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YumSugar Gift Guide: The Newbie Wino

partysugar — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 16:00:10 -0800

My girlfriend Sonia has recently developed an interest in wine. She's taking classes, going tasting, and immersing herself in all things vino. I rounded up a collection of gifts that are perfect for Sonia, and those like her, the newbie winos.

They may not be able to smell the difference between a Mourvédre and a Montepulciano, but after reading the Wine Snob's Dictionary they'll be able to talk terroir as well as any wine connoisseur.

On a budget? Get crafty and make them a wine journal.

Check out a collection of wine-related gifts below and head to HolidaySugar for more gift ideas.

What's Cooking at Slashfood

YumSugar — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:00:35 -0800

We love Slashfood so much that every Thursday we round up their most delicious stories. Here are this week's finds:

Pair mahi mahi with maple syrup and ginger for an elegant Autumn dish.
How to host a meatless Thanksgiving meal that's just as fulfilling.
Homemade honey liqueur is the perfect pairing for those chilly nights.
Looking for a fresh take on the tea sandwich? Meet the sandwich torte.
Europe decides it will no longer discriminate against oddly-shaped produce.
If Bulgarian wine is the second largest bottled wine export in the world, why aren't we drinking it?

Source

Happy Hour: Collalbrigo Prosecco Brut

partysugar — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:15:31 -0800

Looking for a effervescent bubbly to kick-start your Thanksgiving festivities? Well you'll find it in this lovely Italian Prosecco by Collalbrigo.

With its straw color, delicate bubbles, and apple-pear aroma, it's a refreshingly easy sipper. Its smooth, light intensity is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your party. At $10.99 it's an affordable wine that won't break the bank.

Grown on a hilltop in northern Italy where noble Venetians have produced wine for thousands of years, serve this fabulous bubbly with oysters, salumi, or crostini.

Noteworthy Nibbles — Nov. 18-24, 2008

YumSugar — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:00:55 -0800

This week, the country's running wild with wine tasting events. Even if there isn't one listed below that you can attend, chances are that this week there's a wine celebration going on near you, as the third Thursday of each November marks the yearly release of Beaujolais nouveau. Stock up on cases to pair with your upcoming Thanksgiving dinner, because as soon as the bottles sell out, they're gone for good.

Chicago, IL: Passport to France — Nov. 20
Houston, TX: Beaujolais Wine & Food Festival — Nov. 20
New York, NY: Beaujolais Nouveau 2008 Celebration — Nov. 20
Dallas, TX: Beaujolais Wine Festival — Nov. 21
Grand Rapids, MI: Grand Rapids Wine & Food Festival — Nov. 21-23
Stamford, CT: Connecticut Wine & Food Festival — Nov. 21-23
Plant City, FL: Plant City Pig Jam — Nov. 22

To see the rest,

Yummy Links: From Emulsions to Regis Philbin

partysugar — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 07:45:51 -0800

Top Chef fact check: find out who was right in the Stefan vs. Danny vinaigrette/emulsion argument. — The Food Section
Learn the proper technique for carving a turkey. — Chow
Travel to France in the comfort of your own kitchen. — Epi-Log
Jazz up your Thanksgiving dinner with carrot flowers. — The Kitchn
Find the perfect potato side dish. — Bon Appétit
A guide to Thanksgiving wines. — Serious Eats
Need a laughter break? Watch this hilarious video of Regis Philbin working as a Starbucks barista. — Eat Me Daily

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What's Cooking at Slashfood

YumSugar — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 04:03:23 -0800

We love Slashfood so much that every Thursday we round up their most delicious stories. Here are this week's finds:

Is taking home leftover restaurant bread considered a faux pas?
Pinkberry bids farewell to its limited-edition coffee flavor.
Is there a correct way to eat grilled cheese sandwiches?
This butternut squash and roasted garlic bisque turned one squash-hater into a fan.
The ultimate video guide to making an inside-out California roll.
Why Trimbach's Alsatian wines should be on your must-taste list.

Source

Noteworthy Nibbles — Nov. 11-17, 2008

YumSugar — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:00:57 -0800

Oenophiles, rejoice: This week is packed with wine tastings around the country. Perhaps everyone's gearing up for the holidays, or brainstorming early pairings for Thanksgiving. I'll take the wine, whatever the reason. In fact, we'll be at SF Wine Week — maybe we'll see you there!

