Culinary Fool

WBW#28: Sparklers!

13-Dec-2006

This post is going to be short and sweet. Just about midnight last night I finished writing the roundup for Mixology Monday 10 – Drinks for a Festive Occasion which we hosted on The Spirit World. After writing that up and seeing the entries that have already come into my mailbox for today’s event I’m going to save my energy for the WBW#28 summary! ;-) I can see that people went all out for this one. Not to mention I’m currently operating on about 4 hours of sleep – oh, poor me! Okay, on with the write-up of my wines.

First though, can you believe that this is WBW#28? Lenn’s idea has certainly taken on a life of it’s own! Much of that is due to Lenn himself, his great work in the food and wine blogging community, and his easy yet knowledgeable style of educating us about his Long Island wines. If you haven’t spent any time checking out LennDevours, you should do it and soon. He has a great site and you’ll find it to be a great resource for your wine journeys – both physical and virtual!

As you remember the rules for this game were: Sparkling wines but NOT from Champagne. And we are to place our sampled wine in one of three categories: Party (something good that won’t break the budget); Special Occasion (maybe more expensive but for an intimate gathering, just the thing); or Dud (tried but just really didn’t like it).

I tried one new sparkler and returned to a tried and true bottle for this event. Let’s start with the new one.

Wine: Rumball Sparkling Shiraz, Coonawarra Cuvee, NV SB17

This is a beautiful Australian wine! The photo does not come close to doing it justice. The lighting wasn’t great and I was trying to quickly capture the gorgeous bubbles before they all disappeared, which wasn’t a good combination. When you first pour this wine it really froths up with a gorgeous deep pink foam topping the inky wine below.

The nose is interesting. I would say almost musty. With the deep purple color you expect something deeply berry or cherry but it’s not there. The taste is of very sweet grape juice. It reminds me of a bubbly version of concord grape juice that we used to make from our grapes at home. It’s kind of funny but although I love wine, I don’t really like grape juice. So I wasn’t crazy about this wine.

I really tried to like it and sipped it over a period of time to try to find something noteworthy. But I just didn’t. It is so soft and sweet that it is almost nondescript, if that makes sense. I can sometimes find an elegance in wines that don’t happen to strike my fancy but that was not the case here. I actually tasted it with four others (my dinner club group) and none of us cared for it. For a couple people one sip was more than enough.

This is my second tasting of sparkling Shiraz and I didn’t care for the first one I tried either, so I guess this category of wine is not for me. But feeling as I do and especially with the $24 price tag I need to rate this wine a Dud. I wouldn’t buy it again nor would I recommend it to anyone.

My second wine turned out much better! Phew!

Wine: Rive Della Chiesa Prosecco

I "discovered" this wine about a year ago in my local grocery store. The bottle caught my eye, as the cork is held in with string instead of wire and is not covered with foil. It’s a great sort of rustic looking presentation. (You’ll actually need a corkscrew to remove this cork.) When I stopped to take a closer look at the bottle I noticed that the store staff was highly recommending this Prosecco. I thought I better try it out and I’m really glad I did.

Whenever I need a Prosecco now I look for this wine. It’s a very pale straw color, with just a hint of fruit in the nose. I actually think of fall fruits – maybe apples more than anything. The taste is so, so light and delicate. Clean, crisp with a hint of sweet but just a tiny hint. There are bubbles but as this wine is frizzante they are gentle bubbles.

I especially love this wine in the morning. I don’t mean that I use it to start my work day! But I do mean that it’s a great brunch wine. It pairs well with many foods and is versatile enough to handle the eggy breakfast items, yet can stand up to the heavier more substantial items on your menu. It’s also nice all on it’s own as an afternoon take-a-break-on-the-deck wine or as a gentle aperitif before a heavier dinner.

With it’s $10 – $12 price tag, I rate this wine as great for Parties. This Prosecco is from the Veneto region of Italy.

Okay, those are my two entries and I’m looking forward to seeing even more entries from the rest of you! I am bound and determined to have the summary up on Friday so that you can peruse the list and use the information as you head down the holiday home stretch.

The summary will be sporting this colorful logo designed by Dave at Avenue Vine. Thanks, Dave!

Menu for Hope & Food Blog Awards

12-Dec-2006

There are two big events going on in the food blogging world right at this moment! And even if you are not a blogger yourself you can get involved in both of them. And in fact, you should!

