We are walking back and forth on one block of Decatur Street in New Orleans trying to locate the entrance for Cane and Table which should be right next to Maximo’s. We must look like the perfect target for the panhandler shakedown and so it goes. He tries to be helpful, asking us what weContinueContinue reading “A Happy Hour Tale of Two Cities”
Author Archives: J Reilly
Daglia Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
The growing season of 2011 was challenging for many California wine growers. Napa suffered from a cold, wet spring and late, rainy harvest with a threat of noble rot. With this in mind, I was a bit skeptical when the wine merchant recommended the 2011 Daglia Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon. But all things considered, it certainlyContinueContinue reading “Daglia Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon 2011”
Cointreau Noir and Grand Marnier Throw Down
There are a copious number of clear orange flavored liqueurs knows as triple sec on the market including Cointreau which has been around since 1849. On the flip side, Grand Marnier, with its blend of orange and cognac, has stood out from the pack since inception in the 19th century. Gran Gala, made with orangeContinueContinue reading “Cointreau Noir and Grand Marnier Throw Down”
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day
A recent news story featured a man who was completely disgusted with the public drunkenness associated with St. Patrick’s Day. He wants to make the holiday a “dry” one. I can’t argue when it gets to the point of throwing up and passing out, but Irish spirits and beer, consumed responsibly, deserve their place inContinueContinue reading “Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day”
Meet the Sommelier
I’ve read articles like Eric Asimov’s piece that appeared in the New York Times, “Your New Best Friend: The Sommelier”, so we took the opportunity to ask the sommelier for guidance at Gemma in the East Village in NYC. The restaurant is a casual trattoria in the Bowery Hotel. The 20 page wine list featuresContinueContinue reading “Meet the Sommelier”
Giving up the GoPhone
I’m about to admit something that will have you presume that I’m not technologically savvy, but just as Elephant Man declared, “I am not an animal”, so too, I say, “I am not a Luddite.” I just got my first smart phone. It wasn’t the technology that held me back for so long, it wasContinueContinue reading “Giving up the GoPhone”
Merryvale and Fondue with my Valentine
Valentine’s Day is a wonderful holiday for showing your significant other how much you care, however, the oversaturation of public marriage proposals, TV weddings, and over-the-top gifts are turning me sour. We’ve had enough of dinner reservations made far in advance, harried servers waiting on the masses, and “special” menus that are over-priced and underachieve.ContinueContinue reading “Merryvale and Fondue with my Valentine”
Tapas at Home
We’ve nearly run out of produce and perishables, but it’s cold and snowy outside and no one feels like shopping for food. We could order take out but fear the delivery person might slip and fall on our front walk. The pantry and freezer are well-stocked but at first glance, canned soup or a frozen chickenContinueContinue reading “Tapas at Home”
California Square Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
We admire endeavors that think outside the box. In choosing a product that bucks the system you may find an unexpected treasure. It’s this mentality that inspires us to select the unusual square bottle of California Square Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles. The California Square website touts “shaking up the common preconceptions of what wineContinueContinue reading “California Square Cabernet Sauvignon 2012”
Modus and Meatballs
We have two reasons to select the Ruffino Modus 2009 for tonight. The first is that it’s Friday and second is that we’re making meatballs for dinner. Starting with the wine, Modus is a Tuscan red blend of 50% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 25% Merlot. The understated cherry and dark berry aromas support theContinueContinue reading “Modus and Meatballs”
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