Strasbourg, in the Alsace region of France, is known for its unique blending of Frankish and Germanic cultures. The region has alternately belonged to either France or Germany for centuries. The result is a robust wine, beer, and food culture that I was excited to experience for myself.
Author Archives: J Reilly
In Search Of Wine Along The Rhine – Part 1
My quest for wine begins in a little German town along the Rhine called Breisach which is the first stop on our Viking river cruise from Basel to Amsterdam.
Blusin’ and Boozin’ On The High Seas
Some of the best musical artists in the blues genre perform on the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise with an average of 40 headline acts playing a total of over 100 shows on six stages.
WSET and Me
We were told that the exam would be a “closed book” test although I had no idea at the time how that would be accomplished with an online test. It turned out that setting up a laptop and phone with apps, video, audio, and scanning your room to show the proctor that you aren’t hiding crib notes or a wine expert under your desk was harder than the actual exam.
In Search Of… The Sazerac
We’ve been making the Sazerac with bourbon but history of the cocktail indicates that it began with cognac.
Revisiting Amaro with the Amaro Manhattan
Not being huge fans of vermouth, this Manhattan made with Amaro is the perfect way to for us enjoy bourbon.
What To Do With A Big Box Of Arugula
Impulse buys at the supermarket can be dangerous. Black and white cookies from the bakery, premium ice cream, or even over-priced filet mignon or lobster tails are guilt-inducing purchases. But impulse buys can be healthy choices, too. Baby arugula, fresh bright green leaves in a big 11-ounce box for only $5 had me at “hello”.Continue reading “What To Do With A Big Box Of Arugula”
In Search Of… The Basil Smash
I’ll have the bright green drink! The “Best New Cocktail” of 2008, the Gin Basil Smash.
In Search Of… The Mai Tai
In Search Of…The Mai Tai. Rum, orange curacao, orgeat, and lime = tiki heaven.
Informed Purchase or Impulse Buy
Discovering an unfamiliar grape varietal, reading about a wine region, or being intrigued by a winemaker’s philosophy is often a catalyst to trying a new wine. Uncovering a hidden gem, especially one that I can buy locally, gives me a thrill.