William Hill Estate: Napa Valley Bench Blend Chardonnay. Wine On Line Rating: A Major

William Hill Estate : Napa Valley

Wine On Line Rating: A Major

 

 

 

 

 

2007 Bench Blend Chardonnay

Astounding example of what California CAN do with this so often maligned grape. Exquisite elegance, finesse, balance, subtle fruit and what a finish. Lovely with anything, from Pea Soup to Sausage to Salmon to Triple Crème Cheese or solo. A Personal favorite.

 

Varietal Origin: Napa Valley: 100% Weimer Clone from Carneros
Titratable Acidity: 0.56 g/100ml
pH: 3.35
Residual Sugar: 0.55 g/100ml
Alcohol Level: 14.2%
Harvest Dates: September 12, 2008

Wine Tasting Notes

The 2007 Reserve Chardonnay is creamy and complex displaying intense fruit aromas and flavors of white peach and ripe pear. The stone fruit combine with toasty oak, vanilla and coconut notes that extend through the rich, lingering finish.

Viticulture Notes

A dry winter and warm, dry spring initiated an early start to the 2007 growing season. The weather remained fairly mild through the harvest months with the only heat spike occurring in early September. Temperatures cooled throughout the remainder of September which slowed the ripening of certain varietals and set a good pace for the rest of harvest. This allowed winemakers to focus on bringing in and crushing one variety at a time. Many wineries waited until the very end of harvest to pick some of the later-ripening varieties, and were rewarded with a very high quality crop. Overall, the 2007 crop was much smaller and produced lower alcohol levels in the wines than in 2005 and 2006, but quality is exceptional.

Winemaker Notes

The Chardonnay grapes were hand harvested at night and then gently pressed as whole clusters prior to fermentation to maintain varietal aromas and flavors. The must was inoculated with the QA 23 yeast strain to initiate primary fermentation. Grape solids were left in the fermenting juice to add complexity and style. After primary fermentation was complete, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation in barrel in order to enrich the mouthfeel and further add complexity to the finished wine. The Chardonnay wine was aged in new and one-year old French oak barrels. The wine was filtered and fined and bottle aged 6 months prior to release

            Wine On Line Rating: A Major

Disclosure

Copyright 2011http://www.culinarygourmet.com/disclosure By Nancy Walman Copyright 2010 By Punch In International. All Rights Reserved Disclosure By Punch In International. All Rights Reserved Disclosure

KELLARI PAREA BISTRO

Location: 36th East 20th Street, New York NY 10003 (between Park Avenue & Broadway)
Phone: 212.777.8448 Fax: 212.777.3251
General Information : info@kellari-parea.com
Events: events@kellari-parea.com
Hours of Operation: Lunch: Monday - Friday: 11:30am - 3:00pm
Dinner: Monday - Thursday: 5:00pm - 11:00am - Friday - Saturday: 5:00pm - 12:00 Midnight
Sunday Dinner: 5:00pm - 11:00pm
Brunch - Friday-Saturday: 11:00am - 3:00pm
Seating Capacity: 135, with a private rooms for up to 50 people, including A/V capabilities.
Cuisine: Traditional Rustic Greek food
Signature Dishes: Yesterday's Lamb
Appetizers: Variety of Savory traditional Mezedes (small plates or starters)
Neighborhood: New York City - Gramercy / Flatiron
Owner: Stavros Aktipis
Director of Operations : Stathis Antonakopoulos
Corporate Executive Chef: Gregory Zapantis
Restaurant Interior Design: Kellari Design Group
Graphic Design and Web Design: GiellaDesign
SUBWAY DIRECTIONS

LINE STATION 6
23rd Street 4 & 5
14th Street N & R
23rd ST -Broadway

Parking Directions: Street after 7:00 pm
In door parking: 21st street between park and broadway

http://www.kellari-parea.com/index.php

Reserve Online

Kellari means cellar and is a gathering place where the ancient Greeks experimented and aged their wines and their precious foods. Parea is a gathering of friends and strangers.

