{writing up tasting notes at Alexandria’s new Waterfront Market}

Happy weekend dear readers. What adventures are you all up to? We had a quick visit from Papa Jacques, the bebes’ grandpa and my mom is in town so it’s been lots of fun family time. George Mason Dance presented its annual Gala performance last night. I watched our students grace the stage and fearlessly tackle the spectacular works of choreographers Karen Reedy, Kyle Abraham, Mark Morris and Robert Battle. Kudos to the department and its impressive program, I was blown away by their work.

I’ve also taken on a really fun new project that involves my spending lots of time writing up tasting notes and tasting through wines at the brand new Alexandria eatery, Waterfront Market, smack dab on Old Town’s pier- what could be more fun? In the last few years the only restaurant to take up residence on the waterfront proper is The Chart House which is great- we all know and love it from vacations past on piers across the country- but let’s face it, locals don’t exactly flock to the pricey chain. Jody Manor of Alexandria’s Bittersweet Cafe (a personal fave) has spearheaded this new spot, setting out to make Old Town’s Pier a destination for visitors and locals alike. My talented friend Rashmi Pappu rang me up to see if I would come in as their Wine Consultant and help them design their wine program, list and market. I jumped at the opportunity to work with them, this great new spot and let’s face it, designing a wine list is one of my all time favorite things to do.

If you’re in our neck of the woods, pop in and see us. Jody has done a great job designing the Market exposing its industrial and raw roots, bringing a local and organic feel back to the space. The restaurant sits adjacent to the Torpedo Factory, a industrial space that houses local artists and their works. Three Cheers for revamping the pier and making it a go-to destination. Come in and sip some of our yummy vino (the sushi and sandwiches are aces too).

What I’m Drinking: 

I’m sipping on a Cabernet from our list. The ’12 Camp Cabernet is an easy-going cab crafted by a former pro-skateboarder. Kenny Likitprakong set out to make a Cab blend from the Sonoma Coast that would speak to the laid back vibe of the surf and skate culture. Success. He sources his grapes from a few different choice vineyards and has concocted a fleshy and food-friendly wine that smacks of boysenberry pie, coffee beans and cassis. Likitprakong threw in a bit of Merlot and Cabernet Franc for good measure. Pick up a bottle at Waterfront Market or here. The ’12 vintage has largely sold out, so get it while it’s hot (or between 62-68 degrees).
*Hobo Wines makes a few more of my current favorites- check out their Folk Machine labels– delish.

A Few Things: 

The bowels of NYC’s Balthazar are like being backstage at a Broadway show. This is a great article on the inner-workings of McNally’s masterpiece and now NY institution. Working in the wine cellar there, I always felt like the way its underbelly operated was akin to the backstage choreography of a show: well-oiled, specific and highly executed.

Why fiction makes us more empathetic.  P.S.: How much do you love Diane Rehm.

I Love Lucy- good or bad for women? I say good, Lucille Ball- always good. This story on Studio 360 is an interesting analysis of the show featuring a few scholars’ two cents and Mindy Kaling too.

Framing your art on the cheap– always helpful.

Inside the Pixar Braintrust– always fascinating.

The Best Cheap Trader’s Joe’s wines to drink with Italian food– when both your table and your wallet are “rustic”.

And lastly, did you guys see this? I recently watched a re-run of the 2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Awards and could not believe this acceptance speech. I didn’t quite what to make of it while watching it- but honestly, I think it’s kind of awesome. An entire speech in blah blahs? Now that’s commitment.

Cin Cin all and enjoy the weekend!

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A great way to add a little shape (and vino) to your kitchen.

Black Hexagonal Wine Rack

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Txakolina, aka Tkakoli or Chacolí- that seemingly hard-to-pronounce (chock-oh-LEE-na) but once you figure it out, fun-to-say Spanish wine that races with acidity, minerality, citrus notes and a slight spritziness. Txakolina wines come from the north east region of Spain, the most popular of the bunch hailing from that food mecca that is the Basque region.

Imagine sun-baked Spaniards sitting on the sun-drenched terraces of San Sebastian gulping this stuff up all summer long, that’s pretty much the way it goes down there- not a bad way to wile away the dog days of summer. I know, it’s not summer yet- not even close but a girl can dream. Instead of lamenting over the ice rink that is my driveway left behind by the latest late winter snow storm, I’ll saddle up to my dinner table and swirl a glass of refreshing Txakolina to my heart’s content.

