Greetings from all of us in New London,
Thames River Wine & Spirits- 860-443-6817
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
www.thamesriver.com
www.brieandbleu.com
As many of you know we have been on vacation for the past week - and that is the reason that this week's note is late and a bit shorter than usual.
It is good to be back - we missed you.
WEDNESDAY 8/31/05 - Our Mexican Dinner featuring beers from around the world starts at 6 p.m. - there are a couple of seats available. 860-443-9463
THURSDAY 9/1/05 - Beer Tasting & Musicale - from 5-8 p.m. NO CHARGE
"Into The Dark" - with the music of Pink Floyd
Chimay is an authentic Trappist beer that is it is brewed within a Trappist monastery, under the control and responsibility of the monastic community.
Only 6 beers in Belgium can carry the appellation "Trappist": Chimay, Orval, Rochefort, Westmalle, Westvleteren and Achel.
Tonight join us and sample two of the most popular from the abbey.
1 - Chimay Red
2 - Chimay Blue
3 - Allagash Double Ale
A dark-amber, medium bodied Belgian Style Ale, Allagash Double is the perfect complement to the White. The combination of 7 different malts, a special sugar, and our Belgian yeast strain results in a beer with a complex, malty taste and remarkably clean finish.
4 - Corsendonk Monks Ale -
Pours a deep dark brown colour with a thick tan head that stays thick. From bottle to glass this is an attractive beer. This is a very good Abbey. Looks solid brown with mohogany highlights accompanied by active carbonation. Forms an off white head of loosely knit bubbles. Fruity and spicy to the nose. Nice malty sweetness is spread over barley, caramel, and chocolate malts. Sweet and tart to the taste. Sweet fruitness of plumbs, raspberries, dark grapes, figs, and dates. Aside from the sweetness, the tartness rounds out the beers flavors. Playful carbonation and sweet alcohols keeps the beer from tasting or feel cloying. Finishes mildly sweet and dry.
FRIDAY 9/3/05 - Wine Tasting - 6-9 p.m. - NO CHARGE
1 - Les Sorcières 2001 Côtes du Roussillon - $21
Your palate will be most titillated by this wittily packaged - with its silhouette of a witch and star on the cork - wine from France - intense, lingering and mysterious. Please give this one a try.
2 - Nicodemi Montepulciano - $15.
Founded by Bruno Nicodemi, the property has now passed into the hands of the second generation and is currently being revamped by Elena and Allessandro Nicodemi. The full potential of this area, not yet fully explored, will surely find the forefront of revelation in the hands of this ambitious brother and sister team in the Teramo Montepulciano d'Abruzzo appellation! 100% Montepulciano aged in Slavonian casks yielding a rich and plush red wine! Made from a combination of old vine Montepulciano, responsible for the depth and concentration, and 5-10 year old vines, giving this wine the finer tannic material that makes it so extraordinarly silky and pleasant in the mouth-feel. Talk about yummy - this is the one.
3 - 2004 Provenza, Lugana, Garda - $12
There's nothing like a gulp of a good Lugana to slake the thirst on a warm day. Its zippy acidity and refreshingly crisp fruit make it both a super partner for white-fleshed fish dishes and for sipping as an apéritif . Perfect for broiled trout and other tasty fish dishes, enjoy this juicy, refreshing Lugana over the next year. Trust me - this is worth your attention.
4 - Frank Sinatra - Merlot ( Kahn Vineyards) - $17
So many people have asked about the Sinatra wine over the summer that we adding it to the Friday night tasting. This wine begins with pomegranate and cherry
flavors that leads into rich aromas of cola and spice and an undertone of vanilla oak.
Only 2,024 Cases Produced - Come Fly With Us on Friday night.
We will be back to our regular schedule this week.
There are many changes coming to the calendar of events - keep watching.
Thanks for your support, and please join us - it's fun, informal and a great way to start the weekend.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Beer Tasting / Hopler Gruner Veittliner / Ahlgren Syrah/ Vacation Notice
Greetings from all of us in New London -
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Thames River Greenery - 860-437-2474
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474
Calendar of Events - http://www.thamesriver.com/site_2/wine/calendar.html
www.brieandbleu.com
www.thamesriver.com
*** VACATION NOTICE***
Thames River Greenery &
Thames River Beanery will be closed for the week of August 22 - 27.
It's time to enjoy a mid summer vacation - oh yeah.
ALSO -Brie & Bleu will enjoy an abbreviated schedule during the week.
ALL events and functions that are scheduled will take place as planned - see you there.
BRIE & BLEU - 860-437-2474 - if you have questions.
The wine store will be open as usual.
Any questions - please call - 860-443-9463
This week:
Wednesday 9/24/05 - The Spanish Dinner - SOLD OUT - thank you.
**** there is space on the wait list at this time*****
( The Italian Wine dinner is filling quickly - please call early for seating )
Thursday - 9/25/05 - BEER TASTING & MUSICALE - 5-8 p.m. NO CHARGE
Featuring the White Ales of the World & the great "White Albums" of the world.
This Friday - 9/26/05 - 6-9 p.m. - NO CHARGE
1 - Hopler Gruner Veittliner - $17
The 2002 Grüner Veltliner color is light straw.
On the nose, citrus, apple and peach are present up front and in the background minerality and some spice.
Great zesty acidity, a medium body and an almost oily mouthfeel. This is a fantastic food wine and deserves your attention.
2 - Hopler Pinot Blanc - $19
White wines are Austria’s forte, including Grüner Veltliner, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc, Those fortunate enough to have experience with these wines know that in many ways they have more in common with Alsace than Germany while still retaining their own distinct personalities. Some say that although they have the freshness of the Rhine in them, there is more of the fieriness and high flavor of the Danube. Try this with your favorite late summer recipes -
3 - Ahlgren Syrah - Paso Robles - $25 - http://www.ahlgrenvineyard.com/
Many of you got to meet Dexter and Valarie Ahlgren when they were here at the store. You know that they make small batches of award winning wine. They send their regards AND they have sent us TWO wonderful wines. First the syrah -Deep, warm, rich smoky, & chocolate bouquet. Ripe and fruity flavors. Well balanced. Mouth filling, complex. Unfined & unfiltered - ONLY 600 cases produced.
