Burgers & Bubbles

I have been remiss in congratulating the winners of the first annual Burgers & Bubbles at the Promenade last week, in Bonita Springs. I was invited to be on the esteemed panel of judges and couldn't wait to sink my teeth into the juicy creations from restaurants and bars across Southwest Florida.

Then I read the rules sheet and realized this was SERIOUS business. I had to consider everything from the freshness of the buns to even grilling. Of course taste and presentation were the biggies and NO verbal discussion, eye rolling, moaning or any other form of communication that could sway fellow judges. That was particularly hard for me because I involuntarily shout things like 'oh ya' when I taste something fabulous.

Judging sheet in hand, the burgers began making their way to our table. It was hard to resist eating more than a bite or two at the beginning, we had to keep telling ourselves that this was a long haul event. About halfway through we noticed our palates needed cleansing, and what better than to cut through the layer of fat that had accumulated in our mouths than with the other headliner of the show.....BUBBLES! Ah, recharged and ready for more meat.

By the way, I think there may have been more brew than bubbles at the event, but who was counting. Both were perfect pairs to the wide array of burgers available for sampling. Besides the numerous tasting tables, participants got to join in seminars on beer, bubbles and other topics.

The dreaded discard plate, one of many

I hated to discard so much food, but then a dozen burgers in one sitting is something even a frat boy might struggle with. Congratulations to Roy's for winning both the judges vote and the coveted Peoples Choice award. The best alternative burger title went to the Sundial Beach Resort on Sanibel Island. Their tuna burger was my favorite! I'm already looking forward to next year's event.

Stay tuned for more new and exciting shopping, dining and events coming to the beautiful Promenade, now under new management. 

Gourmet Gifts and Party Pleasers

It seems like no matter how much you plan for the holidays, you always forget something or somebody. So wether you need to put together a last minute gift basket or stock your kitchen with goodies to last through the rest of the year. I've recently found a few fun consumables that are also new to the marketplace in general. Impress your guests and your hosts with some or all of these treats.

You can never go wrong with putting bags of gourmet chips in your gift baskets and having extra bags in your pantry, for when celebrations lasts longer than anticipated or unexpected guests arrive. When I opened a box of English chips from Tyrrells, you would've thought I had a box of gold, the way my friends reacted. Tyrrells chips have recently been launched in the US with unique flavors like Mature Cheddar and Chives, Worcestershire and Sundried Tomato or Beetroot, Parsnip and Carrot with a touch of Sea Salt. What makes them different, besides the flavors is that they are cooked by hand in small batches. We couldn't wait to open them and dig in and I couldn't get enough of the Sweet Chili and Red Pepper. They run around $10 a bag.

On the sweeter side, look for Snappers, a delicious new product from the Milk Shake Factory by Edward Marc Chocolatier. They are the perfect flavor combination of salt and sugar. And the perfect texture combo of crunchy and chewy; made with pretzels, caramel and chocolate.  Until now, you've only been able to find these in the Pittsburg market. However, Costco has picked up the tempting treat and now sells Snappers at select locations for $8.99 a bag. They are turtle-like but without the nuts and also a bit messy but soooo tasty.

 To wash down both of these treats, try something sparkling, like a lovely Cremant d'Alsace from Helfrich winery in France. The grapes in this bubbly come from the oldest documented and northernmost Grand Cru vineyard in Alsace.  A bit yeasty with lots of minerals, flavors of green apples and in the $20 range, it's one heck of a great bargain for what's in the bottle. It's tre impressive! I could drink champagne or sparkling wine every day, all day, on it's own and with almost any food. In fact one of my favorite things, because it's so yin and yang, includes bubbles and chips!

Grab these for your Christmas or New Years celebrations and enjoy. Cheers.

Holiday Sparklers

Love these great holiday cocktail ideas with using Mionetto Prosecco. Yes, this is the company that actually uses crown caps on one of it's bottles of bubbles. Enore Ceola, Managing Director for Mionetto USA explains the controversial move and gives some fun, festive ways to enhance your bubbly here:

https://soundcloud.com/gina-birch-live/enore-ceola

Spumante Surprise

At a wine tasting this week I saw the top of what appeared to be sparkling rose, and I couldn't wait to try it. That is until the wine rep pulled it out of the ice and I saw the word "Spumante". When I hear or see the word "Spumante", I automatically make a face inside of my head. My first thought is "this is going to be really sweet." I prefer my Prosecco or any bubbles for that matter, to be dry.

Looking at the other wines on the table, I knew there was quality at hand so I decided to let go of my pre-judgement and give it a go. I could always dump if it was a dud. I'm so glad I didn't have to. This Zardetto Spumante Rose from Veneto, Italy, was not only a beautiful raspberry color, but had a fresh raspberry flavor with a little spice. It's easy to drink and easy on the wallet; in the $15 range.

Bubbly By Moonlight

Did you see the lunar eclipse this week? Spectacular! Since an event like this hasn't happened in nearly 500 years it was cause for celebration in my neighborhood and around the world. What does one drink at 2am, outside under the stars, watching an historic full moon lunar eclipse? Bubbles of course!!!

Snuggled under blankets next to my favorite neighbors, I popped the cork of a French Veuve du Vernay and watched Mother Nature put on a spectacular show. The bubbly was light with lots of pear. Other than watching an eclipse in the middle of the night it would be perfect poolside, for a girl's weekend or mimosa's. Consider it for your New Year's Party.  It's not gonna knock you over with complexity but it's a fantastic value at around $10 a bottle!!

I'll never forget drinking it under the stars, making wishes on the shooting ones and watching the moon turn red with my dear friends! That's what bubbly is all about!