Wine With Wanda

Chardonnay by Another Name is Pretty Delicious! - Olivier Leflaive White Burgundy

 
Ah, liquid sunshine - Olivier Leflaive Bourgogne Blanc Les Sétilles 2012 (white Burgundy) is my kind of summer sip. It may sound intimidating but white Burgundy is simply Chardonnay from the birthplace of the varietal - France's Burgundy region. If you've been turned off by some of the over-oaked & buttery Chardonnays from California, Olivier Leflaive Bourgogne Blance Les Sétilles 2012 (about $25) is a refreshing reminder of how subtle & fantastic Chardonnay truly is. On the drier side and beautifully balanced - Olivier Leflaive is crisp and clean with an appealing minerality. Full of finesse and not too fruity, this versatile wine pairs beautifully with the flavors of the season.

 

Wanda's Wine & Dine: Anchor Wine Bar Opens in Harlem (Hamilton Heights)

Eggs Benedict with a twist (shrimp & spinach) at Anchor Wine Bar.

Few things get New Yorkers as excited as the opening of a new restaurant and Harlem is abuzz with the arrival of Anchor Wine Bar in Hamilton Heights (3508 Broadway bet. 143rd &144th Streets). The creation of three long-time Italian friends, Anchor offers a fantastic selection of wines from around the globe, cocktails, and a full menu strongly inspired by the flavors of Italy. Open less than a month, Anchor already has the comfortable ambiance of an established neighborhood restaurant and draws a diverse crowd.

I ventured up to Anchor for weekend brunch and was not disappointed. Anchor's riff on the classic Eggs Benedict is Neptune Benedictine - a delicious dish of shrimp, sautéed spinach with a hint of garlic, poached eggs, and Hollandaise sauce nestled atop large English muffins. Potatoes and greens are served on the side.

Meet Fabrizio, Luigi, and Maurizio - the talented trio behind Anchor Wine Bar.

 

Anchor's casually elegant interior features exposed brick and light-colored wood which is enhanced by the natural light streaming in from outside. And, the seemingly endless display of wines along the wall just beckons you to sip and stay for awhile. Based on my great brunch, I look forward to going back to Anchor for dinner and tasting more of their menu of seafood, pasta, bruschettas, carpaccios, cheeses, and much more.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted with Blogsy

A Very Belle Breakfast at Maison Kayser in New York City

Jambon de Paris (house smoked ham) & Scrambled Eggs

From the posh hotel power breakfast to the street cart grab-and-go, New York City has endless options for the morning meal. However, my absolute favorite is the leisurely cafe breakfast where I can truly savor the experience. I recently satisfied my craving at the newest NYC location of the renowned French bakery Maison Kayser (1535 Third Avenue, 87th Street). Two years ago I had the opportunity to interview French Master Baker Eric Kayser - his passion and talent for baking are inspiring.

Stocked with beautiful breads and pastries that you can order to go, Maison Kayser also has a bustling restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. My breakfast was simple but perfectly prepared - the scrambled eggs were fluffy and rich. The house smoked ham just might make a vegetarian reconsider. And, don't get me started on those Maison Kayser croissants - buttery, flaky, and addictive!

I enjoyed my Maison Kayser breakfast so much that I was back for lunch a few days later. This savory Quiche Lorraine (eggs, lardon,and gruyere cheese) is a winner.

For more information, visit the Maison Kayser website or on Facebook.