.::|TheDish|::.

Eastern Standard: Boston's Best Cocktails

We went to Eastern Standard the other night to celebrate one of my company's founders' birthday, and I knew they were known for their cocktails, but OMG are they amazing! The list is endless, and somewhat cryptic like:

Hanky Panky
This one's for Jane Doe

Aviation
Fasten your seat belts

I guess you can make some assumptions as to what the ingredients may be from the section headers like "Standards", "Infusion", "Heritage", etc. but it kind of forces you to either drive your waitress mad by requesting a recipe each time you order, or just take a bit of a risk. I tried the Au Provence, a gimlet of tarragon and lime, and it was delicious, and then I tried the Old Cuban, an evocative mix of rum, lime, mint and bubbles. This is by far my favorite drink, like ever. But then again, there's a hundred others on the menu to sample still!

I have yet to try the food, however I loved the cocktails so much that I proposed Eastern Standard for a get together this weekend with past-life colleagues. Yes, that's twice in one week. It's that good.

CORE Vodka

We got out of town this weekend at last, to a resort in New Paltz, NY (more on that later), and on our way, we took a slight detour to catch up with Derek Grout, a long-time best bud in the Hudson Valley. I know Derek from the inception of my interactive marketing career; he was the Ivy league educated cool Web designer dude who always had an energetic smile and a hell of a story to tell. One of the biggest stories I'd say was his decision to leave the quasi-monotonous 9-5 lifestyle and return to his roots – quite literally – in upstate New York. The Grout family has been operating a successful apple farm, Golden Harvest Farms, for decades, and Derek felt it was time to give a little back by turning his passion, creativity, and hard work away from the computer screen and daily grind and start investing in the most important thing possible: his family and their business.

Derek's return to Golden Harvest Farms pumped a new and immediate vitality into the family orchard: he painted colorful signs to help market the farm's fruit and local produce; ran orchard tractor rides for pick your own; and, simply brought life and a helping hand to the farm. But leave it to Derek and his entrepreneurial spirit to take his personal journey just one step further. He began talking about a new idea 2 years or so ago. Why not take those thousands of tons of cider apples that would otherwise be sent to Pennsylvania or elsewhere for cider production and instead ferment the cider, and create one of the finest spirits in the world, vodka.

After months of educating, perfecting, and distilling, Derek's intense labor, passion and commitment brings all of us vodka lovers alike a libation that simply is like no other: CORE Vodka, produced by Harvest Spirits, LLC. No, it's not an apple flavored vodka, but rather it is a smooth, clean spirit, best served over ice or straight up as a martini. From the website:

Harvest Spirits is one of the only distilleries in the country that makes alcohol from the products grown on-site. That means, the apples are grown, where they are pressed, fermented, distilled and bottled at the same location. The benefits are obvious. Not only do we conserve fossil fuels needed to transport the alcohol, we control the entire process, from field to bottle.

The official product launch is May 1, and CORE Vodka will be available in NY state only, for now. I encourage you to take the 2 hour trip from Boston or New York City to the farm to check out the distillery, sample some vodka, and get a tour from none other than Derek Grout himself. Oh, be sure to test out the cider donuts, pick up some fresh produce, and sink your chops into one of the many succulent apple varietals. I'm getting thirsty and hungry now :).

Congrats to my bud for making his dreams a reality and an amazing vodka for the rest of us to enjoy... I'll drink to that!

Harvest Spirits LLC
harvestspirits.com
Golden Harvest Farms
goldenharvestfarms.com
3074 US Route 9
Valatie, NY 12184

To set up a tour of the distillery and farm, call Golden Harvest Farms at 518-758-2920 or Derek Grout at 518-253-5917.

Vodka and Caviar at Brix

'Tis the season for tastings! BRIX, my favorite wine shop in Boston, is turning four tomorrow and celebrating with a (free!) Zyr vodka, caviar & champagne tasting. You know where I will be, so I'll see you there? Here's the det's:

Zyr Vodka, Caviar & Champagne
Thursday, December 20th, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

BRIX
1284 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02118
617.542.BRIX (2749)
brixwineshop@verizon.net

Holiday Party Menu - Comfort Food

We are throwing a holiday cocktail party this Tuesday night and am expecting about 20-25 of my colleagues and a few significant others to attend. The menu consists of some staple apps like a cheese and sausage plate with fresh figs & grapes, seared flank steak with carmelized onion and horseradish cream on mini toasts, and smoked salmon, dill, caper, & cream cheese "lollipops". However, I am testing out some comfort food tidbits, to help coat the bellies as we sip champagne splashed with pomegranate. Here are the new additions:

Italian Cocktail Meatballs with Herbs and Ricotta (above pic)
Ridiculous Truffle Mac & Cheese

I love testing out new recipes; if they are a flop, there's always pizza delivery :)

Announcing: Sip & Savor Blog

I am so excited to officially announce the launch of a new blog: Sip & Savor. It's the collaborative effort of myself and 5 fabulous friends (Zoe, Julie, Jess, Jessica, Amanda), and will feature recipes, wine recommendations, and restaurant reviews (TheDish will still live on!). Be sure to check back frequently for special foodie finds that are sure to help out with your holiday menus and entertaining.

