If you have any interest in wine you’ve no doubt read Lettie Teague. While she was with Food and Wine Magazine, or in her current columns for the Wall Street Journal. Her insightful observations on how wine plays in life inspired me to write about wine. Which meant drinking more too! Continue reading Lettie Teague Inspires Me Again
As I drove higher and higher on the tiny road to Benmarl, I felt more and more like I had somehow been transported to Italy. Yet, I was still in New York and about to have the pleasure of meeting Matthew Spaccarelli and his father Victor owners of Benmarl Winery in Marlboro, NY.
Benmarl wines have enjoyed the favorable focus of wine writers and critics for some time. I think the wines here are reaching a whole new level as Matt has gained the knowledge and confidence to try new techniques. We loved what we tasted.
Read our full article at New York Cork Report, Benmarl Winery, Very Ready for the Next Ten Years
Continue reading A Fanciful Visit to Benmarl Winery Marlboro NY
One of the many things we love about the Hudson Valley is the deep diversity of cultures here.
This Monday morning we gathered with our friends David and Cathy Lilburne and other noted Hudson Valley citizens with roots in Australia or New Zealand to share words and pay tributes to brave soldiers and observe ANZAC Day, the national day of remembrance that commemorates the sacrifice and contributions of all Australians and New Zealanders who have served in the military.
Our group was small but the emotions ran large. Each of us had a story to tell of family members who served. My father was was stationed in New Guinea with the U.S. Army during World War II, part of the U.S. Pacific Campaign.
Moments like this give rise to a wonderful sad gratefulness for all we have today.
Continue reading The Many Cultures of the Hudson Valley – Celebrating ANZAC Day
Our friend Joanne told me this place was great, then terrible, now she heard it is great again, new ownership since August. We decided to give it a try.
I used to try and do real restaurant reviews and such, but it is all so subjective, so I stopped. I guess the bottom line is that we were happy enough with Golden Buddha that we are looking forward to going back. There are a few reasons.
The staff here are nice, genuinely interested and the food was very good, we had just sampling of some basics. Is that enough? No it’s not. There are lot of interesting dishes on the menu, beyond the typical Thai fare, we want to try. The wine list is well considered. I will tell you why. Lastly the dinning room is appealing with a calming modern ambiance.
Continue reading Finally Found a Thai Place We Really Like – Golden Buddha in Fishkill
We went back to explore Stonecrop yesterday. What a difference, a month ago it was a cold and icy place. The spring flowers have begun to sprout and bloom in abundance, such beauty as we walked about the grounds, so many spots to sit, gaze and meditate. More Pictures below…
Continue reading What a Difference a Month Makes at Stonecrop Garden Cold Spring
You may have noticed, we are off booze this week, doing a spring cleanse, it is great. Feeling like a million bucks! But, no new cocktail this week. Luckily, I’ve been saving one for you.
I created this special Negroni, it is #50 on our 100 Negronis Blog, to celebrate the warm weather and a milestone on the blog. We are actually up to 68 there. It is a celebratory drink finished off with Michele Chiarlo Nivole Sparkling Moscato.
So here is Negroni #50! “Hudson Valley Pleasure”
Continue reading Cocktail of the Week, I’ve Been Saving This One For You
Stonecrop Gardens
The Hudson Highlands Nature Museum will have its Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 25 from 11am-3pm.
The Bear Mountain Trailside Zoo will have its Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 25. You can meet at the bear den at 10:30 am to make treats for the Bears. They will come out of their dens to gobble them up at 11:00. Enjoy family-friendly fun, displays and activities with an Earth-friendly focus.
Continue reading Local Weekend Fun – April 24-25th
about the great Shiraz we had last week and the great dinner from Marbled Meat Shop and the Cold Spring Farmers Market.
As you may note we are on a bit of a Syrah kick, both the great Syrah’s from France, Rhone Valley in particular, and the same grape by another name, Shiraz, from Australia, especially the McLaren Vale region. We love these robust earthy wines for all sorts of summer dishes. Our cleansing fast this week is in preparation. Continue reading Just Because We Are off Wine This Week for a Cleanse
Connecting: Celebrating the People and Places of the Hudson Highlands is a book created simply to honor the ties of people and places here. Nelsonville resident Christine Ashburn spent more than a year photographing people enjoying the Highlands and its many diverse and beautiful landscapes. The photos are accompanied by essays that share the stories of the ties that bind us to the land its history, food, recreation and arts as well as our deep commitment to future generations.
Available on the Hudson Highlands Land Trust website and at Antipodean Book Store on Garrison Landing.
Continue reading Connecting: Celebrating the People & Places of the Hudson Highlands
to have many great wine stores so nearby. I have been anxious to check out Artisan Wine Shop in Beacon. Wanting to see what they have to offer but reluctant because some small wine shops are just too specialized for me. I was so happy to find a store that is very approachable, offering many interesting selections, which are well presented, and at reasonable price points.
Being CIA graduates, that’s Culinary Institute of America, not the other CIA, owners, Mei Ying and Tim Buzinski bring a unique angle to their provisioning of fine libations, which is how well they go with food. Which is to my mind essential.
That’s my friend Jonathan, a wine geek like me, he found a lot he liked too.
Continue reading Artisan Wine Shop, Beacon
Another Great Wine Store
