All Set in Massachusetts

Portuguese White Wine - Perfect for Summer Lobster Dinners

Vinho Verde - Quinta das Arcas Sociedade

Arca Nova, 2007

Portugal

With plans to kick-off Summer 2009 properly, we headed north to the Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier over Memorial Day weekend with our close friends, the Bernals. On the way, we stopped at the New Hampshire Liquor Store to pick up some wine for our outing. One of our selections was the Arca Nova Vinho Verde (or "Green Wine") from Portugal. The wine chilled quickly in our cooler, and it was the first bottle we opened to enjoy with our appetizers of mussels and steamers. By the time we got to our lobsters, we only had a few sips left! The wine was clean, crisp and refreshing with light citrus fruit flavors -- a perfect complement to the fresh seafood. When we looked at the back of the bottle, we learned that "Vinho Verde is the classical wine of Portugal, where the seafood consumption is among the highest in Europe."

While we'd certainly like to try other Vinho Verde's for comparison's sake, everyone at the table agreed that this was a great summer find! Definitely pick some up next time you cook up some lobsters or other shellfish.

A&T Ranking: 8.5/10

Great Pinot Noir: Jezebel from Oregon

Daedalus Cellars

Jezebel Pinot Noir, 2007

Dundee, Oregon

We first purchased Jezebel Pinot Noir at the recommendation of a clerk at the Chelsea Wine Vault in NYC. We brought it to a summer evening picnic in Central Park, where everyone thoroughly enjoyed it along with beef and chicken pitas - samples from the menu of our friend's new restaurant (stay tuned for more info). Even our friend who is not a Pinot Noir fan said that he really liked this wine!

We ARE big Pinot Noir fans and think Jezebel stands out among others we've tried in the low $20s price range. It's light and smooth on the palate, with deep, tart cherry flavors and a hint of spice. The wine comprises fruit from several different Oregon vineyards. We stopped by the wine shop the next day and picked up two more bottles - and we highly suggest you do the same next time you have the chance!

A&T Ranking: 9/10

Boston Public Market at Dewey Square (South Station)

Experience a farmers market with over 15 regional vendors featuring a wide variety of locally grown summer fruits, vegetable, flowers and specialty foods in Dewey Square Plaza on the Rose F. Kennedy Greenway.  Its an exciting and vibrant market in the heart of Boston!

May 28^th-October 29^th, Tuesdays and Thursdays 11:30am-6:30pm

Puma City -- Boston Fan Pier

Social media breakfast Boston

ICA Boston -- view from Puma City

Kicking outdoor patio -- Grand Canal, Boston

Ready for summer and Happy Hour?

www.thegrandcanalboston.com

Between Haymarket and Da Garden

Puma in Boston

Andrus Reserve 2002 - One of the Best from Pine Ridge Napa Valley

In honor of early summer weather (in April! in Massachusetts!) and National Prime Rib Day, we cracked open a special bottle of wine tonight – Andrus Reserve 2002 from Pine Ridge in Napa Valley. While this bottle of wine was expensive – retailing at nearly $100 when we bought it four years ago – its smooth, rich flavors reminded us why we splurged on it in the first place. The smoky aroma is reminiscent of blackberries and cherries, and the flavor combines fruit with a hint of spice and tobacco, and features a long, silky finish. Named after the founders of Pine Ridge, Andrus Reserve is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Merlot, and is aged in chateau-style thin staved French oak barrels.

A&T Ranking 8.5/10

Vegas Hotels - Wynn vs. Palazzo

In the past six weeks, I've been on two business trips to Vegas. The first time, I stayed at the Palazzo, the newest wing of the Venetian. The Palazzo is an all-suite hotel, and I was very impressed with the style and decor of the rooms. They were comfortable and inviting, yet also the type of space where you want to throw a wild party (unfortunately, the only "pre-gaming" I did was rehearsing my work presentation).  My room had two queen-sized beds with fluffy white duvets and a living area with a massive velour sectional couch. There were flat screen TVs in both the bedroom and living areas, and floor-to-ceiling windows that revealed expansive views of the desert (my room faced the Wynn). My only complaint was that my shower head did not have a hook (I was in a handicap accessible room). Therefore, I was relegated to hand-held (European style) showers all week. Overall, this was a fabulous hotel in a good location on the strip. I highly recommend it. It ranks right up there with my all-time favorite, THEhotel at Mandalay Bay.

This past week, I stayed at the Wynn, which is also a very nice hotel. When you arrive, you will see a massive fountain (of the kind of proportion you only find in Vegas), where you can sit and have drinks while you're waiting for your room to be ready. The rooms themselves were surprisingly formal and a bit bland in style, and not as fun as the rooms at the Palazzo. However, the bed was quite comfortable, and the bathroom spacious with double sinks, a large tub, and a glass enclosed shower. I loved the lemongrass citrus Bambu bath products! One strange thing that happened was that the maid threw away my expensive razor. I complained about it, and the hotel's response was to bring me a disposable shave kit. Perhaps it was just a fluke experience, but one worth noting. I ordered room service twice (one breakfast and one lunch) and would highly recommend the Asian Chicken salad.

Bottom line: You can't go wrong with either of these hotels. But if you're looking for a great Vegas hotel experience (without the skeeviness of the Hard Rock, where I've also stayed many times), definitely check out the Palazzo.

The Tastes of Concord, Mass

West Concord Liquors, The Concord Chamber of Commerce, and Solidworks Present: The Tastes of Concord

Over 100 different wines along with scotch and beer to taste and pair with food from 15 local producers and restaurants. Come hungry and thirsty!

The Tastes of Concord is like a city event right in your backyard! Usually you have to go into Boston for something this big. Bring your 21+ family, friends and dates. Dress code is casual or dress to impress.

When: Thursday, April 30, 2009 from 6:30 to 9:00 pm

Where: The Concord Cafe inside Solidworks. 300 Baker Ave in Concord. There will be balloons at the entrance!

Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 at the door

Tickets available at: West Concord Liquors, 1216 Main Street, West Concord (978) 369-3872, the Concord Chamber of Commerce, 15 Walden Street, Suite 7, (978) 369-3120, or online  

Food: Concord Prime and Fish, Verrill Farm, The Cheese Shop, Vincenzo's, Slow Pokes BBQ, 40ParkLane, Edible Arrangements, To Die For, Comella's, Walden Grille, Club Car Cafe, Concord's Colonial Inn, Corporate Chefs