Food and Wine Blog

Submitted by Chef Tom Cooks - Recipe Blog

4 Tea bags
1 1/2 quarts Cold water
1/2 cup sugar (use more or less depending on how sweet you like your tea)
1 lemon, sliced

Place the tea bags in a two quart clear glass container. Add 1 1/2 quarts of cold water. Cover. Let
stand in full sun for about 3 hours or until desired strength. Remove tea bags and put the lemon slices and sugar into the tea. Serve over ice or refrigerate.

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by Chef Tom Cooks - Recipe Blog

The summer party season is well under way!  Why not try out some new cocktail recipes at your next gathering.  But don’t forget to be responsible!  Continue reading for some great recipes including Black Russians, Martinis, Screwdrivers and more…

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by ChiefWino

If you have yet to listen to any of my audio clips from the XM Radio Show, Broadminded, check out the podcast box down the left hand side for previous clips.

Today, I had the pleasure of introducing Amanda McClements of Metrocurean.com to the “Broads” and their audience. We discussed food and wine trends and had a rockin’ good time to boot.

Here are the clips, which will open in a separate window. Simply hit play, sit back and enjoy.

CLIP ONE

CLIP TWO

CHEERS

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories

One down..two to go…the trio of Swiss wines from Irene Grünenfelder.
The basic Pinot had been enjoyable.
It’s no Solarium in Graubünden. The year starts with minus 16° and until the middle of February there is snow. Then in Spring…if the birds and animals…sunshine and hail storms… havn’t ruined anything..the ‘Föhn’ arrives..the warm winds..and blows away the moisture and ripens the grapes.
Weingut Grünenfelder Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Jenins, Graubünden, Switzerland
Elegant..with a fresh bouquet..a reserved style..no overdone ‘urinimus pussymus’….and the gooseberry acceptable…elderflowers also…medium weighted…good intensity.
Points 16.5

Weingut Grünenfelder Pinot Noir ‘Eichholz’ 2006
Jenins, Graubünden, Switzerland
A potpurri of cream, soft cassis and ripe fruit. Cool style..again..the feminine touch noticable…quite deep..and a good long finish.
Well structured wine.This has won prizes..as have previous vintages..and one can see why.
Points 17.25

Plus: Both very well made wines….enjoyable and interesting.
Minus: same as always…depending on the quality…the Swiss prices are usually 5-10 Euros more than a comparable wine from elsewhere.

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by Wine Reviews from the Wine School

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by Wine Reviews from the Wine School

Reporter: Say listen, is he working on a case?

Nora Charles: Yes, he is.

Reporter: What case?

Nora Charles: A case of scotch. Pitch in and help him.

- From The Thin Man

 

 

A good mystery novel is defined by three elements: a twisting plot; intriguing characters; and –most importantly– a valuable object as a central character. Benjamin Wallace’s nonfiction book The Billionaire’s Vinegar hits all three points.

Readers of mystery novels are aware that a successful con relies on the collaboration of its “marks”. In The Billionaire’s Vinegar Wallace gives us the billionaire wine collector Malcolm Forbes, the millionaire Bill Kochs, and various other rich men willing to spend thousands on their wine-tastings. The group of “marks” also include some world-renowned wine critics: Michael Broadbent, Robert Parker and Jancis Robinson.

Most important of all is the central character of the book, a 1787 Chateau Lafite Bordeaux, purportedly owned by Thomas Jefferson.

Throw in an old-fashioned gumshoe, a forensic scientist or two, and you’ve a good read on your hands.

The mystery is, of course, a well-known story. The 1787 Lafite was bought at auction in 1985 at the record price of $156,000 by Malcolm Forbes. He wanted it as an addition to his Jefferson memorabilia, as well as a doozy of a showpiece. But the mystery doesn’t just begin and end with the 1787 Chateau Lafite. More supposed Jefferson bottles, not to mention numerous other questionable vintages of some of the finest Bordeaux – major and minor characters in their own right - turn up in this excellent page-turner; and eventually everyone’s assumptions, expertise, and desires are called into question.

Now a grift on this scale could not have been played out, let alone conceived, by just anybody. Enter former band manager, turned wine collector, turned connoisseur - the ever-mysterious and cagey Hardy Rodenstock. Rodenstock orchestrates his con well, and the scandal is served better still by having taken place at a time when American money, competition, idealism, and values collided in the materialistic ostentation that was the 1980s.

