Eve's Wine 101

Choosing My First Wine For Others

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The other day I was reminded of the first time I had been asked to select wine for others. And it was over 25 years ago. My friend Timmy D, an executive in the TV industry, asked me to attend an awards luncheon with him as his guest. I thought, cool, haven’t done that before.

At Mondavi winery honing my craft!

We were seated in a circle, a group of about ten or twelve, and handed the menu of what we would be served. I don’t recall any choices, there was amuse bouche, a salad, our entrée and a dessert, if I recall correctly. Luckily there was an accompanying wine list with a dozen or so choices. I was tickled to look that over, and even more tickled when Timmy asked me to select the wine for the group!

(When I think back I think, bravo Tim. He hadn’t asked the group if they would like me to select their wine, and as he was a busy executive on a popular series, I’m sure he hadn’t taken the time beforehand to tell his crew about me. Not even sure, now that I think about it, if there wasn’t someone else seated at that round table better equipped than I.)

To this day I have no idea what the rest of the table thought of this 20-something tall blond Amazon, that was unknown by all, and why I had been tasked with this duty. I think Timmy just told them that I was some kind of a wine lover, at that time avidly reading every issue of Wine Spectator from cover to cover – an annual gift courtesy Timmy. I wasn’t yet writing about, or seriously studying, wine.

To this day I also don’t recall what wine I ordered but I do remember studying the food menu with the wine list, asking the guests what their preferences were, and selecting the bottles.

The show itself was a blur, literally, as I had forgotten to bring my eyeglasses. I dimly remember Steven Segal striding across the stage, and only recognized him because you could see his staggeringly tall frame and his signature slicked back ponytail from any distance! My thrill was being at that table, and for one brief moment, being the one in command, not Segal.

The wine came. The food came. Both were consumed with many nods, agreeing that the pairing was quite tasty. This was thrilling for me!

I will never forget this day, and how Timmy and the rest of his associates at the table made me feel. It may have been one of many moments that made me want to devote myself 100% to wine. It certainly pushed me forward to wanting to taste more, experience more, and do more with wine.

Do you remember your first experience taking command of a situation – involving wine?

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Officially Introducing El Granjero Cantina at The Original Farmers Market!

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(Los Angeles, CA) – El Granjero Cantina is L.A.’s newest most colorful cantina featuring a top-notch culinary team delivering a delectably delicious fun and fresh take on authentic Mexican cuisine influenced by Southern California farmers market ingredients. With its lively, bright, and inviting indoor-outdoor seating and great patio for people watching, El Granjero (pronounced gran-heh-roh) Cantina is the perfect one-stop spot offering up Tacos, Dorados, Vegan Tacos, Salads, Bowls, Burritos, Quesadillas, Tequila, Mezcal, Top Shelf Margaritas, Sangria, Specialty Cocktails, Cerveza, Mocktails and much more for Los Angeles locals and pleasure travelers alike to all enjoy!

Photo Credit:  Michael Brown

Located in the former Ulysses Village space on the Market Plaza at The Original Farmers Market, El Granjero Cantina originally opened in late June 2021 and is the brainchild of EGC Founder and Owner John Moshay who has a deep connection to the cultural traditions of Mexico. Moshay, also Co-Owner of Fritzi Coop inside The Original Farmers Market with Fritzi Coop Partner Chef | Owner Neal Frazer (Redbird | Vibiana), put together a dream team of young culinary talent starting with General Manager Grace Etchegoyen who spent time on the floor at Pizzeria Mozza, and was General Manager at Fritzi DTLA, PYT, and Redbird earning her hospitality stripes by first becoming Event Manager, then Assistant General Manager, and then General Manager while working alongside her celebrated father Chef | Owner Neal Fraser and stepmother, Co-Owner & Operator of Redbird | Vibiana Amy Knoll Fraser. Next, Moshay sought out Executive Chef Jenni Sklar (Lucques, Sqirl, Son of a Gun, and Whoa Nelly Catering) to create El Granjero Cantina’s modern Mexican menu and oversee the kitchen, and finally, Moshay reached out to Cocktail Consultant Tobin Shea (Bar Director, Redbird | Vibiana) to create El Granjero Cantina’s innovative agave-forward bar program.