Brix Annual Port and Chocolate Tasting

Tonight BRIX wine shop is holding their (free) Annual Port and Chocolate Tasting, featuring Taza's Stone Ground Organic Chocolate, made in a chocolate studio in Somerville, paired with Ramos Pinto, including their 20 Year Tawny. I have one word: YUM!!! I will not be able to make the event tonight, but I beg one of my readers to attend and let me know how it is!

 

BRIX
1284 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02118
617.542.BRIX (2749)
brixwineshop@verizon.net

Iona Sauvignon Blanc

It's hot, and I have another perfect recommendation for a refreshing Summer Sauvignon Blanc: Iona,  2006, from South Africa. I refuse to pretend that I am a white wine expert, so here's the descriptor from the Iona website:

A shockingly good marriage between Old and New World Sauvignon blanc. Upfront exotic green fruit flavours with prominent flint, chalk and minerals. The entry shows ripe fruit, the finish is dry with great length. Friendly already, with a track record that promises huge aging potential, this wine is destined to have great appeal.

$15.99 @ Brix.

Watermelon Basil Martini

I have officially found my "summer cocktail". You know, when its blistering hot outside, you've had a hectic day, and you are so eager to meet your friends on a patio in the city, and sip that favorite thirst-quenching, stress-relieving, choice smile-sparking libation? Ok, or you just want a good drink. Well, I found it! It's the the watermelon-basil martini at Toro (it has a catchy name, just can't recall it)! I am not a fan of sweet drinks, so I was hesitant to give this a whirl. I was pleasantly surprised to learn its sans simple syrup, and just the combination of all-natural muddled watermelon (at 92% water, sweet it's really not), fresh basil, and organic vodka with a light basil sugar around the rim. The final product? Refreshing, quenching, yummy and potentially very dangerous :) !!!

St. Supery Wine Club: March/April

Happy Saturday! We just received our first St. Supery wine club shipment, since our visit to the Valley in January. What a fabulous way to kick off the weekend! We received:

2006 Sauvignon Blanc
This will be the perfect way to celebrate the first summer scorcher; its the classic Sauvignon Blanc. The St Supery Wine Club Newsletter describes it as "another hit in a long history of white wines from St. Supery. There is plenty of elegant lime juice, honeysuckle and fresh pineapple in the aroma. On the palate flavors of ruby grapefruit, lime and straw fill the mouth. It is refreshing, lively and persistent. 100% Sauvignon Blanc." Retails at $20.

2003 Elu Napa Valley
I am intrigued by this wine, inspired by the Meritiage blending technique. A gold label on the bottle notes "The Divine Collection", and its available first to wine club members. I'm thinking his one will stay in the collection & age for a bit. According to the newsletter, "The 2003 Elu is an amazing wine. There is a great depth of both aroma and flavor. The wine begins with hints of coco, blackberries and toasted oak and continues with hints of kirsch and black cherries. The finish conjures  up a lively burst of ripe fruit and supple tannins. Elegant, supple and gracefully balanced, this one is not to be missed. Drink now -2013. 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 4% Petite Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec." Retails at $60.

Peju Wine Club: First Delivery

Join a Peju Club!

Yesterday we recieved our first quarterly shipment from the Peju "Napa Valley White & Red" wine club. We received the:

2003 Cabernet Sauvignon
2003 Merlot
2005 Carignane

At Peju, there are three wine clubs to chose from and members enjoy the following benefits:

• Quarterly shipments of three bottles of wine   
• 10% discount on quarterly wine shipments   
• 15% discount on shipped cases   
• 20% discount on cases taken from the winery
• Free tours and tastings at the winery 
• First purchase options of new releases, futures and limited quantity wines   
• Invitations to special wine club events

What I love about Peju - aside from the wine - is that its a boutique vineyard. When we visited in January, they treated us as friends, rather than selling to us like customers; that's more than can be said for some of the bigger names in the Valley.

I think wine clubs are great, as each delivery is, in a sense, a treat and a surprise. Now, if we could just recieve our St. Supery shipment, most likely held-up by the new (and annoying) MA state laws, we'd be set!

