Below the jump are more details of some of the events. For the full calendar, click here. Go Texan. And Texas wine.

TEXAS WINE AND WILDFLOWERS – A PERFECT PAIR FOR WINE TRAILS

Spring Wine Trail Events in Texas Bring Together Lone Star State’s Wine Culture

with Celebrated Bluebonnets and Other Wildflower Varieties

AUSTIN – March 3, 2010 – The Texas wine country offers hundreds of thriving vineyards complete with scenic vistas, beautiful wildflowers and relaxing scenery along the Texas wine trails.

“Each year, the wildflowers across Texas bring a season of changing blooms that complement our state’s friendly, relaxing wine culture,” said Bobby Champion, Jr., state coordinator for wine marketing. “The uniquely Texas flowers make for incredible surroundings as winery visitors take advantage of our growing wine trails and their exciting seasonal events.”

Three of Texas’ wine trails host wildflower events, each with its own spin on celebrating the seasonal blossoms:

Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail – Visitors follow this trail’s namesake flower as they make their way to seven wineries, April 3-4, April 10-11 or April 17-18. Cost is $25 per person or $45 per couple. The wineries along the trail will offer a select pairing of two wines and two specially crafted cheese dishes prepared with Texas cheeses from local artisans.

Texas Hill Country Wineries – Trail participants experience award-winning wines and the picturesque Texas spring along the state’s largest winery trail, April 9-11 and 16-18. Cost is $35 per person or $60 per couple for complimentary tastings and cheese pairings at each of the trail’s 24 wineries, wildflower seed packets and a 15-percent discount on three-bottle purchases.

Way Out Wineries – This trail is described as a “road trip” as guests experience both the area’s blossoms and eight wineries while enjoying pasta and wine pairings, April 30-May 2. Cost is $20 per person for complimentary tastings and food and wine pairings.

Beginning as early as March, wildflowers bloom in phases, yielding a large variety throughout the course of a season.

“There are fields in early spring that are so covered in bluebonnets that you think there is a lake out there,” said Karen Johnson, president and co-owner of Alamosa Wine Cellars in Bend and president of the Way Out Wineries. “At the beginning of wildflower season, you can expect to see the entire field in front of our vineyard covered with coreopsis. Then it transitions to Indian paintbrushes and primrose; then orange-hued flowers dominate with fire wheels and Indian blankets, followed by yellow daisies, purple horsemint and verbenas.”

Visitors to Texas wineries can pick up the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Texas Winery Passport, which offers rewards, including Texas wine accessories, gourmet winery dinners and group wine tastings, for visiting four or more wineries.

Texas is the fifth-largest wine-producing state in the nation with more than 180 wineries.

For more information about the Texas wine trails or Texas wine industry, go to www.gotexanwine.org. You can also follow GO TEXAN for Texas winery news and events on Facebook and Twitter.

Gina Puente-Brancato (owner La Buena Vida Vineyards, Grapevine, TX), Carol Ritchie (“Cookin’ with Carol” TV cooking show host), Cristianna Ginatta (owner Paciugo Gelato), Janice Provost (Chef/Owner Parigi), Sharon Hage (Chef/Owner York Street), and Paul Lambert (Mozzarella Company).

Inside scoop: You can get some of the best food and travel bargains in town at the silent auction tables during the annual Les Dames d’Escoffier Raiser Grazer. (One year I “won” four nights at a darling boutique hotel in Jamaica for $250, half of what they charge for one night.)

Anywhoo, the next LDE Raiser Grazer will take place on Sunday, February 28th at the Fashion Industry Gallery from 6-9:00 p.m. This year’s theme “Women Stars of Wine & Food” will showcase just that—Dallas area chefs and wine gals doing their thing. Tickets to the Les Dames Raiser Grazer are $50 after February 26 and at the door. However they are available  NOW onlinefor $45.

Jump for full details. Follow Les Dames on Facebook.   for up to the minute news.

DALLAS CHAPTER OF LES DAMES D’ESCOFFIER PRESENTS

21ST RAISER GRAZER “WOMEN STARS OF WINE & FOOD”

Proceeds Provide Scholarships and Programs for Women in Food, Wine, and Hospitality Industry

DALLAS-January 20, 2010 – After a one year hiatus, the Dallas-Fort Worth Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier will resume its popular tradition of the Raiser Grazer on Sunday, February 28 at the Fashion Industry Gallery from 6-9 p.m.  Gloria Campos, news anchor for WFAA-TV, will be the MC for the evening.  Les Dames d’Escoffier is an international organization of professional women in the fields of food, fine beverage, and hospitality.  The Raiser Grazer is one of the original Dallas “dine around” fundraisers.

This year’s Grazer, “Women Stars of Wine & Food,” is a Who’s Who of women who have redefined a new era in wine and culinary arts.  The event will feature stars of the wine industry including California’s Joy Sterling (Iron Horse Vineyards), Dolores Cakebread  (Cakebread Cellars), Janet Trefethen (Trefethen Family Vineyards), Robin Lail, Lail Vineyards,  Amelia Ceja, Ceja Vineyards and Kathryn Hall (Hall Wines), as well as our own Texas wine luminaries –  Susan Auler (Fall Creek Vineyards), Gina Puente-Brancato (La Buena Vida Vineyards and La Bodega Wineries), and Caris Turpen (Lightcatcher Winery).  In addition to wine tasting, more than 20 women chefs and culinary professionals will offer samplings of food.  The evening will feature a silent auction of culinary classes, private dinners, fine wines and more.

Some of the chefs appearing at the 2010 Raiser Grazer include Sharon Hage/York Street, Dunia Borga/ La Duni, Cristiana Ginatta/Paciugo, Paula Lambert/Mozzarella Company, Janice Provost/Parigi, and Michelle Hudson and Andrea Hagar /Food Company (see attached for a complete list).

The group has raised more than $1 million for deserving women.  Funds raised will benefit the Dallas Chapter’s established scholarship programs and endowments at five colleges and universities in Texas for women in the food, wine and hospitality industries.

Tickets to the Les Dames Raiser Grazer are $50 after February 26 and at the door or available online in advance for $45.  The website address is www.LDEDallas.org.

Entrance and valet parking for the Raiser Grazer at The Fashion Industry Gallery (F.I.G.) is on North Akard directly across from The Fairmont Hotel (between Ross and Munger).

