Eating and Drinking Cup Cakes

With Summer right around the corner, I'm on the hunt for good, affordable wine that will be refreshing in the heat; good for both sipping and dining.

I was introduced to Cupcake Sauvignon Blanc at a wine tasting years ago, and I remembered it to be full of lemon and citrus. Last night I tried it again and sure enough that acidic lemon just exploded on my tongue. It worked well with the shrimp, avocado and cilantro salad I was eating. The grapes are sourced from one of the best Sauvignon Blanc growing regions in the world, Marlborough, New Zealand and it's a bargain for around $10.

The cupcake Gods must be smiling on me because also yesterday, I was asked to host a Cupcake tasting Saturday the Firepit City Grill, at Gulf Coast Town Center in Estero, FL. We are trying nine different Cupcake Wines while eating what else....cupcakes! I can't wait to try the vineyard's two blends; Angel's Food and Red Velvet.

The Firepit is featuring Cupcake wines the month of May and we kick it off this weekend. Saturday (4/28). You get $5 glasses with an additional free taste, a mini cupcake and $20 bottles. That's not all, the Firepit has a license to party on the lawn. Typically, alcohol has to stay in the confines of the restaurant's patio. However, Saturday you can take all the cupcakes you can carry, to chairs or blankets on the lawn and listen to live Blues on the center stage of  Gulf Coast Town Center.

See you there!

To see how the event went, click here:

Pantry Raid

Although I live in a tropical climate, I've always managed to avoid bug problems in my home; aside from the occasional sugar ants. Several weeks ago I was intrigued by a couple of small, strange bugs around a new plant  next to my pantry. Assuming the bugs were coming from the plant I put it on my lanai. But the bugs stayed.

I gave my pantry a quick look, but saw nothing unusual. Then I got that feeling in my gut. After moving some items around for closer inspection, I found a canvas bag of rice, infested with Maize Weevils. The site made me sick to my stomach, made my skin crawl. So logically, I cursed them out; before, during and after putting a trash bag over the mess and taking it to the dumpster. I killed any residual bugs, poked around a little more and sighed in relief that the ordeal was over.

Bad assumption. After returning from a weekend getaway in Miami, those damn weevils were still hanging around. Round two: I REALLY tore my pantry apart, shelf by shelf, finding them in anything that wasn't sealed airtight, including a bag of chick peas. I was tossing food left and right, even more mad at the bugs for causing such waste.

When I first found the weevils, I took tissues, gently crushing their tiny bodies, wrapping them up and putting them in the trash. But once I saw the assault on my rice, it was all out war. The weevils have no guts, literally. When squashed, they are like powder, so I bypassed the tissue for speed and put my index finger to work.

With their food supply cut-off, the weevils made a run for it, more like a slow crawl. Since I don't stash food under my bed, in linen closet or anywhere else, they eventually parished. I found those little bastards in the corners of my guest room, my office and even my bathroom.

Down to my last trash bag and a bruised finger, I poured myself a glass of wine and collapsed into my favorite chair. I called on The Great One, The Creator of all things, including bugs. Dear God, please stop the carnage, return peace to my pantry. Please end the senseless waste of food. And for the sake of the bugs, make them leave so the massacre will end.

Weeks later I'm still finding dead weevils in obscure places, my rice is in the refrigerator and my pantry is better organized than it's ever been; ready to be re-stocked with hurricane supplies.

Best Beignets Outside of NOLA

That was the message I tweeted to the owners of Morgans Miami after Sunday Brunch.

My friends took me to the Morgans location in midtown, after a long night at Art Walk, in the same neighborhood. We got there too late in the morning to enjoy the fresh breads and jams that they raved about en route. The kitchen was out. But the rest of the meal more than made up for that small disappointment.

Morgans has a generous amount of outdoor seating, which I prefer, but we ended up inside, upstairs in a cozy booth. It was quintessential Miami; white, clean and retro with a small splash of color (orange) from the hanging lamps.

