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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?

Source

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,

Happy Hour: 2003 Walter Clore Private Reserve Red

YumSugar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:15:44 -0700

Last night, I popped the cork on this 2003 Columbia Crest Walter Clore Private Reserve Red ($35). The wine wasn't a single varietal (like Syrah or Zinfandel), but rather a Bordeaux-style blend of several different grapes. Red wine from France's Bordeaux region implies a blend of several different varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

The hue was a deep purple, and the taste bone-dry with a velvety finish and full body. Drinking the wine reminded me of the pleasures of Summer — blackberries and cherries — with a hint of chocolate.

What else did the wine remind me of? The person who sent it to me as a gift. As my favorite wine columnists say, "Wine can conjure up memories in a way that few other things can."

It's certainly true that drinking this wine conjured up great memories of our friendship. Does the same hold true for you when you drink wine?

Noteworthy Nibbles — Aug. 12-19, 2008

YumSugar — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 14:00:41 -0700

This week, we've changed things up: We've decided to give you more advance notice about each weekend's food festivals, so that you have more time to plan on attending! From gulf shrimp to beef to peaches to mushrooms, there's many a local favorite to celebrate.

Here's a roundup of exciting events going on around the country:

Houston, TX: Houston Restaurant Week — Aug. 11-17
Delcambre, LA: Delcambre Shrimp Festival — Aug. 13-17
Mammoth Lakes, CA: Mammoth Festival of Wine, Music & Food — Aug. 15-17
Red River, NM: Hot Chili Days, Cool Mountain Nights — Aug. 14-16
Boston, MA: Fisherman's Feast — Aug. 14-17
Crested Butte, CO: Crested Butte Mushroom Festival — Aug. 14-17

To see the rest,

Noteworthy Nibbles — Aug. 7-13, 2008

YumSugar — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:00:48 -0700

This month, America continues to celebrate the Summer harvest. At Nashville's Tomato Arts Fest, you might take a stab at the Bloody Mary competition, or sip a tomato-tini for the first time. If you're a Houstonian, you can support a good cause, cool off, and enjoy a great dinner deal by dining out this week. Humongous mushrooms aren't the only things at the Humungus Fungus Fest — I wish I could be there to sample the oversized pizza! And whether you're on the East Coast or the West, there's a chance to sample some of the year's best wines.

Here's a look at some of our choice events going on this week:

Beaver Creek, CO: Beaver Creek Wine & Spirits Festival — Aug. 7-9
Lenox, MA: Tanglewood Wine & Food Classic — Aug. 7-10
West Point, IA: West Point Sweet Corn Festival — Aug. 7-10
Crystal Falls, MI: Humungus Fungus Fest — Aug. 7-10
Portland, OR: Bite of Oregon — Aug. 8-10

To see the rest,

Happy Hour: Fantinel Prosecco

partysugar — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 16:15:31 -0700

If you are looking for a refreshing, celebratory sparkling wine that won't break the bank, I highly recommend Fantinel Prosecco ($12.99). Uncomplicated and light, this Prosecco makes an excellent aperitif or a delightful bellini.

It has a pale straw color, a subtle touch of sweetness, and a citrus floral aroma. The bubbles are robust instead of delicate making for a lovely body.

This bottle is smooth solo, but it would pair nicely with spicy Chinese or Thai food. It also makes a perfect hostess or housewarming gift!

Off to Market Recap: Wine Decanters

YumSugar — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 03:00:20 -0700

If you're looking to upgrade your home bar in style, then a decanter is a must-have. I asked you to help me look for a comely carafe that would create conversation as much as it would soften a tannic red wine. You bookmarked your favorite decanters in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag Wine Decanters. I love globes, so I was particularly intrigued by this delightful decanter that SweetnLow discovered. To look at the entire collection, scroll below.

What Do You Know About Champagne?

partysugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 03:00:24 -0700

Apparently today, August 4th is Champagne day. Personally I love to drink Champagne every day of the year, but in honor of this supposed holiday, I've put together a quiz about the bubbly wine. Test your knowledge now and pop open a bottle later!

