Thought it would be good to post some of the First Coast’s upcoming wine tastings and wine related events for all of our area wine lovers. Let me know if you'd like me to post more of these in the future.
Do check out the Cork And Keg (108 Bartram Oaks Walk, Suite 105 Saint Johns, FL 32259, 287-4310), which will hold its monthly beer tasting this Thursday. (Besides their usual wine tastings on Wednesdays and Saturdays). $5
August 18, 2009 (Tue) 6 pm- 8 pm
Humanitarian Happy Hour with Wild Rock Wine
Tacolu 1183 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32250
249-8226
By the glass.
This event is more of a fundraiser than a tasting. Still, might be fun.
For every glass of Wild Rock wine from New Zealand ($6/glass), a donation will be made to SurfAid International, benefitting health programs in Indonesia. Cash bar - and great raffle prizes from Billabong!
August 19, 2009 (Wed) 6 pm - 8 pm
Atlantic Beach Wine Tasting & Cigar Smoker
ABC Fine Wine and Spirits (191) 295 Royal Palm Dr Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
246-8343
PRICE OF ADMISSION: $10
I know what you’re thinking. A wine tasting at an ABC Liquor store? But ABC’s have gotten positively classy lately, what with their huge wine selection and cigar humidor rooms. Give it a try! I certainly had more fun at the one I attended than I thought possible. (Also, the hors d’oeuvres they set out at mine were excellent). Your admission comes with a coupon, so you’ll be able to buy a wine you loved at the tasting!
Savor old favorites and move on to try new ones, sampling from more than 50 selections; enjoy gourmet hors d’oeuvres to complement the wine, and chat with our wine experts. Each guest receives a souvenir wine glass and a coupon for $5 off any purchase the night of the event. Cigar lovers—join us outside for a sampling of fine cigars.
August 20, 2009 (Thu) 5 pm - 8 pm
Anjo's Weekly Tasting
Anjo Liquors 9928-1 Old Baymeadows Rd Jacksonville, Florida 32256
646-2656
FREE
Anjo Liquors Weekly Tasting on August 20th. This free tasting runs from 5pm to 8pm and includes wine and liquor. We will be pouring Gruet Chardonnay, Castel Del Mago Brachetto, and 99 Bananas Schnapps. Please come by and try something new!
August 21, 2009 (Fri) 5 pm - 8 pm
Sake Tasting at Circle Japan
Circle Japan 12192 Beach Boulevard Ste 1 Jacksonville, FL 32246
710-5193
Technically, sake is a type of rice wine, though the alcohol content differs from standard wines. This is one of those events that I always mean to go to, but never quite make. They hold it every week.
Interested in real Japanese Nihonshuu (Sake)? Don’t know anything about it? Come to Circle Japan and try several styles of our featured brand for free. Find something you like, enjoy as “Masu Cup” of some excellent Sakes to explore the brew further. Want more? You can use your new knowledge of this excellent Japanese beverage to chose a fine bottle to take home and enjoy. This event is great for veterans of “Oishii” Nihonshuu or the novice who just wants to learn more about this tasty and rare (here in North Florida) beverage. Our unique Japanese grocery is open as well to serve your needs for fine oriental treats.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Avondale Artworks
Just a little press release on one of Jacksonville's newest art galleries:
Avondale Artworks (3568 St. Johns Avenue, Jacksonville) has opened in the Shoppes of Avondale. The new gallery focuses on exhibiting a variety of artworks in a variety of mediums, and in a variety of price ranges.
With the opening of Avondale Artworks, the number of galleries in the Shoppes of Avondale increases to four, making the Shoppes of Avondale a true destination for art and art lovers.
The current exhibition includes oil, acrylic, pastel, and watercolor paintings, photographic art, mixed media, pottery and ceramics. Current exhibitors include Chris Chavers, David Snyder, Brian Gray, Desiree Kantrim, Ken Stutes, Glenda Ramsey, Julianne French, Raquel Morcillo-Gallego, and Scott Morris.
In addition to exhibition and sale of artworks, the gallery offers printing of customer provided high-resolution photographic images on canvas and paper, and will also be providing art classes in the near future.
