Great Tastes & Heart Ball – One Yummy Weekend!

Ok – so you know the people at Moorea – Greg and his team of gorgeous girls (who are all whip smart to add to that) put on a great event. This year’s Great Tastes was NO exception.

Check out a neat article on the event courtesy of BmoreLive

http://www.bmorelive.com/get-a-taste-of-foodie-culture-great-tastes-culinary-expo/

The fun started with an Oyster and Beer event on Thursday night.

I took a new friend an old friend and a friend’s husband – who I guess – qualifies as an “old friend” too – though I see much more of her than him.

Bill my favorite oyster shucker (aside from Bennet in Louisiana) in all of the world – was putting some righteous beauties on my plate and with Clipper’s killer stout – it was – well, let’s just say I was in heaven.

No pictures as frankly – it would be embarrasing to actually show you how obscenely big these beauties were. Thanks to Ryleighs for great ursters.

Friday night – I took the glamazon’s and myself (along with token glamazon for the night – Tiff who is actually a nurse at Hopkins) and we partied with the Green Fairy – that’s right LUCID Absinthe. Delicious stuff. We opened up the dance floor, when do we NOT do that, and had fun. Even better funds were raised for Susan G. Komen foundation.

The day of was great – my apologies to those of you who showed for the 12pm seminar with me – and had to wait due to overspill from previous seminar with Nancy Longo and the kiddies. God Bless Chef Longo for doing that – I mean – come on people we WANT our children to learn how to cook – all the better from a pro -no?

Chef Chris Paternotte of VIn was kind enough to allow me to encroach on HIS time. We tasted some great wines including (Thank you Abby, Paul and Mary of Reliable – you are the best and totally rock!)

In no particular order…. all showed great:

Ghost Pines Chardonnay

Root 1 Sauvignon Blanc

Solaire Cabernet
Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noirs (sparkling)
Rodney Strong Russian River Pinot Noir

As to other neat things at the show (other than the ton of people – whew – next year I’m getting an addendum on my rider – I almost got asphixiated by the crowd there were so many peeps)….great tapenade from Whole Foods (who knew?) – Terrible line at the Lebanese Taverna booth (and you the crazy lady who almost hit me because you thought I was budding in line – I hope that the chicken fell off your plate). Caroline’s cakes were there again (this year I swear I’m getting the caramel for my birthday – and eating the WHOLE thing)… and cheese at Foodies and Cinghiale were some of the best.

Drink wise – loved the wines being poured but my fave has to be Patron cofee tequila liquor. Sorry – hands down – just one of my favorite end of the day sippers after all that food.

KJK you are a Prince for pouring – nobody does it better

OK – change of pace – Heart Ball.

Where to eat on Valentine’s Day in Baltimore

OK – here’s the deal, why have I NOT provided romantic suggestions for dining in Baltimore City today – because people, Valentine’s Day – albeit a GREAT day for restaurants, is a horrible day for diners. People are stressed, service is spotty and the food – not always at its best.

My personal favorite – takeout from Wegman’s, Eddie’s or Graul’s (in that order) or Angelo’s carryout (if you live near the Rotunda you know why).

Whatever you eat – make sure it’s with someone you love.  Life’s too short to waste food over empty emotions, and that means yes – carrying a small pocket mirror and dining alone – is perfectly fine.

Smooches to you my darlings, may much love come your way – today and the rest of the year.

Love reminds you that nothing else matters.

- Amy Bushell -

What I’d REALLY like to be doing today…is a day at the spa…

Ok, so here’s the thing – this Valentine’s Day, my thoughts turn to indulgence. What would make moi – very happy, what would make me tingle with veritable love and joy – a private plane ride to Hershey and a full day at the spa. Right about now, as stressed out as I am (all this eating and drinking, running two businesses and a foundation puhlease, it’s getting to me) yup, never mind the flowers, never mind the romantic dinner (which will be – tonight a pizza at Spaghetti Eddies with one of the HOTTEST dates in Baltimore – a trip to Hershey spa is topping the list. Owe my buddy Ms. C for that enlightenment. I’ve always favored Nemacolin – for the occasional- luxury escape but truth be told, Hershey is pretty darned good.

Once you get past all the Hershey kisses left everywhere for you to nibble and look, if you don’t want to – you don’t HAVE to have a treatment that will make you smell like a candy shop (unless you like that sort of thing, personally I don’t). The spa at Hershey provides a comfort that Nemocolin can’t – its actually, despite its size – cozy.