With a cool and detached demeanor, and deft hand, Benjamin Wallace brings to life this story through each of his characters’ comings, goings, speculations, and blunders. Better yet, it all really happened.

The Billionaire’s Vinegar is a fine, fine read – a page-turner of the best sort. For anyone who likes their wine and a little Hammett (or Simenon, for that matter), this is the book for you. And all you others? It may well be the book for you too.

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by Wine Reviews from the Wine School

We are celebrating Bastille Day! The neighborhood of Fairmount in Philly celebrates the French Holiday with tricycle races, pet parades and tasty cakes. Really. I’ll be on hand for the festivities to dole out wine advice from 3-5pm on Saturday, July 12th. I may even pour some of the good stuff.

Did I mention that some gal named Marie Antoinette will get her head chopped off? Sweet! Location: 22nd and Fairmount in Philly. Time: 3-5pm. Date: Saturday, July 12th.

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories

Last night, my friend and I were sitting in the living room and I said to her, ‘I never want to live in a vegetative state, dependent on some machine and fluids from a bottle. If that ever happens, just pull the plug.’

She’s such a bitch…..
Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories

Fresh horseradish sauce..in winter..is not for the faint-hearted. You don’t make small-talk when eating it…or you’ll end up gasping. A beer is the only solution.
In the summer months..my wife ‘fakes’ it…makes a sauce and adds the sachet of grated horseradish. As it is milder..I came up with the idea that if a Riesling is ideal for Asian..why not this?. I ain’t crazy you know..and it works.

Willi Schaefer Graacher Domprobst
Riesling Kabinett 2007
Mosel, Germany
I am not an apple eater…but liquid apples are fine. Like a ripe apple with pleasant juicy acidity and some exotic fruits. It worked wonderfully with the meal..very gulpable..only 8% alcohol…if I had tasted this blind..I would have guessed more..but after 2/3 bottle..it seems to cloy a little…it’s a wine that many would take to..but for a Kabinett …it contradicts itself just a little….no ‘trocken’ on the label…so maybe I am doing it an injustice.
Points 15.5 € 11.50
Years ago….all German labels looked like this one….

The following evening..the rest of the Horse stuff..see…I don’t get special treatment..leftovers..mind you..always excellent ones..
After the ’sweetie’..I looked for something ‘dryer’…..

Rainer Schnaitmann Riesling ** trocken 2007
Württemberg, Germany
Young grower…1997 was his first vintage…
Racy style….short at first..but filled out with airing…peachy tones…STAYS trocken throughout…the acidity poking at your tongue…this has 12.5% alcohol..again..blind tasting it..I would not have known. Lots of minerals..I sat out until late…only a few drops left…
Points 16 € 11.50
Since I started out tasting these 2007 Rieslings..it has been an eye-opener…so many styles….intriguing to say the least.
Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by Chef Tom Cooks

I’m so happy with all the positive feedback that I receive through this website.  I love sharing recipes with others and I love hearing peoples comments.  I just figured I’d take a moment today to share with you some other sites that you can find me on.  So if you are signed up with any of these sites, feel free to say hello to me over there!

Hope you have a great day!
Tom

Twitter:  See what I am up to: http://twitter.com/cheftom
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/cheftom1
Squidoo: http://www.squidoo.com/recipeideas
http://www.squidoo.com/recipesecrets
StumbleUpon:  http://cheftom.stumbleupon.com/

I’ll see you all out there!

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories

In the world of wine..there are DO’S & DONT’S…
One DO is….Do give Barry a good wine if he visits you!
DONT’S include….Don’t offer him Aligoté (sorry Joe..hee hee).