We tried the Eggs Benedict but preferred the Frittata with mushrooms, caramelized onions, chorizo, potatoes and cheese, topped with arugula ($12). I loved that arugula and the little touch of balsamic. The French Toast is described as "pillow soft" and indeed it was. Not to mention, fabulous ($12)!

We were so hungry and the food was so magnetizing that the forks dove in before I could get my camera out...fail. The presentation was lovely, sorry I don't have evidence to share. The Beignets ($8) were last and the feeding frenzy had slowed enough for me to capture them.

They really were some of the best I've had outside of New Orleans; crisp on the outside, fluffy in the middle. However, a couple of them had the slightest taste of chicken, as if fried in the same oil....good thing we all like fried chicken. It really made me want to try Morgans Fried Chicken and Waffles, next time for sure.

Morgans calls its cuisine modern, home-style comfort food. I would agree. And comfort goes beyond the food. The service was excellent, the staff was friendly and my wallet did not take a beating, as can often happen in Miami.

Rockin' Wine

Lot's of "famous" people own vineyards, or more often than not, wine labels. I don't buy a wine because I like the owner's music, movies or sports teams, however, many fans do. But I admit to having a certain curiosity about the quality of wine in the celebrity bottle.

Former Bad Company bassist, Paul Cullen makes wine from grapes grown in California's Sierra Foothills called Sonata. He developed an appreciation of wine while touring and drinking it with guitarist Mick Ralphs. At one point in his post-band career, he even sold wine for an Italian distributor. Wine and music are a natural fit to me; Cullen as well. He married the two by forming Unplugged and Uncorked, making "wine friendly" music and selling it at wine events, rather than through big record labels.

I love the concept, but what about the wine? The Sonata Bianco is a refreshing, clean blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Its an acidic wine with citrus and apricot flavors. I'm not sure I would've guessed there was any Chardonnay in there had I not known. It was just enough for some extra body but thankfuly no oak Very enjoyable!

The Sonata Rosso is a blend of Syrah, Zinfandel and Cab Franc. I tasted allspice, clove and some creamy vanilla and caramel. I shared some with another wine lover who picked up the bottle, peered in with one eye, then put it back down with a pout declaring, "I'm so sad it's all gone." I felt the same.

I interviewed Cullen for an upcoming story in Times Of The Islands Magazine (more to come on that). He told me he was most excited about his Rose', the only one of the three I haven't tried yet. It's an interesting blend of Petit Syrah and Fiano, a rare Italian grape. Cullen says it is refreshing but still dry with watermelon undertones. Sounds perfect for summer. Sonata wines aren't widely distributed but you can get them. Retailing around $15 each, they are more than worth the hunt. Sip a glass while listening to his new music for double the pleasure. It's a fabulous combination!

Cullen will be pouring wine and performing live in Fort Myers in May, Labor Day week. Look for him at Yabo and Twisted Vine. I'll keep you posted on other appearances and remind you Southwest Floridians when the time nears. Cheers.

Wine Twits and Tweets

Thank you Twitter for introducing me to a new friend, Lulu B.

Many of us have a love/hate relationship with social media. Keeping track of all of those sites is like a second job; and sometimes an annoying one. I love my friends and appreciate my business contacts but I really don't need to know every detail of every minute of every day. Just hit me with the good stuff!

I've had a Twitter account for quite some time but only recently started to "get it". Sure some people mindlessly tweet about needing of a cup of coffee but more often than not, you'll find people who tell you where to find the best cup (Bennett's Fresh Roast). Now that's something I can embrace!

And that is how I stumbled across Lulu B. wines. I've seen them in a grocery store I frequent, have been attracted by the label, but for whatever reason wasn't moved to put one in my basket. That is until I started tweeting with Lulu B herself, or is it her intern? Either way, the social networking worked for us both. Lulu B. got a sale and I got a great bargain wine.