The first event is the Menu for Hope, which if I ever get my act together at this time of year I should contribute to! But I still can, as you can – just in a different way.

Think of this event as sort of a worldwide silent auction/raffle. In this event, bloggers from around the world sponsor prizes and you can purchase tickets that allow you to put your name in the drawing for one or more prizes. Tickets are $10 each and you can put all your tickets on one item or spread them across items. (If you bought five, you could join the pool for up to five items.)

You can get all the nitty-gritty details on the donation instructions page.

This year’s event benefits the UN World Food Programme – a fitting agency for food bloggers!

There are some really great prizes from around the world. Besides physical things such as cookbooks and food packs and cook’s tools, some of them are experiences – tours and meals, for instance. I have my eye on a couple of those!

So get yourself on over to Chez Pim’s site, check out the details and contribute! It’s a great way to really get into the spirit of the season.

The second event is all about fun and recognition. Over at the Well Fed Network (my other blog, The Spirit World is part of this network) the 3rd annual Food Blog Awards is in process. This event is a community event and you, the readers, get to nominate those blogs you think should be recognized in several different categories. In the first step, nominations are taken from at large. Then a small panel of judges narrows down those big lists, and finally the lists are sent back to the community for voting.

So head on over, take a look at the categories and nominate those blogs you think exemplify the characteristics for that category. It’s your chance to get involved!

First Look: Barolo Ristorante

11-Dec-2006

Barolo opened its doors a few months ago and although this is a brand new restaurant the owners have a long history with Mamma Melina’s in the U-district, among other ventures. The Varchetta brothers have opened this new place in an interesting location and I think it could turn out well for them.

Housed on the first floor of the Metropolitan Tower at the corner of Westlake and 6th it sits on the edge of the downtown area, but on an edge that may soon be on the main route to the booming South Lake Union District. At the current time, however, if you approach from downtown or the Westin things seem just fine. If you approach from the North or East though things still feel a bit seedy. I parked just a block away but was directly in front of the Fantasy Limited location…

Having said that, though, it’s not like the neighborhood is scary just a bit unseemly on the one side. Once you enter the restaurant though all of that is left behind. The interior is really nice; modern yet welcoming. My lunch companion, SW and I were seated at a little booth just inside the front door. It was an interesting booth, U-shaped and with two tables. Two others sat at the other end of the booth from us. At first I thought that might be distracting or feel a bit too crowded but once we settled in there really was no issue. And it would be nice if you had a larger group as everyone could squeeze in together.

We arrived at 1:00 and most others in the place were finishing up their meals and leaving. The staff was preparing for a holiday party but still gave us plenty of attention.

And we were sort of evil guests as we were trying to get caught up on all that had happened the last couple of months and not even looking at the menu for the first 10 minutes or so.

While we were chatting a lovely plate of bread and olive oil with tapenade appeared at our table. I held myself to just one piece so that I could enjoy the rest of my meal, too. We started with carpaccio – SW was a great sport as this is not something he would normally order being a transplanted Brit with a less adventurous style of eating, although he always humors me – and it was lovely. The presentation and total freshness reminded me of carpaccio from my favorite place in New York’s Little Italy, Il Cortile.

While we were enjoying the carpaccio we finally managed to order our entrées. SW ordered a trout dish and I ordered risotto, although I was very tempted to order the ravioli of the day which sounded heavenly, although I’ve now forgotten exactly what it was.

SW’s trout arrived and it was a huge amount of fish! It was simply prepared with wine, butter and lemon then topped with a few capers (there seemed to be a lot of capers around as you can seen in the carpaccio photo, too!). SW really loved the greens that came along with it.

I hardly noticed what he was eating (although I did have a bite) because I was way too involved in my risotto. The risotto itself was a wild mushroom risotto and it was topped with a housemade, wild-boar sausage. The presentation wasn’t quite what I expected (which is not their fault) and once I got past that I was a very happy person. The sausage was a bit spicy with a lot of fennel which it always the thing that says "Italian" to me. It was very tasty. And the creamy, earthy risotto was a perfect foil or complement to the spiciness.

Neither of us could finish our plates. SW took half of his trout home and I took about a third of my dish home with me. It made a lovely breakfast the next day!

I thought it was all very good and would like to try several other things on the menu. However, my next visit will probably be for one of their Happy Hours. They run Monday-Friday 3-6:30 and every day 10:00-close and include 50% off the bar menu; $3.5 white or red wine by the glass; $3 pints of beer and $14 for a bottle of red or white wine! Not sure what wines they offer for this deal but I’m anxious to find out!

