Below, an incredible video of the lights going out on our beloved NYC.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Lights Out - NYC
Our thoughts go to everyone effected by the hurricane, and who are still suffering. Recovery is going to be a process, to say the least.
Below, an incredible video of the lights going out on our beloved NYC.
Below, an incredible video of the lights going out on our beloved NYC.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Scotch Flights - Bowmore, Auchentoshan, Glen Garioch
Fall is already upon us, and Winter will be soon to follow. More so now, with a hurricane rapping at my windows, it's a perfect time to be drinking Scotch. When there's not a fire to be lit to keep one toasty, a dram of a fine scotch will suffice for warmth and smoke.
I was recently invited to a wonderful scotch tasting at the Nomad Hotel, hosted by Iain McCallum, the Master of Malts for Morrison Bowmore Distillers. With a title like that, I knew I was in good hands.
Tastings are an excellent way to learn about products you've never tasted, I cannot recommend them enough for those interested in learning more about food and beverage products (cheese, wine, whisky etc). The three whiskys I tasted at this event were ones I had never tasted before, and was surprised by all of them. In all honesty, I have not ventured into Scotch as much as I should (being a self-proclaimed lover of libation), and I can tell you that after this flight of incredible Scotches, I am determined to become an expert.
We started off with Auchentoshan ( "ock-un-tosh-un") 12 Year Old (40% alcohol). It's triple distilled in pot stills and then matured for over 12 years on the Auchentoshan Estate near Glasgow. The nose is sweet - I smelled a bit of pear, citrus, and caramel. On first sip it's nutty - flavors of almond, caramel, a little bit of spice, orange and lime, with a round creaminess. It has a dry finish, with a spicy gingery bite.
Then we tried Auchentoshan Valinch 2012 - Cask Strength (57.2% alcohol). This mark is aged in first fill American Bourbon casks and naturally has strong vanilla notes. On the nose there's a bit of caramel and spice - a touch of nutmeg. On the tongue there's citrus, and a sweet creaminess. I personally thought it was similar to a Rye whiskey - a bit spicy with the zest of the citrus. There are only 1,300 bottles of Valinch 2012 for the US market, so if you see it, buy it. It's bound to disappear quickly (especially retailing at $60!)..
For those who are curious, a Valinch is the tool used by the whisky masters to taste the potation straight from the barrel to taste and determine if the barrel is ready to be bottled.
Next on the list was Glen Garioch ("glen geery") 12 Year (48% alcohol), one of my favorites from the evening. It's aged in American Bourbon barrels and Spanish Sherry casks - the combination of which softens and adds the flavors of pear and oak. The nose on this one is very light - just a touch of heathered honey and citrus. On first taste it's very creamy and smooth, coats your tongue with honey and pear, it has a long finish. It has a very smooth finish, and pairs very nicely with a salty cheddar cheese.
Onward to a very special treat - 1986 Glen Garioch Vintage. Glen Garioch is one of the oldest distilleries still in operation, one that before 1995 used smoked barley. It is aged for 25 years in American oak, and bottled at cask strength (54.6% alcohol) in 2011.
The aroma is of creamy caramel, spice, lemon, coconut, and floral notes. The palate has smoke, caramel, salt on the sides of the mouth, with fruity notes of pear and banana. This is an excellent choice for anyone who appreciates a smoky scotch with a smooth creamy structure.
Look for the 1986 Vintage in mid November.
Another one of my favorites from the evening was Bowmore. I have been wanting to try it for some time, so I was delighted to hear that it was on the list. Bowmore is an example of a whisky that has a flavor profile that is clearly influenced by the location of the distillery. Bowmore is the capital of Islay, and means great sea rock. The Bowmore 12 Year was an epiphany - it tasted of the open salty sea air, creamy vanilla, and almost a taste of a beach bonfire (at least that's where I was immediately transported). I found myself suddenly craving wood fired oysters drizzled in salty butter - (note to self, get thyself to Mas La Grillade). Bowmore 12 has a minty finish to all that salt and fire - a clean finish to an excellent pour.
