Making Sense of Wine – Literary Monday

Matt Kramer is a nationally renowned wine writer who has been writing and teaching people about wine since 1976.  He brings an incredible amount of experience and expertise to the subject.  In his first book Making Sense of Wine, Mr. Kramer puts this knowledge to good use.  He covers a wide array of topics from how wine is made, stored and consumed.  The information contained in these chapters is invaluable, regardless of whether you are … Read more

Doolittle Raiders to Enjoy 1896 Hennessy Cognac

We recently read about the final reunion of the Doolittle Raiders who were celebrating the 71st anniversary of their attack on Japan.  The Doolittle Raiders were 80 brave men who launched an attack on mainland Japan from an aircraft carrier in retaliation for Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor.  Not only did these brave men lift the spirit of a nation recovering from Pearl Harbor, they managed to survive a virtual suicide mission.  Launching from an … Read more

Harry’s ABC of Mixing Cocktails – Literary Monday

Many, many moons ago, and not too long after we started DOTW (and before the recent cocktail revolution), we made a journey to Paris.  We were excited to try the Bar Hemingway at the Ritz (where we were turned away for not being dressed nice enough) and even more excited to try Harry’s Bar.  I am a huge fan of the Sidecar.  I have written many times of my love for that drink.  It has … Read more

Vodka Distilled – Literary Monday

Tony Abou-Ganim, one of America’s elder statesmen of mixology, recently released Vodka Distilled: The Modern Mixologist on Vodka and Vodka Cocktails, a masterpiece on the subject of Vodka.  Vodka is America’s most consumed spirit but is largely on the outs with the cocktail crowd.  Mr. Abou-Ganim thinks that this is an unfortunate state of affairs, and I happen to agree with him.  The same folks that might be guilty of sneering at the Cosmo or … Read more

Mixing New Orleans Cocktails & Legends – Literary Monday

There is probably no American city more affiliated with drinking than New Orleans.  A few come close but I don’t know if anyone can beat it.  Just because you don’t live in New Orleans doesn’t mean that you can’t have a Mardi Gras bash.  That is why we are highlighting Mixing New Orleans as this week’s Literary Monday pick.

Mixing New Orleans examines New Orlean’s cocktail culture through its favorite watering holes, drinking establishments (many, … Read more

In Search of Bacchus – Literary Monday

In the past, I have featured a number of selections by George Tabor, the author of Judgment of Paris.  This week’s Literary Monday is another offering from George Tabor and this time Mr. Tabor explores the wild world of wine tourism in In Search of Bacchus.  I have to admit that I am always a teensy bit jealous of Mr. Tabor.  First, he was the lone representative of the press to see the ascension of … Read more

Gumbo Tales – Literary Monday

A number of years ago, we ventured down to New Orleans for the early parts of Mardi Gras and a tour of New Orleans drinking spots.  We loved the dog parade but didn’t really love New Orleans.  It wasn’t really what we expected.  I had romantic notions of New Orleans.  I pictured myself sipping cocktails at historic bars and restaurants and gazing upon Mardi Gras parades.  I wasn’t expecting that Bourbon Street would be like … Read more

Jacob’s Creek Moscato Rose – Wine Wednesday

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner.  We have selected an almost perfect wine for the holiday!  It’s pink, it’s slightly sweet with notes of grapes, honeysuckle, strawberries and raspberries and it’s bubbly.  The best part is that the wine is well below $10 in most markets in the United States.  What is it, you may ask.  It’s the Jacob’s Creek Moscato Rose.

A few months ago, we joined the folks from Jacob’s Creek and … Read more

The Book Club Cook Book – Literary Monday

One of my favorite books from 2011 was the Mad Men Cookbook.  I mean, who wouldn’t love the drinking and retro-cool food from the 1950’s and 1960’s.  Apparently, one of the authors of the Mad Men Cookbook, Judy Gelman, had an earlier book titled The Book Club Cookbook.  This book was right up my alley.  I love to read.  I love to cook.  I love to drink.  Well, the book had two of out three … Read more

Super Bowl Party Eats

The Super Bowl is a great excuse to indulge in a little gluttony. I mean most of us have been pretty good since the beginning of the New Year. Why not have a great time on Super Bowl Sunday.

When hosting friends for the Super Bowl, we like setting up a buffet with a number of offerings that satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Here are our top picks for this year’s Super Bowl Buffet:… Read more