Executive Chef Jenni Sklar’s ingredient driven menu embraces regional Mexican flavors using seasonal and fresh ingredients showcasing a selection of Antojitos (Snacks) including Guacamole, Fiesta Nachos, Papas Fritas and Pork Belly, and the Ensaladas (Salad) spotlight Chef Sklar’s signature Caesar Salad prepared with romaine lettuce, cured egg yolk, sunflower seeds, and breadcrumbs, or Kale Salad made with avocado, griddled cheese, house pickles, corn, and black bean salsa. The Oaxacan Quesadillas are house favorites featuring the HIBISCUS made with sauteed hibiscus flowers, onion, and cheese, or the Queso prepared with cheese, black bean puree, salsa negra, and escabeche relish served with lettuce. Chef Sklar’s Tacos do not disappoint and there are two for every guest to enjoy featuring a sublime selection including Avocado, Beef, Carnitas, Chicken or Crispy Fish. The Dorados (Golden Tacos) are lightly fried to perfection and offer up three delicious options, Chili Braised Beef & Cheese, Tomatillo Chicken & Cheese, and Soyrizo & Vegan Cheese. The Los Tazones (Bowls) include the California fresh Crispy Avocado Bowl prepared with chipotle aioli, marinated kale, corn, black bean salsa, and pickled red onions, along with a Chicken Bowl, Beef Bowl, Carnitas Bowl, Seared Fish Bowl, or Keto Bowl comprised of your choice of protein with cauliflower rice, griddled cheese, cabbage slaw, marinated kale, and crema. Chef Sklar’s Cheese and Chicken Enchiladas are a family favorite and her Carnitas and Chili Beef Burritos are packed with flavor. As, with any proper Mexican meal, Chef Sklar’s Acompanantes (Sides) are the perfect addition to each dish featuring fresh Avocado, Blistered Jalapeno, Cauliflower Rice, Corn Tortillas, Flour Tortillas, Guacamole, Black Beans, Black Bean Puree, and Herb Rice. “We make everything in-house from our pickles to our salsas, carnitas, and our tortillas,” states Sklar. El Granjero Cantina’s tortillas are extremely special as Sklar spent months looking for the perfect blend of fresh corn masa and maseca (dry corn flour) to create a unique texture that resembles a flour tortilla. Says Sklar, “Our Tortillas are soft, pliable, full of moisture and fantastic flavor. The density reminds me of a tamale and every tortilla is handmade to order every time.”

“I am constantly impressed with Jenni’s cooking as she knows the perfect way to balance every dish with acid, salt and texture,” states Etchegoyen. “She is excited by Mexican food, and it definitely shows. It was important to her to make everything from scratch, and I love the vegan items she created for our menu. She put extra time and attention into preparing them to make sure they were thought through, exciting and delicious.”

BAR: El Granjero Cantina’s bar program, created by Cocktail Consultant Tobin Shea, honors traditional agave-based spirits from Mexico with a specially curated list of Tequilas y Mezcal showcasing a special selection of Blanco Tequila, Reposado Tequila, Anejo Tequila, and Mezcal, while also featuring fun and frothy Frozen Margaritas, Cocktails on Tap, and collection of Classic Margaritas and Specialty Cocktails such as the EGC Old Fashioned comprised if reposado tequila, mezcal, Meletti Amaro, and orange, Lifesaver made with mezcal, Fiero, lime and pineapple syrup, and Rasp-Hib Cocktail prepared with guests choice of tequila, Italicus, hibiscus tea, lime and soda to name just a few. In addition, El Granjero Cantina also offers select Beer, Wine, house-made Sangria, and non-alcoholic beverages such as El Granjero Cantina’s handmade Horchata and freshly carbonated Agua Frescas.

“I am really proud that we squeeze fresh lime juice for all of our cocktails as this is something that is very important to us, and it really helps us produce the best quality beverages we can provide,” says Etchegoyen. “Tobin introduced us to the Spinzall which clarifies juice to give a perfect texture and color. We clarify our cucumber juice and raspberry hibiscus for our house-made Agua Frescas, and I am in awe of how Tobin took classic cocktails, the Old Fashioned and the Mai Tai, and he put a tequila twist on them. They are well balanced and it’s a fun way to lean into agave-based spirits. We truly have something for everyone – a red Sangria for easy drinking, a frozen strawberry margarita for those hot days on the patio, and the option to have your very own version of the perfect margarita with a choice of over 30 different tequilas, mezcal, and/or spicy tinctures.”

El Granjero Cantina was designed by Amy Knoll Fraser who wanted to take full advantage of the existing architecture of the space and exposed joist of the ceiling. Fraser drew inspiration from many trips to Mexico City and she wanted the space to feel like a lively bustling cantina where the energy from the street outside gives back to the restaurant inside, spilling into each other. She saw the space as casual, but cosmopolitan and created a subtle division between the two with tall folding panel doors and dangling light fixtures meant to evoke lightning bugs in a jar creating a warmth that immediately attracts guests into the space. Fraser created bold pops of color throughout the restaurant which inspired the stripes running down the back bar and interior side wall and the bold and bright mural on the outside walls based on a traditional Mexican Otomi embroidery with a nod to Matisse cut outs. The chair design was created by Hee Welling inspired by refrigerator racks, and all the woodwork throughout the space was thoughtfully designed in hickory by John Moshay’s son designer Ned Moshay making this project a full family affair.

