Musings from a booze peddler...

No posts since June 2008? What gives!? Well, faithful reader(s), I think I lost my focus. Maybe I was hard up for new topics. Or, perhaps, the weather got nice and I started enjoying the summer. Glass of wine on a patio with a friend after work, or write a new blog post? Some people can do both. I however, did not.



But now I'm back! I have the time to blog. I have some desire. But I'm currently lacking a focus. Do I share things of interest to me? Do I update readers on things that are happening in my life? Do I continue to share new music and elicit your recommendations? The answer, for the moment, appears to be "yes."

So, without further hesitation, I present my return to the blogosphere.

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I'm writing while working at Joe's Wine and Spirits, hence the post's title. I'm working really hard not to spend more than I make, but without an employee discount, it isn't that difficult to refrain from buying booze. Slide on out to the Cherry Hill and let me help you pick out something delicious! Currently, I'm recommending The Show, a powerful Cabernet at a brilliant price. Also, I really like Rock Rabbit Sauvignon Blanc for a nice, crisp white for finishing up our blackberry summer.

I'm working a PT job, in part, to pad the bank account so Shannan and I can enjoy our trip to Akumal, Mexico. It's been awhile since I've been on a proper vacation. I think the week we spend at our quaint little getaway will more than catch me up. I've never been out of the country, so I had to go through all the hoops to get my passport. Looks like it will be worth it - I can't wait.

I've been very interested in finding new recipes lately. The other night, I made a delicious Farfalle Pasta with Zucchini and Gorgonzola. I cannot stress how easy this was to cook! Very delicious. Tomorrow night, I'm going to try my hand at making Porkchops with Mushroom Bourbon Cream Sauce. The recipe calls for both white wine AND bourbon. Hello Rock Rabbit and Ten High! What was I saying about trying to refrain from buying booze?

Finally, let's close with some new tunes in my library, and a call for a few from you. Currently, I'm really enjoying:

"Sugarfoot" by Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears
"Love Vigilantes" by Iron and Wine
"Magick" by Ryan Adams & The Cardinals
"You are the Best Thing" by Ray Lamontagne
"The Great Defector" by Bell X1. (Currently a free download on Amazon!)

What about you? I know I've picked up a couple new anonymous readers... Say hey, identify yourselves, and share some grooves!

Feeling good to be back -

Nk

Open That Bottle Night '08!

A seemingly innocuous article I read in the weekend edition of the Wall Street Journal several months ago metamorphosed into perhaps one of the greatest evenings of my memory. I wouldn't call myself a wine buff or wine snob by any means, but I would proclaim myself interested in drinking good vino. So, after making it through the WSJ article about "Open That Bottle Night," I knew I had found the reason for our next neighborhood food night.

If you collect wine, then you may have a bottle of wine that has become exalted. It is no longer fit for opening during the week. It is no longer fit for opening during a weekend dinner with friends before heading out on the town. It's purpose is to be consumed on the most special of occasions.

Long story short, "Open That Bottle Night" (OTBN) is a nationwide event held on the last Saturday in February (we went with Sunday to accommodate schedules). This is the special occasion. However you chose to celebrate, OTBN is the night you pop out that cork of that bottle you've been saving for years. Create an occasion. Create new memories. And so we did. Guests this evening - John, Kirstin, Kara, Jarad, Mark, and myself. Everyone contributed to the meal in someway (with Kara putting in much appreciated extra effort!)

On the menu -

Main Course:
French Salad (light and tasty)
Lamb Chops (marinated in olive oil, rosemary, s&p. Seared then baked)
Root Vegetable Medley (Turnips, Parsnips, Fingerling Potatoes, Carrots, Onion)
Bruschetta (with feta, kalamata olives, tomatoes, and capers)






Dessert:
French Caramel Brulee















And the wines:

1998 Chateau Haut-Marbuzet. The reason for the dinner. The darling of the evening.

1996 Barbera D' Alba "Boassa." A very pleasant surprise gifted by Mark accompanied by one of the best stories of the evening.

2006 Cotes du Rhone "Reserve Perrin." The backup wine of the evening in case the others faulted. They didn't, but this one was a great finish to the evening.

So, it all sounds dorky, perhaps a bit pretentious. However, it was the efforts of all involved to bring together a spectacular dinner with good friends that made this night worth more than untold riches. Does life get any better?

Enjoy my visual recap...