Canada’s French Speaking Population Shuns “Big Wines”

French Canadians, especially the over forty group, enjoy to drink lighter European wines and pass over New World Wines such as big, high-alcohol Australian wines and avoid California bottles that exhibit rapidly climbing alcohol levels. They prefer a Muscadet to a giant Aussie Chardonnay or a 12.5% alcohol Bordeaux or Burgundy red to a 14-15% red Australian monster. They echo my sentiments as does Europe, and I am increasingly disappointed in the steady rise in alcohol levels in wines.
In addition to the cravings of the general populous for fruit bombs part of the reason for the rise of higher-alcohol wines, again comes down to money, as lower-alcohol wines need a longer time in the cellar. Another sad fact of this modern and disturbing trend, is that these wines are “hotter” when sliding down the throat and much more difficult to pair with food.

Robert Parker’s remark to a California Pinot Noir wine producer who was trying to make wine with less power and more finesse, “If you want to make French wine, do it in France”. This outburst was uncalled for and did not help matters, as most California winemakers would halfheartedly acquiesce to Parker’s preference for California wines to be a boozy confectionery.

Celebrity chef Emiril Lagasse who has garnered more attention in the past from his flippant chatter than his unremarkable cooking, has possibly found his métier in E2, a new, casual dining and take out restaurant he has opened in Charlotte, N.C.

Specializing in cooking from Kyushu and Okinawa, the newly opened Katsu on Sukhumvit Soi 53 in Bangkok has seven other branches in Shanghai, China. They offer a few choice Shochu and Sake selections along with the usual bar offerings in clean and crisp recently redesigned surroundings.

Katsu’s bar

A not often to be found seaweed served with a special sauce

Potato cream croquettes

Chicken meatball skewers

Pending a decision by Santa Monica’s City Council Chez Jay might not be around much longer. The owner Jay Fiondella passed away in 2008 and his daughter is running it with former manager Michael Anderson. The vision and rules of operation and construction of the premises expected by the city, leave little leeway for free expression by the operator, who by the way, must privately finance it. It seems to me, it is a tight call as to whether it is worth it under the specific construction and operating rules laid down by the city, for Chez Jay’s to go forward. Keeping consistent with the overall look of the city’s Palisades Garden Walk and “Healthy Foods Initiative” and other restrictions might make it almost impossible.

For more information read this 2009 article

The venerable Beverly Hills Hotel AKA: “The BH Hotel” has turned One Hundred Years Old. The incidents that went on inside the hotel walls, and especially in the bungalows, and most definitely within the lush gardens, will remain an obscured secret. Although, it is fairly common knowledge that Marilyn Monroe filmed “Let’s Make Love” in a couple of the bungalows on the grounds and Howard Hughes retained a permanent bungalow at the hotel until his death.

In honor of celebrating one hundred years of existence, the hotel is offering a few memorable cocktails, however, the price is $100 each plus tax & tip. For a few very, fortunate guests their tabs will be converted to 1912 prices; raise your glasses to that!

For more information: Please visit this link to read an article on the Beverly Hill Hotel Polo Lounge written in 2010.

In countries outside the USA with a cafe culture already highly developed, McDonalds adapts their McCafe brand. In Thailand where I live, that means local menu selections are integrated into the menu. In Brazil, it means Pão De Queijo their famous cheesy bread is featured; in Montreal it is poutine (a mixture of gravy and cheese curds); in France it is an oblong hamburger in a baguette McBaguette with Elemental cheese and may be accompanied by a McBeer; In Italy Mozzarillo Burger Mozarella cheese accompanied by basil and tomato mayonnaise on forcaccia bread; United Arab Emirate branches of Pizza Hut offers a pizza with the edge of the crust stuffed with mini-cheeseburgers and a topping of cheeseburgers, Thousand Island dressing, cheese, lettuce, and tomato. There is nothing I can add after this last abomination from the Emirates, as that is about as unappetizing as it gets, as far as I am concerned.

Domaine Raveneau is the most sublime and celebrated estate of Chablis

The domaine’s production has always been miniscule and highly sought after worldwide. To get a hold of a bottle of Raveneau is like a treasure hunt. Once the wines are released,they are snapped up and disappeared from the market.

Similar for our case, once the wines arrived, we sold out.
We chose to keep a few bottles, our intent is to spread the passion for Reveneau and make sure you have a chance to sample them.

Executive Chef Leonardo Concezzi will prepare various dishes to be paired with Domaine Raveneau lineup.
The wines that night will be,

Domaine Raveneau Chablis 2009
Domaine Raveneau Chablis Premier Cru Butteaux 2009
Domaine Raveneau Chablis Grand Cru Blanchot 2009
Champagne Henri Giraud,Hommage à Francois Hemart NV : Top 3 Champagne NV in the world
Caprice de Bastor-Lamontagne 2007, Sauternes

Date :Thursday  May 17th, 7pm
Price : 3,200 bht ++
Reservation : Tel. 02 207 7801 or email: fb.bangkok@stregis.com.

We hope to see you there!

Cordially, Wisan Pijitbandan

Terroir Wines SA
Tel +6681 816 4262,Fax +662 422 1941,
http://terroirwines.co.th , http://www.facebook.com/terroirwines

images: Restaurant-Dining Critiques.com

The Catbird Seat – On The Rooftop
At Grass – Corner of Thonglor Soi 12
Restaurant, Cocktail Bar & Wine
Tel. +66(0)2 714 8551 Fax. +66()02 714 8622
website: www.thecatbirdrestaurants.com
email: info@thecatbirdrestaurants.com

The Catbird Seat at the top of Grass on Thonglor is an excellent place to unwind, it offers a delightful terrace that usually has a cooling breeze, and overlooks the trendy scene as Thonglor “wakes up” at night in this famous area of Bangkok. It also has an inside dining room and bar. The cuisine is very distinctive, with a range of dishes that will please the palate. Try the Moroccan Tagine! They offer a broad range of wines by the glass and a wine list with old and new world wines.