I recently met with Ginger Dollins, regional representative for Domaine Serene, one of the premier wineries in Willamette Valley and one of my personal favorites, to try their new releases and learn a little bit more about how this winery has jumped to the head of the pack for Pinot Noir producers from the region.
Over a leisurely lunch at The Commissary we talked about the vision of Domaine Serene owners Ken and Grace Evenstad, now celebrating their 20th anniversary creating elegant Chardonnay and ultra premium Pinot Noir in Willamette’s Dundee Hills. Involved in every aspect of wine production from the vineyard to the winery, their goal has always been to make the best Pinot Noir from the region, using sustainable practices, and a hands off approach allowing the terrior to shine through in their wine. They have been successful, as they have received acclaimfrom both national and international critics saying they are the “Chateau Lafite of Oregon” by Anthony Dias blue, the best Oregon Pinot Noir producer by The Wall Street Journal and outstanding by Robert Parker. Continue reading "What to Drink Now: Domaine Serene"
Tomorrow night South American wine lovers should run to Pogo’s for an exciting tasting of wines of TGIC Importers including some great ones out of Chile and Argentina, including Montes M Montes Alpha Bordeaux style blend from Colchaqua Valley, Chile;Santa Ema Catalina Bordeaux style blend from Rapel Valley, Chile; Achaval Ferrer Quimera Bordeaux style blend from Mendoza, Argentina; and Pascual Toso Cabernet Sauvignon from Mendoza, Argentina, to name a few. Winemakers from some of the wineries will be on hand to answer questions and discuss their wine. The tasting is complimentary and lasts from 5pm-8pm tomorrow.
Our staff photographer Elizabeth “Spider Monkey” Lavin attended Taste Addison 2011 on Saturday night. She files food porn: Continue reading "Food Porn From Taste Addison 2011"
2 Comments »I was having dinner with some friends the other night who write a blog. They don’t do it because they want to, they do it because their company makes them. That usually isn’t the case with people who blog about food. Chances are people are motivated to blog about food because they are passionate about food and the cooking, baking, or eating of said food. Most food bloggers start out all warm and fuzzy and write until their fingers are done to a crisp. Slowly, they lose momentum. Why? Because it’s hard. Not just the writing, it’s tough to come up with fresh ideas and new words to describe fish without using succulent forty ways to Sunday. Once you write a blog, learn how to take pictures, and conquer whatever program you are attempting to post from, you’d probably like to get someone outside of your immediate circle of friends and family to read it. Or maybe you’d like to make some money or get a book deal. If you figure any of that, please feel free to pass it along in the comments section.
Anywhoo, this morning I came across an interesting post on Sarah Henry’s Bay Area Bites blog. She offers advice for struggling (succulent) food bloggers. Henry maintains “talent and ideas count, so does experience, connections, timing, and, frankly, a bit of luck.”
To that I would add: have an opinion, get a good therapist, and find someone to sell you wine wholesale. Questions?
6 Comments »Dallas-based Lebanese chef Joumana Accad creates delicious spring recipes using locally grown seasonal foods. When farmer’s markets across the nation open and fresh, natural foods are plentiful Accad’s makes the most of fresh herbs, roasted spring vegetables, and grilled meats. In her blog, TasteofBeirut.com, Accad touts the benefits of Mediterranean cooking using Dallas’ fresh, local produce.
“Shopping at local farmers’ markets supports your local growers and allows you to pick the freshest food right from the farm,” says Accad. “Fresh food tastes amazing and retains all of its vitamin and minerals. And even better, fresh vegetables need the lightest preparation to bring out their natural sweetness.”
Accad has created a delightful spring menu using all things found at Dallas Farmers Market. So grab a glass of wine, set a table outside, and enjoy a Mediterranean holiday right from your kitchen.
jump for her farmers market recipes… Continue reading "Dallas’ Lebanese Chef Joumana Accad Wants You to Make the Most of the Farmers Market"
2 Comments »I have missed the food served at La Palapa Veracruzana since owners Raul and Olga Reyes closed the Veracruz-style Mexican restaurant in the fall of 2009. There have been several (eventually false) reports of an imminent reopening. On Friday, the opening was real. Thanks to the help from some friends, Raul and Olga, are back in business at the same location but with a new name, Mesa. I was worried the new restaurant would abandon the commitment to authenticity and excellence in execution that characterized the original. Fortunately, my fears were unfounded.
It turns out Raul’s real job is construction and one of his clients is Bolsa, the iconic farm-to-table restaurant a few blocks away on Davis. Raul routinely fixes Bolsa’s a/c ans plumbing. Chris Zielke, co-owner of Bolsa and Smoke, and Nick Zukin, the Portland blogger and co-owner of of Kenny and Zuke’s Delicatessen, volunteered their services to help Raul and Olga resurrect their restaurant. Bolsa bartender Eddie ‘Lucky’ Campbell also tossed in some time to develop the cocktail menu. (Don’t miss the luscious house-made spiked horchata.)
Jump for the happy ending. Continue reading "With a Little Help From Their Friends, Raul and Olga Reyes Open Mesa in Oak Cliff"
9 Comments »
Storm Troopers: Maddie Rembecki, Chandler Morgan and Drew Lucas enjoy complimentary panchos (a hot commodity) from 96.3 KSCS radio station. photo by Desiree Espada.
Intrepid photography intern Desiree Espada didn’t let a little, okay a lot, of rain stop her from her assignment to cover opening night at Taste Addison. After a downpour, vendors encouraged hungry customers to hang in their food tents. The wine and margaritas flowed and when the skies cleared, a rainbow flooded the sky. Desiree files this photographic report.
Continue reading "Rain Dampens Friday Night at Taste Addison"