Participating Chefs

Kay Agnew – Margaux’s A Restaurant by Design

Liz Baron – Blue Mesa Grill

Dunia Borga – La Duni

Shari Carlson – Dessert Dreams

Tsuki Caspary Brooks – State and Allen Lounge / Savory Catering

Chena Civello – Civello’s Raviolismo

Mynetta Cockerell – Milestone Culinary Arts Center

Cristiana Ginatta – Paciugo Gelato & Caffè

Sharon Hage – York Street Restaurant

Michelle Hudson and Andrea Hagar – Food Company

Bonnie Itzig – Globex America

Mary Kimbrough – Food Roots

Paula Lambert – Mozzarella Company

Jennifer Brightman Moschel – Brightman Moschel Culinary Consulting

June Naylor & Lisa Perini – Cowgirl Cooking from Perini Ranch Steakhouse

Louise Owens – Windmill Lounge

Janice Provost – Parigi

Lori Finkelman Short – SODEXHO

Wendy Taggart – Burgundy Pasture Beef

Sharon Van Meter – Texas Chefs Association

The students of El Centro College’s Food and Hospitality Services Institute

Sacred Cellars. On January 21, from 7 to 9:00 pm, you can Meet the Krupps over at Sacred Cellars. Well, you won’t really meet any of the real brothers behind the Krupp Brothers label, but will be able to chat with their esteemed winemaker Nigel Kinsman and taste some elegant wines from Napa Valley. Reserve a spot now: paul@sacredcellars.com.

FUQUA Wines. Lee Fuqua has four new wines bottled and ready to go: 2007 Extreme Chardonnay, 2006 Syrah, 2006 Merlot, and 2006 Zinfandel. Hey Lee, tell us a little about your wine! “The Chardonnay is an extreme wine that was aged in French oak, sur lie, for 14 months. The Syrah and Merlot are made from grapes from the Central Coast of California near Paso Robles. The Zinfandel grapes came from Napa Valley.” Tasting is free at winery behind Home Depot on Lemmon Avenue near Mockingbird. Call Lee at 214-769-1147 if you want more details. (January hours for FUQUA are below the jump.)Monday               Varies, best to call
Tuesday             Varies, best to call
Wednesday       3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Thursday            3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Friday                  3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday           Noon – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday*            Noon – 5:00 p.m.
If you have any questions, please call Lee at (214) 769-1147.

* We will not be open on Sunday January 17, 2010, because of the Dallas Cowboys football playoff game.  GO COWBOYS

Get down and mushroom-y with Tom Spicer.

Bring your own wine to Spiceman’s Absolutely Unusual Culinary Extravaganza. For those of you still using Morton’s salt, Spiceman is Tom Spicer, forager and procurer of all-things-produce. His wonderfully offbeat shop, Spiceman’s FM 1410, is next to Jimmy’s Food Store and Urbano Café in East Dallas. This Saturday (November 21) Spiceman will teach a few cooking classes. Festivities kick off at 10:30 a.m. with roux making and continue with wild mushroom paella cooked by The Spiceman over a bonfire and duck and Andouille gumbo by David Anthony. Spiceman says,  “Come dine, bring yo wine and loose yo mind at Spiceman’s Gumbo ‘n da Garden!” Wild mushrooms? Oh, yes. 1410-B Fitzhugh. 214-954-7974.
Jump for Spiceman’s current inventory.

We also have many “garden salads” to harvest for you such as:

Pea Tendrils, Sunflower Sprouts, Micro Cilantro, Petite Asian Mustards and French lettuces,  Nasturtium leaves, red veined Sorrel (aka in some places as “Hearts of fire”)

Baby Soul Greens ~ Red Kale, Curley Mustards, Baby Spinach, Petite Red Cabbage and Buck Wheat leaves with an “Otay Panky” vinaigrette.

Southern Field Greens ~ Baby Escarole, Red  veined Sorrel, Red and Green Romaine as well as Lollo Rossa red leaf lettuce.

Asian Lolita Greens ~ Baby Mizuna, Red Mustards, Tatsoi, Malabar Spinach, Nasturtium leaves, pepper cress and more.

Local, Organic produce on hand:

Sunchokes retail @ $6# wholesale at $17.50/5#

Wild and Cultivated Exotic ’shrooms…pitch til ya win @ $10/8oz the choice is yours (or ours), Chanterelles, Porcinni, Hedge Hogs, Baby Shiitake, Shimejii, Piopinni, Burgundy Chanterelles aka Pigs Ears, King Oyster, Chicken O Woods, Domestic Black Trumpets …there, that’s a snap shot of what I see right this second…maybe more or less but always fresh….

Tons of lettuces and fresh herbs with locally grown, certified organic Nappa Cabbage, Braising Greens and Arugula, Elephant Garlic, Smoked and pickled red jalapenos

Louisiana Citrus is on the way in time for Thanksgiving…Satsumas, Tangeloes, Meyer Lemons, Kumquats. We’ll have limited availability of stem and leaf for fruit amenity baskets so please order in advance @ $4#

Warning: Some fancy turkeys are vain.

Several area farmers are raise raising heritage and pastured birds. Here’s a link to some. A loyal Disher asks the obvious question:

Have you eaten one of these heritage birds?  I’d love to hear from someone who has.  My big question is this… will it be worth the extra cost to buy a heritage turkey when I’m not wild about turkey to begin with?  Will a heritage bird make me love this Thanksgiving tradition or should I just stick with a crown rib roast?

More than a bushel to me.

Farmer Jerry Tucker and his family have been living and raising produce in the Ennis area since 1959.  From 1972 to 1995, they were the proprietors of Tucker’s Grocery in nearby Garrett where they sold produce they raised themselves in a nearby garden. They’re out of the grocery store business but the continue to grow crops.

Today, Eatgreendfw.com. announces a newly formed Community Supported Agriculture program. If you become a $500 shareholder you will receive 32 weeks of home grown vegetables. For around  $16 a week you’ll get a half bushel with about 20 pounds of seasonal vegetables every week for at least 32 weeks. And, depending on the growing season and Tucker Farms planned greenhouses, the season could be longer! Check out the details and other market information at Eatgreendfw.com.

Thank you Cartoonstock!

I was going to do a roundup of all of the places you can pick up free-wheeling turkeys touting the big “O” but I was just informed that Kim Pierce has already done so. Here is what that turkeyette has to say.

She shoots. We score.

