Where Has the Time Gone!

Wow, I just realized that I haven’t posted in quite some time! It’s truly been a busy summer. But, I have not forgotten my little food and wine adventurers out there.

I will get cracking on some new wineries and foodie spots. Just give me a little more time. I swear!

Stalking the Asian Cuisine

Lately, I have been on the hunt for great Asian food to go along with my Kinsen plumb wine. And, if you’ve never had this delectable little wine, then you must snag a few cases…uh..bottles! But, since I don’t like drinking alone, I prefer to eat out with friends. In my home state, I have found three places that are just to die for:

Banzai Sushi
6655 Leetsdale Drive
Denver, CO 80224-1520
(303) 329-3366

This little hole in the wall is worth more than just one stop. It has some of the freshest sushi in town. But, the selling point is the Nitro Shrimp. Don’t leave the restaurant without a few pieces.

Golden Stix - Not to be missed!

Golden Stix
25567 Conifer Rd Unit #105
Conifer, CO 80433
(303) 838-5208

This hidden gem is located near my home. While it doesn’t have a liquor license, you won’t miss it. The green tea is amazing, and one entree is enough to feed 10 people – and feed them WELL!

Highlands Asian Grill
3940 West 32nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80212-1740

Finally, this one is from the Highlands of Colorado. Now, you do want to go here for Happy Hour. But, Happy Hour runs from 4:30 to 9:00 p.m. So, take your time getting there!

And, those are your local recommendations from your favorite Wine Adventurer!

Casa De Sue – Did I Just Get a Bad Bottling?

I’ve had Louisiana’s Casa De Sue wines in the past. While no award winners, these wines have always been a sweet escape, especially as after dinner wines. So, the last time that I visited my home state, I decided to pick up a few bottles. When I got home, I popped open a bottle of the La Rosa Sweet dessert wine.

And, well, it tasted…strange. There was a funny flavor that seemed to overpower the fruitiness of the past. It almost had an iron-like taste as if a penny had sat in the barrel for a little too long. I stuck it in the refrigerator after trying a single glass, and decided to see what a little coldness and mellowing would do. The next day, the iron taste had diminished, but was still there. Not that that stopped me from finishing a bottle of wine. Just can’t bring myself to toss liquor.

I have another bottle sitting in my wine cabinet at the moment. I’m trying to bring myself to open it. I’ve never had a bad experience with this wine in the past. Hopefully, it’s just a case of sitting on the grocery shelf too long or just being a bad bottling. What’s your thoughts? Do I try the new bottle…tonight?

Da Vinci – Does It Have Mystery?

The holidays are upon us, and we’re hitting the Christmas parties just like the rest of you. Last night, we went to an Ugly Sweater party. If you’ve never been to one of these, then let me explain a little. Basically, you scour every thrift store, garage sale and mother’s closet to find the ugliest Christmas sweater that you can. Then, you show up to a party with others with hideous sweaters. Finally, party as usual.

Well, at this party, we brought the 2007 Da Vinci Chianti. It was one of the many items of liquor in our cabinet, and it was time to pop it out. Smooth doesn’t begin to describe this wine. It’s almost like drinking grape juice it goes down so smooth. But, the flavor is strong and pleasant.

The extremely dark coloring is deceiving. You’re under the impression that it’s going to pack an overpowering punch. Yet, it entices you with flavors of blueberry and cherry, luring you into finishing the bottle, which we did. Plus, it’s less than $15. So, you get all that divine Da Vinci for less than a tank of gas. Cheers!

Results from the Wine Party

Well, hello kiddies! I promised that I would make a full report on the wine party, and it was fabulous. And, our wines were the hit of the party – go figure! But, I really do have to thank Tipsy’s on C470 and Bowles in Littleton since their staff recommendations were the reason for the success.

But, I promised to give you the highlights from the night. So, here they are…in no particular order.

• Castle Rock Mendocino Pinot Noir – Full bodied, but in no way shape or form overpowering. Delightful finish with no tannin present everywhere. A very good drinking wine with or without food.
• DR Loosen Brothers 2008 Riesling – Rieslings often suffer from being too sweet, but not this one. Dry enough to drink with a meal, but sweet enough to have by itself.
• Gascon Malbec 2008 – Malbecs are all the rage now, but this one deserves to be on anyone’s list. It’s reasonably priced, and absolutely a delight to drink. Very smooth and not too heavy.
• Canyon Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 – Another reasonably priced wine with a smooth after-taste. Overall, very well-balanced and perfect for nearly any type of meal.

Wine Swap!

At least that’s what I’m calling it. Tomorrow, we’re heading to a wine party, where every brings a white and a red to try. I’ve never done one of these, but I am completely fascinated by the idea.

What a great way to try new wines with new people! This is all a part of the Meetup website. If you don’t know anything about the Meetup groups, I encourage you to check them out. You search for people with similar interests (in this case, wine, go figure!), and then you can see the different meet-ups going on with the group.

It’s a great way to meet new friends in new cities. Meetin.org is another one, which is just as fun.

Have any of you done these groups? If so, what are your thoughts?

And, I’ll give a round up of the great wines that I taste tomorrow. Keep your eyes peeled for it!

Couldn’t Resist Sharing!

For months now, I have been trying to upload a certain video from my phone to YouTube. But, it just wouldn’t go! So annoying! But, when just trying to remember the steps to upload a video to YouTube for an article, I decided to use a video that “I Knew Wouldn’t Upload” just so I could get the steps.

Then, low and behold, it uploaded. The video that defied all attempts in the beginning to go – WENT! And, now it’s mine to share! This involves a chubby white guy doing the Humpty Dance, a song that came out in 1990. This was hysterical.

And, the drink of that night was a slushy. And, no, not the gas station kind. It was an alcoholic beverage which involved ice, orange liquor and, I believe, rum. It was amazing!