The grapes used to make Txakolina are the mysterious white Hondarrabi Zuri grape and black Hondarrabi Beltza grape. I say mysterious because not a whole heck of a lot is known about these particular grapes and they aren’t grown anywhere else in the world. Barkeeps at Spanish pinxtos in the Basque region theatrically pour these fizzy wines at a distance to create even more bubbliciousness and add to the mystique of their local treasure.

Txakolina wines are churned out as whites, rosés and reds. The reds are less well known in the States as the rosés and whites are the ones that usually take up space on our wine lists, but they offer up a refreshing red alternative to a Cab Franc or Gamay light bodied red.

Mostly thought of as a solid partner-in crime to a sweltering summer, a Txakolina wine is a great addition to your winter or spring table. Natually low in alcohol, a Txakolina is a great way to start off your evening. I serve a white or rosé Txakolina as an aperitif and even as palate cleanser. Who said a palate cleanser needs to be sorbet or something of the food stuffs sort, why not a tiny glass of clean and zesty Txakolina? It’s absolutely delicious with a flaky white fish and shellfish. This is the type of wine I think Steve Martin’s character in The Jerk was talking about when he asked for a “fresh wine”. Fresh indeed. You want these guys young, that’s their charm. Txakolinas are also great with salty tapas- croquettes, spicy shrimp, and sardines are all perfection with this Spanish fizzy lifting drink.

A Few Favorite Txakolinas: 

Whites: 
Doniene Gorrondona Bizkaiko Txakolina ’12: wild herbs, flowers and great minerality, $20

Bodega Ulacia, Txakolina ’12:  zippy, lime-tinged and clean: $19

Bodegas Berroja Bizkaiko Txakolina Berroia ’12: sea-sprayed, citrus deliciousness, $16

Roses:
Ameztoi Txakolina Rosato Rubentis ’12: white flowers, strawberries and clean minerality, $24 (My Go-To Txakolina)

Red:
Gorrondona Bizkaiko Txakolina Red ’12: pepper and spice, crushed red fruits with great acidity and minerality- a refreshing red, $30

Map: Quentin Sadler

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1. Sager + Wilde

Charlotte and Michael Sager-Wilde’s top notch wine bar lights up an otherwise nondescript section of the Hackney Road. The sophisticated oenological selection spans the globe, from California to Jerez. A sturdy assemblage of various meats and cheeses accompany the wines to perfection.

2. Sketch

Divided into five flamboyantly decorated dining rooms and bars, Sketch is more of an experience than a restaurant. From decadent afternoon tea at the front room Parlour to a multi-course tasting menu at the Michelin starred Lecture Room, the venue caters to every whim. The Gallery, Sketch’s brasserie, offers ever-changing installations by emerging artists to complement your French inspired meal. The bathrooms upstairs, consisting of retro-futuristic giant individual egg-like pods, are otherworldly.

3. Eyre Brothers

Arguably London’s best Iberian restaurant, Eyre Brothers melds culinary artistry with a cultivated, contemporary decor. Every element, from the splash of green olive oil bursting with flavour to the stellar wine list, evokes pure pleasure. Muted lighting, modernist wood panelling, tasteful artwork and a buzzing bar add to the restaurant’s infinite appeal; but its culinary might is certainly worth multiple visits in of itself.

4. Jose

A cracking addition to the culinary hotbed of Bermondsey Street, José is a modern Spanish classic. Primarily a bustling sherry and tapas bar, the list of jerez is concocted by Masters of Wine associated with the neighbouring Wine and Spirit Education Trust, which ensures a rigorously curated selection. The tapas and deserts, including a highly recommended chocolate mousse, are equally stellar. For those seeking more substantial Spanish fare visit owner José Pizarro’s Pizarro (map p 90), a wildly successful full-scale Spanish restaurant just down the street.

5. Brawn

Decked out in warm wood and exuding comfort, Brawn specializes in locally sourced delicacies in a wonderfully unfussy setting. The highlight of Columbia Road’s many culinary treasures, a meal at Brawn can include such divergent delights as Scottish langoustine, braised rabbit leg, soft polenta and gremalata, and the rather more unusual sounding snails, oxtail and salsify pie. Brawn’s predominantly French list of sustainable, organic and biodynamic wines is particularly satisfying.