I’ve written about my love affair with Kiepersol Estates Semillon 2007 before. It’s a nice soft wine with undertones of pineapple, mango, and grapefruit (Hi, Leslie!). Last month, D photographer Elizabeth “Spider Monkey” Lavin and I headed out to Kiepersol and spent the day picking grapes and watching the crew as they began to process the 2009 wines. If you haven’t been to the tasting room at Kiepersol which is just south of Tyler, you should go now–October is Texas Wine Month–and sip some wine  on the back porch. Better yet, you can read the travel feature I just completed with the details of the property’s bed and breakfast, upscale steak restaurant, and the best stocked bar between Dallas and Houston. It’s a great place to get away for a couple of days. Especially if you love good food and wine.

Sugar cookie with Key lime glaze.

Anybody tried ZitaCookies on Old Denton Road in Foodie Town, I mean, Carrollton? It’s a mom shop (pop has another job) dedicated to baking fresh cookies. Owner Zita DeGraffenreid delivers in town, mails orders all over the place, and offers a Cookie of the Month program. Check it out and report back. 972-245-4100.

Oh, it gets worse. Check out the blog post from Chapman’s website yesterday (T/H to CB ):

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2009
The Will To Survive:

We may not be able to overcome the location, size and hours we are open. Our son, Graham, and me have had flu symptoms all week so I have not been in to help Fran. It seems clear that the owner of the building has no interest in renovation and therefore we will not be able to expand. I need to focus all my efforts on finding a job so we can at least keep our house even if we have to close the kitchen.
I apologize if this sounds doom and gloom but it looks like we need some kind of miracle.

Health Department issues aside, Randal and Fran are cursed with a “slumlord” who refuses to “get the construction of our expansion” going. (The tiny spot on Carroll and Worth has plans to add an additional dining room.) “He tells us the building isn’t for sale,” said Randall. “But he doesn’t care about this place. He bought it in the mid-80s and it’s just chump change to him.”

Jump for the rest.

“The other day Fran and I were reviewing our disasters,” said Randal. “In 8 months we have been broken in to, flooded, and the front door fell off and shattered. Also a storm caused our 220 [electricity] to go out and we lost all of our meat in the freezer. Someone cut the power at a vacant place next door and power went down again and we lost everything.”

But Randal still had his day job as the vice president of software development at GHN. “Oh no, they let me go after the article in the paper [DMN] came out,” said Randall. “The owner saw the article hanging in the coffee room, didn’t like it, and let me go.”

At this moment, Fran is down at the Dallas Farmers Market securing a spot in Shed Two where they will be selling this weekend. They plan to keep the restaurant open for limited days and hours and work the DFM on the weekends. “We don’t plan on giving up,” said Randal. “We’re still kicking in our own money. We have a slow but growing group of loyal customers. We’ll look for another location in the area. Nothing fancy or glitzy. Just enough.”

I forgot to mention the Chapman’s have four kids: Hannah (9), Graham (6), Rachel (4), and Penelope (who just turned 1).

The City of Dallas Health Department has decided that the Celebration Farmers Market is in violation of certain codes. Celebration was told on 2 previous occasions that we could operate a Farmers Market in our parking lot under our existing permits. We strongly believe that all food handling practices and food products at the Farmers Market were perfectly safe. We have complied strictly with all Health Department codes for 38 years and take our responsibility to public health VERY SERIOUSLY.

We appreciate the warm welcome and support that you’ve provided our Saturday Farmers Market. We believe that what we along with our wonderful vendors are offering is a safe, fun and convenient setting for you to purchase healthy, delicious, local produce and other products.

We are going to approach the Dallas City Council to explore how the code can be modified to allow the Celebration Farmers Markets and others like us to provide a valuable service to the citizens of Dallas while protecting the public health.

I have contacted Ed and asked him for instructions on how you can sign the petition he plans to take to the Dallas City Council. Stay tuned. (OMG, I can hear Amy Severson already.)

Texas Watermelon Queen

Last night, I attended the Fair Food and Wine event, sponsored by Texas Monthly. There were corn dogs on the invitation, so naturally, I had my heart set on eating a corn dog, and trying a few other fried things too. No such luck. There was food, but it was only food that is being sold in the General Store Food and Fiber Pavilion during the fair (all Texas made products, of course). We met a few nice people and got a free Western photo, which was probably better than fried butter, after all (aww).

This is Texas Watermelon Queen Mollie Bennett. She was totally cute and gave us samples of watermelon salsa that was delish. The recipe is here. Jump to find out who else we met.

Elsie the Borden cow

Elsie the Borden cow was there. She’s so sweet, and she also started following me on Twitter yesterday, so she’s obviously quite media savvy. Borden is celebrating her 70th birthday this year, but this Elsie is only 4 years old. Beauregard was also there, and he is only nine days old. Both will be in the Food and Fiber Pavilion during the Fair.

This is chef Carmen Sosa and her friend from Carmen’s Babycakes. The rum babycake was delish. Sosa sells the cakes (perfectly individually sized) at the Southlake Central Market, and during the Fair in the General Store.

We also sampled BBQ sauce from Ay! Chihuahua and wine from Messina Hof. No fried butter, but that was probably a good thing, anyway. Here’s a list of all the different Texas foods being sold at the General store during the Fair, so if you go, stop by and check it out.

Back to business:

Maquire’s. Has a new “Chef’s Seasonal Tasting Menu.” Three courses for $30; four courses for $37. Upgrade to wine pairing is $40 or $49. Details below. 972.818.0068

TJ’s Seafood. They don’t want you to get bored with seafood so they have new recipes, ideas, and sauces and marinades.  Fish Taco Sauce – so many of you have come in making fish tacos we decided to get a great fish taco sauce.  Fish Tacos are a fun (and kid friendly) way to get the family eating healthy fish. Tilapia is great and cost effective. Honey & Jalapeno Grill Glaze – perfect on salmon, swordfish, sea bass or anything else on the grill. If you can’t stand the heat, get away from the grill….this one is a little spicy! Japanese-Style House Marinade – if you like the Citrus Wasabi & Honey Ginger House Marinades, you’ll love this one. Lots of soy, sesame oil, ginger and cilantro.  Justs marinate shrimp, scallops and tuna for 20-30 min before grill or saute.

Cibus Ristorante. Has Bocce in the Park brought to you by NorthPark Center and The Italian Club of Dallas. Sunday, September 27th from noon to 4pm in CenterPark at NorthPark. Join us for a fun-filled afternoon for the entire family. Learn to play Bocce Ball if you never have or join the pros from the Italian Club for a lively game. Cibus will be grilling in the garden as well as offering selections from their regular menu plus refreshing cocktails and specialty coffee drinks. 214-692-0001.