El Granjero Cantina is open every Sunday through Thursday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, and every Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. El Granjero Cantina offers Happy Hour “All Day” every Monday and Tuesday, and every Wednesday through Friday from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. For more information about El Granjero Cantina at The Original Farmers Market or to make reservations, please call 323.879.9324 directly or visit www.CantinaLA.com.

Social Media:  Follow El Granjero Cantina on Facebook @ElGranjeroCantina and Instagram @elgranjerocantina

El Granjero Cantina

The Original Farmers Market

6333 W. 3rd Street, Stall 750

Los Angeles, CA 90036

T: 323.933.9211

www.CantinaLA.com

The Region’s Best Kept Secrets: Bourgogne Wines With Bourgogne Wine Ambassador James King

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Well color me happy, was invited to my first press event in Las Vegas – and it was organized by the Bourgogne Wine Board. For my wine 101ers Bourgogne is the correct word to use for the region of Burgundy, France. And for my wine 101ers that drink U.S. made Pinot Noir and not Burgundy: it’s the same grape but Bourgogne is where the varietal was born (among others). So the French terroir – winemaking, soil, history, and climate – is hundreds of years older than ours in the USA. Doesn’t mean better, just different, and as the French say, “Viva La Difference!”

This event was led by Bourgogne Wine Ambassador James King, which meant I was destined to learn much more about Bourgogne wines. And if that wasn’t enough it was over a luncheon at Ada’s Wine Bar, reputed to be one of the best wine bars in Las Vegas.

From the Invitation

Bourgogne is renowned worldwide for producing some of the finest wines with its unique terroir and savoir-faire, which are translated to each of our 84 appellations. Some of them have reached the status of icon and some are still to be brought to the light. Join us to (re) discover Bourgogne through a selection of appellations.

Tasting and Learning

Our lecturer King is a WSET teacher and right off the bat wanted us to learn that the word Bourgogne, pronounced Boar-Gown to me, was to be used instead of the generally accepted term Burgundy for this wine-growing region of France.

The wine tasting would be with food as that is the most traditional, King said. We would look for “balance, integration, whether the wines were too heavy, over-oaked” and we would learn that “not all Bourgogne wines are expensive.” A Bourgogne drinker could easily, “work their way up” from inexpensive Bourgogne wines and still enjoy them very much.

We had nine wines, six whites and three reds, that we tasted blind. Not my favorite way to taste but by the end of the tasting I had an idea as to why King led us this way: We all have preconceived notions of the value of a wine based on where it’s from and the price. King removed that bias from our minds. And with that we all very much enjoyed wines retail priced between $11 and $34 and some from areas the average consumer – and some of us – were not as familiar with.

We were given plenty of maps of all of the different wine-growing regions in Bourgogne – and there are a lot – and I don’t think any of the professionals in the room could correctly guess where each wine was from.

My wine notes consisted of fresh fruits from citrus to berry to tropical, different florals, little oak, balance and tannins…the usual suspects. The food we had after sampling each wine – see photos here of the food, some bottle shots, menu and wine list – were well paired bringing out savory qualities in both.

When the price points for each wine was revealed, and some of the guests wanted to purchase, we learned that none had yet to be released in the U.S. This class, this exercise I should say, was an excellent lesson on how well the wines of Burgundy Bourgogne do with the most experienced palates. And I for one will keep that in mind the next time I recognize – or don’t recognize – a label from Bourgogne.

Now I just want to try more! And more to the point, if you are not a big Pinot Noir fan or even if you are: Give Bourgogne a try. Not all wines are made the same way – especially if made in different parts of the globe.

Bourgogne Wine Board

The Bourgogne Wine Board (BIVB) is a non-profit association under the 1901 law. Built on the principle of each member having an equal voice, it defends and promotes the unique skills of the professions of winemaking, the négoce trade and vine growing, the heritage of a shared passion.

https://www.bourgogne-wines.com/

Ada’s Wine Bar

Chef driven small plates and more. Now pouring in Tivoli Village, Las Vegas. Intriguing wines by the glass or bottle. Adding to a number of local accolades, in 2020, Chef Trees was named a Finalist for the James Beard Award: Best Chef Southwest.

https://www.adaslv.com/

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits

The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil Receives 14th Consecutive Michelin Star Award

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RUTHERFORD, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Synonymous with wine country cuisine, The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil today received its 14th consecutive Star award from the MICHELIN Guide California. The globally recognized rating Guide is one of the most universally respected culinary authorities of exceptional dining. The 2021 Guide rates Auberge du Soleil among the top restaurants in California, designated as “an international culinary destination and leader in the industry” by MICHELIN.

Renowned for its commitment to sourcing ingredients from neighboring farms and purveyors, Mediterranean-inspired seasonal dishes, award-winning international wine cellar, and spectacular vista views, The Restaurant has attained a rich legacy as a “must experience” stop along any culinary journey to Napa Valley.

