Daily Loaf

I consider myself a fairly patient person, especially when it comes to service in restaurants. I, along with millions of others, toiled in commercial kitchens and dining rooms across the country, and certainly understand the often horrific treatment endured by smarmy scumbags masking as diners. But enough is enough. I must kvetch about wine service in restaurants. Wine is conceivably the most lucrative cash cow a server has at his/her disposal, yet so many abuse the privilege of potentially making 15 percent for simply opening and pouring a bottle. To futz this up is ludicrous.

My least favorite flubs: Read the rest of this entry »

I love truffles. Not the gooey chocolate delicacy but the delicious yet expensive mushroom that I’d sell myself on the street to pay for. Few people are enamored or familiar with my favorite fungus. Only elite culinarians are hip to them — much like the chenin blanc grape. Truffles are to food as chenin blanc is to wine, a white that only wine geeks seem to appreciate.

It’s no wonder. Chenin blanc (shen’n BLAHNK) is the freaky Sybil of grapes. It can be sweet or dry and either austere and acidic, or lush and aromatic depending on where it’s grown, how it’s tended and the winemaker’s mood. In France’s Loire Valley, where chenin blanc was first canonized in 985 A.D, it’s camouflaged behind the Vouvray label. There, it tastes luscious, slightly to very sweet, and displays a fruit soup of peach, nectarine and lime – perfect grog for people who shun bone-dry wines. However, finding quality Vouvrays – and rare dry versions from Anjou or Savennières, two other Loire Valley regions – is like wild truffle-hunting: exasperating. Grab them if you see them, and also be on the lookout for incredible (and remarkably cheap) Crémant de Loire chenin-based sparkling wines.

But in new world regions — South Africa, Australia and the U.S. – this chameleon transforms. Read the rest of this entry »

Not really sure how cult classics are born, but the ones who get it right seem to rocket to success quickly. Some have equally cult winemakers to aid them in their assent — Helen Turley (Colgin, Bryant Family), Heidi Barrett (Screaming Eagle) — but others have fabulously gorgeous wines which sell themselves. Bodega Achaval Ferrer, a ten-year-old winery in Argentina’s Mendoza region, is the latter.

Achaval Ferrer, founded by six friends with very little experience in the wine business, began as a labor of love. Of red wine.  Manuel Ferrer Minetti, whose card simply reads “Vice-President”, formerly practiced law and now pimps his company’s juice on American soil. I met with Manuel a few days ago and tasted through all his newly released wines. I was blown away by the quality and character of the juice, most of which is malbec-based.

Ten years ago, malbec was only a twinkle in the U.S. eye but these six men had vision — a vision that they could make an ultra high-quality Argentinean wine that would sell for $50 or more (Thankfully, they recently realized people might buy wines at the lower end as well). They did it by finding and purchasing existing vineyards — with the help of French winemaking consultant Michel Rolland — planted with vines averaging 80-years-old. One of the plots was even lying fallow, grown over with weeds yet still managing to produce fruit. Their Italian winemaker took these super-concentrated, ripe grapes and made wine. The first vintage scored a 91 rating from one of the glossy wine mags (can’t publicize those things in my blog) and they’ve been in the star-studded wine ranks ever since.

Sounds easy doesn’t it? Read the rest of this entry »

(For more on the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, check here.)

As in the past, the food took top billing at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, with the wine trailing in second. And beer made a big comeback appearance, but there were enough vinous highlights to keep my attention. Some quick hits:

• I found the best and most surprising food pairing at the Austrian station: Mushroom Soup with Chive Dumplings washed down with Leth Grüner Veltliner and Paprika Beef Stew with Bacon Dumplings and Iby Zweigelt. The citrusy tart gruner melded beautifully with earthy mushroom goodness.

• A more expectedly fabulous combo occurred at New Zealand: Sea Scallops and Veggie Slaw with Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc, as well as the incredible Lamb Sliders and Villa Maria Cabernet/Merlot.

• If you’re looking to try decent wines from an up-and-coming-yet-unusual area, head to Read the rest of this entry »

My cabinets overflow with wine glasses of every shape and size. We manage to break one weekly, but the brimming collection strangely never dwindles. The cheap, logo-emblazoned ones are like indestructible cement, but the pricey ones regularly fall in battle. Unique to my house? I think not, because people often ask if the half-paycheck glasses are needed or if the $1.99 cheapies will suffice. The European Riedel and Spiegelau crystal manufacturers want you to believe that imbibing wine from their stemware results in an ethereal experience. Don’t believe all the hype. Read the rest of this entry »

Yea, so Ella’s opened last Friday and no one should really be judging any restaurant at this point. But I couldn’t help myself. As a resident of “The Heights”, my yearning for new food in my ‘hood bubbled over. And after months of anticipation, watching the building go up (they bulldozed an existing structure and built from the ground up), waiting on a variety of issues from construction delays to City of Tampa permitting, the locals were getting restless. And hungry for something innovative.

So I’ll cut to the chase: The Heights finally has a place to hang. Cool architecture (complete with controversial yard art), unique decor, huge outdoor seating, food potential. The service and the grub aren’t perfect yet but you feel the love. Highlights: Read the rest of this entry »

This week, life threw a massive curve ball at Creative Loafing Media. Taken over by the NYC-based hedge fund to whom we owed a ton of money, each employee processed the news in a different way: sadness, optimism, relief. Me? I got shit-faced. On great wine. I figured if my family’s legacy is going down [my parents founded Creative Loafing and my brother was CEO until last Tuesday], I should consume voluminous amounts of quality juice. Fast. However, the questioned remained … which ones? So many choices, so little time to race and get to the promised land.

Obviously, I needed something high in alcohol. These sorts of wines emerge from hot areas, where the grapes grow fat with sugar and the resulting wine has more punch (sugar converts to alcohol in fermentation). Napa, Sonoma, Barossa Valley (Australia), Washington State (yes, there are areas where it isn’t miserably rainy), and a host of other delicious choices for the perfect Zen state of non-thought. Read the rest of this entry »

I drink with abandon, but not hoping that my habit will make me healthier — wine is fun to drink. Years ago, it was bonus points to read that wine allegedly prevents heart disease and a litany of other ailments, from Alzheimer’s to obesity. But like all other shortcuts, it sounded too good to be true.

Yesterday, Michael Epstein, gastroenterologist (liver doctor) and wine writer, printed an excellent piece in the San Francisco Chronicle, saying, ” There is no silver bullet…” He sheds light on the strength of evidence that says wine really is good for you.

Read the story.

Follow Taylor on Facebook and Twitter.

When I was a kid, I compared myself to everyone. One teacher called me “other-directed” and it wasn’t until my twenties that I realized that wasn’t a glowing compliment. I carried a bit of this into adulthood, and perhaps it shows up in my voyeuristic sneak peeks at what wine drinkers are sipping. As a wine writer, it’s good to have my sights on the scene, so I ask bars, restaurants and wine retail shops from time to time to reveal what you’re drinking.

It appears that you guys, after an Anything But Chardonnay run, are migrating back to this classic white. Rathbun’s in Atlanta sees plenty of action in its Edna Valley Chardonnay. But co-owner Cliff Bramble reports an educated price variance in what people are choosing – in the under-$40- per-bottle category, people order a “chardonnay,” whereas in the upper price tier, customers request selections from specific wine regions – aka AVAs – like Carneros or Russian River. Same goes for other varietals like pinot noir or malbec, as in the delicious Terrazas Malbec from Argentina they pour by the glass.

Vinocity Wine Bar in Atlanta constantly scours for quality, underpriced wines. Owner Ian Smith’s best sellers are Poppy Pinot Noir, Plungerhead Zin, Bloom Gewurztraminer and one of my favorites, Quivira Sauvignon Blanc. Looking pretty good there.

In Tampa, Bern’s Fine Wines and Spirits and Mise en Place Restaurant echo the chardonnay boon but Read the rest of this entry »

Sake was an acquired taste for me, mainly because most of what I tried sucked. But that opinion changed as I expanded my horizons into sparkling sakes and smoother, more approachable versions (and spent some money – cheap ones are the nastiest). Sake is often described as “rice wine,” but it’s actually a grain-fermented beverage like beer. However, it tastes closer to wine and most aren’t carbonated. (Click here for a sake primer).

Bamboozle Cafe in downtown Tampa, who recently (and thankfully) opened for dinner, serves an Asian twist on the popular, mint-infused rum mojito. It works… really well. They manage to make a sweet and tart sake cocktail that melds with the fragrant, earthy goodness that sake yields. Yum.