4 - Ahlgren Zinfandel - Livermore - $27
Next they would like you to try thier Zin.
Big, soft, classic Zin with a great fruit bouquet showing hints of chocolate. Rich, intense, balanced, mouth filing and complex with a long finish. A big, gracious Zin. Almost a meal in itself. Unfined and unfiltered.
ONLY 249 cases produced.
FAVORITE DISCOVERY OF THE WEEK -
Just in - There is a sparkling French Rosé in the store that is the most amazing wine.
Delicate - off dry - gorgeous color - perfect with food - I am telling you this is the bottle you want to start off the party. ASK JIM to show you the "Sparkling French Rosé" - he will know what you mean. There might be six or seven bottle left in stock right now.
Thanks so much for all of your support - all of you continue to make it a party every night.
Please check the calendar of events for updates and items of interest - it changes often.
Please join us. It's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.
AAA
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Thames River Greenery - 860-437-2474
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474
Calendar of Events - http://www.thamesriver.com/site_2/wine/calendar.html
www.brieandbleu.com
www.thamesriver.com
*** VACATION NOTICE***
Thames River Greenery &
Thames River Beanery will be closed for the week of August 22 - 27.
It's time to enjoy a mid summer vacation - oh yeah.
ALSO -Brie & Bleu will enjoy an abbreviated schedule during the week.
ALL events and functions that are scheduled will take place as planned - see you there.
BRIE & BLEU - 860-437-2474 - if you have questions.
The wine store will be open as usual.
Any questions - please call - 860-443-9463
This week:
Wednesday 9/24/05 - The Spanish Dinner - SOLD OUT - thank you.
**** there is space on the wait list at this time*****
( The Italian Wine dinner is filling quickly - please call early for seating )
Thursday - 9/25/05 - BEER TASTING & MUSICALE - 5-8 p.m. NO CHARGE
Featuring the White Ales of the World & the great "White Albums" of the world.
This Friday - 9/26/05 - 6-9 p.m. - NO CHARGE
1 - Hopler Gruner Veittliner - $17
The 2002 Grüner Veltliner color is light straw.
On the nose, citrus, apple and peach are present up front and in the background minerality and some spice.
Great zesty acidity, a medium body and an almost oily mouthfeel. This is a fantastic food wine and deserves your attention.
2 - Hopler Pinot Blanc - $19
White wines are Austria’s forte, including Grüner Veltliner, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc, Those fortunate enough to have experience with these wines know that in many ways they have more in common with Alsace than Germany while still retaining their own distinct personalities. Some say that although they have the freshness of the Rhine in them, there is more of the fieriness and high flavor of the Danube. Try this with your favorite late summer recipes -
3 - Ahlgren Syrah - Paso Robles - $25 - http://www.ahlgrenvineyard.com/
Many of you got to meet Dexter and Valarie Ahlgren when they were here at the store. You know that they make small batches of award winning wine. They send their regards AND they have sent us TWO wonderful wines. First the syrah -Deep, warm, rich smoky, & chocolate bouquet. Ripe and fruity flavors. Well balanced. Mouth filling, complex. Unfined & unfiltered - ONLY 600 cases produced.
4 - Ahlgren Zinfandel - Livermore - $27
Next they would like you to try thier Zin.
Big, soft, classic Zin with a great fruit bouquet showing hints of chocolate. Rich, intense, balanced, mouth filing and complex with a long finish. A big, gracious Zin. Almost a meal in itself. Unfined and unfiltered.
ONLY 249 cases produced.
FAVORITE DISCOVERY OF THE WEEK -
Just in - There is a sparkling French Rosé in the store that is the most amazing wine.
Delicate - off dry - gorgeous color - perfect with food - I am telling you this is the bottle you want to start off the party. ASK JIM to show you the "Sparkling French Rosé" - he will know what you mean. There might be six or seven bottle left in stock right now.
Thanks so much for all of your support - all of you continue to make it a party every night.
Please check the calendar of events for updates and items of interest - it changes often.
Please join us. It's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.
AAA
Monday, August 15, 2005
Great Rums & Arturo Fuente /Anchor Steam/Fontanafredda
Greetings from all of us in New London,
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474
Last Wednesday the French dinner turned into a party because one of the guests happened to be celebrating a birthday -
What a great night - Anne Haviland and her merry band of staffers in the kitchen have been really raising the bar and the food included mustard crusted rack of lamb- and all of the wines were amazing - One of the guests even brought in a couple of surprise bottles from his own cellar to share with everyone. Very old - impossible to find - and oh so good. I don't think that would happen in too many places. Thanks to everyone - it was fabulous.
Thursday in our cellar the beer tasting featured the beers of Belgium - and on our deck
we had one of our best Cellar Club guests ever. Mr. Charles Mara joined us. He was generous with his time - answered all questions that were asked - and he sat at each table for awhile - getting to know our customers & friends. He is truly a wine industry insider and had many great stories to tell about wine & food celebrities. It was like being a fly on the wall.
He even recounted the episode of winding up in the guiness book of records - He explained how the bidding for the single most expensive bottle of wine ever purchased was going along in 500 dollar increments until it "really got serious" around twenty thousand dollars - thats when the bidding switched to one thousand dollar increments.
The bidding came down to two people - Charles and the other guy - the auctioneer called out - "I have twenty-five thousand, twenty-six thousand, twenty-seven thousand - do I hear twenty-eight"???
Charles raised his numbered paddle one more time - I have twenty eight thousand, at that point the other bidder smiled and gave a short bow to Charles. The bidding was over - the history books had a new name - and get this......he swears he was sober at the time.
On Friday night the celebration of the opening of the Hygenic Art Park was in full swing.
Hanafinn's - the new Irish Pub across from the Garde theater was open and
The night was full of music and people and wine - Lots of new faces in our cellar and on the deck at Brie & Bleu.
New London is jumping - come on down and see what your missing.