 

Thank you Alana!

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So long Old Town! One last photo op on our way out the door. Old Town Alexandria was so good to us and we had a blast living there. We brought our babies home to that tiny and loved apartment and I loved all of our long stroller walks through the Colonial streets of that charming town. Our move to the ‘burbs was a bittersweet one. We were so sad to say goodbye to Old Town but happy to have some real space and a small patch of green to call our own. More Progress Reports on our ongoing reno to come- now I know why people say that home improvement is ongoing, there is an absolute endless lists of things to tackle, but that’s what makes it fun right? We’ll be making various trips to Lowe’s and the hardware store this weekend amidst attempting to unpack boatloads of boxes- what is even in these things is beyond me. How in the world is it possible to accumulate so much when you live in 700 square feet? First world problems to be sure. I don’t mean to complain about “stuff” but it does get to be a bit much. I mean really, how much do we really need in our lives? I’d like to just give everything away but I know I would just end up buying most of it all over again. Here’s to a life more simplified, that’s always a good goal.

What I’m Drinking: 

Our refrigerator isn’t working yet (long reno sob story), so it’ll be a warm Blue Moon with a slice of orange for me on a plastic cup (until we can find that elusive box of glassware). I’ll put a 6-pack outside to cool overnight- cool weather can be a blessing. Ha.

A Few Things:

“What Facebook is doing to your brain is kind of shocking.”

What a cute ad campaign.  I love those black doors.

You may have heard, but there’s been a big breakthrough in the Big Bang Theory– I can’t even fathom figuring this out. Fascinating.

Hip Hip Hooray- my friend Anna Watson Carl has finished her “Cookbook Diaries” and will be self-publishing her Yellow Table cookbook this year! Three Cheers for realizing a dream!

L’Wren Scott’s passing this week was so sad. She was such a gifted artist and designer. I remember L’Wren Scott as she was the costume designer for the 2000 Academy Awards that I was lucky enough to perform in. I’ll never forget my fitting with her, she had yet to propel to the fast track in the fashion world and was in the beginning stages of her work as a rock star designer but it was clear that she had the goods. I’ve never felt better, she knew how to make a gal look and feel great.  I posted a small photo of our Blame Canada kickline in our Royal Mountie garb here on the blog.

For all you DIY’ers out there, a super cute pennant pillow. I can’t sew to save my life but for those that possess that seamstress-y thing, I think this would be so great in a little one’s room.

Happy Weekend Dear Readers! Cin Cin all and Enjoy the first weekend of Spring!

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It’s officially here folks and I have to say, today it actually feels like Spring in my neck of the woods. It’s 55 and sunny- who can believe it! Here are a few of my favorite things for Spring.

1. A Batch of Lemon Thyme Bars– because who doesn’t want a little citrus and fresh herbs with their sweets- done.

2. Some Stella McCarney Two-Toned Oversized Sunnies: a bit of a splurge for me considering I usually lose my sunnies each season but if I can keep track of them, they’ll be worth the splurge.

3. Some Sabre Tortoise Salad Servers– I can’t get enough of the Sabre spoons from Paris. I love these salad servers and Spring is all about fresh veggies- the better to toss them with, my dears. I’ve got to get my hands on these teaspoons too, sold exclusively in the US at Happy Bones Coffee in NYC’s Nolita. (They’re currently out of stock but are expecting more in late April). Aren’t they great.

4. A Great Rosé: a list just isn’t a list without a good rosé on it- any time of year. But Spring beckons for a mineral and crisp glass of salmon-y pink juice. I’m loving this one imported by the can-do-no-wrong pioneer, Kermit Lynch. When in doubt, reach for one of Kermit’s bottles, he doesn’t disappoint. This one’s $15 and lip-smackingly good.

5. A Darling Baby Zebra Print: Springtime reminds me of freshly hatched chicks and fuzzy baby animals. How sweet is this little zebra. Sharon Montrose’s lovely animal prints start at $25.

