Keeping Warm on those Cool Winter Nights

Yes the winter has finally arrived (sigh) ... at least for a day or two before we are in the 50s and 60s again ... nonetheless, at this time of the year we look to stay warm (in almost) any way possible!

Sp how about with some port? Or some vintage port? Or even some variations on the standard dessert wines that you have seen in the past? Whatever you do be sure to try something new in your drinking adventures!

Here is some good information on ports and other great dessert wine options from an article in a recent Enhance Magazine: http://issuu.com/enhancemagazine/docs/enhance_april_2010/18!

(FYI: if anyone has a lead on the bottle in the picture please send it my way as I have been looking for a vintage port from the year of my birth)

A Toast to Champagne (again and again!)

Lots of wine, sparkling wine and Champagne questions this time of the year ... time for the annual review of what you are (or need to be) drinking!

Poetic quotes and romanticism aside, Champagne is merely wine that has bubbles ... But how does it get those bubbles? Who started all this fuss over bubbles? Why aren’t all wines with bubbles called Champagne? There is some debate as to where sparkling wine was first made and by whom, but most will concede that it was a monk from the Abbey Hautvilliers who is the true father of Champagne.

Read my full article from a previous edition edition of Enhance Magazine at  http://issuu.com/enhancemagazine/docs/issue_8/71 (Sorry about the previous error in the link - all should be corrected now)! Happy New Year to you and yours!

Julian - Back for a Repeat Performance!

It was a festive holiday weekend in our household … we didn’t plan on it but all of our meals happened to take place in Brookside. It’s a great neighborhood with quaint restaurants, shops and locally-owned businesses: for us it's perfect; for others, well, it’s just not for them! Oh well!

Chef Celina Tio in her kitchen (from her Web site)

The first meal was at Julian: James Beard award-winning (and Top Chef Master’s contestant) chef Celina Tio’s first foray on her own has turned out to be something exceptional. According to her Web site: Julian is “your favorite soul-satisfying dishes, crafted with the finest local and seasonal ingredients, refined with signature twists and served in a comfortably sophisticated atmosphere.” Agreed!

Our first few visits did not blow us away but it was early on and we gave it time. This past Labor Day weekend we stopped in on Friday night and sat in the bar. No kids, no babysitter and no curfew meant we could enjoy ourselves!

The staff was great from start to finish and have always been on their game. Service Manager Mike took good care of us and worked with the bar staff to ensure a positive experience! Tonight, as with many nights, we went the wine, appetizer, dessert, wine route as that allows us the most flexibility. At Julian, it works even better as many of their plates are designed for this type of dining – or at least that’s we told ourselves!

So here is our evening in 140 character "bites" at a time (Twitter posts are shown in reverse order meaning the first are the last of the evening):

kcwineguy via HootSuite

Very good evening: food + service + wine @JulianKC ... Some new favorites as well! Might be back for #brunch on Sunday!

Not actual cheese served but a great pic nonetheless

We love our cheese and it’s such a proper way to finish a meal! Almonds and jam really added to the experience!

kcwineguy via HootSuite

Final course: cheese board & accompaniments: w/#manchego #Brie #smoked Gouda and #Gruyere, #Marcona almonds and blueberry jam ... @JulianKC - Great finish!

If the Mrs. is an “egg slut” I think I could be the macaroni and cheese version … add some bacon and, well, we’ve got us a good time! This was a very simple but tasty dish that used all the right ingredients and hit the spot!

kcwineguy via HootSuite 

5th course: #Boulevard #PaleAle Mac & Cheese with #bacon showed up and had to be enjoyed! Perfect as I hoped! @JulianKC

Some times food magically appears at our table … this time I was hesitant: pretzels can be tough and chewy but these were soft with a light salty coating on the buttery exterior. Not too shabby … the spicy cheese dipping sauce was a perfect balance and the red wine clinched the deal … we was pleased!

kcwineguy via HootSuite
So ... (4th course) some housemade #pretzel sticks, #horseradish cheese sauce made it out and really had a perfect pairing w/the wine tonight! @JulianKC

Bowl o’ mussels, garlic, white wine … always a solid option here! ‘Nuff said!

kcwineguy via HootSuite
3rd course: #mussels w/ lots of crusty baguette! ... A must have! Very happy now! @JulianKC