Rathbun’s Blue Plate Kitchen. Will host first beer dinner with Rahr & Sons Brewery.
Rathbun’s Blue Plate Kitchen will debut its first ever beer dinner hosted by world-renowned Rahr & Sons Brewery, Fort Worth’s German award-winning brewery. Melissa “Mel” Simmons, Rahr & Sons Brewery Representative, will introduce their most famous beers accompanied with Rathbun’s extraordinary plates. For the first time at Rathbun’s Blue Plate Kitchen, guests will experience their very own “Oktoberfest” tradition in their seats. The dinner menu and beer pairings detailed below. Wednesday, September 30, 2009.

The 500, Inc.’s WineFest 2009. The 500, Inc. announces the spectacular 7th Annual WineFest featuring an exciting selection of wine and delicious cuisine from over 20 of the area’s top eateries, a large silent auction, live music and the pleasurable company of friends and family in the hundreds. WineFest 2009 will be held on Saturday, October 24 from 6:30pm – 10pm at the Cavanaugh Flight Museum in Addison.  Advance tickets are $35 per person before October 23 and may be purchased online at www.winefest500.com.  Tickets at the door cost $40.  Proceeds of the event benefit the beneficiaries of The 500, Inc., a volunteer organization that has donated over $12 million to more than 35 local arts organizations over the past 40 years.  For more information about The 500, Inc., call 214.565.0200 or visit www.the500inc.org. Details below. Maquire’s
Select 3 of the following courses for $30
with wine tasting for $40*
OR
Select 4 of the following courses for $37
with wine tasting for $49*
Oyster Nachos
Lightly battered and fried Texas Gulf Oysters,
wonton chips, pico de gallo, drizzled with bleu cheese & spicy buffalo sauce
*Hook & Ladder Gewurztraminer, Russian River Valley
2007
Tomato & Cucumber Salad
Yellow & red Texas tomatoes, crisp cucumber, organic oregano & shallot
vinaigrette over a slice of grilled seven grain toast
*McPherson Viognier, Lubbock Texas 2008
Fennel Crusted Halibut
Lightly crusted Alaskan Halibut, organic baby arugula,
warm basil vinaigrette, roasted purple potato
*Jacob’s Creek Reserve Shiraz, S. Australia 2005
Pecan Pie
Texas pecans, flaky pie crust and whipped cream
*Lustau ‘Solera Reserva’ Cream Sherry
PLEASE, NO SUBSTITUTIONS
17552 North Dallas Parkway • Dallas, Texas 75287 • 972.818.0068

Rathbun’s Blue Plate Kitchen.

Margarita Shrimp, Pico de Gallo Cocktail Sauce, Gramma Minnie’s Fried Chicken, Maple-Black Pepper Gravy
Rahr Blonde Lager
•         Cedar Smoked Salmon, Turnip Puree, Ginger-Date Chutney
Rahr Buffalo Butt
•         Grilled Kirsch’s Bratwurst, Alsatian Red Chocroute, Roasted Onions and Peppers
Rahr Oktoberfest
•         Cumin-Espresso Crusted Buffalo Loin, Sweet Potato-Queso Anejo Sope, Guajillo Mole
Rahr Ugly Pug
•         Cranberry-Thai Basil Tart, Pink Peppercorn Ice Cream, Clementine Syrup
Rahr Stormcloud

Who: Celebrity Chef Kent Rathbun, has created critically acclaimed and award-winning restaurants, Abacus and Jasper’s, which have made food critics turn heads. Rathbun’s newest Dallas creation, Rathbun’s Blue Plate Kitchen, pays homage to classic American dishes that capture local and regional’s finest ingredients. Upon entering, guests adorn the dimly lit and sleek interior, graced with wooden, sandstone touches and offering modern, metal hints to the ultimate dining experience. A Dallas favorite and must-see for anyone visiting Dallas, Rathbun’s Blue Plate Kitchen is what everyone needs: Southern comfort food cuisine at its finest.

Winning “Best in Class” at the 2009 United States Beer Tasting Championship and other numerous championship medals, Rahr and Sons Brewery of Fort Worth is a family-owned company loyal to their roots. In the year 1847, Fritz Rahr’s great, great grandfather Wilhelm “William” Rahr and his young bride “Natalie” left behind hometown, Rhineland, Germany and came to America. Within the year, on the banks of Wisconsin’s Manitowoc River and Lake Michigan, William Rahr had established himself the Eagle “Rahr” Brewery and Malt House. The brewery and malting facility produced fine German lagers and rich roasted malts. Upon William’s death, his three sons changed the name of the brewery and malt house to the William Rahr and Sons Company and expanded their malting capabilities to help supply the entire surrounding brewing industry’s needs for malted barley. More than a century later, in 2004, his great-great grandson and namesake, Frederick William “Fritz” Rahr, Jr., and partners followed suit, building the current brewery on South Main Street in Fort Worth.

When:              Wednesday, September 30, 2009
6:30 p.m.

Cost:                $50 per guest plus tax and 20% gratuity

Reservations:   Reservations are required. Contact Julie Baker at (972) 265-7944

Where:             Rathbun’s Blue Plate Kitchen
6130 Luther Ln.
Dallas, TX 75225
www.kentrathbun.com

500, Inc.
WHAT: The 500, Inc.’s WineFest 2009 with food sampling from the area’s finest restaurants paired with an exciting selection of wine from Texas wineries and other outstanding  vintners from across the country .  The event will also feature a phenomenal silent auction of merchandise and services, live music and the chance to win a flight in the Cavanaugh Flight Museum’s “Warbird” Aircraft.

WHEN:                  Saturday, October 24, 2009:  6:30pm – 10pm

WHERE:               Cavanaugh Flight Museum, 4572 Claire Chennault, Addison, TX  75001

RESTAURANTS:

Al Amir Restaurant & Club
Blue Mesa Grill
Cold Stone Creamery
Dunn Bros. Coffee
Ferrari’s Italian Villa
Fish City Grill
Greenz – Addison
Hibashi Teppan Grill & Sushi Bar
La Madeleine
Los Cucos Mexican Café
The Melting Pot
Mercy Wine Bar
Paradise Bakery
R&D Kitchen
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Sweet Tomatoes
Tre Amici Prime Steak House and Seafood
Truluck’s Seafood, Steak and Crab House
Uncle Julio’s

TICKETS:             Advance tickets are $35 per person before October 23 and may be purchased online at www.winefest500.com.  Tickets at the door cost $40. Attendees must be 21+ to attend. Free parking is available; valet parking will be offered at a nominal cost.

