Posts Tagged ‘wine’
5 New Ways to Food on Valentine’s Day
Posted by Sally Traynham / Tuesday, January 31st, 2012
The stress of Valentine’s Day may be looming on your shoulders as February kicks off tomorrow. This year, plan ahead and avoid the craziness of Valentine’s Day goers looking to drop loads of cash on fancy dinners.
Instead, stay in, simplify life and enjoy the evening with your loved one by doing something different than selecting items off the traditional prix-fixe menu.
Need Ideas? Here’s my list:
1 . Have a Movie Night with a Kicked-Up Snack.
Customize a movie list for the perfect evening with you and your beaux, but don’t forget the popcorn. Because you are not eating out this year, splurge by making some truffle butter. Buy some truffle salt and sprinkle it over perfectly popped and buttered popcorn. [William Sonoma - truffle salt]
2. Pack a Picnic.
Since Mother Nature can’t make up her mind, this year might be a perfect year for a picnic at sunset. However, even if you decide to take the party inside and enjoy the warm fire, open up that blanket and indulge in a spread that includes wine, food and sweet treats. [World Market - cozy blankets]
3. Taste New Beers and Wines.
If beer and wine is your thing, set up an at-home, customized tasting for the evening. Try a few glasses from new breweries or vineyards and pair them with chocolate or cheese. [The Hour Shop - modern glassware/barware]
4. Dip Strawberries.
Nothing is more delicious and sexy than a chocolate dipped strawberry. Buy strawberries and dark and white chocolate at the store and set up a strawberry dipping bar. Eat them right away or let them set up and feed them to each other after dinner for an exceptionally sexy Valentine’s Day. [Frans Cake & Candy Supplies - tools for dipping strawberries]
5. Make S’mores.
Cozy up around a fireplace or an outdoor grill and roast marshmallows that will sandwich perfectly in between two graham crackers and some dark chocolate. [The Dairy Godmother - homemade marshmallows]
Photo: Shutterstock/bonchan
[tips for the food desk]
When You Want to Work Out and Drink: Sips & Sneakers
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Thursday, January 19th, 2012
Pre-race. / Photo credit: Lorin Drinkard
Have you ever walked through a shopping mall and thought, “Why not be drinking adult beverages while doing this?” Meet Washington Wine Academy (WWA), the brains behind making that notion a reality.
This past weekend, hundreds of racers geared up for their second annual 1K Wine race … er, Walk. The shops at Crystal City transformed into a multipurpose bar/lounge as gaggles of middle age couples and clusters of young Arlingtonians wearing their race number pinned to their jackets wove their way through the dimly lit wine tasting course.
The basic idea? Trade in paper tickets for wine samples as you make your way to the finish line, aka dance party (but more on that later).
Ten stations, 46 wines means there were so many sips and so much time to mix and mingle with other participants, chat up the WWA pourers about their favorite vino and experience Crystal City as a makeshift nightlife watering hole.
Now, which bottle to choose? / Photo credit: Lorin Drinkard
After warm greetings at the registration table, racers are handed a map with the layout of all ten tasting stations, plus directions to pick up their race shirt and tasting glass. (Does it sound like I’m recounting a description of an actual 5k running event? So eerily similar and yet … I didn’t ever break out into a sweat. Okay, maybe once – when I realized that all of my jacket layers, plus gloves, thick scarf and boots, were slowly toasting my body into a crisp, campfire marshmallow).
Although the folks provided a fine, color-coded map, finding the actual wine glass station did prove a bit tricky – and this was before reaching the alcohol. I followed a cheery volunteer’s prompting around a corner (that I wouldn’t have ever turned down) and voilà, there lay the desired beverage holders. With glass in hand, I set on my way.
Follow the yellow brick signs / Photo credit: Lorin Drinkard
“I love wine and I’m usually on the other end,” admits Laura Raynor, a friendly WWA volunteer pouring reds at Station Four. After I dropped my ticket in the bucket, she quickly poured the allotted ticket’s worth, describing the origin of the grape and what to note in the flavor. I swirled and sniffed Man Vintners Pinotage 2010 from the Coastal Region in South Africa. “It’s a blend within a blend. The main grape is a hybrid.” Around me people were milling about – chatting about work, which wine they just had to try again, how their new friend from a previous station was cute.