One definite DON’T is…when you receive a case of wine and open it..DON’T decide to drink the bottle a few hours later. It’s not fair to the wine….
So..there I was…looking for a white to go with oven chicken in a creamy paprika sauce.
I needed a break from the Rieslings…and there was this white..potentially soft and creamy( like the sauce)…so…
Look..before you start criticizing….ask yourself this….have you ever done it?
I rest my case……
Anyway…only reds suffer after a journey..whites are more sturdy(see how I am convincing you & me)…so I popped the cork.
Yes yes…I know..I am like a kid at Christmas when a package arrives.
Schloss Halbturn Imperial Weiss 2005
Burgenland Neusiedlersee, Austria
Drive into the village of Halbturn…at the 2^nd set of traffic lights turn right…then the next left..
you can’t miss the building..it’s a castle!(Schloss).
Graf zu Königsegg (Marcus to you & me) has invested $$$$. They produce some reds which I have yet to try..and this cuveé from Chardonnay & Sauvignon Blanc. The wine spends 14 months in part new/part used Barrique.
Medium-pale colour…an instant aroma of flowery honey..cream and smoky tones….but delicate…no overdone oak here. The Sauvignon Blanc is a perfect foil for big sister Chardonnay. Palate was perfect..the creaminess…touch of rosted flavours…plenty of finesse here…and a good spicy finish. Perfect now…but this could evolve.
Points 17.25 € 20
Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by The Cheap Gourmet

Tastebook.com was featured on The Cheap Gourmet blog this past March, when I discovered their unique website which allows you to create your own cookbook. Since then, I’ve been playing around with the different templates, adding my own recipes and attempting to choose recipes from Tastebook’s vast collection. Each cookbook can hold up to 100 recipes and I’ve currently narrowed down my choices to around 450 recipes.

Today, I was heading over to Tastebook.com to continue working on my new cookbooks when I discovered they are hosting a $1000 Culinary Shopping Spree. The winner receives a $1000 gift card and can buy anything they desire at Cooking.com.

If you’ve never shopped at Cooking.com, you’re in for quite a treat. They have everything under the sun to help make you a Cooking Superstar! And, their prices are very reasonable. I purchased a fabulous Margarita Glasses and Pitcher Set for only $29.95 a few months ago. The set is constructed from thick glass. The pitcher holds 84-ounces and the glasses hold 10-ounces each. I bought the set specifically for my mind-altering pink margaritas. I wanted clear glass to highlight the gorgeous color of the drinks

The $1000 Culinary Shopping Spree is easy to enter. Three entry options are available including:

1. Register to become a Tastebook.com member (it’s FREE!)
2. After becoming a Tastebook member, share recipes with your friends and family for additional sweepstakes entries.
3. Enter the contest by submitting a post card through the U.S. Postal Service.

Complete details can be found at the Tastebook.com website. The contest runs from June 11 through July 14th and is open to residents of all 50 U.S. states, with the exception of Rhode Island and Colorado. Entrants must be 18 years of age or older to participate.

I absolutely love the Tastebook cookbooks and plan to create different ones for my favorite friends and family members based on their culinary preferences. Currently, Tastebook is offering a 20-percent discount on your first custom cookbook. Details can be found on the Tastebook.com home page.

If you are creating a Tastebook cookbook, please let me know. I’m always looking for people to share recipes with and would love to hear about your favorite culinary delights. Using the Tastebook templates, I can easily add your recipes to my customized cookbooks. So, don’t be a stranger. Drop me a note and let me know your favorite Tastebook recipes.

Good luck with the contest. Although I hope I win the $1000 Culinary Shopping Spree, I’d be just as happy to hear you won it. Don’t delay… go to Tastebook.com and become a member. However, I must warn you, it’s addicting and will make you salivate like crazy. You might want to attach a bib before you start browsing the recipe collections, LOL.

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories

I am a non-smoker…and as my wife gave up 10 years ago..no one is allowed to smoke in the house. When the evenings are warmer…after a meal..out in the garden…once in a while..I treat myself to a good Havana cigar…my choice is light and easy..Hoyo de Monterrey…anything stronger and I’d get high!The children came round..brought Sushi with them.

Binki is heading for 50..actually 44…but time does fly by quickly….I tell her.
Snoozy is looking for a man at the local supermarket…she has hit the big 40…and that may be the reason for the change of tactics.The sushi was good…and in case you are wondering why I am waffling..well..the white wine comments hardly fill a posting…
Christmann Gimmeldinger
Riesling trocken 2007
Pfalz, Germany
The usual comments…crisp, elegant, youthful austerity…reserved acidity..but this one was not going to pop it’s head up and say..like me now….I found it very ordinary…and just a touch too dry with the fruit available. I guess this young Riesling search is gonna be swings and roundabouts..and down to personal styles.

