Manoavino Taste!

New Jersey Wines

NJ wine production has grown over the years but the state has not yet gained great recognition as a source of fine wines. That is starting to change.

Garden State Wine Growers Association has been instrumental in the growth and sponsored a Wine Festival at Waterloo Village which we attended. Their next event, if you are interested in New Jersey Wines is a Wine Trail Weekend in July.  Alba Vineyard, one of the largest NJ vineyards, is sponsoring an event First Annual Festival of Wine on June 3rd and 4th.

Memorial Day Food and Wine

Memorial Day is one of my favorite days of the year. It is the official start of the outdoor food and wine season in New Jersey. The beginning of Summer, my favorite time of year.

But more importantly it is a day of remembrance, to honor those who have served our country so well. This Memorial Day is very important to many people who have lost loved ones in the present and recent wars. Our heart goes out to them.

And in their honor we celebrate, I think that is a good and healthy thing to do.

Bertelli's New Web Site

Bertelli's Fine Wine, Beer & Liquor, Clifton, NJ, has a new web site you may want to visit.

Bertelli's has been a favorite wine store of mine for many years. When my office was in Clifton I stopped by the shop often.

Now I do most of my buying on the Web or Amanti Vino.

The new site is simple and clean, easy to navigate and offers quite a selection of great wines.

The new site is simple and clean, easy to navigate and offers quite a selection of great wines. Not the least of which is an incredible collection of Barolos. 1993 through 2001. Wow.

A Merlot We All Enjoyed

Jen of Lotus Yoga, Diana and I had a light dinner Saturday at Raymond's after seeing Water at the Claremont Cinema.

I opened a bottle of Merlot, not a usual selection for me. This wine had a depth and complexity I don't expect in Merlot.

It got a resounding two thumbs up. A very nice accompaniment to the light but garlicky flavors of the Mediterranean Platter, Caesar Salad and Chicken Paillard.

The Peirano Estate has been producing wine in Lodi, California since 1885. They also produce a sexy white called The Other.  It is available only at Wine Library, $ 10.99.

Another Must Try Rose

This rose is another favorite we suggest you try. I picked up a few more bottles while at Chelsea Wine Vault. It is also available at Wine Library and Shoppers Vineyard. 

Made with Italy's famous Nebbiolo Grape known best when used in used to make Barolo and Barbaresco.

This Rose is a real gem. And has a great label too. $9.95.

Chelsea Wine Vault

While in New York this past Sunday we visited Chelsea Market and tasted some wine at Chelsea Wine Vault. I was like a kid in a candy shop with the great selection this wine store offers.

Chelsea Market is great fun and really worth a visit. The bakeries, restaurants and other shops there are all exceptional.

Strip House Livingston - Restaurant Review

Cool bar, great martinis, comfortable dining room, excellent food, expensive wine list, overbearing yet ineffective wait staff. Expensive. 

Three Restaurant Reviews

Recently dined at Blu, Corso 98, and Orbis in Montclair.

I guess I am getting jaded because I was not really impressed with any of the three. No, I am getting jade as my revisions to this post reveals.