Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

My Little Silver Box – Champagne Wishes & Caviar Dreams

Tuesday, May 1st, 2012

Now that I’ve dated myself with the “Champagne Wishes & Caviar Dreams” title, I must thank Mr. Leach for introducing me to Monte Carlo and the finer things in life.   My quest to maintain and nurture that introduction has come full circle with my travels and career in the wine industry.

As the Director of Marketing and Special Events at MacArthur Beverages, my relationship and approach to wine is that of a living work of art.  This qualitative and character base assessment of wine dances quite well with my philosophy of life and tastes – - give your best and accept only the best.  This is where my encounter with Silversea, my little silver box began four years ago.

Silversea & Gonet-Medeville

Friday, May 13th finally arrived and I was all set to embark on another Silversea cruise in the Mediterranean with food, wine and opulence as the priority.  Before the appointed day of embarkation, I relied on my past travel experiences to lead the way by arriving several days ahead of the actual departure date, something you must consider to avoid any mishaps with luggage, flights and missing the ship.  I did and the choice of lodging was the incredible La Réserve de Beaulieu.

The following series of postings will began with day 1 in Beaulieu-sur-Mer and end with day 11 at the port of Civitavecchia.

Please sit back, relax and allow this unhurried voyage to unfold through my unhurried posts.

Ciao

Silversea, Château D’Esclans & The Mediterranean

Thursday, April 26th, 2012

I just made my way back from cruising the Mediterranean where wining and dining was priority #1.  Before I left I had to prepare myself for spring in the Mediterranean and the amazing rosé I keep reminiscing over during my last voyage – - Château D’Esclans rosé .

 

Silversea & Ch D'Esclan Rosé

 

For those of you who have cruised the Mediterranean and done it on Silversea, my preferred mode of touring the Mediterranean, you know Silversea’s standards and its world class atmosphere which is why I continue to cruise this line every chance I get.  I remember discovering this elegant and charming rosé while at sea and felt as if someone had gone out of their way to make a rosé specifically for me. Well, to my surprise this rosé was the ideal pairing for the Mediterranean diet I’ve come to cherish and which keeps me intact – - mentally and physically.  Now finding Château d’Esclans rosé may be a challenge but once you find it, buy it.  Hmmm….the wait.  If you’re like me and waiting is an issue, you can quench your thirst with their Whispering Angel rosé.  That’s exactly what I did before I left and am doing now that I’m back .  Yes, I’m still waiting to get my hands on a bottle of the Château d’Esclans rosé.

 

Whispering Angel

Well, with rosé season upon us not only did I indulge with the Whispering Angel before setting sail, I also pulled a few additional bottles to delight in the wait and here are two among many that you should seek out as well.  The 2009 Rosé de Chevalier  and the 2010 Ch de Pibarnon.  These two are great expression of rosé from opposite ends of the spectrum.

2009 Rosé de Chevalier & 2010 Ch de Pibarnon

Now that I’m back and the wait continues, it is time to uncork a few more bottles of rosé to make sure they keep getting it right.

In the meantime, happy hunting and enjoy as much rosé as your thirst for life will allow.

 

’07 Peay Syrah, Egg Parpadelle & Braised Rabbit

Monday, December 5th, 2011

Before the amazing lunch at Matisse, dinner was planned and almost complete.  With a visit to Balducci’s on Saturday, I decided rabbit was on the menu for the weekend and Peay “La Bruma” Syrah, 2007 was the wine of choice.  So, with several hours of braising, a combination of Mediterranean and North African spices, I’d created what turned out to be a stellar dish to accompany an outstanding Syrah.  The more I challenge my palate, the more fun I have!!!!  Go have some fun and enjoy a little Peay while you’re at it.

Peay "La Bruma" Syrah 2007

 

Peay "La Bruma" 2007 Syrah and Egg Parpadella with Braised Rabbit

Jimmy at The James

Monday, November 14th, 2011

The Roof Top view - Jimmy

Great view from the The James.

In need of a cool view and drink before dinner, stopping off in SoHo was ideal and doing it at Jimmy was perfect.

 

I've stop counting......

Cognac, Tesseron…A moment with Henri COLCOMBET

Thursday, November 3rd, 2011

When one thinks of elegance and luxury, one must include rare and refined Cognac. Today I had the pleasure of meeting Henri COLCOMBET and tasting Lots: 90, 76, 53 and 23 from Tesseron. Ladies and Gentlemen, if it’s refinement you’re in search of, search no further.

Tesseron Collection

 

With Henri COLCOMBET