$6.50 per glass and worth every penny.

Looking to learn more about this beverage? Check out esake.com or sake-world.com.

I walk in the door with sweat still dewing my face, having just transitioned from goosebumpy temps at the office, walking through roasting heat, then into a baking sauna doubling as my dark-blue vehicle. In ninety-five degrees, the A/C has little hope of keeping up and it groans under the stress. I refocus on positive thoughts, the contents of my fridge: ribeye steaks, homemade Caesar salad fixings, and a few cold white wines. But wait, those two things don’t mesh, right — steak and white wine? Perhaps a red would fare better like traditional cabernet sauvignon, a burly merlot or a smoky Spanish number? But my pits still glisten, so even chilled red wine isn’t going to cut through this humid evening. (Read more about chilling red wines)

I sprinkle tart, savory Worcestershire sauce on the ribeyes, along with dry sherry, garlic salt, onion powder, paprika, ancho chile powder and fresh black pepper…. geez, I’m salivating already. Not sure how vegetarians live without the bounty of beef. That would just suck – a jiggling slab of grilled tofu doesn’t reach the same level of toothsome culinary bliss. (Read about the best beef to buy) Read the rest of this entry »

This column should have perforated edges so people can tear it out. It answers the #1 wine question I receive: What’s really tasty and affordable right now? Ever since this recession withered wallets around the world, it’s been my quest to find the best deals.

My top ten.

Kim Crawford 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough (New Zealand) This reliably charming wine is thankfully available everywhere, and capped with a screwtop, no less. Its green grass aromas give way to bracing acidity, ripe Granny Smith apples, zingy lime and plenty of refreshing grapefruit. The 2008 trumps previous vintages. Sw=1. $13. 5 stars.

Crios de Susana Balbo 2007 Malbec Rosé Mendoza (Argentina) I wallowed in this wine like wrestlers in a kiddie pool and hardly paid for it the next day — an excellent sign of a well-made wine. Heady with strawberry and candied cherry, but with an earthy, almost smoky flavor on the tongue. Full-bodied and serious, yet lively with tartness and a finish of ripe raspberries. I’m thirsty. Sw=2. $12. 5 stars. Read the rest of this entry »

Halfway through this rich, artfully written memoir, I began booking a trip to Tuscany. In Passion on the Vine, author Sergio Esposito put his Italian hook in my soul and it is yet to be removed. A Neapolitan wine importer and retailer from New York City, Esposito’s love letter to his native homeland gets to the heart of a wine and food culture little understood (although certainly appreciated) outside its gorgeous borders.

Esposito fluidly weaves together his endless trips through Italian wine country like a novel, as if he only made one trip. He writes of the intimate, family-like relationships he developed over 20 years with the most legendary names in Italian wine –Bartolo Mascarello, Franco Biondi Santi, Enrico Scavino, Gianfranco Soldera — with a surprising insight into what makes these great men great. (Read more about my love of Tuscany and its wines)

Throughout the memoir, he infuses charming, funny stories of the food and wine culture so crucial to the Italian outlook. He began eating fresh vegetables, pasta and cheeses and sipping watered-down sangiovese at an early age — encouraged by his family to savor the earth’s bounties. But it wasn’t all that easy. Read the rest of this entry »

Forget the tango – malbec is fast becoming the beloved icon of Argentina. I wrote about this humble red grape back in 2006, when it was creeping into the spotlight, but since then its popularity has spread like the macarena at a redneck wedding. And no wonder – malbec is practically perfect.

This disrespected French grape originally hails from Bordeaux, where it slaves for the hallowed cabernet sauvignon and merlot grapes. Winemakers use malbec to soften the often harsh tannins of its stout compatriots to create a balanced, heady blend. Bottled alone, it also fathers ferocious, robust reds in the obscure area of Cahors, under the alias “côt” (pronounced “co”). Read the rest of this entry »

The snooty side of food pairings preaches “No Wine with Salad.” I fed on this falsehood for years, following the widely-held mantra like an evangelical wino. Then one day, a miraculous salad and vino combo made me rethink my reliance on traditional not-so-wisdom.

Not that I was always so cool and contrarian. Before my re-awakening, I lapped up all the drivel wine magazines and writers spit out. But, like a rebellious teenager, I slowly realized it wasn’t adding up. Salads are simply another dish with sauce slathered on it. Match the sauce with the wine and you win. To give tradition some credit, back in the day salad dressings mostly contained robust vinegars like distilled white or cider that rendered wine lifeless and dull; it made sense to teach wine-with-salad avoidance. Times have changed, however. Now that less acidic rice or sweeter balsamic vinegars and lime and lemon use are common, wine and dressing can snuggle up and make sweet, tart love.

Since we’re dealing with delicate, cold food, it makes sense to choose wines that fit a similar profile: whites and rosés. The ideal salad partner is sparkling wine or Champagne — their refreshing acidity equals the body of a salad, bringing new meaning to friends with benefits. But if bubbly is out of budget, here are other suggestions for salad and wine hookups. (See a list of budget sparklers) Read the rest of this entry »

I recently read Michael Pollan’s impassioned (and alarming) book, The Omnivore’s Dilemma, that explores “our national eating disorder.” It’s difficult to be a proud carnivore (or a fast food eater) after reading it, but somehow I didn’t plunge headfirst into a vat of vegetarianism.

In one section, Pollan insightfully reports about the deplorable living conditions of factory-churned, corn-fed cattle, so shortly after reading it I earnestly sought out humanely-raised, grass-fed meat. I figured if I was going to continue to assert homo sapien’s food-chain dominance, I could at least do it with a clear conscience.

Essentially, grass-fed means the cattle are born, raised and harvested to meet USDA Approved Grass-fed Protocol. This edict forbids the use of artificial hormones, confinement feeding, animal by-products and antibiotics. Turns out, there’s not a helluva lot of places you can buy grass-fed beef in Tampa Bay. In fact, I only uncovered one reliable place: Whole Foods. And Mark Malowski, Meat Team Leader at the Tampa location, reports their three-month-old grass-fed beef program is booming. Their weekly delivery sells out every Monday, the day it hits the cooler. Read the rest of this entry »

The first season of Winemakers, the reality television series based on learning how to make wine, airs on Public Television in September. Over the course of six half-hour episodes, twelve people will compete for the chance to launch their own wine brand, undergoing challenges crafted by real-world winemakers, chefs, sommeliers and industry leaders. They’ll be judged by “experts” in the food and wine world as well as the public via voting.

So do you want to be in the second season? Filming starts in the fall in California and France. Read the rest of this entry »

At wine events, women make up the majority of attendees but the crowd at the Craft Beer Expo on Saturday at Mahaffey Theater teemed with proud, beer t-shirt wearing men. It felt like a brew lover’s pilgrimage and I had snuck in the back door. But I got over that as I munched on chipotle BBQ washed down with Highland Brewing Gaelic Ale; slurped on a messy vanilla ice cream float spiked with Lindemans Framboise Lambic; and sipped fresh-hopped Dogfish Head 90-Minute IPA. It wasn’t a sucky place to be on a sticky, hot afternoon.

Being a wino at heart, I can’t call myself as beer-educated as many of the 800 attendees. But I held my own with 100+ lagers, ales, stouts and porters. Favorites included Bell’s Oberon Wheat, Bell’s Amber Ale, Bold City Brewery Brown Ale (Jacksonville), Rogue Morimoto Soba Ale, Saint Somewhere Saison (local), Rocky Mountain Z Smoked Lager (most unique of the event), Rocky Mountain Major Tom Pomegranate Wheat, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Stout, Highland Brewing St. Therese’s Pale Ale, Cigar City Guava Grove (local – and really all their beers are frickin’ amazing) and Boulder Hazed & Infused. Read the rest of this entry »

Found on Facebook! Guaranteed to be a mad house but it’ll save $3 or so.

We’re making a change: your food not only tastes better, it is better. To celebrate, we’re inviting you to bring this invitation to a participating U.S. Starbucks store to enjoy a FREE pastry from opening until 10:30am on July 21st, 2009 with the purchase of any beverage*.

Coupon after the jump…

Read the rest of this entry »

After vacating their longtime location on South Howard in August of 2008, Whaley’s Market looked for a new place to call home. They landed at Paul’s Meats on Kennedy Boulevard in Tampa, but apparently, didn’t stay open long.

In my ignorance, I called Whaley’s today in a search of great beef for CL Meat Week (stay tuned). And got Todd Whaley on the phone.