PURPOSE:           Proceeds of the event benefit the beneficiaries of The 500, Inc., a volunteer organization that has supported over 35 local arts organizations over the past 40 years. The 500 Inc. creates awareness and raises funds for the Cultural Arts of Dallas. The event is planned and produced entirely by volunteers.

A DECADE OF DINING

10th ANNIVERSARY of STEPHAN PYLES CELEBRITY CHEF DINNER
Stunning Dinner and Auction Funds $15,000 Stephan Pyles Culinary Scholarship

DALLAS, TX (September 22, 2009) – The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas is thrilled to announce a milestone in Texas’ culinary history with the 10th anniversary of the Stephan Pyles Celebrity Chef Dinner benefiting the Stephan Pyles Culinary Scholarship to take place Sunday, November 8, 2009 at Chef Pyles’ flagship restaurant, Stephan Pyles.  The event is presented in part by longtime sponsors Central Market and Texas Monthly.
Five celebrity chefs from throughout the state including Chef Pyles will present a spectacular five-course wine dinner along with a live auction to fund one of the nation’s largest culinary scholarships.  The scholarship winner will prepare a special appetizer course served during the reception.  The short but action-packed live auction will include restaurant packages, rare and fine wines and other luxury items.  Each course will be prepared by a different chef including:
•      2009 Stephan Pyles Culinary Scholarship winner Thomas (Coner) Sargeant from the Texas Culinary Academy in Austin currently working at the Joule Hotel, Dallas
•      Executive Chef Vijay Sadhu of Samar by Stephan Pyles, Dallas
•      Chef/Owner Jason Dady of The Lodge Restaurant of Castle Hills, San Antonio
•      Chef/Owner Tracy Miller of Local, Dallas
•      Chef/Owner Stephan Pyles and Executive Chef Matt McCallister of Stephan Pyles, Dallas
•      Chef/Owner Zach Townsend from Pure Chocolate Desserts by Zach, Dallas

A reception kicks off the evening at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m.  Seating is limited and reservations are required.  The price is $125.00 per person (tax and gratuity included).  Reservations can be made by calling the Foundation at (512) 327-7555 or by visiting www.winefoodfoundation.org.

The Stephan Pyles scholarship is based upon an Iron-Chef style cook-off each spring, which challenges students to create a three-course menu utilizing a predetermined list of Texas ingredients.  The event is named for Texas legend Stephan Pyles, a legendary founding father of Southwestern cuisine and the first chef in the Southwest to win the prestigious James Beard award.  The competition is Chaired by Paris Cordon-Bleu trained Chef and Foundation member, Quincy Adams Erickson of Fête Accompli in Austin.  Applications for the 2010 competition will be available by the end of October to currently enrolled culinary students on the Foundation website, www.winefoodfoundation.org.  The 2010 competition will be rotated to Austin at the Texas Culinary Academy in March.

The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas is a statewide charitable Foundation (501c3) that supports education and research in the culinary and viticulture arts.  Chef Pyles is a long-time Foundation champion and Advisory member.  “We are proud to have accomplished ten years of scholarships for Texas’ student chefs.  Past winners have moved on to accomplish extraordinary things in our state and to have been able to provide that opportunity for them is truly humbling,” stated Pyles.  “This year we want to celebrate the hard work of everyone involved and make this dinner a show-stopper.”

About the Wine & Food Foundation of Texas
The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas is public charity founded in 1997 to support education and excellence in the culinary and viticulture arts. A membership organization, the Foundation provides scholarship and grants to innovative education projects in food and wine.  To date, the Foundation has given over $1 million to support public television, scholarships and grant projects throughout the state.

About Stephan Pyles and Samar by Stephan Pyles
Chef Stephan Pyles, named Esquire Magazine’s “2006 Chef of the Year”, is a pioneer of New American Cuisine and legendary founding father of Southwestern Cuisine.  He was the first chef in the Southwest to win a James Beard Award.  Chef Pyles is also a cuisine consultant for American Airlines and the Dallas Museum of Art.
In November 2005, Chef Pyles opened the first restaurant to bear his name.  Stephan Pyles, named “Texas’ Best New Restaurant of 2006” by Texas Monthly, is located just steps away from the Dallas Arts District.  The menu features New Millennium Southwestern Cuisine.  The focal points of the restaurant include the display kitchen, three distinct dining areas along with a tapas and ceviche bar, communal table, wine room as well as an al fresco terrace dining area.  Stephan Pyles (www.stephanpyles.com) is open for lunch (Monday through Friday) and dinner (Monday through Saturday).  Located at 1807 Ross Avenue at St. Paul Street, reservations can be made by calling 214.580.7000.
In September 2009, Chef Pyles will open a new restaurant in the Dallas Arts District named Samar by Stephan Pyles (www.samarrestaurant.com), serving international small plates inspired by Indian, Spanish and eastern Mediterranean cuisines.  Samar translates as a late night conversation spoken softly between two lovers.  The space features several seating areas including a private tent room, counter seating in the open kitchen and outdoor-tented terrace with hookah lounge.  Located at 2100 Ross Avenue, Suite 100, for information please call 214.992.9922.

SPECIAL MENU CELEBRATES LAVENDOU’S 13TH ANNIVERSARY

DALLAS (September 21, 2009) – Lavendou Bistro Provençal celebrates its 13th anniversary with a special three course Anniversary Menu created by owner Pascal Cayet and Executive Chef François Soyez. The meal includes a glass of champagne.

To begin, guests chose from Vichyssoise (Traditional Cold Leeks and Potatoes Soup); Salade du Periguord (Mixed Green Salad with Duck Confit and Mushroom); or Ceviche de Fruits de Mers (Mixed Seafood marinated in Lime Juice).

Main course dishes feature the flavors of Provence with a choice between Filet de Sole aux Ecrevisses (Filet of Sole with Crawfish Sauce), served with Rice Pilaf; Poussin Grillé Sauce Diable (Grilled Chicken Hen with Mustard and Bread Crumbs), served with Grilled Tomato, Mushroom and French Fries; or Plat de Côtes Braisé aux Petits Legumes (Braised Prime Beef Short Ribs in Wine Sauce), served with Root Vegetables.

For dessert, guests choose from three of Chef Soyez specialties: Crème Caramel (French Caramel Custard); Terrine au Chocolat (Chocolate Terrine with Grand Marnier Sauce) or Feuillantine aux Fruits Rouges (Mixed Berries served in a Pastry Shell with Chantilly Cream).