Source

Would You Rather Drink Red or White Wine?

partysugar — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 01:30:29 -0700

A couple of weeks ago I found out that the majority of you prefer to drink wine instead of beer. So now I want to know what kind of wine you favor: red or white?Source

Would You Rather Drink Red or White Wine?

I prefer red wine.

I prefer white wine.

I appreciate both red and white wine.

White in summer, red in winter.

I don't drink.

Happy Hour: Bellini

partysugar — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 16:00:56 -0700

During the Summer's peach season, I love to enjoy bellinis. Similar to a mimosa, a bellini is Prosecco diluted with fresh white-peach puree. When made with perfectly ripe peaches, this glamorous cocktail is slightly sweet and delicately bubbly.

Named for the 15th-century Venetian painter, Giovanni Bellini, the drink was created at Harry's Bar in Venice sometime between 1934 and 1948. Now it is considered a classic cocktail and can be found on menus across America.

To make the peach puree, score a cross on the bottom of each peach with a knife.

Drop into a pot of boiling water for a couple minutes, plunge into an ice-water bath, and remove the skin. Chop into chunks, puree in the blender, and strain through a fine mesh sieve. For the proportions of this sublime concoction,

Noteworthy Nibbles — July 31-Aug. 6, 2008

YumSugar — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:00:22 -0700

This week, there are things going on all over the map.

Beer lovers unite in both Honolulu and California. Colorado's busting out the buttered corn (and the sounds of country star Travis Tritt) as well as hosting a festival for tea enthusiasts. At Vermont's Fresh Network forum, locals can partake in workshops such as "Terroir of Cheese" and "Understanding Honey." Tri-State fans of Top Chef can hone their cooking skills by taking a master class with contestant and CIA alum Marcel Vigneron.

Here's a look at some of our choice events going on this week:

Seattle, WA: Share Our Strength's Taste of the Nation Seattle — July 31
Mammoth Lakes, CA: Mammoth Festival of Beers & Bluesapalooza — Aug. 1-2
Olathe, CO: Olathe Sweet Corn Festival — Aug. 1-2
Lake County, OH: Vintage Ohio — Aug. 1-2
Natchez, MS: Natchez Food & Wine Festival — Aug. 1-3

To see the rest,

Off to Market: Wine Decanters

YumSugar — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 03:00:55 -0700

Long before I understood their purpose, I was mesmerized by wine decanters. With their crystal-clear form and graceful presence in a room, I've always thought decanters are as beautiful as sculptures.

As it turned out, these carafes aren't just sitting pretty. Using them keeps unwanted sediment out of your glass, and also aerates wines, allowing tannic bottles to soften.

Let's set off to market for an extra-special decanter that is both gorgeous and functional. Bookmark your finds in the Yum Market with the keyword tag Wine Decanters. I can't wait to see your finds!

To learn more about the bookmarking feature, please read geeksugar's explanation.
Don't know where to start searching? Check out a list of my favorite online stores when you

Noteworthy Nibbles — July 24-30, 2008

YumSugar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:00:28 -0700

As usual, there are lots of delicious occasions to celebrate this week. For the more adventurous eaters, Rocky Mountain oysters will be on the menu in Wyoming. Not to worry if you aren't: You might enjoy celebrating the venerated garlic or, on the milder side, the sweet cantaloupe. If you live in Baltimore, it's your week to try out top-notch restaurants, where a three-course lunch might cost you just $20.08.

If there's something going on this week that we left out, feel free to add it in the comments below.

South Boston, VA: Virginia Cantaloupe Festival — July 25
Gilroy, CA: Gilroy Garlic Festival — July 25-27
Whiting, IN: PierogiFest — July 25-27
Oxnard, CA: Oxnard Salsa Festival — July 26-27
Annapolis, MD: Great Grapes! Wine, Arts & Food Festival — July 26-27
Ballard, WA Ballard SeafoodFest — July 26-27
Baltimore, MD: Baltimore Summer Restaurant Week — July 26-Aug 3

To see the rest,

Would You Rather Drink Beer or Wine?