Over 1,200 registered for the event, plus media and volunteers, bringing the 1K tally to a whopping 1,400 Novinians.
Further along the way a group of young women huddle by a piano in the Synetic Theater, as one friend plunks away on the keys. The room is buzzing with activity with all the drink pouring and glass clinking going on. There’s no rush on this course. Plenty of people lingered around a particular wine they really enjoyed, or stopped to sit on benches along the mall’s underground corridors.
“I feel synetic!” one racer shouts to this friends as they enter the theatre.
“You have no idea what means,” his drinking buddy said in response.
Laura Raynor and several racers strike a pose. / Photo credit: Lorin Drinkard
The really, really smart people at WAA strategically placed bread (and hummus!) stations along the way so racers could carb load and not have to stumble to the finish. Throw the promise of thumping finish line party, complete with sporadic dancing and more wine sampling, and you’re going to have to try to hold me back from reaching the end.
So how did this reporter finish? By giving away a fistful of remaining drink tickets, leaving with a souvenir glass, t-shirt, munching on complimentary pita bread as the taste of sweet, smokey grapes faded from my tongue.
The race may be over but the fun was just getting started. / Photo credit: Lorin Drinkard
The fun’s not over though – this weekend, Jan. 21 and 22, will be another drinking, there’s-no-hurry race course. “It’s the same thing but with beer,” explains one of organizers for the 1K Beer Walk. In case of a potential Snowpocalypse sitch, the makeup date will be the following weekend (Jan. 28 and 29).
View all the event details and register for the upcoming shananigans over here.
–Lorin Drinkard
Posted by Colleen Callery / Monday, January 9th, 2012
The winter weather has been a bit indecisive lately in Northern Virginia. But, for every 60-degree January day, there are a handful of biting cold ones, too. If the plunging temperatures and sharp wind just aren’t your thing (or, hey, even if they are), let the warmth of a crackling fire and a glass of wine take the bitter chill from your afternoon.
Lost Creek Winery / photo by Colleen Callery
Lost Creek Winery and Vineyards is a warm alternative to blustery days. Situated among historic Civil War sites of Leesburg, there are 11 locally-grown wines available for sipping in their Tuscan-style tasting room, complete with a real wood-burning fire place. Tastings are an easy $7 a person, and light fare of bread, cheese and salami are also available.
They are equipped to cater and host events from business meetings to weddings, and for warmer months, they have outdoor patios and pavilions. Feel free to pack a picnic and bring along the kids and pets, they are both welcome, as their website states they are one of the “kinder, gentler, friendlier” wineries of the area.
If you come in on a weekend you can look forward to a serenade from an array of live, local musicians —from the acoustic, singer/songwriter type to blues-rock– perfect for lounging and enjoying the wine.
This weekend, Jan. 14 and 15, Lost Creek is hosting their Soup Weekend where you can warm up with a bowl of soup, bread, and a glass of wine for $15.
Check out more about Lost Creek, and the schedule of events, at their website.
Tasting Room at Lost Creek Winery / photo by Colleen Callery
Still thirsty? Lost Creek’s sister winery, Hidden Brook Winery, is right next door. Expanding the family business, Eric and Deborah Hauck, son and daughter-in-law of Lost Creek owners, Bill and Carol Hauck, have perfected their own spin on their favorite varietals.
Hungry for Linkage: Free Coffee, Sandwiches and the Return of Restaurant Weeks
Posted by Stefanie Gans / Friday, January 6th, 2012
Drink up: Virginia named top 10 spot for wine lovers. [Wine Enthusiast]
Roti Mediterranean lands on this side of the river and celebrates Tuesday, January 17th with FREE sandwiches from 11AM – 1 PM in Arlington. Nice charity tie-in too. [Roti]
Is the cupcake trend dying: DC pioneer Cake Love closing shop. [Washington City Paper]
So you can join it or avoid it: Alexandria Restaurant Week runs from January 13th to 22nd. [Visit Alexandria]
DC’s RW bleeds into Virginia from January 9th to 15th. [Open Table]
Guide to grocery store labels. [Lifehacker via @bitchinkitchen]
FREE coffee at the new Dunks on Liberia Avenue. Complimentary caffeine valid through January 18th. [ManassasPatch]
Will Crispy & Juicy keep its lease…dunn dunn… [Falls Church Times]
And I just realized that Rachael Yamagata is from Arlington. [h/t The L Word and @duresport's tweet]
Photo by Stefanie Gans, Cheesetique’s check comes with nibs of chocolate
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Thursday, January 5th, 2012
Thursday, January 5, 2012
… and give me a half-priced glass of wine.