I bought a Pinot Noir, a Malbec and spent less than $20. The Malbec was perfect for a night at home with pizza and friends. It was full of nice dark fruit and went down easy. According the website
it "pairs well with fabulous". I would agree. I'll uncork the Pinot tonight.

I'm not advocating Twitter above any other social media. However, if used properly, it's a great source of information and networking. I've been introduced to new music, recipes, wines and bloggers; the things I'm interested in and passionate about. Just start following people and businesses with similar interests and see what opens up for you. Start with me: @ginabirch

Bacon Beer??

This is the final week of Blue Moon beer tastings to determine which new seasonal creation will make it into the Brewmaster's Autumn Sampler Pack. I got to taste each of the three finalists last night and cast my all important vote!

Being a wine drinker, I'm used to sniffing anything I'm tasting. Beer in small plastic tasting cups doesn't have much of a nose. However, I stuck mine in there, as best I could, out of habit. I peered up to a co-worker giving me an eyebrow raise that said, "really??"

First taste was a Caramel Apple Spiced Ale that was refreshing with a nice blend of spice, a bit of caramel and of course apple. It was smooth, drinkable and for sure invoked the tastes and feel of Autumn. The Blackberry Tart Ale was a little darker and a little sour with very distinct blackberry flavors.

The last beer was getting the most buzz; a Dark Chocolate Bacon Porter. Taste facilitators told me I would either love it or hate it but neither really applied to me. The beer was not one I wanted to sip, but drink with a big hunk of grilled meat. It was smokey with a hint of chocolate sweetness that lingered in the back of my  mouth

In the end I cast my vote for the Caramel Apple Spiced Ale. It best represented the theme of the sampler pack and to me, was the most drinkable. We'll see how my vote stacked up when the new pack is released on August 31. Blue Moon is tasting and taking your votes at places nationwide through Sunday, March 31. Be sure to get in on the fun!

Best Beach Food: Manasota Key

Dining in a beach town is always fun; wondering if you're going to hit the jackpot or be stuck with tourist prices, poor service and/or mediocre food. I hit the jackpot at Lock N Key Restaurant in Englewood, FL on Manasota Key.

I went to Lock N Key (LNK) for a live broadcast, promoting their entertainment, quirky happy hour and fabulous food. As the sun set, a table was pulled  under our broadcast tent outside, the continuously filled with food.

LNK is right across the street from the beach, with a long front porch full of bar-stools. They are almost always full. Don't be deceived into thinking that is the wait to get in, people love to sit outside at the beach. The restaurant is quite large inside and has a separate outdoor dining area, under cover.

The popular Pull-Tab Happy Hour is a game of chance that can score you big discounts on your drinks. You can see by the Pull-Tab on the left, that my drink was only 50-cents. The prices are good for ANY drink, even the premium stuff. Other pull tab options include, half-off and full-price to name a couple.


Once our drinks came, we set our sights on appetizers. Out came delicious discs of mozzarella in marinara sauce ($10), crispy Coconut Tempura Shrimp ($12) and messy Pulled Pork Nachos ($12). The cheese on the nachos is a special, creamy cheddar blend, made fresh to order.

We got the Spicy Maryland Style Crab Cakes ($11) sauteed instead of fried. Don't be scared, the spice was mild. I particularly enjoyed the Oysters Manasota ($12) made with bacon, onions, peppers and swiss. The Shrimp Belvedere had our mouths watering. It was stuffed with cheese and wrapped in bacon, with a little broccoli on the side to make us feel more healthful.
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The fish we tried was outstanding. The blackened Hogfish with mango salsa had a great kick. The Snapper Provencial had the perfect balance of herbs, cheese and veggies. The one pound Lobster was almost too beautiful to eat but we dug in like champs. Speaking of champs, the 16oz Prime Rib ($21) was some of the best I've had; juicy and buttery. The seasoned New York Strip was sprinkled with a homemade blend of salt and pepper that was the perfect accompaniment to my glass of Shiraz.

