Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Wine of the Week-Incognito White Blend from Michael David Winery, Lodi, California $18

LODI,Ca--Jeff Farthing is a unique among winemakers, and the wines he produces as Winemaker and Production Manager of Michael David Winery of Lodi, California, reflect his 'full on' personality. Already known for his Seven Deadly Zins signature Zinfandel wine ($13) and the powerhouse Inkblot red blend, so named because its color resembles that of squid ink in the glass, he's managed to come up with a summer white blend that is long and taste, yet is facile enough to be the perfect summer wine. 

Incognito White Blend ($18) is a virtual alphabet soup of white grapes, both internationally grown and indigenous to the Lodi region and the winery itself, yet a focused tasting of the wine proves that every grape varietal and percentage used was very carefully mapped out, almost like an architect plotting the design features of a multi-use structure. With its blend of Viognier, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat, Semillion and the winery's proprietary Symphony grape, the wine comes in at a whopping 13.5 per cent alcohol content, yet the extra kick of alcohol serves to give the wine a balanced acidity that makes it the perfect accompaniment to sushi or a shrimp, crab or lobster salad. The fruit is a heady combination of star fruit, tangerines, a hint of candied apricot and a passing aroma of chamomile and orange blossoms. This is the 'go-to' wine for summer and sure to intrigue your guests. Its 'Incognito' because this is a robust, wild bronco cleverly disguised as a gentle filly.

Photos: 1. Incognito White Blend-$18     2. Winemaker Jeff Farthing-Michael David Winery  3. American Styled Sushi, called Crudo 


Monday, May 25, 2015

2015 New Orleans Wine and Food Experience The Biggest and Best Ever



More than $1.2 MIL raised for local charities by NOWFE

NEW ORLEANS---The 2015 New Orleans Wine and Food Experience is now in the history books, but this year's edition is notable because it raised a record amount of money for local charities and exceeded all expectations. More than $1.2 million were raised for local charities and participants went away with the impression that this was the best NOWFE ever!  Grand Tastings at the New Orleans Convention Center were the centerpiece events . More than 75 chefs from the Crescent City's top restaurants put out their best. Paired with more than a thousand wines from vintners from around the globe, it was a gastronome's paradise. More than 2,000 patrons showed up, wine glasses and plates in hand to partake in cuisine that has made New Orleans the culinary capitol of the country. Among the offerings; Venison Sliders from Charcoal's Gourmet Burger Bar, Duck Confit with Red Dragon Welsh Cheddar Tea Sandwich from the venerable Rib Room at the Omni Hotel in the French Quarter with Executive Chef Tom Wolfe personally cooking and serving up the delicacy. Rabbit and Gulf Shrimp Fricasee' from Trenasse and Strawberry-Ricotta Ice Cream with Pistachios and Basil Coulis were served from The Creole Creamery.  Constellation Brands presented a dizzying array of wines from Napa Valley and around the world, including Estancia Wines from Monterey County.  Michael Benedetti demonstrated the company's latest innovation, a dispensing system for wines by the glass that poured straight from stainless steel barrels to the glass for absolute freshness and flavor quality. General Manager and Winemaker Clay Brock was on hand to personally pour Estancia Artisan Wines from Monterey County, California. He was recognized in 2010 as Winemaker of the Year by the Paso Robles Wine Council Alliance and the Central Coast Vineyard Team. Hyatt Regency New Orleans and 1718 Events Executive Pastry Chef Milan Smith proudly wore his Gold Medal Fleur De Lis Culinary Award for Desserts while serving his Gold Medal-winning creations, Petite Ravioli de Royan, Gulf Coast Blue Crab Chilled Yellow and White Corn Soup, Muscovy Duck with Butter Poached Spring Carrot and Sable Breton, with Louisiana strawberries Compote. Rouses Market, a 4 Star Sponsor, was a real crow-pleaser with a smorgasbord of local cold cuts, cheeses and their newly created signature handmade tortillas with beef and cheddar. NOWFE has grown to become the premiere wine and food event in the country that showcases wine,beer and spirits from around the world alongside the exceptional food that New Orleans is known for. Its all here at NOWFE. Great wine, great food, all for a great cause.


Scenes from the Grand Tasting

 Hyatt Regency New Orleans Executive Pastry Chef Milan Smith with his Fleur De Lis Gold Medal

  Below: General Manager and Winemaker Clay Brock proudly presents his Estancia Wines from Monterey County
                                                       
 Kevin Belton of the New Orleans School of Cooking (l)  and (Below) doing a Chef Demonstration in the Grand Pavillon

 Below: The Rib Room in the Omni Hotel Royal Orleans in the French Quarter presents a Duck Confit Tea Sandwich with Red Dragon Welsh Chaddar and Foie Gras Mustard

 Below: Rib Room Executive Chef Tom Wolfe with his scrumptious Duck Confit Tea Sandwich
 Criollo in the Hotel Monteleone presents Grilled Shrimp, wrapped in Pancetta with Arugula Salad

                                                   

 Constellation Brands Michael Benedetti demonstrates the company's new dispensing system for wines by the glass
 Jesse Martin with Charcoal's Gourmet Burger Bar's Venison Sliders



 The scene near Jackson Square Park and St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in North America


 Galatoire's Chief Operating Officer Melvin Rodrique and Arnaud's Restaurant Co-Proprietor Katy Casbarian

 Galatoire family member David Gooch helps serve one of the restaurant's signature dishes, Crabmeat and Truffle Au Vin

Sunrise on the Mississippi over the French Quarter
 Below: Chris Lusk Chef de Cuisine Restaurant R'evolution Royal Sonesta Hotel French
Quarter with his Beet Sugar Cured Pork with Pickled Berries and Fermented Sorghum

Saturday, May 23, 2015

2015 NEW ORLEANS WINE AND FOOD EXPERIENCE GRAND TASTINGS CELEBRATE LOCAL CUISINE, INTERNATIONAL WINES

More than a thousand vintages paired with local New Orleans cuisine

NEW ORLEANS---The Grand Tastings at the New Orleans Convention Center are the centerpiece events of the 2015 New Orleans Wine and Food Experience. More than 75 chefs from the Crescent City's top restaurants put out their best. Paired with more than a thousand wines from vintners from around the globe, it was a gastronome's paradise. More than 2,000 patrons showed up, wine glasses and plates in hand to partake in cuisine that has made New Orleans the culinary capitol of the country. Among the offerings; Venison Sliders from Charcoal's Gourmet Burger Bar, Duck Confit with Red Dragon Welsh Cheddar Tea Sandwich from the venerable Rib Room at the Omni Hotel in the French Quarter, Rabbit and Gulf Shrimp Fricasee' from Trenasse and Strawberry-Ricotta Ice Cream with Pistachios and Basil Coulis from The Creole Creamery.  Constellation Brands presented a dizzying array of wines from Napa Valley and around the world, including Estancia Wines from Monterey County. Stella Artois presented its famous Belgian Brew in its signature Lager glass. As always, Rouses Market, a 4 Star Sponsor of the Experience, dazzled with a smorgasbord of local cold cuts, cheeses and their newly created signature handmade tortillas with beef and cheddar. NOWFE has donated more than $1.2 million to local charities. It has grown to become the premiere wine and food event in the country that showcases wine,beer and spirits from around the world alongside the exceptional food that New Orleans is known for. Its all here at NOWFE. Great wine, great food, all for a great cause!