YumSugar — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 01:30:21 -0700

In a few hours, I'm grabbing drinks with friends. Always one to think a few steps ahead, I'm debating which beverage to commence with. I love beer, but after a pint or two, I feel bloated and gross. I'm also a fan of wine, but it makes me sleepy. Currently, I'm torn between the two. What's your drink of choice?Source

Would You Rather Drink Beer or Wine?

Beer

Wine

Neither — I'd rather have _________. (Tell us below!)

I don't drink.

Yummy Links: From Hamburgers to Cheesecake Brownies

partysugar — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 06:45:14 -0700

A brief history of America's greatest food icon: the hamburger. — Chow
Potatoes make a tasty companion to hamburgers, here's how to cook them under the grill. — The Kitchn
Consuming fruit juice may be linked to type 2 diabetes. — Slashfood
Does one's political leanings affect the taste of wine? — The Epi-Log
Meet the ten healthiest beverages. — FitSugar
Pack a budget friendly and healthy lunch. — GlamDish
McDonald's has cracked a giant egg in Chicago. — Serious Eats
Treat your loved ones to delicious cheesecake brownies. — Baking Bites

Source

Noteworthy Nibbles — July 17-23, 2008

YumSugar — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:00:04 -0700

It's mid-July, and we're eager to be outside. Thank goodness there's no shortage of open-air festivals this week.

The coming weekend boasts the National Hamburger Festival in Ohio, where bobbing for burgers and competitive eating will abound. Other parts of the country are paying homage to a gamut of thirst-quenching refreshments, from watermelon to mixed drinks.

Check out what's going on in your neck of the woods, and if you see something left out, leave us a comment below.

New Orleans, LA: Tales of the Cocktail — July 17-20
Santa Barbara, CA: California Wine Festival — July 18-19
Des Moines, IA: Rib America Festival — July 18-20
Seattle, WA: Bite of Seattle — July 18-20
Bethlehem, PA: Blueberry Festival — July 18-20
Yarmouth, ME: Yarmouth Clam Festival — July 18-20

To see the rest,

Happy Hour: 2006 Affentaler Blue Monkey Riesling

partysugar — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:15:44 -0700

I used to be one of those people who avoided Rieslings because of their overly sweet nature. However, I have since learned, from bottles like this 2006 Affentaler Blue Monkey Riesling, that dry (not sweet) Rieslings are abundantly available.

Crisp and clean, this lush white was smooth and highly drinkable. With a tart, puckery finish and a fruity aroma, the wine was exceptional chilled and delicious paired with homemade pesto.

At only $14.99 the fun bottle, complete with embossed blue monkey, makes a wonderful hostess gift. What do you think of Riesling? Have you sipped a dry varietal?

Noteworthy Nibbles — July 10-16, 2008

YumSugar — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 14:00:01 -0700

Francophiles, take note: Monday is Bastille Day, which means there might be a French food festival in your neck of the woods. This weekend also presents a fine selection of wine and beer tasting opportunities, not to mention a few of the more bizarre food fests I've found this Summer, including one surrounding the "world's largest catsup bottle." Check out my guide below, and tell me about any I've missed in the comments!

Nashville, TN: L’Eté du Vin Wine Auction — July 10-12
Cordova, AK: Copper River Wild Salmon Festival — July 10-12
San Luis Obispo, CA: Central Coast Wine Classic — July 10-13
Park City, UT: Park City Food and Wine Classic — July 10-13
Santa Barbara, CA: Santa Barbara French Festival — July 11-12
Kosciusko, TX: K-Town BBQ Cookoff and Sausage Fest — July 11-12
Flagstaff, AZ: Made in the Shade Beer Tasting Festival — July 12

To see the rest,

Fast & Easy Dinner: Chicken with Lemon Over Arugula

partysugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 06:45:27 -0700

When you're in a pinch and need to make a meal quickly, turn to this simple recipe. It's a delicious and healthy chicken dish that's cooked in the microwave. The seasoned chicken is coated with a light parsley white wine sauce. After being zapped, it's surprisingly moist and tender.