My wife uses the term “egg slut” … of course it was borrowed from Anthony Bourdain but it still fits: wow! Circulated egg, prosciutto and ricotta … the right amount of flavor and food to make you want just a bit more … but we had other ideas!

kcwineguy via HootSuite
2nd course: ricotta, circulated egg, crispy prosciutto, crostini ... OMG this may be my new favorite dish! Runny, tangy, rich and filling! @JulianKC

Big fan of Conn Creek but I had not had the Herrick before (the Anthology was always a solid performer and a great value at $65/bottle) … good producers make good wine!

kcwineguy via HootSuite

Great value and a great find on the wine list!

Trying the 2007 #ConnCreek Herrick Red ... A great #Meritage w/#Syrah ... Very excited to pick up a bottle for home! $9/glass and $39/bottle

I am sketchy on typical crab cakes as most of the time they are mostly cake and minimal crab … no this one and it really stood up to the remainder of the Sauvignon Blanc!

kcwineguy via HootSuite
Maryland #crab cake was very good as well ... 2 for 2 on apps tonight! Yay for Julie the "ordering queen" @JulianKC

kcwineguy via HootSuite
Salmon deviled egg is outstanding! Kudos on this one ... A must have! @JulianKC!

So how many times can I state that the deviled eggs are amazing … you must order them!

kcwineguy via HootSuite
1st course: house-smoked salmon, deviled egg, pickled red onion plus their special Maryland crab cake! @JulianKC

It’s rare that I drink white when I am out but the Mrs. wanted some and I was happy to oblige her needs … besides, it was a glass of Neil Ellis (and not a bottle) so why not start the night off right for a bit of South African love!

kcwineguy via HootSuite
Starting with a #South African #Sauvignon Blanc ... Yes, it's a white! @JulianKC

Foursquare check in is mandatory … but I digress!

kcwineguy via foursquare
Back for more! (@ Julian) 4sq.com/rqAAT7

All in all a very positive and memorable experience … so good, we opted to come back for brunch 36 hours later with the family … more on that later!

Be sure to check out Julian and Chef Celina Tio at:

             

6227 BROOKSIDE PLAZA

KANSAS CITY, MO 64113

816.214.8454

http://www.juliankc.com/

You can make your reservations on Open Table as well!

Congrats to Chef Tio on a great menu, quality staff and a wonderful experience!

The Great “Two Buck Chuck” Taste Off!

Even though it costs $2.99 now the famed Trader Joe’s line of Charles Shaw wines have taken off like no other. The “Shaw” line wines currently include Cabernet Sauvignon, White Zinfandel, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Valdiguie in the style of Beaujolais nouveau, and limited quantities of Pinot Grigio. These wines were introduced exclusively at Trader Joe's grocery stores in California at a price of $1.99 per bottle, earning the wines the nickname "Two Buck Chuck”.

The Charles Shaw label is owned by the Bronco Wine Company, headed by Fred Franzia (formerly of Franzia Brothers wines). The Bronco Wine Company produces the Charles Shaw label at their Ceres, California winery, which is not open to the public. There once was an actual, eponymous winery owned by Charles F. Shaw, which produced Beaujolais-style wines in the Napa Valley AVA. That winery went out of business, and the name was sold to Bronco in 1990.

Fast-forward to today and millions of cases have been sold through the California-based stores popping up around the country (including spots at Ward Parkway in Missouri and One Nineteen in Leawood, Kansas). Having recently visited the Missouri location (the Kansas store cannot sell alcohol based on their archaic state laws) I thought I might grab a bottle to see what all the fuss is about … more on the taste test in a moment.

Note to self: shopping at Trader Joe’s on a Sunday afternoon is not advised. The crowds were stupid … and I mean that is most literal way! People were purchasing fake flowers and a 12-pack of beer (both of which could have been bought at any other store) and waiting in line for 20 minutes … who does that? So back to the task at hand: tasting wine!

The idea was to see if I could tell A) which wine was the Charles Shaw and which was the “similar bottle” as well as B) which wine I would prefer to drink. I am not an expert but I am quite knowledgeable on wine and tasting. My sense of smell is above average and after numerous years of sampling, sipping and spitting I have a pretty good idea of what’s what!