6. A Pair of Raffia d’Orsay Slippers– fresh and fun and so nice to get a little fresh air on your tootsies.

7. A Jet Black Hinge Bangle– because it’s just cool, and Spring is a cool time of year.

8. An Octagon Embellished Terra Cotta Planter: ’tis the season for planting and gardening and stuff of the green-thumbed sort and also, I love an octagon. And also, I have a backyard! Say What?!

9. Some Shiny and Shapely Hardware: there’s that octagon again. An easy update.

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One of the questions I’m asked most frequently about NYC’s theater district is, “Where in God’s name can I get a good glass of wine?”- well, maybe not exactly in those words, but the point being, it’s tough to surf through the tourist muck and saddle up to a really good glass of vino around the Great White Way.

I used to work on the B-Way. It was my turf for years, and I did my fair share of bad-wine imbibing alongside my fellow hoofers who were more than happy downing their well made martinis. There are lots of  joints serving up a great cocktail, but finding a good wine list in these parts, doesn’t come as easy. Midtown’s got its fair share of blue-hairs and buses, but not a whole lot of Barberas.

Here’s what I know- my five go-to spots to thrill any oenophile.
Drum Roll please…. and Curtain Up:

1. Ardesia: hands down the best and most interesting wine list in midtown Manhattan. These guys are true winos and know of what they serve. Mandy Oser hails from Le Bernadin so she packs a foodie punch and serves up some serious vino cred. I like this place so much I got a job here (I didn’t end up pouring here as we abruptly moved to Virginia- sigh). I always pop in whenever I find myself in the ‘hood. The list is always interesting with a great group of grower champagnes.

2. Caselulla Cheese & Wine Cafe: the cheese and the wine share the stage here- true co-stars, if you will. Stinky, soft, sharp- whatever your fancy, you’ll get your cheese on here with a perfectly-paired pour. Ask the somm here to pair you up so that you get the most out of your flavors. Try a Tokaji or a Madeira with your cheese flight- you won’t be disappointed by this list.

3, Marseilles: this spot has been a favorite of mine since the early aughts. The bar is cozy, boisterous and fun. The wine list is stellar (I used to sell wine to them in fact, by way of my former life as a rep for a small French importer). The wine director has a great nose and manages to sniff out some really rogue and unique picks here. Their sister restaurant, Nizza, next door is also always a good idea. It’s a smaller place and you can grab a yummy pizza with your vino, or better yet- try their Chicken Milanese with a bottle of the very reasonably priced Rosso di Montalcino- double win.

4. Kashkaval Cheese Market and Wine Bar: I adore this colorful little place, it has a special place in my wino heart. I used to live around the corner, and it was the closest thing I ever had to a Cheers. It’s casual, very local and completely unassuming but make no mistake, their wine list is a varied and thoughtful one. At the back of this cheese and Mediterranean market/deli, you’ll find a few tables. No reservations accepted, just hope you can find a spot because the word on this deli/wine bar is definitely out. Enjoy some fresh cheeses, dips and spreads with your glass of Alsatian or Greek white. It’s likely you’ll end up sharing your personal space with a Paulie look-alike from The Sopranos and a woman that resembles an extra from the set of Fiddler on the Roof– babushka and all. Kashkaval feels like real New York.

5. Bar Centrale: the wine list here is good. Not blow your socks off good, but it’s good enough and not really why you’re here anyway. I know this post is about where to get a good glass of wine (and you will get one of those here), but I have to include Bar Centrale as it’s likely that the star of the play you just saw will be sitting right next to you enjoying the very same glass of wine. It’s a little surreal and it’s a lot awesome. It’s small, it’s cozy and it’s for the Broadway babies in the know. Make a reservation if you’re popping in post-show and try to go mid-week, that’s when the show folk go out- not in the middle of their 5 show weekend.

*Another show folk spot not to miss if you like to saddle up next to the stars- Joe Allen‘s- always a good time old school-style- the walls are hung with the posters of Broadway’s most spectacular flops. A Tony-winning choreographer will inevitably be seated next to you- they have to eat too. Joe Allen’s is the real deal, one of my happy places.

