Underground Dinner Clubs

I'm not sure if you've ever heard of or been to an Underground Dinner Club (UDC) but if you get the chance, don't miss it!  In case you don't know what a UDC is, it's a series of dinner events run by a chef or chefs which operate out of their own or a client's home.  A select group of friends or acquaintances are invited and get on the mailing list, which grows over time as the original clients are allowed to invite their friends and their friends and so on.  The chefs feature their personal recipes and style along with local produce, and since seating is very limited, you get the best of what they have to offer.

My wife and I were invited and went to one last night.  One of the best things about these events is they are BYOB, so you can bring whatever tasty beverage you'd like.  I knew we were having gourmet burgers, so I brought a bottle of 2008 Shining Hill red blend made by Col Solare, which is made up of about two-thirds Cabernet Sauvignon.  The weight and tannins would work well with the meat.  I heard the staff doesn't accept tips, so I brought an extra bottle for them to enjoy.

We arrived at the UDC party home and grabbed a seat at one of the three tables in the apartment's living room.  It was nice to talk with people we've never met and were really excited for the food that was about to come.  We started with a chopped salad made of spring peas, breakfast radish, farm eggs, pumpernickle croutons and buttermilk blue cheese.  It was very fresh and light, and the cheese was soft and creamy with a delicious saltiness.

When the burgers came, I was ready to devour!  The meat was made of sirloin, chuck and short rib, grilled and served on a Red Hen pretzel bun with spring onion remoulade, arugula, cherrywood bacon and Prairie Fruits Farm Angel Food Cheese.  The combination of the rich meat (that did melt in your mouth), the salty bacon, fresh ingredients and the melting creamy cheese was almost heavenly!  This is on my short list of best burgers ever.  There was even buttermilk beer-battered onion rings served with sriracha aioli for more artery busting action.  This was awesome and made better with my wine, which had bright acidity and tannins to fit with both the meat and fat content of the dish.  The dark fruit and length of the wine only helped matters more.

We were finished off with an oatmeal cookie and vanilla bean ice cream sandwich dessert which was just the right size to make sure I didn't need a stretcher to carry me out.  The experience couldn't have gone better and I can't wait 'til the next one.  Make sure to seek out an Underground Dinner in your area and let me know how you liked it!

2009 Pueblo del Sol Tannat

I just recently received a bottle of 2009 Pueblo del Sol Tannat from TasteVino and decided to twist it open (Yes- it has a screw cap!) and try it with dinner.  I'll bet most are asking,"what is Tannat?".  Well, Tannat is a grape varietal with origins in Southwest France, with wines from the Madiran AOC being most well known.  Immigrants brought the grape to South America and it has become the national grape of Uruguay, with much being grown to the north in Brazil as well. 

You're probably also saying,"wine from Uruguay?".  Well, you'll be surprised to know that there are over 20,000 acres of vineyards and 270 wineries.  But most of the wine is sold domestically, so we haven't seen much over here.  I hope we'll be seeing more as the varietal can be powerful and tannic like its French relative, or fresh, unoaked and fruity. 

When the wine first hit the glass I could tell it was going to be full of fresh fruit as I smelled blueberries along with many floral notes.  On the palate it was full of fleshy fruit with a touch of minerality, medium body and flavor length.  This is an everyday drinking wine as it is unoaked with a 12.5% ABV.  I definitely recommend this wine, especially for the value it brings- you can find it online for under $10.  (WCWG Score: 85)

Other producers which can be found include Bodega Bouza and Bodegas Carrau.  And if you're still interested in this grape you can find it in southern Italy and Sicily from Mirabile Winery.

Wine Bars in Review: Webster's & D.O.C.

This past weekend I was in the mood to hit a couple of Chicago wine bars, so my wife and I got dressed up for a night on the town.  Chicago is an amazing city, especially when you're out on a summer night- the city is so alive with people enjoying the weather, neighborhood festivals, restaurants and lakefront.  You can feel the energy of thousands of people out for food, drink and fun!

