ENDANGERED COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH – THE FRENCH MARTINI
By PINK LADY Here we are in February, the longest short month on the New England calendar. If you’ve been abstaining for dry January, welcome back! We’ll usher you into the fold with an easy drinking classic from the Sex in the City era, the French Martini, a.k.a. Flirtini –... Read More
CLASSICS THAT PAVED THE WAY-REVISITING OLD FAVORITES IN THE NEW YEAR
by ANDY CROUCH Every story in every generation eventually draws to an end, allowing a new chapter to begin. Craft beer is nothing if not a series of new stories. New brewers offering exciting and novel approaches to beer. Moving into its fourth decade of existence, craft beer is starting... Read More
DOMAINE NICOLAS-JAY PINOT NOIR-OREGON GRAND CRU
by HARVEY FINKEL Great Pinot Noir is probably the rarest of wines. Especially outside of Burgundy. So it was when my old friend Peary Spaght, grand sénéschal of the Massachusetts Tastevin, reported with unreserved enthusiasm from touring Oregon of Pinots new to me, I paid close attention, and quickly and... Read More
ENDANGERED COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH – THE ANGEL FACE COCKTAIL
by PINK LADY Many of us start the new year full throttle with resolutions, often including a non-alcoholic spell, and if you are teetotaling this month, we salute you! When the time comes to return to a winter warmer by the fire, classic cocktail style, we recommend the Angel Face... Read More
SPANISH RED WINES
By Sandy Block, MW Spanish red wine is not an easy sell. The grape varieties and the denominations of origin remain mostly unfamiliar, but in a market where retailers and restaurateurs are looking to differentiate themselves, they are an obvious choice to feature because of the price value rapport and... Read More
LONG MEADOW RANCH ANDERSON VALLEY ESTATE
by HARVEY FINKEL The keystone of Long Meadow Ranch’s overarching complex began with a land grant by President U.S. Grant in the Mayacamas foothills near Rutherford in the Napa Valley. Productive of a variety of crops, especially grapes, it fell into disuse during Prohibition, until purchased by the Hall family... Read More
THE APEROL SPRITZ
by PINK LADY Counting down the days until a new decade begins has us thinking about how far the cocktail has come in the 21st century. A great, balanced libation made with fresh ingredients can be found on menus from world class fine dining restaurants to your local neighborhood pub.... Read More
CRAFT BREWS FOR COOL WEATHER
by ANDY CROUCH The seasonal nature of beer has long been one of its great selling points. In the world of craft beer, it has been of singular value, allowing brewers to distinguish themselves from the standardized widgets of American macro beer producers. Recent years have seen differentiation and diversification... Read More
DRINKING TAMES PROSTATE CANCER
by HARVEY FINKEL, MD To find cancer and good news in the same sentence is a surprise to most, and to add alcohol to the mix is surely disconcerting, even enraging, to those busily engaged in warning of the falling sky whenever a dram is downed. Let’s see what medical... Read More
ENDANGERED COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH – CHARLESTON LIGHT DRAGOONS PUNCH
by PINK LADY We LUPEC gals enjoy gathering around the punch bowl at literally any time of the year, but there is something extra special about a punch party at the holidays. Any cocktail can be made into punch if you build it big enough, so live your life. However,... Read More