At his home in Lutz. Read the rest of this entry »

Maybe I have a seasonal affective disorder, since I always veer away from red wine during the hot months. It’s hard-wired into my DNA, and I find it more thirst-busting to lace my fingers around a chilled glass of rosé or white wine when the mercury hits 85. But there are a lot of red-wine-etarians out there and I occasionally desire something ballsier even as sweat drools down my face. Enjoy reds in the summer? Sure. (If you hate reds, check out my suggestions for whites.)

The best way to overcome the summer heat? Chill it.

Most people drink reds too warm. When something reads “drink at room temperature” it doesn’t take into account the oppressive summers in the southern U.S. where average indoor air-conditioned temps hover around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. That deceptive two-word description actually indicates room temperature in French wine caves, which feel more like 60 to 65 degrees. But what’s the ideal? Above a comfortable 72, the alcohol in red wine rises to the forefront, reminiscent of dollar shots in college. You could store bottles in the fridge, but here’s the rub: chill a red too much and the cold steals any semblance of fruit, creating a tannic, astringent mess. To solve that quandary chill your reds down for 30 minutes in the fridge, or 10 minutes submerged in ice water. (More detail on how to chill wine.) Read the rest of this entry »

This week, Capital Grille at International Plaza launches their Master Wine Tasting event, offering up samples of twelve highly-rated, hand-selected wines with the purchase of a lunch or dinner. Master Sommelier George Miliotes (we wrote about him here) personally chose the Spanish, Argentinean, Napa and South African selections for the six-week promotion that starts July 13th and runs through August 23rd.

The wine tasting costs $25 at dinner and $10 at lunch (per person) and you’ll receive 1- to 3-ounce pours of each selection. For the first three-week part of the promotion, you can taste the following wines from Spain and Argentina:

- Marques de Gelida Brut Reserva Cava 2005
- Vega Sindoa Rose 2008
- Shaya Verdejo 2008
- Juan Gil Monastrell 2006 (read Corkscrew review)
- Atteca Old Vine Grenache 2007 (read Corkscrew review)
Read the rest of this entry »

I like Chick-fil-A as much as the next person, sometimes even craving the salty goodness that their nuggets deliver. So how broke are you and how far will you go to get a free Chick-Fil-A? Will you don a cow costume to get that delicious, deep-fried chicken for free? Certainly, you’ve done worse, right…

On Friday, July 10, in celebration of Cow Appreciation Day, go into any Chick-fil-A restaurant dressed as a cow and receive a free meal. Read the rest of this entry »

Only until July 12, Arby’s is honoring this coupon, good for a free BBQ Bacon Cheddar Roast Burger (or you can substitute a Roastburger) with any drink purchase.

Click here to download and print coupon.

Don’t know where your nearest Arby’s is located? Find out.

Picture a winery lab lined with brimming beakers. A racy sauvignon blanc white wine in one, an earthy sémillon in another. Like mixing up a monster martini, winemakers blend single-varietal wines together to find their signature cocktail. The painstaking process adds complexity to the final product and squeezes maximum flavor out of a vineyard. Getting the right combo, however, isn’t obvious — the wrong recipe can turn people off like this season of Top Chef. But as far as blends go, the French got this stuff down, especially in their Bordeaux whites.

It’s unfortunate, but whites from Bordeaux cower under the power of their more popular red brothers. The white underdog, however, is beginning to prod the fickle affections of the masses – they now peek out from wine lists everywhere. And for a good reason: White Bordeaux’s lowly status means they’re cheap.
Sauvignon blanc and sémillon make up the bulk of Bordeaux’s whites. Although these grapes grow everywhere now, they originated in this southwestern wine region and have comingled just as long. Crisp, grapefruity and sometimes cat-pee-ish, sauvignon blanc has risen to star status in New Zealand and California, among other places. But in Bordeaux, it has a certain je ne sais quoi — a well-bred sophistication sometimes lacking in their wacky foreign cousins. On the opposite end of the spectrum, sémillon’s most notable feat its transformation into the highly-valued, lusciously sweet dessert wine called Sauternes. (More about dessert wines). Read the rest of this entry »

Vineyards in Oregon's Eola Hills

Are you a fan of Oregon wine country? Now’s your chance to tell the world why their wine rocks your world, publicly. Oregon Wine Board launched their Capture the Spirit of Oregon Wine Country online video and photo contest on Facebook. To enter, you’ll need to share your experiences via “creative and memorable” photo essays or 60-second videos.

And, like other video and photo competitions, there’s a voting component. If you’re a member of Facebook, you can vote for your favorites from July 4 to August 21. Submissions will be accepted until August 21. Based on creativity, originality and fan response, six $500 cash prizes will be awarded (three photos and three videos). But here’s the best part: Read the rest of this entry »

After my annual July 4th party, the recycling bin brims with a mountainous pile of wine bottles. I imagine the recycling guy considers me a lapsed Friend of Bill, but hell, our nation’s birthday is the day to enjoy everything. In honor of America’s independence, here are some creative tips to prepare for the celebration.

Introduce the Box
Ignore the naysayers who might not be hip to the newfangled wine-in-a-box. Once derided as an outlet for the worst vinous swill on the planet, wineries now sell good juice you squeeze from a bladder – the plastic sack housed inside the box. Within each three-liter “cask” (the box’s cool Aussie nickname) are four bottles of wine, hermetically sealed for your fresh drinking pleasure. Once liquid is drawn out, the bladder compresses to avoid exposure to oxygen — the element that ruins wine — so the wine stays drinkable longer (up to nine weeks). Good for a party, it’s inexpensive, unbreakable, sits handily on your countertop for easy serving, and requires no dangerous-when-drunk corkscrew. Seek out Hardy’s and Black Box selections. (Read more about boxed wines)

Read the rest of this entry »

Every Monday through the end of August, Ben and Jerry’s Scoop Shops will be giving away a free sundae with the purchase of one (larger-than-life Vermonster Sundae not included). From the press release:

“Going out for summer ice cream sundaes has been an American tradition for decades,” said Walt Freese, Chief Euphoria Officer of Ben & Jerry’s. “During these tough economic times, we want to ensure that people can still afford simple indulgences as we continue our mission to spread joy for the belly and soul.”

Read the rest of this entry »

Brian and Taylor chat with CL food contributor and successful blogger for EatLiveRun.com, Jenna Weber; discuss Brian’s love affair with Paci Pizza; Jenna and Taylor’s quest for the Murphy-Goode Dream Job; Brian’s homemade smoky pork product and CL’s new food contributor, Chef Gui. 

Read the rest of this entry »

The six-month dream job of Wine Country Lifestyle Correspondent at Murphy-Goode Winery has been blowing up the blogosphere. $10,000 per month to live at the winery in Sonoma Valley, write, and ride the social media wave. It’s a sweet gig for whoever gets it. (See all the Tampa Bay candidates here). 

And I threw my glass into the ring.

Initially, I learned about the opportunity from my father-in-law who lives 9,167 miles from home, in Australia. Hell, if there’s ever been an example of social networking efficacy, it’s this one. He exclaimed through a Facebook post: “This is something you should consider!” I smiled to myself, then laughed it off.

At the Loaf offices the next day, the news was everywhere. This was groundbreaking (at least for wine geeks). Traditionally, the wine industry hasn’t been a stewpot of cutting-edge marketing, and the urge to blog about this overtook me. Post-blog, one friend commented on Facebook, “I can’t believe you’re spreading the word about this… you’d be perfect for that job.” After four others shared similar sentiments, I listened. Read the rest of this entry »

I’m always looking for ways to use my homegrown herbs before they suffocate in the summer heat. I scour the internet and my favorite magazine, Cooking Light, for recipes that creatively use this summer bounty. Last night, I tried a chicken recipe from Cooking Light and, as all cooks do, adopted it to my ingredients and tastes. It earned me a pat on the back for a dish well done. Read the rest of this entry »

The best wines I tried this week:

La Freynelle 2007 White Bordeaux Entre Deux Mers
Dinner out on Monday night. Entre Deux Mers is a little-known wine region in Bordeaux, so you can get tasty wines like this one on the cheap. A blend of sauvignon blanc and semillon that tastes like walking through a grassy field on a warm summer day. Light, dry and citrusy with bracing acidity, earthy chamomile tea, green grass, wet stones and an almost nutty character. Layered and fascinating. Sw=1. $13. 4.5 stars. (I had this again on Thursday night with sushi – it’s that good.) Read more spring/summer white recommendations. Read the rest of this entry »

There seems to be a lot of video contests airing these days. But I’ll give props to one of the first to embrace the technology in the wine industry, Wine Spectator. This marks the third annual video contest sponsored by the venerated wine magazine. They aren’t giving away a cool job in wine country, but you receive a prize just for entering. Read the rest of this entry »

Last week’s post on Bay area half-priced food and wine deals was so popular, we thought we’d do it again.