Our first stop brought us to the godfather of Chicago wine bars- Webster's.  Located on west Webster Avenue just east of Clybourn, this two-story building has been pouring wine since 1994.  The scene is candlelit with loud folksy music and customer banter.  We moved past the long bar and were seated by a hostess.  I took my time with the enormous wine list (40+ wines by the glass, 500+ by the bottle) and noticed many great selections from just about any wine region you'd like to try, including off the beat and path places like Switzerland, Finger Lakes NY, Sardinia, Slovenia, Greece, Lebanon, New Mexico and Virginia.  They have amazing French and Italian selections, which is essential to any wine list given those country's histories. 

After perusing the menu, I decided on a sparkling wine from Valle d'Aosta, a small region between Switzerland and Piedmont, while my wife went for a cava and a cheese plate.  I was a bit disappointed that the cheese came before the wines or the plates, but was able to get over it after tasting the Mont St. Francis and Wildspitz cheeses.  I also figured out that they gave us the wrong 3rd cheese and charged us for their most expensive cheese plate ($20) as well.  First off, I know my cheeses and their prices, and find it hard for any establishment to justify charging that much for 3 cheeses.  Secondly, they should try harder to get the order correct.  All of those factors led us to pay and out the door to try a different wine bar.

Our next stop brought us east to D.O.C. Wine Bar on Clark and Wrightwood.  It has a great open and cozy look with a fireplace and skylights.  They have open seating and we only had to wait a couple of minutes for a spot to free up.  I dove right into their wine list and noticed it a bit smaller (under 100 selections) and more value based with many bottles listed under $50.  My wife wanted to stick with the sparkling, so I suggested Graham Beck Rose, and I went with a red blend from Bolgheri in Tuscany.  We also took a look at the food menu which was small but nice as well with artisan cheeses, bruschetta, charcuterie and small apps.  They have a great deal with pick 4 for $16 and we tried a Manchego, Gruyere, mushroom/goat cheese bruschetta and porchetta.  We liked the whole experience and the staff was helpful and had great personality. 

I would go back to both places, though I would watch the servers and the bill at Webster's more closely.  Webster's is still an old favorite with both an outstanding wine list and small menu.  D.O.C. has a bit more personal touch and charm and I urge you to keep up on their monthly wine/food tastings- there's always something great going on!

Father's Day with Wine

Father's Day is just around the corner and I'm sure everyone wants to do something special for Dad.  It's a day for families to thank the patriarch for all that he's done and for Dads to enjoy being surrounded by love.  Here's a few ways to show your appreciation:

1. Sunday Grilling.  I love a good cookout- you can enjoy the weather, great company and relax by being surrounded by food.  It's also hard to beat the satisfaction (and taste!) you get from making a great meal.
2. Take Dad Out.  There's so many great places in Chicagoland that Dad would love to eat at.  Prairie Fire in the West Loop will be having an omelete station, gourmet Bloody Marys and BBQ ribs.  Fleming's River North and Wheeling will be having a Father's Day Prix Fixe menu and Dad gets a $25 gift certificate to use on a future visit!  Prairie Grass in Northbrook has an amazing Father's Day buffet with NY strip, fried chicken, salmon and a crepe station.  Bistro One West in St. Charles has an amazing riverfront patio and a local menu featuring Wagyu beef hotdogs, smoked bacon BLTs, skirt steak salad and Meyer's farm burgers.  Try authentic Mexican for Dad at Guanajuato in Glencoe- Aztec spice rubbed chicken and a Spanish guitarist!
3. Wine.  Get dad a bottle of wine for the occasion or his collection!  Great grilling wines make the perfect gift and I recommend Zinfandel like Martinelli Lolita Ranch ($70), Ridge Lytton Springs ($35), or Malbec like Catena Alta ($44) or Achaval Ferrer Mendoza ($25).

All of these are great suggestions that the whole family will enjoy.  Any way you go you can't lose!

Wine Enthusiast "Toast of the Town" Hits Chicago

Wine Enthusiast's Toast of the Town is on a five city tour across the country and will be stopping in Chicago on Friday, June 17th at the Field Museum!  Join with the rest of the city to enjoy 500 world class wines and gourmet dishes from Chicago's top restaurants.  Some of the wineries represented include Castello Banfi, Feudi di San Gregorio, Le Domaine de la Vougeraie, Hall Wines, Stag's Leap Winery, Schramsberg, Yalumba, Penfolds, Cloudy Bay and Casa Lapostolle, while the restaurants involved include Aria, The Purple Pig, Bistronomic, Chizakaya, The Florentine, Coco Pazzo, Sixteen and Rhapsody. 