Starting a Wine Collection, Finally!

Finally, we made the one purchase that all wine lovers must have: a wine cooler. Considering the varying temps in this city, its so important to preserve your favorite bottles in a climate controlled space. After returning from Napa, we decided to officially start a real wine collection. Its been something that I have always wanted to do and I am so passionate about wine, but truthfully, every time I tried I ended up drinking the first bottle in the to-be collection. Oops.

So hopefully, with this new purchase (and a lock on the door...kidding!), we will be able to collect, and even enjoy, some fabulous bottles. So far, we have a solid 9 out of the possible 45 placements in the fridge, ranging from boutique labels like Owen Roe, to the big players like Opus One. I am so excited to be able to build on this passion, and someday (probably a distant one), be able to migrate a stellar collection to a real wine cellar.

First Drop Mother's Milk is Fabulous!

Don't worry, this is a post about wine!

If you are looking for another great wine with an eye-catching and memorable label to take to a cocktail party, then you really should pick up a bottle of First Drop Mother's Milk (label to the right -->). With a full-body, velvet texture, aromas of strawberry, blackberry, and a hint of chocolate and licorice, this Australian Shiraz is amazing! The label is that of a classic comic strip, and details a short history of how Mother's Milk came to be. The wine is about $21 at Brix, however, I just found it on a site for $13.99. Trust me, if you love to pair steak, lamb or a rich pasta with a bold, berry red but don't want to break the wine-bank, you HAVE to try this bottle.

A B*tchin' Wine

I remember reading how there are strict regulations on exactly what can be on a wine label; nothing provocative, offensive, and no "dirty" words. Well, I was shocked, and truthfully so excited, to see this bottle as part of the Brix pix of the week; I guess the label-laws have relaxed! Yes, its "Bitch", an Australian Grenache produced by Chris Ringland of Three Rivers and imported by Dan Philips of the Grateful Palate. The back of the label is hysterical; its says "bitch" 77 times followed by "some more":

So, yes, I had to purchase one for myself (2005 @ $12/bottle), and another for a good friend that seems to be passionate about, well, saying whatever is on her mind :). And the wine is actually quite amazing for the price: ruby; cherry; strawberry; a hint of spice; chocolate. Its a definite must to have in your collection, if just for the bitchin' label.

BRIX Tastings

Just want to send out a reminder to my fellow wine-lovers that BRIX, a boutique wine shop in the South End, has fabulous tastings every weekend; they have also added fabulous weekday tastings for the holidays! I suggest you swing by for a sip or two, some social chatter, and then visit one of the amazing restaurants in the SoWa area: Oishii (sushi); The Franklin Cafe (Modern American); Union (Contemporary New England); Pho Republique (Southeast Asian); Stella (Italian); Toro (Spanish); The Red Fez (The Middle East/Mediterranean); Cafe Umbra (Country French & Italian); Seiyo (Sushi); Equator (Thai).

On the December tasting menu at BRIX:

Friday, December 1st:
Pinot Noir picks for the Holidays from Oregon, California, and France

Saturday, December 2nd:
The French ABC’s from Alsace, Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Champagne

Tuesday, December 5th:
The End of Prohibition with Plymouth Gin: meet the Master Distiller

Wednesday, December 6th:
BRIX by Night—Champagne and Caviar, 8pm: $75. Reservations required (YUM!!!!!!!!)

Friday, December 8th:
Port, Chocolate, and Cheese: various styles and years of port from different producers paired with a selection of chocolates and cheeses from Formaggio. (YUM AGAIN!!!!!!!!)

Saturday, December 9th:
Rudera Winery—South Africa: including Chenin Blanc, Cabernet, and Syrah

Tis the season for tasting and gluttonous behavior! Cheers!

BRIX
1284 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02118
617.542.BRIX (2749)
brixwineshop@verizon.net

O-Riedel

I am always looking for the perfect, functional gift for a family member or friend, and other folks are always asking me for advice on cool gift-giving. Well, I have the perfect suggestion for a sophisticated wine connoisseur who is also a new parent. Made by Riedel, Austrian fine-glass makers, the glasses from the "O" wine series are missing something - the stem! These tumblers have the elegant and sophisticated design that's Reidel's signature, but are also perfect for daily wine drinking and particularly perfect for households that have little adventurous ones constantly getting their fingers into everything. So rather than downgrading your glassware when you have kids, just go for something classy but functional! The glasses are available in different sizes, associated with the different grape varietals: Cabernet/Merlot; Pinot/Nebbiolo; Syrah/Shiraz; Chardonnay; Viognier/Chardonnay; Riesling/Sauvignon.