Price per guest for the Anniversary Menu is $38.95 including one glass of champagne. Reservations are recommended and may be made by phone (972-248-1911), fax (972-248-1660), by e-mail to provencial@aol.com or through the web site, www.Lavendou.com. Lavendou is located at 19009 Preston Road, Suite 200, in Dallas (75252).

ABOUT LAVENDOU BISTRO PROVENÇAL
Lavendou Bistro Provençal’s menu is presented with gracious service and served in a setting of warm and charming French countryside décor. Lavendou’s recipes feature classic French and Provençal dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients under the guidance of owner Pascal Cayet and his culinary team, and complemented with an extensive list of French and California wines. In addition to lunch and dinner, Lavendou also serves French High Tea by reservation and offers French cooking classes each season.

Lavendou has a special event dining space accommodating up to 50 guests. Choose from a selection of banquet menus or work with the maître d’ to create a special menu. Catering and take out menus are also available.

Lavendou is open six days a week; Monday through Saturday for lunch, French High Tea and dinner. Lunch is served Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. French High Tea is served Monday through Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (reservations required). Dinner is served Monday through Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Lavendou is located at 19009 Preston Road, Suite 200, in Dallas (75252). Reservations are required for French High Tea and recommended for lunch and dinner. Make reservations by phone (972-248-1911), fax (972-248-1660), by e-mail to provencial@aol.com or through our web site, www.Lavendou.com.

