Manoavino Taste!

Sunday Night Dinner was Delicious, Fresh Seasonal Fare, but these Unique Beers Made the Meal

Our dinner was inspired by these two magnificent ales from two of the biggest and perhaps oldest contemporary American craft brewers, Boston Beer Company, AKA Sam Adams, and Sierra Nevada Brewing of Chico, California. Founded in 1984 and 1980 respectively, they are arguably among the fathers of the modern American craft beer movement.

Both of these exemplary brewers have gotten a lot more creative lately, perhaps because they are seeing a lot more competition. Competition is good and these two are winners.

 

Old Vine Zinfandel from St. Francis Vineyard Sonoma with Great Food and Blues at Ruthie's Montclair

In 1971 Joe Martin and his wife Emma began a new life as wine makers in Sonoma, leaving behind the business world of San Francisco. They named their vineyard after St. Francis of Assisi for he was a great protector of nature.

If you have ever been to the city of Assisi in Italy you know that this is true, the saint's presence is still very palpable there. Centuries later the birds he loved so and nature still abound.

A respect and love of nature is also very present in this Zinfandel that we sipped and guzzled with some great bbq and pizza and live blues at Ruthie's in Montclair.

Great Victuals and Libations at Twisted Elm Tavern

We just tried out Twisted Elm Tavern a "Gastro Pub", that opened about a year ago in Elmwood Park.

It s a good place with 10 rotating beer taps, a nice selection of wine, cocktails and very good food. We sat at the bar, we like that, and had fish and chips and a burger. Both were very good. 

Beyond the great food and drink we enjoyed chatting with some folks at the bar and especially our very cool bartender, Lindsey.

Now I've Seen Everything - Volere Wine-In-Purse - No Need to Pack a Flask Anymore

 

Ok, here is a great way to sneek some wine onto the beach, senior prom, or just show at your next party "fully loaded."

Volere wines has just launched their ‘wine-in-purse’ filled with Volere Pinot Grigio, Volere Rose, and Volere Merlot Pinot/Noir.