Whatever you do, save room for LNK homemade desserts. People from across the country come back for pumpkin bread, Cocount Cream Pie, ice cream pies and other signatures. The Coconut Cream is full of sweet creamy custard on a flaky homemade crust. The Keylime pie's tart custard is on a walnut, graham cracker crust. Put a fork in me. I'm officially done!

This beach restaurant has it all; a casual outside for those in beach attire, a classy inside for those who've showered, live entertainment, affordable prices, quality food, a caring kitchen staff, attentive servers and gracious, fun-loving owners. Bravo!

New Music: Katrina

I was randomly checking 96-9 WINK-FM's twitter this week when I saw a message from someone named Katrina, talking about how she was on the road to Fort Myers, FL to hangout and play a few songs for the station. I immediately did a Google search to see what we were in for. Seems more people know Katrina's music in the UK than the US. After meeting her, I think that will be changing soon.

Katrina arrived with her record rep, her mom and guitarist Sean, who used to play with Smashmouth. She enthusiastically greeted us in her rock star skinny black pants, blingy belt and full head of cool, curly locks. Then she sang. What a voice; clear with great resonance. You can't fake it when you are acoustic, standing five feet from the people you are singing too. The way she worked the room was impressive; making eye contact with each person, singing to us not only collectively but as individuals.

Katrina was a Junior Vocal Champion on "Star Search" when she was eleven. But she turned down record contracts to be a kid, then go to law school. No longer able to deny her musical passion, she hung up her suits, put away the brief case and picked up the microphone again. Thank God!

I was kinda disappointed Katrina had to leave so fast, to share her talent with other stations up and down the Eastern Seaboard. I think she would've been great fun to go shopping with, have a bottle of bubbly at an outdoor cafe and solve the world's problems. Maybe next time.

Open...Outback

It was one of the most profitable Outback Steakhouses in the country, until it burned down, ten days short of a year ago. With a much needed, face-life, the Outback Steakhouse in Fort Myers reopens for business today.

This particular Outback is the first one in the nation, built with the company's new, more modern design. The decor of many existing restaurants has been remodeled, but this is the first built from the ground up. As in any first, there is a learning curve. Managers say there are definitely things that will not be repeated, so this restaurant is one-of-a-kind. It has more style both inside and out than the Outback of old. The interior is more intimate with more color, artwork and a spacious bar. There is ample outdoor dining and cozy waiting area.

I was part of a small media group invited to tour the new building before today's opening. Of course we were also treated to a generous sampling of the new, seasonal specials along with some old favorites. I have a new appreciation for Outback after meeting Tracy; the crouton queen. She has been taste testing every batch of croutons that comes out of the kitchen. The day we were there, seven trays were discarded because they did not meet Tracy's perfect combination of toast, garlic and butter. Tracy doesn't stop at croutons, she consistently tastes other items for quality control.

The Outback is offering more items cooked over wood fire for a less seasoned, more natural flavor. The wood is inspected every half hour to ensure consistent heat.

Outback has some new seasonal items and combos like the Filet and Lobster ($14.99 for a 6oz filet). The Lobster was tender and flavorful. The Heart of Gold Mahi ($15.49) was cooked over an open flame with  a fantastic combination of artichoke, sun dried tomatoes, olives and lemon butter. For health conscious dinners, the 500 calorie Chicken on the Barbie was juicy, with a tangy BBQ sauce.

As far as appetizers go, the Bloomin' Onion is always worth the splurge, but we also tried the Chicken Artichoke Flatbread ($4.99); a great bargain. I love a flatbread that really is FLAT and crisp so I can taste the toppings without a mouthful of dough.

The bar menu includes a new Forbidden Fruit Martini made with Agave, Absolute Orient Apple and a kick of ginger, served with a shaker so you can fill at will. The Blackberry Sangria was a bit sweet for me but the Sauza Gold Coast Margarita was a great balance of sweet and sour. The wine feature now is the Alamos Malbec.

