French fries: impossible food-wine pairing?! | Dr Vino's wine blog

French fries: impossible food-wine pairing?! | Dr Vino's wine blog

Open that bottle night 2008

It was OTBN night last night. We had several delicious wines, two of which I will mention. With our dinner ( braised / roasted Pork Loin with a red wine reduction sauce, cooked with new potato's; asparagus spears, sauteed with butter, Dijon and lemon juice) we started with David Arthur 2004 MERITAGGIO. MMMM

Followed up - there were four of us - with a Venge 2004 Syrah. The Venge was our OTBN, as it was signed by the winemaker Kirk Venge, who we met here:

As a matter of fact, while the dinner was at our place, the chef was the owner of La Maison Gourmet - our kitchen, our ingredients, his skills. He cooks as well as knows his wine. As does his wife, plus she loves cheese, so the combo makes it perfect. Thus they opened their Cheese and Wine emporium. If you are in the area, drop in. Or call and order a basket or join the wine club.

Oh, the wines? Delicious. I cannot do them justice with descriptions - plus I don't really know how to describe them properly. But should you ever see them, they are highly recommended.

Burgundy 2006 En Primeur

If you like your wine from France, here is info on the latest from the Burgundy region, via a British Wine Emporium. Burgundy 2006

Excellent white wine vintage - similar to 1992
Best reds from the Côte de Nuits
White wine prices will remain static or rise only slightly
Most red wines will be excellent value with pricing generally lower than 2005

Bon Appetit!

Do Statins Make You Stupid?

Do Statins Make You Stupid? - Well - Tara Parker-Pope - Health - New York Times Blog

I hope not :(

Another marker.

Work Out and Drink Up

Yet another reason to enjoy a cocktail or glass of vine, thanks to Time/CNN.

Will the wonders never stop. Scientist need to stop wasting time on global warming, and focus on the important things in life.

Nectar of the gods.

Another placeholder for the good news about wine.

Red Wine Drug Shows Proof That It Combats Aging

Montreal's restaurants fluent in French

If you are hungry and in Montreal. Or are planning a trip.

Montreal's restaurants fluent in French

Much cheaper than Paris from the US or anywhere in Canada. The people are nice. And I can vouch for the food and the Markets - well, only Atwater. Been too long since I have seen Jean Talon.
Enjoy.

Canadian Beer Drinkers Threaten Planet - Science News | Science & Technology | Technology News

I blame Bob and Doug: Stange Brew indeed.

FOXNews.com - Study: Canadian Beer Drinkers Threaten Planet - Science News Science & Technology Technology News

I need to save this link

The Insanity of Bush Hatred

Read it if you care. But this may be my new reference place. I lose track of things, so this may be a good idea. I'll let you know. h/t instapundit

Pompous Ass

So this professor thinks the new premier - the one who just won the election - is not smart enough to run a government. Unbelievable. Or it would be, except he is a university professor...

globeandmail.com: Saskatchewan Party puts end to NDP dynasty: "As the new government takes shape over the next few days, Prof. Pontikes said, Mr. Wall is likely to set a moderate agenda as premier. 'I don't see any reason for radical changes here, because he's modified the Saskatchewan Party from its radical start. So I think we'll see some cautious government at the beginning,' Prof. Pontikes said.
'The real issue will be around forming government and getting people in government who can help them see their way through and understand how this huge beast works.'"

Only thing missing is the banjo.

What were the AP editors trying to say by publishing this photo? What more stereotypical image can be transmitted around the world than this one?

But the sadder truth is that this is not a fake photo. I understand life can be tough, but c'mon, make an effort. I don't think these three children have a chance. But that is just me.

A Salty Dog?

I like my salt with lime and tequila. But seriously, folks. Can some please explain this?
the corner on NRO. Don't be afraid, I'm told they don't bite.

Dr. Helen: This is Depressing News

Dr. Helen: This is Depressing News: Why the late-30s are a man's misery years?

It is not news to me, it just took a little longer for me to realize it :)

Only in Canada, eh?

Quebec denies access to inspection documents.
The Quebec Transport Department has refused to make public any of its inspection and repair reports for bridges and overpasses in the province.

Gee, I wonder why?

Minneapolis I-35 Bridge Collapse

You expect this sort of thing in, say Baghdad. But not in the Minneapolis.
When are we going to focus on the infastucture? One of these days, it will be really ugly.
Tunnel in Boston; overpass in Montreal; now this - Minneapolis I-35 Bridge Collapse . I am sure there are plenty more we have not heard about...
Drive Safe.

MOJO Uncorked

Recently, the old Cable TV HD network, INHD, switched to Mojo. Well, not so recently really, but you get the idea.

While I miss the programming from the past, I will admit it was started to add High Def to the airwaves (you mean cable? - ed), and it was geared to an older clientele. Now that everyone has HD, they have switched formats to appeal to the young and hip. They are the ones the advertisers want.

On Mojo, I have to say I enjoy Three Sheets with Zane Lampley, whoever he is. Probably one of the best paying gigs around. Travel the world and drink with the locals. Sign me up.
Of course, I am a little past my prime to be doing that anymore. More my speed is Uncorked with Billy Merritt – another one of those, who?

I think the host takes a little getting used to, but the Lovely Wife® thinks he is quite funny right off the bat.

Last night the episode was a not so informative tour around Whistler Mountain in British Columbia. Learned a little about Canadian Wines, although it focused on the Okanagan Valley region and Ice Wine. It did mention the Niagara Peninsula region briefly. But hey, it is only a thirty minute show, so what do you want, eh?

So enjoy if you have High Def from Cable and your provider carries the channel. But I still miss the beautiful photography of the Aussie Wine Trails.

Puerto Vallarta Mexico - Canopy Adventure

If you are ever in Puerto Vallarta, you need to do this:
Puerto Vallarta Mexico Eco-tour - Canopy Adventure

You can do it in other places, like Costa Rica, but I can only speak of this one. Definitely a trip. Guides are hokey, but fun. Although, it being Mexico, it is not OSHA compliant - which adds to the thrill.

Montréal Poutine

If you ever happen to find yourself in this town, this is the site you need to start you gastronomical tour.
Montréal Poutine. And no, I do not know how many 'points' or calories. I suggest you don't ask. Let me know what you think.

So Much

Tell me, when did 'so much' replace very much? As in Thank You SO MUCH?? What was wrong with thank you very much? Just curious.

Photo Blogging

This is a test. This is only a test. Had this been an actual blog, well, I don't know.


This is an early morning moon setting over Playa Del Rey.

Now, look for the hidden cyclist...
Hard to see the early morning rider in low res. But the speck at the top is a lovely California Gull. Now look down; see the palm tree? Just to the right and below the tree is the rider.

And now, arriving home after a hard day at the salt mines, the moon also rises...

Till next time.