THIS WEEK -
WEDNESDAY -AUGUST 17 - 6-9 p.m. - on the deck at Brie & Bleu - 860-443-9463
The Great Rums of the world and the famed cigars of Arturo Fuente
Please call - space is limited
THURSDAY - AUGUST 18 - BEER TASTING & Musicale - 5-8 p.m. - NO CHARGE -- Anchor Steam
Anchor Brewing has played a significant role in San Francisco's rich history. Anchor's seven unique beers—including Anchor Steam®—are all produced in one of the most traditional and handsome breweries in the world. Each brew is virtually handmade from an all-malt mash in their handcrafted copper brewhouse, a veritable museum of the simple, traditional breweries of old.
This is great beer - please stop by and hoist a few.
FRIDAY AUGUST 19 - 6-9 p.m. - NO CHARGE - WHITE WINES OF ITALY
Among the four wines featured : Fontanafredda Arneis
A name which stands out among the great Piedmontese wine-makers, Fontanafredda represents long-standing tradition an approach which has taken it to the top of its field. Its labels include the best wines produced in the Langhe area, the home of the most noble Piedmontese vines. The Fontanafredda estate is over 125 years old. King Vittorio Emanuele II donated it to his commoner wife Rosa Vercellana and son Emanuele Guerrieri, Count of Mirafiori, who began making wine there in 1878.
Join us and drink like Italian Royalty - see you there.
*** VACATION NOTICE***
Thames River Greenery & The Beanery will be closed for the week of August 22 - 27.
It's time to enjoy a mid summer vacation - oh yeah.
******
Thank you all for your support and for making it so much fun.
Please check the website for items of interest and the latest news.
And if you are in the neighborhood - please stop by. It's fun, informal and a great way to start the weekend.
AAA.
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474
Last Wednesday the French dinner turned into a party because one of the guests happened to be celebrating a birthday -
What a great night - Anne Haviland and her merry band of staffers in the kitchen have been really raising the bar and the food included mustard crusted rack of lamb- and all of the wines were amazing - One of the guests even brought in a couple of surprise bottles from his own cellar to share with everyone. Very old - impossible to find - and oh so good. I don't think that would happen in too many places. Thanks to everyone - it was fabulous.
Thursday in our cellar the beer tasting featured the beers of Belgium - and on our deck
we had one of our best Cellar Club guests ever. Mr. Charles Mara joined us. He was generous with his time - answered all questions that were asked - and he sat at each table for awhile - getting to know our customers & friends. He is truly a wine industry insider and had many great stories to tell about wine & food celebrities. It was like being a fly on the wall.
He even recounted the episode of winding up in the guiness book of records - He explained how the bidding for the single most expensive bottle of wine ever purchased was going along in 500 dollar increments until it "really got serious" around twenty thousand dollars - thats when the bidding switched to one thousand dollar increments.
The bidding came down to two people - Charles and the other guy - the auctioneer called out - "I have twenty-five thousand, twenty-six thousand, twenty-seven thousand - do I hear twenty-eight"???
Charles raised his numbered paddle one more time - I have twenty eight thousand, at that point the other bidder smiled and gave a short bow to Charles. The bidding was over - the history books had a new name - and get this......he swears he was sober at the time.
On Friday night the celebration of the opening of the Hygenic Art Park was in full swing.
Hanafinn's - the new Irish Pub across from the Garde theater was open and
The night was full of music and people and wine - Lots of new faces in our cellar and on the deck at Brie & Bleu.
New London is jumping - come on down and see what your missing.
THIS WEEK -
WEDNESDAY -AUGUST 17 - 6-9 p.m. - on the deck at Brie & Bleu - 860-443-9463
The Great Rums of the world and the famed cigars of Arturo Fuente
Please call - space is limited
THURSDAY - AUGUST 18 - BEER TASTING & Musicale - 5-8 p.m. - NO CHARGE -- Anchor Steam
Anchor Brewing has played a significant role in San Francisco's rich history. Anchor's seven unique beers—including Anchor Steam®—are all produced in one of the most traditional and handsome breweries in the world. Each brew is virtually handmade from an all-malt mash in their handcrafted copper brewhouse, a veritable museum of the simple, traditional breweries of old.
This is great beer - please stop by and hoist a few.
FRIDAY AUGUST 19 - 6-9 p.m. - NO CHARGE - WHITE WINES OF ITALY
Among the four wines featured : Fontanafredda Arneis
A name which stands out among the great Piedmontese wine-makers, Fontanafredda represents long-standing tradition an approach which has taken it to the top of its field. Its labels include the best wines produced in the Langhe area, the home of the most noble Piedmontese vines. The Fontanafredda estate is over 125 years old. King Vittorio Emanuele II donated it to his commoner wife Rosa Vercellana and son Emanuele Guerrieri, Count of Mirafiori, who began making wine there in 1878.
Join us and drink like Italian Royalty - see you there.
*** VACATION NOTICE***
Thames River Greenery & The Beanery will be closed for the week of August 22 - 27.
It's time to enjoy a mid summer vacation - oh yeah.
******
Thank you all for your support and for making it so much fun.
Please check the website for items of interest and the latest news.
And if you are in the neighborhood - please stop by. It's fun, informal and a great way to start the weekend.
AAA.
Sunday, August 07, 2005
Charles Mara / Belgium Beers / Ballet of Angels / Bacchanalia
Greetings from all of us in New London,
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463 - 84 Bank Street
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817 - 70 State Street
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474 - 84 Bank Street
www.thamesriver.com
www.brieandbleu.com
Calendar of events: http://www.thamesriver.com/site_2/wine/calendar.html
The Film Festival at the Garde Arts Center is in FULL SWING.
There is nothing like seeing a movie on the big screen and this is an excellent way to support the Garde Arts Center.
Check out the full schedule here: http://www.gardearts.org/
Keep in Mind they are showing SIDEWAYS on Saturday August 20 at 7:30 and
to support that idea we will be sampling wine from the movie and matching it with food next door at Brie & Bleu.
We start at 6 and keep it going until 9 p.m.
The Pan Asian dinner we had at Brie & Bleu- was a great evening - lots of great food and amazing wine - decadence - oh yeah.