The halls aren’t drafty and the rooms, are just comfy enough to say “luxury” but you almost forget you’re in a hotel, and get more of a feeling of being in some posh friend’s mansion in the Hampton’s or something. The bed I slept on was like a cloud – really. I had to restrain myself from not forcing them to add one of those – as is, to my already hefty spa bill.

What were the highlights of my stay? The fantastic meal in the formal dining room – gotta love a place that still makes you dress up for dinner and the short ribs were a religious experience, props for a great – high quality/price ratio & selection. Eating at The Lodge, and running into an amusement ride Executive from Montreal, CA  who all of us swore was Tom Cruise’s younger brother. The martini’s at the Lodge were good as well, and they were no doubt responsible for what ended up having us and the said Exec and his people throwing (clean) paper napkins wadded up back and forth across the banquette from where our party (all girls) was sitting and their party (all boys). Harmless fun – the kind you engage in as a teenager… there’s something to be said for doing it when you have the wisdom of an adult.

Oh you want to know treatment wise? I’d have to say the Lomi Lomi massage and scalp therapy. I had had the Lomi Lomi for the first time at Nemacolin about 1.2 yrs ago- but the technician at Hershey nailed it. The facial was also pretty good. I have to be honest, my skin has become positively ADDICTED to Nathalie at About Faces in Canton and her signature Vitamin facial (ask for the “special” vitamin blend and she’ll hook you up with the Darphin products -which I swear, are positively miraculous).

The pedicure – albeit performed by a sweetheart – took so long to dry – it literally was a bit of a waste of money. Ms. C got hers the night before  – easily two and a half hours before dinner, none the less her toes were still a mess and had to be redone – props to the spa for not batting an eye and welcoming her back to redo them at no extra charge. I well, being me – requested respectfully to get polished on my way out the next day – thus avoiding the problem – still, might I say that for
$85 or so – the fact it didn’t stay on great and began to wear away as early as 5 days later, bummer.

For more info on Hershey click here. http://www.hersheypa.com/accommodations/the_spa_at_hotel_hershey/

Ambassador, still the bomb – Holy Frijoles – if you turn a blind eye to the service, maybe

So this weekend, I did eat out a lot.

I went for brunch to Ambassador Dining Room and I was happy to see things are still, every bit as delectable as usual where that is concerned. The fish was fresh, the naan was hot out of the oven and it remains – with its glassed in patio dining room – complete with fireplaces on in the day time – one of my favorite places to eat on a Sunday after a long night out the day before.

Why is the Ambassador such a winner – is it the BEST Indian food? no.

Is it the fanciest decor? no.

Is it the location and the parking – come on, have you tried parking there on a busy day… my point is – its the odd combination of English colony decor, good quality food – nice price/quality ratio and proximity to other Sunday activities such as… Movies at the Rotunda or eventually the BMA, that makes it worth going back to again and again.

Besides – when you’ve had your fill of waiting in line – amidst the crowds at Miss Shirleys – this can be a great respite.

Later that evening I joined a friend with excellent taste, who was happy to indulge my queer desire for Mexican. We went into Holy Frijoles about 7pm…

First, can I just say – is it a pre-requisite to hire space cadets there as hostess and servers? I’m sorry, I’m not trying to be harsh – but I walked in, there was I kid you not 5 empty tables and the person tells me “I’m sorry you’ll have to wait for a free table”. Maybe she was just on auto-pilot from being slammed over the weekend.

Food arrived and well – aside from overly salty guacamole – was as usual, sigh – delish.

So – worth the stop even though we had to forgo my usual margherita as they don’t serve alcohol on Sundays.

Rock the House – What a night

So, as you know – Baltimore4Her.com was the media sponsor of the recent fundraiser “Rock the House”. The event, held in the hall at St, Casimir’s in Canton – drew a mixed crowd – mostly of “30-40″ something hipsters from the Canton/Fed Hill/Fells Scene.

What was I doing there as a result you ask? Well, we were sponsors – and I found someone fun to accompany me, and the Baltimore4Her.com team was out for fun as well. I went expecting not much – and got, I feel for the $75 ticket – great value for my money. What does Rock the House support? Here you go: www.believeintomorrow.com

The guy who put the benefit on – Trent (?) did a great job and everyone there enjoyed the multiple munchies (oysters were great) not to mention some pretty powerful cocktails – “Orange Crush” anyone? Definitely not your childhood soda pop – believe me.