AND, June 18th marks the first day of Creative Loafing Restaurant Week: $25 for 3-course prix fixe menus at restaurants all over town until June 28. See the full list of participants and their menus.

Read the rest of this entry »

CL’s Food and Wine podcast. Brian and Taylor invite CL’s own PoHo in to talk about Tampa Bay’s Top 50 Restaurants, Taylor’s (hopefully) new job and rosé wines.

Listen up!

Spoke with Chris Ponte this morning about his new Tampa “fast casual” venture (see original post here), Peel. A joint venture with Melting Pot, Ponte has been working with Arlene Johnston from Melting Pot for the past one and a half years to perfect the concept. Everything will be “made from scratch” and he defines the menu items as ”fresh, artisan cuisine.” Among the 30 or so dishes will be favorites from Cafe Ponte’s current offerings like the turkey club and potato truffle pizza but also new items like barbecue beef calzone, eggplant calzone (baked in a wood burning oven) and spicy shrimp pasta. Read the rest of this entry »

Chris Ponte, chef-owner of Cafe Ponte in Clearwater, is opening a Tampa outpost called Peel at an unconfirmed location near Dale Mabry and Linebaugh. He describes it as “a fast casual restaurant.”  Read the rest of this entry »

Thankfully, some stores get the fact that we’re broke, unemployed or both. Borders throws a bone to those to who need a java jolt — a coupon for a free 12-ounce beverage (including coffee). But hurry, it expires 6/18.

Link to printable coupon here.

Despite a weakening economy, the Nielson Company revealed an almost 25 percent jump in U.S. rosé wine sales in 2008. Since I’ve harped on the greatness of pink for the past five years, I’ll take at least a sliver of that celebratory pie, thank you very much. Finally, I can rejoice that Americans have begun to embrace the beauty of rosé wines.

With the red fruit and tannin of red, and the cool, invigorating acidity of white, rosé is a perfect marriage. One of the best food wines in existence, it’s like drinking a white wine with bright, ripe berry flavor. It matches summer fare — grilled burgers and ribs — but also spicy eats. I used to complain of their lack of availability — many wineries make dry rosés though not enough for major distribution — but I’m seeing increasing variety on shelves and lists. Pink from pinot noir, syrah, grenache, zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon and everything in-between can be had for under $20 per bottle. Woohoo! Read the rest of this entry »

Jumping on the video promo bandwagon, Black Box — Blackstone Winery’s 3-liter cask wine – has announced a “You Got Boxed” contest. To win, consumers have to secretly serve wine-in-a-box to unsuspecting drinkers, and film the reaction when the wine’s packaging is revealed. Once you’ve captured the moment, submit the video for a chance to win $10,000. Read why boxed wine is a good thing.

The instructions: Read the rest of this entry »

Brian raves about Saigon Deli and the Top 50 Restaurants for the upcoming Food Issue. Taylor talks about her application for the Murphy Goode wine blogger position, chef changes at local restaurants and they review Zipang Sparkling Sake.

Listen up!

Starting July 1, Sous Chef Ferrell Alvarez, Marty Blitz’s right-hand-man for many years at Mise en Place, is moving to the Executive Chef slot at Cafe Dufrain. Also making the switch in October is Ty Rodriguez, General Manager at Mise.

Ferrell and Andy Bonnemort, owners of Cafe Dufrain, couldn’t be happier, although they came to learn of Chef Ferrell’s interest in a round-about way. Ferrell Bonnemort called Chef Ferrell (yes, same name, different genders, different pronounciations) for a reference on another candidate and when she described the position, he said, “Hey, I might be interested in that.” At first, Ferrell turned him down, since she wasn’t interested in “stealing” away a chef from a fellow indie restaurant owner. But Chef Ferrell doggedly pursued the position, also asking if Ty Rodriguez could be considered for the General Manager opening (Cafe Dufrain was also looking to replace their current GM, who is leaving in October to go to nursing school). A package deal made in restaurant heaven.

After Andy and Ferrell both met Ty and Ferrell, they knew they’d found the right team. Bonnemort said, “All the right elements just fell into place. We combed through over 400 applicants and Alvarez and Rodriguez are clearly who we need to take us to the next level.”  

Surprisingly, there are no hard feelings coming from Mise en Place co-proprietor Maryann Ferenc, who said, “It’s a positive thing… I’m ridiculously happy for them. All things happen as they’re supposed to…”

Like the violin I misused as a tot, wine requires practice. I don’t read many books about it, although I definitely should; I don’t study it much anymore, although that might make me sound smarter. But I drink. A lot. Not to alcoholic levels – though the thought has fluttered in my throbbing, hungover head — but enough to become intimate with countless grapes. It’s important since habitual tasting trains the tongue to decipher chardonnay or riesling and, with practice, you can discover what makes music in your mouth.

Each month for the past eight years, I’ve invited an eclectic group to practice their drinking in my home. We blind taste 12-15 bottles at one sitting and the attendees have mostly an untrained yet keen interest in wine. From this base camp I’ve personally converted dozens into wine geekdom; some have even moved on to California winemaking. Sure, I could taste the wines alone – Husband and I make regular progress through the bottle stash – but how much fun would that be?

Not much, but it’s not just fun. Tasting with this group allows me to uncover what average consumers enjoy so I can tailor my writing. More often than not, they prefer the really fruity, new-world-style wines. Like California chardonnay.

For a recent tasting, I saved up four single-vineyard wines from the same producer (Patz and Hall), same varietal (chardonnay), same vintage (2006) but from different vineyards. This “appellation vertical” tasting — as I coined it — allowed me to teach “terroir,” an elusive yet critically important tenet in wine appreciation. It explains the grape’s soil and climate blend and why fruit from one vineyard can taste completely different in another.

I knew the wines wouldn’t suck. Patz and Hall – a smallish, esteemed, wallet-crunching winery based in Napa — makes first-rate stuff. To craft these chardonnays, they bought fruit from well-respected growers all over California and used almost identical winemaking techniques. All things were equal except the grapes, so this line-up fit my terroir bill. The vineyards represented were Zio Tony Ranch in Russian River, Alder Springs in Mendocino, Dutton Ranch in Russian River and Hudson Vineyard in Carneros.

For chardonnay, everything from the grape clone to the forest which birthed the oak barrel influences the juice in the bottle. But as any winemaker will tell you, good wine starts in the vineyard. This grape requires a cooler climate to develop all the peach, pear and apple flavors inherent in the variety, and these four vineyards enjoy less heat than most. But it’s the soil and location that makes these wines distinct. For instance, Zio Tony’s reddish, sandy soils are rich with deep iron deposits, yielding fruit that struggles for water and thus develops personality, complexity and minerality. By contrast, the Hudson Vineyard has loam soil and an unusually cool, hillside location which allows the grapes to ripen longer on the vines, building up more flavor and sugars. The only variation in the winemaking? Zio Tony’s fruit sees ten percent more new French oak. But they taste drastically different from one another.

The group agreed. In fact, they were somewhat flabbergasted by the vast diversity in the wines. Did everyone love all of them? No, but now they know the influence of terroir on chardonnay. With wine, as with all other things, practice makes perfect. (Read about terroir).

Shameless self-promotion: VOTE FOR MY MURPHY GOODE “REALLY GOODE JOB” VIDEO!!

Wine Recommendation

Patz and Hall 2006 Chardonnay Zio Tony Ranch (California) Layered with flavor and full-bodied with toasted coconut, soft vanilla, pear, creamy peach custard, refreshing acidity, iron-like minerality and a chalky aftertaste. Sw=2. $60. 4.5 stars. 

Patz and Hall 2006 Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard (California) Lean, medium-bodied and bright with green apple napped in butter and pumpkin-pie spices. Fantastic, lingering acidity that complements the roasted hazelnuts, fresh peaches and caramel flavors. Sw=2. $45. 4.5 stars.

Sweetness (Sw) rating: 1-10. Star rating: 1-5. Reach Taylor at taylor.eason@cln.com, on Twitter @tayloreason, and on Facebook.  

Things might be looking up, at least for the food industry – the National Restaurant Association reported a fourth consecutive month gain in restaurant activity. Restaurants are begging for us to go out to eat. I’ve done my part (many thanks to the CL’s glorious half-priced Eats and Bites gift certificates) Perhaps the discount ads, tweets and email campaigns are working. Is anyone paying full price? Check out this array of deals available at Bay area restaurants. If you know of others, give me a shout out.

