Bubbles and the Bird

If it has bubbles, I want to drink it; prosecco, cava, Champagne and/or sparkling wine. And since bubbles are great with birds, consider serving them this Thanksgiving.

Just returning from a trip to France, I admit to being partial to Champagne, however, I DO enjoy a good prosecco....Italian sparkling wine made from a grape also known as glera.

Prosecco has become wildly popular not just in the US but around the world, because of its low cost and good quality. Just two of several reasons to consider this wine for this weeks Thanksgiving celebrations.

I took the difficult challenge of trying a couple of selections prior to the big day and want to pass on my observations for consideration.

I have to admit I was a little taken aback by the packaging of the of Riondo Prosecco Spago Nero, as the cork was one typically found in a still wine; no wire cage, no twisting until the pressure forced the cork out. I had to use a standard wine key to pop this cork.

A bit fruity, citrusy and slightly sweet, this wine would be a great aperitif or good with any spicy dish you may be serving.

For something with a bit more body and acidity, try the Astoria "Lounge" Prosecco. It has the most beautiful, fine bubbles, a bit of apple, pear and would go well with anything salty or creamy.

Even better, after dinner, make a palate cleansing Sgroppino with the prosecco; fill your flute with about 3 oz of prosecco,  1 oz of vodka and a third a cup of lemon sorbet for a light and refreshing finisher.

Find both wines for under $15. For that price buy a couple.

Lingering at LaMotta's

It always makes me feel good when I'm feeling bad.....Italian food. There is something about tomatoes and basil and garlic and cheese and pasta and.....well, you know!

Not only does LaMotta's Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria (Fort Myers, FL) have the Italian classics you know and love (including delicious pizza), Chef Carmelo has a few tricks up his sleeve, like shrimp and grits ($12). The seared shrimp are drizzled in a spicy bada bing sauce, and the grit cakes are full of the shellfish; pleasing presentation and taste.

Shrimp and Grits 

For more seafood specialties, LaMottas makes a decadent lobster ravioli full of claw meat, and a creamy, delicious lobster risotto too.

I loved how the Filet Florentine ($23) was presented. Served over spinach, the eight ounce filet was topped with melted mozzarella, sundried tomatoes and prosciutto, wrapped to look like a flower.

Filet Florentine

Another super dish for carnivores is the New York strip ($21), smothered in a savory mushroom demi-glace. Get some bread to sop up all of the delicious juice.

New York strip in a mushroom demi-glace

But my favorite was the Sicilian Osso Bucco with meat so tender it fell right off of the bone. The slow roasted pork was served over pasta with hearty red sauce; talk about comfort food on a dreary day.

If this wasn't enough, the table also sampled a plate of crisp, Italian fried chicken; flavor and texture fantastic. And the pasta sachette ($17); pasta purses stuffed with cheese and served in a mushroom demi-glace cream sauce. The garlic rolls were particularly nice when dipped in the sauce.

As we lingered and lamented at full we were, the desserts came out and the lemoncello was poured. You will leave LaMotta's full, satisfied, and maybe with a slight touch of guilt. Not because of all the calories you consumed but because you paid so little for so much goodness!

Raise Your Glass! It's Beaujolais Nouveau Day

Everyone has something that signifies the beginning of the holiday season to them. For me, it is the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau, the brightly colored wine bottles you'll now see in grocery and liquor stores, full of the newest release of wine from Beaujolais in France.

It has become a much anticipated celebration around the world on the third Thursday of November, the time designated by French law for this wine to be unveiled. Just like New Years, once midnight hits, corks are popped and the new vintage is consumed.

Thanks to my friends from Georges Duboeuf, I received a bottle in advance and was trusted to wait until midnight to open. Well, since midnight in France was 6pm US time yesterday......just kidding, I waited until midnight to pop the cork....really.

Georges Duboeuf is called the King of Beaujolais Nouveau and 2014 is being called a good year for Beaujolais. The winery's new release is full of red fruit, raspberry and it's a bit acidic.

Many wine aficionados turn their backs on Beaujolais Nouveau Day, saying this wine does not represent the true quality of Beaujolais. Since Beaujolais Nouveau (made from100% gamay grapes) is bottled 6-8 weeks after harvest, it has no time to age and does not have much depth of flavor. It is best with a little chill on it.

Beaujolais Nouveau may not be the best wine served at your holiday gathering but it's tradition, the labels are fun and festive and it is super affordable, in the $10 range. The holidays are officially here! CHEERS!

Rose Everyday- Wine Wednesday

Tasting in the world's rose' capital: Tavel

While spending time in France this autumn, my friends and I adopted a fabulous mantra "Rose' Everyday." When I finally made it back to the states, the first lunch date I had was at a small kabob place that only served fountain drinks and bottled water. I got a little fidgety, like an addict I whimpered to my friends....."No rose'? We might have to go somewhere else."

I've always liked this beautiful, dry, pink wine but I learned to LOVE it in France. It was hard not to after drinking it in the rose' capital of the world, Tavel. In fact, the only wine produced in this small village is rose'.

One of our many stops in Tavel was at Domaine Lafond, the winery also had some delicious reds, grown in neighboring villages, but the rose's were on our radar. Lafond Domaine Tavel (made mostly from grenache grapes) was a rich wine, spicy yet floral and one that would stand up nicely to food. It is exported to the US and you can find it for under $20.

Another good rose' for Wine Wednesday is Notorious Pink, from the neighboring region of Provence. This one is 100% grenache, with a little more fruit, a nice blend of citrus, berries, gentle acidity and a crisp finish. A great sipper, also in the $20 range.

Are you afraid of pink wine? Still judging it as that sweet, white zinfandel? It's time to move on my lovelies! In France, the pink stuff is revered. It is standard operating procedure to have it for lunch, and in the Rhone Valley where it is done so well, it is even considered appropriate to buy it in a box. I won't tell you how many we went through....boxes or bottles.

Think about adding rose' to your Thanksgiving shopping list. Not only is it a good starter, it also plays well with turkey.