Wine With Wanda

TV for Travelers: Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown on CNN

I must confess that I don't watch CNN too often, but I am one of those travel loving food fanatics who will tune in on April 14th at 9pm (ET) to check out their new show Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown.

Few television personalities can spark wanderlust as strongly as Anthony Bourdain. I've been missing his old Travel Channel show No Reservations since it ended in 2012, so I'm hungry for his new one-hour lifestyle series on CNN. Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown will follow the chef, author, and raconteur as he travels across the globe to uncover non-touristy and off-the-beaten path areas of the world. Bourdain will explore some war-torn areas, meet with locals, and occasionally spend time with an internationally acclaimed hot shot chef. 

The premiere episode of Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown offers an inside look at Myanmar. In his maiden voyage to the country formerly known as Burma, Bourdain and his crew discover the beauty and cuisines of a country that had been, until recently, off-limits to outsiders. Future episodes include tours of Libya, Colombia, the Quebecois side of Canada, Koreatown in Los Angeles, Tangier, Peru and the Congo .

Will you be watching? Following original episodes of Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown on Sunday nights at 9pm, encores will air on Friday nights at 11pm, Saturday nights at 9pm, and Sunday nights at 8pm. (all times Eastern)  Click here to learn more about Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown.

Take Me Away: The Vineyards of Chile

Viu Manent Winery in Chile's Colchagua Valley

Like many of the places on my ever-growing list of dream destinations, Chile secured their status by winning over my taste buds. From Chardonnay to Carmenere, Chile produces an amazing variety of exceptional wines.

I was thrilled to see one of my favorite Chilean winemakers, Viu Manent, featured in The New York Times travel section in the article Among the Vines in Chile,Villas and Views. From which vineyards to visit, where to stay, and what wines to sip, the article is a great start if you plan on taking a wine lover's trip to Chile. Until then, if you find yourself in NYC take time to visit Puro Wine - they only sell the finest wines from Chile!

Wow! Wine Spectator Gives Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie's Côtes de Provence Rosé a Blockbuster Review

Credit: Jason Merritt/Getty

Apparently, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt aren't content with being gorgeous, world-famous movie stars with impressive real estate holdings and a gaggle of beautiful kids, now they make wine too. I'll admit that I received the news with a bit of skepticism but I may have to reconsider after learning that the esteemed Wine Spectator rated their Miraval Côtes de Provence Rosé an outstanding 90 points out of 100 in a blind tasting.

A blend of Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah red grapes with the white grape Rolle (aka Vermentino), Wine Spectator described Miraval Côtes de Provence Rosé as "refined and elegant, with pure flavors of dried red berry and tangerine, and a focused finish with flint and spice notes." Not too shabby! And, there are no reports of the Jolie-Pitt kids stomping the grapes!

The wine is produced at the Jolie-Pitts' 1,000 acre Miraval estate in the South of France and their winemaking partners, Perrin & Fils, said that the dynamic duo participated in the blending sessions for the wine and also helped to design the label. The first 6,000 bottles of Jolie-Pitt sold out within five hours of being offered online in France. Starting in April, 15,000 cases of Miraval will be imported to the US and are expected to retail for about $30 a bottle.

So will you give Miraval a try? For more information, visit the Wine Spectator and the Miraval websites. 

Arrivederci Dr. Aniello Musella: NYC's Italian Trade Commissioner Returns to Rome

Console Generale Natalia Quintavalle and Dr. Aniello Musella

Although I've never been to Italy, for the past few years the Italian Trade Commission has shown me la dolce vita. Led by Dr. Aniello Musella since 2005, the Italian Trade Commission office in New York does an excellent job of spreading the word about Italian cuisine, culture, fashion, and wine. Whenever I get an invitation to one of their functions, I do everything I can to be there. But last night's event at the Consulate General of Italy was a bittersweet one - it was a farewell party for Dr. Musella. He and his wife Susan are returning to Rome where he will assume his new post on April 1st at the Italian Trade Commission's headquarters as Director of the Office of Industrial & Institutional Planning. Last night Dr. Musella was presented with a very high honor - the Onorificenza di Cavaliere dell’Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana in recognition of his contributions and service to the Republic of Italy as a civil servant.