The Real Genuises (ironically the same band that played at Top Singles and left the party kind of flat) were awesome and I”ll admit – I danced my little petusky off, much to the shock and surprise of the staff (as in my staff). Girls, I know you’re all young 20 somethings but might I remind you that I was clubbing before some of you were born, and its like riding a bicycle – you never lose the ability to shake your tail feather – quite the opposite the older you get, the more you NEED to do it.

My buddy Deni was there with her guy – and they were a lot of fun to hang with, Downtown Diane – you did a great job with the live auction (yeah, so good I blew a grand on the private wine dinner at La Scala with my pal Nino). It was all for a good cause.

The rest of the night consisted in engaging in one (rather bites of) one pretzel dog and then, hitting Nacho Mama’s for well, nachos.

Sorry forgot to take pictures, I’m working on getting a different camera… be on the lookout for more in the future.

Good time, good people… GREAT CAUSE.

The importance of Eating at your own Risk

Hello:
I am sad to read that a reader on my say so of a positive experience recently experienced at the Fountain Side in the Pikesville Hilton caused such a horrid experience. Unfortunately, these things happen. No one likes to be the one who had the bad meal but we are all grateful to Teresa S & her brave husband for having provided the “flip side” to my glowing recounting of my great meal there last Friday.

When posting my thoughts on a restaurant – I try to be honest, and well – I cannot guarantee that an experience I had personally can be recreated – it seems in the case of the Fountain side – lightning doesn’t strike twice and best to stay clear or if you venture, do so at your own risk.

Teresa – for your trouble, you win a free ticket to the upcoming Women’s Wine & Dine (at Chris Daniel’s in Timonium where we KNOW the meal will be good) and a t-shirt. Contact me: 410-585-9902 to claim. Also – if the meal was as bad – I think the PIKESVILLE Hilton needs to issue a FULL refund, immediately.

Happy eating everyone!

In the interest of educating the food loving public

A few unexpected surprises happened to me yesterday (Friday).

#1, was modeling in a “celebrity” and I use the word loosely, fashion show for my friend Salli Ward – #2 was eating and amazing lunch at the venue – which happened to be, of all places – hold onto your hats here – The Pikesville Hilton.

Now, you know my reticence for hotel food (sorry but the fact that these people can actually turn out 300+ lukewarm, lacking in character chicken breasts served over mashed potatoes with slightly grey veggies and consider it a culinary achievement rather than a feat of engineering and logistics more than anything… scares me) . Without wanting to sound snobbish food wise, unless I’m at the Crillon in Paris, the Sheraton in Edinburg, or the Hotel Whistler, Royal York, W in Chicago Lakeshore, Meridien in NYC, well – you get my drift and I am hopelessly digressing – most hotel food leaves me, well – bored. No disrespect to my friends in the biz – and there are exceptions locally namely, The Tremont Grand, the Inner Harbor Marriot at Camden Yards, the Harbor Court and the Radisson & Hyatt… but for the most part – hotels sprinkled around the beltway scream – sleep here – but do yourself a favor,  don’t eat here.

I have always viewed the Pikesville Hilton in this category.

However – yesterday, I was treated to – dare I say – a revelation, in the form of a shockingly well prepared luncheon paired with wines in honor of the BSO fashion show. The Chef Keith Loukinen cut his chops at the Breakers in Florida – ok people for those of you who “don’t know” what the Breakers is – just trust me on this, it is a good place to learn how to cook, and believe me – this man and his team – can do that, very well might I add.

The luncheon featured a smattering of what he plans on putting on the new menu…as the restaurant Fountainside (in it’s 12th incarnation I believe – but who’s counting?) is redoing their menu folks. I’ll give you a tease… of what I sampled.

Wild mushroom ragout (with actual wild mushrooms as in Chanterelles, black trumpets, Porcini & Oyster mushrooms – NOT baby portobella mushrooms by a long shot and there was nary a crimini in sight), really good Ceasar salad – with freshly made dressing, Oysters Rockerfeller that tasted as they should, pasta with chorizo and jumbo shrimp, the ubiquitous crab cake (but a good one), I ate so much – I didn’t even make it to dessert… I know – how amateur of me. All the more reason to return and don’t laugh people – I’m seriously considering having a wine and dine there (only if Chef will cook though).

To be honest, the wines paired with everything were spot on and the food was so distractingly good – I didn’t even take any notes on what was poured. Suffice it to say – these people know what they are doing… and you’re in good hands there.