Liberty's happening happy hour. / Photo credit: Lorin Drinkard
Yes, in the bustling corridor of Clarendon nightlife there sits a restaurant/bar that stands out among the rest. With their high-ranking menu of deliciousness (named to NoVA Mag’s 50 Best Restaurants) and classy bar-like appeal, The Liberty Tavern calls to us as a neon beacon of rest for weary 9 to 5ers, saying, “Do step out of the cold. Why don’t you grab a drink, order some food and stay awhile.”
“The food tastes like home cooking,” one female patron told us, as she sipped on Magic Hat #9. “I’ve been coming here since it first opened. We always come here before going out anywhere else.”
Even Mr. POTUS himself has dined at Liberty, enjoying an evening of conversation and swordfish.
Although happy hour specials at Liberty are only drink-related (fingers crossed they have a sudden change of heart and decide their menu should be deeply discounted, too!), they’re not too shabby. Wine is half-off (try the Hacienda del Plata Zagal Malbec) and beers are $5 a pop. Quite a few good draft picks, including Bell’s Oberon, Dale’s Pale Ale, Brooklyn Lager and Weihenstephaner Hefeweizen.
They also serve up some mean specialty cocktails. A group of 20somethings ordered a round of Industrials (Liberty’s agave nectar margarita), then another. Happy hours prices brings them to $5 each. Another good choice: the LT G&T ($10), which is Hendrick’s gin, cucumber, lime and bottled Fever Tree Tonic.
Foodwise, the smells drifting from your neighbor’s plate will have you ordering in no time. Any of the wood-fired pizzas are a big hit and run from $12 to $15. The house smoked salmon “lasagne” ($11) is a small plate but packs great flavor. For other small bites, try the crispy shrimp/Ipswich claims ($9), Tavern salad with radish ($6) or hand-cut fries ($5) topped with herbs.
For full menu options, check out Liberty’s website here.
The Liberty Tavern
3195 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22201
703-465-9360
www.thelibertytavern.com
HH: 4 to 7 pm
Price: $3.50 and up for wines, $5 for beer and Industrials
–Lorin Drinkard
NYE Guide: Salute! Cheers! Bottoms Up!
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Tuesday, December 27th, 2011
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
2012, look out! / Photo credit: Shutterstock/Dmitriy Shironosov
As we move past unwrapped presents, family dinners and “Falalala Lifetime” movies, and toward to the end of 2011, we thought it was only appropriate to bring you some excellent ways to usher in Jan. 1st.
For cheapy, less-is-more activities, check out our post here. Today we’ll be highlighting our top choices for a bubbly-and-vin0-filled New Year’s Eve.
Like wineries? You’ll love what Narmada has planned for this NYE. Tons of Indian food to choose from, plus lots of wine to drink, of course at this $79 per person shindig.
Reston’s Vinifera Bistro is also a top contender on our list of places to go this year. Chef Bo has a phenomenal menu planned and Sommeliers will be assisting with wine pairing throughout the night. You can bet your bottom dollar you’ll enjoy every minute of it. The event starts at $85 each and reservations are required.
If you’re thinking more of a costumed night of fun, check out Potomac Point Winery’s Midnight Masquerade. No sweatpants or baggy T-shirts found here. Their NYE gala, which is $109 per person, will ring in 2012 with masks, drinking, eating and an all-around good time vibes.
Check back tomorrow for more events and parties in NoVA with our Countdown to Fun. For our full guide to NYE, go here.
–Lorin Drinkard
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, December 15th, 2011
Rockefeller, Shmockefeller.
Okay, I can’t deny that New York’s quintessential Christmas tree is big and beautiful, shining ever so brightly each year in Rockefeller Center as tourists are overcharged to freeze their butts off while ice skating in the sunken garden below.
But D.C.’s National Christmas Tree is pretty magnificent, too.