“The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil is at the heart of our property experience,” said Bradley Reynolds, Managing Director of Auberge du Soleil. “We are extremely grateful to the MICHELIN Guide for recognizing us with a fourteenth consecutive Star. We dedicate this award to our extraordinary team who consistently deliver impeccable food, wine and service that makes for wonderful dining memories for our guests.”

Robert Curry has served as Executive Chef at Auberge du Soleil since 2005. Widely considered a landmark among California wine country restaurants, Auberge du Soleil is dedicated to maintaining the culinary traditions of both Napa Valley and France. Curry’s dishes showcase flavorful peak-of-season ingredients sourced from a range of local and regional purveyors and farmers with whom Curry has developed long-standing relationships.

Executive Pastry Chef Paul Lemieux has led the pastry team at Auberge du Soleil since 2003. His finely crafted work is evident in the exquisite seasonal desserts he creates including delectable housemade chocolate, involving sourcing cacao beans from select international farms and carefully roasting and refining the chocolate in small batches in the hotel’s pastry kitchen.

The Restaurant’s menu items are complemented by pairings from an award-winning wine list. The 15,000 bottle cellar of domestic and international selections is curated by Wine Director, Kris Margerum. The Restaurant’s wine program consistently receives Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence.

The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil is open for lunch, Wednesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. featuring a two-course prix fixe for $60 and three courses for $75. A three-course brunch is offered on Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for $85, and dinner service is available Wednesday through Sunday from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., including three courses for $135, four courses for $155 or a six-course tasting menu for $185. All menus include vegetarian selections available with each course.

The Restaurant, along with the casual Bistro and Bar, is open to the public, and serve as cornerstones for Auberge du Soleil, a Forbes Five Star hotel, flagship for the Auberge Resorts Collection and a long-standing member of Relais & Châteaux, an international association of outstanding boutique properties known for their excellence in hospitality and the culinary arts.

Inspired by the relaxed sophistication of the South of France, and infused with California soul, Auberge du Soleil provides the quintessential Napa Valley adult getaway. The hotel features wine country’s most luxurious accommodations, spectacular valley views, and passionate, intuitive service that sets the standard for gracious wine country hospitality. The property is perennially ranked among the best in the world by influential travel publications.

For more information please visit http://www.aubergedusoleil.com and follow at facebook.com/AubergeduSoleil and on Twitter and Instagram at @AubergeduSoleil. For Restaurant reservations and availability contact the hotel directly at 800.348.5406 or email ads.restaurant@aubergeresorts.com.

About Relais & Châteaux
Created in 1954, Relais & Châteaux is an organization of more than 560 exceptional hotels and restaurants run by independent men and women, all driven by a passion for their profession and dedicated to the authenticity of the relationships they build with their customers. With operations on all five continents, from the vineyards of Napa Valley to Provence and the beaches of the Indian Ocean, Relais & Châteaux members invite all to discover the art of living enshrined in the location’s culture, and share a unique, human story. Relais & Châteaux members have a profound desire to protect and showcase the richness and diversity of the cuisine and inviting cultures of the world. They worked towards this goal, along with the goal to preserve local heritages and the environment, through a UNESCO Manifesto in November 2014. For more information please visit http://www.relaischateaux.com.

About Auberge Resorts Collection
Auberge Resorts Collection is a portfolio of extraordinary hotels, resorts, residences and private clubs. While each property is unique, all share a crafted approach to luxury and bring the soul of the locale to life through captivating design, exceptional cuisine and spas, and gracious yet unobtrusive service. With 19 hotels and resorts across three continents, Auberge invites guests to create unforgettable stories in some of the world’s most desirable destinations. For more information about Auberge Resorts Collection, please visit aubergeresorts.com. Follow Auberge Resorts Collection on Facebook at facebook.com/AubergeResorts and on Twitter and Instagram at @AubergeResorts and #AlwaysAuberge.

About The Friedkin Group
The Friedkin Group is a privately held consortium of automotive, hospitality, entertainment, sports and adventure companies. These organizations include: Gulf States Toyota, GSFSGroup, GSM, US AutoLogistics, Ascent Automotive Group, Auberge Resorts Collection, AS Roma, Imperative Entertainment, 30WEST, NEON, Diamond Creek Golf Club, Congaree and Legendary Expeditions. The Friedkin Group is led by Chairman and CEO Dan Friedkin. For more information, visit http://www.friedkin.com.

Ember Restaurant at We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort Receives Wine Spectator “Best of Award of Excellence” for 2021

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FORT MCDOWELL, Ariz. /PRNewswire/ — Today, the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort is thrilled to announce that Ember, its fine dining restaurant, has received Wine Spectator‘s esteemed “Best of Award of Excellence.”  The honor recognizes recipients that offer extensive selections with excellent breadth across multiple regions and significant vertical depth, and Ember is now one of 19 restaurants (out of nearly 9,000) in Arizona – and one of approximately 1,000 around the world – to receive this award.