The Outback is celebrating it's return to Fort Myers today by giving back. 50% of the sales will be donated to the Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida. Bon Appetite!

Fresh and Fun

The restaurant at the Sandy Butler Market in Fort Myers has a new name and is debuting it's new menu with a wine dinner this week. The space has been expanded, brightened and turned into the more casual, Shoals Restaurant and Wine Bar. At first I was disappointed to see my favorite fountain has been removed from the gazebo but it does allow more room to party. And a lovely chandelier has been added for that extra touch.

I was able to sample some of the new menu items recently along with Shoal's new private label wine and want to tempt your taste-buds a little today. We began the evening in the market with the Italian Delight cheese tray ($14); Butler-made Mozzarella, Fontina, Provolone and other goodies

My favorite appetizer was the Corriander-Crusted Ahi Tuna ($14) with Wasabi Avocado Mousee and citrus glaze. It was creamy with just a hint of heat and a touch of sweet from the glaze; it went nicely with the Shoals Sauvignon Blanc. The wine was also smooth with the Seared Diver Scallops in Lemon Coconut Curry Sauce.

We tried a pasta duo of Tagliatelle and Farfalle Carbonara. The egg pasta is imported from Italy for The Butler. I particularly liked the Carbonara with the Shoals Merlot.


The meat course included a perfectly cooked Pork Tenderloin ($14) and Filet Mignon with a Keylime Bearnaise; there was a lot of tarragon in the sauce and I liked it. My favorite, however, was the Hogfish Snapper ($25); seared crisp with lemon olive oil.

Dessert was decadent with a dense and delicious Banana Fosters Cake ($4) and a Key Lime Tart ($6) with rich custard and the right amount of 'tart' for me.

You can try many of these dishes this week (Wednesday, 2/29) at the Shoal's Premier Wine Taste. The $40, three course menu pairs new dishes with Shoal's new wine.
**Click here for my review of Shoal's Wine.

A Picture Worth A Thousand Words

Last month I was researching wine for a story on labeling and how it effects our perception of wine and our purchasing. Steve, my handsome mate from Unfiltered Unfined Wines, showed me a beautiful photo of La Garnacha Salvaje Del Moncayo from Spain. I was drawn to the art, the image of those old vines running deep.

I imagined lots of character and flavor in this bottle so I couldn't wait to order it when I saw it on the wine list of one of my favorite Fort Myers restaurants, Yabo.

Moncayo is part of oenologist Raul Acha collection of "Garnachas of Spain". His mission is to show the different characteristics of this once very popular grape, along with the different growing regions of Spain. The wines all come from old vines.

Staring at the label, hoping the wine had as much depth as the roots, I took a sip. This garnacha is nicely balanced with flavors of tobacco, dark berry and a little cocoa.; a great value for around $15 retail. You'll find it for $50 on the wine list at Yabo, now open in their new location on Summerlin and Bass Roads in Fort Myers. More on their new space, to follow soon.

Man Eating Gator

Florida's State Reptile is the creepy, cool alligator. You'll find them almost anywhere there is water; canals, lakes, golf courses and  sometimes swimming pools. I found alligator on the table at Gator Bites Tail and Ale in Fort Myers last night.

Growing up in the sunshine state, I've eaten gator meat before. However, it's been years and all I really remember is the old joke, "tastes like chicken".  The first page of Gator Bites menu is dedicated to the prehistoric looking creature.

The meat is cubed and prepared blackened, fried, buffalo style, marinated and grilled. If you haven't tried gator and have a bigger party, try the sampler platter ($19.95). Otherwise you can buy the bites in 1/3 pound servings ($7.95). Friends in my party were ordering more traditional menu items like fish and chips, burgers and seafood. The Florida Grouper Reuben looked tempting but I could not eat at a restaurant named Gator Bites, without having alligator.

