Hello to all my wonderful friends & foodie family!
As I finish this week's tale of wine & food, the windows are fogging up & the house is being filled with the sweet smell of our Christmas tamales steaming in baskets on the stove... Pretty soon I'll need to throw some Prosecco on ice, as we have our family from the San Juan's here, & more hungry friends arriving for a Mexican feast on a chilly clear January night, a welcome respite from the damp misty days that have been the norm for the New Year. So on with the news!
I'm sure many of us will be celebrating the historic election of our new 44th President, next Tuesday, so I've got some bubbly recommendations for you this week, plus the notable return of Gouguenheim Malbec, & some great deals in the offerings. So read on, & "Yes, we can!"
Besitos,
Catherine Reynolds
Presidenta, Queso y Vino, 206-518-1166, quesoyvino@gmail.com
PS- Subscribe to the Q.y.V newsletter--it's fun, taste-inspiring, & free!!!
_______________
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Queso y Vino's Mediterranean Getaway at Olivar
806 E. Roy Street (in Capitol Hill)
Thursday, January 29th at 7:00 pm
$55 a person, including wine (plus tax & gratuity)
OUR MENU~
Tortilla Espanola
carmelized onions, sherry vinegar
Fresh Spanish Sardines Escabeche
pan con tomate
Seared Scallops con Nuevo Arroz Negro
fried black squid ink rice
House-Marinated Lamb Cutlets
rosemary & thyme, garlic flan
"Chocolate Delight"
_______________
CRISP CHEESE TIKKI PATTIES from Asian Tapas by Cristophe Megel & Anton Kilayko
Inauguration Day is coming up, & I know that there is going to be some serious partying going on, at least in Seattle... Let's bring in the new year with some spiced-up queso! I made this Northern Indian-inspired recipe for New Year's a few years ago, & I still remember the flavors of nutty chickpea flour, the pungency of ginger & cilantro, and piping hot cheese oozing in a delicious wave of Asian flavors. These are best served straight from the pan, but I guarantee they won't last long once they're plated up!
Cook's tip: (The patties can be prepared the day before & refrigerated before frying.)
Makes 24 pieces
1 cup drained yogurt* (instructions below)
1 cup cream cheese or paneer
1/2 large red onion, diced
4 Tbs minced fresh ginger root
2 tsp minced cilantro leaves
1/2 to 1 tsp salt
3/4 cup chickpea flour or breadcrumbs
Oil for deep-frying
Combine the yogurt & cream cheese or paneer in a bowl & mix well with the onion, chilies, ginger, coriander leaves & salt. Chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to harden slightly.
Pour the chickpea flour or breadcrumbs into a medium bowl. Flour your hands, scoop 1 Tbs of the cheese mixture & form it into a small patty. Coat the patty on all sides with the chickpea flour or breadcrumbs. Repeat until the cheese mixture is used up.
Deep fry the patties in a wok or a saucepan over high heat, turning constantly, for 1 minute or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels & serve hot.
*Hang the yogurt for 1/2 an hour in a piece of cloth or placing it in a paper coffee filter & allowing it to drain out.
THIS WEEK'S QUESO Y VINO WINE PICKS
Queso y Vino, your mobile wine shop complete with a traveling expert Iberian sommelier (that's me!) is at your service. Hope you jump on the board to sample these tasty cellar selections & affordable wines... Personally selected "Omakase" cases built around your palate, desires, & budget are my specialty. Check out the growing selection of wines available that are listed on my blog, & special requests are always welcome. Why buy at a grocery store when you can support a locally-grown business?
I offer a 10% discount on whole or mixed cases, free delivery for orders over $150, smaller orders will be conveniently & gladly delivered to you for the nominal fee of $10. Ask me if you'd like to arrange a free pick up at the Saturday University Farmer's Market or Sunday at the Ballard Farmer's Market or the West Seattle Farmer's Market.
Obama Bubblies!
