Happy New Year!

As amazing as 2011 has been in just 20 days, 2010 was pretty spectacular, and if I hadn't have begun this year on a sail boat for a week with my favorite person by my side, 2010 would have been my best year to date. Nothing monumental, exceptionally profound or even motivating; but simply a great year full of very few hardships, a lot of laughter and surrounded by great people in some of my favorite American cities.

January 2010 in Vermont

February 2010 at Medieval Times in New Jersey

March 2010 in Ft Worth with my sister, Krista and my nieces

April 2010 tarpon fishing in the Florida Keys

May 2010 in California wine country with my parents, my sister Audrey and my nephew

June 2010 at the polo classic on Roosevelt Island

July 2010 in Greene Hall, TX for my best friend, Melissas 30th

August 2010 being skipper on Joes boat in Branford, CT

September 2010 in Santa Barbara

October 2010 Halloween as a My Little Pony

November 2010 in Barnegate Light with Jamie, Joe and Ted

December 2010 in Marco Island with Joe

And January 2011sailing around the British Virgin Islands!

Scott's Pizza Tour

Last Sunday, Joe, Heidi and I jumped on a yellow school bus for Scott’s Pizza Tour




(http://www.scottspizzatours.com). We started at 11am at Lombardi’s, the first established pizza restaurant in America and ended with a couple that I had never heard of out in Brooklyn, including Sam’s Steaks and Chops (who knew that they had incredible pizza). We learned a lot about the history, science and our own love for a perfect pizza.

Murderer

Its time to buy a new fish for Oliver to kill.

Well-Rounded Weekend

My Saturday started with an Indian buffet in Queens, with Jamie then MoMA’s PS1 and ended with Korean BBQ in K-Town then Professional Bull Riding in MSG with Joe.


My Sunday started with church and French brunch then Kandinsky at the very crowded Guggenheim with Doug and Morgan and ended with Joe, football, wii, and much-needed couch time.

Go Rangers!

Last night Joe and I went to a Rangers game with Scott and Kathryn. I didn’t get to see any full-blown fights, but the view from our seats couldn’t have been better!


(I am now aware that my sweater and flash photography is a PG-13 combination)

Cathy Night

Once a month or so, I like to have what my Bookclub and I refer to as a “Cathy Night”, because we shamelessly take on the character of the Cathy comics. I put on my most comfortable and unflattering loungewear, eat foods that one wouldn’t normally in front of other people (for me it’s a box of mac n cheese with hotdogs cut up in it or a can of refried black beans with a few rolled-up tortillas dipped in it), usually watch back-to-back episodes of the Golden Girls while snuggling with my cat and attempt to not drink the entire bottle of wine.
Last night was my “Cathy night”. I had cheese toast, a bottle of zin, read through several cookbooks, and entertained my cat as I made piles of unworn clothes to donate. As ugly and boring as a Cathy night seems, it makes me feel really refreshed and in control of the next day.
(pictured is my cat taking advantage of the rare time I spend at home)

Haaaaaappy New Year!

For the 3rd year in a row now, I have spent my New Years Eve at Cube 63, a BYOB sushi place in the LES. Lots of friends, lots of alcohol and lots of kissing.



Our New Years Day was spent on the couch with truffles, foie gras and even more champagne... and then a stomach ache to compliment the hangover.

Proctologist

This guy randomly greeted us on our walk to brunch yesterday.

Beers of the World

One of my favorite holiday traditions is the beers of the world poker tournament. Its exactly as it sounds; we all have a share of several beers from around the world that we have yet to taste, then comment aloud as I note everyone’s opinions, all the while play poker for honor.

