Wine With Wanda

My New York: Celebrating Pampano's Ten Year Anniversary with Placido Domingo & Chef Richard Sandoval

 

Opening a restaurant in New York City is no easy feat but staying fresh and relevant after ten years in business is an absolute cause for celebration. So, I was delighted to raise my Hibiscus Margarita in a toast to Chef Richard Sandoval and opera legend Placido Domingo on the great success of their culinary collaboration - Pampano. Located in East Midtown Manhattan (209 East 49th Street), Pampano serves sophisticated coastal Mexican cuisine, inspired by the shores of Mexico, in an elegant and airy space.

The Pampano Margarita with white tequila and hibiscus is as delicious as it looks. 

In celebration of their ten-year anniversary, Pampano is offering a "Best of Pampano" prix-fixe menu through March 31st for lunch and dinner. Don't miss out on their savory and fresh ceviches  - especially the refreshing and bold Halibut Ceviche with Mango, Red Onion and Cilantro. Pampano's tacos are also a thing of beauty - try the lobster and filet mignon. And, don't forget the Margarita!

So tasty - a mouthwatering selection of ceviche.

Such a Pretty Pinot! Matua 2013 Marlborough Pinot Noir, New Zealand

I love a wine without pretension and attitude that still demonstrates a commitment to quality. After all, if the wine doesn't taste good, why bother? Far from fussy and so much fun to drink, Matua 2013 Marlborough Pinot Noir (about $13) is a casual wine with serious credentials. I sipped a glass with a porterhouse steak and Matua's vibrant lush cherry flavors with a hint of peppery oak paired perfectly. Pizza and spicy Asian foods would also make a great match for this versatile beauty.

Not familiar with Matua? In 1969, this award-winning New Zealand winery was the very first to plant the now ubiquitous Sauvignon Blanc in the region. (Stay tuned for my upcoming review of their Sauvignon Blanc.)

Matua means "head of the family" in Maori and the winery's slogan is "made with real New Zealand." Go ahead and take your tastebuds on a very delicious and affordable journey to New Zealand with Matua.

A Mantra for Frustrated Flyers

A completely full overhead bin on a plane can frustrate the calmest of travelers. Here's a little mantra to help you through it!

Tears in El Barrio

view from my building - day two.

Are you okay?
Where were you when it happened?

I've been answering those two questions constantly since yesterday's devastating explosion in East Harlem. Calls and messages have been pouring in from concerned friends and loved ones from all corners of the globe. Like me, they don't understand how and why this tragedy happened. 

As I write this, eight people are confirmed dead and there are many injured. Rescue teams have been working around the clock outside my living room window. I gaze out and the scene is surreal and heartbreaking.

"I'm okay" is what I've been answering but there are moments that I don't feel that way. When the explosion hit I felt a powerful fear and jolt that permeated my whole body. The force of the blast knocked me off my living room sofa. Just 15 minutes prior I was outside on the very corner nearest to the explosion. My journey could have had a very different ending.

I feel so very blessed to be here but I mourn for the lives lost. Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me. Thank you for keeping East Harlem in your prayers.

Springing Forward at the New York Botanical Garden

Something very special is blooming in the Bronx - the annual Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden. On display until April 21, the theme of this year's show is Key West Contemporary. With just a swipe of your MetroCard, you can leave the winter doldrums behind and be transported to a mosaic of orchids inspired by a modernist Key West estate garden. Throughout the exhibition, there will be an array of events and activities that capture the ambiance of the Keys, including weekend musical performances and Orchid Evenings - evenings featuring cocktails and music amidst the orchids. All-Garden passes are $20 on weekdays and $25 on weekends for adults.