misa en place

Cari amici,
Currently watching the NBA finals: do I really have any of my sports zeal invested? No, but even though I’m now a Losangelina, I hate the Lakers. So, I go green. I have a lot of wine news to report, though my big Grenache news will have to come later after I go buy another bottle from CostPlus to get the essential details. Latest find, and with some surprise, is the TJ’s brand of Zin for 4.99. Organic, Produced & Bottled, and worth the gas required to drive to Trader Joe’s. Everything revolves around driving these days, you know? Give it a try and please let me know what you think because up until last Wednesday, I hated Zins of any sort. I had this with a hearty Manchego cheese, multigrain baguette and mixed olives and thought I was amidst antipasto pleasure.
Un carissimo saluto.

Now that I’m somewhat settled into my summer digs in Cincinnati, I thought it was time to start reviewing the restaurants I’ve been visiting. And there is no better place to start than Pigall’s, the French restaurant owned by local food star, Jean Robert de Cavel.

Pigall’s is one of less than 20 restaurants in the United States to have received the designation of “Relais Gourmand” by Relais & Chateax, an elite “club” of the best hotels and restaurants around the world. Needless to say, when I landed an invitation to dine there, I had high expectations.

The restaurant is in a beautifully restored building–reminiscent of those found in New Orleans’ French Quarter–located in downtown Cincinnati. It is one of those restaurants that, upon entering, whisks you away from the outside world and wraps you in a warm blanket of quiet. It is a place for an important date, a special occasion, or simply a leisurely end to a long week at work. Read the rest of this entry »

Cari amici,
Two things are rapidly approaching – warmer weather and more leisure time (if you’re in academia, like me). That means the return of white wine as well as the desire to buy wine to celebrate every day of the blessed week – Mondays and Tuesdays included. Today happens to be Sunday, and though I am not done with the academic year, I’m celebrating a good day of paper-writing/bull-shitting by cooking up a nice supper and indulging in a real sauvignon splurge.
I live two blocks from Cost Plus World Market and I do not frequent it often – mainly because I covet patio furniture and also believe that the millions of throw pillows are overpriced (though I ALSO covet them). There are a few things that are great to buy at World Market – spices (I am trying out the Tandoori spice blend for $1.50 tonight) and clearance wines. Lately the clearance section has not featured anything of note – unless you love Reisling which I do not. But I bought a Sauvignon Blanc for 10 dollars …. I know… a little pricy for me but I am celebrating my own envisioned academic genius today.
-HUSCH (2006) from Mendocino
Worth it? Not really – still waiting on the return of Pope Valley SB at TJs. I don’t sense any of the grassy flavor that I love – it’s not bad, just not erbacious!

Better bets, though in the red realm:
1. SANTA YNEZ VALLEY WINERY, Cabernet Franc (2006) from TJs at 8 bucks.
I think it’s buttery. Nicholas thinks it’s bold
2. Boyfriend report: ROOT Cabernet Sauv. from Chile at World Market at 8 bucks
Proving that an amazing label can prove to be amazing wine. Sean has the market cornered on the label-aesthetics analysis.

Ciao for now!