PINELLAS:

- The Table in St. Pete: Offering free bottles of certain wines, Monday – Thursday before 7 p.m. with purchase of two entrées.

- Café Ponte in Clearwater offers half-off selected bottles of wine with the purchase of two entrées on Mondays. Read the rest of this entry »

In an effort to raise money to pay for an overhaul of America’s health care system, the Senate Finance Committee is contemplating a tax on alcohol and soft drinks. But the controversial proposal pits some pretty powerful lobbyists against each other: the Corn Refiners Association (the same fine folks who bring us high fructose corn syrup) and the American Beverage Association (not to mention the liquor wholesaler industry) versus the American Medical Association and the American Hospital Association. Read the rest of this entry »

Humble beginnings birth beautiful things. Obama. The Simpsons. Angelina Jolie. And McLaren Vale, a tiny town in South Australia with soft yet powerful wines.

Tireless pioneer Thomas Hardy planted grapes in McLaren Vale around 1840 and winemaking in the region thrived, until the turn of the century when exports dried up and the demand for bulk port swelled. Around the 1960’s, wine tourism revived the area, stimulating renewed interest in table wines, especially the full-bodied, rich reds made from the Vale’s 100-year-old shiraz, grenache and cabernet sauvignon vines. Now, its comeback complete, McClaren’s wines have burrowed into my spirit. Read the rest of this entry »

RAWbar, a new, chi-chi sushi bar and Japanese fusion in downtown Tampa’s Skypoint opened over the weekend. According to Kate Swanson, who handled promotions for the opening, the menu is “not like a typical sushi restaurant. Our food is considered traditional fine dining. We have put a modern twist on it making it more fun and chic. Our rolls range from $7 to $19. Our hot entree range from $12 to $21.”

Opening RAWbar hasn’t been without its snags — they were originally slated to open before Superbowl. But Chef Nao Higuchi — brought north from Miami Beach where he worked at Domo (RIP) and more extensively at Nobu outposts around the country– experienced difficulty finding trained sushi talent in Tampa Bay. Apparently, he’s worked it out; the sushi I tasted at the media opening a couple of weeks ago (a ceviche-like white fish) was exquisite.

The “grand opening” occurs June 12th.

RawBar Sushi
Open for dinner only, Tuesday – Saturday
Skypoint Building, 777 North Ashley St.
Downtown Tampa

Restaurant News
Noshpit, episode 16: Brian talks about his review of Ravioli Company and Taylor gushes about a blindfolded wine dinner she attended

Cooking & Recipes
Shrimp Slider recipe: Great for cookouts
Vietnamese Noodle (Bun) Salad
First corn of the season: Roasted corn and bacon salad
Making cake frosting: Buttercream basics

Drinks

Read the rest of this entry »

Husband and I at the dinner

In my job, I do a lot of cool foodie shit. But I must admit wine dinners — unless the winemaker is an exceptional speaker, the restaurant amazing or the wines mind-blowing — have lost their coolness factor. Yea, yea, sucks to be me… I know. But like any job with delicious perqs, even the most amazing events morph into “work.”

But every so often, something surprises me. Like the “blindfolded” wine dinner I attended Wednesday night at the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor. Literally, blindfolded, with fabric over my eyes and no peeking. The whole meal. And we didn’t know the menu items until they hit our mouths. This might be nerve-wracking for some people but I was stoked. I’m the person who marches into a restaurant and gleefully asks for the chef’s fantasy menu.  Read the rest of this entry »

Tea is hot. Riding this wave is a marketing-minded team in California who fermented organic Chinese jasmine tea and bottled up its bubbliness. But here’s the kicker: Even though it’s fermented, it’s non-alcoholic. It’s only after fermentation that the Golden Star Tea Company adds organic cane sugar to make the grog palatable to the masses.

For an alcohol substitute, it’s pretty darn tasty. Consider your hangover-avoidance options when at a bar: soda, water (sparkling or flat), and, um, juice. Not too exciting. Something fizzy and flavorful might just be the ticket. Fragrant with flowers, White Jasmine tastes vaguely like mellow, sweetened green tea but slightly earthy and much more delicate.

Mixologists and sommeliers in New York and San Fran have received it well, shooting the fancy fizz to popularity. The New York Times even reviewed it. Read the rest of this entry »

Stains are the mundane bane of many red wine drinkers. Inevitably, juice dribbles down the shirt, drips on the carpet, or spills on the clean — mostly likely new — white tablecloth. It’s inevitable and a buzz kill. One of my cream-colored couches, which I bought long before wine controlled my life, is now dotted with pinkish splotches, whispering tales of half-drunken accidents that weren’t mopped up. But my spill knowledge has grown and I’m ready to share my expert spotty advice on remedying red wine messes.

Preventative Measures 

• Buy a mylar pouring disc from the wine shop — they’re thin, bendable and slide into the bottle opening to fashion a wine spout. The pros use them because they prevent dripping and facilitate easier pouring control. This disc is also reusable if you don’t put it in the dishwasher like I did once. Read the rest of this entry »

For a limited time, PF Chang’s will email you a coupon for a free order of their uber-popular, meat-filled iceberg Lettuce Wraps appetizer (with a purchase of an entree). The promotion celebrates the golfing skills of PGA tour pro Briny Baird, who “teed off… from 375 feet in the air atop the Omni Hotel and landed a golf ball inside a bulls-eye 230 yards below in the outfield of PETCO Park, home of the San Diego Padres.” I imagine PF Chang’s never thought they’d have to pay up for the bet.  

Link for the coupon after the break.

Read the rest of this entry »

During my hunt to find the best $100 (or so) case of wine at Bay area retailers, I meandered into one of my favorite gourmet shops in Tampa Bay: Mazzaro’s Italian Market in St. Pete. There, among the drool-worthy selection of craft-made cheeses, single-grove olive oils and handmade pasta, there’s also a well-appointed wine room coddled by Jeff DiMaio. Ironically, few wine steals on his shelves hail from Italy, but from the relatively newer (or new-to-quality) wine regions Spain and Australia. I don’t really care, since there’s plenty other juice to drink. My selections for a $110 case of wine at Mazzaro’s: Read the rest of this entry »

Bottle Shock, the 2008 wine-themed movie, is now available on DVD. It was unfathomably popular — Sundance shone on it, reviews were kind, even glowing at times, and fairly scathing at others. But to this wine enthusiast — who really, really tried to like it — Bottle Shock’s studio managed to turn an historic wine moment into Mad Dog 20/20. I’m stunned it was popular at all. (Read my full review). I think one IMBD reviewer summed it up nicely: Read the rest of this entry »

This time of year, states north of Florida lead the good life. Just in time for the Memorial Day holiday, Mother Nature ushers in mild weather up there while she shoves torrid 90 degrees/80 percent humidity down my throat. But it signals the official beginning of grilling season and that’s always a good thing. So grab what you got in the fridge and get cooking.

Which might be chicken sausages and microbrew, if my current fridge contents are any indication. When it comes to beer versus wine, though, carb-laden ales might slake a sweaty brow but wine bests it in the food-pairing department (yeah, yeah, I’d love to throw down with a beer geek on this topic). There’s something magical about the natural fruit acids and tannins that harmonize strong seasonings, especially sprinkled or spread on meat. Another bonus: No burping or bloating with wine.

Lighter whites, such as sauvignon blanc and albariño, start the party but also pair up with seafood items like grilled shrimp and fish. Dry rosés — far from the sweet and wimpy rep they unfortunately suffer from — quench under the hot sun, but also dance happily with shellfish (or anything else, for that matter).

But, geez, who eats fish on Memorial Day? That’s denying your inner carnivore.

Read the rest of this entry »

IN FOOD NEWS:
If you didn’t read it, you should. Louis Thornton’s tirade against organic farming ruffled many a reader. The comments, as long as the piece itself, are full of information as well.

While we’re on that topic, the USDA is offering $50 million in grants to conventional farmers who want to turn organic.

May is brimming with great food and wine events throughout Tampa Bay. Read our list of them and don’t miss out. Read the rest of this entry »

It’s not news when 200+ location mega-chain Chili’s opens another door in the U.S. It’s not even interesting when it opens in France, although it’s doutbful anyone in that culinary Mecca would salivate over bland American “Tex Mex.” But when a burger haven like Chili’s goes into India, where the bulk of people eat vegetarian, that’s peculiar. Even vaguely newsworthy. Read the rest of this entry »

The USDA has announced it will throw in a total of $50 million conventional farmers to help them switch to organic. In comparison to bank bailouts, the amount might sound paltry, but we have to start somewhere.