Japanese Steak and Seafood
Cooking Demonstration and Wine Dinner

Friday October 2, 2009
6:30 pm

Menu

Mango, Crabmeat and Avocado Roll
TY KU Citrus Sake-Tini
TY KU Soju, TY KU Citrus Liqueur and TY KU Sake – Shaken and Chilled to Perfection
~~~~~~~
Japanese Shrimp, Mushroom and Miso Soup
Dry Creek Fume Blanc, Sonoma County
~~~~~~~
Japanese Style Beef Short Ribs Tempura
Dry Creek “Heritage” Zinfandel, Sonoma County
~~~~~~~
Banana Macadamia Rum Flambe
Takara Premium Plum Wine

$69.95 per person plus tax and 21% gratuity

Chamberlain’s Fish Market Grill
4525 Belt Line Rd. ~ Addison, TX  75001
Reservations Required ~ 972-503-3474

Don’t forger: tomorrow, September 23 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m, at Celebration Restaurant we will celebrate local cheese makers Latte Da, Lucky Layla, and the Mozzarella Company. They all won national awards at the 25th Annual American Cheese Society Competition in Austin. They will be there passing out samples of their cheese and we’ll be pouring some nice red wine from Kiepersol Estates in East Texas. Free! Come early and stay late.  If you would like to stay for dinner (on your own dime), contact Lincoln at 214-351-5681 and mention that you are a SideDish CheeseHead.

See Evan Grant? In the photo, he is literally pigging out on Italian pork products in a small restaurant in San Gusme, Italy. Tonight, Mr. Grant will also be pigging out on Italian pork products and more at Nonna. Those pork products, along with the pici pasta and stuffed squash blossoms pictured below, inspired execuchef Julian Barsotti’s menu for tonight’s SideDish SupperClub at Nonna. A few people canceled this morning. If you’re in the mood for a first class Tuscan supper, join us. 214-521-1800.

Stuffed squash blossoms made by me and Karen. (She'll be there too!)

Pici pasta will be served! Great Scott!

I know these wine videos don’t appeal to every reader, but I have a soft spot in my heart for wine makers in Texas. Twelve years ago I found myself standing in a barn outside of McKinney with some folks from the Texas Agriculture Department and a handful of area farmers. The Agriculture Department was touring the state and encouraging farmers to consider grapes as a cash crop.  Many  “seasoned” farmers scratched their heads and snickered–they’d never heard such heresy. Most of them went back to their fields and planted whatever crop fit their comfort level. However, a few took the challenge and now successfully grow and sell grapes.

Texas has a long way to go in the grape growing business. Currently there are only about 4,000 acres dedicated  to grapes. But the farmers who have devoted themselves to the task are producing some marvelous raw product.

I say all of this because after watching  these videos produced  by Andrew Chalk, I fell for Gabe Parker of Homestead Winery in Invanhoe, Texas. I love the deft touch of his hands as they move through the grapes. I adore his Texas accent that flowers his explanation of  the ancient wine making process of fermentation taking place on the High Plains, AVA Tempranillo grapes.

Gabe slays me again when he compares and contrasts the process with his Cabernet.

Chef Gina Stipo teaches Eric and A.W. how to make biscotti.

Almost two years ago, I took a group of friends to Italy to learn how to cook Italian food at Ecco La Cucina just outside of Siena. Yes, we learned how to cook, but, more importantly, we learned how to eat. We traveled to small pig farms, saffron fields, and other artisanal businesses. We all went into shock when we came back to Dallas and tried to find real Tuscan food. (Thus the inspiration for the menu of the SideDish Supper Club on Thursday. Join us!)

Anywhoo, now we want to eat our way across Spain. I’ve spent time in Barcelona but nowhere else. Anyone out there care to suggest an eating itinerary? Kent Rathbun took a group last spring and I looked at his itinerary, but I’d prefer to mix in smaller producers and restaurants with the obvious big deal spots. (Has anyone tried Rathbun’s new Spanish menu at Abacus?) Today is deadline day at the magazine, so you can expect me to be here on the blog doing what I do best.  And looking back at our Italy pictures. And planning another escape.

Why are children obese?  Many experts believe that they are consuming too many processed foods, along with spending too much time being sedentary.
Real food is good for children.  Imagine a school lunch prepared fresh every day from ingredients sourced locally?  That is what Slow Food seeks to mandate in the Child Nutrition Act.  It is something I’ve wanted for a long time and I am whole heartedly in agreement with the change.  All of us wish that we could make a difference in the world and our children deserve the best food we can give them.

If you are also concerned about children and their access to real food, please sign the petition on the Slow Food USA website.  As of this morning, 17,191 people had signed the petition.

Its easy, simply go to www.slowfoodusa.org and click on the icon in the upper right corner that says Real Food in Schools.

Another way to show your support is to write to your Congressman/woman and your Senators.  In Texas, our Senators are Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn.  Unless they hear our voices, they will not vote for the change.

I you can’t come to the “Eat-In” you can help by signing the petition and writing to your legislators.

If you do come to the “Eat-In” you’ll be sure to have some real food prepared from local ingredients and enjoyed with other people passionate about food and where it comes from.

Art by Bob Dob.

Join me on Wednesday, September 23 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m at Celebration Restaurant to celebrate our victorious local cheese makers. Last month, Latte Da, Lucky Layla, and the Mozzarella Company won national awards at the 25th Annual American Cheese Society Competition in Austin. All three cheese makers will be there passing out samples of their cheese and we’ll be pairing the selections with Texas wines. Free! Come early and stay late.  If you would like to stay for dinner (on your own dime), contact Lincoln at 214-351-5681 and mention that you are a SideDish CheeseHead. [Don't forget, you can buy local cheese, honey, and other products at Celebration's Farmers Market on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m.-Noon.]

If you plan to attend, leave a “yes” or “yes plus 1″ below so we can plan to have enough cheese. And wine. And call Lincoln.

D photographer Elizabeth “Spider Monkey” Lavin learns how to taste grapes.

How many of you have visited a small winery and gotten swept up in the romance of tending the vines and making your own wine? It’s happened to me on more than ten occasions. Ah, the cool morning breeze in your hair; the dogs and chickens running freely through the fields; sharing endless glasses of wine with happy customers. Snap!

On October 12th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Stephenville will host a “Prospective Wine-Grape Growers Workshop.” The workshop will be presented by Fran Pontasch and Fritz Westover of the Texas AgrLife Extension Service viticulture team. Pontasch is the team’s North Texas viticulture adviser and Westover serves as the Gulf Coast viticulture adviser.

They will present a real-life look at the most common concerns potential or small-scale producers may have prior to committing valuable resources towards a commercial vineyard enterprise. Topics will include necessary viticulture expertise, vineyard site selection, risk factors, and vineyard labor requirements and economics.

When the class is over, perhaps we can all discuss the dogs, chickens, and endless glasses of wine ideas. Details for the class below. 
Prospective wine-grape grower workshop set Oct. 12 in Stephenville

A “will be held from 9 a.m. -3 p.m. Oct. 12 at the Texas AgriLife
The center is located at 1229 North U.S. Highway 281.

“This workshop is one of many presented by the viticulture team statewide,” added Westover. “We also present advanced grower workshops which delve into even more detailed aspects of wine-grape growing and vineyard maintenance.”

The prospective growers workshop is a prerequisite for registration and acceptance into the Texas Tech Viticulture Certificate Program, he added.

Cost for the workshop is $125 per person or $200 per couple, and includes educational materials and lunch. Participants are requested to register on or before Oct. 9.

Online registration can be made through AgriLife Conference Services by going to their Web site, http://agrilifevents.tamu.edu .

For more information, contact Pontasch 254-968-4144 or FMPontasch@ag.tamu.edu, or Westover at 281-855-5600 or FAWestover@ag.tamu.edu .

Grand Tasting Part Deux
Explore the Dallas Wineries on Labor Day Weekend
Saturday September 5, 2009
11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Be a pioneer as this is a true wine trail.All the Dallas wineries are about a 15 minute drive from each other.They are all between Mockingbird and downtown Dallas.

Find your way to each winery where your admission price will include:
3 tastings at each of the 4 wineries a crystal “Dallas Wine Trail” wine glass to use and keep light food at each winery and  a bottle of premium wine to take home. All for only $39 in advance or $45 at the door, if any tickets are left available.Tickets available here.

