I am sorry for being so remiss in my posting. You see, I've been away and Florida can be so intoxicating, exciting or slumberous, depending on how you engage the many lifestyles the state of Florida offers. But, when I say "state" I'm not referring to the political entity, but rather a "state of being." True to the Spanish translation of its name Florida is a “feast of flowers.” I've been captivated, but now were back, trying to love the snow and cold.
From the blissful tranquility of the Morikami Japanese Gardens to the driving hipness of South Beach, and the bohemian casual of Delray Beach there is so much to enjoy. We've been to Florida so many times, but this trip was different.
The Wine: Unoaked Chardonnay from Haras Estate, Maipo Valley, Chile
The Food: Fresh Sea Air
The Place: The Tides Hotel, South Beach, Miami, FL.
One of our first stops while walking along the beach was The Tides hotel. The Ocean Drive strip is very commercial. The hostesses of the many restaurants practically drag you into their place. Most are to be avoided.
The Tides however appealed to us greatly, so we stopped for a drink. We had already decided where we were dining, Yardbird Southern Table, which you will be reading all about soon. It is an amazing restaurant fully worthy of it's place on Bon Apetite's Top New Restaurants of 2012 list.
The Tides has a beautiful comfortable outdoor restaurant and lounge. They serve excellent cocktails, beer and wine.
Diana and Nell embracing the South Beach vibe with distant cool ordered Classic Mojitos, that were prepared and served with aplomb.
I however opted for a Chilean Chadonay that looked very good.
It is a perfectly rendered mildly oaked delight with expressive tropical flavors that I love in Chardonnay.
Haras Estate, the full name is Haras de Pirque, is a very successful winery created by Chilean entrepreneur Eduardo Matte who acquired the estate located the verdant winegrowing area of the Maipo Valley,in 1991.
The name is an honor to Chile's oldest thoroughbred breeding stud, don't know about that, but can tell you this wine is very good. It is available for $10-$12 which makes it a spectacular value.
The wine presents a lemon-green color with aromas and flavors of fresh, citrus, flowers and white fruit. On the palate it has a nice flowing acidity with essence of pineapple and orange peel. With this is a nice minerality that I love.
A really delightful wine.
Awarded 86 pts by Wine Spectator in 2007, I think it would get more today.
It lead to some fun.
Things to do, places to see, with food and booze
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