Sunday, December 30, 2007

Limoncello blu martini

1 oz of limoncello
1 oz blueberri Stoli
1/2 oz cointreau

Shake over ice and serve with a twist and squeeze of lemon and a splash of Sprite.

Great apertif for a classic Italian meal. Knocks your sox off to boot!

-DM

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

History of Breweries in Minnesota - great MPR story

I heard a fascinating story about Minnesota's Beer history on Minnesota Public Radio - they have photos on their site and a recording of the broadcast segment.

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Joel Gott 2005 Zinfandel

Yum yum! Chocolate, fruity smooth and rich. Sublimy jammy and sip worthy.
-DM

Wine shopping journal - 12/15/07 - Hennepin Lake Liquors

I should have skipped Surdyk's and gone straight to Hennepin-Lake to do my holiday wine shopping. They had more of the items on my "wines to try - best bargains" list that I culled from my Food and Wine 2007 Wine Guide (it's a year old and starting to go out of date), and generally better prices. Having to use cash or check is a pain as is navigating those narrow aisles, but the deals were great. Here's what I bought:

Boony Doon Vin Gris de Gigare - Rose 2006 - $12.95
Carmen Camenere Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2005 - $13.95
Dry Creek Vinyard Sonoma County Fume Blanc 2006 - $10.99
Argyle Willamette Valley "Extended Tirage" Sparkling Wine 1996 - $32.95 (in very limited supply and this is an incredible price - sorry I only bought 2 bottles)
E. Guigal White Cotes du Rhone 2005 - $10.95

Still trying to find the following:

Vinum Cellars White Elephant 2004 (California)
Oops Camenere Rose 2006 (Chile)
EQ Sauvignon Blanc 2006 (Chile)
Boony Doon Vinyard Le Cigare Blanc 2004 (mimics a much more expensive Chateauneuf du Pape)
Sea Smoke Pinot Noir (California)
EDGE Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (California)
Frederic Mabileau Les Ruoilleres 2004 - St. Nicolas de Bourgueil (Loire Valley)

Punta Final Malbec - not so "green"

I'm on a mission to better understand Malbec. Went to Toast Wine Bar in the Minneapolis warehouse district and tasted a delicious, smooth and complex Malbec from a label called Punta Final (Medoza Provence, Argentina). The server/barkeep told us that she generally doesn't like South American wines as they tend to be "green and vegetal" whereas this one was different and among her favorites It was delicious with my polenta with Parmesan cheese and roasted mushrooms. Even better with a slice of pizza with pesto, olives and cheese.

There is a divergence of opinion on this wine depending on the year but it will be on my list when I return.

Ya gotta drink something

This blog will make little to no sense to most people. In some ways, it is a companion to my main blog Bite & Chew, but it is primarily a way for me to organize and remember the wines, cocktails, beers and other beverages I encounter (or hope to encounter) as I'm wandering about eating, tasting and living.

I tend to tell people that i just don't trust someone who doesn't eat food. Similarly, I firmly believe that drink (in whatever form it takes) is critical not only to life, but to living. I barely have time to maintain the 1st blog, so keeping up with this one will be impossible. Don't be surprised if this blog starts to lack formatting, complete sentence or relevance to anyone but me. Nevertheless, your comments are welcome.

Bottoms-up!