To celebrate its opening, Avondale Artworks will be hosting a grand opening celebration on Friday, September 4th, from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Visit www.AvondaleArtworks.com for more information and to sign-up for email notification on future gallery events.
Avondale Artworks (3568 St. Johns Avenue, Jacksonville) has opened in the Shoppes of Avondale. The new gallery focuses on exhibiting a variety of artworks in a variety of mediums, and in a variety of price ranges.
With the opening of Avondale Artworks, the number of galleries in the Shoppes of Avondale increases to four, making the Shoppes of Avondale a true destination for art and art lovers.
The current exhibition includes oil, acrylic, pastel, and watercolor paintings, photographic art, mixed media, pottery and ceramics. Current exhibitors include Chris Chavers, David Snyder, Brian Gray, Desiree Kantrim, Ken Stutes, Glenda Ramsey, Julianne French, Raquel Morcillo-Gallego, and Scott Morris.
In addition to exhibition and sale of artworks, the gallery offers printing of customer provided high-resolution photographic images on canvas and paper, and will also be providing art classes in the near future.
To celebrate its opening, Avondale Artworks will be hosting a grand opening celebration on Friday, September 4th, from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Visit www.AvondaleArtworks.com for more information and to sign-up for email notification on future gallery events.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Barbeque sauce
Where do you buy your barbecue sauce? Have a favorite local or not, comment here!
Jacksonville is barbecue country. One only has to look at the abundance of cue joints around town to realize that. Most of the good ones stick around for what seems like forever (Lou Bonos)but others fade away (Brown Brothers).
Even though barbecue is relatively cheap people are looking to be able to cook some at home. Even if you can't fire up the grill or smoke your own cue, you should at least be able to replicate some of that barbeque goodness at home.
The secret, as they say, is in the sauce.
Locals like to pick up theirs from their favorite barbeque places, from the blues kitchen of Mojos or the down home mustard sauce of Jenkins while some go all commercial with bottles of Sticky Fingers (not my choice, but still, to each their own).
I've just discovered Country Bob's All-Purpose Sauce. I like my sauces to bring more heat than sweet, but it makes for a decent base to start with, especially when you're not actually grilling. As far as I'm concerned, it's too damn hot to grill in Florida right now, but I like barbecue flavor in the summer. I end up doing some faux grilling in my kitchen by using some barbeque sauce.
Because Country Bob's is neutral enough as a sauce base that you can build on, going more spicy (with pureed peppers) or more savory (soy sauce). They do have a barbecue sauce in their brand, but I prefer to keep their All-Purpose sauce in my kitchen.
While it doesn't do as well on the grill, the sauce isn't as thick as many barbecue sauces, so it's easier to use in regular cooking. I find that it's bit too sweet for me to start with, but as it's designed to please a variety of palates, I find it to be a good commercial sauce.
As it is All-Purpose, you'll find it goes well with a lot of things and can be used as a dipping sauce or a last minute topping for burgers.
You can get Country Bob's at any nearby Wal-mart.
http://www.countrybobs.com/
Jacksonville is barbecue country. One only has to look at the abundance of cue joints around town to realize that. Most of the good ones stick around for what seems like forever (Lou Bonos)but others fade away (Brown Brothers).
Even though barbecue is relatively cheap people are looking to be able to cook some at home. Even if you can't fire up the grill or smoke your own cue, you should at least be able to replicate some of that barbeque goodness at home.
The secret, as they say, is in the sauce.
Locals like to pick up theirs from their favorite barbeque places, from the blues kitchen of Mojos or the down home mustard sauce of Jenkins while some go all commercial with bottles of Sticky Fingers (not my choice, but still, to each their own).
I've just discovered Country Bob's All-Purpose Sauce. I like my sauces to bring more heat than sweet, but it makes for a decent base to start with, especially when you're not actually grilling. As far as I'm concerned, it's too damn hot to grill in Florida right now, but I like barbecue flavor in the summer. I end up doing some faux grilling in my kitchen by using some barbeque sauce.
Because Country Bob's is neutral enough as a sauce base that you can build on, going more spicy (with pureed peppers) or more savory (soy sauce). They do have a barbecue sauce in their brand, but I prefer to keep their All-Purpose sauce in my kitchen.