So the wines were purchased: a bottle of 2010 Charles Shaw Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa & Sonoma California) at $2.99/bottle and a 2009 Cartlidge & Browne Cabernet Sauvignon (North Coast meaning Napa and Sonoma, California as well) at $9.99/bottle (I could not find any other bottle of wine at $3 that I would recommend using for the comparison).

Both bottles were opened and poured in another room by the Mrs. so I could not see what was from either bottle. Same amount of liquid in identical wine glasses.

The results:

•        Color: Both were ruby red translucent with a washed out rim of color on both wines (Not surprising for 1 to 2 year old vintage)
•        Smell: Both had a rich Cabernet scent … a bit of earth, cedar and spice but one of the glasses had a bit brighter scent than the other (Let’s call that glass RIGHT)
•        Flavor: My suspicions were confirmed: RIGHT was fruitier in a very California (or Aussie) fruit-forward kind of way. Both were soft on the finish but RIGHT was a bit smoother than LEFT. LEFT was a bit drier (more of the style I liked and was hoping for)

So my guessing began … millions of cases sold, fruitier and soft on the finish led me to believe RIGHT was the Trader Joe’s Two Buck Chuck and LEFT was the Cartilage & Brown. Suspicions confirmed! I was correct. Having guessed correctly I was pleasantly surprised to see how well the Two Buck Chuck fared against other Cabernet. It’s not a Napa Valley big boy but it is a decent $3 bottle of wine for Wednesday night with burgers or pizza … so now I get it!

Will I purchase it again … maybe? I think I am ok with spending $10 to $12 on a bottle but for mass gatherings where non-wine drinkers will be in attendance I now have a suitable offering for those occasions as well as a good fruity base for my next batch of sangria!

Feel free to do your own taste test and let me know what you think!

Cheers!

Recovering after another great @Friends of Turning Point Art of the Cocktail!

In addition to great food we enjoyed: The Pendergast (w/ @Jefferson Bourbon); @Milagro Kicker (w/ spicy Soda Vie and Tequila); Rhum Punch (w/ @The Official Sailor Jerry Rum); Pisco Punch (w/ @Pisco Capel); Hendrick's HiBall (w/ @Hendrick's Gin); Seasonal Stoli Sour (w/ infused @Stoli Vodka); and a few shots of @Samogon and @Shpilka Vodka to boot ...

Unfortunately, we are paying this morning for our adventurous eating and drinking (but it had to be done for the cause)! Thx 2 @Jason Burton from @LAB5702 for keeping us hydrated too!

28 ZINFANDEL WINERIES COMING TO KC TODAY!

Zinfandel Advocates & Producers pour wines for the public & the trade

28 Zinfandel-producing wineries invite the public and the trade to come taste their wines and meet the winemakers and owners on Thursday, March 3, at Union Station (30 West Pershing Road, KC 64108). The wineries are coming as part of a visit to the market by Zinfandel Advocates & Producers, a non-profit California-based group of Zinfandel producing wineries which also welcomes consumers as ‘advocate’ members. “You’ll learn about the remarkable richness and versatility of Zinfandel,” explains Rebecca Robinson, the Executive Director of ZAP, “and why Zinfandel is considered to be America's Heritage Wine.”

Tne of the unique aspects of this tasting is that wines are poured by the wineries’ winemaker or owner, so by attending you have a chance to get the scoop straight from the winery!

The public is invited to attend from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.; in advance tickets are $45 if you are not a member of ZAP and $35 if you are a member; it’s recommended to buy tickets in advance (at http://www.zinfandel.org/) but there may be some tickets available at the door ($40 for members, $50 for non-members). If you buy a ZAP membership at the door, you can save $5 from the ticket price.

A fully restored landmark, Union Station is one of Kansas City’s most alluring destinations for events. The tastings include tasty tidbits which will bring out the best in Zinfandel.