Wine Enthusiast has been providing readers with valuable wine information and reviews for 23 years and Toast of the Town is on it's 11th tour.  Come out to one of Chicago's greatest venues to enjoy the food, drink and fun!  Click here to purchase your tickets today.

Windy City Wine Guy Offer on Gilt City

Wine tasting is fun and when you accompany it with knowledge, that's powerful.  For a limited time, I have an offer up on Gilt City Chicago where you'll have two options:

1. Attend one of three Wine & Cheese Tasting Tours I will be conducting at the Tasting Room on Randolph.  The tours are scheduled on three Thursdays next month- June 9, 16 or 23- your choice!  We'll be going through four different wines paired with four different cheeses from 7-9pm.  After that, you're welcome to stay at the Tasting Room and enjoy 50% off all glasspours!  Quite a deal at $35/person.

2. Purchase an In-Home Wine Tasting conducted by the Windy City Wine Guy.  I will be suggesting which wine to have at the event along with any food pairing recommendations for you to purchase.  Then you'll get wine knowledge for yourself and up to 13 additional guests- all in the comfort of your own home!  This is a 40% savings priced at $240.

Jump on this great opportunity- quantities limited!

Wine Tasting at Newly Renovated bulthaup Showroom

Hi Chicago! I'm hosting an event next week and you're invited! Details below. bulthaup is showing off its latest creation. You're invited, but you need to RSVP. Details below.

6:00 – 8:00 PM

bulthaup Chicago showroom: 165 West Chicago Avenue, Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60654

Space is limited to 20 guests.

Please RSVP no later than Tuesday, May 17 to (312) 787 9982 or chicago at bulthaup.com

XOCO: Casual Mexican in River North

I finally had the chance to try Rick Bayless's XOCO in River North and I loved it!Ham/Cheese/Mushroom Empenada  XOCO means "little sister" in the Aztec language and it truly is the come and go but high quality sibling of Topolobampo and Frontera.  It features street food like tortas and caldos, snacks like churros, pastries and chips with guacamole, breakfast tortas and chilaquiles, and mexican coffees and hot chocolates. 

Food and drink is superb.  The torta sandwiches are made with LaBrea bread and filled with excellent ingredients like Gunthorp Farms chicken, Prairie Fruits Farm goat cheese, braised Tallgrass short ribs, smoked Maple Creek pork loin andChorizo/Egg Torta bacon, or wood-roasted suckling pig.  They have four wine choices: Bodega NQN Picada 15 white blend, Verdad Albariño, Santa Julia Tempranillo and Qupe Syrah.  They also offer craft beers, housemade soft drinks and complimentary water- still or sparkling.

Wine Guy On Demand Launches

Ever been stuck with the wine list at a business lunch and had no idea what to order?  Wanted to impress on a first date but weren't sure what wine would do?  Buying wine for a present but not sure if it was good enough for a friend's cellar?  Tried a bunch of Wine Apps with automated responses and no rhyme or reason?  Well, as a trained and certified sommelier, I've been answering these types of questions for years.  I decided to make myself available to everyone at any time of the day.  Here's how it works:

Download Wine Guy On Demand from iTunes straight to your iPhone (look for more versions in the future!) and all the answers to your wine questions are just moments away.  Type in some simple information and submit your question.  If I'm Online, you can expect a detailed answer in minutes.  If I'm Offline, no problem.  Your question will be stored and answered as soon as I return.  It's that simple!

There are many Wine Apps out there, but I'm aiming to provide a one on one connection you just cannot get from an automated database.  Think of it as having a sommelier or wine guy in your pocket!

Champagne Keeps Getting Greener

Vineyards of Vizernay, Montagne de Reims, ChampagneNew Programs Continue Multiyear Carbon Reduction Campaign:

As Earth Day approaches, the Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne (CIVC) is furthering the Champagne region's leadership in environmental preservation with new initiatives to reuse woody biomass and wastewater from wine production.  
 