Graham Beck Brut NV, Stellenbosch $14.99
A.k.a.known as "Yes, we can!" wine... What did new President-elect Barack Obama pop open before he addressed the world at Grant Park? This fantabulous Brut from South Africa!!! The Obama's discovered this sparkling wine at the recommendation of a sommelier at their favorite restaurant in Chicago, Blackbird, (hey, I've been there!) & then ordered six bottles for November 4th. Not only was Graham Beck used to commemorate this historic election in the US, but it was also the celebratory drink at the inauguration of South Africa's first democratically elected president, Nelson Mandela.
Winemaker Pieter Ferreira studied his bubble-making at Krug before returning to South Africa & joining Graham Beck--impressive pedigree! This Brut is made in the Cap Classique tradition with Pinot Noir & Chardonnay, & sings with apple & pear, freshly buttered brioche, & ginger biscuits. What a way to celebrate...
European Vines Prosecco Spumante, Veneto $12.99
I have been getting more & more requests for Prosecco, so my sparkling wine selection is growing to be quite international! This uber-lovely Prosecco is hand-crafted by the Botter family for local importer, Triage Wines, & comes from the Italian commune of Valdobbiadene in the hills north of Venice. I fell for this as soon as I swooned at the perfumed nose of dry peach slices & a well of rosewater... This almost tastes like a Bellini all in itself--fresh hand-squeezed white nectarines with crisp fine bubbles floating underneath. Ahhhh. I start to relax as soon as I *think* about popping open this sparkler!
Cristalino Brut Nature Vintage Cava 2005, $14.99 750 ml, $15.99 Magnums!!!
Okay, so everybody & their brother knows about Cristalino, but I hadn't seen their single vintage bottling since a tasting at their winery in Spain! This is special stuff, as they age for 30 months on the lees, & add 30% Chardonnay, half of which has been aged in oak. Intriguing notes of egg custard, toasty pears, & smokiness--this cava is completely unique. These are serious bubbles with a long-lasting austere grapefruit/lime finish with almost a Manzanilla-ish quality. Wow, pretty cool stuff.
So here's the deal with the magnum price--magnums of the regular Cristalino Brut were supposed to arrive, but didn't, so the distributor had to match the price. Normally the magnums of their Vintage Brut go for $20 wholesale--you'd be silly to pass this deal up!!!
RECOMMENDED "HOUSE" REDS!
Ercavio Tempranillo 2005, Vino de la Tierra Castilla $10.99 (reg. $11.99)
More than just a tourist destination, Toledo is beginning to export some fantastic wines. The local varietal Cencibel is a clone of Tempranillo with an earthier dark-fruited feel that had me crowing. Fermented partially in traditional tinajas, clay vessels dating back to 1851, Ercavio speaks the language of coriander, soil, black currants & basil. Loved the melted chocolate essence of this vintage & this is always a fave when I've poured it. This would go hand & hand with a wooden plate of garlicky chorizo & a sultry flamenca by your side. Ole!
-90 points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Teofilo Reyes Tamiz 2006, Ribera del Duero $14.99 (reg. $17.99)
According to Robert Parker, "By most accounts, Teofilo Reyes is the most legendary winemaker in Ribera del Duero." This comes as no surprise as Reyes made his first wine in 1950 at the young age of 28, and went on to become the winemaker for famed bodega Pesquera from 1974 to 1993, and finally went off to form his own winery in '94. And I'm partial to graduated renegades these days, okay?
This is a brand new (& I must say, an swirly artistic label that definitely shocked me when I saw it--you go, Teo!) wine that brings Bodegas Reyes well into the 21st century. 100% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) aged 7 months in American oak, Tamiz offers a sweet shop of tootsie roll, brownie & black cherry aromas to sink your nose into. Cedar & framboise oo la la, fine spices with good strong shoulders. I would be diggin' this with some mole braised short ribs, oh yes I would.
As I finish this week's tale of wine & food, the windows are fogging up & the house is being filled with the sweet smell of our Christmas tamales steaming in baskets on the stove... Pretty soon I'll need to throw some Prosecco on ice, as we have our family from the San Juan's here, & more hungry friends arriving for a Mexican feast on a chilly clear January night, a welcome respite from the damp misty days that have been the norm for the New Year. So on with the news!