Our favorite course?: lobster dumplings with lemon grass and a chilled dry riesling by S.A. Prüm - decadence - oh yeah.
Anne Haviland makes it look easy - how does she make everything so delicious? She makes it with love - oh yeah.
We have added her recipes to the website: www.brieandbleu.com
Jonathan Edward's Winery packed them in last Friday night. - http://www.jedwardswinery.com/
They poured and poured....and then poured some more.
Their first all Connecticut Estate wine was a big hit - keep your eyes open for the reviews.
Also, Mr. Paul Trubey from Beltane Farm in Lebanon CT unveiled their newest cheese at Brie & Bleu on Friday.
The samples of "Beltane's Grace" were sublime. Paul was loaded with information and happy to share everything.
Brie & Bleu will be one of the few places to purchase the cheese when it's available - in a few weeks - It is fabulous.
THIS WEDNESDAY - French Wine Dinner - SOLD OUT - THANK YOU - remember to call early.
Our weekly themed dinners are very popular - some say the best kept secret in New London.
They are small, casual, and a very good time.
THIS THURSDAY AUGUST 11 6 p.m. - TWO EVENTS
First:
Have you ever said to yourself "what kind of nut pays thousand's of dollars for a bottle of wine"???
Well join us on Thursday August 11 at 6 p.m. and you can see for yourself.
Meet Charles Mara - He is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records TWO SEPARATE TIMES.
1 - "most paid for a single bottle of wine". ($28,000)
2 - "most paid for a case of American wine". ($24,000)
He may be some kind of nut - but he also makes some of the greatest wines we have ever tasted.
Try his highly rated & allocated wines
Featuring: Kosta Brown, Conn Vineyard Russian River 2002 - $52,
Mara Dolinsek Ranch Zinfandel 2002 - $40,
Mara Cabernet Reserve 2001 - $40, and a few surprises too.
The Wines of Mara & Kosta Brown. http://www.marawines.com/
IMPORTANT:
Charles Mara is a Cellar Club Event - which is normally Members Only.
BUT there is very limited additional seating available to the public.
Reservations Are Required - 860-443-9463
Speak to Jim Morrison - he will take your information.
Second:
Thursday Night Beer Tasting and Musicale -Belgium Beers
Our own George Whitehouse continues the weekly beer tastings.
This week the great beers of Belgium - featuring:
Chimay Cinq Cents - Orval Trappist - Lindemans Gueuze - Duchesse de Bourgogne.
Apparently many people have thought that the "musicale" part of the evening is just a joke.
Honestly - George is serious about the music part of the evening.
Bring in old VYNYL records - we will play them.
It sounds crazy - but some how it works - really.
THIS FRIDAY - Lots of action downtown - read on
FRIDAY AUGUST 12 2005 - 6-9 p.m. NO CHARGE
In our Cellar - Connecticut's Sharpe Hill Vineyards. - http://www.sharpehill.com/
Featuring:
Sharpe Hill Ballet of Angels $11. -
A crisp and semi-dry white wine with a lovely floral bouquet. It has flavors of citrus and pear with a long finish.
We suggest serving this wine well chilled as an aperitif or with spicy foods
Sharpe Hill Cabernet Franc $17. -
A Bordeaux style wine that is made entirely from Cabernet Franc grapes.
This wine has a classic Cabernet bouquet and a delicate soft finish.
We suggest serving this wine with all red meat dishes as well as chocolate desserts.
Sharpe Hill Red Seraph $12
A dry table wine that is a robust blend based on the St. Croix grape.
This lovely colored red wine is both soft and smooth, and is the perfect accomaniment to beef, lamb, and pasta dishes.
AND ACROSS THE STREET
AT THE HYGENIC ART PARK: http://www.hygienic.org/programs.asp
The dust from all of the construction is just about settled.
It is time to see what all the hard work has created.
It is time to see Paul McMasters and all of his tireless colleagues take a deep breath and have a cocktail.
They have put an extraordinary amount of time into this project. It has not gone unnoticed.
BACCHANALIA:
The friends of the Hygienic Art Park cordially invite you to BACCHANALIA
A Fundraiser and celebration supporting the Hygienic Art Park
Please join us on August 12th,2005
At the Hygienic Art Park - 87 Bank Street - New London, CT - 7:00 pm
$75.00 per person
R.S.V.P. by July 22nd, 2005 - Reservations are limited
Parking in the Eugene O'Neill parking lot
For questions or requests please call Kathryn Salvio Scarano,Chairperson at (860) 447-2066
Featuring: Live Music, Flowing Wine, International Cuisine provided by many of the finest restaurants in New London,
Silent Auction, Drawings, and Live music and dramatic entertainment.
Thanks for all of the comments and emails - we love hearing from you.
We try to implement your suggestions when ever possible.
Your participation is the reason that we have become a hub of information & activity.
We have wonderful plans for the upcoming months keep an eye on the calendar - and right here - on the weekly update.
Thanks for making this so much fun - we appreciate your support.
AAA.
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463 - 84 Bank Street
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817 - 70 State Street
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474 - 84 Bank Street
www.thamesriver.com
www.brieandbleu.com
Calendar of events: http://www.thamesriver.com/site_2/wine/calendar.html
The Film Festival at the Garde Arts Center is in FULL SWING.
There is nothing like seeing a movie on the big screen and this is an excellent way to support the Garde Arts Center.
Check out the full schedule here: http://www.gardearts.org/
Keep in Mind they are showing SIDEWAYS on Saturday August 20 at 7:30 and
to support that idea we will be sampling wine from the movie and matching it with food next door at Brie & Bleu.
We start at 6 and keep it going until 9 p.m.
The Pan Asian dinner we had at Brie & Bleu- was a great evening - lots of great food and amazing wine - decadence - oh yeah.
Our favorite course?: lobster dumplings with lemon grass and a chilled dry riesling by S.A. Prüm - decadence - oh yeah.
Anne Haviland makes it look easy - how does she make everything so delicious? She makes it with love - oh yeah.