The region has launched an appellation-wide program to transform the 150,000 metric tons of wood waste generated from vineyard pruning into energy, reducing pollution and helping replace fossil fuels used in wine production with a renewable source of energy. 
 
Through this BIOVIVE (Biomasse Viticole) initiative, the Champagne region is working with local utilities to cut the current carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 10,000 metric tons per year, the equivalent of taking 5,000 vehicles off the road. 
 
Similarly, wine production results in 600,000 cubic meters (m3) of wastewater and byproducts each year. Since 1990, when only five percent of wastewater was treated and reused, the Champagne industry has steadily increased its environmental stewardship; now 95 percent of wastewater is treated and 91 percent is recycled. 
 
"Champagne only comes from Champagne. The distinctive land and climate of Champagne cannot be replicated elsewhere and the people of Champagne understand that they must be protected to preserve the region's centuries-old wine-making tradition," said Sam Heitner, director of the Champagne Bureau, the U.S. representative of the CIVC. "These efforts are just a few of the environmental initiatives that the Champagne region has undertaken as part of its campaign to reduce the region's carbon emissions 25 percent by 2020."
 
Champagne is not merely a type of wine; it is a unique region with a long history of winemaking expertise. Located 90 miles northeast of Paris, the region covers less than 80,000 acres. Only grapes handpicked in the carefully delineated plots inside the appellation can be used to produce Champagne. The CIVC, comprised of all the grape growers and houses in Champagne, has led these environmental initiatives to ensure that Champagne continues to focus on quality and preserve its unique wine-growing location. 
 
The region's leadership in emission reduction began in 2002 with the first-ever wine region environmental impact assessment. Based on the audit results, the Champagne region set itself the goal of cutting carbon emissions 25 percent by 2020 and 75 percent by 2050.
 
To achieve this, there are currently more than 40 initiatives to reduce the region's environmental footprint. For example, after the CIVC determined that the production, packing and shipping of wine bottles accounted for 33 percent of the region's carbon emissions, it announced a new standard bottle in 2010 which, at more than two ounces lighter, will reduce the region's annual CO2 output by 8,000 metric tons, equivalent to the annual CO2 emissions of 4,000 cars. The new design consists mainly of changes to the neck of the bottle and was tested extensively to ensure that it maintains the performance, safety and character of the bottle historically used in the region.
 
"In 2002, the Champagne appellation showed true leadership by engaging in the most comprehensive environmental audit of a wine region that had ever been conducted," continued Heitner. "Introducing a lighter bottle, reusing wood waste and capturing wastewater are small steps that, when implemented throughout the region, help make a significant difference in the carbon emitted from the Champagne appellation."

- Information obtained from the Champagne Bureau

Earth Day Chicago

Earth Day is coming up on Friday, April 22nd and there will be many ways for Chicagoans to get involved.  Here's a list of places to go and specials to take advantage of:

• Chen's Chinese & Sushi and Koi will be offering special Green Menu Items which include Vegetable Dumplings ($4.95), Edamame ($4.50) and Green Tea Ice Cream ($3.95).
• Cityscape Bar has whipped up an Organic Drink Menu featuring an Organic Pear Fizz, Peak Organic Amber Ale and Momokawa Organic Ginjo Sake, each $5.
• RIVA at Navy Pier will be offering an Organic Wine Menu featuring Candoni Merlot and Pinot Grigio, each $7/glass.
• Uncommon Ground Devon will be hosting a Great Lake Brewing Co. Dinner on April 20 at 6pm, starting with passed appetizers followed by a 4 course meal featuring grilled asparagus, truffled devil egg with ham praline and green goddess dressing, spicy duck breast with baby artichokes and spinach & duck confit tortellini.  Great Lakes beers are included with the $55 price tag.
• Uncommon Ground Clark will be hosting a Michigan Seedling Farms/Von Beaumont Wines 4 course meal on April 21 at 6pm featuring bluepoint oysters, gnocchi with black trumpet mushrooms, asparagus with goat cheese and Dietzler Farm steak with wild ramp smashed potatoes.  $40/person.
• At Province, chefs Cleetus Friedman of City Provisions Delicatessen and Randy Zweiban of Province collaborate on a multi-course meal of seasonal, sustainable finger foods highlighting local farms paired with cocktails from Death’s Door Spirits.  A portion of the proceeds will benefit Chefs Collaborative, and Organic Valley will match all donations.  April 22 at 5:30pm.  $55/person.
• All Big Bowl locations will be giving away a free Earth Matters Tote Bag.  Every time you use the bag to pick up Big Bowl food in the future, you will receive 50 cents off!
• Prairie Fire West Loop and Prairie Grass Cafe Northbrook will be offering Earth Day Wild Things Dinner Specials which include sauteed ramps with ramp butter crostini ($15), crumb crusted wild striped bass over spring morels and River Valley mushroom ragout with Three Sisters Garden pea-shoot sauce and a petite salad ($31), grilled lamb skewers with wild watercress pesto, grilled spring onions, dandelion greens, croutons and warm local bacon vinaigrette ($26) and a Prairie Organic vodka martini with wild watercress pesto-stuffed olives ($10).
• Elate River North will be offering $5 TreeTinis to benefit planting trees in areas of need.
• All participating Starbucks will be offering free coffee or tea to customers who bring in reusable travel cups.
• Foodlife on the Magnificent Mile will be giving away $5 gift certificates and seedling bookmarks to those who share their best tips on how to "Go Green".
• The Hotel Palomar will host the Walk in The Park Benefit on April 22nd from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.  It's Kimpton Hotels interactive Earth Day fair benefitting The Trust for Public Land will showcase local Community Supported Agriculture farmers, green vendors and recycled "trash art" with food & drink from 312 Chicago, Atwood Cafe, Sable Kitchen & Bar and South Water Kitchen.

All Arizona Wine List at FnB Scottsdale

This is an all Arizona wine list I encountered at FnB Restaurant in Scottsdale.  Arizona wine is hard to find outside the state, but very very good.  Most of the wine comes from the Sonoita AVA in the southeastern part of the state, which is located at very high altitude (4500 feet) and surrounded by mountain ranges.  There's not alot of rainfall, but the soil retains water well and irrigation is also involved.  The varietals mainly consist of French Bordeaux and Rhone grapes, with some Italian mixed in.  All in all, I loved the wine I tried, the Canelo Hills Sauvignon Blanc and the Dos Cabezas Red Blend.  If you're in town for spring training baseball (White Sox in Glendale, Cubs in Mesa), make sure you check out this restaurant and some Arizona wine!

Chicago at the Forefront of Wine Trading

With Wall Street making a comeback, wine sales have been skyrocketing.  Wine trading is at an all time high with Bordeaux and Burgundy collectibles making the biggest splash.  Auctions have been selling out and it just so happens the largest auctioneer is located right here in Chicago- Hart Davis Hart Wine Co.  Their live auctions have been selling out, with collectors coming out as big winners.  Check out the video from Crain's Chicago Business.

If you're interested in getting in on the action, the next auction will be on March 19 at Tru.  It will exclusively feature 400 lots Chateau Lafite Rothschild, and is estimated to bring in between $4.3-6.5 million.  You can bid in person, by phone or online.  Sold!

Valentine's Wine Give Away from Lynfred Winery & WCWG

Happy Valentine's Day!  In honor of the holiday we're teaming with Lynfred Winery to give away two bottles of wine!  Their 30th Anniversary Red (Cabernet Sauvignon blend) and White (Chardonnay) Cuvees will be in the hands of two lucky readers- they're great wines and retail at $30 each.  Here's how to win: leave a comment about what you'll be doing for the holiday and what you'll be drinking.  We'll select two winners on Friday, February 18, 2011.  Also, don't forget to leave your email address so we can contact you if you win!  Good Luck!

Windy City Wine Guy Gets Down and Dirty with Frank Fontana

Are you a Do-It-Yourself kind of person?  Well, Frank Fontana is the host of "The Down And Dirty" on the Craftsman World of DIY Network, and he's filling us all in on how to make your place look like a million bucks without spending it- while doing it yourself!  Be sure to catch me on tomorrow's episode at 12pm when Frank and I will talk about the best wines for your romantic Valentine's Day dinner.  Don't take a chance on messing up with the vino!  If you miss the episode live, check out the podcast later!