Boca Raton, FL: Taste of the Grape — Nov. 11
San Francisco, CA: SF Wine Week — Nov. 11-15
Kona, HI: Kona Coffee Cultural Festival — Nov. 11-16
Springfield, MO: Wingapalooza — Nov. 12
San Diego, CA: San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival — Nov. 12-16

To see the rest,

Wine May Prevent Dementia

YumSugar — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 03:00:07 -0800

Last week we learned of a study that showed chemicals in beer can inhibit cancer. This week studies indicate that wine may protect against Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

One recently released study, which began in 1968 at Gothenburg University in Sweden, demonstrated that a group of wine-drinkers had a significantly below-average rate of dementia, versus other women who regularly drank beer or spirits. Another study, produced by the Danish Institute of Preventive Medicine in Denmark, had similar findings: those who drank wine weekly or monthly were more than two times less likely to develop dementia.

The positive health effects are the result of flavonoids, antioxidant compounds found in red wine. Do any of you drink wine for its purported health benefits?

Source

What's Cooking at Slashfood

partysugar — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 04:30:46 -0800

We love Slashfood so much that every Thursday we round up their most delicious stories. Here are this week's finds:

Everything you need to know about Rhum Clement VSOP.
Honey butter popcorn is a delicious, easy-to-make treat.
Eight foods and drinks to help you sleep.
Cafeteria: the place in New York to get good food all night long.
Learn how to make gnocchi.
Wine that pairs with leftover Halloween candy.

Source

Happy Hour: 2008 Colomé Torrontés

partysugar — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 16:15:36 -0800

Last week I went to an Argentine wine tasting where I tried Colomé's 2008 Torrontés ($10.87). One of Argentina's most popular white grapes, the Torrontés grape was originally from Spain. Generally speaking Torrontés are similar to a Muscat or Gewürtztraminer.

From the Salta region of Argentina, the Bodega Colomé estate is one of the world's highest (over 7,500 feet) vineyards. Their Torrontés is an exceptional white with fruity aromas and a zingy finish. Crisp and clean, this delightful, light white is perfect chilled. It's highly drinkable and would be an excellent start to dinner. Pair with cured meats, cheese, and seafood.

Have you tried a Torrontés or any other wine from Argentina?

Noteworthy Nibbles — Nov. 4-10, 2008

YumSugar — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:00:33 -0800

This week Noteworthy Nibbles includes an international chocolate show complete with chocolate-inspired runway designs. In sunny Florida, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival should be quite the spectacle. Folks who live in Virginia have the great fortune of two oyster events this weekend. Personally, I'm looking forward to San Francisco Wine Week!

Know of anything we've left out? Drop us a line in the comments below!

Orlando, FL: Epcot International Food & Wine Festival — Nov. 4-9
Philadelphia, PA: Celebrity Chef Tour — Nov. 6
St. Helena, CA: CIA Worlds of Flavor International Conference — Nov. 6-8
Palm Desert, CA: The Art of Food & Wine — Nov. 6-9
Ann Arbor, MI: Save a Heart Celebration of Wine and Food — Nov. 7

To see the rest,

Would You Rather Drink Mulled Wine or Spiked Cider?

partysugar — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 01:30:05 -0700

Source

Would You Rather Drink Mulled Wine or Spiked Cider?

Mulled wine

Spiked cider

Neither I prefer ______ .

Eww both are gross.

I don't drink.

Yummy Links: From Ghoul-Aid to Alton Brown

partysugar — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 06:45:03 -0700

Celebrate Halloween by making ghoul-aid. — Hostess With the Mostess
If you are staying in on election night, cook a red- or blue-themed dinner. — GlamDish
European wines may contain high amounts of metal. — Vinography
Looking for a candy that's good for you? Try kiwiberries! — The Epi-Log
Everything you need to know about cheese. — Chow
Learn the difference between regular, smoky, Spanish, and Hungarian paprikas. — The Kitchn
Alton Brown on donuts. — Serious Eats

Source

Noteworthy Nibbles — Oct. 28-Nov. 3

YumSugar — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:00:33 -0700

This week is all about quality over quantity: There aren't as many festivals on our radar, but all of them are can't-miss events. The Giant Omelette Celebration is sure to be an egg-cellent time. Now that we have yet another excuse to drink beer, let's enjoy some at the Great World Beer Fest. And a festival that's all about tamales? Who couldn't get behind that?!