We then tasted another special bottle - Bowmore Dorus Mor - Cask Strength. This mark is based on a 10 year small batch sold outside of the US called the Tempest, now re-released under the name Dorus Mor, a Gaelic expression for rough, wild water. The Bowmore distillery is right on the water, getting both the benefits and abuse of the Atlantic ocean. This whisky is aged in first fill bourbon barrels for 10 years, bringing it flavors of smokey peat, and the sweetness from the oak. It is chill filtered and bottled at cask strength, 55.1% alcohol.
Now, on to the tasting. This gorgeous bottle has a nose of sea salt and caramel, dry peat, and salty citrus. It tastes of caramel, spice, vanilla, salt on the top of the tongue.
The Dorus Mor is available in mid-October, with 2,400 bottles available to the US market.
Both Bowmore marks paired very well with dark chocolate. The salt of the whisky and the the sweetness of the chocolate created a delicious and addictive combination more commonly known to exist in the Reeses peanut butter cup (known to make the strongest of men weak of resistance). We also hear that Bowmore pairs very well with ginger beer - that's something we will have to test - you know, in the name of science.
That sums up some amazing scotch selections. If you too are in the line of this hurricane, we recommend you find an open liquor store and provision.
I was recently invited to a wonderful scotch tasting at the Nomad Hotel, hosted by Iain McCallum, the Master of Malts for Morrison Bowmore Distillers. With a title like that, I knew I was in good hands.
Tastings are an excellent way to learn about products you've never tasted, I cannot recommend them enough for those interested in learning more about food and beverage products (cheese, wine, whisky etc). The three whiskys I tasted at this event were ones I had never tasted before, and was surprised by all of them. In all honesty, I have not ventured into Scotch as much as I should (being a self-proclaimed lover of libation), and I can tell you that after this flight of incredible Scotches, I am determined to become an expert.
We started off with Auchentoshan ( "ock-un-tosh-un") 12 Year Old (40% alcohol). It's triple distilled in pot stills and then matured for over 12 years on the Auchentoshan Estate near Glasgow. The nose is sweet - I smelled a bit of pear, citrus, and caramel. On first sip it's nutty - flavors of almond, caramel, a little bit of spice, orange and lime, with a round creaminess. It has a dry finish, with a spicy gingery bite.
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| Auchentoshan To-Go |
Next on the list was Glen Garioch ("glen geery") 12 Year (48% alcohol), one of my favorites from the evening. It's aged in American Bourbon barrels and Spanish Sherry casks - the combination of which softens and adds the flavors of pear and oak. The nose on this one is very light - just a touch of heathered honey and citrus. On first taste it's very creamy and smooth, coats your tongue with honey and pear, it has a long finish. It has a very smooth finish, and pairs very nicely with a salty cheddar cheese.
 |
| Glen Garioch To-Go |
Onward to a very special treat - 1986 Glen Garioch Vintage. Glen Garioch is one of the oldest distilleries still in operation, one that before 1995 used smoked barley. It is aged for 25 years in American oak, and bottled at cask strength (54.6% alcohol) in 2011.
The aroma is of creamy caramel, spice, lemon, coconut, and floral notes. The palate has smoke, caramel, salt on the sides of the mouth, with fruity notes of pear and banana. This is an excellent choice for anyone who appreciates a smoky scotch with a smooth creamy structure.
Look for the 1986 Vintage in mid November.
Another one of my favorites from the evening was Bowmore. I have been wanting to try it for some time, so I was delighted to hear that it was on the list. Bowmore is an example of a whisky that has a flavor profile that is clearly influenced by the location of the distillery. Bowmore is the capital of Islay, and means great sea rock. The Bowmore 12 Year was an epiphany - it tasted of the open salty sea air, creamy vanilla, and almost a taste of a beach bonfire (at least that's where I was immediately transported). I found myself suddenly craving wood fired oysters drizzled in salty butter - (note to self, get thyself to Mas La Grillade). Bowmore 12 has a minty finish to all that salt and fire - a clean finish to an excellent pour.