Valentine's Day & Wine

For all you Romeos out there, Valentine's Day is coming up and I've got news for you- ladies love wine!  I'm sure you're saying, "Hey dude- I like wine too!", but for the upcoming holiday it's going to be very important to have the right wine.  Here's a few suggestions:

• Nicolas Feuillate Rosé ($44.99).  You can't go wrong with bubbly, especially pink bubbly.  This will not only set the mood, it will also pair with mostly anything you'd like to put against it.  It's raspberry fullness and exotic spice depth will leave you asking for more.  Grab a bottle or two.
• Huel Pinot Blanc "Cuvee Les Amours" ($12.49).  The name says it all and if you're in the mood for some white wine then you'll be in for a treat.  Pop it open with some oysters on the halfshell or any other fresh seafood.  Melon and pear fruitiness pop out at you in the nose and palate.
• Crios de Susana Balbo Rosé ($11.29).  More pink for Valentine's Day?  You've got it!  And this Malbec will not disappoint.  Fresh, fruity, lively and fun.  If you're eating spicy food this will cool it off and enhance the flavors.
• Valentin Bianchi Malbec ($17.99).  More Malbec, and this one is deep purple, bright, spicy and full bodied.  Fire up the grill for some beef or lamb you'll be in pure bliss with this choice.
• Gaja Ca'Marcanda Promis ($39.99).  Love is all about trust and your date will be elated after you've come through on your promise to not mess up the wine choice!  This wine is full of violets, mint and italian oregano aroma to go with its juicy dark fruit.  Love this wine!
• Terra Valentine Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon ($34.99).  For the fullest of lovers, this wine will leave you and your date in ecstasy.  The perfect dry wine to go with chocolate dessert.

Make sure to grab a bottle or two out of these selections and let me know how your Valentine's experience went!

Super Bowl Wine Pairings

Super Bowl XLV is approaching fast and everyone should have a good idea what food will be on the menu for the big game.  Beer is probably the beverage choice for over 70% of you,  but I'm calling an audible to put a twist in your gameplan.  Here's a few typical Super Bowl foods and some pairing ideas:

• Pizza.  An extremely popular choice which needs a beverage that can stand up to sweet, tangy tomatoes, cheese and topping choices.  You're going to need a wine with decent body and acidity to play with the tomato, some tannin for any meat, spice and juicy red fruit to enhance the experience.  I love Sangiovese, like Avignonesi Rosso di Montepulciano ($15.99), or a Zinfandel like Foxglove ($12.99).

• Buffalo Wings.  Food like this is synonymous with sports viewing.  You'll definitely need some body on the wine along with some sweetness to pair with the spiciness of the wings and saltiness of the blue cheese.  I like Riesling, like Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler QbA ($12.99), Pinot Gris like Seven Hills ($13.99) or a very fruity Australian red like Mitolo "Jester" Cabernet Sauvignon ($11.99).

• Chili.  The crockpots will be working overtime this weekend and you're going to need a wine with body, meatiness, acidity and spiciness to stand up your recipe.  Syrah/Shiraz is perfect for this dish, and I'd go with Ben Glaetzer Heartland Shiraz ($13.99) or Four Vines Paso Robles Syrah ($13.99).

• Burgers.  Many will be firing up the grill for some burger delight.  You'll need a beefy wine with some tannins, body and ripe fruit to help you take a bite out of that charred flavor.  I love Malbec for the task, especially Cueva de las Manos Malbec Reserve ($12.99).

• Hot Dogs.  Another popular meat choice, this depends mostly upon how you'll be topping it.  For the typical Chicago-style, I like my German Riesling choice we used for the wings.  For a chili dog, go with the Syrah/Shiraz choices from the chili.

So for beer drinkers who want a little more than Pilsners, I suggest you try something different like Goose Island Pepe Nero, Two Brothers The Bitter End Pale Ale or Bell's Best Brown Ale. 

Whatever you do, I know you'll score but if you take any of these picks, they're guaranteed to be a touchdown!