Deputy Agriculture Commissioner Kathleen Merrigan said: “Assisting organic producers is a priority of the 2008 Farm Bill as well as for Secretary Vilsack and the Obama Administration… The objective of this initiative is to make organic food producers eligible to compete for EQIP financial assistance.” Read the rest of this entry »

Thursday, May 14: ABC Fine Wines and Spirits St. Pete
Sample dozens of wines, enjoy gourmet hors d’oeuvres to complement the wines, and chat with our wine experts. $5 includes souvernir wine glass. 5:30-7:30 p.m., 6398 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St., St. Pete (727-527-1579).

Friday, May 15: American Spirits
Taste 15-20 wines from around the world. Free. 7-9 p.m., 280 3rd Street S., St. Pete (727-895-8700).

Friday, May 15: Bern’s Fine Wines and Spirits
Wines of Italy Crush Hour. Sample wines from Alto Adige, Piedmont, Umbria, Sicily and Tuscany (including two highly rated 2004 Brunello di Montalcinos) paired with five Italian cheeses from the Bern’s Cave du Fromage. $25. 6:30-8:30 p.m. 1002 S. Howard Ave., Tampa (813-250-9463).

Friday, May 15: Carrollwood Cork and Olive
Spend the evening tasting wine while browsing art. The local artist, Trish, will be on hand to showcase her work. Free. 6-9 p.m., 10019 N Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa (813-868-3733).

Friday, May 15: Uncorked Fine Wines and Accessories
Enjoy an indoor picnic and wine tasting with proceeds to benefit the National MS Society. $10. 6:30-8:30 p.m., 2706 4th St. N., St. Petersburg (727-892-9463).

Friday, May 15: Vintage Wine Cellars
Italian Intrigue Tasting. Delve into 10 new bellisimo bottlings that have just arrived, featuring unusual grapes like Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Corvina, and Arneis. Paired with cheeses. $10. 3629 Henderson Blvd, Tampa (813-879-2931).

Read the rest of this entry »

Street food in Beijing – Photos by Scott Eason

Listening to the pre-trip food-poisoning, bug-eating horror stories, I expected to lose weight. But far from the miracle Dexatrim solution I’d envisioned, my recent vacation in China proved to be an incredible culinary adventure.

China is far more modern, clean and sophisticated than I ever imagined, at least in the cities. Its citizens are warmly hospitable and enthusiastically curious about Americans. But they don’t drink wine. Beijing and Shanghai had wine bars, but I didn’t spy many Chinese filling the seats; beer is the alcoholic vice of choice. Since you can’t drink the water and many restaurants on the tour (we opted for a guided trip) offered it gratis, I downed more beer in two weeks than I have in a year. Tsingtao mostly, but the city of Chongqing brews an eponymous wheaty grog that I miss. Read the rest of this entry »

A new deli and restaurant in Clearwater, Soup A Hero, celebrates its grand opening with free menu samples today from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The menu features an array of gourmet foods, soups and salads prepared by owner and head cook Nino Accetta.

Soup A Hero Deli and Restaurant
2245 Nursery Rd
Clearwater, FL 33764
(727) 538-2245

It sounds like bottled baked potato with bacon topping. It kinda skeezes me out, yet intrigues. But, given the growing fascination with all things pork and cured, we should have expected it: A potato-based vodka with a “savory bacon flavor” has been invented in Seattle.

Created by Black Rock Spirits after two years of testing, Bakon Vodka celebrates the renaissance of our favorite salty slab. With no tongue-in-cheek, they are “bringing home the bacon.”

The website says: “Our vodka is column-distilled using a single heating process that doesn’t ‘bruise’ the alcohol like the multiple heating cycles needed to make a typical pot-still vodka. No tinge or burn on the tongue, no obnoxious smoky or chemical flavors, just a clean refreshing potato vodka with delicious savory bacon flavor.” Read the rest of this entry »

It’s quite possibly the most inventive, most outrageous PR stunt ever in California’s painfully conservative wine history. And you may have heard of it or maybe a blogger friend already applied for it. 

Murphy Goode Winery is looking to fill an actual full-time, six-month position through word-of-mouth and the blogosphere. The deal: $10,000/month, a free house, all the wine you can drink and flexible work hours. In exchange, you do what many people do already for fun: blog, post on Facebook, Twitter, post videos and work around the winery.  Read the rest of this entry »

In a thinly veiled effort to capture more of the health-conscious crowd (and a bit late in the game), KFC introduced an alternative to their iconic fried poultry – Kentucky Grilled Chicken. And they want you to try it… for free. Read the rest of this entry »

I have adorable twin nieces. As they’ve gotten older, I can tell them apart by personality (and each helpfully favors either purple or pink), but when they were tiny tots, it wasn’t as easy. One birthmark differentiated them and served as my twin detector for many years.

If only Italian wines were as easy. They have this fascinatingly confusing twin situation – two wines labeled Montepulciano [MON teh pool CHAH no]. From two different regions. Made from two different grapes. It’s about as mystifying as how identical DNA can produce different personalities. But, like the time when I finally called the twins by the right names, it’s satisfying when you learn to appreciate the differences. Read the rest of this entry »

As the weather warms up, succulent spring vegetables like zucchini emerge in the grocery stores and markets. With the locavore movement, people should be seeking out the, ahem, fruitful bounty that our state has to offer.

Looking like a roughed up cucumber, zucchini is one of those versatile vegetables that can be disguised in sweet baked goods, stuffed into a cheesy casserole for more nutrients, eaten raw in a salad, or sauteed with garlic for a side dish. This native Italian squash is low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium, and it’s also a good source of thiamin, niacin, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and a host of other things that are supposed to be good for you. Choose smooth skinned, less than 8-inch zucchini that are skinny (and thus, young and tender), unbruised and firm to the touch. Pick some up and try some of these recipes. Read the rest of this entry »

Located southeast of Sacramento near California’s eastern edge, the Lodi region isn’t a romantic, sophisticated wine “country” (yet), but it’s got the hip enviro-edge. Lodi is so serious about the health of its land, they formed a growers trade group, Lodi-Woodbridge Winegrape Commission (LWWC), which in 1992 laid down their environmental imperatives in a farming manifesto, Lodi Rules for Sustainable Winegrowing.

This booklet, which outlines 75 farming practices, is California’s first third-party certified, formal standard for sustainable agriculture — reviewed by scientists, academics and environmentalists. By encouraging its tenets on a region-wide basis, their goal is to improve and maintain the overall health of the vineyards’ ecosystem and increase quality wine production. Read the rest of this entry »

The last time they held an ice cream flavor creation contest, Ben & Jerry’s received 40,000 entries. But for some reason, they’re doing it again: Asking fans to concoct the company’s next Fair Trade flavor for the “Do The World A Flavor” contest.

The contest celebrates their newest Fair Trade flavor, Chocolate Macadamia, and Chief Euphoria Officer Walt Freese says they are “…on a mission to raise awareness and demonstrate that companies can help promote economic justice for all when they buy Fair Trade ingredients for their products that certify that the growers and suppliers of the ingredients in their products are being fairly compensated for their labor. This is another proud step forward in our values-led sourcing program.” Read the rest of this entry »

Stupid people on display: Two (former) Domino’s Pizza employees get fired (and are being prosecuted) for posting this sandwich-making video on Youtube. Can you imagine being the person who eventually ate the food? The store is located in North Carolina. The president of Domino’s responds below.

Chateau Changyu

Next week, I head to China, not on a business trip but on vacation. But that doesn’t mean I won’t be scouting the place for Chinese wine potential. Recently, the owners of highly esteemed French wine producer Chateau Lafite Rothschild announced a 60-acre Chinese wine project in the northeastern Shandong Province. It’s one of China’s largest wine regions due to its proximity to the Bohai and Yellow Seas that provide a protective maritime climate.

The project has taken 15 years to get off the ground. It’s not surprising — getting a tourist visa to China was painful enough (and expensive)… I can’t imagine the hassles of navigating the bureaucracy and acquiring land by working with low-tech farmers. In this newly acquired soil, they’ll plant mostly red grape varieties and we won’t see the wines for another five or six years from now. Read the rest of this entry »

Another Paul Potts is uncovered…and blows Simon Cowell et al away. Dare you not to tear up.

Susan Boyle sings “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Miserables.

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro offers a 15 percent discount off your total total bill on April 15th. Counts for both food and beverage.