I'm sure many of us will be celebrating the historic election of our new 44th President, next Tuesday, so I've got some bubbly recommendations for you this week, plus the notable return of Gouguenheim Malbec, & some great deals in the offerings. So read on, & "Yes, we can!"
Besitos,
Catherine Reynolds
Presidenta, Queso y Vino, 206-518-1166, quesoyvino@gmail.com
PS- Subscribe to the Q.y.V newsletter--it's fun, taste-inspiring, & free!!!
_______________
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Queso y Vino's Mediterranean Getaway at Olivar
806 E. Roy Street (in Capitol Hill)
Thursday, January 29th at 7:00 pm
$55 a person, including wine (plus tax & gratuity)
OUR MENU~
Tortilla Espanola
carmelized onions, sherry vinegar
Fresh Spanish Sardines Escabeche
pan con tomate
Seared Scallops con Nuevo Arroz Negro
fried black squid ink rice
House-Marinated Lamb Cutlets
rosemary & thyme, garlic flan
"Chocolate Delight"
_______________
CRISP CHEESE TIKKI PATTIES from Asian Tapas by Cristophe Megel & Anton Kilayko
Inauguration Day is coming up, & I know that there is going to be some serious partying going on, at least in Seattle... Let's bring in the new year with some spiced-up queso! I made this Northern Indian-inspired recipe for New Year's a few years ago, & I still remember the flavors of nutty chickpea flour, the pungency of ginger & cilantro, and piping hot cheese oozing in a delicious wave of Asian flavors. These are best served straight from the pan, but I guarantee they won't last long once they're plated up!
Cook's tip: (The patties can be prepared the day before & refrigerated before frying.)
Makes 24 pieces
1 cup drained yogurt* (instructions below)
1 cup cream cheese or paneer
1/2 large red onion, diced
4 Tbs minced fresh ginger root
2 tsp minced cilantro leaves
1/2 to 1 tsp salt
3/4 cup chickpea flour or breadcrumbs
Oil for deep-frying
Combine the yogurt & cream cheese or paneer in a bowl & mix well with the onion, chilies, ginger, coriander leaves & salt. Chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to harden slightly.
Pour the chickpea flour or breadcrumbs into a medium bowl. Flour your hands, scoop 1 Tbs of the cheese mixture & form it into a small patty. Coat the patty on all sides with the chickpea flour or breadcrumbs. Repeat until the cheese mixture is used up.
Deep fry the patties in a wok or a saucepan over high heat, turning constantly, for 1 minute or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels & serve hot.
*Hang the yogurt for 1/2 an hour in a piece of cloth or placing it in a paper coffee filter & allowing it to drain out.
_______________
THIS WEEK'S QUESO Y VINO WINE PICKS
Queso y Vino, your mobile wine shop complete with a traveling expert Iberian sommelier (that's me!) is at your service. Hope you jump on the board to sample these tasty cellar selections & affordable wines... Personally selected "Omakase" cases built around your palate, desires, & budget are my specialty. Check out the growing selection of wines available that are listed on my blog, & special requests are always welcome. Why buy at a grocery store when you can support a locally-grown business?
I offer a 10% discount on whole or mixed cases, free delivery for orders over $150, smaller orders will be conveniently & gladly delivered to you for the nominal fee of $10. Ask me if you'd like to arrange a free pick up at the Saturday University Farmer's Market or Sunday at the Ballard Farmer's Market or the West Seattle Farmer's Market.
Obama Bubblies!
Graham Beck Brut NV, Stellenbosch $14.99
A.k.a.known as "Yes, we can!" wine... What did new President-elect Barack Obama pop open before he addressed the world at Grant Park? This fantabulous Brut from South Africa!!! The Obama's discovered this sparkling wine at the recommendation of a sommelier at their favorite restaurant in Chicago, Blackbird, (hey, I've been there!) & then ordered six bottles for November 4th. Not only was Graham Beck used to commemorate this historic election in the US, but it was also the celebratory drink at the inauguration of South Africa's first democratically elected president, Nelson Mandela.