An elegant, charming, and humble man, Dr. Musella's presence at an event always made me smile. Forward-thinking, he showed a genuine respect and appreciation for what us serious bloggers do long before other prominent institutions did -  and for that I am eternally grateful. 

 In his remarks last night,  Dr. Musella said that he will miss New York, especially the friends that he's made here. As he so eloquently stated, New York City is an exciting place to be but can be a lonely place without good friends. As demonstrated by the crowd gathered together to salute him last night, Dr. Musella's friends and associates will be a little bit lonelier when he leaves for Rome. Arrivederci Dr. Musella and buona fortuna! I hope to see you again when I finally make it to Italy!

Take Me Away: Das Stue Hotel in Berlin

I've never been to Berlin but I've already picked out where I would like to stay: the Das Stue Hotel. Located in the former Danish embassy, Das Stue opened in December 2012 and is walking distance from shopping and right next to the famous Tiergarten and Europe's most visited zoo - the Berlin Zoo.



Das Stue has 70 rooms & 10 suites and many offer views of the Tiergarten or the Berlin Zoo. This luxury boutique hotel also has a 2800 sq. ft. spa by Suzanne Kaufman. Das Stue's striking public spaces are the vision of Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola.


The restaurant at Das Stue, '5 – cinco by Paco Pérez' is the first project outside of Spain for four-time Michelin starred Catalan Chef Paco Pérez. The menu is inspired by his homeland and offers all-day casual Mediterranean dining and a more avant-garde fine dining experience.

Das Stue sounds pretty special, don't you think? Room rates start at 200 euros. For more information, visit the Das Stue website.  For great tips on planning a trip to Berlin and all of Germany, visit the Germany National Tourist Board website.

Say Hola to Spring in a MANGO Dress & Pedralonga Albariño Wine

 Spring has officially arrived and although it is still chilly here in NYC, I already feel sunnier inside! Aren't you ready to raise a glass to the season while rocking a fab new frock? Since I am hoping to return to Spain this year, my spring inspiration comes from the Spanish clothing line MANGO and the Galician winemaker, Pedralonga. 

 MANGO Wrapped Back Printed Dress
$79.99


I'm ready to toss my winter clothes and hit the town in a flirty frock! This sweet little number from MANGO combines pastels and black & white accents with an animalistic feel - so perfect when you're on the prowl for fun!

The Drink: Pedralonga Albariño 2011
$27.99 at Chambers Street Wines


Crisp and clean with notes of green apple, honey, pineapple, grapefruit, and a marvelous minerality - this organic white wine from the Rias Baixas region of Spain tastes like spring. If you're not familiar with Albariño, Pedralonga is a delicious introduction.

A New York Minute: French Macarons & Lousiana Zydeco

In NYC? Add a little sugar & spice to your week and make time for Macaron Day and Louisiana Zydeco.

Macaron Day NYC 2013
Wednesday, March 20
Do you prefer your desserts with a dash of je ne sais quoi? Then you don't want to miss Macaron Day. Participating Big Apple bakeries (Francois Payard, Bouchon Bakery, Epicerie Boulud, and more) will treat customers to one free macaron (while quantities last). These colorful French cookies with their crunchy yet giving exteriors and creamy fillings are the perfect little sweet treat - petite in size but big on style and flavor. Macaron Day NYC bakeries will also donate a portion of their sales on Wednesday to City Harvest - an organization dedicated to feeding NYC's hungry.  So don't just show up for a free cookie - buy a few and support the cause!