Kellari Parea Greek Bistro, located at 36 East 20th Street between Park Avenue South and Broadway is a traditional Greek restaurant, a Greek bistro that extends the restaurant group’s reputation for hospitality in a warm, welcoming and relaxed setting. As the name suggests (parea means group of friends in Greek),Kellari Parea Greek Bistro is an ideal place for friends to gather for a casual meal, to share mezedes (small plates) Greek appetizers along with an excellent selection of Greek wines, all in a homey neighborhood place.

In addition,Kellari Parea Greek Bistro is a green restaurant. The interior design makes use of recycled and reclaimed wood, recycled paper is used for the menus and business cards, and the cooking oil is repurposed into biodiesel. Everything in the restaurant, from the physical environment to the food, is natural and organic.

The Greek Pizza (Above) 

The design pays subtle tribute to the Kellari name  and wine cellar theme with American oak wine barrels, displays of wine, and wood-beamed ceilings. The rustic design replicates the feeling of a country house on an Ionian island, warm with earth tones of beige and brown, cozy, comfortable, yet still elegant. The honey-toned floors and terracotta red ceiling wrap guests in a warm embrace

The Killer Lamb Shank, Roasted 24 Hours (Above)

Kellari Parea Bistro, located in Downtown Manhattan, is a little sister restaurant with a big personality. The second Greek Mediterranean concept from the Kellari Hospitality Group, the first being the wildly successful, upscale Kellari Taverna in Manhattan’s theater district, has become a favorite of New York locals since it’s opening in November of 2007.

The more casual, yet cozy Kellari offers the same high-quality, whole-grilled Mediterranean fish as its predecessor, such as the signature Lavraki, a sensational White Snapper, whole Gigantic Shrimp, grilled in their shell and the most tender octopus this side of the Adriatic. There are some slightly more American dishes, like the Maryland Blue Crab cake burger with herbed fries, in an intimate setting that is idyllic for dates and close conversation. Don’t neglect perusing the fresh seafood display before ordering. That’s half the fun and the fish is priced by the pound.

We can’t resist enjoying the beautifully made cocktails (great Martinis and a house Mint Julep) with traditional Greek dips. The combination of our including a light yogurt-cucumber spread, taramasalata (salted and cured roe of cod or carp,dip), smoky eggplant puree and a spicy cheese concoction. The house-made pita bread is exceptional, as is the gratis bread assortment and accoutrements. Other not-to-be-missed starters include the best Spanakopita or Phyllo pies with spinach, leeks & feta we’ve ever tasted and a lovely  Zucchini Kefte (Squash, sage & mint fritters).

With our entrees, the exquisite White Snapper, which was perfectly filleted and served in a delicate lemon-butter-caper sauce and a  meat entree, whimsically called  Yesterdays Lamb, which was Roasted and marinated over 24 hours and served with oven oregano lemon potatoes, we enjoyed the perfect Greek Salad, a melange of tomatoes, cucumber, onions, feta (never lettuce).

A sturdy white, 2009 Domaine Tselepos Mantinia Moschofilero, was a bargain at $42. It came across with a slight petulance and viognier like fruit and worked beautifully throughout the meal.

Desserts are another surprise. A far cry from the soggy, overly sweet renditions seen around town, I have never had better Baklava, the traditional phyllo and walnut pastry with honey and rose-water syrup; Galaktoboureko, vanilla bean semolina custard with a phyllo crust and apple syrup and a terrific Yiaourti me meli or sheep’s milk yogurt with wild thyme honey and toasted walnuts. There is also a chocolate cake that is worth the short wait.

Kellari Parea Bistro doesn’t rest on its unique cuisine and décor alone. The restaurant delivers spectacular entertainment to its guests every Saturday night with Jazz performances in their underground Cava Room. This private space emulates the intimate feel of the main dining room with cabernet colored walls, plenty of wine on display and limited seating for around forty-five people.