We have added her recipes to the website: www.brieandbleu.com
Jonathan Edward's Winery packed them in last Friday night. - http://www.jedwardswinery.com/
They poured and poured....and then poured some more.
Their first all Connecticut Estate wine was a big hit - keep your eyes open for the reviews.
Also, Mr. Paul Trubey from Beltane Farm in Lebanon CT unveiled their newest cheese at Brie & Bleu on Friday.
The samples of "Beltane's Grace" were sublime. Paul was loaded with information and happy to share everything.
Brie & Bleu will be one of the few places to purchase the cheese when it's available - in a few weeks - It is fabulous.
THIS WEDNESDAY - French Wine Dinner - SOLD OUT - THANK YOU - remember to call early.
Our weekly themed dinners are very popular - some say the best kept secret in New London.
They are small, casual, and a very good time.
THIS THURSDAY AUGUST 11 6 p.m. - TWO EVENTS
First:
Have you ever said to yourself "what kind of nut pays thousand's of dollars for a bottle of wine"???
Well join us on Thursday August 11 at 6 p.m. and you can see for yourself.
Meet Charles Mara - He is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records TWO SEPARATE TIMES.
1 - "most paid for a single bottle of wine". ($28,000)
2 - "most paid for a case of American wine". ($24,000)
He may be some kind of nut - but he also makes some of the greatest wines we have ever tasted.
Try his highly rated & allocated wines
Featuring: Kosta Brown, Conn Vineyard Russian River 2002 - $52,
Mara Dolinsek Ranch Zinfandel 2002 - $40,
Mara Cabernet Reserve 2001 - $40, and a few surprises too.
The Wines of Mara & Kosta Brown. http://www.marawines.com/
IMPORTANT:
Charles Mara is a Cellar Club Event - which is normally Members Only.
BUT there is very limited additional seating available to the public.
Reservations Are Required - 860-443-9463
Speak to Jim Morrison - he will take your information.
Second:
Thursday Night Beer Tasting and Musicale -Belgium Beers
Our own George Whitehouse continues the weekly beer tastings.
This week the great beers of Belgium - featuring:
Chimay Cinq Cents - Orval Trappist - Lindemans Gueuze - Duchesse de Bourgogne.
Apparently many people have thought that the "musicale" part of the evening is just a joke.
Honestly - George is serious about the music part of the evening.
Bring in old VYNYL records - we will play them.
It sounds crazy - but some how it works - really.
THIS FRIDAY - Lots of action downtown - read on
FRIDAY AUGUST 12 2005 - 6-9 p.m. NO CHARGE
In our Cellar - Connecticut's Sharpe Hill Vineyards. - http://www.sharpehill.com/
Featuring:
Sharpe Hill Ballet of Angels $11. -
A crisp and semi-dry white wine with a lovely floral bouquet. It has flavors of citrus and pear with a long finish.
We suggest serving this wine well chilled as an aperitif or with spicy foods
Sharpe Hill Cabernet Franc $17. -
A Bordeaux style wine that is made entirely from Cabernet Franc grapes.
This wine has a classic Cabernet bouquet and a delicate soft finish.
We suggest serving this wine with all red meat dishes as well as chocolate desserts.
Sharpe Hill Red Seraph $12
A dry table wine that is a robust blend based on the St. Croix grape.
This lovely colored red wine is both soft and smooth, and is the perfect accomaniment to beef, lamb, and pasta dishes.
AND ACROSS THE STREET
AT THE HYGENIC ART PARK: http://www.hygienic.org/programs.asp
The dust from all of the construction is just about settled.
It is time to see what all the hard work has created.
It is time to see Paul McMasters and all of his tireless colleagues take a deep breath and have a cocktail.
They have put an extraordinary amount of time into this project. It has not gone unnoticed.
BACCHANALIA:
The friends of the Hygienic Art Park cordially invite you to BACCHANALIA
A Fundraiser and celebration supporting the Hygienic Art Park
Please join us on August 12th,2005
At the Hygienic Art Park - 87 Bank Street - New London, CT - 7:00 pm
$75.00 per person
R.S.V.P. by July 22nd, 2005 - Reservations are limited
Parking in the Eugene O'Neill parking lot
For questions or requests please call Kathryn Salvio Scarano,Chairperson at (860) 447-2066
Featuring: Live Music, Flowing Wine, International Cuisine provided by many of the finest restaurants in New London,
Silent Auction, Drawings, and Live music and dramatic entertainment.
Thanks for all of the comments and emails - we love hearing from you.
We try to implement your suggestions when ever possible.
Your participation is the reason that we have become a hub of information & activity.
We have wonderful plans for the upcoming months keep an eye on the calendar - and right here - on the weekly update.
Thanks for making this so much fun - we appreciate your support.
AAA.
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Decadence Is Alive, Happily, In New London
Featured in Columns & Editorial
Decadence Is Alive, Happily, In New London
By STEVEN SLOSBERG
Day Staff Columnist
Published on 8/2/2005
Living large on a deck overlooking the harbor in New London on a Wednesday evening in late July, the air fragrant with the smoke of superior cigars and the bouquet of single malts, and skewers of succulent Cuban-style pork, and thinking if I praise Charlotte Hennegan one more time, being stamped as owned-and-operated will be indelible.
So let me toast, instead, Fred Argilagos, Hennegan's long-time partner, both business and domestic, who has engineered the return of monthly cigar and spirits nights with, well, Hennegan's signature flourish and fine taste.
What transpires on occasional Wednesday evenings on the back deck of Thames River Wine & Spirits on Bank Street, a few blocks away from Hennegan's venerable Thames River Greenery on State Street, is a throwback to the headier days of the 1980s and early '90s. This was money-to-burn era of the fabulously decadent cigar dinners, during which well-ventilated establishments would serve up, for maybe $80 to $125, a full-course evening of gourmet food, cigars, wines and whiskies. The protocol was generally a different cigar and wine with each course, and there were typically four to five courses.