This is the second time that the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation has been lauded by this highly regarded industry publication.  In 2006, the Ahnala Mesquite Room received the “Award of Excellence,” recognizing the restaurant’s wine list that featured a well-chosen assortment of quality producers along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style.  The fact that the tribal nation has now been granted two Wine Spectator awards for excellence – an achievement rare among tribal casinos – affirms their commitment to delivering an exceptional culinary experience.

“American restaurants are back in business, as patrons are eagerly returning to dining rooms across the nation,” said Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher, Wine Spectator. “In this year’s Restaurant Awards issue, we reflect on how restaurateurs navigated this incredibly difficult period, and look ahead, with every indication that the coming year will be one of the most promising in decades for an industry we all love. It’s been a long road back, and it feels wonderful to celebrate restaurants and all they bring to the world of wine.”

“The ‘Best of Award of Excellence’ really belongs to our advanced sommelier Dennis Payne, whose 31 years of experience and painstaking efforts over the past year have resulted in this impeccable award-winning wine list,” added Zac Gallo, Executive Director of Food and Beverage for the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort.  “Not only has Dennis cultivated an extensive  wine and spirit program, but he ensures the proper care, storage and handling of our collection to maximize our guests’ dining experiences.”

Ember’s wine program covers seventeen countries, focusing on each country’s top wine-producing regions and most highly acclaimed vineyards.  It includes 517 wines by the bottle and 26 wines by the glass – ranging from a strong California presence to Barbaresco, Rioja, New Zealand, Argentina and Germany – along with 30 Dessert Wines from across the globe as well as 15 Ports and Madeiras.

In addition, Ember has a special page in their 37-page wine list titled “The Century Club,” dedicated to the world’s top 100-point wines.  Curated for fine wine collectors, this list contains 32 critically acclaimed wines spanning more than two decades that have scored a perfect 100 points.

Wine Spectator began its program to recognize the world’s best wine lists in 1981. There are three levels: the Award of Excellence, the Best of Award of Excellence and the Grand Award—with 1,673; 1,141; and 103 winners this year in each respective category.

All award winners will be featured in Wine Spectator‘s special 40th Anniversary Restaurant Awards issue, available to readers today.

For more information on Ember, visit www.wekopacasinoresort.com/dining/ember.

About Ember

A destination dining experience at the new We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, Ember is run by critically acclaimed Chef de Cuisine Richard Pelz.  In addition to an exhaustive wine and spirit library, the restaurant features the highest quality USDA Prime and Angus Wagyu beef, game and seafood from around the world, carefully prepared over a custom wood burning grill. Signature items include their Ujih Hot Stone appetizer, Seafood Tower, Snake River Farms Wagyu Striploin, Braised Buffalo Short Rib, and Ember Flaming Liquid Chocolate Truffle.
https://www.parkviewortho.com/wp-content/languages/new/propecia.html

The energetic dining space overlooks the all-scratch kitchen with views of the culinary team, and seasonal outdoor dining by the fireplace is also available. A separate piano lounge with live entertainment five nights a week adds to the dynamic vibe.

The New York World Wine and Spirits Competition is celebrating its 10th anniversary!

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Entrants can submit their products online or download entry materials from the Competition’s website at www.nywscomp.com. The deadline to submit is Friday, August 6th, 2021. (The deadline to contact their import partner, Park Street Imports for help with importing products into the United States has passed.)

This year’s new trade, marketing and writing awards celebrate the talented trade people whose efforts have influenced growth and trends in the wine and spirits industry — especially small and mid-sized producers. Winners will be announced throughout the year.

“After a year where the people of the beverage community were so dramatically affected, we wanted to take time to recognize, honor and highlight the people that dedicate their lives to and make up this amazing industry,” said Amanda Blue, COO of The Tasting Alliance.

Below are the new awards.

  • Best Mixologist
  • Best Sommelier
  • Best Wine List
  • Best Wine Retailer
  • Best Spirits Retailer
  • Best Online Wine Retailer
  • Best Online Spirits Retailer
  • Best Brand Ambassador
  • Best Wine Writing
  • Best Spirits Writing
  • Best Social Media Account
  • Best Marketing and Advertising
  • Best Craft Distiller
  • Most Creative POS Display
  • Best Cocktail Menu (US/International)
  • Best Independent Food and Beverage Director
  • Best Corporate Food and Beverage Director

And more, for a full list of awards please visit the NYWSC website: www.nywscomp.com 

About the New York World Wine & Spirits Competition: 

  • The NYWSC is a member of The Tasting Alliance, parent company of the SFWSC, SFIWC, and SWSC.
  • Products are evaluated in a blind, consensual procedure ensuring the NYWSC maintains the highest level of impartiality.
  • The 2021 Competition takes place over five days, August 30th through September 3rd.
  • Deadline for entries will be Friday, August 6th, 2021
  • The Tasting Alliance sponsors tasting events throughout the year where trade professionals and consumers can sample the Competition’s top winners.

