“A bottle of white, a bottle of red, perhaps a bottle of rosé instead.” – Billy Joel, Scenes from an Italian Restaurant
“Trey, I was like yo, Trey, do you think you could buy me a bottle of rosé?” – Nicki Minaj/Trey Songz, Bottoms Up
In the wine world, nothing says Summer like rosé! This coppery-pink elixir is currently being consumed by the case in hot spots ranging from East Hampton to St. Tropez. It’s crisp, refreshing and incredibly versatile as demonstrated by mentions from artists ranging from Billy Joel to Trey Songz. In keeping with the season, we’re giving away a very special bottle of rosé this month to one lucky winner, the Château D’Esclans Garrus Côtes de Provence Rosé – a $100 value!
This wine is from one of my favorite Provençal producers, Château D’Esclans (for more about them and our visit, please click here) and is the crown jewel of the Chateau’s portfolio. Proprietor Sacha Lichine has elevated the “glamour factor” of rosé, taking it from an “everyday wine” to something exceptional with his artisanal approach. The grapes for Garrus come from very old Grenache and Rolle vines which produce concentrated fruit with lots of flavor. The juice undergoes fermentation in both new and second year demi-muids and Burgundian style bâtonnage occurs twice weekly for 10 months. The result is a full-bodied rosé with heady aromas of strawberry, ginger and spice. On the palate, flavors of red berries, vanilla and clove are framed by ever so balanced tannins and acid. This sublime bottling will pair with dishes ranging from pan seared scallops to filet mignon or…nothing at all!
To enter the giveaway for the Château D’Esclans Garrus Rosé, simply leave a comment at the end of this post and tell us your favorite Summer vacation spot. From your own backyard to Martha’s Vineyard we want to know which place you love to escape to this time of year. Entering the giveaway is that simple and for additional chances to win, you can (1) sign up to receive our weekly newsletter by clicking here and/or (2) leave a comment on another one of our blog posts. Each additional comment will count as one additional chance to win.
This giveaway is open to anyone 21 years of age or older who lives in the continental United States and ends Wednesday, August 5, 2015 at 8:00pm EST when a winner will be randomly drawn. The lucky winner will be contacted immediately to arrange expedited shipping and the cost of shipping is included as part of the contest.
Best of luck and remember, you have to play to win so leave your comment now!
Cheers,
For those of you who enjoy traveling with your dogs, have I got a find for you! This edition of Glamorous Getaways features The Park On Main in Highlands, North Carolina, a hotel that not only allows guests to bring their dogs but was designed with man’s best friend in mind. Our two dachshunds, Louis and Coco, joined us on... Read More
The post Glamorous Getaways: The Pet Friendly Park on Main – Highlands, North Carolina! appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.
For those of you who enjoy traveling with your dogs, have I got a find for you! This edition of Glamorous Getaways features The Park On Main in Highlands, North Carolina, a hotel that not only allows guests to bring their dogs but was designed with man’s best friend in mind. Our two dachshunds, Louis and Coco, joined us on this adventure which entailed a 12-hour drive from South Florida, but it was well worth the trek to discover this wonderful respite from the sweltering South Florida Summer heat!
Louis surveying our new digs!
The Park on Main is located at the western end of Highland’s tony Main Street which features a delightful selection of restaurants, art galleries and boutiques. Originally built in the 1980’s, the hotel operated as the Highlands Suites Hotel until it was purchased in 2013 and closed for a year long renovation. The hotel reopened in July 2014 as The Park on Main and the result is an elegant, yet relaxed 24-suite hotel whose rooms surround a beautifully landscaped garden terrace, inspired by New York City’s Central Park.
The hotel entrance is flanked by Mackenzie-Childs Courtly Check water bowls and stone statues of a dachshund and the hotel’s mascot, Mr. Pickles, a spunky black Scottish terrier, which made our pups feel right at home! The beautiful black and white lobby features a gorgeous crystal chandelier, sumptuous drapery, and beadboard paneling adorned with floor to ceiling canine oil paintings. The hotel staff was also very helpful and welcoming led by General Manager, Michael Hammond who’s been with the hotel since it re-opened a year ago. “This is a hotel built by animal lovers,” Hammond shared, “we’re also the second hotel in the nation to partner with a rescue organization to help shelter animals get adopted.” The Park on Main partners with the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society and features a dog on-site every month that’s available for adoption. “Clyde was our dog who just got adopted and we’re waiting to get another one.” It’s nice to know a hotel which caters to pets also goes the extra mile to help shelter pets in their community find loving, forever homes.
Upon entering our room, Louis and Coco bounded into the beautifully appointed (Superior King) guest suite which featured the hotel’s hallmark Mackenzie-Childs dog bowls, cozy Orvis dog bed, lovely white marble bathroom and extremely comfortable bed which Louis approved after performing his rigorous quality check (watch above video to see him in action). Amenities included in every hotel suite at Park on Main are a refrigerator, Keurig coffee maker and generously sized flat screen TVs in both the living area and bedroom. Our Superior King Suite had plenty of room for the pups to run around and fit all of our “gear” comfortably. While the hotel does not have an onsite restaurant, they do offer a selection of breakfast items in the morning (yogurt, croissants, English muffins, milk and cereal etc) and there are plenty of dining options available on Main Street just steps outside the front door.
The Park on Main is a true gem in North Carolina’s beautiful Highlands and we’re already looking forward to our return. If you decide to go and bring your dog(s), here are 5 things you won’t want to miss during your visit:
1.) Stroll down Main Street: While only a few blocks long, Main Street is perfect for a stroll with your pups – there’s so much for them to sniff and savor! Just be prepared to stop every few minutes for people as well as shop keepers to love on your pooches and give them treats.