Here are the notes from the Torry Pines IPA, San Clemente, CA:
Noah (bro-in-law): Good grief it smells good. It’s like butterscotch
Audrey (sister): Wow. I haven’t had anything like that. It’s sweet
Noah: That is good. Wow. This is a fantastic beer
Me: I don’t like the aftertaste
Audrey: Yeah, it is pretty bitter
Pop: It’s got a butterscotch flavor
Audrey: It’s pretty good but I don’t thing that I would buy it
Noah: You’re kidding me? You can pour this on my grave
Pop: I’ll take this on the 19th hole

Al the Wop (“I’m not racist; its in the phone book”)

I spent the last few days in Sacramento visiting the wineries in El Dorado and Lodi (some which are just as good as Napa, btw).
Not only are the wines great, but the nearby strange town of Locke is home to the steak sandwich at Al the Wops. Steak, garlic bread and peanut butter. Its weird, but it works.
(this is my mom partaking)

Improving my Kitchen

The kitchen has always been the heart of my families’ home. Even from high school, I have more memories of sitting up on a bar stool in the kitchen than I do of anywhere else in their homes. So its no surprise that most of the gifts that I received this year are for my own kitchen; a cutting board, mandolin slicer, bread knife, S&P shakers, and cookbooks (one of which my parents made for us, complied of all of our favorite family recipes). On my last night with my family, my dad hosted a cooking class for me so that I can learn my favorite recipe in the book; his Vietnamese Bouillabaisse.

Frying a Holiday Bird

Sometime when I was in high school my family began frying our holiday turkeys. This Christmas turned out the best fried bird to date. (thanks pop!!)


And just as impressive, Joe and his family of Yankees turned out a mighty fine bird for our Thanksgiving.

I'll be Home for Christmas

I leave tomorrow for Christmas at my parent’s house in Sacramento. I’m so excited to be in a decorated house with my family and our traditions of my father reading from Luke in the Bible, playing poker while drinking beers of the world, coffee and Baileys with sausage balls, George Winston’s December, and a deep fried turkey.
In my own home, I’m not much of a seasonal decorator other than this nativity scene I bought in Mexico last year for 30 pesos.

Doug's 30th

Last night was my “other boyfriend” Doug’s 30th birthday. We started with wine and cheese at his apartment and ended with a seasonal and impeccable 3 course dinner at Ici in Brooklyn. In true Doug form, he (and his boyfriend, Justin) didn’t miss a detail.

Curbing Cabin Fever

This weekend New York got a blizzard Saturday afternoon and into Sunday. We did our best drinking all the Baileys, wine and champagne on hand and staying out of the snow (and then the black/brown/yellow slush that comes with an NYC snow storm) only leaving to stock up on nacho ingredients and Zicam.

Christmas Balls and Weiners

I’m not sure how I managed to live here for so many years without going to Rolf’s during the holidays. Its like eating inside of a Christmas tree, but with wieners, schnitzel and steins of beer.

(As appetizing as the picture looks, the food is mediocre. Next year we are planning to just get a weizen at the bar and eat somewhere else)

Bauhaus and Cheese

Last night I went with Jamie and Joe to a PopRally party for the MoMA’s new exhibit, the Bauhaus. I should probably be ashamed to admit that I was unfamiliar with the Bauhaus before last night. I was also unfamiliar with the “fornication chair” (pictured)

Despite the free wine, naughty chair and getting a sneak peak of the Tim Burton exhibit, the highlight was the dinner of French onion soup and fondue fromage at Le Bonne Soupe.

Librarian Whore

I went to the New York Public Library to pick up my latest subway reads (I’m cheap) and when I couldn’t find my reserves on the shelf I had this conversation with a rather judgmental librarian.









me: I don’t see my reserves on the shelf.
old bag: (after scanning my library card) Lets see… you’re picking up ‘My French…’ ohhhhh, my.
me: ‘My French Whore’
old bag: Yes, I see that. (shooting me a scornful look)
me: Its by Gene Wilder. The comedian. Willie Wonka? Blazing Saddles?
old bag: Mmmmmhmmmm (twisting her nose in more scorn)
me: Its not porn or anything. Its about his wife. Like a term of endearment. Like me calling my girlfriends ‘my bitches’ or something.

I eventually got my books and I’m pretty sure a flag on my library account.