I settled on the Gator Nachos ($11.95) thinking it might be a good way to get my friends into the gator game. After all, everything tastes good drenched in cheese, right? The nachos were piled high and smelled delicious. First thing I did was pick a chunk of blackened meat off the top. Forget the chicken reference; it had more of the flavor and texture of a tasty, moist pork chop.

I was keenly aware of being watched but continued digging in with enthusiasm, as the first hand tentatively reached across the table. Finally, someone broke the seal and decided to give the gator a go. Of those who followed suit, all gave the dish a thumbs up.

Gator Bites also serves creative Croc-Tails ($8) like the Florida Sunburn and Swamp Juice. Much thought has been given to this menu, decor and souvenirs. It's got great character with some Florida kitsch. Gator Bites is a "must stop" for a casual meal with your northern guests, on the way to Sanibel Island (20321 Summerlin Road, in the Publix plaza).

Grapes Go "Goth"

The "gothic movement" started getting a lot of media attention in the early 80's; evolving from punk. When I think of "goth" the first thing that comes to mind is bold, black, spiky hair, leather boots, etc.

So when I came across the Gothic Maresh Pinot Noir, I was expecting an "in your face" kind of wine; even though I learned a long time ago not to judge a book by its cover.

Gothic is a limited edition Pinot Noir Cuvee ($65 retail) from Oregon. Only 1200 bottles were made, so that alone makes this bottle special.

Adding to my list of high expectations; the grapes come from an historic vineyard in the Williamette Valley. Anytime I see a Pinot Noir from this area, my basic assumption is "good". The wine was slow to open but when it did it was full of plum, strawberry and spice. I found myself, pouting, wanting more after the last drop was poured. If only I had let it sit my glass a little longer.

Now comes the quest to find another bottle.

Reinvention

Every now and then we need to reinvent ourselves, personally and professionally. The Sandy Butler Gourmet Market and Restaurant (on the way to Fort Myers Beach, FL) has just gone through their own reinvention.The restaurant now has a name, Shoals Restaurant and Wine Bar, and a private label wine to match.

I got to try all five varietals this week. The Sauvignon Blanc was acidic, with citrus and pineapple flavors. Maybe some caramel apple on the finish. Thumbs up!

The Chardonnay from Mendocino had a little oak and smoke on the finish but was much brighter than I was expecting. The Pinot Noir was light and easy to drink with red cherry notes.

The Merlot was not as jammy as I was anticipating. I got some smoke and bacon flavors along with currant and black fruit. The Cabernet Sauvignon also comes from the North Coast and it was easy drinking with mild tannins, cherry and toast.

All are great values at $7 a glass in the restaurant and under $20  a bottle in both the restaurant AND the market. In fact, Shoals has an entire list of wines in the restaurant, at retail pricing. Anyone who has had a dinner bill where the wine costs outweigh the food will greatly appreciate this. Shoals's still has a reserve list with specialty wines such as Trilogy and Silver Oak Alexander Valley, with a more typical restaurant mark-up. But that mark-up is still less than most establishments in Southwest Florida. The wine pricing along with the great new dishes at Shoals put this restaurant on top of the list of great values in the area!

There will be a three-course wine dinner ($40) to introduce the new wines and menu items on February 29th. Make reservations at 482-6765. I'll have more on the new menu soon.

New Music: Jon McLaughlin

Jon McLaughlin likes to write songs about heartbreak which is funny since he is happily married. He stopped by 96-9 WINK FM yesterday to play some new music for us.

Coming from Indiana, he loved our warm Southwest Florida February and said the humidity made his hair look better. I immediately liked him, and as soon as his hands hit the keyboard so did everyone else in the room. He mesmerized us with his smooth voice and his skilled playing. I didn't want him to stop. I love it when music transforms a room, takes you away. Sadly, not all artists can do that.

McLaughlin's new album is out in May. He duets with another super song writer and musician, Sara Bareilles, for the first single,"Summer Is Over". Listen to it below and watch a great video of another song I like, "Beautiful Disaster".






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