Food and Wine Blog

Submitted by THE WINE SCHOOL OF PHILADELPHIA

La Spinetta Barbera d’Asti Superiore “Bionzo”, 2003, Piemonte

This is one of the Piedmont’s larger and more succesful producers, all of whose wines are unfiltered, unfined and in most cases created using biodynamic methods.The “Bionzo” Barbera debuted in 1998 and only 3000 cases per year are made from truly old vines which have the benefit of southern exposure. Having spent 16 to 18 months in French oak that was mildly charred, this Barbera has the natural ingredients and enhancements to give pleasure for another twenty years or so.

This is a wine that is both approachable and generous now AND has aging potential. The nose is all dark fruits and Piedmontese terroir. The palate is full with black berries, currants and a lush and mouthfilling roundness. Undercurrents of tobacco mingle with vanilla and savory minerals backed by chalky tannins that are evident but not excessively dry, and fruity acidity.
One of the better Barberas to come to our attention.

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Submitted by The Cheap Gourmet

The following Vegetable Beef Soup recipe has been served for three generations in my family. It began with my maternal Grandmother. Then my mom, who is the Queen of Cooking, added a few more ingredients to make it a bit heartier. It has since been passed to me and I have incorporated even more ingredients. So, over the course of 40 years it has gone from ordinary Vegetable Soup, to what I now refer to as “Everything But The Kitchen Sink Vegetable Beef Soup!”

While there are quite a few ingredients, this soup is relatively easy to make. At best estimate, it costs about $12.00 to make a huge stockpot full of this yummy goodness. Our family consists of three and this recipe yields about 12 servings.

I like to store four to six servings in individual containers and place them in the freezer for later use. It only takes a few hours for the soup to thaw, making this a great item to take to the office for a tasty and healthy lunch. Just reheat in the microwave for two to three minutes and serve with Saltine crackers or a slice of homemade cornbread.

EVERTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK VEGETABLE BEEF SOUP
Serves 12
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 3-4 hours

INGREDIENTS:

2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 pound Sirloin Steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 small Yellow Onion, chopped
2-3 cloves Garlic, chopped
2 whole Bay Leaves
1 (46-ounce) can Tomato Juice
1/2 head green Cabbage, chopped
3 stalks Celery, sliced
2 medium Carrots, sliced
3 medium Potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 (15-ounce) can Corn, drained
1 (15-ounce) can Peas, drained
1 (15-ounce) can Green Beans, drained
1 (15-ounce) can diced Tomatoes
1 cup quick-cook Barley
Salt and Pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

Add Olive Oil to large stockpot. Set heat to medium and allow oil to heat for one minute.

Add Sirloin cubes to oil and cook thoroughly; about 4-5 minutes.

Add Onion and Garlic to meat. Saute until translucent, about 2 minutes.

Add Bay Leaves and heat for 1 minute.

Add cabbage, celery, carrots, potatoes, corn, peas, green beans and tomatoes.

Add Tomato Juice.

Bring ingredients to a boil. Lower heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 3 hours; stir occasionally.

Add Barley, stir well and simmer for 30 minutes.

Remove bay leaves from soup and discard.

Transfer to soup bowls and serve immediately.

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Submitted by Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories

Pinot Noir is Sexy!..well..it is to me…

A top Burgundy in the glass does more for me
than images of Britney Spears or Amy Winehouse (mind you..a glass of house wine at the local Pizzeria would do that as well).

Over the last few years my ‘turn-on’ has been German Pinot…sexy and still more affordable than Burgundy… I suppose living in Germany helps…some of the prices I have seen for them abroad have been on a par with the French…can’t understand that..same distance!

Always looking for new exotic experiences (still talking wine here)..I purchased the 6 pack of New Zeeland wines…here is number 2..

Lindis River Pinot Noir 2004
Central Otago, New Zeeland

Cedar I thought..but it developed a reserved, elegant, light raspberry but dry aroma..NOT SEXY...
Ok..it can develope…let’s check the palate..pretty much the same…medium weight..fruit was a little velvety..but…NOT SEXY….not sure where the winemakers want this to go..if they say leave it a few years..well..it is over three years old now and..ugly ducklings don’t turn into pretty swans just like that..it’s a good glass..of wine…not a SEXY one..of Pinot.

Help….4 more bottles to go…..

Points 15.5

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Submitted by The Cheap Gourmet

Everyone who knows me knows that I love to cook. However, even professional chefs get a day off and I’m in serious need of a vacation. My husband and I are planning a trip to Atlanta, Georgia to visit his relatives. While looking for hotel reservations, I discovered a great website that offers just about any type of accommodations, as well as vacation packages, discounted airline tickets and rental cars. But, the best part is HotelReservations.com offers Bed and Breakfast packages too!

I found the most adorable B&B, called The Gaslight Inn. The inn is located in the historical Virginia-Highland neighborhood near downtown Atlanta. It’s close to shopping, restaurants, theatres, art galleries and museums. This is one of my favorite areas near Atlanta, so I was pretty excited when I found this place.

I absolutely cannot wait to be served breakfast in bed. No cooking, no clearing the table, no washing dishes. Just a yummy Southern breakfast served directly to our room by a friendly staff and all we have to do is eat it. Life doesn’t get better than that, does it?

After much discussion, my husband and I decided on the Stress Relief package. For a mere $50, we’ll receive a bottle of our choice of wine or champagne and can relax and unwind with an assortment of in-room spa products. Plus, we get to wear those plush white robes that are so comfy you could walk around in them all day.

We’re still debating on whether to book the Suite or Deluxe Room with Kitchen. The Suite is only $16 more than the Deluxe Room; however, it has two Queen beds. The Deluxe Room has a Queen poster bed, which I think is quite romantic. The problem is, I don’t want to be in a room with a kitchen because I’m trying to get away from cooking!! And, my husband loves my cooking so much he doesn’t want us to go anywhere without a kitchen, LOL!

At HotelReservations.com, they claimed they could save us up to 75-percent. Being the skeptic that I am, I looked up the Gaslight Inn and located their website. Much to my delight, I discovered that we could save around $50 per night, depending on our date of arrival, by booking through the HotelReservations.com website. Even with the addition of the Stress Relief package, we’re still saving $50. I, for one, like to get more bang for my buck. After all, they don’t call me the Cheap Gourmet for nothing!

If you’re looking to get away for the weekend, think about heading off to a Bed and Breakfast. There is an incredible aura surrounding these places. Most are transformed from grand historic homes and carriage houses. It’s like stepping back in time.

I’m certain I’ll be writing a review on the Gaslight Inn and can’t wait to share the experience with you. I desperately need a vacation and am anxiously awaiting being served breakfast in bed!

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Submitted by ChiefWino

Holly Morris stopped by the restaurant a few mornings back for TV spot on wine and food. Check it out!

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Submitted by Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories

First of the 6 Pinot Noir from way-down under. Chose a screw-top to save my energy for drinking..it has been two weeks!!

Main Divide Pinot Noir 2006
Canterbury,New Zealand
A nose of light raspberry and some
dark cherry, bacon butty (sandwich for foreigners)…
dry, rustic…reminded me of a South Burgundy in the style of a Rully or Mercury…gentle opening..filled out on the palate..soft ‘prickly’ tannins..vibrant…light style.

Points 15.5

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