Winemaker Pieter Ferreira studied his bubble-making at Krug before returning to South Africa & joining Graham Beck--impressive pedigree! This Brut is made in the Cap Classique tradition with Pinot Noir & Chardonnay, & sings with apple & pear, freshly buttered brioche, & ginger biscuits. What a way to celebrate...
European Vines Prosecco Spumante, Veneto $12.99
I have been getting more & more requests for Prosecco, so my sparkling wine selection is growing to be quite international! This uber-lovely Prosecco is hand-crafted by the Botter family for local importer, Triage Wines, & comes from the Italian commune of Valdobbiadene in the hills north of Venice. I fell for this as soon as I swooned at the perfumed nose of dry peach slices & a well of rosewater... This almost tastes like a Bellini all in itself--fresh hand-squeezed white nectarines with crisp fine bubbles floating underneath. Ahhhh. I start to relax as soon as I *think* about popping open this sparkler!
Cristalino Brut Nature Vintage Cava 2005, $14.99 750 ml, $15.99 Magnums!!!
Okay, so everybody & their brother knows about Cristalino, but I hadn't seen their single vintage bottling since a tasting at their winery in Spain! This is special stuff, as they age for 30 months on the lees, & add 30% Chardonnay, half of which has been aged in oak. Intriguing notes of egg custard, toasty pears, & smokiness--this cava is completely unique. These are serious bubbles with a long-lasting austere grapefruit/lime finish with almost a Manzanilla-ish quality. Wow, pretty cool stuff.
So here's the deal with the magnum price--magnums of the regular Cristalino Brut were supposed to arrive, but didn't, so the distributor had to match the price. Normally the magnums of their Vintage Brut go for $20 wholesale--you'd be silly to pass this deal up!!!
RECOMMENDED "HOUSE" REDS!
Gouguenheim Malbec 2007, Mendoza
ARG $9.99
New vintage! I'm
head over heels for all the Gouguenheim wines--the price, the flavor,
the package--incredible for ten bucks. This extremely popular wine is
back in to ring in the New Year! Fresh blackberries & cassis tango
with smokey bbq notes & a kiss of mint. Textured & elegant,
this Malbec has a smoothness that makes it uber-versatile & amongst
my perennial $10 & under favorites. I'm telling you, you can't go
wrong with Gouguenheim!
Ercavio Tempranillo 2005, Vino de la Tierra Castilla $10.99 (reg. $11.99)
More than just a tourist destination, Toledo is beginning to export some fantastic wines. The local varietal Cencibel is a clone of Tempranillo with an earthier dark-fruited feel that had me crowing. Fermented partially in traditional tinajas, clay vessels dating back to 1851, Ercavio speaks the language of coriander, soil, black currants & basil. Loved the melted chocolate essence of this vintage & this is always a fave when I've poured it. This would go hand & hand with a wooden plate of garlicky chorizo & a sultry flamenca by your side. Ole!
-90 points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Teofilo Reyes Tamiz 2006, Ribera del Duero $14.99 (reg. $17.99)
According to Robert Parker, "By most accounts, Teofilo Reyes is the most legendary winemaker in Ribera del Duero." This comes as no surprise as Reyes made his first wine in 1950 at the young age of 28, and went on to become the winemaker for famed bodega Pesquera from 1974 to 1993, and finally went off to form his own winery in '94. And I'm partial to graduated renegades these days, okay?
This is a brand new (& I must say, an swirly artistic label that definitely shocked me when I saw it--you go, Teo!) wine that brings Bodegas Reyes well into the 21st century. 100% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) aged 7 months in American oak, Tamiz offers a sweet shop of tootsie roll, brownie & black cherry aromas to sink your nose into. Cedar & framboise oo la la, fine spices with good strong shoulders. I would be diggin' this with some mole braised short ribs, oh yes I would.
Copyright 2009, Queso y Vino
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