On a whim, I decided to stop by the incredibly busy, Black-owned, Spice Suite in Washington, DC. To my surprise there wasn’t the usual line outside the door and down the block. I was able to go in and browse with only a few people in line (lucky me!). The owner, Angel, is normally in …
Another weekend that felt a little “normal.” I went with @atastyjourney to our “Cheers,” Maxwell Park (que the Cheers theme song!). At their Navy Yard location they have a pairing menu called Russell Island (it’s a Fishing Island in MI). You select a number from the menu and you get a small bite paired with …
I have to be honest and say the label caught my eye. But after a little research, I realized there was more to this wine than the label. Longavi Wines is a collaboration between Chilean producer Julio Bouchon and South African winemaker David Nieuwoudt. So it’s more than just a cute label. Made using native …
SCFTW (Screw Cap For The Win)! This Chardonnay by House of Brown is part of the Brown Estate family – Napa’s first Black owned estate winery (their Zinfandel is fire!). It’s a little hard to find but keep searching. It’s totally worth it! HOB’s motto is “Come one, come all.” That’s definitely the vibe we …
Some think that Champagne should be popped or pfft (ha!) for only special occasions. Well, it shouldn’t be. I decided to open my little Thiénot to enjoy with a Jamaican curry veggie patty (not pictured). And why not open my little Gaston Chiquet to go with some curry chicken from Negril Jamaican Eatery. Yes! Why …
A Champagne tasting with St Anselm Beverage Director, Vanessa Cominsky & Wine Writer, Educator and founder of Black Wine Professionals, Julia Coney. I picked up my bubbles and some snacks from St Anselm the day of the tasting. To be honest, I wasn’t sure how the bubbles were going to transfer from the restaurant to …
I normally don’t celebrate wine holidays but yesterday was Pinot Noir Day! Well I couldn’t pass that up! I decided to Coravin a little of this hand harvested 2018 Pinot Noir from Oceano Owner/Vintner Rachel Martin (Marbue Marke is the Winemaker). It’s bright, earthy, cherry, strawberry with a hint of vanilla. I made a little …
A little tasting and education on Saturday with Winemaker Matt Taylor and Master Somm Carlton McCoy. The tasting featured Matt’s sold out, hard to find label Chamboulé. These wines are 100% whole cluster and made with very little sulfur. Carlton walked us through a tasting of Matt’s 3 Cabernets. 1. 2015 Chamboulé Cabernet Sauvignon Constant …
Last night was another educational and fun tasting with Erik Segelbaum, Smithsonian Associates and SommStock. This tasting took us on a journey of Burgundy. I realized I am officially on the white wine train. I enjoyed the Chablis and Mersault (bottles 1 & 2 respectively). I also loved that Erik gave us an easy way …
Want some happiness on a plate and in your glass? This is it! Some watermelon with feta & mint and a glass of Domaine Tempier Rosé. Delicious, juicy watermelon all around! Talk about a good feeling. Happy, happy Sunday folks.
Tonight I’m joining Janet Cam and Ben Jordan (Early Mountain & Lightwell Survey) for some Zoom wine education. They will be discussing Early Mountain’s 2019 Rosé and the 2017 Eluvium. Since I am already familiar with EM’s delicious Rosé, I decided to try their 2019 PUR — 60% Chardonnay, 35% Viognier and 5% Pinot Gris. …
Awww! I love my soft Black Wine Professionals T-shirt (you see my Gap T-shirt fold! Skillz!!) It’s creative, fits and the color is perfect! Go to blackwineprofessionals.com to get yours or just to donate! The handwritten thank you card is super sweet too!
On Thursday I took a quick detour into DC that led me to Cane on H Street. Cane is a family-owned business run by Chef Peter Prime and Jeanine Prime (a brother and sister duo). It’s based on popular street foods in Trinidad & Tobago. I almost ordered the entire menu! After I calmed down, …
Hey, don’t mind my heavy pour of Bodkin Sparkling Rosé. It’s dry, medium acidity and strawberries. These Bubbles deserve a pour like this. Made with 55% Zinfandel, 35% Syrah, 3% Albariño, 3% Chenin Blanc and 4% Sauvignon Blanc. Seriously, this is a cool grape combo. I definitely need more. I paired these Bubbles with a …
This will be my first time trying Bodkin Wines. Bodkin was founded in 2011 by Winemaker Chris Christensen (with that name you must do something cool, right?). This winery may be small but it’s mighty! Chris is the creator of the FIRST American Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc. Now ain’t that America! I am super excited to …