SOURCE The Tasting Alliance

Hotel Citrine, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel and Wild Onion Bistro & Bar Bring Vibrant Hospitality Experience to the Heart of Silicon Valley

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PALO ALTO, Calif., /PRNewswire/ — Hotel Citrine, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, opens doors June 20 in Silicon Valley. Thoughtfully integrating vibrancy and sustainability, Hotel Citrine offers an exceptionally intuitive experience for travelers. With 150 well-appointed, carefully designed soothing, creative and comfortable guest rooms and suites, Hotel Citrine is the perfect elevated enclave with thoughtful touches and modern amenities.

Hotel Citrine joins Tribute Portfolio, part of Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s extraordinary portfolio of brands. Tribute Portfolio is a growing global family of characterful, independent hotels drawn together by their passion for captivating design and drive to create vibrant social scenes for guests and locals. The hotel is owned and developed by T2 Hospitality, managed by Evolution Hospitality and located on the same campus AC Hotel Palo Alto, which opened this past spring, also part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio.

Hotel Citrine is located at 750 San Antonio Road, minutes from Stanford University, Shoreline Amphitheatre and Caltrain, 12 minutes from San Jose International Airport and 22 minutes from San Francisco International Airport. It’s convenient location near the world’s most innovative companies, unique restaurants, and outdoor activities makes it the ultimate destination for digital nomads visiting the Bay Area as well as leisure guests looking to experience the best of the Valley.

“We are thrilled for Hotel Citrine to join AC Hotel Palo Alto, completing our Palo Alto campus,” said Alex Lane, Campus General Manager. “We look forward to welcoming locals and visitors alike to Hotel Citrine, giving them a vibrant, design-forward space in which to work, relax and socialize.”

Guestrooms feature sustainable bedding and towels, eco-friendly finishes – cork headboards, terrazzo flooring, rain showers and antique brass fixtures. Deluxe King Rooms and One Bedroom Suites also feature balconies. All rooms and suites offer a 55″ TV with high tech connectivity, wifi access points in each guest room, integrated luggage benches, organic bath products from emerginC. The hotel’s flexible indoor/outdoor spaces offer over 400 square feet of gathering space. The larger meeting room opens to an adjacent 590 square foot patio.

Signature restaurant Wild Onion Bistro & Bar is the perfect neighborhood eatery, offering breakfast, brunch, grab-and-go pastries and coffee by morning, and an all-day bistro menu late into the evenings. Open daily, the restaurant features local ingredients, sourced organically when possible, further uniting the property to the surrounding community as a destination for locals and visitors alike. The restaurant’s vibrant open space and sunny patio is inspired by the essence of California cuisine. Chef Duy Tran’s menu features an eclectic mix of the best seasonal and locally sourced produce, paired with unique handcrafted cocktails and elixirs, local craft beers, and hand-selected local wines. Inventive combinations of flavors will be on display in items such as Avocado and Shishido Tacos, Buffalo Cauliflower, Mushroom Eggplant Bolognese and more hearty dishes including Steak Frites, Roasted Chicken and an American Kobe Burger.

Le Colture: A family secret in the heart of the Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore hills

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Santo Stefano di Valdobbiadene is a small village set in the vine-chequered mosaic of the Prosecco hills. Le Colture has grown wines here since the 1500s, under the guidance of the same family.

In 1983, Cesare Ruggeri launched its entry into the field of sparkling wines, and today it boasts an extraordinary heritage of expertise–know-how spread over a vast array of its own production secrets, both great and small; a deep understanding of its entire growing area and its vineyards; and an inborn sensitivity to the health and well-being of each vineyard.

For some years now, Cesare’s three children, Silvia, Alberto, and Veronica, have been intensely involved in winery activities, bringing to its operation a surge of enthusiasm and the invaluable innovative spirit characteristic of the young generations, without however forgetting love for their own land and respect for winemaking traditions.

Le Colture today extends for 40 directly-owned hectares of land planted with vines in the DOCG Conegliano Valdobbiadene area. This is an exception for this area.

The vineyards are partially situated near the company and partially distributed in other areas; from the territory of Valdobbiadene with a piece in the Cartizze hill to the Soligo hills up to the plateau of San Pietro di Feletto behind the historical city of Conegliano Veneto. The effect of this is the production of different wines with specific characteristics that are particular to very particular pedoclimatic situations.

The company preserves much of the tradition of the place and methods, but with an eye for innovation, both with regards to positioning and the product, thus obtaining immediate, fresh wines that are easily drinkable with special attention to quality.