Participating mall-based Cinnabon franchises sweeten your Tax Day with free Cinnabon Bites on April 15 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. See details and enter their essay contest about how Cinnabon saved your day. Winner receives $100 gift card.

Chick-Fil-A presents Instant Rebate Day. Make a purchase on April 15, save your receipt, then return by the end of the month and use your receipt to redeem for the same purchase.

Other freebies: In honor of of their 39th birthday, Seattle’s Best Coffee is giving away a free medium coffee from Tuesday, April 7, through Tuesday, April 28 if you are also 39 years old. Limit one cup per person. Locations near you.

Brings a whole new meaning to “playing with your food.”

Hell, we knew it already — bacon’s salty, greasy deliciousness soothes a pounding head and oddly calms the jitters. But why? Someone wanted to know. England’s Newcastle University found that bacon and bread salve a hangover by increasing the amines in your body. Read more in London’s Telegraph.

More tips for avoiding a hangover

From an innovative, fun-loving Wild Rock winery in the rugged hills of New Zealand comes a wine for spring if I’ve ever tasted one. They farm the grapes sustainably, taking care to be empathetic to the land. Smells and tastes like honeysuckle flowers dipped in honey but with a bracing backbone of tart grapefruit, lime and fresh green herbs. Finishes dry and would pair well with light seafood, cheeses and egg dishes. A interesting, unique blend of 91% sauvignon blanc, 5% viognier and 3% reisling. Sw=3. $16. 4 stars.

Wild Rock is the collaboration of Steve Smith (Master of Wine) and the crew from Craggy Range winery. They have a pretty yummy pinot noir called Cupid’s Arrow too.

Occasionally a wine surprises me. But when an entire winery makes a turnaround, I take notice. Take Hess Collection. I’m absolutely bored with Napa where Hess hails from, so honestly, I haven’t given them a look in years. But recently, Dave Guffy, winemaker for Hess Collection, came to town and changed my mind.

Guffy has been winemaker at Hess Collection for ten years. The guy is a farmer’s farmer, whose eyes light up as he talks about strolling through the vineyards. He even crafts wine for his family with syrah grapes grown in his front yard. The dirt is where his heart lies.

He’s in charge of the mounds of money Hess spends on vineyard development and replanting older vines that aren’t producing much anymore. Some people say this might be age discrimination, even me, since wines made from older vines taste more concentrated and elegant. Read the rest of this entry »

If you’re an orphan, non-religious or just plain hungry this Sunday morning, check out the plethora of options for good eats:

Gallagher’s Steakhouse in Channelside has a three-course brunch menu for $26.95/pp. 11 a.m. – 2 :30 p.m.
The Noho Bistro in West Tampa presents a brunch buffet for $24.95/pp. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Yacht Starship sails at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. for a two-hour brunch cruise, $59.95/pp
Fleming’s Steakhouse and Wine Bar in Tampa offers a three-course meal for $29.95/pp. 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Ceviche Tapas Bar and Restaurant in Tampa has brunch menu from 11a.m.- 2:30 p.m. Various prices.
Savannah’s Cafe in St. Pete presents Sunday Southern breakfast buffet for $28.95/pp. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Datz Deli features a brunch buffet for $29.95/pp. Three seatings: 10 a.m., noon and  2 p.m. Free mimosas.
Cafe Dufrain has Sunday Island Brunch buffet for $19.99/pp. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
717 South in Hyde Park will serve their full menu and $2 Bloody Marys.

Couched comfortably in the luxury of the stunning new Ocean Prime restaurant, I recently sat down with famed Spanish wine importer and merchant Jorge Ordonez. He’s a very influential man in the wine world and here’s why: He single-handedly reintroduced Spanish wines to the U.S.In the 1980’s, Spanish vino tasted little better than low quality plonk, and wineries and winery co-ops had little motivation to better their wares. Beginning in 1987, Ordonez helped change all that. With his tenacity and palpable confidence, he rediscovered varietals like garnacha, muscatel and verdejo in formerly backwater but now fashionable wine regions like Jumilla, Campo de Borja and Calatayud.

Read the rest of this entry »

There’s good news for the approaching Jewish high holies. In the last 20 or so years, new kosher producers have emerged to take on the granddaddy of disgusting, syrupy kosher wine, Manischewitz, by expanding varietal choices and delivering juice even the nonreligious might deign to consume… even enjoy.

Read the rest of this entry »

You’ve been playing with your food your whole life… now’s your chance to earn $12,000 and cool braggin’ rights. Dunkin Donuts is holding a contest for the best new donut. The creation will be on the menu at DD stores across this donut-lovin’ land. Twelve runner-ups will win $1,200 each, free donuts for a year and a trip to the National Donut Bakeoff in Massachusetts. But if you haven’t already crafted your masterpiece, you gotta get crackin’… contest ends April 7th. And the winner is announced on National Donut Day (yes, that exists) on June 5. Details and entry rules here.

In celebration of their new dessert menu (lloooonnnnggg in coming, I might add), Mise en Place in downtown Tampa is giving away a free 1.5-ounce glass of dessert wine when you buy one of their latest creations. Some sweet standards remain, like the Chocolate Pecan Toffee Mousse, but the Dulce de Leche Pot de Creme and Strawberry Lavendar Tart sound pretty tasty. Dessert wine choices include Quady Elysium Black Muscat, Chiarlo Moscato d’Asti and Chateau Laribotte 2003 Sauternes. Bring in the coupon and present it to your server. Read the rest of this entry »

To show pride for the Publix-brand food, when you buy Quaker Rice Snack, Tostitos Organic Yellow Corn Chips or Newman’s Own Salsa at Publix, you’ll get one of their store brand for free. Offer good until April 11. What they said:

BUY THEIRS
GET OURS FREE

DISCOVER PUBLIX BRAND QUALITY. GUARANTEED.
We’re so confident you’ll like Publix brand products, we’ll let you try ours for FREE! This week we’ve designated three national brand products and their Publix brand counterparts-buy the national brand, get the Publix product FREE. This deal is good for just a week, so hurry in and see the in-store display for details.
Read the rest of this entry »

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It’s only recently that Tampa has embraced its inner history. Many older buildings laid empty and sadly rotted, eventually being bulldozed to make way for “new development.” In this economy, however, everything old is cool again. Take Pickford’s Sundries on Hillsborough near Armenia Ave. CL Tampa Editor David Warner recently profiled the building:

Pickford’s Sundries, the drugstore/diner in the squat pink stucco building on Hillsborough Avenue, closed more than a decade ago. But its mystique has never died. A local bluegrass band named themselves after it. Tampa’s 2006 Photographer Laureate, Steven S. Gregory, shot photos of it. And the building’s owner, Marie Lesiak Haley, never lost her dream of seeing new life in the spot where, 60 years ago, her father opened a business named after silent film star Mary Pickford.
“He admired her because she was an independent woman,” remembers Haley.
Now she has found a latter-day independent woman to rent the space. Baker and cake decorator Michelle DiMicco opened Custom Creations Café & Bakery earlier this month and will officially greet the public with a grand opening on April 1. Read more

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This week brought an occasion to celebrate; after several months of heated battle in bankruptcy court, a judge ruled my family could maintain ownership of Creative Loafing. My parents started the paper in 1972 in Atlanta and it’s never been controlled by anyone else. To the say the least, losing the company to a hedge fund would have been devastating. And although I don’t reserve bubbly for special occasions only, they definitely merited the moment.

To get the party started, I reached not for French Champagne, but — gasp! — California sparkling wine. It’s cheaper, just as tasty and the shop handily had enough so the Tampa CL staff could their buzz on together.  We sighed relief, toasted and CEO brother Ben said a few inspirational words as I rejoiced in the elegant joy of a brilliant wine. Read the rest of this entry »

Wednesday, Apr. 1: Publix Apron’s Cooking School
Come to the How to be Fruity class and learn how to incorporate fruit into your diet in a fun way. $40. 6:30 p.m., 7835 Gunn Highway, Tampa (813-926-4465)

Thursday, Apr. 2: Fine Wine & Spirits Warehouse
The warehouse will be hosting a wine tasting at the home of Mike Kwasin, featuring over 40 wines from around the world and appetizers. Suggested donations $25 per person, $40 per couple. 6-8 p.m., 3613 S. Beach Dr., Tampa (813-837-8941)

Thursday, Apr. 2: Publix Apron’s Cooking School
At the Seafood Around the World course, learn tips from around the world on how to cook great seafood. $45. 6 p.m., 7835 Gunn Highway, Tampa (813-926-4465)

Apr. 3-5: Cajun Cafe on the Bayou Crawfish Festival
Lots of music, lots of crawfish, lots of people saying “suck the head!” 8101 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park (727-546-6732)

Much more after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

Last Friday, the 22-year-old Armani’s restaurant at the Grand Hyatt on the Causeway revealed its long-needed $300,000 dining room and menu facelift. Although they finished the two weeks of renovations the Tuesday before Superbowl, Hyatt’s General Manager Paul Joseph waited until everything was in place before the grand re-opening.