Argilagos, in concert with his wine shop manager, Jim Morrison, has been hosting Friday wine tastings, free to the public, in the granite catacomb wine cellar since the shop opened more than a year ago. Lately, with chef Anne Haviland, once of Anne's Bistro in Old Lyme, he's presented weekly limited-seating, themed-cuisine, wine dinners for $50. In June, Argilagos, a professed aficionado of the famed Connecticut broadleaf wrapper, welcomed a gathering to the first cigar and spirits night. For $25, people were treated to four different single malts, with abundant snifter refills, a Davidoff cigar and plates of cheese and fruits and elegant sandwiches.
For those who like their single malts aged and pronounceable, the first array included Cragganmore 12-year-old; Oban 14-year-old; the regal Lagavulin 16-year-old and Dalmore Cigar Malt.
The second such evening, the one in July, featured the best domestic cigar in the land, one equal to most any upscale hand-rolled from the Dominican and Honduras and smoother than many Cubans. They are called Moore & Bode, made by an Irish woman, Sharon Moore, and her Cuban-Dutch husband, Robert Bode, in Miami's Little Havana. The whisky was on the same par: Glenmorangie 12-year-old, and, at around $150 a bottle, 1964 Scott's Selection North of Scotland, a bracing, full-bodied spanking.
Again, the hosts were not shy about refills, and served up a couple of Spanish wines at the finish. Beside plates of cheese, bread and fruits, there were skewers of seasoned pork. The price this night was $35, and all those on the back deck, perhaps 20 people, each received three Moore & Bode cigars.
Among those savoring the evening was Kyrena Robinson, who ran Kyrena's Restaurante in Norwich several years ago and lately works in her family's tack shop, the Paddock, on Rose Hill in Ledyard. She prefers petit cigars, but took her leisurely time on this Wednesday evening to enjoy one of the Moore & Bode coronas. Her husband, Gary Robinson, smoked beside her.
The next cigar night, later in August, will feature Arturo Fuente cigars and world-class rums, including the enviable 15-year-old Barbancourt from Haiti.
Charlotte Hennegan and Fred Argilagos are doing it downtown, again, and I'm saying it again. They are the brand for New London to live and prosper by.
This is the opinion of Steven Slosberg.
© The Day Publishing Co., 2005
For home delivery, please call 1-800-542-3354 Ext. 4700
Decadence Is Alive, Happily, In New London
By STEVEN SLOSBERG
Day Staff Columnist
Published on 8/2/2005
Living large on a deck overlooking the harbor in New London on a Wednesday evening in late July, the air fragrant with the smoke of superior cigars and the bouquet of single malts, and skewers of succulent Cuban-style pork, and thinking if I praise Charlotte Hennegan one more time, being stamped as owned-and-operated will be indelible.
So let me toast, instead, Fred Argilagos, Hennegan's long-time partner, both business and domestic, who has engineered the return of monthly cigar and spirits nights with, well, Hennegan's signature flourish and fine taste.
What transpires on occasional Wednesday evenings on the back deck of Thames River Wine & Spirits on Bank Street, a few blocks away from Hennegan's venerable Thames River Greenery on State Street, is a throwback to the headier days of the 1980s and early '90s. This was money-to-burn era of the fabulously decadent cigar dinners, during which well-ventilated establishments would serve up, for maybe $80 to $125, a full-course evening of gourmet food, cigars, wines and whiskies. The protocol was generally a different cigar and wine with each course, and there were typically four to five courses.
Argilagos, in concert with his wine shop manager, Jim Morrison, has been hosting Friday wine tastings, free to the public, in the granite catacomb wine cellar since the shop opened more than a year ago. Lately, with chef Anne Haviland, once of Anne's Bistro in Old Lyme, he's presented weekly limited-seating, themed-cuisine, wine dinners for $50. In June, Argilagos, a professed aficionado of the famed Connecticut broadleaf wrapper, welcomed a gathering to the first cigar and spirits night. For $25, people were treated to four different single malts, with abundant snifter refills, a Davidoff cigar and plates of cheese and fruits and elegant sandwiches.
For those who like their single malts aged and pronounceable, the first array included Cragganmore 12-year-old; Oban 14-year-old; the regal Lagavulin 16-year-old and Dalmore Cigar Malt.
The second such evening, the one in July, featured the best domestic cigar in the land, one equal to most any upscale hand-rolled from the Dominican and Honduras and smoother than many Cubans. They are called Moore & Bode, made by an Irish woman, Sharon Moore, and her Cuban-Dutch husband, Robert Bode, in Miami's Little Havana. The whisky was on the same par: Glenmorangie 12-year-old, and, at around $150 a bottle, 1964 Scott's Selection North of Scotland, a bracing, full-bodied spanking.
Again, the hosts were not shy about refills, and served up a couple of Spanish wines at the finish. Beside plates of cheese, bread and fruits, there were skewers of seasoned pork. The price this night was $35, and all those on the back deck, perhaps 20 people, each received three Moore & Bode cigars.
Among those savoring the evening was Kyrena Robinson, who ran Kyrena's Restaurante in Norwich several years ago and lately works in her family's tack shop, the Paddock, on Rose Hill in Ledyard. She prefers petit cigars, but took her leisurely time on this Wednesday evening to enjoy one of the Moore & Bode coronas. Her husband, Gary Robinson, smoked beside her.
The next cigar night, later in August, will feature Arturo Fuente cigars and world-class rums, including the enviable 15-year-old Barbancourt from Haiti.
Charlotte Hennegan and Fred Argilagos are doing it downtown, again, and I'm saying it again. They are the brand for New London to live and prosper by.
This is the opinion of Steven Slosberg.
© The Day Publishing Co., 2005
For home delivery, please call 1-800-542-3354 Ext. 4700
Monday, August 01, 2005
Brooklyn Brewing / Jonathan Edwards Estate Wines / Rao's Size Private Dinners
Greetings from all of us in New London,
What a great week it has been - We are getting a late start this week so I will keep it short and sweet.
Thanks to all of the cellar club members that attended Thursday's gathering -
I've never seen so many empty bottles of wine or so many smiling faces. Thanks for making it so much fun.
