Wine, Beer and Restaurant Reviews

Water to Wine, a Miracle? Here's another, Wine to Water!

In 2004 a humble North Carolina bartender decided to make a difference. The man, Doc Hendley, had a dream to take on a huge problem that we cannot ignore, the vast and growing water epidemic that affects nearly one billion people throughout the world.

Using what he new, serving wine and playing music, Doc launched a magnificent effort that became the organization Wine to Water. Fast forward to 2013, Wine to Water has growing support and has effective clean water projects in 10 countries.

Today with the help of the famous Montesquieu Winery and one of the world's most renowned winemakers, Michel Rolland, Doc and Wine to Water are well on the way to raise a quarter of a million dollars for a new project to dig clean water wells in Africa. You can Help. And enjoy an exceptional wine.

Escape, Montclair, Our Second Time for a Fabulous Dinner

Freshness and delicate flavor filled my mouth as I savored this delicious morsel of salmon, daikon and greens on a rich grain bread round. It was the start of what was to be a pretty perfect meal.

More Great Wine from the Sud de France, Open Now - Hegarty-Chamans Minervois

One of my wine guys over at Shoppers Vineyard recommended this wine, I was looking for more good wines from the South of France.

There is quite a renaissance going on there driven by new generations of wine makers and a determined effort to compete in the world market.

In the case of this wine, from the AOC (appellation d'origine contrôlée)  called Minervois in the Languedoc-Roussillon Province, inspiration also comes from a Brit, Sir John Hegarty a very successful Ad Man who founded the global advertising firm BBH, Bartle Bogle Hegarty.

This very approachable wine offers bright and delicous fruit that I think is perfect for summer drinking.

Racy Wines from From Southern France - Languedoc Estate Château Paul Mas, Enjoyed at Hundred Acres, New York

Well Spring 2013 is turning out to be the season for discovering the exciting wines of Southern France and we couldn't be happier. France has been an area that I have deliberately ignored in the past. Times have changed and so have I, this spring we've had the great opportunity to taste a lot of wonderful wines from "Sud De France." We are loving them.

One of the most exciting events was a tasting of 19 wines from the Languedoc estate Château Paul Mas at the fabulous restaurant Hundred Acres in NY, presented by fourth generation wine maker Jean-Claude Mas.

These wines are alive with luxuriant aromas, flavors and sensations, so drinkable, so  pleasurable.

New Montclair Restaurant, Escape, Innovative Farm to Table, Southern Fine Cuisine, sure to be favorite, "Liked" a lot.

I had a friend who liked to start her meal with dessert, why save the best for last she would ask. Hey to each their own, I say. 

At the artful new "Farm to Table" restaurant, Escape in Montclair, I could start anywhere in the menu. As long as somewhere along the way I get another one of these chocolatey, crispy, gooey, nutty, melt-in-your-mouth brownies.

The array of, sensibly priced and sensibly sized, fresh creations on the menu are a delight to behold. Executive Chef and Owner, Bryan Gregg's "Innovative Farm" "Southern Fine" cuisine is destined to be favorite and "Liked" a lot. 

Vive Le Sud-Ouest - The Exciting Wines of South West FranceFrench Institute Alliance Française Wine Tour de France 2013

  There could not have been a better time to be introduced to the exciting wines of the "Sud Ouest", South Western France. These bright and festive wines make for wonderful summer sipping.

You see, just to the east and south of landmark Bordeaux there is a resplendent populace of wine regions with an almost dizzying diversity of wines to enjoy.

Fortunately, Pascaline Lepeltier, Wine Director at Rouge Tomate, was able to bring them all to focus at a fabulous event at French Institute Alliance Française.

French Wine Lovers, All Wine Lovers, Rejoice and Look for Cotes De Bordeaux on your Wine Label

We are very lucky in America, especially here in our greater New York Metro area, able to enjoy a world of world class wines.

With so much to choose from, so many great wines, I've let French wines drop off my radar.  But this spring they have become much more than a blip, they are in full focus as French wine makers bring their bright message to the States. 

FIAF wines events, and many tastings in and around our fair city have afforded great opportunities to revive our love of French wines.

Now, you certainly know Bordeaux, with all its wonderful appellations, but do you know Cotes De Bordeaux? You should.

Natirar, Ninety Acres Culinary Center - A Return to My Roots by Chrissy Katz

There is a need to return to one’s roots after being away for a long period of time and so I headed to Somerset County, NJ where I used to go riding.

Natirar (anagram for Raritan) is a special place, offering old world charm with a modern feeling and time to step back and reflect on how we lost perspective and appreciation for how food comes to our table.

Spring Brings Flowers and Rosé, Rosato and Rosado

Spring is the time I like to drink these luscious pink, salmon, rose colored wines. In France they are called Rosé; in Italy, Rosato; and Rosado in Spain. This one called Vitiano Rosato Umbria paired so nicely with a dish inspired by friend Stacy who creates the recipes and writes Stacey Snacks, a perfect pairing for her Grilled Salmon w/ Red Quinoa & Pistachios.