Points 15
But there was that cigar….
Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories

A hot summer evening….a freshly-made salad…and after ‘Feinschmecker’ enthused about the 2006…the time was right to try the first 2007 of my ‘bag of goodies’
The Auxerrois belongs to the Pinot group of wines, the name refers to the Auxerre region in France.
Huber Auxerrois Malterdinger Bienenberg
Kabinett trocken 2007
Baden, Germany
Small pearls…I am not a Prosecco lover….fragrant, delicate nose..light bodied..some minerals..fruity..a touch sweetness..but I thought it seemed flat….missing a zing…easy summer drinking for someone who likes this style…not for me.
Points 14

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by The Cheap Gourmet

Exotic cruise vacations are notorious for offering some of the world’s finest gourmet cuisine. A friend of mine recently returned from a 12-day Mediterranean Cruise. She talked non-stop for over an hour about the delectable cuisine and how she gained 10 pounds because she couldn’t resist tasting every morsel presented to her. Even the photos she uploaded to her online photo gallery were focused more on the food than the sightseeing.

My in-law’s recently took a 7-day Alaska Cruise. Again, their main focus was the food. Although they loved whale watching and enjoyed several spa treatments, nearly all of their photos were taken in the dining room. There were photos of gorgeous ice sculptures, banquet tables filled with exotic foods and five-star dining rooms with seven-course meals. The food presentation was truly a work of art.

Next month, my daughter’s best friend and her family are embarking on a 7-day cruise to Aruba. Hannah brought over brochures and a DVD of their upcoming cruise vacation and I have become obsessed with the idea of cruising ever since. I’ve always considered exotic cruise vacations to be for the wealthy, but after a bit of research I’ve discovered this is not the case. In fact, cruises are one of the most economical vacation packages available.

I located a place called Cruise Vacation Center; a one-stop shop for worldwide cruise vacations. Cruise Vacation Center is affiliated with all the major cruise ship lines including Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruises, Celebrity Cruise, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Holland America and Cunard.

Cruise destinations include Africa, Alaska, Antarctica,Australia, Bahamas, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Caribbean, Coastal, Costa Rica, Cruise to Nowhere, Europe, Greece, Hawaii, Mediterranean, Mexico, New England, New Zealand, Pacific Coastal, Pacific Northwest, Panama Canal, South America, South Pacific, Southeast Asia, Tahiti, Transatlantic, Transcanal, Transpacific and a World Cruise.

I spent about two hours at Cruise Vacation Center comparing cruise lines, amenities, staterooms, best sailing dates, ports of call and prices. My husband and I will be celebrating our 7-year anniversary on December 29th and I want to surprise him with an exotic cruise vacation. Although I haven’t booked our reservation yet, I found a fabulous deal on a 3-night cruise to the Bahamas. Since it departs from Port Canaveral, we won’t have to purchase airline tickets, which makes the cruise even more affordable.

The cruise I felt would be perfect for our romantic getaway is on Royal Caribbean and the cruise ship is Monarch of the Seas. What really sold me on this package (besides the price!) was the gourmet food. According the Cruise Vacation Center website, one restaurant, Portofino offers pasta (my all-time favorite food), classic burgers from Johnny Rocket’s (my husband’s favorite food) and gourmet five-course meals in the main dining room.

Monarch of the Seas also offers plenty of entertainment inclding a dramatic two-story lounge, nightclubs and bars. I can shop till I drop in the five-story Centrum lobby lined with boutiques, sip champagne in the Champagne Bar and enjoy live shows that parallel Las Vegas and New York. The best part is, since Cruise Vacation Center offers bargain prices, I can afford to upgrade to the Royal Suite which includes a private balcony and whirlpool bathtub.

If you’re thinking about a romantic getaway, family vacation or weekend getaway with your best friends, check out Cruise Vacation Center. Be sure to visit the “Specials” page and call the 800-number to ensure you obtain the best deal possible. Once I get my “secret” honeymoon package booked, I’ll be certain to give you an update. And, I’m certain you’ll see lots of gourmet food photos once we complete our romantic getaway!

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by Wine Reviews from the Wine School

I never thought the day would come, but here it is, in all its perplexing, fat-streaked glory: I’m taking a break from ham. It even feels weird to type that. I’m. Taking. A. Break. From. Ham. Nope–no easier. Maybe it’s the residual cottony lard still coursing through my newly thick fingers. Or the remaining salty stench pouring from my every pore. Or the fact that, whenever I hear a word whose sound is vaguely reminiscent of “Iberico,” I weep like a diehard Jagger fan at a one-night-only Stones show.

My new Angie is a pig, and I’m not ashamed to say it.