My overall score – 8.5 (lost points for there being insufficient cutlery on the table and the fact we had to hunt down the hostess to get glasses of water).

I hope that this wasn’t a fluke – and that future meals there are as promising and tasty. Please try it out and let me know.

#3 was returning to Cinghiale so soon (my dinner meeting and I came to this selection after he suggested Pazo and well, I just preferred to “pass that”)… we only ate at the bar – but you know, I think I preferred that. Something about the hard wooden booth seats… and the drafty ceiling (though the ceiling fans are pretty – they look very Leonardo da Vinci) makes me more inclined to pull up a seat at the bar… and have simple antipasto and cheese… rather than a lengthy meal – though both myself and my companion questioned why the darn seats there were so uncomfortable…as well and that’s ultimately what prevented us from ordering more food and more wine (sheer discomfort – which is perhaps intentional so you don’t hang too long who knows?)…I did indulge in the chocolate cake with salty caramel (again). My goodness that’s good.

The wine however was served WAY too cold.

I understand the whole “we are serious wine people thing” but it tasted like it had just come out of the fridge… As a result – I had to wait out for it to get to a more palatable say 60 degrees (yes, I know Tony wants it at 55 because that’s his preference but as someone who actually has a cellar in Europe let me say – I still prefer my red wines around at least 58-60 degrees, unless its a fragile Burgundy that will open up and quickly die…) which meant I drank Pellegrino with my cheese, rather than wine. Shame.

Not a biggie… just a pet peeve and one it would be amusing to see my father have a fit over, I should take him there next time he visits.

Much improved valet situation (though when we pulled up the guy didn’t even have the courtesy to open the door for me – who in their right mind, valeting for a fine dining establishment doesn’t open the door for a lady? I told Mr. T and I’m sure that won’t happen to anyone else, ever again – gotta love that he’s willing to take the feedback, so many would just roll their eyes and say…whatever – that’s one of the reason their group is so successful)… and my car was parked out front – eliminating the infuriating (and unnecessary) 20+ minute wait I experience a week prior. Great job. Rating upgraded to 9!.

What a night….Yes – it is possible to be in three places at once

Well, I didn’t think I’d pull it off – but I did.

I managed to make it to the City’s three hottest events in a 4 hr time period – how’s that for fabulous? It wouldn’t have been possible without great assistance from my staff, Meredith – you rock.

First stop – the Chocolate Affair, my friend Caryn Sagal helps to pull off this remarkable feast of chocoholidome every year, and I’m always honored to be a judge. This year – truth be told the overall event was BETTER, however – if I’m honest, the things sampled were a notch down from the year prior.

Some people – it seemed just didn’t get “into it” and offered up boring things like – a cheesecake lollipo (which melted due to the heat and although tasted lovely – did nothing to inspire me or make me rave about it). The Capital Grille – God Bless ‘em, had the best beef there – closely followed by the Hotel Hershey.

Chefs Expressions Lavender Nougat – was a sophisticated and delectable “non chocolate” offering, I considered it a palate cleanser and happily munched more than one piece throughout the evening.

CakeLove’s offerings were GREAT -but then again – anything Warren does (including look absolutely adorable in a t-shirt – don’t get too excited, the cutie is getting married in October) is great. He’s opening up in Canton and I’ll keep you posted on the Grand To do… be on the lookout too – we will be doing a wine event there in the late spring for Young Professionals called “Let them Eat Cake!” ™. We will be raising money and awareness for Our Daily Bread.

What else floated my boat – the salted caramel (albeit a little TOO generous with the salt) from Ma Petite Shoe was nice, too bad the shop’s atmosphere isn’t always as sweet (enough said- and Ma Petite Shoe people you know EXACTLY what I”m referring to).

Other notable mention’s BIC’s smoked duck – lovely.

Domininons Good for you and Great tasting (really people, trust me on this) Spinach & Sweet Potato ice creams.

Glarius’s hot chocolate was well, Glorious

The Chocolatini made with Chambord classy and delicious.

The Naron Chocolate Caramel thing – fabulous (let me repeat that people – FABULOUS).

What else? the Jack Daniel’s Ice Cream – my new favorite thing. From the company formally known as Sylvan Beach and now called Dhakarta Bros (I think). Either way – go to Sylvan Beach in Mt Washington – you can find it there. Can I get it by the tank – never mind gallon or quart? Divine, just divine.