Newcomer: Aldo Sohm: the top somm in the world opens his own place. A former Rockette runs the joint. Need I say more? This is a must. Eric Ripert’s right-hand wino curates a meticulously edited wine list that will make your mouth water just reading it. The place is both comfy and buttoned-up, the perfect summation of Sohm’s personality and palate. You feel very taken care of here, and you can kick back on the cozy (but tailored) sofa while sipping your Gruner. You’ll find lots of yummy Austrian picks representing Sohm’s homeland on the list. You cannot go wrong here. Period. Put it on your list.

Honorable Mention: Pigalle: this one may surprise some of you, as it sits on the ground floor of a Days Inn, and seems to cater to the theater-going masses, but this French brasserie is brought to you by the same folks at Marseilles and Nizza, and they know what’s up. While their wine list may not be the most innovative and skews a bit more to the middle, their selection is always good and the food very good and reliable. A plate of French fries dipped in their roast chicken au jus, paired with a Cotes du Rhone, is one of the greatest things on 8th Avenue.

Runner Up: Bocca di Bacco– a good little Italian restaurant on 9th Avenue with a more than good Italian wine list. If you’re into Italian wines, this is your place.

Cin Cin and Enjoy!

Photos: Ardesia top photo: Johnny Simon, Bar Centrale: Jessica Lin, Kashkaval: Robyn Lee

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One of my favorite chefs and our hometown foodie hero, Cathal Armstrong just released his debut cookbook. So of course, I hightailed it to his high end food market/restaurant, Society Fair, to pick up my copy. Hot off the press, this cookbook delivers some hearty yet refined Irish cooking inspired by the sustainable farm-to-table cuisine he has perfected at his flagship Restaurant Eve.

Armstrong is an Irish transplant to the DC area who has single handedly put Alexandria on the A-list foodie map. His local dynasty of destination eateries includes the top notch Eve, Society Fair, The Majestic, Eamonn’s Dublin Chipper and PX. If Alexandria is on your list, you must make it in to one of Armstrong’s spots. He has a great way of capturing the old world while celebrating the new. Each of his restaurants embodies the old school spirit of this Colonial town while churning out inventive and inspired food and drink.

I cooked up an Irish-inspired feast last night in celebration of St. Paddy’s Day and tried my hand at Armstrong’s Hollandaise sauce. Hollandaise you say? Not exactly an Irish invention but so delicious drizzled over some hearty Emerald Isle-inspired dishes. I’ve always been a little afraid of Hollandaise what with all the whisking and clarifying and (potential) curdling, but this approach was rather easy and dare I say- fun. I was whisking and carrying on like a master chef with my oversized stainless steel bowl, wiry tool in hand and butter and yolks running aplenty. I rather enjoyed the whole experience and served the Hollandaise over a crusted seared salmon, roasted parmesan-topped asparagus and roasted fingerlings- all riffs on recipes from My Irish Table. Crazy deliciousness ensued. (see my yellow creation pictured above) We finished the night off with a Salty Caramel Ice Cream Guinness Float. Rather indulgent, but hey- it was a holiday and instead of whooping it up at the local pub like I used to do, with the bebes tucked in their beds, we indulgently dined on some savory eats. Hey man, any excuse. Happy St. Paddy’s Day indeed.

My Irish Table is chock full of hearty and homemade Irish recipes, all elevated to highlight the flavors and the food of Armstrong’s culinary repertoire. Sláinte Chef Armstrong! I heartily recommend.

My Irish Table, $26 Hardcover

*Listen: this interview with Chef Armstrong via Washington DC’s NPR is worth a listen if you dig this type of food.

And… A Few More Irish Fantasies in the Spirit of St. Paddy’s:

On My List:
The Galway Oyster Festival. What could be better than an Irish seaside town, boatloads of fresh oysters, Champagne, Stout and music?

Ballymaloe Cooking School. Armstrong credits this County Cork farm/school as the official pioneer of the farm-to-table modern Irish cooking movement. Heralding Ballymaloe as one of the greatest culinary experiences of his life, I’m sold- it is officially a must-do.

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This one is a duh, but I have to say, it’s new to me. As C said last night after I poured him a Black Velvet, “this is the way I always want my Guinness- with a little Champagne.” Blasphemy, you say? Especially for a man who is 1/4 Irish? Well, I say- why not? The Black Velvet still gives you a rich, mealy, manly stout with a bit of bubbly thrown in for that feminine balance. Hey, I’m all for a tall, dark glass of Guinness when the occasion calls for it, I’ve always been a big fan, but the bubbles here lift that dark, brooding drink to a more lighthearted level. It doesn’t take itself so seriously- like a little J.K. Rowling-infused Joyce.