Know of anything we've left out? Drop us a line in the comments below!

Denver, CO: Denver International Wine Festival — Oct. 29-Nov. 1
Terlingua, TX: International Championship Chili Cook-Off — Oct. 30-Nov. 1
New York, NY: Great World Beer Fest — Oct. 31-Nov. 1
Apalachicola, FL: Florida Seafood Festival — Oct. 31-Nov. 1

To see the rest,

Yummy Links: From Vintage McDonald's to Pomegranates

partysugar — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 06:45:35 -0700

A blast from the past: the first McDonald's commercial. — A Hamburger Today
Save cherished wine labels with this wine label lifter. — Coveiter
The top 10 weirdest food Halloween costumes. — Endless Simmer
Want more weird Halloween stuff? Check out these crazily carved pumpkins. — TheEpi-Log
Ten organic beers worth sipping. — Forecast Earth
How to properly steep tea. — Chow
Everything you need to know about pomegranates. — The Kitchn

Photo by Kathryn Hill

Happy Hour: 2006 Iron Horse Estate Pinot Noir

partysugar — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 16:15:04 -0700

Last night I attended Jack Falstaff's first Farm to Table Grower's Dinner. The special menu features seasonal ingredients from local producers. The most exciting part of the meal (besides the delicious food) is that the farmers and wine makers dine with you.

I was lucky enough to speak with Audrey Sterling, the grande dame of Iron Horse vineyards. After fabulously describing the wines, she told me about how Iron Horse is served at the White House! Their varietals have been selected by the past five presidencies, dating back to Ronald Regan. It's a fun fact to tell guests when serving Iron Horse.

While I enjoyed all the wines they poured, my favorite was the 2006 Estate Pinot Noir ($40). It was subtly complex and incredibly smooth. Like the perfect little black dress, it's elegant, but stylish. It rolls through the mouth with fruity, earthy flavors and a rich aroma. The wine's made with a special precision-harvesting technique that closely examines each vines needs, resulting in a silky, wonderful wine. The wine was served with an intensely crispy, suckling pig porchetta, but I think it would be lovely with everything from comforting macaroni and cheese to braised beef.

Noteworthy Nibbles — Oct. 21-27, 2008

YumSugar — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:00:02 -0700

This week's events have left me curious: Exactly what activities does one partake in at a Pig Stein? Or a Yambilee? If you have attended these in the past, I'd love to know. Will anyone be at the James Beard Foundation's Taste America in Las Vegas?

If you know something we've left out, please leave a message in the comments below!

Las Vegas, NV: Rising Stars Las Vegas — Oct. 21
Torrance, CA: Oktoberfest at Alpine Village — Oct. 21-26
San Francisco, CA: Joy of Sake San Francisco — Oct. 23
Atlanta, GA: Celebrity Chef Tour Atlanta — Oct. 23
Portland, ME: Harvest on the Harbor — Oct. 23-25
Mountain View, AR: Arkansas Bean Fest — Oct. 23-25
Kohler, WI: Kohler Food & Wine Experience — Oct. 23-26
Opelousas, LA: Louisiana Yambilee — Oct. 23-26
Las Vegas, NV: The James Beard Foundation's Taste America Las Vegas — Oct. 24-26

To see the rest,

Happy Hour: Encyclopedia

partysugar — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:15:34 -0700

I'm a huge fan of Francis Ford Coppola's Sofia Sparkling wine, so when I heard the famed director had released a new label, Encyclopedia ($15.00), I was eager to check it out. With its beaker-shaped bottle, Encyclopedia appeals to the younger wine drinker. According to Coppola the wine is "about learning and exploring. It's for people who want to know more about wine and how it is connected to geography, to history, to myth."

There are six varieties: Pinot Grigio, Tempranillo, Malbec, Riesling, Torrontés, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Each is made with grapes from the variety's native region. For example, the Pinot Grigio is made with grapes from delle Venezia, Italy and the Tempranillo comes from Yecla, Spain. The wines represent and respect the tradition and culture of each wine-making region.