Also - We finished our week long salute to the wines & foods of Spain and it reached a near fever pitch when we hosted
our boutique wines of Spain last Wednesday night. Some amazing wines that will most likely never be available again in this area.
You can visit our BLOG to review the details of the Special Evening at: http://newlondonwine.blogspot.com/
Our weekly dinners continue on Wednesday August 3 2005 - 6 p.m.
Our Pan Asian Dinner is - S O L D O U T -
BUT We do take names for a waiting LIST.
Take a look at our calendar: http://www.thamesriver.com/site_2/wine/calendar.html
All of our upcoming wine diners and food events are listed there and remember it changes often with additions and information of interest.
We keep the gatherings small - it's a lot more fun that way - but unfortunately it's the early caller that gets the seat.
Our Thursday night Beer Tastings & Musicale continue - or as I like to call them "Thursday Night Beer-a-Palooza's"
Last week no one took the prize for the Herb Alpert album challenge - So this week I am making it easier.
Almost everyone has a copy of Henry Mancini's original Pink Panther sound track. Remember we want VYNYL.
For those of you out there that have never seen a rotary phone - this may prove too big of a hurdle.
This Thursday we are hosting Brooklyn Brewing Company: http://www.brooklynbrewery.com/
In 1984, Associated Press correspondent Steve Hindy returned from a six-year stint in the Middle East and settled in Brooklyn's Park Slope neighborhood. Hindy had caught the homebrewing bug from diplomats stuck in Islamic countries like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait where alcoholic beverages were forbidden. With his downstairs neighbor, Tom Potter, a former lending office at Chemical Bank, Hindy quit his job and founded The Brooklyn Brewery. Their initial goal was to bring good beer back to New York City. Due to their limited resources, they had no choice but to have their first beer, Brooklyn Lager, contract brewed in Utica, New York. They commissioned a fourth-generation German-American brewmaster, William M. Moeller, to develop a recipe for Brooklyn Lager. Moeller's grandfather had brewed beer in Brooklyn and willed his notebooks and brewing records to his sons. For the label design and company identity, they hired the world renowned designer, Milton Glaser, best known for the "I Love NY" logo.It was not all glory for Hindy and Potter in the first years of the company. An initial test batch was hand-labeled in the basement of their Brooklyn brownstone. They have come a long, long way since those days. We are very happy to be hosting the Brooklyn Brewing Company this Thursday.
Thursday August 4 2005 - 5-8 p.m. NO CHARGE
1 - Brooklyn Lager
Their flagship beer, the award-winning Brooklyn Lager is amber-gold in color, and displays a firm malt center supported by a fine bitterness and floral hop aroma. The aromatic qualities of the beer are enhanced by “dry-hopping”, the centuries-old practice of steeping the beer with fresh hops as it undergoes a long, cold maturation. The result is a wonderfully flavorful beer, smooth, refreshing and very versatile with food.
2 - Brooklyn East India Pale Ale
Their East India Pale Ale is a deep golden beer brewed from British malt and a blend of hops featuring the choice East Kent Golding variety.
It is traditionally dry-hopped for a bright aroma of hops and citrus fruit, and has a robust snappy bitterness, a warming malt palate and a clean hoppy finish. It is excellent with spicy dishes, steaks and chops.
3 - Brooklyner Weisse Beer
Their Brooklyner Weisse is brewed in the classic German style from European wheat and barley malts. Our special Bavarian yeast produces the flavors and aromas that wheat beers are prized for – bananas, cloves, and melon, with a smoky note in the background. Refreshing, light, and brisk, wheat beers have been popular in Bavaria for centuries. Remarkably versatile with your favorite dishes. Its light touch is perfect with all sorts of salads. It’s great with egg dishes at brunch, Mexican dishes and spicy Asian cuisine. It’s also terrific with seafood, especially snapper, salmon, shrimp, and crab cakes.
4 - And a SURPRISE from the brewers.
Now onto the the wine tasting -
THIS FRIDAY August 5 2005 - 6-9 p.m. - NO CHARGE
A great night featuring a CONNECTICUT gem.
Jonathan Edwards Vineyards: http://www.jedwardswinery.com/
North Stonington will unveil their first all Connecticut wine.
Be among the very first to try their ESTATE WINES - before the general public.
1 - Chardonnay - FIRST RELEASE - of their Estate Connecticut Chordonnay!
After four years of hard work and anticipation Jonathan Edwards Winery will finally be releasing their first estate Connecticut wine!
This will mark the beginning of their premium Connecticut wine program with a focus on classic European white varietals.
Call the winery for more information at 860.535.0202 or visit http://www.jedwardswinery.com/
2 - Cabernet 2002 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon is sure to please those fans that helped make the 2001 a quick sell-out.
Dark chocolate, fresh tobacco leaf and peat continue to dominate this smooth finishing wine. -
3 - Zinfandel 2002 Napa Valley Zinfandel -
One of our best sellers! Our 2002 Zinfandel was grown on 50 year old head-pruned vines in St. Helena.
Jammy fruit, black pepper, and even violets permeate the nose on our version of the monster Zin!
4 - Merlot 2002 Napa Valley Merlot
Our first 100% Merlot release hails from a gorgeous vineyard in Oakville directly behind Opus One.
This wine has deep color, a bright clear bouquet of cherry, raspberry and is followed by a lush finish of plum and spice.
Near perfect growing conditions in 2002 delivered a quintessential Napa Valley Merlot. Enjoy this with red pasta dishes, almost any meats and alongside your favorite cheese.
ALSO : AT Brie & Bleu - http://brieandbleu.com/
Mr. John Trubey of Beltane Farm in Lebanon, CT will unveil their new "Beltane Grace".
The first release of their newest cheese - try it BEFORE it is available in stores.
CORRECTIONS:
The Upcoming French Wine Dinner is in fact on Wednesday August 10 - 6 p.m.
The photo on the calendar incorrectly states the date as 8/3/05.
Thanks for all of your support - we appreciate it.
Please join us - it's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.
AAA.
What a great week it has been - We are getting a late start this week so I will keep it short and sweet.
Thanks to all of the cellar club members that attended Thursday's gathering -
I've never seen so many empty bottles of wine or so many smiling faces. Thanks for making it so much fun.
