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 It’s one of those sultry days that reminds me of summer time in Miami Beach where I lived for many years. It was when South Beach was filled with elderly people blissfully sitting on the front porches of the Art Deco hotels.  It was a time when I could saunter up to a window on Ocean Drive, order Café Cubano and sip it from a little shot glass while watching the waves roll in across the street.  I sadly watched the transition of South Beach. I watched the hotels being transformed one by one and the elderly people (including my uncle) being displaced from their homes. I watched as the carnival like atmosphere, trendy restaurants and nightclubs emerged. And yes, as the years went by, I returned again and again to enjoy the “new” South Beach. But I cherish the memories of another time and place. And no matter how many times I visit, I am still transported back to being that young girl enjoying Ocean Drive and waving to all the bubbas and zaydes on the front porch.
Have a peaceful Sunday! Cheers! Penina  The weekend will be over in the blink of an eye and there is so much to share with you. I was going to tell you about an interesting vodka that I tasted a few days ago, but I’d rather talk about Friday evening!  Last night a group of us went to Daryl’s House Club, a restaurant and live music club in Pawling, NY. Daryl Hall of the famous “Hall & Oates” music duo, has created a warm and intimate venue for good food and great music. He strategically set up large screens throughout the bar and main restaurant, so that live performances can be viewed from every table or bar stool. Although the food service can be a little slow on a performance night, it is worth the wait. The food is fresh and tasty! John Sebastian of The Lovin Spoonful entertained us. His voice is not what it used to be, but his charm, guitar and harmonica skills are rockin! Every song took us down memory lane. Every story he told warmed our hearts. It was a special evening! Check out Daryl’s website. He has an interesting lineup of performing artists. If your travels bring you to the area, it is worth the stop to Daryl’s House. We’ll be going back!
http://www.darylshouseclub.com I’m chilling wine for this evening. What will you be drinking? Happy Saturday! Cheers! Penina  It was a beautiful day yesterday and jam packed with a long “to do” list. My goal was to get as much done as possible and then squeeze in a late afternoon swim. Mission accomplished!  Prior to scooting out the door for an evening engagement, I opened a rosé that had been chilling in my refrigerator for a few weeks. It was a 2014 Charles & Charles Rosé from Columbia Valley, Washington. It was an interesting blend of 72% Syrah, 8% Mourvedre, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Grenache, 3% Cinsault, 3% Counoise. The color was such a deep pink, it was bordering on coral. Aromas of watermelon and apples greeted me. The palate was soft fruit, strawberry, with a hint of citrus and candy apple on the finish. It is not a bad “go to” wine for the price…about $12.00 a bottle. http://www.charlessmithwines.com  I’m off to embrace another beautiful day!
Happy Thursday! Cheers! Penina  When one thinks of watching baseball at a ballpark, it might evoke images of hotdogs, popcorn, crackerjacks and beer. However, if sitting in the comfort of one’s living room and watching the game on TV…well…anything goes!  Last night, with the temps still hanging in the 90’s, grilling was out of the question. In the spirit of the game, my friend suggested picking up a pizza and beer to watch the Mets vs Nationals game. I told him to bring pizza dough and I would make the pie. I topped the pizza with caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, goat cheese and fresh basil. After it was done, I drizzled truffle oil on it. Yum!  Towards the end of the game, we poured some Prunier VSOP Cognac to sip on. I have reviewed this cognac a few times. You can find my reviews in the archives, under cognac. As far as the game went…the Mets lost. It is another hot and humid day, but I have lots to do.
Enjoy your Tuesday! Cheers, Penina  I can’t believe that it is already Sunday. The weekend flew by quickly. After a rocky start to the day yesterday with thunderstorms and house issues, things began to settle down…for a short time.  Although I was reticent to go on a sunset boat ride with friends due to the earlier storms, I was cajoled into hopping aboard. As I suspected, the water was a little too choppy for my enjoyment. However, I smiled, laughed and didn’t eat!  Our hosts provided lots of food and a variety of drinks. I drank lots of water and sipped on 2013 La Crema Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley  It was a beautiful straw color with a nose full of apple, citrus and oak. The palate was layered with pear, apple, toasted nuts, honey and citrus. It was full-bodied and well balanced. The finish was long and smooth. The wine was barrel aged for nine months and alcohol was 14.5%. http://www.lacrema.com My land legs are back and I’m staying low key today.