I tried the Riesling and the Cab and found both delightful, well-balanced, and highly drinkable. I hope to try the rest soon. If you are new to wine, or enjoy sipping new wines, I highly recommend seeking out Encyclopedia. When the wine is gone, the bottle makes a pretty vase!

Noteworthy Nibbles — Oct. 14-20, 2008

YumSugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 14:00:42 -0700

It's only Tuesday, but I'm already looking forward to the multitude of festivals this weekend.

There are so many in the Bay Area alone that I can't decide whether to hit up the Santana Row Pear Festival, the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival, or the Monterey Wine Festival. I suppose I might just rock them all!

Have we left something out? If so, please drop us a line in the comments below!

San Francisco, CA: Wine & Spirits Top 100 Tasting — Oct. 14
New York, NY: At the Table: New York — Oct. 14
Torrance, CA: Oktoberfest at Alpine Village — Oct. 14-20
Circleville, OH: Circleville Pumpkin Show — Oct. 15-18
Monterey, CA: Monterey Wine Festival — Oct. 16-18
Tulsa, OK: Tulsa Oktoberfest — Oct. 16-19
Crowley, LA: International Rice Festival — Oct. 16-19
New York, NY: 6th Annual Gourmet Institute — Oct. 17-19
Paso Robles, CA: Harvest Wine Weekend — Oct. 17-19

To see the rest,

How Much Money Do You Normally Spend on a Bottle of Wine?

partysugar — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 06:45:58 -0700

Source

How Much Money Do You Normally Spend on a Bottle of Wine?

Below $10

$10-20

$20-30

$30-40

$40-50

Above $50

I'll tell you how much I'm willing to spend on a bottle of wine below.

Noteworthy Nibbles —Oct. 7-13, 2008

YumSugar — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:00:12 -0700

It's the middle of Fall, and the festivities are bigger than ever. From Spencer, WV, to San Francisco, there's something for everyone, whether you've got a craving for candy or a hankering for ham. Know of something we've left out? Please feel free to add your comments below!

New York, NY: Food Network New York City Wine and Food Festival — Oct. 9-12
Denver, CO: The Celebrity Chef Tour Denver — Oct. 9
Denver, CO: Great American Beer Festival — Oct. 9-11
Spencer, WV: West Virginia Black Walnut Festival — Oct. 9-12
San Francisco, CA: San Francisco Magazine's Fallfest 2008 — Oct. 9-12

To see the rest,

Happy Hour: Dubonnet Rouge

YumSugar — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:00:45 -0700

I've always been a complete novice to the category of spirits known as aperitifs. These old-school standbys — which include liqueurs, dry champagne, and fortified wines — rose to fame in Europe in the 1800s, and have remained popular ever since.

When I received a bottle of Dubonnet ($11.99), I decided to begin my aperitif studies. The French fortified wine, originally developed in 1846, is available in two varieties: rouge and blanc. Dubonnet is made from wine that's had additional alcohol added to it, which preserves the wine, makes it sweeter, and increases its alcohol content.

I've always thought of Dubonnet — a proprietary blend of herbs, spices, and peels — as something more fitting for my grandmother. But surprisingly, my first sip was warm and rich, and had a nose and flavor that reminded me of tawny port. It was sweeter than brandy, yet drier than a dessert wine, and incredibly smooth given its price tag.

I'm looking forward to drinking some again tonight and can't wait to experiment with Dubonnet in classic cocktails. If you've ever tried this aperitif, what are your thoughts on it? Have you ever tasted a spirit that was incredibly different from what you thought it would be?

Noteworthy Nibbles — Sept. 30-Oct.6

YumSugar — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:00:04 -0700

Across the country this month Oktoberfest celebrations are in full force. There's something for you, whether you want to savor the last of the Summer with a seafood festival or switch your mindset to Fall by enjoying one of the many harvest celebrations. Have a tip for another event? Leave it in the comments below!