Let's Zydeco: Rosie Ledet & The Zydeco Playboys
Sunday, March 24, $23
Doors Open 5:30 PM for dinner, drinks and socializing
Zydeco dance lesson at 6PM. Music 7-11PM
Yes, you can do the bayou boogie in the heart of Manhattan! Known as the Zydeco Sweetheart, Rosie Ledet is an award-winning musician and the Wall Street Journal raved that "today's premier female artist is Rosie Ledet, whose soulful voice kicks her male counterparts right out of the club."
I've gone to several of these Let's Zydeco events over the years and they are a blast -  great live music and a diverse crowd who loves to dance!

Say Sí To a Meal at Manzanilla Spanish Brasserie in New York City

 Squid Ink & Cuttlefish Croquettes, Coriander & Citrus Aiolis
crispy on the outside, creamy, rich, and savory on the inside - these croquetas are addictive.

There's a culinary invasion from Spain conquering New York City one croqueta at a time and my taste buds have happily surrendered. Manzanilla Spanish Brasserie is the latest restaurant with a celebrated chef from Spain to claim their piece of the Big Apple and the buzz has been intense. A partnership between Chef Dani Garcia (he's been awarded 2 Michelin stars for his restaurant Calima in Marbella) and Yann De Rochfort (the owner of NYC's popular Boqueria restaurants), Manzanilla is spacious and elegant with striking chevron floors, dramatic high ceilings, luxurious banquettes, and an open kitchen.

And, the food? Well, I popped in for lunch today with a friend and had a delicious meal. Manzanilla's food is playful without being frivolous - flavor reigns supreme. I look forward to going back and trying more items on the menu. Until then, here are a few of my favorite dishes from today.

Kale Salad
kale, black olive dressing, valdeón blue cheese, poached quail eggs, puffed wheat, almonds
This salad has a lot going on but it all worked. The textures and flavors played off each other beautifully - savory, sweet, crunchy, and lush.


Artichoke
slow poached egg, glazed baby artichokes, iberico pork lardo
The humble artichoke reaches new heights in this rich dish.

Iberico Pork "Secreto"
slow cooked iberico skirt steak, spicy chorizo, caramelized onions, spicy mayo, piparra
I don't care how many calories this sandwich has - it was AMAZING. Thin and juicy slices of meat, the heat of the chorizo, the crunch and zing of the piparra peppers, the richness of the mayo = sandwich perfection! 

Manzanilla is located at 345 Park Avenue South. For more information, visit their website.

A Night to Remember: Savor Spain at Andanada 141

 

Albondigas (meatballs) y Sangria
Image courtesty C. Brown

The sangria was flowing, the tapas kept coming, and the laughter never ceased at my Savor Spain Tapas Happy Hour at Andanada 141 restaurant in New York City. It was so much fun to host a chic fiesta for my readers and to connect with a great group of women (and a few lucky men) who share my passion for fine food, upscale fun, and creative cocktails. In addition to the Modern Spanish culinary treats, every guest received a special gift from NATURA BISSÉ - Spain's premier skincare line. After a night of overindulgence, I am certainly thankful for their Diamond Extreme Eye Energizing Lifting Eye Cream. Muchas gracias to everyone who attended and to Andanada 141 for hosting us! Stay tuned for the next event. Until then, here are a few photos from Savor Spain.





Andanada 141's lovely bartender Corinna kept the libations flowing.


One of the many happy Savor Spain guests to be delighted by the luxurious skincare gifts from NATURA BISSÉ.


Andanada 141's modern interpretation of patatas bravas. 

 

Here I am with the lovely ladies from NATURA BISSÉ - they really pampered us! Their glowing complexions were the very best promotion for their skincare products.

Croquetas

Mallorca in a Glass: Son Prim Wines

During the time I lived in Spain, one of my most memorable trips was a long weekend escape to Mallorca. I can still recall the beautiful blue waters, sandy beaches, sugary ensaimada pastries, and fragrant lemon trees growing in lush backyards. These memories came flooding back in Technicolor when I sipped Son Prim wines.

