5.17.2010

the Common Libation no.2: Grapefruit Wine from the Fruit of Grape.

Charles & Charles Columbia Valley 2009 rosé
concoction: 100% syrah.
visuals: coral, your mother's favorite bath & body works candle.
sniffings: grapefruit.
palate: outstandingly acidic, crisp and effervescent grapefruit which melts into subtle strawberry/vanilla.
ruling: A simple, pleasant wine for a simple day; a sunshine wine if there ever was one.

5.15.2010

Repercussions of My Swine Vice.

In an attempt at forming an unbiased food cart opinion, I simply proved I should not be trusted alone. The experiment was for four of us to review Namu separately and on different occasions, so as not to slant inclinations. Now food, for me, is always centerpiece to an enjoyable social occasion. Standing friendless at a food cart is generally a mess which, when offered a pulled pork sandwich, is a hot mess. When left to my own vices, the swine will always win. BBQ Memphis pulled pork, tangy Carolina, or Kalua style -- any which way you put it, pulled pork resistance is futile. Unabashed, I made a $5 contribution to my vice, and stuffed myself on Namu's pulled pork sandwich. After craving a spicier horseradish, and a less drenched mop-like scoop of pork, I decided it was still quite tasty, and then decided that me eating alone is hopelessly inane. The pork had blinded me to all the mouthwatering Korean BBQ bits on the menu. I should have ordered a kalbi rib, the vegan bowl, some kim chee, even just a scoop of pulled pork. I sat there feeling silly, uncomfortably full, and particularly ashamed. In the end, I must admit failure. My apologies for botching the unbiased opinion experiment.

-- devon.

5.12.2010

the Common Libation: House Wine.

Magnificent Wine Co. 2007 House Wine
concoction: cabernet savingnon 32%, syrah 31%, merlot 30%...
visuals: if I were a mermaid, this is the color tail I'd want: shiny ruby. Not too mention the labels of this wine line rule.
sniffings: ample sun baked grapes which bloom into an earthy aroma after aeration.
palate: lightly tannic, slightly toasted wheat bread with seeded blackberry jam.
ruling: ten dollars is a fair yet difficult price. This is a solid wine, but for a few more I can find a stellar bottle. House Wine is as house wine does; nothing out of the ordinary.

5.07.2010

Superlative Intoxicant no.2: Zinful Delights.

Michael~David's Seven Deadly Zins
Lodi Appellation Zinfandel 2007 vintage

visuals: gorgeous deep garnet, and sexy long legs coming in at 14.5% abv.
sniffings: warm whiskey soaked thick cherry caramel.
palate: round, bright, velvety dark cherry with a hint of coca cola syrup on the minimal finish. Very stylistically Michael~David.
pairings: 1. Molinari Toscano Picante: to bring out a light buttery cream, and add the bit of spiciness that is normally found in a Zinfandel. 2. Dutch Ewephoria sheep's milk Gouda: besides being a "really really knock-out cheese," (Brent Braun) this semi firm, sweet, subtly nutty and complex cheese further reveals an undercurrent of creaminess that is otherwise undetectable.
ruling: I love Michael~David wines, but Zinfandel lovers beware, the grapes normal spice is nonexistent. If you're in the mood for a sultry-sweet treat, however, have a raucous, zzzinfully debaucherous evening with a bottle of 7 deadly zins.