The Bistro maintains its air of authentic Greek hospitality by celebrating guests’ most cherished events with complimentary champagne. The Kellari Friends and Family program provides a free bottle of champagne to registered members on their anniversary, birthday and Greek name day, every year. Guests simply provide their email and, like clockwork, two weeks before the big day, Kellari sends a reminder to let them know their champagne awaits them.

Seafood Entrees (Above)

In addition to free-flowing champagne, Kellari Parea Bistro and Kellari Taverna boast the largest Greek Wine lists in New York City and is a proud recipient of the prestigious Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for a well-balanced list that compliments the food and the Mediterranean region effortlessly.

Add to this warm, hospitable service and the feeling that you are really wanted as a customer and the commendable democratic practice of giving deuces the larger tables, until the restaurant gets too packed as it inevitably by 8 PM, because it is one of the best Greek restaurants in America. No mean feat.

 No Dinner Is Complete Without a Great Dessert (Above)

Copyright 2010 Punchin International. All Rights Reserved.

Disclosure

CRUCEROS AUSTRALIS UNVEILS NEW SHIP

Adventure cruise specialist Cruceros Australis announces the unveiling of its new ship, the Stella Australis. Set to launch in December 2010, the Stella was commissioned in celebration of Cruceros Australis’ 20^th anniversary.

The Stella will have a capacity of 210 passengers luxuriating in 100 cabins, each 177 square feet. Guests can choose between cabins with a large double bed or two twin beds. For those seeking roomier accommodations and larger beds, superior cabins are available. Cabin highlights include picture windows, independent climate controls, private bathrooms and a satellite phone.

Travelers will enjoy five decks featuring three lounges, an exercise room and a dining room, as well as a spacious deck allowing for unobstructed views of the spectacular scenery.

The Patagonia Deck, the first deck, includes a galley and the Patagonia Dining Room, which has a number of tables that can accommodate groups of four, six and eight people.

The Magallanes Deck, the second deck, includes a reception area and a gift shop where guests can purchase a variety of equipment for expeditions. The cabins on this deck feature large picture windows that are more than three feet wide and four feet tall.

The Tierra del Fuego Deck, third deck, includes the Yamana Lounge that will have a bar and a game room. The cabins on this deck feature slightly larger picture windows that are nearly five feet wide and five feet tall.

The Cabo de Hornos Deck, fourth deck, includes the Sky Lounge. The cabins on this deck feature even larger picture windows that are more than five feet wide and nearly six feet tall.

The Darwin Deck, fifth deck, includes the Darwin Lounge, bar and fully-equipped gym. The gym has glass panels so that guests can enjoy incredible views while working up a sweat. The three lounges- the Sky Lounge, the Darwin Lounge and the Yamana Lounge- are equipped with modern audiovisual equipment for educational presentations throughout the voyage.

ANDREA MARCOVICCI GREETS THE HOLIDAY SEASON

ANDREA MARCOVICCI GREETS THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH A“BLUE CHAMPAGNE” TOAST

NOVEMBER 16-DECEMBER 30

OAK ROOM PRESENTS

ANDREA MARCOVICCI GREETS THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH A

“BLUE CHAMPAGNE” TOAST

Blue Champagne Cocktail $20.00

1 OZ Blue Curacao

Top with Veuve Clicquot

 

For her record-breaking 24^th year at the famed Oak Room Supper Club of the

legendary Algonquin Hotel, the “Queen of Cabaret,” Andrea Marcovicci, returns to her first love—the torch song! “Blue Champagne: The History of the Torch Song” runs November 16^th -December 30^th, with Shelly Markham on piano and Jered Egan on bass. To honor the occasion, the Algonquin has created the “Blue Champagne Cocktail,” its newest signature drink (combining Blue Curacao and Veuve Clicquot Champagne).

“Blue Champagne: The History of the Torch Song” not only revels in the heartbreak inherent in this most vulnerable genre of music, but the show is carefully balanced with zany numbers in a quest for comic relief from unrequited love songs, as well as wonderful stories of the legendary ladies of torch…Helen Morgan, Ruth Etting and Libby Holman, among others. With her latest show, Andrea brings her unique insight to this tale of longing, losing and gunplay!