New Year's Wine Resolutions

So we're just over three weeks into 2011 and though I'm sure everyone came into January with a New Year's Resolution or two, it's never too late to add another, especially if it involves wine!  Here are a few suggestions for you to try out:

• Add more wine to your diet.  Wine consumption has many benefits.  It's been proven to be beneficial for your heart and overall health, reduce your chances to be afflicted by cancer and aid in weight control.  This, of course, should be done with moderation.  If you stay in the 1-2 glass range (6-12 oz.) then you will be in a beneficial zone, whereas if you exceed that amount on a regular basis, you could actually harm yourself in other ways: cirrhosis of the liver or other forms of cancer could result.  Add more red wine to your diet and you should live a healthier life.
• Add to or start your collection.  A personal wine collection can aid you in a number of areas like entertaining, investment, wine knowledge, respect and a sort of coming to age.  Your friends will be impressed when they visit (and drink your wine!), your wine will grow in value and maturity, and you'll feel more full and accomplished.  If you haven't started your collection, splurge and pick out a collectable bottle to get started.  If you already have one, do the same!
• Try new wines.  I meet so many people who only drink from France and California, Italy and Spain, Australian, etc.  It's great that you like those wines, but there's a whole world out there full of different varietals and styles.  Pick out a new varietal, country or growing region and check out something new.
• Wine/Food Pairings.  Certain wines go best with certain foods.  Try to get into classic pairings like goat cheese with Sauvignon Blanc, caviar with Champagne, lamb with Bordeaux rouge, etc.  Then try new pairings like Thai with Gewurztraminer, grilled beef with Argentine Malbec or pizza with Zinfandel.  Try to see how they one enhances the other and help you enjoy the experience all the more.

These are just a few ways to incorporate wine more into your life and I'm sure there are many more.  Let all of know how you plan on doing it or if you decide to take any of the suggestions above!

Grand Chefs Gala

One of the best charitable events for a foodie is the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Grand Chefs Gala.  Last week, we got a sneak peek into the big event at the Grand Chefs Gala Chef’s Social, which took place at one of the participating restaurants, Ria, a Michelin two star restaurant in the Elysian Hotel, which happens to be newly minted with the AAA Five Diamond award.  Participating chefs in attendance included Curtis Duffy of Avenues and Patrick Sheerin of The Signature Room, among others.  Many food groupies and philanthropic types mingled within the textured walls of the phenomenal restaurant, and nibbled on Jason McLeod’s creative, yet simple, fare.  Menu highlights included pheasant breast with savory granola and cauliflower puree, citrus jelly with almond crème, as well as broccoli with truffle mousse, broccoli puree and broccoli parsley salad.

The Gala itself will take place on Friday, January 28 at the Fairmont Chicago Hotel from 6-9pm.  It will consist of a lavish sit-down dinner prepared by Fairmont chef Brad Parsons, and includes a hosted cocktail and hors d’ouevres hour, live and silent auction, and postprandial dessert and mixology bar.  This year, they’ve even added an after party with the sounds of Libido Funk Circus from 9p-midnight to jazz things up for the younger (and legal) folks in attendance.

The Grand Chefs Gala displays the talents of some of Chicago’s most promising chefs, honors them with the peer-voted Jean Banchet awards presentation, and raises money for Cystic Fibrosis, an often debilitating disease that adversely affects the lungs and digestive systems of afflicted people.  Money goes toward research for a cure.  Purchase tickets here. 

Special thanks to guest writer J'nai Gaither for this article.  I hope you have a good time at the event and if you can't make it, you can still donate!

Holiday Wine Picks

So the end of the year is near, meaning we have alot of celebrating to do.  Whether you're buying gifts (wine makes the perfect holiday gift), having friends and family over for Christmas dinner or you need some bubbly for New Year's, these wine picks should impress. 