Invented in London, this cocktail still qualifies as an Irish lassie. After Prince Albert’s death in 1861, the bartender at London’s legendary Brooks Club deemed that all should mourn- even the Champagne- so he mixed it halfsies with the Guinness. A tasty surprise was born.

The Black Velvet: Guinness Champagne Cocktail

What You Need:
Guinness
Bubbly

What You Do:
Pour half your flute or wine glass with Guinness.
Top off with some bubbly, just make sure it doesn’t lean toward the sweet side.  (I went in for a bottle of Gruet- a great mix with the Guinness.)

Cin Cin and Happy St. Paddy’s Day!

P.S.: Thank you all for voting in the Saveur 2014 Food Blog Awards. Fingers crossed Volatizing will receive a coveted nom. Thanks again!

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Happy Weekend dear readers. It has been such a tumultuous, sad and mysterious week in the world with so many tragedies and the Malaysian Air mystery. My heart and prayers go out to the families. I hope we can find some answers soon. Prayers to the victims of the Austin and East Harlem accidents as well.

This weekend we’ll be bidding adieu to our beloved Old Town as we prepare for the big move out to Fairfax County. In reality, we’re only moving 15 minutes away, but in spirit it is another world entirely and the beginning of a new and ‘burby life. Bring on the adventure.

What I’m Drinking:

It’s still cold around here so I’m still craving an earthy, chewy red. This is one of my go-to’s for under $15. I just picked up a case at my local Whole Foods. Great with pizza and burgers. A casual and rustic, while still complex, expression of the Tuscan Sangiovese grape from the Maremma region near the sea. A solid and yummy budget red.

’11 Ghiaccio Forte Vigne de Passegno Morellino di Scansano (what a mouthful!) , $15

A Few Things:

An awesome DIY Sculptural Hand Dish a la the highly coveted Kelly Wearstler design- this one comes at a much cheaper price tag (and isn’t sold out). I’d like to find time to make this, mostly because I just love the way a fresh block of clay feels.

How to style your space like a Wes Anderson movie. I will find a place for that fabulous Scalamandre Zebra wallpaper one day.

Roahhhhr! Carly– what a tigress. I’m always inspired by the divine Ms. Simon, her style and her timeless sound.

Picasso as your pen pal. This is so cool.

A super quick tour through SJP’s NYC Brownstone as she answers 73 quick questions (and very well). Her brownstone is fabulous. I love all the books, there is a real live dictionary and those globes!!!

I can’t wait to read this. Walter Kirn, author of Thumbsucker and Up in the Air, shares the details of his friendship with the killer and con man, Clark Rockefeller and how it felt to be duped.

Bringing Down Bebé– a year in Paris brings this mother and her kids to their knees. This is a great read for any parent who has wondered why their kids can’t patiently play and self-amuse like those well-behaved Frenchies.

Teach your kids how to hustle. Frank Deford is my new favorite- how have I never heard this guy before!

Oh Shirley, how I love ya. This is great.

Gettin’ Freekah with Chicken and Kale in salad form. Thank you Bon Appetit- this one looks delish.

And A Few More Things:

My new favorite show. Talk about mind blowing. This guy is my 2nd favorite new favorite.

You’ve probably seen this video of parents lip-synching to Frozen’s “Love Is An Open Door” while their daughter yawns in the backseat. Last night, C and I performed an entire rendition of Sesame Street’s “La-Di-Da-Di-Dum What’s The Name of That Song” (quite possibly one of the catchiest tunes ever and the reason for my recent insomnia- I CAN-NOT stop singing it- all. night. long.) for our kids, and while our daughter bopped right along, our son repeatedly hit himself in the face. We didn’t blame him. We are pretty obnoxious when we get our full-on musical theater game faces on. And he was sort of trapped and forced to listen to us in his car seat. Seriously one of the funniest things ever. T- not a fan of musical theater (or maybe he’s just not the biggest fan of our singing voices).

Cin Cin all and Happy Weekend!

Photo: Hand Dish by Mandi Johnson

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