Located in Sencelles (Mallorca), Son Prim is a family winery named after their home. The Llabrés family had been making wine in their small cellar for years for private consumption and built their commercial winery in 2003.

Son Prim produces several varietals including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot. I found their Cup wine deliciously interesting. A balanced blend of Majorcan Mantonegro grape, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, Cup is a regal full-bodied red that tastes of ripe berries with hints of cinnamon, vanilla, and woodiness. Sipping Son Prim really made me feel as if I were back in Mallorca even though I was actually in the middle of Manhattan at the New York Wine Expo.

Son Prim wines retail for $26.95 - $29.95. For more information, visit the Son Prim and Specialty Wines & More, Inc. websites.

A Sip of Umbria: Montefalco Sagrantino Wines

Until I can make the trip to Umbria, I'll study up by sipping and savoring their delicious Sagrantino di Montefalco wine. Known as the green heart of Italy, Umbria's indigenous Sagrantino grape was originally cultivated by monks for use as a sacramental wine and by local farmers during religious feasts and festivals. It has only been about 30 years since Umbrian winemakers started cultivating Sagrantino for today’s wine drinkers and this vino with sacred origins has become quite popular.



So, how does Sagrantino taste? Well, this red grape is quite robust with bold black berry and dark cherry flavors with a subtle spiciness. The Sagrantino grape can be a bit tannic so 100% Sagrantino wines are perfect for aging. However, when blended with the Sangiovese grape, Sagrantino's tricky tannins are balanced out and you get a smooth and versatile wine known as Montefalco Rosso.


If you're in NYC, you can taste Sagrantino at EATALY during Sagrantino Month. Wines from Arnaldo Caprai (Wine Enthusiast's  2012 European Winery of the Year), Antonelli San Marco, Perticaia, Scacciadiavoli and Tenuta Castelbuono are all participating in Sagrantino Month. And, five more wineries will be involved in additional Sagrantino activities throughout the year.

To learn more about Sagrantino, visit the Montefalco Consortium website.

Italian Wine & French Mustard: Tasty Moments from the New York Wine Expo

Last weekend, I attended the New York Wine Expo for the very first time. Believe me, it takes a lot to get me excited about a trek to the Jacob Javits Convention Center but I happily made the schlep when I heard that the event would showcase more than 200 exhibitors and 600 wines. I sampled some wonderful wines from around the globe but some of my favorite tasting experiences came courtesy of Italy and France.

The Italian Pavilion


Wines from Italy had a huge presence at the New York Wine Expo and the Italian Pavilion drew a very enthusiastic crowd. In addition to an abundance of vino, there were spirits like Grappa and Amaro, cheeses, olive oil, and complimentary copies of La Cucina Italiana magazine. One wine that I really enjoyed was Terra Mitica Gragnano Penisola Sorrentina DOC - a sparkling chilled red wine from Naples. Made from Piedirosso, Aglianico and Olivella grapes, it is a beautiful shade of ruby red and not too sweet. This will be a great summer sip.


I tasted, and could not resist purchasing, this wonderful Dell'Orto lemon extra virgin olive oil made with lemons from the Amalfi Coast. The owner of the company told me that these are the same lemons used to produce limoncello. I drizzled it over some fresh steamed green beans - delicious!


Maille Mustard - Ooh La La!

Little black dresses go quite nicely with a Maille mustard yellow scarf!

Mustard at a wine expo? Well, Maille was serving their delicious Fresh Chablis mustard "à la pompe" (on tap) which is normally only available at their two boutiques in Paris and Dijon. The spiciness of the Dijon mustard was beautifully enhanced by the addition of Chablis wine. Although, the Chablis mustard is not normally available in the US, the other varieties of Maille mustards, including Honey Dijon, Horseradish, and Old Style, are easy to find - I've spotted the sleek jars with the elegant black label in my local supermarket. More than just a sandwich spread or salad dressing ingredient, Maille mustard can really add a special zest to a wide variety of savory dishes.