2.) Ice Cream at Kilwin’s: An afternoon scoop at Kilwin’s became part of our daily routine during our stay. The courtyard out front is a social gathering place full of delightful folks and their children and pets seeking to socialize and enjoy the beautiful day – not to mention the ice cream!
Shrimp & Grits with Applewood Smoked Bacon & Garlic Toast at Bistro on Main!
3.) Dine al fresco at Bistro on Main: This delightfully dog friendly eatery is perfect for enjoying lunch or dinner outside with your pup(s). Summer daytime temps seldom break 75 degrees and evenings are in the low 60’s, making it the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the delicious food and ambiance. The Bistro’s delicious Southern-inspired cuisine will also delight your palate!
4.) Curl up on a rainy afternoon: Highlands experiences abundant rainfall, averaging about 100 inches per year, so chances are you’ll experience some rain during your visit. When a storm blows in, be sure to seize the opportunity to curl up with your pup and read a favorite book or magazine and enjoy the moment.
5.) Enjoy a glass of wine at the Mountaintop Wine Shoppe: We fell in love with this adorable wine store located across the street from The Park on Main in one of the oldest historical buildings in Highlands. So leash the hounds and trot them over for a delicious glass of wine on the front terrace under the oak trees. Be sure to check their calendar of events as well!
The Park on Main
205 Main Street
Highlands, NC 28741
800.221.5078
Cheers,
When I came across this recipe for Tuscan White Bean & Escarole Soup with Tuna in the July issue of Food & Wine Magazine I was a little perplexed. Canned tuna in olive oil in a soup - seriously, Justin Chapple?While initially wary, once I noticed the über-healthy and delicious list of ingredients, I decided to take a chance. Thankfully my hunch paid off! This healthy dish is a study in deliciousness and I've also discovered a wonderful wine to pair with it.
When making this recipe, be sure to use tuna packed in olive oil (I like solid albacore) which gives the soup nice body and flavor - resist the urge to substitute tuna packed in water! As suggested, garnish the soup with a delicious dusting of freshly grated Parmesan and also serve it with toasted or grilled slices of crusty French bread rubbed with a garlic clove which really makes the flavors "pop."As for a wine pairing, we sampled a couple bottles and a Sauvignon Blanc from Chile was too acidic and did nothing to enhance the flavor of the soup. The Clos de Nouys Vouvray Sec on the other hand, a 100% Chenin Blanc from France's Loire Valley, complemented the dish very nicely! The wine's slight sweetness took the edge off the acidity and it's flavors of apple, fig and almond really hit all the right notes.
I hope you enjoy this soup as much as we do and have you ever been pleasantly surprised by a recipe or dish which expanded your culinary horizons? Please let me know in the comment section below!Cheers,
"Fast & Fabulous: Tuscan White Bean & Escarole Soup with Tuna"
Recipe Type: Soup
Author:
Serves: 4
Ingredients
When I came across this recipe for Tuscan White Bean & Escarole Soup with Tuna in the July issue of Food & Wine Magazine I was a little perplexed. Canned tuna in olive oil in a soup – seriously, Justin Chapple? While initially wary, once I noticed the über-healthy and delicious list of ingredients, I decided to take a chance.... Read More
The post Fast & Fabulous: Tuscan White Bean & Escarole Soup with Tuna appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.
When I came across this recipe for Tuscan White Bean & Escarole Soup with Tuna in the July issue of Food & Wine Magazine I was a little perplexed. Canned tuna in olive oil in a soup – seriously, Justin Chapple? While initially wary, once I noticed the über-healthy and delicious list of ingredients, I decided to take a chance. Thankfully my hunch paid off! This healthy dish is a study in deliciousness and I’ve also discovered a wonderful wine to pair with it.
Beautiful fresh escarole!
When making this recipe, be sure to use tuna packed in olive oil (I like solid albacore) which gives the soup nice body and flavor – resist the urge to substitute tuna packed in water! As suggested, garnish the soup with a delicious dusting of freshly grated Parmesan and also serve it with toasted or grilled slices of crusty French bread rubbed with a garlic clove which really makes the flavors “pop.” As for a wine pairing, we sampled a couple bottles and a Sauvignon Blanc from Chile was too acidic and did nothing to enhance the flavor of the soup. The 2009 Clos de Nouys Vouvray Sec on the other hand, a 100% Chenin Blanc from France’s Loire Valley, complemented the dish very nicely! The wine’s slight sweetness took the edge off the acidity and it’s flavors of apple, fig and almond really hit all the right notes.
I hope you enjoy this soup as much as we did and have you ever been pleasantly surprised by a recipe or dish which expanded your culinary horizons? Please let us know in the comment section below!
Cheers,
“Tuscan White Bean & Escarole Soup with Tuna”
Justin Chapple, July Issue of Food & Wine Magazine
Serves 4
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, chopped
10 oz. escarole, chopped
2 teaspoons minced rosemary
6 cups chicken stock
One 15-oz. can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
15 oz. tuna in olive oil, drained
Salt and pepper
Shredded Parmesan cheese and crusty bread for serving
Heat the oil in a pot. Add the onions and garlic and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes. Add the escarole and rosemary and cook until the escarole is wilted, 3 minutes. Add the stock, beans and tuna and bring to a boil. Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and serve the soup with shredded Parmesan and crusty bread.
In France, the fourteenth of July is referred to as Le Quatorze Juillet, otherwise known as Bastille Day. This important date commemorates the 1790 Fête de la Fédération held on the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille on July 14th, 1789. In solidarity with the French, I like to prepare a special Bastille Day Menu that brings the Champs-Élysées to Chez Miskew! The... Read More
The post Bastille Day Menu: Frisée aux Lardons & Honey Fleur de Lys! appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.
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