Barolo Ristorante

1940 Westlake Ave (Westlake and 6th)

Seattle

206.770.9000

Reservations online via Open Table

New (And Improved!) Location: La Spiga Osteria

10-Dec-2006

I just got home from the opening party at La Spiga’s new location. Still on Capitol Hill but in the area that seems to be attracting quality establishments to this new little restaurant row – and I say that in a good way, not as a demeaning term which it can sometime be. Anchored on one end by Crave and the other by Licorous and Lark there is a four (or so) block stretch of 12th Avenue which keeps calling my name – and even louder now.

La Spiga’s new location is beautiful. The interior is broken into a series of spaces, some meant for intimate dining, some meant for groups of friends to pile in together and others where it appears communal dining will be encouraged. And, as if that is not enough, there is a lovely upstairs space for group events.

So much attention to detail was taken with the interior that even if you don’t actively notice it, you will feel it. The warmth of the wood, the artistic elements in the metalwork, the extra-wide risers on the stairs, cozy booths with special candle boxes, the comfortable bar stools and friendly staff all create a welcoming ambiance.

Add to that the wonderful, simple, tasty food that has always been a part of the La Spiga experience and you have a recipe for a delightful experience.

It has been quite some time since I had been there – I wasn’t that enticed by the original location – so sampling the food tonight was really a treat. Everything served was from the regular menu. We started with a selection of "Le Battilarde" or cured meats, tried some of the Lasagne Verdi and Risotto con L’Anatra e il Formaggio de Fossa, grabbed a Piadina con Cinghiale Arrosto, Taleggio e Scalogni Caramellati, and finished with Chocolate Tiramisu and a rich bite of a chocolate cake of some sort.

It was all great but I especially loved the Lasagne – the pasta was amazingly thin, soft and silky and the sauces were light and rich all in one. I loved the Piadina, too, although at the time I couldn’t tell exactly what the meat was, but reading later that it was boar makes perfect sense.

I know that winter is not even officially here but I can hardly wait for summer. I am anticipating sitting out on their new little terrace, enjoying a warm summer night while sipping one of their wonderful wines and savoring one of the many lovely dishes I have yet to try. Hmmmm, will it be the Wild Boar Ribs slow braised in white wine or something like Tagliatelle al Burro di Tartufo – noodles with white truffle butter? So many decisions!

La Spiga Osteria

1429 12th Ave

Capitol Hill, Seattle
206.323.8881

Reminder! WBW #28 Approaching

08-Dec-2006

Just a quick reminder that next Wednesday is Wine Blogging Wednesday #28 – Sparklers (but not Champagne). The announcement post has all the "rules" and links to a series of posts you may (or may not….) find useful when selecting your entry.

Many of you will be decorating your houses and trees for the holidays this weekend and that would be a perfect occasion to sip some bubbly! So get prepared and tell us what you think of your choice.

Also, if you are so inclined and want to continue the celebration, over on The Spirit World we are hosting Mixology Monday, which is this coming Monday. Our theme for that event is "Drinks for a Festive Occasion". Check the announcement to learn how to participate.

Holiday Gift Ideas

06-Dec-2006

Have a foodie in your life that you’d like to find a great gift for? Last night K and I spent some time sampling little bites and talking to local chefs who have released cookbooks. The event was held at the Palace Ballroom so, of course, Tom Douglas and his books were part of the offering but there were several other chefs there, too.

Although the event is over, nearly all of these cookbooks are available at the chefs’ respective restaurants or through Amazon and other booksellers.

The following titles are all books I own, cook from and love:

Ray’s Boathouse: Seafood Secrets of the Pacific Northwest, Charles Ramseyer, et al

Tom Douglas’ Seattle Kitchen, Tom Douglas

Tom’s Big Dinners: Big-Time Home Cooking for Family and Friends, Tom Douglas

Dishing With Kathy Casey: Food, Fun, and Cocktails from Seattle’s Culinary Diva, Kathy Casey

Entertaining in the Northwest Style: A Menu Cookbook, Greg Atkinson

Rover’s: Recipes from Seattle’s Chef in the Hat, Thierry Rautureau

Pure Chocolate: Divine Desserts and Sweets from the Creator of Fran’s Chocolates, Fran Bigelow

Best of Taste : Flavors of the Pacific Coast John Sarich

The following are books I own and have yet to specifically make something from them but they hold great promise!

