WINE PEEK of the Week: It's Summer and that means Rose! Here's a pick.
CAVU Cellars Barbera Rose Alder Ridge 2011, Walla Walla Washington State
Cases Produced: 157 ONLY and only 5 cases on Hand left! Retail value: $19.99.A fun, approachable wine with intriguing aromatics and flavors of strawberry, orange blossom and plum. Crafted from grapes grown at Alder Ridge Vineyard in the Horse heaven Hills, the flavors balance well with the acidity and will be an excellent wine to enjoy on warm days this summer and fall.
Contact Cairo Wine Shop 202-387-1500 delivers to DC and Baltimore areas.
Email Mariam 'Raz' Razavi: Raz@WinesByRaz.com or Mitch mitch@dcwineguy.com
Recently have had occasion to sample some terrific meals and even cooked a few with friends. Well, what's a gal to do in back-to-back-to back 100+ degree days?!!
I dined at the USA renowned, Baltimore-based Foreman-Wolf Groups, THE CHARLESTON Restaurant by Chef Cindy Wolf. As always, the Harbor East piece of gastronomic heaven operates like a theatrical stage, every worker knowing their role, memorizing their lines with excellent service like a seasoned actor. It truly was an impromtu choice with a gastronomic meal enoyed in the bar area. My dining partner and I each chose 3 courses, explained as smaller size portions and which which was is a choice of 3 course ($76, $114 with wine pairings) -6 course ($111, $176 with wine). Owner Tony Foreman was spotted working in the front of the house and a brief glimpse of Chef Cindy Wolfe as she delivered an amuse bouche, a watermelon with lemon sorbet to the front line for table service.
The menu changes often by Chef Cindy using products that are freshly sourced and seasonal. My standout tastes of the evening were the PAN-ROASTED SEA SCALLOPS with Grilled Local Peaches, Local Fava Bean & Chorizo Salad, Lavender Oil. Then I admired so much and shared the PAN-SEARED HUDSON VALLEY FOIE GRAS (seen left) , Local Methley Plums, Cornmeal Cake, Maury Pan Sauce served with crepes.
(More pictures can be seen on my facebook page www.facebook.com/citypeekpatti )
Cross Street Market in Federal Hill: Love the casual, excellent neighborhood spot when one can always be refreshed with cold air. So bring a sweater, even in the scorching heat, the fish market is chilled! Had a quick lunch of sushi and oysters. Then a stop to buy fabulous almonds, fresh baguetter and a slice of cheese from Cheese Galore & More. Owner Sharon Johnson, who normally can be seen minding her cheese and gourmet food stand, was preparing her first newletter. Love the casual, excellent neighborhood spot when one can always be refreshed with cold air. So bring a sweater, even in the scorching heat, the fish market is chilled!
POSTE MODERN BRASSERIE in the HOTEL MONACO WASHINGTON DC-happened upon this spot for Sunday brunch as I am currently doing reconnaissance for their Bloody Mary bar and heard it was something to check out.
Besides being a bit warm inside, well Washington, DC did have a temp of 108 degrees outside and the restaurant has sky roof, the experience was perfect. I enjoyed a cobb salad which I altered to include a poached egg in lieu of a hard boiled and added a protein of chilled shrimp. It was wonderful, especially with my tailor made bloody mary-seen to left. There was a choice of 3 house infused vodka, a bacon infused was my choice paired with house made mix and a choice of over 25 pickled veggies, seasonings and hot sauces and warm bacon strips.
The staff was lovely which included meeting Sous Chef Joshua Hutter (Exec Chef Dennis Marron was on a well-deserved day off) and GM, Chad. Highly recommend this spot for a meal and can't wait to return for dinner.
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