Tis the Season for Bringing Wine to Parties

Since I came across this post on thekitchn, Joe and I have been making our way down the list. So far the biggest hit (and only $5.99 a bottle!) has been the Trentatre Rosso.

White Party Wines from Trader Joe's
• 2007 Kunde Estate Chardonnay, Sonoma Valley $8.99 - Toffee, toasty oak nose, Creamy palate with ripe apricot , melon flavors. A bit hot on the finish, but definitely an appealing party wine.
• 2008 Jean Luc Colombo 'Les Abeilles', AC Côtes du Rhône Blanc, France $9.99 - The least aromatic of all the whites tasted, which might detract from its popularity. But appealing herbal and stone fruit flavors.
• 2008 Lacheteau, AC Vouvray, Loire Valley, France $6.99 - A delightful wine. Floral nose, orange blossoms. Juicy flavors, some honeysuckle notes, slightly off-dry, refreshing and bright. This was one of our favorites. No harsh sides to it.
• 2008 Laugel Cuvée Michel Léon Gewürztraminer, Alsace, $9.99 - Another firm favorite. Especially, as a day earlier a friend asked if I thought he could get a nice Gewürztraminer for $10, and I said ‘unlikely’. Well, I ate my words. This wine was well balanced. Classic rose petal, spice, and lychee aromas. Nice texture, refreshing and good flavor intensity. Not a masterpiece, but very well-made.
• 2008 Anton Bauer Grüner Veltliner 'GMÖRK', Wagram, Austria $7.99 - Another pleasant surprise. Dry, showing good Grüner typicity of savory aromas (dried grass, green bean) and white pepper. Simple, but enough fruit flavor and refreshing.
• NV Pacific Rim Riesling, USA $7.99 - I have tasted this wine before and liked it better. This example I found a little forced. Quite a fusel/kerosene nose. Ripe fruit flavors, but a little astringent on the palate.
• 2008 Chateau Saint Michelle Riesling, Columbia Valley $8.99 - Attractive floral nose. Light bodied with pleasant stone fruit. Easy drinking and refreshing.

Red Party Wines from Trader Joe's
• 2007 Albero Monastrell, D.O. Jumilla, Spain $6.99 - Made from organically grown Monastrell grapes (known as Mourvèdre in France). Earthy, lots of ripe dark fruit, prunes, plums and some leathery notes. Simple but amazing value and tasty.
• 2007 Trentatre Rosso, IGT Salento, Italy, $5.99 - A blend of the local Montepulciano grape, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. On the nose, cassis notes of Cabernet prevail, proving that a little Cabernet goes a long way! Some obvious oak notes, but not over-powering. Ripe, smooth, well made with lots of black fruit. Excellent value.
• 2008 Ruffino Chianti, DOC Chianti $6.99 - Easy drinking, fruity with lots of strawberry, red-currant and cherry flavors. Light-to-medium body. Little astringency on the finish, but it does not detract from the wine. Refreshing and ideal for a party.
• 2008 La Loggia Barbera d'Alba, Italy $6.99 - Another tasty gem. Simple but has lots of ripe red cherry-berry flavors. Soft and smooth on the palate. Very juicy and refreshing.
• 2007 Yalumba Shiraz-Viognier, South Australia, $7.99 - Upfront ripe, sweet fruit - raspberry, blackberry. Soft tannins and easy drinking. Probably the most 'stylized' of the reds tasted. Also a little sweet on the finish. But sure to be a party hit.

Sweet Berry Wine

Last night Joe and I got invited to sit in on a class in Kevin Zraly’s Windows on the World Cooking School. The school itself is an 8 week course for $1000, but we became friendly with the girl who does the PR and arranged for us to be a free guest for a week. We picked the class based on dates not knowing that we chose the best night for us; Red Wines of California. Despite being from the region and visiting countless CA tasting rooms, I learned so much about why I like the wines that I do.
And apart from learning a subject as valuable as wine, it was a lot of fun!!