The crowd got NUTTY. So I was more than happy to motor on over to the Auto Show where I was a featured “attraction” so to speak of the Baltimore Examiner’s Ladies Night at the Auto Show – Saw my good friend Jenny Trostel of Saab of Baltimore, drank some vino – gave out some books, took a few pics and off I went once duty (and catching up with a few women was done) to go CHECK OUT THE CARS.

Loved:

The new Mini – the longer one – the S version – hot & sassy, environmentally friendly – thumbs up!

The Crossfire – OK its not secret kids – I love this car. I have always loved this car and I continue to LOVE this car – I have it on GREAT authority that you MUST splurge and get the good / sport model. I’m thinking about it – but if I’m lucky my friend will just give me a ride once in a while and I can indulge my love of that said car, more practically as Crossfire and Five year old don’t mix too good (yet anyway).

ALL THE BMW’s – I know, I love BMW’s – but well – they are “the driver’s” car.

The new Altima – Fast looking & well appointed.

The Dodge Concept car – the Demon – might make me lose interest in the Crossfire when it hits the market… but well, it’s a concept car. That’s like having a crush on Clive Owen and imagining your wedding & ordering invites… Is it really going to happen? Better hold on and wait for the ring and question to really come if you get my drift.

Was not loving the Escape Hybrid and to be honest, the more and more i hear about hybrid’s the less I’m inclined to get one… If you have thoughts please, please, please comment.

I’m hoping to get back to the show this weekend – as I didn’t see EVERYTHING I wanted to. Much thanks to the Examiner for inviting me to be a part of their great booth!

Last stop – The Baltimore Magazine Top Single’s Party.

For this – I did do a little wardrobe change and took off the jacket, switched out the flats for four inch patent Mary Jane’s and up Mere and I went. The Center Club (yes – as in My Center Club – where I go for relaxing, business, networking) was filled with many singles – it was a veritable human buffet and boy did I feel like a deviled egg (ew…) People looked positively hungry. Great party – bad band (sorry), Great DJ- I rocked out with my peeps from About Faces, Nathalie – man you can move!

It was a lovely event – and I guess, perhaps had I not felt I was “working” I might have appreciated it more – but to me, any scenario where you’re feeling on display in a somewhat I don’t know, just not me.

Highlight of everything was that I made it home before 11:20 and got to take a lavender bath and eat, bon bons. Mary Sue Chocolate to be exact.

This Valentine’s Day – love your peeps enough to not fob off Russel Stover or Hershey on them – give them the good stuff (made locally – by hand) Mary Sue chocolates.

Visit: MarySue.com to get your fix!

Also – don’t forget to join me tomorrow night at Rock the House in Canton.

More info at: www.believeintomorrow.org

cheers until next time.

M

URBAN Chic – shopping…delicious

OK, so Mere – who is in with the people at Urban Chic, (visit their site at: http://www.urbanchiconline.com/) has been trying, to get me in there for a little shopping spree of sorts. Last night, it being Monday and me having time – I went in there. I was a little reluctant to go as I was worried that all the clothes would be teenie, tiny… but – I was pleasantly surprised. Great selection of size 8’s, even a few 10’s.

I know ladies – for those of you in the double digits – not very inspiring but I absolutely LOVED, loved, loved… the clothes. Bought two fab outfits, and got some great lip balm to boot!. They have an adorable children’s section and also – some cool things for the men in your life.

Good albeit small shoe selection and the cutest baby bags. I’d say UC scores a 8.5 on the scale – with a loss of points for lack of larger sizes. Girls who have a little more to love need pretty clothes too.

One day – I plan on revolutionizing that.

OK off to the races. Busy night – two soirees – I’m feeling so Chic y suave… maybe I should wear one of my dresses from UC? no, saving those for later in the week.

Also – Happy Birthday to Allyson – Yay Allyson!

We are so lucky to have you on the team! Whoo HOO!

Notes about the event, wines & wine notes from WW&D Wed Jan 30, 2008

Ok,

So, I’ve figured out a way to post comments about the events after the fact – without having to annoy you with including them in the monthly news. First things first, Patrick’s of Cockeysville & Chef Carol Brosso & her team were great hosts!

I think I’m not the only one who would attest to that. They put out a great spread… and the portions were lovely – our only complaint was the room was cramped, jeez ladies – there was almost 50 of you there!

The evening’s wines were as follows:

*St Vincent Sparkling Brut – Gruet Winery – New Mexico ($11) – Actually we had Don Conde – this wine never showed up – but I’ve had it elsewhere and I encourage you to seek it out.