I just returned from a weeklong trip with Keith and a number of other Wine Schoolers to Priorat, about two hours from Barcelona. More details will certainly seep out during classes and in blog posts over the coming weeks–stories of flash-fried sardines, heaping plates of wood-grilled meats (including the best damn rabbit kidney I’ve ever snapped between my molars), barrel tastings of wines that will likely never see this side of the Pond–but for now, it’ll have to suffice to say just this: We back. And for the time being, the pigs of Pennsylvania are safe from my hammed-out maw.

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories

I play football (soccer to you lot outside of Europe) every sunday. One of the group stopped me on the street recently and, knowing my love for music and my DJ hobby, asked me about a song his wife had heard on the radio called ‘Mystery Girl’..she loved it..and had somehow managed to catch the name. I knew already but waited.. ‘Do You Know Roy Orbison’?…
Know him…The Big O! ..I have everything he ever did………………!!!!.
‘Only The Lonely’..’Dream Baby’..Pretty Woman’…..but hang on..this is a wine blog…..where were we?..Anyway…I told him I would put all Roy’s hits on a CD..he wanted to surprise his wife. Next day he called to collect the disc..and kindly gave me the bottle of wine ( he must have also heard I drank once in a while)
Some mild Indian food was the order of the day…and so I decided his present would match well. I collected the food from the restaurant…and it always amuses me when I hear a foreign language..then a couple of English or German words thrown in. In this case…as the waiter called into the kitchen inquiring about the food..and the ingredients…he suddenly threw in ‘Mint Yoghurt’..then continued on his merry way in Indian. Maybe there is no translation…must go to google…

Flick Wickerer Mönchsgewann
Riesling Spätlese trocken 2006
Rheingau, Germany
Flick was one of the few growers who had success with the 2006 Vintage.
Clean, light Riesling nose..some peaches…a touch of the rest sweetness….but this complimented the food.
13% alcohol…which you never notice. Pleasant, easy drinking.
Points 14.5
PS…..as stated..the 2006 Vintage was very difficult in Germany….but 2007 is gonna be a bomb. Already ordering a whole range of Rieslings..watch this space.

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories

After a warm sunny Sunday..it was hot on the football pitch(the round-ball version)…poached Salmon for the evening meal…. and a perfect match is any Pinot Noir…this marriage convinces even the most stubborn folk about red wine and fish. Actually..I could drink Pinot with anything..but we won’t go there. There are ways and means on how to obtain wines…and sometimes you end up getting something via the back door..so to speak. While at ‘Rebstock‘ I had planned the week’s wines..and a ‘reserve choice’ was this wine from Männle. I had read that it was under the top 10 Spätburgunder wines from Baden..for the 2005 vintage…confirmation is on the bottle neck. It was on the list at Euros 29,– but was not really gonna get drunk this time round as the days ran out. We visited the vineyard..but all that was on offer was the new 2007… not in barrique this one…it cost Euros 11,–. On the day we left Rebstock I decided to purchase the 2005 from the wine-list and said that they should add it to my bill..which I paid…and only later saw that they had charged Euros 11,–….probably what they paid for it 2 years ago. Thank you guys! Was it a bargain at the back door?

Alfred Männle Durbacher Bienengarten
Spätburgunder Spätlese trocken Barrique 2005
Baden, Germany
Medium deep, gradual colour..no light rim paleness here…bouquet was muted at first..then opened up to show thick compact strawberries….real power package…then after 30 minutes it was like someone had left the door open..an extra freshness appeared..like fresh air..became more elegant. On the palate..delicious up-front fruit..again the stawberry layers…integrated soft tannins..some liquorice flavour..slighty spicy..touch of oak(12 months in barrique)..but only hovering…not attacking…all-in-all..a quite complex wine..elegant and firm….and should develope very well. Next time at Rebstock….
Points 17.75
Feinschmecker..a top German magazine..issue a pocket book of German Growers every year….very helpful when travelling….they mark the vineyards with F’s..the highest marking is 5 F’s….this grower only gets one…methinks they need to check their palates with this vineyard.

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by The Cheap Gourmet

“National Old Friends, New Friends Week” is hosted from May 18th-25th and it couldn’t have come at a better time for me. As many of you know, my mom was diagnosed with lung cancer last year. I’ve spent the last month with her and am currently back home to celebrate my daughter’s high school graduation. Next week, I will return to continue caring for mom. It’s been a bittersweet time, but I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to spend this time with my life mentor.