When served on top of a bed of greens it makes the perfect light Summer meal. For the recipe,

Noteworthy Nibbles — June 26 to July 2

YumSugar — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:00:37 -0700

As we head into the last weekend before the long July 4 holiday, there's a smorgasbord of food and wine events taking place all over the country. The massive Taste of Chicago celebration starts tomorrow, the vino is flowing freely at numerous wine events nationwide, and New York is hosting the Summer Fancy Food Show. Check out my picks below, and tell me about any food events in your neck of the woods in the comments below.

Milwaukee, WI: The Big Taste — June 26
San Francisco, CA: Pinot Days — June 26-29
Luling, TX: Watermelon Thump — June 26-29
Maui, HI: Kapalua Wine and Food Festival — June 26-29
Telluride, CO: Telluride Wine Festival — June 26-29
Burlington, VT: Green Mountain Chew Chew Food and Music Fest — June 27-29
Cleveland, OH: Cleveland Wine Festival — June 27-28
Chicago, IL: Taste of Chicago — June 27-July 6

More local food events, so

Laura Werlin on Pairing Cheese and Wine

YumSugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:15:50 -0700

One of my favorite classes during the Food and Wine Classic in Aspen, was Laura Werlin's American Raw Milk Cheese seminar. Laura is one of America's foremost cheese experts and an awarding-winning author. Upon arrival, I was greeted with a plate of cheese and three wines (a white, red, and dessert). Laura walked us through each cheese and wine pairing while giving the rundown on what we were tasting. She also provided some interesting cheese tips. To see her tips for pairing wines and cheese and to learn more about cheese in general,

Yummy Links: From Watermelon Salad to Vending Machine Pizza

partysugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 09:00:38 -0700

Watermelon, goat cheese, greens, and balsamic vinegar come together to make the Summer's prettiest salad. — The Recipe Girl
Interested in trying a new wine? Here are 25 bottles under $25 that are worth sipping now. — Forbes
Meet the world's largest six pack of beer. — So Good
Learn how to use leftovers as ingredients in delicious new dishes.— iVillage
An Arnold Palmer is refreshing on a hot Summer day. — Baking Bites
Picnic perfect: Barefoot Contessa's Caesar Salad Club Sandwich. — Noble Pig
Lighten up with these five delicious treats that are under 250 calories. — FitSugar
Would you purchase piping hot pizza from a vending machine? — Slashfood

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Yummy Links: From Liqurious to Stephanie Izard

partysugar — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 06:45:19 -0700

The creators of Tastespotting now bring you liqurious, a place to share your most lovely-looking concoctions. — Liqurious
This summer surprise your family with homemade drumsticks. — Baking Bites
Planning a trip to Europe? Be sure to dine outdoors. — Forbes Traveler
Ten delicious ways to use honey. — Glam Dish
Hosting a party should be fun not stressful. Here's how to become a frazzle-free hostess. — Simply Stated
Transform your kitchen into a modern rustic haven. — CasaSugar
You don't need to break the bank to enjoy imported wines, especially if you drink these luscious bottles. — Chow
Guess who Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard has a celebrity chef crush on? — People

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Happy Hour: Ozeki Hana Awaka Sparkling Sake

YumSugar — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 16:15:29 -0700

To me, Summer months are meant for bubbly. After a warm day, it's relaxing to have a glass of something cool, chilled, and sparkling. Usually I reach for an inexpensive Prosecco or sparkling rosé, but recently I tried something a little more unusual.

At a little sushi restaurant in Japantown, I saw a sign advertising "Sparkling Flower." The sparkling flower was actually called Hana Awaka, and it was a delicious sparkling sake. The flyer declared that it would "bring your taste buds alive with bursting bubbles," and it actually did. The flavor was light and sweeter than most sakes. The bubbles lent a refreshing bite. The best part was that it was only $8 a bottle, and that meant more for everyone!

Have you ever had sparkling sake? Do you think it would be something you'd try?