Santa Clarita, CA: Loose Goose Wine Festival — Oct. 1-5
Corinth, MS: Kansas City Hog Wild BBQ Festival — Oct. 2-4
San Francisco, CA: Oktoberfest by the Bay — Oct. 2-5
Kansas City, MO: American Royal Barbecue — Oct. 2-5
Napa, CA: Domaine Chandon Pink Party — Oc. 2
New York, NY: Plate by Plate New York — Oct. 3
Carpinteria, CA: California Avocado Festival — Oct. 3-5

To see the rest,

Happy Hour: Conde de Siruela Crianza

partysugar — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:15:40 -0700

If you are looking for an exciting new red wine, I highly recommend Conde de Siruela Crianza ($22). From the Ribera del Duero region of Spain, this lush red is smooth, well bodied, and elegant. It has a ruby-red color and fruity aroma.

Although the bottle's label is rustic and old worldly, the liquid inside is fresh, full, and only slightly aged. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats — I enjoyed mine with finger-licking good lamb chops — roasts or cheese.

What red wines have you been into lately? Have you ever tried a Spanish red?

Noteworthy Nibbles — Sept. 23-29, 2008

YumSugar — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:00:54 -0700

This week, spice up your free time with the chili cook-offs that are setting the country aflame. Whether you're looking for an epicurean adventure at the Bellagio, or something more along the lines of a back-country roadkill cook-off, you're in luck. Check out what's going on in your neck of the woods this week, and let us know if we've left anything off the list!

Sante Fe, NM: Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta — Sept. 24-28
Las Vegas, NV: Gourmet's Taste of Bellagio — Sept. 25
New York, NY: Joy of Sake New York — Sept. 25
Providence, RI: Food for Thought — Sept. 25
London, KY: World Chicken Festival — Sept. 25-28

To see the rest,

Noteworthy Nibbles — Sept. 16-22, 2008

YumSugar — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:00:25 -0700

In the height of good weather, food and festivity abound, and right about now, I'm wishing I could teleport myself around the United States. First I'd hit up Manhattan for Wine 2.0's wine sampling this week, followed by the Shrimp & Grits Festival in Georgia, and then some classic Eli's cheesecake in the Windy City. Don't miss out on these events — if you do, you'll have to wait another year!

New York, NY: The StarChefs Rising Stars Revue New York — Sept. 16
New York, NY: Epicurious Wine.Dine.Donate New York — Sept. 17
New York, NY: Wine 2.0 New York — Sept. 18
Atlantic City, NJ: Celebrity Chef Tour Atlantic City — Sept. 18
Shawnee-on-Delaware, PA: Delaware River Food & Wine Festival — Sept. 18-21
Nappanee, IN: Nappanee Apple Festival — Sept. 18-21
La Crescent, MN: Applefest 08 — Sept. 18-21
Leavenworth, WA: Wenatchee River Salmon Festival — Sept. 18-21

To see the rest,

Yummy Links: From Vegan Lunches to Strawmatoes

partysugar — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 08:00:40 -0700

Here are 10 hearty and filling vegan lunches. — Chow
Check out the shiny, new, made-over look of my favorite party planning blog. — Hostess With the Mostess
Make cake baking easy with aluminum foil pan liners.— The Kitchn
A New York winery has been named winery of the year. — Slashfood
Speaking of wine, these just-released reads will make you thirsty for all things vino. — The Epi-Log
Learn the difference between large and extra large eggs. — Baking Bites
Having your produce delivered is a great way to eat healthier.— FitSugar
A woman has discovered a strawberry growing inside a tomato. — Serious Eats

Source

Yummy Links: From Amazon Wine to the Bocuse d'Or Hosts

partysugar — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 06:45:32 -0700

Amazon.com is set to debut a wine superstore at the beginning of next month. — Serious Eats
Gear up for Fall with this vegetarian recipe for chickpea, potato, and spinach stew. — Cookthink
Learn the difference between toffee and caramel. — Chow
Leftover pickling brine makes a wonderful, simple vinaigrette.— The Kitchn
Intensive thinking may make you feel hungrier. — Slashfood
How to get a better restaurant table.— The Epi-Log
Make a cake that resembles a pizza! — Baking Bites
Al Roker, Dana Cowin, and John Besh will host the Bocuse d'Or semifinals on Oct. 27.— Eater SF

Source

Tasting JAQK Cellars

partysugar — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 09:00:23 -0700

Let me introduce you to my favorite new wine label: JAQK (which cleverly stands for Jack, Ace, Queen, King) cellars. Passionate about play and wine, the brains behind the yet-to-be-released label believe that a great bottle of wine can enhance the playful atmosphere between friends and family.