Rustico Nino Franco

In celebration of Mike completing the Internal Medicine Boards (he doesn’t receive his score for a few weeks, but lets just say, the brainiac was the first to exit the test center a couple hours early!), I served up a tasty sample of cheese, meat and fois gras pate with crusty French bread, all from Formaggio. Additionally, we sipped some bubbly, specifically Rustico Ni no Franco ($16), a light, crisp and dry prosecco from Frill-Veneers Giulia, Italy that we tasted and really enjoyed a few weeks back at a Brix wine tasting. Prosecco is Italy's answer to French champagne, and tends to be quite cost efficient; if it's a good one, you may not know the difference, and this one is spectacular! A friend popped by and sealed the deal with some fresh figs, another bottle of Nino Franco, and organic pomegranate juice to add color and a mild sweetness to our flutes. Nights like these are undoubtedly among my favorites.

Simon Pearce Madison Carafe

Today we received a beautiful gift from Mike's parents, Esther and Carl, as thanks for a fabulous weekend in Boston 2 weeks ago. From Simon Pearce, this elegant hand-blown decanter will undoubtedly aerate our Reds to perfection, as well as assuredly be put to great use! Thanks so much, Esther and Carl, we love it!

The Perfect Pear Martini

Union restaurant serves up one of the best martinis in town, perfect for these hot summer nights. Tonight, we went beyond replicating their Pear Martini at home, we perfected it.

Union ingredients, as explained by our friend Lee, the bartender at Union, is Skyy Vodka, pear liqueur (not sure what brand), and Yoga Pear Nectar (clearly a word-scramble for Goya!), garnished with a sweet canned pear slice.

Our ingredients added a twist of freshness. We stepped it up a notch to Chopin vodka, my personal favorite, Mathilde French Pear Liqueur, and yes, fresh, home-made "secret recipe" pear puree; shaken vigorously, and then garnished with a slice of Bosc pear. Yum!

Now that we are over the guinea pig stage, can't wait to serve this masterpiece to our next guests.

Henri Bourgeois 'Petit Bourgeois' Sauvignon Blanc

As I continue to taste whites this summer, I came across another crisp, dry Sauvignon Blanc that I highly recommend for those summer swelters: Henri Bourgeois 'Petit Bourgeois' Sauvignon Blanc (Vin de Pays du Jardin de France). Green, citrus, easy to sip with a slight essence, this French wine is from the Henri Bourgeois domaine in Chavignol, France, a town famous for its goat's cheese - Crottin de Chavignol. At the easy cost of $11.99 at Brix, it's perfect for simple summer sipping.

Le Peu De La Moriette Vouvray 2004

So, I have only recently become a fan of white wine, and I will not pretend as though I am knowledgeable of the vintages, regions, etc., to say the least. However, I am slowly learning that my summertime taste buds are pleasured by the crispy, dryer whites, with citrus tones over the buttery, rich chardonnays. I picked up a bottle of 2004 Domaine Pichot  Le Peu De La Moriette Vouvray 2004 ($14.99) at Formaggio. YUM!!!!

All wines in the Loire Valley, Vouvray region of France are of the Chenin Blanc varietal. Here is a little write-up I found on the vintage and vine site:

Domaine Pichot is an amalgamation of the properties of the father (Jean-Claude) ‘Coteau de la Biche’ and the son (Christophe) ‘Peu de la Moriette’, hence the different labels bearing the name Pichot. The estate is now run by Christophe. Pichot’s wines are well known for the brilliant quality of the stunning sweet wines, although their dry and demi-sec wines are also superb. They have an enormous capacity to age gracefully with careful cellaring conditions. These are remarkably good value wines that will also provide great satisfaction from a young age.

Commanderie de Peyrassol Rosé, 2005

I have officially turned over a new leaf in my passion for wine. The stereotype of pink wine, e.g. White Zin, being sweet, cheap, and for the inexperienced wine enthusiast is no more.

I just returned from a wine tasting at Brix, my favorite wine boutique and neighbor. On the menu tonight: Rosé. I tasted 5 different wines, ranging from a pale peachy pink to a bright, strawberry-colored red, and not one would I define as "sweet". Some more tannic, some drier, and yes, one was sweeter in the relative sense. I left with, and am now enjoying, the Commanderie de Peyrassol (2005), Cotes de Provence ($19.99). Crisp, dry, with an engaging balance of strawberry, peach and rose petals, this fine rosé is a blend of the Syrah, Grenache, and Cinsault varietals. I learned that, although Rose is still "good" aged, its best drunk when its produced, so don't be swayed by a young year (this is a 2005). I strongly suggest breaking away from the red streak and trying a cool glass; perfect for those sultry summer days.