Gift Wines

I tend to lean toward full bodied reds for gifts.  They tend to age longer, pair well with meat main dishes, and simply put, most Americans like red wine.  So here's a few to choose from, in various price ranges:

• 2007 Cosentino Cigarzin ($16.99).  The name is very macho and so is the wine.  It's full of interesting flavors like rhubarb, pomegranate, cherry cream and the signature cigar box aroma.  This is one to warm up to and enjoy with a holiday meal or some chocolate.  Also, a great value I found at CostCo.
• 2008 Langmeil "Valley Floor" Shiraz ($22.99).  This wine is deep and rich, loaded with plum, dark cherry and berry flavor along with vanilla and cocoa.  Plus the fact that it comes from Barossa and has a screwcap makes this wine hard to resist opening!
• 2007 Tinto Pesquera ($32.99).  Great Tempranillo from the Ribera del Duero giving dark rich fruit, pencil lead, leather, minerality and nice acidic bite.  Will age gracefully.
• 2007 Hall Cabernet Sauvignon ($39.99).  The all-American wine gift is a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and this bottle gives all that it should: full body, dark cherry, plum, coffee, licorice and a long finish.  This bottle should age gracefully and be a great part of the recipient's cellar.
• 2007 Andrew Will Ciel du Cheval ($52.99).  A great blend of 45% Cabernet Franc, 40% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon from Yakima Valley in Washington.  Blackberry, cassis, flowers, spice and herbs are a part of the aroma and flavor profile.  The recipient will love you for this!
• 2005 Giorgio Rivetti La Spinetta "Vigneto Gallina" Barbaresco ($79.99).  An awesome and present from northwest Italy.  This wine would be a great addition to any cellar and has lasting ability along with raspberry and plum, tar and truffle essence.

Food Wines

Here are two wines which match very well with most foods and are safe bets to pair with whatever dish you may run into.

• 2009 Domaine Wachau Terrassen Gruner Veltliner Federspiel ($16.99).  With it's balance and acidity, this wine is a great match for many foods, but when you add in golden apple, peach and white pepper along with tobacco spice, this wine is made to please your palate.
• 2009 Clos de los Siete ($14.99).  An excellent blend of Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot.  Blueberries, fruitcake and spice are all a part of this smooth, medium bodied wine value.

The Bubbly

There is sure to be alot of celebrating and this calls for some sparkling wine.  Not only is it crisp and refreshing, but the foam, bubbles and fruity flavor will help you ring in the New Year in style.  I decided to leave out Champagne and only put in the value selections, but if you feel like it, grab a bottle of Duval-Leroy, Dom Perignon or any other Champagne.

•  Gran Sarao Brut Cava ($9.99).  A great value with grannie smith apple, yeasty dough and lemon zest flavors.  They even added Chardonnay to the traditional blend of Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel-lo, giving it more body.
• Huber "Hugo" Sparkling Rosé ($9.99).  An Austrian blend of Pinot Noir and Zweigelt, this wine will wow you with its strawberries, raspberries, rose petals and minerality.  And the pricetag is just right.
• Mionetto Organic Prosecco D.O.C. ($12.99).  If you're trying to save money and stay green, this is the wine for you.  They even used recyclables to make the bottle and label!  Golden apples and elderflower along with crispness and fresh bubbles. 
• Gustave Lorentz Cremant d'Alsace ($19.99).  A lively sparkling wine made up of mostly Pinot Blanc and loaded with brioche, apples, meyer lemon and a hint of nuttiness.
• 2006 Argyle Brut ($19.99).  Blend of 58% Chardonnay and 42% Pinot Noir.  Full of honeysuckle, melon, vanilla spiced pear, apple, biscuit, lemon meringue, well, you get the picture- a must buy!
• L. Mawby Brut Cremant Classic ($21.99).  Straight from Michigan's Leelanau Peninsula, made of 100% Vignoles (hybrid varietal).  Excellent fruit flavor, crispness, yeast and toasted pine nuts.

Holiday Beer

Yes, beer drinkers should not be excluded from the celebration, and here's a few to keep you happy:

• Samichlaus Bier Doppelbock ($4.49/11.2oz bottle).  Syrupy malt, hazelnut, toffee, and hint of dark fruits.  A thick Austrian beer loaded with so much spice, honey and caramel.
• Goose Island Mild Winter Ale ($11.99/12 pack).  An awesome Rye Beer with cinnamon, butterscotch, baking spice and rye sweetness.
• Samuel Smith Winter Welcome Ale ($9.99/4 pack).  Yeast, roasted malt, dried fruits, brown sugar and a butterness fill out this English Winter Warmer.

Happy Holidays, stay safe and let me know how you enjoyed the recommendations!