Also - We finished our week long salute to the wines & foods of Spain and it reached a near fever pitch when we hosted
our boutique wines of Spain last Wednesday night. Some amazing wines that will most likely never be available again in this area.
You can visit our BLOG to review the details of the Special Evening at: http://newlondonwine.blogspot.com/
Our weekly dinners continue on Wednesday August 3 2005 - 6 p.m.
Our Pan Asian Dinner is - S O L D O U T -
BUT We do take names for a waiting LIST.
Take a look at our calendar: http://www.thamesriver.com/site_2/wine/calendar.html
All of our upcoming wine diners and food events are listed there and remember it changes often with additions and information of interest.
We keep the gatherings small - it's a lot more fun that way - but unfortunately it's the early caller that gets the seat.
Our Thursday night Beer Tastings & Musicale continue - or as I like to call them "Thursday Night Beer-a-Palooza's"
Last week no one took the prize for the Herb Alpert album challenge - So this week I am making it easier.
Almost everyone has a copy of Henry Mancini's original Pink Panther sound track. Remember we want VYNYL.
For those of you out there that have never seen a rotary phone - this may prove too big of a hurdle.
This Thursday we are hosting Brooklyn Brewing Company: http://www.brooklynbrewery.com/
In 1984, Associated Press correspondent Steve Hindy returned from a six-year stint in the Middle East and settled in Brooklyn's Park Slope neighborhood. Hindy had caught the homebrewing bug from diplomats stuck in Islamic countries like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait where alcoholic beverages were forbidden. With his downstairs neighbor, Tom Potter, a former lending office at Chemical Bank, Hindy quit his job and founded The Brooklyn Brewery. Their initial goal was to bring good beer back to New York City. Due to their limited resources, they had no choice but to have their first beer, Brooklyn Lager, contract brewed in Utica, New York. They commissioned a fourth-generation German-American brewmaster, William M. Moeller, to develop a recipe for Brooklyn Lager. Moeller's grandfather had brewed beer in Brooklyn and willed his notebooks and brewing records to his sons. For the label design and company identity, they hired the world renowned designer, Milton Glaser, best known for the "I Love NY" logo.It was not all glory for Hindy and Potter in the first years of the company. An initial test batch was hand-labeled in the basement of their Brooklyn brownstone. They have come a long, long way since those days. We are very happy to be hosting the Brooklyn Brewing Company this Thursday.
Thursday August 4 2005 - 5-8 p.m. NO CHARGE
1 - Brooklyn Lager
Their flagship beer, the award-winning Brooklyn Lager is amber-gold in color, and displays a firm malt center supported by a fine bitterness and floral hop aroma. The aromatic qualities of the beer are enhanced by “dry-hopping”, the centuries-old practice of steeping the beer with fresh hops as it undergoes a long, cold maturation. The result is a wonderfully flavorful beer, smooth, refreshing and very versatile with food.
2 - Brooklyn East India Pale Ale
Their East India Pale Ale is a deep golden beer brewed from British malt and a blend of hops featuring the choice East Kent Golding variety.
It is traditionally dry-hopped for a bright aroma of hops and citrus fruit, and has a robust snappy bitterness, a warming malt palate and a clean hoppy finish. It is excellent with spicy dishes, steaks and chops.
3 - Brooklyner Weisse Beer
Their Brooklyner Weisse is brewed in the classic German style from European wheat and barley malts. Our special Bavarian yeast produces the flavors and aromas that wheat beers are prized for – bananas, cloves, and melon, with a smoky note in the background. Refreshing, light, and brisk, wheat beers have been popular in Bavaria for centuries. Remarkably versatile with your favorite dishes. Its light touch is perfect with all sorts of salads. It’s great with egg dishes at brunch, Mexican dishes and spicy Asian cuisine. It’s also terrific with seafood, especially snapper, salmon, shrimp, and crab cakes.
4 - And a SURPRISE from the brewers.
Now onto the the wine tasting -
THIS FRIDAY August 5 2005 - 6-9 p.m. - NO CHARGE
A great night featuring a CONNECTICUT gem.
Jonathan Edwards Vineyards: http://www.jedwardswinery.com/
North Stonington will unveil their first all Connecticut wine.
Be among the very first to try their ESTATE WINES - before the general public.
1 - Chardonnay - FIRST RELEASE - of their Estate Connecticut Chordonnay!
After four years of hard work and anticipation Jonathan Edwards Winery will finally be releasing their first estate Connecticut wine!
This will mark the beginning of their premium Connecticut wine program with a focus on classic European white varietals.
Call the winery for more information at 860.535.0202 or visit http://www.jedwardswinery.com/
2 - Cabernet 2002 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon is sure to please those fans that helped make the 2001 a quick sell-out.
Dark chocolate, fresh tobacco leaf and peat continue to dominate this smooth finishing wine. -
3 - Zinfandel 2002 Napa Valley Zinfandel -
One of our best sellers! Our 2002 Zinfandel was grown on 50 year old head-pruned vines in St. Helena.
Jammy fruit, black pepper, and even violets permeate the nose on our version of the monster Zin!
4 - Merlot 2002 Napa Valley Merlot
Our first 100% Merlot release hails from a gorgeous vineyard in Oakville directly behind Opus One.
This wine has deep color, a bright clear bouquet of cherry, raspberry and is followed by a lush finish of plum and spice.
Near perfect growing conditions in 2002 delivered a quintessential Napa Valley Merlot. Enjoy this with red pasta dishes, almost any meats and alongside your favorite cheese.
ALSO : AT Brie & Bleu - http://brieandbleu.com/
Mr. John Trubey of Beltane Farm in Lebanon, CT will unveil their new "Beltane Grace".
The first release of their newest cheese - try it BEFORE it is available in stores.
CORRECTIONS:
The Upcoming French Wine Dinner is in fact on Wednesday August 10 - 6 p.m.
The photo on the calendar incorrectly states the date as 8/3/05.
Thanks for all of your support - we appreciate it.
Please join us - it's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.
AAA.
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