On the wine-list:

Valdobbiadene D.O.C.G. Spumante Superiore di Cartizze
‘Cruner’ Valdobbiadene D.O.C.G. Spumante Dry
‘Pianer’ Valdobbiadene D.O.C.G. Spumante Extra
‘Fagher’ Valdobbiadene D.O.C.G. Spumante Brut
Rosè Spumante Brut
‘Mas’ Valdobbiadene D.O.C.G. Frizzante

Social Media channels:

Facebook: Le Colture Azienda Agricola
Instagram: lecolture_valdobbiadene

Web-site: 

Winery: https://www.lecolture.com/
Hospitality / Agriturismo Prime Gemme: https://www.lecolture.com/hospitality.html

SUZANNE GOIN AND CAROLINE ANNOUNCE OPENING OF A.O.C. IN BRENTWOOD

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LOS ANGELES, California – Chef Suzanne Goin and business partner Caroline Styne, owners and operators of The Lucques Group,  announce that they will open a Westside location of their award-winning restaurant A.O.C. in the space formerly known as Tavern in early May 2021.

Caroline Styne at The Shrine Auditorium on January 24, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Los Angeles Magazine

Located at 11648 San Vicente Boulevard in Brentwood, the restaurant will feature the small plates format that A.O.C. originated with Suzanne’s regularly changing menu inspired by California’s seasons and sourcing products from regional farmers’ markets which helped her win the coveted Outstanding Chef Award from the James Beard Foundation in 2016. Caroline, who similarly won Outstanding Restaurateur in 2018, will curate the wine program that A.O.C. is known for, a large selection of wines available by the glass and carafe and featuring small-production wines from grapes that are either sustainably, organically or biodynamically grown.  The beverage program will feature local beer producers and a seasonal selection of market-driven cocktails.

Overseeing the operation as General Manager is the venerated Matt Duggan, the man who remembers everyone’s name and face and is well recognized for effortlessly running Suzanne and Caroline’s flagship Lucques from 2008 until its closure last March 2020. Hamilton Lyons, former chef de cuisine of Tavern, will lead the A.O.C. culinary team.

The space has been redesigned by the acclaimed LA based design firm Nickey Kehoe who are known for their well-honed aesthetic—a masterful combination of traditional inspiration alongside contemporary elegance, equilibrium, and enchantment. About the project, Nickey Kehoe said, “We took our cues from the charm and warmth of the existing A.O.C. and added those elements to the airy and elegant Brentwood space.” The decor encompasses the addition of cozy booths in the bar room, beautiful fabrics, new color scheme, and a more modern yet intimate vibe. With an eye to the post-Covid future, the space now includes a moody private dining room perfect for gatherings of groups of up to 30 guests. A beautiful new outdoor dining area has been created by local darling Fi Campbell Landscapes who stated, “For A.O.C Brentwood, I imagined a light and airy dining experience, inspired by the colors of our native California chaparral, that would evoke the delightful outdoor cafes of Aix en Provence and Southern Spain.”

“We are incredibly excited about this as we have seen such positive response to A.O.C. at our Third Street location and feel that there is definitely a need for our small plates dining format on the west side “ states Caroline Styne. “After the devastation and tragedy of the past year, we are beyond thrilled to reopen this restaurant with a new concept and vibrant forward-looking energy. We feel so fortunate to have this moment to build on the positivity of the city and country as it comes back to life. And, more than anything, we can’t wait to get our staff back to work!”

A.O.C. in Brentwood will serve dinner nightly from 5:00 p.m. expanding to daily lunch, weekend brunch and breakfast in coming weeks with takeout and delivery options as well.

Opening date and hours to be announced soon.

ABOUT THE LUCQUES GROUP:

With the opening of Lucques, their flagship restaurant, in 1998, James Beard award-winning Chef/Author Suzanne Goin and award-winning Restaurateur Caroline Styne planted the seeds for The Lucques Group, a Los Angeles hospitality company that comprises two fine dining restaurants – A.O.C. in both Los Angeles and Brentwood. Along with these culinary enterprises, the company also operates the Larder Baking Company and comprehensive food services for the Hollywood Bowl. They will operate new restaurants – Caldo Verde and Cara Cara – at the highly anticipated Proper Hotel opening in downtown Los Angeles in 2021. The Lucques Group is dedicated to seasonally influenced cooking and focuses on sourcing local, organic produce from which Goin creates soulful dishes that are bold in flavor, vibrant, layered and complex.

 

A.O.C.

11648 San Vicente Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90049

310.806.6464

For further information and complete menus for A.O.C.,

visit www.aocwinebar.com

 

Please visit Suzanne Goin & Caroline Styne’s restaurants on the Web:

www.thelucquesgroup.com

 

Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne are Social!

