Wine and restaurant reviews
As readers know, we’ve been exploring Chapoutier wines since being impressed with his entry level Belleruche Cotes du Rhone. After being disappointed by the first 100% Syrah wine of his we tried, we recently had a Les Granits 2007 from Saint Joseph. Here’s my take.
Last weekend Gabriele and I had a very nice experience at Tempo, on Duke Street in Alexandria. It’s easy to miss if you’re not looking, set back from the street a bit and next to an Enterprise Rent a Car as you drive out of Old Town. The cuisine is old-school French/Italian served in a […]
Over two years ago I wrote a review about The Majestic, on King Street in the heart of Old Town. It was a strong performer that night, and was again recently when Gabriele and I returned. Last time at the Majestic I wrote about us enjoying a 2006 Allan Scott Pinot Noir with dinner. The […]
In my last blog post, I made mention of my quest for a good value, good tasting $20 Bordeaux. It has not been an easy quest. But I’m excited to say I’ve made two discoveries worth sharing. Here are links for more information: Chateau Beaumont 2005 – .pdf from the vine maker with lots of […]
See below for thoughts on a very enjoyable, “old world” CNP and the latest from my search for a good value Bordeaux. Here are links for additional information: Domaine La Roquete Chateauneuf du Pape 2007 Chateau Monestier La Tour Emily 2005
It’s been all BMW all week, thanks to my very popular interview with BMW authority Mike Miller. So I thought I’d end the week with some less typical reds Gabriele and I have sampled recently. All these wines were enjoyable, but I wouldn’t say we loved them. But I don’t want to only write about […]
Recently Gabriele and I had dinner at a restaurant called Collage, in St. Augustine, Florida. We had wanted to return to a restaurant we had greatly enjoyed last year, but that place had closed. I turned to TripAdvisor, which listed 99 reviews and called Collage the best restaurant in the area. Our experience was fantastic, […]
As discussed in previous posts, we’ve been exploring Rhone wines lately. In particular, we’ve been searching for another Rhone wine from Chapoutier, off the entry level 2007 Belleruche we enjoyed at Carlyle Grand. We finally found a local retailer who could get us the 2008 Petite Ruche Crozes-Hermitage, made from 100% Syrah grapes from northern […]
Hope everyone had a nice Labor Day weekend. Gabriele and I got in some R&R and enjoyed the beautiful weather in the DC area. She and I have been exploring Rhones for the past few weeks, as I’ve highlighted in a couple of previous posts. Last night I coaxed her in front of the flip […]
I’ve been in Las Vegas the last few days, celebrating the baptism of my nephew Dustin Parente. It’s been a while since I’ve been here, and in prior years it’s always been for business. We’re at the Trump Tower, and the service has been incredible. Whatever your feelings about The Donald, it’s a great place […]
Gabriele and I had a really fine meal at Ray’s the Steaks in Arlington last weekend. We were giving Ray’s a second chance at their new Arlington location on Wilson Blvd. Michael Landrum has made a big name for himself with his growing empire of Ray’s locations. I’ve had a couple of good meals in […]
Last week Gabriele and I had dinner at the Carlyle Grand in Shirlington. Sort of the flagship of the American Restaurant chain here in the DC area, it’s always a solid performer. You won’t be blown away, but you’ll rarely be disappointed either. The atmosphere is upbeat and there are always crowds, which is a […]