The wineries participating are

Artezin Wines
Ballentine Vineyards
Barefoot Cellars
Bota Box
Brazin Cellars
Cakebread Cellars
Carol Shelton Wines
Cedarville Vineyard
Cline Cellars
Dashe Cellars
Four Vines Winery
Fritz Winery
Gnarly Head Cellars
Langetwins Winery
Mauritson Family Winery
Michael-David Winery
Opolo Vineyards
Pedroncelli Winery
Perry Creek Winery
Predator
Ravenswood
Rosenblum Cellars
Starry Night Winery
Storybook Mountain Vineyards
Terra d'Oro
Twisted
Wine Guerrilla
XYZin

Finally ... a trip to Justus Drugstore this past weekend!

For those of you who did not follow us @eatkc on Twitter or Facebook Saturday night we finally made it up to Justus Drugstore in Smithville, MO ... it was certainly worth the wait!

The evening began with a car service as none of the four of us had any interest in driving to or from after we had consumed cocktails, beer and wines before, during and after the meal (great idea if you are going to really enjoy your beverages; otherwise the drive wasn't that bad at all). It was a dual birthday celebration and we are smarter as we get older!

Jonathan Justus has taken a quaint piece of real estate and turned it in to a refreshing change of pace from smaller town restaurants. Upscale: yes! Fresh, local ingredients: yes! Knowledgable staff and mixologists: certainly! Stuffy: not at all ... just the type of place I needed to unwind and enjoy a true dining experience.

So here is our evening in 140 character "bites" at a time (Twitter posts are shown in reverse order meaning the first are the last of the evening):

• eatkc Jan 30, via HootSuite 1 of the best drinks/meals we've enjoyed in the #KC area (#Smithville)! Innovative, tastefully done, & locally-inspired! Thx #Justus & Co.
• eatkc Jan 30, via HootSuite Cleansed the palate afterwards w/a steamed #honey-infused #reisling (I think) ... it was great and really capped off a perfect night!
• eatkc Jan 30, via HootSuite #Chocolate #Mint Decadence: chocolate #ganache, #champagne #mousse, chocolate/rose hip ice cream, mint milk, malted #Chantilly #Justus 
• eatkc Jan 30, via HootSuite #Coffee Bomb: #meringue sphere, almond and mocha #custard, #espresso brownie, #Kahlua/cherry, #Amaretto/raspberry, orange #clove ice-cream
• eatkc Jan 30, via HootSuite Each of the dishes were presented perfectly & tasted even better! A great sensory overload of locally-inspired flavors and smells #Justus
• eatkc Jan 30, via HootSuite #Majinola American #Kobe #RibEye w/caramelized #shallot #Maytag blue cheese sauce, #potato #cauliflower #gratin, braised #Brussels’ sprouts
• eatkc Jan 30, via HootSuite Autumn Striper Bass: pan seared w/ #tomato #onion #chard #olive compote, #mushrooms, #saffron rice, frisée and a black-eyed pea #latke
• eatkc Jan 30, via HootSuite Vegetable Risotto w/braised #Brussel #sprouts, #mushrooms, #zucchini & onions (although she removed the shrooms) Clean Plate Club Member! 
• eatkc Jan 30, via HootSuite As if all of this wasn't enough ... here are the nominees for the main course: #Justus! 
• eatkc Jan 30, via HootSuite The #Maytag Blue Cheese salad, featuring blue cheese ice cream, is a true culinary accomplishment of tang, texture and savoryness! #Justus
• eatkc Jan 30, via HootSuite 2 Was told to have the #Maytag Blue Cheese w/maple/Port vinaigrette, pear, blue cheese ice-cream, arugula, #Missouri black walnut tuile #WOW 
• eatkc Jan 30, via HootSuite ‘Nested Egg’ salad w/ #mustard vinaigrette, curly #endive, crispy soft boiled egg, #goose #confit (Xcellent), and potato bits 
• eatkc Jan 30, via HootSuite Salads: BL had Mixed Baby Greens w/creamy #balsamic dressing, house pickled onion, #brewer’s yeast (that's a new 1 4 me) #JustusDrugstore 
• eatkc Jan 30, via HootSuite #Wine is getting low: Moving on to #Catena #Altos #Malbec from #Argentina ... bigger, bolder and hint of spice for some reason? Very good!
• eatkc Jan 30, via HootSuite Platter w/wild #persimmon spiced #rabbit terrine, housemade #sausage, smoked #Berkshire #bacon, pickled/grilled veggies, bone marrow mousse
• eatkc Jan 30, via HootSuite 4 starters: #Mushroom #Gnocchi, swiss #chard, green #onions, #hen of the woods sauce, golden #chanterelle #JustusDrugstore
• eatkc Jan 30, via HootSuite So what do you call more than 1 #amusebouche?
• eatkc Jan 30, via HootSuite House made chip w/local berried jam on a pork pate for our #amusebouche @ #JustusDrugstore
• eatkc Jan 30, via HootSuite Yes, the one who does not like #gin has been frequenting the various #gins out there (#Hendricks and #Junipero are leading the pack)
• eatkc Jan 30, via HootSuite Starting w/ #French75, #Negroni, #OrinSwifts' #Prisoner, and Chocolate #Martini #food #wine #JustusDrugstore