While it doesn't do as well on the grill, the sauce isn't as thick as many barbecue sauces, so it's easier to use in regular cooking. I find that it's bit too sweet for me to start with, but as it's designed to please a variety of palates, I find it to be a good commercial sauce.
As it is All-Purpose, you'll find it goes well with a lot of things and can be used as a dipping sauce or a last minute topping for burgers.
You can get Country Bob's at any nearby Wal-mart.
http://www.countrybobs.com/
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Food Allergies and Preferences
More and more people are eating specialized diets, mainly because of allergies, but sometimes because of health. Gluten-free, meat-free, nut free, peanut-free and dairy-free diets are becoming more and more common.
Restaurants are changing because of this in the way they handle food. Cross contamination from nuts and peanuts is a real concern.
On Slashfood, blogger Hanna Raskin talks about the server's role in helping customers with allergies.
She also chides those with allergies for coming to a restaurant featuring the very things they are allergic to:
As a server at a seafood restaurant, it sometimes seems like every one of those unlucky eaters has sat at one of my tables. I still can't understand why someone who can't stomach wheat or fish would choose to dine at a place renowned for its lobster mac and cheese
Unfortunately those with allergies don't always have a choice as to where they dine. Eating food is a social activity. Generally, if you want to hang with a group of people, you'll end up eating with them.
I've called ahead to talk to a chef when it's a special occasion or it's a nice restaurant. Otherwise I talk to the server. With chains I try to do research.
Restaurants are changing because of this in the way they handle food. Cross contamination from nuts and peanuts is a real concern.
On Slashfood, blogger Hanna Raskin talks about the server's role in helping customers with allergies.
She also chides those with allergies for coming to a restaurant featuring the very things they are allergic to:
As a server at a seafood restaurant, it sometimes seems like every one of those unlucky eaters has sat at one of my tables. I still can't understand why someone who can't stomach wheat or fish would choose to dine at a place renowned for its lobster mac and cheese
Unfortunately those with allergies don't always have a choice as to where they dine. Eating food is a social activity. Generally, if you want to hang with a group of people, you'll end up eating with them.
I've called ahead to talk to a chef when it's a special occasion or it's a nice restaurant. Otherwise I talk to the server. With chains I try to do research.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Upcoming August Food Events
Just two food events coming up this month that you might want to consider:
August 15 Japanese Favorites Cooking Class One Saturday each month, Blue Bamboo‘s Chef Dennis Chan hosts a cooking class. $38 per person, includes lunch and a glass of wine. 10 am-noon, 3820 Southside Blvd
August 17-23 Eat Up Downtown Save the date and your appetite! Downtown Vision, Inc. is dishing out exquisite cuisine at an affordable price during the third annual Eat Up Downtown, Downtown Jacksonville’s dining week. More Downtown restaurants have joined this year to promote Downtown as a dining destination including Charthouse and Morton’s Steakhouse. From hip cafés to elegant steak houses, participating restaurants each offer specially selected, three-course dinner menus for $25 per person. There are no coupons to clip or tickets to buy, simply view the menus online, select a restaurant and call the restaurant for reservations. Try a new restaurant or visit an old favorite and Eat Up Downtown!
August 15 Japanese Favorites Cooking Class One Saturday each month, Blue Bamboo‘s Chef Dennis Chan hosts a cooking class. $38 per person, includes lunch and a glass of wine. 10 am-noon, 3820 Southside Blvd
August 17-23 Eat Up Downtown Save the date and your appetite! Downtown Vision, Inc. is dishing out exquisite cuisine at an affordable price during the third annual Eat Up Downtown, Downtown Jacksonville’s dining week. More Downtown restaurants have joined this year to promote Downtown as a dining destination including Charthouse and Morton’s Steakhouse. From hip cafés to elegant steak houses, participating restaurants each offer specially selected, three-course dinner menus for $25 per person. There are no coupons to clip or tickets to buy, simply view the menus online, select a restaurant and call the restaurant for reservations. Try a new restaurant or visit an old favorite and Eat Up Downtown!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