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Highlights: After a striking opening of “The Red Dress,” a Dorothy Parker poem, the glamorous Marcovicci combines  “Someone to Watch Over Me,” with the lesser known “Mr. Right,” by Alan Jay Lerner and Kurt Weill. From that instant the audience is under her spell, While her voice was never her strongest asset, it has mellowed with the years and she has gained control over her range and has softened the rough edges. It does what it is meant to do . . . serve as a vehicle for her superb acting and indestructible delivery.

Other poignant moments include a spellbinding interpretation of “Love Me or Leave Me,”  and a laid back version of “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes,” which acts as a foil to Irving Berlin’s “Say It Isn’t So,” which is arguably the high point of the evening. “Body and Soul,” “Just Like A Man” and “Shakin’ the Blues Away” round out the 19 song beautifully researched act.

If you are an Andrea Marcovicci fan, you will be delighted with her Oak Room flight, which will add special holiday matinees, so inquire. A legend in her own time, don’t miss one of the world’s three finest cabaret performers.

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Shows are Tuesdays through Thursdays at 8:30 and Friday and Saturday at 8:30 and 11, with a $60 cover charge weeknights and late weekend shows and $65 for early weekend shows, plus either a $30 minimum or $60 prix fixe dinner. Reservations: (212) 419 9331 or bmgurn@algonquinhotel.com

There will be special holiday shows Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas at 7:30 pm, matinees at 2:00 pm December 22^nd and 29^th, and Monday December 27^th at 7:30 pm. The Algonquin is inaugurating “New Year’s Eve Eve” December 30^th at 8:30, an end of the year annual festive evening featuring camaraderie, great food and matchless entertainment, with Andrea hosting another Algonquin First.

Dubbed “a heartbreaker” by PEOPLE magazine, while the San Francisco Chronicle was “seduced by a temptress.” The New York Times stated, “She has a masterly balance between poignancy and wit,” and to the New Orleans Times-Picayune “she sings so beautifully that you find tears stinging your eyes.” Andrea Marcovicci has sold out Carnegie Hall and appeared in concert with numerous orchestras and at the White House. She has acted in films, television and theatre. Costars include Danny DeVito, Woody Allen, Sir Michael Caine, Sir John Gielgud and Sam Waterston. Her latest film, Irene in Time, has recently been released on DVD, and she has created more than 30 nightclub acts.

http://www.andreamarcovicci.com/

Special Holiday Menu

Gigot d'Agneau Provencale at db Bistro Moderne

Daniel Thanksgiving

Sel et Poivre

ADDRESS: 853 Lexington Avenue

(Between 64^th and 65^th Streets)

New York, NY 10065

WEB SITE: www.seletpoivrenyc.com

TELEPHONE: (212) 517-5780

FAX: (212) 517-4785

HOURS: Lunch: 12:00 Noon - 4:00 PM, Mon.-Fri.

Dinner: 4:00 PM - 10:30 PM, Mon.-Thurs.

4:00 PM - 11:00 PM, Fri.-Sat.

4:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Sun.

Brunch: 12:00 Noon - 4:00 PM, Sat.-Sun.

CUISINE: French Bistro

CREDIT CARDS: All major

DESIGNERS: Christian Schienle

Pamela Schienle

EXECUTIVE CHEF: Christian Schienle

WINE DIRECTOR: Christian Schienle

OWNERS: Christian Schienle

Pamela Schienle

OPENING DATE: June, 1989

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In our quest to review the newest and most trendy restaurant openings, let’s not forget New York’s heritage of charming family-run establishments. Whether they be American, ethnic or a charming French bistro such as Sel et Poivre (Above), they are worth revisiting, remembering and add focus to a constantly changing restaurant scene, where the venue or clientele is often the main feature.

The stylish, sophisticated dining room is enhanced by a 12-foot high ceiling, candlelit wood tables with white linen tablecloths, The: Intimate, romantic ambiance includes leather and fabric-upholstered banquettes, classic wood bistro chairs, antique sconces, pale yellow walls,wood floors, classic mirrors, black-and-white framed family photos of international travels alongside prints from renowned European photographers, and mood lighting to create aclassic Parisian bistro setting.