Mom has always been an amazing cook. Everything I know about cooking, I owe to her. In fact, a few weeks ago, mom had a craving for ham salad. I’d never made ham salad before and actually turned my nose up at it, but I gotta tell you — this stuff is amazing! I’ll share the recipe with you in my next post. Today, I need to express the importance of friendship.

My good friend and business associate, Viveca Stone-Berry recently founded DogCaptions.com with her brother and humorist-photographer, Richard Stone. DogCaptions.com is offering the “Barker’s Dozen” Friendship Card Pack, a collection of 13 all-occasion cards with adorable photos of dogs (and one cat!). Each card has a funny or uplifting caption printed on the front and are blank inside, leaving plenty of room to express your love and gratitude.

I’ve experienced an outpouring of love from old and new friends during mom’s illness. My friend, Patty, treated me to lunch one day and provided me with transportation to and from the airport. My friend, Evelyn, called me several times and sent me humorous and inspirational emails. Viveca, of DogCaptions.com sent me a wonderful Kathryn Ponder book, a “Barker’s Dozen” Friendship pack, a fabulous tote that folds up so you can carry it in your purse, and adorable bookmarks (called Bark Marks — too cute!).

Mom’s neighbors frequently stopped by to visit, bring food, take down the trash, scoop up dog poop and show their love. Her friends offered so much love and support to both of us. Their love and friendship made all the difference in the world. They offered a shoulder to cry on, a hug, a smile, a prayer.

Think about all the people who are important in your life. Take advantage of “National Old Friends, New Friends” week to reconnect with your friends and family and remind them how important they are to you. Go buy a “Barker’s Dozen” Friendship Pack today and send cards to everyone who is important to you. Not only will you brighten their day, you’ll be doing something to save a pet’s life. How??

When you purchase the Barker’s Dozen Friendship Pack this week, DogCaptions.com is donating up to 50% of the profits to three animal shelters. These organizations help spread the word about spaying/neutering services, adoption services, and provide shelter and medical services for these animals.

DogCaptions.com will send you a special gift when you purchase the Barker’s Dozen cards this week. They have lined up some amazing sponsors who are giving you some pretty great gifts for FREE.

Share your love. Brighten your friends day. Help an animal. Go to DogCaptions.com today and pick up a pack or two of these adorable cards. Doing so will make the world a better place

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by The Cheap Gourmet

WineBible.com is one of the most informative sites on wines I have ever found. What originally drew my attention to their website is the fact that they sell Virgin Wines. I have always admired Sir Richard Branson. Not only is he the founder of Virgin Records and Virgin Airlines, he also created Virgin Mobile. I’ve had cell phone service with Virgin Mobile for years and absolutely love their service and affordable plans. But, I digress.

I located Virgin Wines at WineBible.com and learned some fascinating information about wine. At the Wine Bible website, you can discover the history of wine, wine grape varieties, wine producing countries and anything else you could ever want to know about wines.

Unfortunately, WineBible.com wines are currently available to residents of the United Kingdom. However, their website is a wealth of knowledge for anyone interested in learning more about specific types of wine, how to pair them with food and their origins.

The good news is, by using WineBible.com, I discovered a Pinot Noir wine I was interested in and when I “Googled” it, I found a supplier in the U.S. I also discovered, “The World Atlas of Wine” by by Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson which was promoted on WineBible.com and available through Amazon.com. With a click of a button, I was able to purchase this book through Amazon’s U.S. division.

While I wish I could take advantage of the many delectable wines and resources offered at WineBible.com, I found their online Wine Guide to be extremely informative and helpful. Additionally, I know there are many visitors to The Cheap Gourmet Blog who reside in the U.K. who can take advantage of the deep discounts and wine resources located at this wonderful wine site.

Even if you don’t live in the U.K., take a moment to stop by WineBible.com. You’ll find a wealth of knowledge on French Wine, Spanish Wine, Italian Wine, Virgin Wines, how to buy wine online and much more. It’s one of the best wine websites I’ve ever found and I hope you will enjoy it too!

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by The Cheap Gourmet

SBS Teas owner, Lady Babs, is celebrating her 65th birthday on Thursday, May 15th. She invites you to celebrate in her joy of being eligible for “Senior Discounts” and is offering everyone a whopping 15% discount on their entire purchase.

