It’s International Sauvignon Blanc Day and Wanda Mann, East Coast Editor for the Somm Journal, Writer, Storyteller and Presenter is “sipping sunshine” with a glass of Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc 2023 from Marlborough, NZ. I’m beyond thrilled to have a feature illustration accompany her delicious review — a sunset scene to highlight her tasting notes and summer tunes.
Sip – Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Read – Wanda’s wine experiences, reviews and events: @winedinewanda
Listen – Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc Mix on spotify: wine with wanda
🌞ps manifesting sunshine with this post, on a 🌧️ NYC morning
Latest Read, Get the Picture
Another wintery outing to a fantastic event called, “Just One of Those Things,” at Joe’s Pub, House of Speak Easy for storytelling by best selling author, Bianca Bosker (her new book is Picture Perfect) and Roz Chast (I Must Be Dreaming), staff cartoonist for the New Yorker…along with two other authors, Benjamin Dryer (Dreyer’s English) and Ava Chin (Mott Street).
Joe’s is the ideal set up for dinner theater. It’s a phenomenal venue because it’s spacious, yet still intimate. The service is terrific and the food and wine selections pair well with the atmosphere. Everyone around me was RAVING about the fries!
Bianca’s first book, Cork Dork, inspired me to explore wine with more direction and depth after I read it the first time, and now as I read it again, it’s a reminder that I know absolutely nothing despite my efforts, and to continue the endless amount of learning, tasting and visiting the wineries whenever I can (and in moderation, of course!).
I’m well into Bianca’s new book, Picture Perfect, and it’s a joyful, insightful read and a real peek into the contemporary art world. Extra points for being mostly NYC based, so far. My main take away is that gaining context from the artist’s background, and understanding the idea behind the actual execution of the painting, connects you to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the artwork. Sounds so simple, right? Sometimes I do this, and oftentimes I don’t give the art a chance if it doesn’t immediately captivate me…..….
As You Are...
I recently went to a community dinner called Sit with Us, hosted by Cherry Bombe & Open Table at As You Are in the Ace Hotel, Brooklyn. A portion of the proceeds went to the Girls Club of NY.
We had assigned seating and were grouped with 6 or so to a table. It was so great chatting with everyone because they either have a strong passion for or are involved in some way with culinary/beverage or restaurant industry.
Our conversation was obviously delicious bc it was mostly about what to make, what to eat and where!
The menu offered a taste of what As You Are is all about—we started with beautiful mocktails, cocktails and natural wine. Dinner was awesome, with so many gorgeous colors in those salads and flavors that reminded me of DeMaria, one of Camille’s restaurants that I was super fond of.* I love Camille’s attention towards using healthier ingredients and offering natural wine and fresh juice. She doesn’t use processed sugar, corn syrup…none of that crap!
And then there was the majestic chocolate Cherry dessert finale with all the best qualities of a tartufo with a twist and a seriously thick chocolate shell, was beyond The Bombe!
*I just found the recipe for the Dragon Bowl on her website! Best Bowl Ever
TASTING NOTES…North Fork Wineries
Alie and Robin, the winemakers and owners of Chronicle Wines, exude passion and dedication to winemaking and the NF community. They are not only business partners and winemakers, they also have a longtime friendship.
When I walk into Chronicle, there’s a feeling of coziness and comfortability. The latest local artist in residence dresses their walls and the wine shop also offers local North Fork goods and is connected to the tasting room.
The flight of reds that they offer is delicious!
“Peace, joy, love, wine” was on a fabulous neon sign hanging from one of their doors that I remembered from a past trip.
Not sure if it’s still there, but the sentiment feels appropriate and spot on.
A few sips & a bite
A few sips of a delicious Vidal Blanc and another few sips of the Viognier…and then the delicious food that followed…and I nearly forgot that I awkwardly saved myself from face-planting on 7th Ave. south while speed-walking (not sure why I choose to race walk everywhere in NY) to The Wesley.
I digress from sharing this flawless al fresco dining experience…
* One of the most charming, low key WV streets
* A really thoughtful wine list that includes local and natural wine and a menu with attention to locally sourced and veggie forward food
* I’m still thinking about the Vidal Blanc from Virginia with slight skin contact and just enough funk that wasn’t taking away from all the delicious winey-ness that I need in a glass
* A crisp, super dry Viognier from Cline Cellars paired so well with everything.
YUM! BEYOND PHENOMENAL food and wine night! ❤️
Vidal Blanc
Early Mountain Vineyards
2021
Virginia
Viognier
Cline Cellars
2022
North Coast, CA
Snail Approved!
Drawing about restaurants who choose to do things sustainably, healthfully and when possible source locally, is so gratifying. It’s amazing to dine at restaurants who have so much passion and dedication towards supporting our local farms, distilleries and vineyards.
Featuring a few of my favorite restaurants who are “snail approved” through Slow Food New York, which means that I don’t have to work so hard to figure out their intentions because they are transparent about their sourcing and mission!
The Perfect Snack
I had hardly any free time, and I promised myself that I’d make to Gjelina, at least for a snack. This was in 2015 or 16…way too long ago! I ordered the first thing that caught my eye, when literally everything sounded like the perfect bite. The roasted rainbow carrots with citrus and pepitas…and although my recall is fuzzy, I believe the deliciously creamy companion to these sweet little carrots was burrata…or was it yogurt? I think it was burrata? Either way it was perfection and I remember the vibrance of those California carrots and the natural sweetness and seasoned saltiness of it all. It was the beach, the ocean and the gorgeous day infused into the perfect plate.
Somehow I missed a repeat visit to Gjelina, despite vowing to return ASAP to try as much as I could. And SOMEHOW I missed their short time in Noho. Unfortunately they had to close due to damage caused by a fire in the building. I’m relieved that they are able to recover and that they have plans to reopen…hope so!