Manoavino Taste!

Best Summer Cocktail Ever - All Natural Fresh From the Farm - Prairie Vodka with Fresh Fruit

It's summer and the Farmers Market is abundant with fresh fruits ripe for cocktail making. Here is a step by step guide on how to do it yourself.

For this drink we chose the wonderfully delicious Prairie Vodka that is "made 100% organic by farmers who own the land, the distillery, and the quiet respect of all around them" in Minnesota, a place we happen to love.

With this we muddled and stirred fresh mint, watermelon, strawberry and lemon juice with a touch of bitters.

What To Serve When Your Guests Are Buddhist Monks? A Bountiful Vegan Brunch.

We had the honor and privilege to host a morning brunch at our home for the Venerable Metteyya Sakyaputta of Lumbini, Nepal, his traveling companion Bhodi, a Buddhist Monk from Edmonton, CA, and two dear friends.

While Buddhism does not specifically forbid the consumption of meat, most who practice are vegan. So we served a lovely vegan brunch of the fresh bounty of our own Montclair Farmers Market and The Bread Company Montclair. We also served delicious vegan side dishes from Jackie's Grillette in Upper Montclair.

Two Great Summer Wines at Magnolia Wine Tasting Today

Today, Saturday, two great wines that are perfect for the hot days of summer are being poured for tasting at Magnolia Wines in Upper Montclair.

Glatzer Gruner Vetliner from Austria & Mas de Gourgonnier Rose from Provence, France.

Two classic wines by two classic vineyards.

Capital Grille - Generous Pour 2012 - Paramus, NJ

Capital Grille a high end steakhouse with old world ambiance is offering what it calls the "Generous Pour" again this summer. We enjoyed last year's "Pour" so why not. We sampled the wines along with a pretty fine dinner at their Paramus location.

The idea behind "Generous Pour" is to give you the opportunity to experience several exciting wines for the price you would pay for a single bottle of any one of them. Capital Grille's Master Sommelier, George Miliotes, personally chooses nine wines he feels are world class and pair well with the summer menu. You can enjoy them all.

The wines are in fact world class. The Gary Farrell Sonoma Chardonnay and the Napa Valley Pinot Noir from Villa Mt. Eden were extraordinary, but the two wines we enjoyed the most were a white called Simcic Rebula from Slovinia and a sweet Late Harvest Chenin Blanc dessert wine from Kanu of South Africa.

Summer Dinner Party - Part Two - Campo Viejo Rioja Great Wine with Great Friends

I've been waiting for months for a special occasion to open these three beautiful bottles of Rioja from one of Spain's most prestigious producers Campo Viejo.

The day finally arrived with a beautiful dinner with four of our best food and wine friends. It was a great opportunity to learn about and enjoy these iconic wines. Let me tell you all about them.

Summer Party with Mionetto's Exceptional Sparklers, Prosecco, Lambrusco and Something New

Hot summer nights beg for cold fresh sparkling beverages like these we served at a dinner party Friday night. Let me tell you they were largely enjoyed.

All three are from Mionetto who has been producing this type wine for over 120 years and is known as one of Italy's best. They are all in what is called their "IL" line which is very affordable and happily delicious.

We did not make it on the "A" list of the Hampton's this weekend, but I dare say we had just as much fun.

“Drink to Your Health” The Wine Health Argument (Infographic)

We believe in the health benefits of one of nature's greatest gifts, do you? Click to see full size.
Presented By ONEHOPE Wine Online Fifty Percent of Profits Go To Charity

Celebrate another Independence Day with French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) with a Bastille Day Party in Montclair, New Jersey July 14th

 

I'm so excited to tell you that the French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF)' is hosting another Bastille Day Party in New Jersey.  It will be a wonderful evening celebrating the best of France at the beautiful Van Vleck House and Gardens in Montclair. 

 Saturday, July 14, 2012 7:30 to 10:30pm

Tickets: 1 800 982 2787 | fiaf.org/newjersey

Hope to see you there.