Rachel Halpren

Gruner Veltliner – A Wine For Passover and Easter

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We don’t want to commit sacrilege but we have the perfect wine for both Passover and Easter or maybe a joint celebration if you reside in a household that celebrates both.  But, we will warn you that these may not be the wines for your Passover if you want Kosher wines.  But, trust us.  Whether you have never heard of Gruner, may have heard it in passing or consider yourself a Grunerphile, this wine will … Read more

Pork and Pinot – A Perfect Combination For Easter

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Easter is around the corner and you might be asking yourself what wines to serve to accompany Easter dinner.  We know that a number of you maybe serving ham and chicken.  There is no better combination than pork with Pinot, and it goes pretty well with chicken as well.  We say Pinot, we are talking about the major players in the Pinot family, which includes the famed Pinot Noir, the sublime Pinot Grigio, also known … Read more

2009 Archeo Nero d’Avola – Wine Wednesday

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This week’s pick is from Sicily, the island off the southern coast of Italy.  We picked up this little gem from Trader Joe’s.  In fact, we have been buying it for the last five years or so.  We just keep coming back.  I tried as hard as I could to find out about the winery and found nothing.  The only think that I found was that it was imported by D’Aquino.  But, when I went … Read more

Kosher Wines for Passover

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Passover is almost upon us and unbeknownst to most, it’s a holiday where a significant amount of wine is supposed to be consumed.  Passover is a holiday celebrating the Jews exodus out of slavery in Egypt.   As part of the seder, four glasses of wine are consumed, and I would imagine that in some families, it’s much more.  The four glasses of wine symbolize a part of the ceremony: the Kiddush (sanctification of Passover), the … Read more

Hiram Walker Watermelon Schnapps Review

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In honor of Easter, we are reviewing the Hiram Walker Watermelon Schnapps this week.  You might ask yourself, what does Watermelon Schnapps have to do with Easter?  Nothing per se.  But, its bright color reminds me of Easter eggs.  And, I couldn’t wait to dye Easter eggs as a kid.

When the flavored Martini craze hit in the late 1990’s, early 2000s, I was pretty excited.  I really love Jolly Ranchers and the flavored schnapps … Read more

DOTW Talks to Mixologist Jacques Bezuidenhout

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A few months back, DOTW was lucky enough to sit down with Jacques Bezuidenhout, the brand ambassador for Partida Tequila.  Jacques is an interesting fellow who is a master mixologist and tequila junkie.  Not something that I would expect from a guy hailing from South Africa.  Also, Jacques won the 2011 Brand Ambassador of the Year Award at Tales of the Cocktail.  I imagine it being a little like being the Miss America of the … Read more

Sweet Cream and Sugar Cones – Literary Monday

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We recently received a copy of Sweet Cream and Sugar Cones by the folks behind Bi-Rite Creamy.  OMG, I could barely contain my glee.  Bi-Rite Creamery has the closest to perfect ice cream that I have ever tasted.  And, take it from me, I am quite the connoisseur.  I can’t even think of one place that I have visited where I didn’t sample the local wares.  Seriously, if you get to San Francisco, make sure … Read more

Game of Thrones – A Return to Battle

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The incredible television show, a Game of Thrones, returns.  There are burning questions to be answered.  Who will control the Seven Kingdoms?  Will Daenerys and her dragons cross the sea and return to the Seven Kingdoms?  Can anything top the Crown of Gold?  Can the imp control Joffrey?

If ever there were a show where the populace looked like it needed a stiff drink, then this is the one.  Life in medieval times was harsh.  … Read more

Ketel One Citroen Vodka Review

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Ketel One has a long and proud heritage.  It was started in 1691 in Schiedam, Hollland by Joannes Nolet and has been passed from father to son for over three hundred years.  We are looking forward to the day that it passes to a daughter as well given the increasing role of women in distilling and the industry.  Ketel One historically produced a dutch spirit genever, which reminds me of a cross between vodka and … Read more

Hiram Walker Creme de Menthe Review

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In keeping with this week’s Mad Men theme, we are reviewing the Hiram Walker Creme de Menthe.  Creme de Menthe was incredibly popular in the 1960’s and for good reason – it’s delicious.  It makes me sad that we miss out on so much that is yummy and good by wanting to do the opposite of what our parents and grandparents did.  I really think that we lose out on some truly delicious food and … Read more