I hope you got a good sense of the evening ... It was a ball and we certainly encourage you to try it as well!

Cheers!

This Brew is for You! Parkville's Microfest returns 04.30.2011

Like your options when it comes to microbrews? Then do we have an event for you: The 8th Annual Parkville Microfest will take place at the English Landing Park, Parkville, MO from 1 p to 5 p on Saturday, April 30, 2011! The admission is $20/person

While we cannot assure better weather than in 2010 (it was cold and rainy all day) we can confirm that some of the area's best microbrews will be available to sample! Previous vendors have included:

• Amerisports Brew Pub - http://www.ameristar.com/
• Boulevard Brewing - http://www.blvdbeer.com/
• Buffalo Brewing - http://www.buffalobrewingstl.com/
• Bootleggers Brewery - http://www.bootbrewery.com/
• Olde Main Brewing - http://www.oldemainbrewing.com/
• Weston Brewing - http://www.westonbeer.com/
• Schilling Bridge - http://www.schillingbridgewinery.com/
• Little Apple Brewing - http://www.littleapplebrewery.com/
• Gella's Liquid Bread & Lb. Brewing - http://www.lbbrewing.com/
• Lucky Bucket Brewing - http://www.luckybucketbrewing.com/
• Blind Tiger Brewery - http://www.blindtiger.com/
• McCoy's - http://www.mccoyspublichouse.com/
• Free State Brewing - http://www.freestatebrewing.com/
• Tallgrass Brewing - http://www.tallgrassbeer.com/
• High Noon Saloon & Brewery - http://www.thehighnoon.com/
• Empyrean Brewing - http://www.empyreanbrewingco.com/
• 75th Street Brewery - http://www.75thstreet.com/
• O'Fallon Brewery - http://www.ofallonbrewery.com/
• Upstream Brewing - http://www.upstreambrewing.com/
• River City Brewing - http://www.rivercitybrewingco.com/
• 23rd Street Brewery - http://www.brew23.com/
• Granite City Brewery - http://www.gcfb.net/
• Nebraska Brewing - http://www.nebraskabrewingco.com/
• Schlafly Beer - http://www.schlafly.com/
• Rock Bottom Brewery - http://www.rockbottom.com/
• Raccoon River Brewing - http://www.raccoonbrew.com/
• Gordon Biersch Brewery - http://www.gordonbiersch.com/
• Mattingly Brewing - http://www.mattinglybrewing.com/ 
• Court Avenue Brewery - http://www.courtavebrew.com/
• 5th Street Brewpub - http://www.5thstreetbrewpub.com/
• Morgan Street - http://www.morganstreetbrewery.com/
• Flying Monkey - http://www.flyingmonkeybeer.com/

Take advantage of this massive gathering plus great food and hip music to start the spring off right!

Cheers!

Our "Super" Big Game (Food & Wine) Picks!

The "Big Game" is approaching and, even know our beloved Chiefs are not there, we are still willing to watch four to five hours of football and hilarious commercials (No-to-mention the 50+ hours of pre-game, etc.) Just because football is a typically a beer sport means you need to make sure you don't forget to include wine at your Big Game party. That’s right, we said it, wine (What else would I write about with only 100 hours until the event)!

Your friends at eat - entertaining and training and the National Wine Market Council make it easy by pairing game-day snack stand-bys with favorite wines. Big Game Sunday isn't just for beer drinkers anymore (No offense to the beer drinkers out there)!

