J Reilly

Blues and Booze 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”.ContinueContinue 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.

Tequila Tasting At Taco Caballito Tequileria

Working hard making several visits to Taco Caballito Tequileria to get through a significant portion of the tequila menu. Pour me.

Author Archives: J Reilly