a rich and elegant wine, well balanced and with plenty of acidity to offset its sweetness. A wine to be slowly savored, I could easily imagine this with a decadent plate of foie gras. It will age well and is sure to please for many years to come.

7)  NV Ramos Pinto Tawny Port 20 Year Old Quinta do Bom-Retiro ($60-$70)
This unique Port was produced from a blend of 40 different vintages, including as far back as 1818.  Its seductive nose led to an alluring taste, complex and sublime, with a long and lingering finish. This carefully crafted Port doesn't seem like it could have been any better. A wine to savor and share with good friends during a long evening.

8)  2006 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Vistaflores (about $80)
You might be used to low cost Malbec but some impressive high end, terroir driven wines are being made in Argentina. This might be the best high-end Malbec I have ever tasted, and comes from an excellent vintage. Such complexity, character and a never ending finish make this a true winner. Enjoy value Malbecs but don't ignore the high end Malbecs now being produced.

France, with three wines, had the most spots on this list with Spain taking two, and Hungary, Portugal and Argentina each with one spot. These are wines well worth a splurge, and many of them are not norm when the average person considers a high end wine. There is no Bordeaux or Burgundy on this list, and even the Champagne is mostly Grower's, only a tiny percent which reach the U.S.

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