Image: Svetlana Larina/Shutterstock
Tonight’s your night to relish in the cold, wintry, 10-days-to-Christmas wine tasting and limousine trip into D.C. to see the National Tree.
Washington Wine Academy will start you off with a reception of light, wintry snacks and wine before picking you up from the Washington Wine Academy in Crystal City and transporting you via limo to the National Christmas Tree and back again. There are two available times for tonight:
Group One — 6-7 p.m. (Holiday Wine Reception); 7-8:15 p.m. (trip to National Christmas Tree); arrive back in Crystal City by 8:30 p.m.
Group Two — 7:30-8:30 p.m. (Holiday Wine Reception); 8:35-10 p.m. (trip to National Christmas Tree); arrive back in Crystal City by 10:15 p.m.
The event begins and ends at the Washington Wine Academy, located at 1201 South Eads St., Suite 400, in Crystal City. Tickets are $36 per person and advanced registration is required via PayPal here.
For more information, visit the Washington Wine Academy website.
-Julia Harbo
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, December 14th, 2011
Happy hump day!
I don’t know about you guys, but to me, this week has felt particularly long. So, what better way to celebrate hump day than with half-price bottles?
Tonight, from 5-9 p.m. at Piero’s Corner in Herndon, help give to the local Food Assistance Center by enjoying some free wine tastings and purchasing a half-price bottle of wine with your dinner or discounted bottles to take home with you. A portion of all sales will go to the Food Assistance Center in Herndon.
The wine tasting will feature Tom Savage of International Cellars at the bar, where he will be pouring wine from Niner Wine of Paso Robles, California. Featured wines include: Sauvignon Blanc, Sangiovese, Twisted Spur Blend, Cabernet Sauvignon and the rated 90-points 2006 Fog Catcher.
Piero’s Corner’s kitchen is serving up, as always, authentically delicious Italian pasta dishes, brick oven pizzas, seafood, and more.
Image: Piero's Corner
Piero’s Corner is located at 13340 Franklin Farm Road in Herndon (703-707-6400; www.pieroscorner.com).
-Julia Harbo
Mollydooker 5 Course Wine Dinner
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Monday, December 12th, 2011
Bazin's on Church
Wondering what to do for dinner tonight? Want something new, exciting and scrum-diddly-umptious? Head to Bazin’s tonight and enjoy an elegant 5 course dinner paired exquisitely with a variety of wines.
Short ribs, pork confit and coconut tapioca soup are just a few of the delicacies you’ll enjoy. Don’t miss out- seating is extremely limited so call today for reservations.
Check out the menu:
MENU
Seared Maine Scallop
cauliflower purée, golden raisin, creamed onions
The Violinist Verdelho 2010
Short Rib Ravioli
tiny vegetables, foie gras sauce, parmesan
2 Left Feet Shiraz, Cabernet, Merlot blend 2010
Maple Glazed Pork Confit
rosemary, wild mushroom ragout
The Boxer Shiraz 2010
Braised Veal Cheeks
truffled potato gnocchi, garlic herb bread crumbs ,natural sauce
Gigglepot Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Coconut Tapioca Soup
caramel, passion fruit granite
Ederton Semilon
RSVP 703 255-7212
Bazin’s on Church, 111 Church Street, NW, Vienna; (703)255.7215; www.bazinsonchurch.com/Dec12.html; $100 per person, excluding tax and gratuity
- Jennie Whistler
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, December 9th, 2011
There’s been some talk of soup this week. It’s December now, and here in NoVA, we should be eating hot, warming, comfortingly hearty soup. And drinking smooth wine to wash down said soup.
Image: marco mayer/Shutterstock
Despite this week’s earlier warm weather, this weekend will be cold. But you can warm up with soup and wine at Lost Creek Winery’s Soup Weekend this Saturday and Sunday.
$15 tickets will get you a bowl of soup — hearty Tuscan bean or lentil vegetable — with warm bread and a glass of one of their wines to enjoy while listening to live acoustic music.
The Soup and Wine Weekend lasts from 12-5 p.m. on Saturday, December 10 and Sunday, December 11.
Lost Creek Winery is located at 43277 Spinks Ferry Road in Leesberg. Call 703-443-9836 for more information.
Have a great weekend!
-Julia Harbo