We then tasted another special bottle - Bowmore Dorus Mor - Cask Strength. This mark is based on a 10 year small batch sold outside of the US called the Tempest, now re-released under the name Dorus Mor, a Gaelic expression for rough, wild water. The Bowmore distillery is right on the water, getting both the benefits and abuse of the Atlantic ocean. This whisky is aged in first fill bourbon barrels for 10 years, bringing it flavors of smokey peat, and the sweetness from the oak. It is chill filtered and bottled at cask strength, 55.1% alcohol.
Now, on to the tasting. This gorgeous bottle has a nose of sea salt and caramel, dry peat, and salty citrus. It tastes of caramel, spice, vanilla, salt on the top of the tongue.
The Dorus Mor is available in mid-October, with 2,400 bottles available to the US market.
Both Bowmore marks paired very well with dark chocolate. The salt of the whisky and the the sweetness of the chocolate created a delicious and addictive combination more commonly known to exist in the Reeses peanut butter cup (known to make the strongest of men weak of resistance). We also hear that Bowmore pairs very well with ginger beer - that's something we will have to test - you know, in the name of science.
That sums up some amazing scotch selections. If you too are in the line of this hurricane, we recommend you find an open liquor store and provision.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Veggies - In Water & Ink
Call us nostalgic, but we've always admired scientific illustrations. Much attention to detail and discipline is required to execute those beauties. That, and we like a good still life (don't judge).
Today we bring you the watercolors of botanical artist, Christine Stephenson. She spends her days painting the gorgeous blooms and bounty from her garden - and we are smitten with her vegetable series. While there's only a few on her website, we imagine there are more paintings stashed away of fruits and veggies sprouting from her garden..
In the mean time, a few of our favorites:
Want more? Visit her website - Paintings of Plants.
Today we bring you the watercolors of botanical artist, Christine Stephenson. She spends her days painting the gorgeous blooms and bounty from her garden - and we are smitten with her vegetable series. While there's only a few on her website, we imagine there are more paintings stashed away of fruits and veggies sprouting from her garden..
In the mean time, a few of our favorites:
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| Radish - French Breakfast |
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| Cabbage |
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| Garden Peas |
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| Onions |
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| Brussels Sprouts |
Thursday, October 18, 2012
The Rosebery - Mobile Cocktail Bar
Continuing our theme on mobile party vehicles, we've spotted the ultimate method of transportation - a British Double Decker bus converted to a fabulous roaming cocktail bar - The Rosebery Routemaster.
This roaming party bus is a restored iconic London Routemaster, with a 1930's inspired cocktail bar downstairs, and a glamorous dining room upstairs. The upstairs section even has a hydrolic roof that raises up and opens! It's got some handsome banquettes detailed with racing green leather and oak - a handsome background to sip on an Aviation.
It's fortified with flat screen tvs, surround sound systems, game cupboards, and a canopy that opens to provide shade so your event spill out into the surrounding greens.
We're absolutely smitten. May we take it on a tour of the British Estates and gardens? Don't mind if we do....
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Want more? We recommend this delightful video about The Rosebery's creation:
THE ROSEBERY from London Video Reviews on Vimeo.
via VF.
It's fortified with flat screen tvs, surround sound systems, game cupboards, and a canopy that opens to provide shade so your event spill out into the surrounding greens.
We're absolutely smitten. May we take it on a tour of the British Estates and gardens? Don't mind if we do....
.jpg)
Want more? We recommend this delightful video about The Rosebery's creation:
THE ROSEBERY from London Video Reviews on Vimeo.
via VF.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Woody Party Trailer!
Perhaps you've figured out by now, we're city girls. We spend our days pounding the streets of the concrete jungle, hustling to get it done. Although we come from lands of clean air and sunshine, we've grown to love the caverns of New York.
But sometimes even we need to escape to the vastness of the great outdoors.