Kathy Casey’s Northwest Table: Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, Southern Alaska Kathy Casey

I Love Crab Cakes! 50 Recipes for an American Classic Tom Douglas

Leslie Mackie’s Macrina Bakery and Cafe Cookbook: Favorite Breads, Pastries, Sweets and Savories Leslie Mackie

Tini Bigs Big Martinis Keith Robbins

And the following are books I may need to buy. I’ve really been trying to keep my cookbook habit under control but these might cause me to fall off the wagon…

Assaggio Ristorante Cookbook: Mauro’s Passion Mauro Golmarvi

The Herbal Kitchen: Cooking with Fragrance and Flavor Jerry Traunfeld

And this really just scratches the surface. They are lots of other Seattle or Northwest authors. But those listed above are some I can (and do!) personally recommend.

Crab Quiche

05-Dec-2006

If you are looking for a never-fail dish to serve at breakfast, brunch, lunch or even for a light dinner I have the recipe for you! This Crab Quiche is perfect for entertaining. It can be mixed and assembled the night before and then popped into the oven for breakfast. It can even be baked and held at room temperature for a couple of hours, since the quiche is great either fresh from the oven or just warm.

The preparation is a snap – the hardest part is grating cheese – and it’s all mixed in one bowl, so even cleanup is easy. And the best part is that everyone loves this rich and satisfying dish. Well, everyone except my sister who is allergic to crab, that is!

You can change it up a bit by using half shrimp and half crab or all shrimp. And for a larger group just double the recipe and make it in a 9×13 baking pan instead of a quiche dish.

Crab Quiche

4 eggs
1 1/2 cups sour cream low or no-fat works fine, too
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1/4 cup flour
1 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp salt
4 drops red pepper sauce
8 oz crab meat
4 oz mushrooms, sliced button mushrooms are fine but try Criminis for a bit more flavor
2 cups shredded Swiss cheese (about 8 oz) I like to use Gruyère

Mix eggs, sour cream, Parmesan, flour, onion powder, salt and pepper in a 4 quart bowl. Use a whisk or hand mixer and beat until smooth. Stir in crab, mushrooms and Swiss cheese until they are evenly distributed.

Pour into ungreased 10" quiche or pie plate. Cook in 350°F oven for about 45 minutes, or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes before serving.

Café Umbria

05-Dec-2006

Café Umbria is celebrating its one year anniversary in Occidental Square! And they’d like you to join them. They will be serving free espresso today from 6:00 am – 6:00 pm at the café. From 10:00 – 1:00 there will be music, too!

Stop by and congratulate them and pick up a cup of joe!

Café Umbria

320 Occidental S.

Seattle

206.624.5847

WBW#28 Approaching Quickly!

04-Dec-2006

Just a little reminder that Wine Blogging Wednesday #28 – Festive Sparkling Wines is coming up next week! You can choose any type of sparkler as long as it is NOT Champagne. That leaves you a whole wide world of options.

You can read the official announcement here and you’ll find links to lots of background information to help you in your sparkling search.

Sunday Brunch

04-Dec-2006

Yesterday EE, BR and R joined me for a nice little winter brunch. The only thing that went wrong was that the weather was too nice so the air here in Seattle is a bit stagnant which meant Burn Ban – no cozy fire in the fireplace for us.

I made them the guinea pigs for a couple of new items I had picked at my local Costco (they told me I need another blog dedicated specifically to items I discover there…). The first item we tried was a Lobster Bisque that is now being sold under the Kirkland brand. It was great! Rich and creamy and all you have to do is gently heat it to serve it. It’s a keeper.

The next new thing was a pate made by Trois Petits Cochons. It was a pork and chicken mousse with truffles and sherry. Also, very good! I have a feeling that this product may only be around during the holidays so if you are interested go look for it now.

The rest of the menu was tried and true recipes: a crab quiche, sautéed haricots verte, a winter salad and coffee cake. The coffee cake is actually a recipe that used to be served after mass at my church when I was in grade school. I loved it then and still love it now! The cake is moist with a great texture. The topping is just a mass of sugar and butter that forms a great cinnamon-y crust. It’s perfect with brunch or just as a mid-morning snack with a cup of tea or coffee.

Coffee Cake