The little grape that could

Whether it’s music (Leslie), movies (Orly) or food (Jeremy), one comes to rely on a good source.  And, once I find that source (or two), I tend to be very loyal.  It’s my nature.  If I like something, I like it – and I honor the code through both good times and bad times.  For instance, after I saw Evita I thought, “Huh!  Madonna really can act and sing!“  Then, I saw Swept Away and thought, “Huh!  Madonna really isn’t a very good actress.“  Nonetheless, I own both Evita and Swept Away on DVD.  I’m veering from my original point here…which was…oh, a good source!

So, there’s a small wine store – Chill Wine – a few blocks from where I work and I have come to rely on the guy that works there for honest, solid recommendations.  I know, I know: he’s still a salesman.  But, also an enthusiast (there are surely damn good appliance salesmen out there, but are they really enthusiastic about washers & dryers?).  In any event, on my first visit, he pointed me toward some viogniers and, in particular, an Australian one – Shinas Estate Voignier.  And, to seal the deal, the label art was cool.  Sold. 

A few more visits, and nothing but a few more great recommendations.  Then, he points out a chenin blanc from South Africa.  Chenin blanc?  I had never heard of it, but given his description of the Ken Forrester Petit Chenin Blanc (crisp fruity flavors) and the price point (under $15), once more, I was sold.  Now, I am loving the chenin blanc.  I’m no expert on wine, so I can’t give you much more of a review than “I really like it, and it doesn’t give me a headache,” but I hope you try it  

From the International Herald Tribune:

Among grapes, only riesling rivals chenin blanc for versatility. The range extends from the steely dry yet profound Savennières to the lusciously sweet, honeyed wines of Quarts de Chaume and Bonnezeaux.

The reason for chenin blanc’s versatility, as with riesling’s, is the grape’s remarkable acidity. Far from being a flaw, acidity gives a white wine structure, length and integrity, allowing it to exhibit its aromas and flavors without collapsing into a fatiguing puddle. A well-modulated acidity keeps a wine refreshing even if it is sweet. Too much acidity, though, can make a wine harsh.

 Read the entire article here.

Australia Day

Happy Australia Day!  I know, I know…we’re not in Australia anymore.  But, it shouldn’t stop us from celebrating, right?!  In fact, we were at the nearest local drinkery (aka O’Shea’s on Clematis) this weekend and they were celebrating Australia Day!  Albeit, the celebration merely consisted of O’Shea’s hanging a couple of Aussie flags up, and there was one guy walking around in a Socceroos jersey.  Nonetheless, it was nice to be reminded of Australia…and Australia Day   I can’t believe it was just one year ago that we were living in Broadbeach, Queensland; eating Bubble n’ Squeak and grilling snags; and enjoying Aussie liquid goodness.

Ahhh, how time flies.  I miss Australia…..a lot.

In any event, Australia Day is a relatively recent holiday for the country Down Under.  States and territories marked January 26th as a national holiday, but it wasn’t until 1994 that Australia Day was consistently celebrated on that date.

That’s how we roll!

It’s not often that we, as adults, get to step back in time.  Who doesn’t want to take a break from reality and remember what it was like before bills and jobs – you know, real responsibility?!  There is a unique time in life when the only complications are who to invite to your next birthday party and whether that special someone would check the “Yes,” “No” or “Maybe” box in the letter you dropped on their desk. 

Well, we attended a friend’s birthday fiesta over the weekend.  It started out as your run-of-the-mill birthday dinner (note: awesome epanadas at Bizaare Ave Cafe in Lake Worth, FL) with friends and family, but soon turned into a flashback, good times and sweet 80s music event!  Did someone say….Roller Skating???!!!

Let’s be honest, it’s a good night anytime I hear a vocodor voice sayin Freestyle’s kickin’ in the house tonight, move your body from left to right, to all you freaks don’t stop the rock, that’s Freestyle speakin’ and you know I’m right…

History, hope and high spirits

Standing in front of the jumbo tv in downtown West Palm Beach, it was as though the cool temperature suddenly rose a few degrees.  The blustery winds seemed to calm.  The collective pulse of the crowd steadied.  

Today was glorious.  There is a lot of journalistic junk food – dress reviews, celebrity spotings, dance moves – that you could get fat on, but let’s not.  Let’s hope that we remember the little things – for me, it was the smile on the young girl’s face as she sat on her father’s shoulders, and the little tap dance in my heart after President Obama said, “On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.”  I hope that everyone – regardless of color, political affiliation, religious belief, preference for automatic or stick shift – let today remind them of how lucky we are to be Americans.

Watch and read President Obama’s entire speech here.