Owner/Chef Christian Schienle, formerly at L’Absinthe, is handsome, charming and prepares classic French bistro dishes with a refined, updated flair.

Favored appetizers include crunchy Celery root remoulade with red beets, an intensely flavored Venison Pate and wonderful, Escargots with garlic butter and herbs. Go for the signature bistro classics in such delectable entrees as Brook trout Almandine, Frog legs a la Provencal, Pork Chop with Braised Onions and Apples in a heady calvados sauce with crispy herb roasted potatoes, tender, juicy Rack of lamb served with tomatoes and zucchini mélange and crispy Duck a l’orange with wild rice Inquire about the daily specials such as (Friday) Cassoulet , (Saturday) Cous Cous Royal and (Sunday) Roasted leg of lamb.

Go easy on the excellent warm baguettes. You want to save room for the terrific desserts. I loved the layered Chocolate Mousse, traditional Profiteroles and  light and  elegant Fresh Fruit Tart.  There is cheese and a nice selection of sorbets as well.

The 10-foot long custom-made L-shaped oak bar, located in the front of the Dining Room, features a predominantly French and American wine list with an international flair. It features handsome wood barstools. An impressive variety of wines are available by the glass. In addition, a premier selection of spirits,liquors, digestifs, dessert wines, imported beers,and classic cocktails are also available. The Lunch,Dinner, and Brunch Menus are available at the bar.

We found the cocktails well made and generous. Wine red wine glasses are attractive and large enough to allow wines such as the excellent  2006 CHATEAU LES HAUTES TUILERIES, (52.00 the bottle, $13.50 by the glass) room to breathe. This is a fine red vintage wine from the Lalande de Pomerol region in Bordeaux France

Service and reception at the door and warm and friendly, so take our advice and revisit Sel et Poivre. If this your first time, you’re in for an affordable and eminently pleasant dining experience.

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Copyright 2010 By Punchin International. All Rights Reserved.

Disclosure

JACK JONES RETURNS TO THE OAK ROOM OCTOBER 26TH FROM WORLDWIDE “GREATEST HITS” TOUR

The legendary Algonquin is delighted to welcome back double Grammy Award winner Jack Jones for his annual exclusive three-week Oak Room engagement. From October 26^th through November 13^th, Jack will offer classic renditions of the timeless standards that have made him an international superstar in an age of rock and hip-hop.

Musical director/pianist Mike Renzi will be ably assisted by Chris Colangelo on bass and Kendall Kay on drums. Shows are Tuesday through Saturday at 8:30 with no late shows. There is a $75 cover charge per person Tuesday through Thursday and $100 Friday and Saturday, plus either a $30 food and beverage minimum or $60 prix fixe dinner, with dinner seating at 7 pm. Reservations: 212 419 9331 or bmcgurn@algonquinhotel.com.

Born in Hollywood to singer and film star Allan Jones (“A Night at the Opera,” etc.) and actress Irene Hervey, Jack Jones made his professional debut at 19 with his father in Las Vegas and soon thereafter signed a recording contract which produced his fist hit, “This Could Be The Start of Something Big.” His two Grammys were for the singles “Lollipops and Roses” and “Wives and Lovers,” which was also nominated for Song of the Year. With more than 50 recorded albums (17 of which made Billboard’s Top 20), Jack Jones continues to charm audiences worldwide with his wit, sensitivity and amazing vocal power. Jack’s credits include guest performances at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center and the White House. He recorded the theme songs for the film Love With a Proper Stranger and the hit TV show, “The Love Boat.” A recent release, Jack Jones Paints a Tribute to Tony Bennett, pays homage to a friend and influence, a group that also includes Mel Tormé (who called Jack ‘the greatest pure singer in the world), Billy Eckstine and Frank Sinatra. His latest release is Love Makes the Changes: The Lyrics of Alan and Marilyn Bergman.