Mustard so good that even a king could not resist it! Created in 1747 by Antoine Maille, La Maison Maille® stepped into history when the recipes pleased the palate of King Louis XV of France and became his official supplier of vinegar and mustard.

Clearly, I've only given you a little taste of the New York Wine Expo experience. Want more? Visit their website for more delicious details. 

Raise a Glass to Rock and Vine: A Gorgeous Book Celebrating the Next Generation of California Winemakers

Besides sipping it, one of the things I love most about wine is getting to know the people who devote their lives to transforming grapes from a humble fruit into an enticing elixir. Rock and Vine: Next Generation Changemakers in American Wine Country is a fantastic new book that showcases young Napa and Sonoma winemakers that are the descendants of some of the region's most iconic wine pioneers. Their wine roots are strong but this next generation is rocking the grapevines and forging their own path.

Flipping through the pages of Rock and Vine, I was swept away by the stories and gorgeous photos of winemakers like Dalia Ceja of Ceja Vineyards - the first Mexican owned winery in Napa. And, I had no idea that Envolve Winery was founded by Ben Flajniik of The Bachelor and his friends Mike Benziger (yes, of THE winemaking Benzigers) and Danny Fay.

Dalia Ceja of Ceja Vineyards is one of the changemakers featured in Rock and Vine.

Written and published by Chelsea Prince (Chelsea Print and Publishing), Rock and Vine showcases the photography of Mary Steinbacher and includes an introduction from Master of Wine Christy Canterbury. A portion of the proceeds from the purchase of each book will benefit Wine to Water - a non-profit organization committed to providing clean water to people around the world.

So, take time out to savor a great glass of wine from a next generation California winemaker while learning more about these trailblazers with a copy of Rock and Vine. 
Click here to learn more and to order your copy of Rock and Vine ($28.95).

My New York: STIX Mediterranean Grill Makes a Strong Point with Simply Delicious Food

STIX Greek Salad - simple & delicious! Vine ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, feta cheese, white onions, Kalamata olives, capers, and extra virgin olive oil

Healthy food that tastes indulgent is always a winning recipe and STIX Mediterranean Grill has mastered the technique. A recent addition to New York City's vibrant Gramercy Park neighborhood, STIX charmingly combines a casual ambiance with tasty food and attentive service.

I recently dined at STIX and chatted with the affable owner Stathis Antonakopoulos. Stathis's vision is to take the STIX guest on a culinary journey through the Mediterranean. The Mediterranean diet is getting major buzz lately but this time-tested and delicious way of eating is far from a fad. Olive oil, grilled seafood & lean meats, and an abundance of fresh veggies and fruits have stood the test of time and feature heavily on the STIX menu. And, many of the grilled items are served on skewers and provided the inspiration for the name STIX.

In the morning, diners can stop by STIX for an Italian espresso, fresh Greek yogurt with homemade toppings, and a variety of baked goods. The main menu is available for lunch and dinner and includes a creative selection of salads, soups, main courses, skewers, and spreads inspired by Greece, Spain, Israel, and Italy.  The flavors may be exotic but STIX is committed to shortening the distance from farm to table and sources their protein and produce locally whenever possible. Wines from throughout the Mediterranean are also available by the glass along with cocktails.





Stathis Antonakopoulos, owner of STIX Mediterranean Grill.



I loved the Shrimp STIX - juicy and perfectly seasoned with a marinade of extra virgin olive oil, lemon, and oregano.


Absolutely addictive, these Greek Fries blanketed in feta cheese & oregano are certainly not a health food but with so many other healthy options on the STIX menu, you can afford to splurge a little.

STIX Mediterranean Grill is located at 112 East 23rd St (between Park and Lexington Avenues). For more information, visit the STIX website.