Last week I had the chance to sit down with Joel Templin (the founder) and Bernard la Borie (the president) to taste a couple of the label's wines. For a sneak peek of the fun company's wines, made by acclaimed winemaker Craig Maclean, and to see a bunch of images from the tasting,

Happy Hour: S'Naranja Viño Generoso de Licor

partysugar — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:15:49 -0700

Last weekend I was given a taste of S'Naranja Viño Generoso de Licor. Since it was served in a frozen shot glass and had a rich, tawny color, I figured it was whiskey. However, I was immediately shocked! It wasn't hard alcohol but a delicious, syrupy wine. The pourer was kind enough to offer me a full glass to better enjoy the smooth, medium-bodied wine.

Somewhere between a sweet Sherry and an uber-orangey liquor, S'Naranja is made with two types of Spanish grapes: Palomino Fino and Pedro Ximénez. Dried orange peels are added to the wine during it's 10-year barrel-aging process. The result is a luscious wine splashed with a hint of fresh oranges and creamy, caramel-raisin undertones.

With its bright bottle and easy pairability (I would serve it with everything from salty snacks to sweet bites), this wine makes a great hostess gift.

All the News That's Fit to Eat — Sept. 10, 2008

YumSugar — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:15:20 -0700

Oodles of noodles: Ramen is having its moment in the spotlight. — The Oregonian
Are the presidential candidates what they eat? — Boston Globe
French Laundry's Thomas Keller on culinary opportunities. — Los Angeles Times
The secret to cooking Asian lies in the right kitchen tools. — Chicago Tribune
Several compelling reasons to prepare squid at home. — San Francisco Chronicle
Meet Abe Schoener, California's most experimental winemaker. — New York Times
Is it possible to succeed with molecular gastronomy at home? — Washington Post
Try these no-bake, warm-weather recipes before it's too late. — Houston Chronicle
Everything you need to know about roasting red peppers yourself. — Tampa Bay Times

Source

Noteworthy Nibbles — Sept. 9-15, 2008

YumSugar — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 14:00:41 -0700

Events are all over the map this week, especially in New York and California. As usual, there's no shortage of festivals for the oenophile. The other activities, however, really demonstrate our country's appreciation for regional American foods, from shellfish on the Eastern seaboard to kolaches in Texas.

New York, NY: A Taste of the Village — Sept. 10
Murphysboro, IL: Murphysboro Apple Festival — Sept. 10-14
San Diego, CA: Spirits of Mexico — Sept. 11-13
Traverse City, MI: Traverse Epicurean Classic — Sept. 11-13
Charlotte, NC: Charlotte Shout Blues, Brews, & BBQ — Sept. 12-13
Grapevine, TX: Grapevine's GrapeFest — Sept. 11-14
Greenville, SC: Euphoria — Sept. 11-14

To see the rest,

Noteworthy Nibbles — Sept. 3-8, 2008

YumSugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:20:43 -0700

This week's so packed to the brim with festivals nationwide, you couldn't avoid one if you tried. There are food and wine classics all across the East Coast, and here in the West, we're planning on dropping by the chocolate festival in our neck of the woods. If we've left anything out, please chime in below.

Brigham City, UT: Peach Days — Sept. 3-6
Saratoga Springs, NY: Saratoga Wine & Food Festival — Sept. 4-6
Marion, OH: Marion Popcorn Festival — Sept. 4-6
Columbus, OH: Columbus Food & Wine Affair — Sept. 5
Chicago, IL: Windy City Wine Festival — Sept. 5-6
St. Louis, MO: Norton Wine Festival — Sept. 5-6

To see the rest,

Off to Market Recap: Wine Opener

partysugar — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 02:58:22 -0700

Last week when I was opening a bottle of wine, my corkscrew broke! It was a cheap wine opener, but nonetheless, I was disappointed. Before I can enjoy another bottle of wine, I'll need a way to pop the cork. So I asked you to help me find a new wine opener.

You looked for any type — simple, complex, or gadget-like — of corkscrew. You bookmarked your discoveries in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag, wine opener.