It’s quite astonishing what sleek modern furniture, carpet and fresh paint can do to a room. Read the rest of this entry »

In a sweet respite from bad economic news, Rita’s Italian Ice is giving away one free, 10-ounce cup of Italian ice per person on Friday, March 20 from noon until 10 p.m. In the 17th year of celebrating this First Day of Spring promotion, they plan on doling out one million ices at their 500 locations in 17 states. Locally, Ritas are found at:

11640 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Carrollwood
11625 Sheldon Road in Westchase
3841 W. Kennedy Blvd, Suite 2 (Collier Center) in Tampa
13147 86th Avenue N. in Seminole 
1010 Court Street in Clearwater

More locations on their website

OK, so maybe it’s not particularly a secret or a new hotspot, but I find it strange that visitors appreciate Bern’s Steakhouse more than locals. I mean, when’s the last time you went to our world-famous steakhouse? Yes, it’s expensive but it’s a better deal than Fleming’s or Ruth Chris: Last night, I paid $34.67 for an expertly cooked, aged ribeye (or Delmonico) that came with French onion soup, salad, baked potato and two vegetables. All inclusive. At the other places, you shell out $35 for a slab of meat on a plate with no sauce or even a cucumber garnish.

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Dry Creek Vineyards also labels this Fume Blanc, another name for sauvignon blanc, only fancier. In the ’60’s, the Mondavis borrowed the fume (French for “smoked”) moniker from the French Loire Valley sauvignon blanc called Pouilly Fume.

This deliciously elegant sauv blanc is refreshingly more supple than many of its brethren, lacking the biting, grassy, saliva-producing tartness of others. I could drink this smooth, melon and soft citrus sipper all day long. And did recently while I wrote next week’s Corkscrew column. Mouth-filling gulps of kiwi fruit, lime and nectarine flow into a long-lasting, mellow finish. Good value. Sw=1. $14. 4.5 stars.

To many foodies, attending the New Orleans Food and Wine Experience is like trekking to Mecca. Some of the best food in this country originates from this home of Cajun and Creole goodness. The folks from Bravo’s Top Chef and New Orleans Online are giving away an all-expenses paid, weekend vacation for two to New Orleans for the NOFWE. Dates are May 20-23, 2009 and include the following:

1) Round-trip coach class domestic air transportation for Grand Prize Winner and Guest from a major airport nearest to Grand Prize Winner’s home;
2) 4 days/3 nights at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel in New Orleans, LA (one (1) standard room, double occupancy); Read the rest of this entry »

A perfect wine for anything tomato-based since the acidity and fruit meld nicely together. Chianti is made predominantly from the sangiovese grape (at least 80 percent) and nowhere on earth does it produce better wines than in Italy’s Tuscany. The Isassi moniker indicates the grapes originated from a single vineyard and the Classico part of this equation means the fruit comes from an area deemed “better” and must follow certain blending and aging rules. I’ve tasted plenty of basic Chiantis that kicked Classico’s ass, but this one, well… it’s pretty freakin’ good. Read the rest of this entry »

Seasons 52 – the Orlando-based, healthy restaurant/wine bar chain– arrives in Tampa within the year. A reliable source revealed that, if all goes well with city permitting, the space previously occupied by Steak and Ale at Westshore Mall will be the Tampa location. Read the rest of this entry »

Pizzaiolo Bavaro, a brand-spankin’-new pizza joint in downtown Tampa featuring Neapolitan pies, big brick ovens and custom made wood pizza peels, is giving away free pizza today from Noon to 2 p.m. The grand opening is slated for tomorrow.

It’s located at 514 N. Franklin St., corner of Twiggs St. & Franklin Ave., (813) 868-4440.   Read the rest of this entry »

Grabbed a bottle of this on sale at Vintage Wine Cellars in South Tampa for around $21. Although I admit the inane moniker almost turned me off, the wine’s opulence and robustness made up for its lack of maturity. Silky with a jammy raspberry, bittersweet chocolate, rich vanilla, leathery base, followed up by the earthiness of tobacco and strong brewed tea. Drank quite well with dinner and by itself. And at monster 15.6 percent alcohol, it’s gives good buzz for the money.

The good deals at Bay area grocery stores, all in one place. If you dig pig, you’re in hog heaven this week…

Publix (prices good through 3/11):
Boneless, skinnless chicken breasts, $1.99/lb. (Recipe: BBQ Cheesy Chicken)
Extra large white shrimp, $5.99 (Recipe: Southwestern Shrimp and Grits)
Fresh Attitudes spinach, 5-oz. package, 2 for $5 (Recipe: Vegetarian Fritatta)
Assorted pork chops, $1.79/lb. (Recipe: Barbecue Rubbed Pork Chops)
T-bone or porterhouse steaks, $7.99/lb.
Fresh canteloupe, 2 for $3
Fresh Florida Navel oranges, $0.79/lb.
See all the specials. Read the rest of this entry »

This week’s episode talks about the atrocious food offerings at Starbucks, Bamboo Club’s closure, this Saturday’s Abilities Wine Fest, the changing of the chef guard at The Table, in home wine tastings and our impromptu tasting of Korean Soju based beverage from Ty Ku.

Download.

According to Wine and Spirits Magazine, 2008’s top ten most ordered wines in restaurants are:

1. Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards
2. Cakebread Cellars
3. Jordan Vineyard & Winery
4. Silver Oak Wine Cellars
5. Ferrari-Carano Winery
6. Robert Mondavi Winery
7. Veuve Clicquot
8. Chateau Ste. Michelle
9. Rombauer Vineyards
10. Kendall-Jackson Vineyards

And I thought KJ would’ve topped the list. Read the full press release here.

The question from Christine Frishett: “We recently spent lots of time and money remodeling our kitchen. We were working on some finishing touches and started looking around the room for places we could store our wine. Then we started to wonder how long we’ve had some of the bottles. I’m concerned some bottles may have been sitting there too long. But how long is too long? How can we tell if we have a bottle of wine that will benefit from sitting on the shelf for a few years or one that will not be fit for salad dressing if we let it sit?”

The short answer: 95-98 percent of wine is meant to be consumed within the first year after bottling. The other 5? The big boys with loads of tannin: Bordeaux, Italian reds, Spanish Rioja/Ribera del Duero, French Champagne, some California cabernets, Burgundies (white and red), some German rieslings, and a few sturdy Australian shiraz. But that doesn’t mean your $10 2004 shiraz is plunk already… Read the rest of this entry »

Shit, people will be here in an hour, and I still haven’t showered. The husband is mesmerized by Battlestar Galactica and probably wouldn’t be much help anyway. This in-home wine tasting will be the death of me, but I always seem to have fun … probably too much fun actually, since tomorrow will likely hurt. But with more water and more food tonight, here’s hoping.

Glasses out? Check. They don’t match but does anyone really care about that kind of thing anymore? Certainly my friends won’t notice. We break the nice matching glasses as fast as I buy them and the cheap glasses printed with various logos are indestructible. Hey, if I use those I don’t have to pull out the wine charms to keep track of glasses. Cool. There’s one with the Einstein on Wine logo, Paso Robles Wine Festival, Oregon Pinot Noir Festival. Yeah, that works. Makes me look worldly and experienced. Or like a lush? Read the rest of this entry »

The good deals at Bay area grocery stores, all in one place. Last week, I saved $22 on my grocery bill by shopping by the sales. Really.

Publix (prices good through 3/4):
Ground chuck, $1.99/lb. (Recipe: Bistro Burger)
Medium white shrimp, $4.99 (Recipe: Southwestern Shrimp and Grits)
Mueller’s pasta, buy one get one free, $1.39 (Recipe: Spinach and Gorgonzola Penne)
Boneless ribeye steak, $7.99/lb.
Boston butt pork roast, $1.79/lb. (Recipe: Carolina Pulled Pork)
Fresh peaches, $1.99/lb.
Florida-grown red potatoes, 5-lb. bag, $2.99 (Recipe: Oven Baked Potatoes)
Seedless red grapes, $0.99/lb. Read the rest of this entry »