Happy Sunday! Cheers! Penina  I thought I had been shot out of a cannon yesterday because I never hit the ground from all the activity. So it was a welcome thirty minutes of swimming towards the end of the day that set the tone for the upcoming evening. I put on some music, started grilling vegetables and prepared the salmon for an early dinner. I had a great bottle of wine chilling and the weather was ideal for outdoor dining.  We opened a 2011 Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay. Wow! It was heavenly. The color was intense yellow with tropical fruit, citrus and oak aromas. The palate offered juicy tropical fruit, stone fruit and citrus. It was a lovely finish with a hint of spice lingering on the palate. The wine is fermented and aged 10 months in French oak. http://www.grgich.com  Instead of giving you a history lesson with regard to the estate, I photographed the back of the bottle. It is an interesting read!  I still have much to do before I can kick off my shoes and relax. Happy Friday!
Cheers! Penina If you’ve been following my blog, you know by now that I’m basically a purist when it comes to drinking vodka. Yes, I have strayed now and then to taste some very interesting cocktails. And, last night I made another exception.  My friend was in “mixology” mode and decided to make me a lemon vodka martini. He had prepared simple syrup a few days prior, which impressed me. Actually, it’s not a bad idea to keep a container of simple syrup in the refrigerator to have on hand for cocktails. I make a variation of it for my hummingbirds.  Although he wouldn’t tell me all the ingredients, I do know that he used Belvedere Vodka, lemons, simple syrup and a secret ingredient that my palate couldn’t discern. The garnish was a sprig of lavender. And…it was delicious! It was a refreshing summer cocktail and a perfect evening to sit outside and enjoy the sunset…. no humidity and a beautiful breeze. Happy!  I have lots to do today, but I’m looking forward to an early evening swim, good wine and food.
Enjoy this beautiful day! Happy Thursday! Cheers! Penina  Although the days are now getting shorter, it is full on summer with heat and humidity. Dining has taken on a whole new meaning of light and easy meals. Quinoa salads, bean salads, cold shrimp, lobster and fresh fruit are the go to fare of late. Chilled wines are the pick right now.  Last night we opened a 2014 Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand. It was pale straw in color with aromas of citrus and tropical fruit. The palate offered layers of fruit, lemon, lime and green apple. It was light and crisp with a touch of acidity. It complemented the meal, but would drink well on it’s own. I have another bottle chilling in the refrigerator! http://www.oysterbaywines.com  Stay cool and hydrated in this warm weather!
Happy Tuesday! Cheers! Penina Yesterday was a very long day of work, driving and meeting with clients. My energy and spirits were low. I was in need of a break. And then towards the end of the day, I was introduced to two men that completely turned me around.  I met Mickey, age 93 and Lou, age 100. They had the spirit, drive and flirtatious flair of teenage boys. Their enthusiasm and zest for life was contagious. And their energy could run circles around most men that are 50 years younger! I can’t wait to sit and talk with them again. They are the true meaning of “seize the day”! I realize this post is a far cry from talking about wine, food, travel or knitting...or maybe not. One needs a positive attitude for life like Lou and Mickey, to appreciate and enjoy it all!  I raise my glass of wine to Lou and Mickey!
Cheers! Penina  About a month ago I planted a miniature strawberry and cherry tomato plant along with an assortment of herbs. I’ve been enjoying the “fruits” of my labor until recently. It seems that some creature has also been feasting on the sweet strawberries. And last evening, I caught the little thief nibbling away. It was a female cardinal. She seemed nonplussed to have me watching her. And, I fully expected her to hop on the table and join us for wine and cheese! And speaking of wine and cheese….  I opened a bottle of Epiphany 2004 Grenache from Santa Barbara County. The cork fell apart while opening it, but the wine was perfect and very drinkable. The color was dark purple with fruity aromas. The dominant flavor was cherry. As it opened up, the sweetness settled. Pepper, cocoa and blackberry emerged with cherry pie on the finish. It was a nice balance with the array of cheeses that I served. Alcohol content was 15.1%. https://www.epiphanycellars.com  I have quite a few hours of work ahead, but then I’m looking forward to a swim!
Happy Saturday! Cheers! Penina |
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