Spicy Buffalo Wings

Piquant and vinegary wings need white wines with a lot of acidity like Schuster Sauvignon Blanc (NZ) or Esperanza (Spain) to stand up to the sharpness of the flavors. If the wings are exceptionally spicy, an off-dry Riesling (Selbach) from Germany or (Poet's Leap) Washington State also works well to tame the heat.

Pizza

With so many variations in its preparation, pizza matches well with many different wines. Keeping with the Italian theme, Cennatoio's E (100% Sangiovese) is a natural fit. Its tart cherry flavor and bright acidity meld well with any pizza's tomato sauce. Red wines from the Barbera grape, which is produced in Northern Italy's Piedmont area and parts of California also has a nice tang to accompany pepperoni or sausage. For a pizza emphasizing garlic or vegetables, try a crisp Pinot Grigio from Italy. Maybe the Tenuta S. Anna?

Chili/Sloppy Joes

These quintessential American foods call for quintessential American wines. Try a lush, fruit-forward Wellington or Fitch Mountain Cabernet (California) with a sloppy joe; the bright berry flavors will have affinity for the sweet, tomato flavors. With chili, a Langmeil Shiraz from the Australia or a Rioja from Spain (a few will be open this weekend) works wonders, as these wines have the same earthy and meaty characteristics.

Veggies and Dip

Crispy and crunchy crudités call for a fresh, zippy white like Rome Sancerre (French Sauvignon Blanc) or an unoaked Chardonnay from Chile or France (Cousino-Macul or Novellum). If you're in the mood for a red, try something light and fruity like chilled Salmon Run's Petite Noir from New York or an inexpensive Foris Pinot Noir from Oregon or Grayson Pinot Noir from California.

Nachos or Quesadillas

One of the best matches for anything with corn, such as chips or tortillas, is Chardonnay (Maybe the Holy Cow or The 3rd Bottle). This is the case here, as Chardonnay also will complement creamy cheeses and counterpoint the salsa. In the red category, Zinfandel (BR Cohn, Deerfield Ranch, Muscardini or Rosenblum from California) likewise accompanies spicy salsa and Felino Merlot can have a cooling effect. Consider drinking the reds slightly chilled.

Submarine Sandwiches

When you roll out that big sub at halftime, consider a big wine like Onyx Shiraz from South Africa or even an Felino Malbec from Argentina, which will happily go with any meat. If the sandwich has a spicy mustard flavor, go with a Baileyana Pinot Noir from California or Garaudet Cote-de-Beaune from France. If the sandwich is a cheese steak, consider a bottle of Truth Lindsey's Cuvee or even Sophia's Cuvee (we met the former winemaker and he assures us it rocks), which goes beautifully with beef.

Whatever you do to celebrate; be sure to Drink Vino!

Michael and the cru @ eat - entertaining and training!

COMING SOON to KC in March: ZAP! Zinfandel Advocates & Producers

In every class I teach I get the same question asked (almost always): How do you know so much about wine or where did you learn about wine?

Simple questions get a simple answer: I drink lots! But drinking is not always for consumption. Sometimes it is for learning and researching my next best bottle of wine (or Scoth, Vodka, Vermouth, etc.) at a catered event or to give as a gift or even to recommend to a someone creating a new cocktail recipe or wine list. You have to practice, research and sample ... it's that simple.

So fast forward to this March ... the Snowmaggedon is gone and melted away and we are ready to try numerous Zinfandel from some of the best producers on the left coast! I've done this before and the amount of options and incredible selections to choose from are overwhelming (but we'll make it through any way because that's what we have to do).

So how can you try this: Just sign up, grab some friends, pay and go!

Go to the Web site at http://zinfandel.org/default.asp?n1=10&n2=761!

The skinny on the Kansas City Zinfandel Tasting:

Thursday, March 3, 2011 from 6 pm to 8 pm at Union Station in KC, MO

Taste award-winning Zinfandels from over 35 premier wineries; Mingle with top winemakers & principals in an intimate setting; Learn about the remarkable richness & versatility of Zinfandel; Discover why Zinfandel is America's Heritage Wine; Sample tasty food tidbits that bring out the best in Zinfandel

I'll be there doing my thing looking for the next best bottle(s) of Zin ... join us!

Cheers!