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Monday Musings
You read correctly! There is one great, (arguably) new, spot in Cambridge, MA bringing the thunder when it comes to every important aspect of a nice meal out. Curious what place has captured my attention and enthusiasm?
Click on over to WickedLocal today to get the inside scoop on Craigie on Main!
Where do you go out to eat to be utterly satisfied?
The last few weeks we’ve taken a break from our conversation about different viticultural and winemaking processes, like sustainability and organics, in lieu of what wine is all about: the experience of wine discovery! But last week the Pircas Negras Torrontes made the “cut” as a June “Wicked Wine” worth seeking out. What we didn’t mention was this wine also happens to be... vegan.
Head on over to Wicked Local today to get the official Pour Favor scoop on what this means - and whether you should be frightened or excited by the idea!
Will knowing a particular wine is vegan impact your buying? How so?
I can hardly believe it is already June - 6 months of 2009 are behind us and only 6 more to go! Time to officially get our beach chairs out of storage and fill up a second propane tank as "back up" for those terrific nights of grilling ahead. The only thing needed is a few good ideas for what to uncork this month...
Head on over to Wicked Local today to get the skinny on four great wines you should give a (s)wirl. Some are a party all in themselves; others will help get it started (without breaking the bank).
What other wines have you tucked into this month? Any destined to become your official summer "house" wines?
I'm noticing places that take customer service to a new level. When I get my hair cut now, I also get a bit of a neck massage. When I go out to eat, the places where the GM comes over to check on us get high points. And when I go to a wine shop and am greeted warmly, I feel comfortable both perusing on my own and asking a question if the need arises. These "little" things make a place stand out.
Hop on over to Wicked Local today to meet Brian Lamb, owner of OurGlass on Route 1. He's created a shop that gives customers that little something extra. And... he's selected a handful of GREAT wines for you to take note of as warmer temperatures approach!
Have you had the pleasure of meeting Brian Lamb? What makes a wine shop stand out for you?
I can hardly believe it's already the second Monday in May - and time to unleash this month's Wicked Wines! These are some real treats to uncork through the ups and downs of the season change.
Buying Tip: If you can't find the specific wines I suggest in your home market, consider the varietals (or blends) I've chosen and enlist your local wine buyer to make comparable recommendations. These are some fun wines you won't want to miss!
The market for organic produce has really picked up steam in the last few years. Consumers looking for organic wines, however, are often confused by what the labels really mean - and the deal with sulfites, for that matter.
Yeah, it's true, there are different laws and standards depending which country is producing the wine. But at the end of the day you can break things down pretty simply. Head over to Wicked Local today to get the here's what and how of it all!
Do you seek out organic wines? What is your impression of them on the whole?
Got $1? Get an oyster. Got $12? Get twelve oysters. There are a few places in and around town with a $1 oyster special at least one day a week. But only one place has oysters, a fabulous wine and cocktail list, synergy and ridiculously intelligent, innovative staff: Dante Restaurant in Cambridge, MA.
Head on over to Wicked Local today to get the inside scoop on the finer nuances of what makes Dante so special. Then report back here:
Have you had the pleasure of sitting barside with Stephen or Chas at Dante?
Of course we're all trying to forget about snow what with Spring springing. But I really think wine is like a snowflake. No two bottles (even of the same wine) are alike!
Wine is one of the few things constantly pushing me to explore something new - because I never know what amazing gem I might encounter once the bottle is uncorked.
Today I am thrilled to debut a new series here at Pour Favor: Wicked Wines! Every second Monday of the month, pop on over to Wicked Local to see what treasures I've found - and hope you will also give a sniff, swirl and sip for yourself!
Are you familiar with any of the wines I feature this month? What's your April "Wicked Wine" find?
Let's face it, the average person's cellar is the backseat of their car. You pick out a bottle at your local shop with relatively immediate consumption in mind. But what about when you are inspired to pick up several and aren't exactly sure when you'll pop the cork? Or what happens when you get a killer wine gift you know needs more time before it'll be at its "best"?
Today at WickedLocal we cover the basics of wine storage - both before you open the bottle and if you don't quite finish it in one go. Don't be afraid to open a bottle! Find out how to keep your wine fresh here.
Have you ever experienced wine gone bad? What were the circumstances?
Seasons certainly dictate quite a bit in our daily lives. We eat by them. We shop by them. We dress by them. We play/watch sports by them. But I find spring is the most perplexing time here in New England. We are SO eager for a break from the cold it can never come soon enough; and it usually takes its sweet time and hits us with at least one major snow storm well beyond our tolerance level for seeing any white stuff coming down - again. But we do get some terrific, warm(ish) days, too.
I'd like to think I'm not a seasonal wine drinker. I drink white, red, pink and sparkling all year long. But on a hot summer day, I usually prefer something crisp, light and refreshing. On a cold winter's night after shoveling, I want a glass of Port. You get the idea. The temperature outside certainly plays a role in my decision-making. It helps narrow the playing field even.
So now that we're officially in springtime when the mercury is in constant flux, what are we to do? Pop on over to WickedLocal today to see what Dan Lech, Wine Manager at Ball Square Fine Wines had to say when I put the very same question to him!
Does the climate you live in impact your wine drinking habits? Which wines do you enjoy this time of year?