I've heard good things about the Rabbit Wine Opener ($50) bookmarked by Jspeed, and the price isn't bad for something so lovely. Check out the rest of the selections below.

Interested in bookmarking? Read GeekSugar's explanation of this feature to learn how to participate.

Trend Alert: Sherry

partysugar — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:15:02 -0700

Back in February I printed out a cocktail recipe from the Seattle Times that featured sherry as an ingredient. Like many recipes I print out, it got buried and forgotten. Until now, recently I've been noticing sherry everywhere. Could it be that the fortified wine usually associated with Spanish old men is set to make a roaring comeback?

According to an article in this month's Saveur magazine, sherry no longer seems outdated. With the renaissance of classic cocktail ingredients (bitters, whiskey, rye, etc.), the popularity of 60s-era drinking on Mad Men, and the food world's current obsession with all things Spanish, it's not surprising that Sherry is popping up on bar menus across the nation. For more on how Sherry is suddenly becoming trendy,

Noteworthy Nibbles — Aug. 27-Sept. 1

YumSugar — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:00:37 -0700

Labor Day weekend means food-happenings galore. At front and center is Slow Food Nation '08, the country's first ever slow food event, to be held in San Francisco. I'll be in attendance, so I can learn more about eating sustainably. Locals, perhaps I'll see you there! Here's the lineup; enjoy your long (and tasty) weekend.

Sparks, NV: Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-off — Aug. 27
Millersport, OH: Millersport Sweet Corn Festival — Aug. 27
Honolulu, HI: Joy of Sake — Aug. 28
Morgan City, LA: Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival — Aug. 28-Sept. 1
San Francisco, CA: Slow Food Nation — Aug. 29-Sept. 1

To see the rest,

Happy Hour: Rossellini

YumSugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:00:30 -0700

Sunny weekends in San Francisco are hard to come by. When I awoke last Saturday to clear-blue skies, I headed over to Bar Bambino, an Italian nook in the city with a new back patio.

There, I enjoyed the perfect warm-weather drink: a spin on sangria that was refreshing and fruity without being overly cloying or too heavy on the alcohol. With one in hand, I imagined I was an effortlessly chic Italian woman. I snagged the recipe for the next real Summer day.

The cocktail calls for white wine (I'd recommend a Sauvignon Blanc, or any other dry white with mineral notes) as well as orange bitters, which can be found at large liquor stores. For the recipe,

BevMo Five-Cent Wine Sale Going on Now

partysugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 03:00:52 -0700

Over the weekend I stepped into Beverages and More to purchase a bottle of Canton Ginger Liqueur. Imagine my delight when I realized the store was in the middle of a wine sale. Not just any sale, their exceptional buy one bottle, get the second bottle for five cents sale! With over 100 wines to choose from, this sale is a great way to stock up on wine for dinner parties, hostess gifts, or simply to fill your wine cellar. I went for South American wines, picking up two malbecs, a torrentes, and a carmenere blend. Have you been to the sale? What did you purchase?

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Off to Market: Wine Opener

partysugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 03:00:41 -0700

Last night when I was opening a bottle of wine, my corkscrew broke! It was a cheap wine opener, but nonetheless, I was disappointed. Before I can enjoy another bottle of wine, I have to get a new wine opener. Can you help me find one? Look for any type — simple, complex, or gadget-like — of functional corkscrew. Bookmark your discoveries in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag Wine Opener. Thanks for your assistance!

Interested in bookmarking? Read geeksugar's explanation of this feature to learn how to participate.

Find out where I like to shop online for food and entertaining accessories when you

Noteworthy Nibbles — Aug. 20-26, 2008

YumSugar — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:00:27 -0700

In the mood to soak up some live entertainment with your food? Whether you like magic with your potatoes or country music with your corn, this week's food festivals are for you. There are a number of charity events, so if you're in a generous mood consider helping those who are less fortunate. Here's a roundup of exciting events going on around the country. Feel free to chime in if we've left anything out!

Vail, CO: Share Our Strength's Taste of the Nation Vail — Aug. 21
Winterville, NC: Winterville Watermelon Festival — Aug. 21-23
Milwaukee, WI: Milwaukee Wine Festival — Aug. 22-23
Barnesville, MN: Potato Days — Aug. 22-23

To see the rest,