Molto Formaggio. “MF has sourced an exciting new line of handcrafted cheeses from Switzerland and Bavaria that will be new to area consumers. Among the finds that will be introduced this week at both Molto Formaggio shops are Forsterkase, Scharfe Maxx, Heublumen, Bavarian Limburger (organic), and Challerhocker. Molto Formaggio is pleased to announce that they will be receiving shipments for both Thanksgiving and Christmas of the world famous Vacherin Mont d’Or cheese.  These one pound pieces are only produced 3 months out of the year and are truly the most luscious and wonderful cheeses made in the world.  Customers must preorder these cheeses for delivery in November or December as they will surely be sold out due to the limited quantities available.”  HP 214-526-0700. Preston Forest 214-361-9191.

Rathbun’s Blue Plate Kitchen. “Introducing Heart-Healthy Lunch Items and $10 Menu Choices. Chef Kent Rathbun has created heart-healthy menu items including, Grilled Chicken Breast with Portobello Mushrooms, Ricotta, Rosemary Olive Oil and Mache Salad; Salmon Burger; Heirloom Tomato Dallas Mozzarella Salad with Avocado Green Goddess Dressing; Tassione Farm Field Green Salad with Roasted Lemon-Sherry Vinaigrette; Grilled Chicken Breast with California Avocado, Paula’s Cottage Cheese and Avocado Yogurt; and Shrimp, Crab and Lobster “Coleslaw” with Cilantro-Lime Dressing. All heart-healthy menu items are designated by a red heart. In conjunction with these items on our everyday menu, Chef Rathbun will offer a Heart Healhty Blue Plate Special for lunch and dinner until September 5. Starting September 14, on each Monday our Blue Plate Special will be Heart Healthy. Come join us and feel good again! Chef Rathbun has also added new $10 menu items on our lunch menu. Enjoy Carr Valley Mammoth Cheddar Grilled Cheese, Chef’s Choice Taco Plate of the Day, Salmon Burger and Grilled Flatbread and Hummus with Feta Cheese.”

The Pyramid Restaurant. On Friday, September 25th, the Pyramid Restaurant will host a Spaten Beer Pairing Dinner. Executive Chef jW Foster will pair his exciting “modern American” cuisine with the legendary German beers from Spaten. Details and menu below.

Chisholm Trail Longhorn Beef. “Dallas-based longhorn co-op Chisholm Trail Longhorn Beef, which is owned and maintained by several Dallas residents that also own other Dallas-based business. Mike Crawford, not only owns Red Peak Ranch, he owns and operates a marketing firm here in Dallas. The Texas longhorn co-op has just joined the Texas Department of Agriculture’s GO TEXAN program. Chisholm Trail Longhorn Beef is currently being served at Local in Deep Ellum and at Opa! Grill on Preston. Full release below.

Chick-fil-A.  “Free Chick-fil-A Original Chicken Sandwich to all customers wearing any sports-related apparel on Labor Day to celebrate the second-annual Chick-fil-A Kickoff football game!This year’s Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game will feature University of Alabama against Virginia Tech at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.”

The Pyramind Room. Chef Foster and a rep from Spaten will share bits of information on each course, each beer and on the history of this famed brewery with guests.

MENU
Charred Tandouri Spiced Prawn
Tequila Lime-lacquered Lockhart County Quail
House Chorizo and Wild Boar Bratwurst & Braised Buffalo Shortribs
Dark Chocolate Black Forest Torte
After dinner, you’ll adjourn outside to the Terrace for after-dinner libations and to smoke cigars
$80 per person
(plus tax and gratuity)
Complimentary Valet Parking
Reservations are required. Please call 214-720-5249.
The Pyramid Restaurant & Bar
The Fairmont Dallas   1717 North Akard Street

Chisholm Trail Longhorn Beef Joins GO TEXAN Program that Distinguishes Local Lone Star State Products
New co-op joins GO TEXAN members in promoting ‘home-grown’ goods
Chisholm Trail Longhorn Beef is produced on family-owned Texas ranches
GO TEXAN symbol to accompany Chisholm Trail marketing materials
Dallas – Sept. 1, 2009 – Texas’ own Chisholm Trail Longhorn Beef earned its Lone Star seal-of-approval by becoming the newest member of the GO TEXAN program. With this membership, Chisholm Trail signifies to consumers that its all-natural longhorn beef is raised and produced in Texas. Chisholm Trail Longhorn Beef gets its Texas credibility from the family-owned Texas ranches that allow the longhorn herds to naturally graze on the Central and North Texas landscape. The natural diet and free-roaming activity help make Chisholm Trail Longhorn Beef the sensible choice for food lovers wanting a healthier, more flavorful red meat than ordinary beef, and with the GO TEXAN brand on Chisholm Trail’s marketing materials, now they know they’re getting the freshest meat from local ranchers.
GO TEXAN helps bring ultimate awareness to consumers wanting to purchase goods and services from in-state vendors and support the local economy. Launched by the Texas Department of Agriculture in 1999, the GO TEXAN program promotes the products, culture and communities of Texas. When consumers see the recognizable GO TEXAN brand, they can be assured that the product comes from one of its more than 2,400 Lone Star providers.
“Chisholm Trail Longhorn Beef’s Texas roots run deep, so joining the GO TEXAN program was essential to showing our customers that when we say ‘local,’ we mean ‘local,’” said Mike Crawford, a Chisholm Trail Longhorn Beef partner. “Texans share a special pride about their state that you won’t find anywhere else and that includes a deep loyalty to the products and services they buy. Chisholm Trail Longhorn Beef provides Lone Star loyalists with a better-tasting, healthier red meat produced right here in Texas. This GO TEXAN membership will help spread the word.”
Longhorn beef serves as a leaner alternative to chicken, turkey, lamb, pork and venison. At only 140 calories per 3.6-ounce serving, 3.7 grams of fat and 81.5 grams of cholesterol, a lean, pasture-raised longhorn steak has less fat, cholesterol and calories than almost any other meat or poultry available. Also, it serves as a great source of nutrients like protein, iron, vitamins B6 and B12, zinc, selenium and omega-3 fatty acids that contribute to a healthier heart and immune system. To learn more about Chisholm Trail Longhorn Beef and the nutritional values associated with healthy beef, visit www.eathealthybeef.org.

Eat before you “Think” or “Think” before you eat? Today that’s a tough question:  James McWilliams, author of the new book  Just Food: Where Locovores Get it Wrong and How We Can Truly Eat Responsibly, is Krys Boyd’s guest at 12:00 noon on Think. (KERA 90.1) McWilliams, a fellow in the Agrarian Studies Program at Yale University, is currently an associate professor at Texas State and he has some thought provoking ideas on food systems. If you would like a little background info before the show, check out Crunchy Con, Rod Dreher’s interview that ran in April. (Rod, how is the chicken business?)

My apologies to Krys. However, you can download the interview here.

Aperitifs are not widely drunk in Dallas. Brian Cronin, a Master Sommelier with a passion for aperitifs, would like to change that. At the Texas Sommelier Conference he spoke about the variety of forms that this little known drinks category can take from (usually fortified) wine, through herbal infusions of spirits to secret proprietary concoctions.

We tasted seven examples. Below are my hastily constructed notes mainly written in real time as the tasting progressed. Overall, the tasting was very instructive and I would recommend trying some of these before a meal in the near future.

1) Tio Pepe Sherry. Classic dry sherry. Nutty in the nose. Sweet in the mouse with hints of oranges. This can be served with nuts before the meal or with shellfish during it. Lots of opportunities to cook with sherry. Some top chefs, e.g. Heston Blumenthal and Garry Danko are exploring sherry as a flavor ingredient to cooking.
2) Hidalgo Manzanilla “La Gitana”. Manzanilla comes from Sanlucar de Barrameda, about 25 miles from the home of sherry in Jerez. A wonderful seafront town uninfested by tourists most of the year. Manzanilla is similar to fino sherry but the producers proudly assert that it is Manzanilla and not a type of sherry.
This example is lighter than the Tio Pepe. The nose is fainter and the taste has a slight saltiness .
3) Pimm’s No. 1. The ‘cocktail of summer’ in the UK (they have a summer?) but virtually unheard of here. Pimm’s is a blend of Gin and Vermouth so it is no surprise to detect the faint smell of gin in the nose. The taste was a herbal infusion of gin and, if it is not to your taste, be aware that it is not drunk straight in the UK. Rather, it is used as the base for cocktails. We tried “RN 74 Pimms” which adds ginger (and is VERY ginger). Not to my taste, but Google “Pimm’s Cocktails” and a slew of suggestions will follow.
4) Coeur de Lion, Pommeau de Normandie. A wonderful French invention from the northern Normandy region made from Cider and apple brandy (Calvados). The nose is very ripe (e.g. brown) apples. The taste has a slight fruit tartness that prevented the cloying syndrome sometimes present in sweet drinks and those apples again.
5) Gason Rivière, Pineau de Charantes. Same general approach as the previous example. In this case the area of origin is the same as Cognac so the spirit base is cognac and the fruit originates from grape must. Much sweeter than the Pommeau. Hints of Cognac and honey (!) in the nose and oranges in the taste.
6) Punt E Mas. Italy’s proof that you can sell medicine in a bar. Like those exotic Italian digestivos. One glass can last all night. Sweet concentrated oranges in the mouth.
7)  Campari, Italy. One of the best known aperitifs in the US and one of the few that has something approaching a mass market. Iridescent red color (don’t serve on a visit to Chernobyl). Vibrant fruit and herbal flavors. Most people prefer it blended with something else (e.g soda).