Manoavino Taste!

OTBN 2-24-2007

Open that Bottle Night is just a few weeks away.

Created six years ago by Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher, who write the Wall Street Journal wine column "Tastings", OTBN gives us an occasion to open a special bottle of wine that may otherwise sit too long.

Two White Wines After Just A Little Aging

I have been clearing my "cellar", opening white wines that have been there for awhile.

It is interesting how two have changed in a matter of months.

More full and beuatiful on the nose and tounge.

Another Good Bargain Chardonnay

Picked up a bottle of Droughin Laforet Bourgogne Chardonnay while shopping at Gary's Wine in Madison, during the big sale last week. I am always on the lookout for tasty everyday wines priced under 10 bucks. This one was featured on the floor and looked worth trying. I was not disappointed and plan to pick up more. Plus, it has a screw cap. I love screw caps, they keep the wine after opening better than any other closure.

Balocco, Clifton Opening Party - Closed

Since moving to Montlcair I've tried the restaurants at the top of the hill near the Holy Face Monastery in Clifton. It is such a perfect location with a magnificent view of the NY skyline. But in the past the restaurants there did not measure up.

The latest effort by Chef Adolfo Marisi with his new restaurant called Balocco seems very promising. But Failed and Closed

I attended one of their opening parties and was quite impressed.

Riviera Maya, Mexico Trip

Had the good fortune to enjoy another wonderful family vacation on the Riviera Maya, Mexico.

Last year we stayed in Playa Del Carmen, a great, but very popular location.

This trip we stayed in the quieter village of Akumal about 30 KM south. From there we visited Playa, Tulum, Chichen Itza, Valladolid, Sian Kaan and Xel-ha.

Enjoyed great food and wine, beach, sun, history and nature.

Favorite Wine Revisited

Opened a bottle of this old favorite the other night, and fell in love.

Poured it again tonight with much delight.

Jorge Ordonez imports this very fine Verdejo from Spain. Naia. Read his interesting story and...