Hiatus Over!

So I took a hiatus. January just called for a break from blogging. Refreshed, I start 2012 clear-headed and ready to go. Lots has happened in the world of food and wine, so bear with me as I attempt to cover it all without wasting anyone's time!

Here are some things coming up...

Reviews: Napolese, Noah Grant's, Ambrosia, Ripple Inn, Libertine (part 2)

Recipes: Lots of easy pasta dishes, Kahlua-Maple French Toast

Excursions: Nashville (TN), Chicago, etc etc

+ Much more (bargain wines, cocktail ideas, etc).

Brugge Brasserie

Roasted Pork Tenderloin Crepe

My favorite Wine Yoda and I met to have lunch and talk shop (wine, social media, the problems of the world, etc).  He chose Brugge Brasserie, a Belgian-style brewery and eatery right in the heart of Broad Ripple Village.

*On a side note, he set up his Twitter account during our lunch. You can follow him @DalaiWino

Pommes Frites

Brugge has been around awhile now as part of the Indy microbrew circuit. Brewer Ted Miller is totally committed to brewing spot-on Belgians, as well as some random other stuff to keep it interesting. Brad ordered a Cerne Pivo (a Czech dark lager), and I ordered the Harvey (a sour blackberry wheat beer). The beer was excellent. It was so excellent I had a few.

Brugge is moules and pommes frites heaven, so we couldn't resist.  We ordered mussels in the style of Chili (crushed red chilis, garlic, cilantro), as well as the Roasted Pork Tenderloin Crepe with goat cheese and mustard sauce.

Moules Frites Chili Style

The mussels were absolutely delicious.  They were served with a nice big piece of crusty baguette to soak up all of that amazing broth (it was very spicy and unbelievably good). They also cam with a side of pommes frites. Though you get two of their homemade condiments on the side, we couldn't choose so we ordered sea salt and sherry vinegar, dijon and poplar syrup, and homemade ketchup. While I haven't met too many french fries I don't like, these were just beyond expectation. They are reason enough to frequent Brugge.

The crepe was delicious with well-balanced flavors. The pork was tender, the goat cheese was creamy. The whole lunch was delightful. We were so full we didn't have any room left for dessert crepes (not t complete tragedy, just a great reason to go back). I give Brugge 4.5/5.  Service was relaxed but attentive.  The ambiance was unpretentious, cozy and inviting. The food was outstanding, and the beer was delicious. I will go back again and again. Salut!

Best Holiday Party Wines!

A memorable holiday party deserves a great party wine. Good party wine is easy to find. Great party wine is a little trickier. In my opinion, great party wine shares the following characteristics:

1. It is interesting. Everyone serves Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, etc. Why? Honestly, I am not sure, other than maybe habit. I always try to show my guests something new or at least unexpected.  Wine can start a conversation, inspire someone to get out of their well-worn habits, or challenge a preconceived notion. Why NOT?

Marcato Soave

2. It is low-maintenance. Great party wine is drinkable, with or without food. It doesn't require perfect food pairing, exact temperature, decanting, or fine crystal to enjoy. Some of it even comes with a screw cap (I know!).

3. It is the very best quality you can get for an affordable price. Enough said.

Here is my current line-up of great party wine. Again, my philosophy in wine (and life) is to look away from the large producers to encounter often spectacular best kept secrets.

1. Marcato Soave 2010 (Veneto, Italy) $10

This is my favorite new find. @DalaiWino suggested this as a dry wine alternative, and it was great advice. It is bright and crisp like a sauvignon blanc, but it is soft and floral and not as acidic or fruit forward. It will please both the Pinot Grigio crowd, the grass-and-citrus Sauvignon Blanc crowd, and the white Bordeaux crowd.

2. Foris Pinot Noir 2008 (Rogue Valley, Oregon) $17

This is a perfectly balanced Pinot Noir. It will please fans of European-style leaner Burgundy and the fruitier, spicier California-style enthusiasts. It is delicate with it has great structure, and is delightful to sip throughout a night of various hors d'oeuvre.

 

3. Arido Malbec 2010 (Mendoza, Argentina) $10

This is my medium-bodied go-to wine for company. I liked this description so much I didn't even bother with my own: (www.delavin.com) "Delicate red fruit and violet aromas interact with classic Malbec spiciness. Soft and round in the mouth with balanced acidity and sweet tannins."

4. Mistinguett Cava Brut Rose (Spain) $15

Ahh, the bubbly... an absolute holiday party essential. It does not have to be champagne. This cava is a methode champenoise beauty, meaning it is made to the exacting standards of sanctioned French Champagne. It has a gorgeous color and an elegant bouquet. It is floral, bright, and off-dry. Perfectly delicious on its own, it has no need for the aid of fruit juice, lavender syrup or St Germaine (not that any of those are a bad idea!).

5. Il Cuore Rosso Classico 2007 (Mendocino County) $13

This wine is my Cabernet alternative. It is a blend of Zinfindel, Syrah, Merlot, Petite Syrah and Petite Verdot from Mendocino County. It is a huge wine that is drinkable and subtle. It has notes of tobacco and chocolate following an initial punch of dark cherry and cassis. 

Cheers to great party wine. If you have favorites, please share them!