Fortunately, we have an a woody party trailer to accommodate all of our urbane cocktail needs, supplied with one of our favorite tipples, Bulleit, as we are true lovers of their Rye. Designed by Brad Ford, detailed with reclaimed bourbon casks and Moore & Giles leather. This beauty also sports a flat screen, state of the art sound system, and a slide out Bar lined with copper.
Camping is really tough round these parts.
Want one? They cost only $150,000.
Want more? Watch the video of the Bulleit Woody Party Trailer.
But sometimes even we need to escape to the vastness of the great outdoors.
Fortunately, we have an a woody party trailer to accommodate all of our urbane cocktail needs, supplied with one of our favorite tipples, Bulleit, as we are true lovers of their Rye. Designed by Brad Ford, detailed with reclaimed bourbon casks and Moore & Giles leather. This beauty also sports a flat screen, state of the art sound system, and a slide out Bar lined with copper.
Camping is really tough round these parts.
After a hike through the rugged wilderness, what is better than a proper cocktail?
Nothing.
Pour on, Barman.
Want one? They cost only $150,000.
Want more? Watch the video of the Bulleit Woody Party Trailer.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Get Ink - Tattly Tuesday
We're pretty big fans of what the folks over at Tattly are doing - whimsical tats for the kid at heart in all of us (and some kids too). We're waiting for the temporary graphic number that will cover our whole back, but in the mean time we'll go for some nice forearm ink.
Today's special:
Get 'em while they're hot - $5 for two.
Today's special:
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| duh. |
Monday, October 1, 2012
Wine Tasting Upon a Yacht - Giveaway - CLOSED
A few weeks back we were invited on the roaring 20's style Yacht Manhattan for a wine and cheese tasting, which proved to be an impeccable night. Sipping on sparkling wines perfectly paired with triple cream cheeses, while watching the sparkling lights of the city during sunset was pretty much as wonderful as it gets. New York sure is a gorgeous city - especially when seen by boat.
And we've got amazing news for you, dear readers: a giveaway! Yes, you read that right, giveaway!! Enter to win a fabulous evening for two upon the Yacht Manhattan tasting wines, eating cheese, and learning about pairing, hosted by the wonderfully informative Ms Wendy Crispell. Dates to be coordinated upon winning. The cruise is 2 hours and departs from Pier 62 in Chelsea Piers (West 22nd and Hudson River).
For more information, please refer to the Classic Harbor Line website.
: : : THE GIVEAWAY : : :
: : HOW TO ENTER : : :
1. “Follow” @xxGastronomista, @ClassicHarbor, & @wendycrispell
2. *AND* Comment below answering: the person you would most like to have a glass of wine with, dead or alive.
The contest closes in one week (12 pm EST). Winner will be selected at random on Monday, October 8th, and will be emailed that day.
Good luck, and many thanks to The Classic Harbor Line!
xxG
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| Your Yacht is Waiting.... |
And we've got amazing news for you, dear readers: a giveaway! Yes, you read that right, giveaway!! Enter to win a fabulous evening for two upon the Yacht Manhattan tasting wines, eating cheese, and learning about pairing, hosted by the wonderfully informative Ms Wendy Crispell. Dates to be coordinated upon winning. The cruise is 2 hours and departs from Pier 62 in Chelsea Piers (West 22nd and Hudson River).
For more information, please refer to the Classic Harbor Line website.
Wine and Cheese Tasting on the Mighty Hudson
An evening on the Yacht Manhattan for Two
Hosted by Classic Harbor Line & Wendy Crispell
Available evenings: 10/19, 10/22, 11/2, 11/5, 11/19 - 7-9 pm
(A $190 value!!)
Available evenings: 10/19, 10/22, 11/2, 11/5, 11/19 - 7-9 pm
(A $190 value!!)
: : HOW TO ENTER : : :
1. “Follow” @xxGastronomista, @ClassicHarbor, & @wendycrispell
2. *AND* Comment below answering: the person you would most like to have a glass of wine with, dead or alive.
The contest closes in one week (12 pm EST). Winner will be selected at random on Monday, October 8th, and will be emailed that day.
Good luck, and many thanks to The Classic Harbor Line!
xxG