If you’ve never tried SBS Teas, now would be an excellent time to order. Be careful though… once you try these high-quality loose leaf teas you’ll never settle for anything less. SBS Teas offers a wonderful selection of custom-blended teas including black, green, white, chai, oolong, organic, iced teas and more.

Not a fan of tea? No worries…SBS Teas also has an amazing selection of coffees and cocoas. My favorite coffees include Bird Friendly Organic, Black Forest Cake and Rainforest Crunch. My favorite cocoa selections include Belgian Dark Chocolate, Raspberry Chocolate and Triple Fudge Hot Cocoa.

If you’re like me and can’t get enough coffee, tea or cocoa on the inside, you’ll flip over the amazing SBS Teas body products. These all-natural products include body wash, body lotion, body scrubs and bath perfumes. These delightful bath and body products are available in a variety of scents including: Chocolate Decadence, Blackberry Sage, London Lemon Curd, Vanilla Grapefruit and Zen Tea.

Mark your calendar to join Lady Babs in her 65th Birthday Celebration on May 15th and save 15% on your ENTIRE ORDER! The discount will automatically be deducted from your order at check-out.

While you’re waiting for Lady Babs birthday to arrive, take a moment to download The Cheap Gourmet’s FREE Tea Report — “Think Outside the Cup - Cooking with Tea“. This 16-page report focuses on the many ways to combine tea with cooking. You’ll learn how to use tea as a spice, meat and vegetable marinade, meat tenderizer and more.

Click on the banner below and place your order on May 15th to save 15%. You’re going to love the massive collection of custom-blended loose leaf teas, exotic and flavorful coffees and rich, decadent coffees and soothing body products. Enjoy! and be sure to wish Lady Babs a Happy Birthday!

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by Wine Reviews from the Wine School

Tomorrow evening, Frank Cipparone, the Wine School’s resident Italian-wine expert, and I will do battle in a Smackdown for the ages. Planetary polarity may shift. Weather patterns could run amok. Children and grown men may very well weep. Indeed, the amount of energy generated by the CERN’s Large Hadron Collider will, in all likelihood, pale next to the element-shifting vino-passions unleashed on May 12th.

Or, you know, it could just be a tie.

Either way, things should get interesting: The rules this time are a bit different than they have been in the past. The menu includes two vaguely Italian courses and two kinda-French ones. And for the pairings, Frank is only allowed to use Italian wines, whereas I’ll be limited to those of l’hexagone. Strategy, as well as a real sense of creativity, will be crucial. For there is much more at stake here than the thrill of victory.

This time, nothing less than pride itself is on the line. And, perhaps, the future off the human race. (Vive la France!

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories

Just in case you start to pine as there will be no notes from
Sunday 11th May until Sunday 18th May..don’t worry…
I’ll still be drinking..but in the Black Forest….
no..not in the actual forest…but in our little hideaway..
Rebstock..Kappelrodeck-Waldulm
Don’t drink any bad wines while I’m away!!!

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs.

Submitted by Barry’s Wine Notes & Memories

Don’t ask…OK……if you insist..the last time I bought..let alone drank….a Beaujolais was yonks (a long time) ago. It used to be a headache wine…
New wine drinkers would ask why Beaujolais does not appear on the label..well..you gotta learn the ‘Villages’ names..then you will know that Moulin à Vent, Chiroubles etc were the ‘better’ wines….Morgon belongs to that group.
I was interested in the 2005 as Burgundy had a wonderful vintage..and if the Pinot Noir was OK..then why not Gamay. As the 2004 was also available..it lent itself to a comparison tasting.
As the photos show..perfect Beaujolais weather…the 2004 photo is particularly
attractive..with the evening sun casting shadows.

Marcel Lapierre Morgon 2004
Beaujolais, Burgundy, France
Milky colour…light to medium bodied…..odd smell at first..seems a little volatile…earthy..dusty cherry..seems like it is bubbling under in the glass…never really got going…a poor bottle..or is it a closed period…whatever it is…not a pleasure at the moment
Points 14.5

Marcel Lapierre Morgon 2005
Beaujolais, Burgundy, France
This is another kettle of fish(where does that saying come from?)..bright colour, clear…light purple..firm, tight nose…very reserved..flowery…no more…palate shows sweetish fruit with lively acidity..cherries…needs a year or two if the nose is anythi