This past weekend included Memorial Day; a national holiday here in the United States designated to commemorate U. S. men and women who gave their lives for our freedom while in the military service. Many people observe this holiday by visiting cemeteries and memorials. Volunteers will often place an American flag on each grave site at National Cemeteries, as well as the graves of serviceman in cemeteries around the country. In addition to a day to remember, it is also used as a day for parades, family picnics, barbeques and gatherings. The weekend of Memorial Day has also become for many the unofficial start of summer. I know my wife and I feel it begins our summer and we usually celebrate on the first day of the weekend which for us began... »View More
Added Tuesday, May 26, 2009
in Anything Wine
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The Napa Valley Symphony closes out it’s 76th season, the 2008-2009 season was dedicated to the memory of Robert Mondavi. The last event of the season features cellist Lynn Harrel on May 29, 2009 at 8:00pm. As are all concerts for the Symphony, this event will be held at the Lincoln Theater on the grounds of the California Veterans Home in Yountville. For tickets call 707-226-8742.
The Robert Mondavi Summer Music Festival celebrates its 40th anniversary this year with a little something for everyone from the B-52s, to Grammy Award-winning vocalist Natalie Cole with the Napa Valley Symphony Orchestra; from Los Angeles culture mashers Ozomatli to Motown king Smokey Robinson; from Miami’s disco darlings, KC and the Sunshine Band, to the... »View More
Added Tuesday, May 19, 2009
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Now that it is time for summer grilling, yes get those barbeques fired up. I start thinking about the many things I have made on the grill and what new ideas I’d like to try. Grilled Potatoes was always a favorite for company as the mess can be cleaned up long before the guests and these tasty potatoes are always a big hit. Partially cook a potato in the oven until you can nicely slice them, but not too soft. Make slices in the potato ¾ of the way through leaving the bottom in tact. Once sliced stuff with practically anything you find tasty. My originals were thin slices of celery, onion, a dab of butter, salt and pepper all neatly stuffed into each slit. Wrap the potato in foil and grill, this melts the butter and allows the flavors... »View More
Added Tuesday, May 19, 2009
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Looking for a fun, light, healthy dessert while entertaining friends in the upcoming warmer weather? I found this fantastic sounding recipe on Eatingwell.com. Made with Chardonnay wine it truly is entertaining with wine right in the food. Follow the recipe below, your guests will all love it whether or not they like wine!
3 cups thinly sliced hulled strawberries, divided
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup Chardonnay
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
1. Set aside 3/4 cup sliced strawberries. Stir together the remaining berries and sugar in a medium bowl.
2. Place Chardonnay in a microwave-safe cup and microwave on High until hot but not boiling, about 1 1/2 minutes. Pour over the strawberry-sugar mixture. Mash the berries with a potato... »View More
Added Tuesday, May 19, 2009
in Entertaining With Wine
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As you know I am a huge fan of California wines and have no problem shelling out a few bucks for a good bottle of wine, but I also look for quality wine at a reasonable price. That thought of quality wine at a reasonable price is what brought me to this next selection. While craving a really nice wine while shopping last weekend, but also saying to myself I will be in Napa Valley in a little over a month spending more than my normal wine budget, I decided to explore some other options. As I mentioned normally a California wine lover, I happened upon a bottle of Hogue Reserve Merlot from Washington that caught my eye.
The descriptors mentioned age worthy, elegant, fruity which are all things I like in a wine, so why not?
Well, if I tell you... »View More
Added Tuesday, May 19, 2009
in Wine Reviews
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Celebrate Father’s Day and treat Dad to a great afternoon at Alba Vineyards. Enjoy wine, food, entertainment, crafters and children’s activities. The Jeff Bellfy Band will entertain with their style of classic rock, country and pop including many popular hits from the 70’s to today. Kids will enjoy face painting, sand art, pony rides and moon bounce. For those looking for more adventure, enjoy tethered hot air ballon rides (weather permiting), and horse drawn carridge rides through the vineyards. There will be something for the entire family. Parking and admission is free. Wine tastings will be available throughout the day for a charge of 5.00 per person. Tastings include samples of Alba’s award winning wines and an etched... »View More
Added Thursday, May 14, 2009
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Our Napa trip plans are starting to come together with a little help from a day off work. Last Friday after attending a fund raiser golf outing, my brother in-law and I had some time to ourselves as the ladies were taking one for the team by attending my niece’s school play. We agreed to start planning the annual trip and so we did. After pouring ourselves some good wine we pretty much decided on the restaurants for each night of the trip, which included the Martini House, Cooks, Cindy’s Back Street, Go Fish, and The Silverado Brew Pub. We actually made a reservation at the Martini House that evening for the fourth of July and the best part is I got a gift certificate for my birthday! The Silverado Brew Pub will be our first stop on the... »View More
Added Thursday, May 14, 2009
in Napa Times
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As wine lovers and website writers there is always a lot to know about the ever changing world of wine. I feel like a broken record saying “there is so much to know about wine” but there really is. There are appellations, regions, states, countries, you name it. There are varietals, there are reds, there are whites, there are blended wines. Then you have sparkling wines, dry wines and so on. Besides all that there are the descriptors of wine, the ways to sniff it, the ways to swirl it, all of which could be very overwhelming. It still amazes me how many wines there are I have yet to try and how much knowledge I still have yet to absorb, it could take me a lifetime. I guess that is why those that are so passionate make it their profession.... »View More
Added Thursday, May 14, 2009
in Wine Babble
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Frank Family Vineyards Winemaker Dinner
New Orleans Food & Wine Experience Tom Fitzmorris Eat Club Dinner is being held on Wednesday May 20th, 2009 at 7:00 pm. The cost is $75.00 per person. The event will be held at Annadele’s Plantation, 71518 Chestnut Street, Covington, LA 70433. Featuring a gourmet five course meal complete with everything from salad, stuffed fish, crusted beef tenderloin, all paired with Frank Family’s best wines. Wines poured that evening will be the 2007 Chardonnay, 2006 Carneros Chardonnay, 2006 Red Zinfandel, 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, and the grand finale 1997 the Frank Family Vineyards Signature Champagne. For reservations call (985) 809-7669.
Check out V . Sattui Winery Upcoming Events
Festa Italiana July... »View More
Added Wednesday, May 6, 2009
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We all know the economy and wine enjoyment are directly related today. The economy is in shambles, they say it has hit bottom, but to me that remains to be seen. With that in mind my purchasing power has dropped in the last year. I am presently furloughed (or whatever you call it) every other Friday, in effect, a 10% salary cut, and my wife’s salary was also frozen. All while living expenses increase. My retirement account has diminished at a rapid rate and my high yield savings account has gone from 6.3% interest to about 1.5%. Are you wondering what this has to do with wine? Just humor me, I will get to it. In an effort to trim costs in our everyday life I reviewed all of our monthly expenses. Naturally our wine expenditures needed some... »View More
Added Wednesday, May 6, 2009
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