Fossi Bianco – Garganega/Trebbiano -  Italy ($9)

Talia Bianco – Catarratto Grecanico – Sicily, Italy ($10)

*Alai Red Blend 04 –Prieto Picudo Tempranillo and Merlot –
Rueda, Spain ($11)

DeBortoli Petite Sirah – Australia ($10)

Talia Rosso – Nero D’Avola Syrah Merlot – Sicily, Italy ($10)

*White Caladora – Trebianno – Italy ($11)

Every wine marked with an asterisk was branded a “favorite”

Notes from the evening’s wines & wine talk:

First white:

Fossi Bianco – Garganega/Trebbiano -  Italy ($9) – Veneto Region –

G – Vigorously productive overly zealous grape that’s indigenous to the region. Most famous for Soave…with its partner Trebbianno di Soave – increasingly however – plumped up with Chardonnay (cheaper and easier for a lot of winemakers and gives the wine a “global” flavor profile which is considered easier to sell?)

 

Second White:

Talia Bianco – Catarratto Grecanico – Sicily, Italy ($10)

Dominant Sicilian variety as a result – the second most widely planted grape in the area = mostly used for Marsala –however modern day winemakers are adapting it to every day table wine status. So much of it is planted that it has the distinction of being the six most likely planted lighter grape in the world.

Gracanico – Name suggests Greek origin and does display some Sauvignon like qualities.

 

First RED:

Alai Red Blend 04 –Prieto Picudo Tempranillo and Merlot –Rueda, Spain ($11)

 

Rueda is considered Spain’s cutting edge wine region – I’m partial to it because my family is from from near there – but mostly Barcelona:

 

Rueda, a DO since 1980, is located in northwestern Spain, in the Castilla y León region.

The Duero River flows through Rueda’s northwestern corner.

 

Several tributaries branch off from this important river, providing, through their flooding, soils that are excellent for growing wine grapes. The soil is high in magnesium and calcium, and, over time, has transformed from downright rocky to “stony but easy to farm,” according to DO Rueda’s website.

 

Most of Rueda’s wineries are clustered around the cities of Rueda and La Seca, although some are found farther southeast, near Santiuste de San Juan Bautista and Nieva.

About 84% of Rueda’s vineyards are planted with white grape varieties. Of these, verdejo is the predominant variety, comprising about 90% of the region’s white wine grape production. Viura, sauvignon blanc and palomino grapes are also grown in Rueda. Popular red varieties include tempranillo (88% of red wine grape production), cabernet sauvignon, merlot and garnacha.

Rueda white wines, in particular, are known for their consistently good quality. In spite of the vagaries of hot summers and low rainfall, the overarching quality of the verdejo grape shines through.

Grape INFO:
Prieto – Unusually large, musky grape grown in the region of LEON – used for blending and making low end table wine.

PICudo local grape

Tempranillo – Spain’s answer to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot – to globalize the flavor and make sure everyone likes it

The definition of Bio-Dynamic wines: Biodynamic wines are made using the principles of biodynamic agriculture. In most cases, one speaks of wine made from biodynamic grapes. Increasingly these biodynamic wines are becoming known as BD wines.The practice of biodynamics in viticulture (grape growing) has become popular in recent years, especially in Europe, particularly in France, but also in the “New World” (i.e. California, Washington and Oregon; Australia, Chile, South Africa, Canada; and, back in Europe, also in Switzerland, Italy, Austria and Germany).

DeBortoli Petite Sirah – Australia ($10)

Petite Sirah – actually thought to be of American origin. Winemaker tasted it, loved it – and voila – Petite Sirah – not to be confused with Syrah.

Great value for the price – mid dimensional wine

 

Talia Rosso – Nero D’Avola Syrah Merlot – Sicily, Italy ($10)

One of the best wine grapes of Sicily and also known as Calabrese. When blended with noble grapes can achieve astonishing heights – with the right winemaker.

White Caladora – Trebianno – Italy ($11)

Common local name for the Ugni Blanc name which is a favorite in the South of France. Pretty much a pleasant personality but no “real wow factor”. Think Kate Hudson versus – say Goldie Hawn.

 As for notes on the “sex” talk – can’t do it. Sorry – you had to be there… However, I highly encourage you to check out the Miron’s web site: www.themirons.com.

It was a great evening, thanks so much to our sponsors – without them – this stuff wouldn’t be possible.

Don’t forget next WW&D is on Wednesday February 27, 2008 – back at Chris Daniels – Check it out – visit: www.womenandwineevents.com

Cheers!