Neat Thoughts About Food, Wine, Travel & More
Could it be that the 45-seat restaurant in bustling downtown Montclair serves up the best food in New Jersey? It is quite possible. At his award-winning restaurant, chef and owner, Zod Arifai, masters modern cuisine with French, Italian and Asian influences. Born in Kosovo to parents who were both good cooks, chef Arifai is self-taught […]
[Continue reading...]
I sampled this wine with rare duck breast a few weeks back and really enjoyed it. The 2010 Hahn Winery Pinot Noir Monterey offers a big noseful of ripe raspberries and cherries that I enjoy, a lot. In the mouth, it is rich with raspberry preserves jammy with undertones of pumpkin pie spice. The finish […]
[Continue reading...]
This North Coast Pinot Noir is ruby in the glass with intense floral and strawberry aromas with earthy/mushroomy notes. Reminds me of grandma’s homemade wild strawberry jam on freshly toasted bread. On the palette, the 2010 Garnet Carneros Pinot Noir offers bright cherry flavors with slightly woodsy undertones. I love this wine’s silkiness, great balance […]
[Continue reading...]
Brining is easy to do and a simple way to add moisture to meats, typically poultry and pork. There are no complicated guidelines to learn when brining, just a basic formula: ¾ cup kosher salt to a gallon of water. Enhancements can be made to the original formula if you would like, but not needed […]
[Continue reading...]
We all know what a comforting dish bread pudding is, and in this recipe, croissant and high-quality chocolate put a luxurious twist on the modest original. I urge you to splurge on good chocolate for this recipe – it is well worth it. Ingredients: 6 egg yolks 1 1/2 cups whole milk 1 1/2 cups […]
[Continue reading...]
I served this delicious dessert wine at a recent party and thoroughly enjoyed it. On the nose, this German Eiswein is lively with floral and tropical notes. In the mouth, it is not too heavy and offers honeyed peach and pear flavors. The finish on the 2008 Dr Loosen Riesling Eiswein sees a little acidity […]
[Continue reading...]
I really enjoy barbequed ribs but until a few years ago, I was frankly intimidated by them. This recipe is so simple and delicious that I now prepare ribs about once a month. The BBQ sauce recipe I include below is absolutely fantastic, but do not let it prevent you from making these ribs, simply […]
[Continue reading...]
This super simple yet delicious rub compliments pork especially well. Mix a double batch and save half for up to a month. Ingredients: 1 Tbsp. Kosher salt 2 tsp. each granulated garlic, smoked paprika and dried thyme ½ tsp. each black pepper and granulated sugar 1 tsp. onion powder Directions: Mix all the spices together. […]
[Continue reading...]
With less than six months under its belt, Spuntino Wine Bar in Clifton has garnered positive accolades from locals and northern New Jersey wine lovers. The well-appointed space is divided in a lounge area with table and bar seating and a comfortable dining room with an open kitchen concept. There are even private rooms for […]
[Continue reading...]
This is just one of those affordable sparkling wines that is great as an aperitif and also paired with food. This Prosecco is golden in the glass with tons of tiny bubbles. On the nose, it offers big fruity aromas and in the mouth it’s creamy, foamy with bubbles with a very dry, pleasant finish. […]
[Continue reading...]
Recent Comments