Follow Suzanne on Instagram at @SuzanneGoin

Follow Caroline on Instagram at @carolinestyne

Vintage Eve Circa 9/2018: What Wines Would You Stock if You Owned a Wine Bar?

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Recently a pal that used to live in Santa Clarita had called me as he was opening a wine bar where he lives now in Texas. He didn’t want advice on anything other than what wine I would want if I were to visit his bar.

Since he had moved to Texas a few years ago he had been working in real estate, spent some time working in a large wine store, met more ex-pats (people that had come from California too) and ran a large wine tasting group. I didn’t offer any advice on how to open his bar as he had it covered. But I took to Facebook to ask my local pals what they would want stocked in the shelves if they owned a wine bar. They had some really great ideas! These are some of their comments:

THE WINE LIST

This is a compilation of just some of the wines my pals would stock their wine bar with:

Jonata, Potek, Scar of the Sea, True Believer, Andremily, Mail Road, Stolpman, Kimsey, Roark, The Paring, The Hilt, Spear (all Santa Barbara).

So many – Crémant, Melon d’ Bourgogne, Cru Beaujolais, Cahors, Brunello, Valtellina, Vin Santo, Madeira to name a few.

There is never enough Syrah anywhere. Still gets short shrift in the marketplace, which is a shame.

I am a sucker for Roussanne and other Rhone varietals. I love Grenache and Viognier too. Zaca Mesa and Stolpman make fabulous Roussanne.

I would like to see some Gruet Brut Rose or some blends that you can’t buy at a grocery store.

Belle Glos and Domaine Carneros Pinots, plus some Australian, Spanish and Chilean cabs.

Quintarelli, Casanova, Pine Ridge, Ridge, Tolo, Foxen…

On a wine list I look for value since they have to mark it up so much. Burgundy and Barolo would be nice but I’d go to the off the beaten path wines – Cru Beaujolais (France), Ripasso, Valpolicella, Sicilian wines. For those who like big jammy wines – Shiraz! Whites – I like to see Rose from France, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and Sancerre (France). If there is a Somm I give them a price range and let them know what I like. Never have been disappointed.

Bernardus Sauvignon Blanc, Frogs Leap Cab, Rombi Cabernet, Bookenoogen Pinot and Heller Merlot.

Under $100: Cade Cabernet Sauvignon, Campesino Syrahs and Pinot Noirs, Shafer One Point Five, Grgich Hills, Turley Zins, Prisoner, Orin Swift, Patz & Hall pinots, Flowers, Mantanzas Creek Chards, Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, Tablas Creek and Justin.

Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir is hands down one of the best Pinots out there.

Lone Star Wine Cellars and Landon Winery are two wineries in McKinney Texas. I haven’t been there in a few years. But, remember the wines were pretty good. They have tasting rooms in historic downtown McKinney TX.

Also would love to have more orange wines on menus. I’m glad it’s becoming a trend.

Would love to see more wines from Paso Robles and the Santa Ynez area. Roblar in Los Olivos is one of my favorite wineries and reasonably priced in my opinion. There are so many smaller vineyards in both of these areas to explore. Tired of seeing Kendall Jackson and the like in many of the restaurants/wine bars. Pretty much I would love to taste wines that I would not be able to find at Bev Mo, not that they have bad wines, but just not interesting ones…

Le Vigne Vineyards has some wonderful wines, Justin cabs of course, Clos Solene, L’Aventure and RN Estate are some of my favorites. All from Paso.

Justin makes a great Malbec I have been enjoying! I’m typically a Cab girl myself.

For whites: Dry Rieslings (German or Alsatian), Sancerre, South African Sauvignon Blanc, and Austrian Gruner Veltliner (as opposed to Hungarian). For reds: I love the less stereotypical Italian reds such as Nero D’Avola and pretty much any red from the Piedmont region.

I’m always excited to see Barbera and GSM’s when I visit a place that I am planning to drink wine at. I also enjoy having a good port or cream sherry available if I am visiting the wine bar after dinner and I want to end the night with a dessert-like treat.

Where wines started … Italy!

I have a rather long list, but most are red wines from the Paso Robles region, Lompoc and Santa Ynez regions as well: Longoria Wines, Tercero Wines, Eberle Winery, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, Amalie Vineyards in Oregon, Ascension, Bass Note Sangria, Sanford, Sculpterra, Castlerock, Cutruzzola Vineyards, Joel Gott, Cass, Hoi Polloi Winery, San Antonio Winery (official), Michael David…I love all reds, depending on winery, but my go tos are usually Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Cab, Beaujolais, and red blends. I love our California wines!

Something interesting and different. Also some local TX wines.

From me: This is ONE of my own picks, because I voted for it as our Best of Show at the Global Wine Awards, from Martellotto Winery: https://martellotto.com/products/martellotto-riserva-il-capoccia-happy-canyon-of-santa-barbara

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.