Zinfully Delicious

PreppyDudeTV™

Why We Garden... The Tomato Edition

Okay, the easy answer is…because they taste better.  Store bought tomatoes pale in comparison to the truly “homegrown”-“vine-ripened” version.  (But if it were that simple, this tiny bit of literary genius would not be necessary.)

      In truth, there are many reasons why we feel an innate need to have, even just a couple, tomato plants in our yards.  Nothing compares to the smell of a tomato plant. You certainly will not get a whiff of that lovely fragrance while walking the aisle of your local produce section.

     And isn’t it part of our nurturing natures to care for things?  Give the little plants (or with you really green-thumbed folks-- seeds) a bit of attention, loving care and then watch them respond.  They show their appreciation for our efforts, thanking us with lovely vines and fruit (yep, the tomato is a fruit!).  They are a parent’s dream… they don’t talk back or cause your car insurance to soar! 

       As the tomatoes ripen and you have the luxury of enjoying the fruits of your labor there is a sense of satisfaction that this lovely, freshly picked bit of mouth-watering goodness is, in some part, a product of your care.  And of course, there may also be just a smidgen of smugness, as you consider the poor unfortunate souls who have only the store bought version in their diets.

     The drive to “grow our own” may also be part of a part of our primal natures, dating back to our long gone ancestors, the hunter/gatherers.  Maybe it is linked to a gene, who can tell?  I just know that come Springtime I just can’t seem to control myself, the compulsion is too great.  I must plant tomatoes!  Are you with me???

D.E.W.

 

Lunch at The Winds Cafe & Bakery

Thanks to our Server Daniel for fantastic service      

 Linguine-
tossed with smoked salmon, lemon cream,
spinach and toasted bread crumbs

        Winds Steak Fritte-
Grilled Beef Sirloin w/ maitre d' butter
& Spanish Fries

Chocolate Nemesis-
A deep dark mysterious presence
in the form of a flourless cake.
Garnished with Crème fraîche &
Raspberry sauce.

 Italian Roasted Pear-
Bosc pears are roasted standing
w/ vanilla, cinnamon, Marsala &
red wine.

The Winds Cafe & Bakery

Whiskey 101... The after party

What did we learn?

Mobile post sent by PreppyDude using Utterli.  Replies.

Whiskey 101

Another online tasting? Who cares, right? You know Duane would have something special for you kids.

All of the Whiskey that I'll be tasting is available in small *airline* sized bottles so you can taste along with The Dude *on the cheap*.

Not enough?  What about some pre-tasting Magic from a beautiful girl?  I thought you'd like that combination. Whiskey & Magic? What's not to love?

The Whiskey that will be tasted is pictured below. Get in your car, scooter, bike or on your horse and scurry to the store before the 10th of December

Whiskey 101

 

Product Photography by Michelle Havens

Friday NIght- Wine & Wild Game

WildFish Seafood Grille

    A night on the town saying goodbye to friends

  

Apple Salad

Black Truffle Mac & Cheese

Broiled Jumbo Georges Bank Sea Scallops

Snapper Filet w/ Jonah Crab & Lemon-Chive Cream Sauce

Bread Pudding w/ Cinnamon Meringue & Bourbon Sauce

 

Godiva Volcano Cake

Triple A: Argentina, Alsace, Australia

June 25 from 7-8:30 pm in the Wine Garden (weather permitting)

Break out of the California wine rut and dip your toes into the exciting pool of wines from other emerging wine producing regions.  As always, wines are picked by the Mistress of Wine herself, Joyce DeNeal, while Executive Chef Lisa Slay creates food courses from the corresponding countries.

-Pinot Blanc Steamed Black Atlantic Mussels w/ fennel & butter

paired with Domaine Paul Blanck Pinot Blanc D' Alsace 2004 Alsace, France

-Chicken Empanada w/ chorizo, raisins & olives
paired with Pannotia Vineyards Malbec 2005 Mendoza, Argentina

-Lamb Kebabs w/ Pomegranate-Cumin Glaze
paired with The Wishing Tree Shiraz 2005 Western Australia

Just Dinner

Cooking on a weeknight can be more than
just microwaving a *quickie* meal

Tuna encrusted w/garlic,lemon,rosemary
breadcrumbs & misted with truffle oil

Grilled to perfection(IMHO)

Creamy Risotto-Blend of Arborio & Basmati
rice, Asparagus, Mushrooms w/ parmesan
cheese sauce

Segura Viudas Cava Brut Heredad-Spain
 

A taste amongst friends

As wines vary, so do wine tastings.  I had an especially enjoyable evening this past week, experiencing one of San Antonio’s least pretentious (and maybe most engaging) wine tasting groups. Though it was my first time attending, I felt right at home.  You’re only a newcomer for a few minutes, once you’re greeted by Clayton and company – you’re family! 

The group meets at Sun Harvest  (I-10/Callahan) twice a month.  It usually consists of about 20 “regulars”.  This week, the turn-out was a bit larger – more like 30 "foodies", though the close knit, comfortable atmosphere was maintained.  The participants range from the mid-twenty-ish age group up towards septuagenarian.  All with a warm, unassuming and excited interest in wines/food paring/and pretty much anything else. 

That evening Pinot Noir wines were featured.  Trina did an awesome job of selecting and presenting 8 different wines for our tasting pleasure. Flecia from Serendipity Wine Imports added her insights.  As we sampled each wine,  Trina discussed the wines specific features.  Thus began the interactive portion of the tasting where audience participation was not only allowed but encouraged.  It was entertaining to hear the different ideas from the group.  D.E.W.’s favorite was when the suggestion was made to pair a certain wine with the chocolate cheesecake.  Oh, yes, of course there was food provided; meats, cheeses, bread, crackers, fruit, veggies, and aforementioned cheesecake samples.  Cheesecake samples were supplied by Zak, co-owner of JacobsCheesecakes. Insider hint: they deliver in Austin & San Antonio. 

   Clayton and Janet did the pouring duty (and a fine job, I must say).  Clayton usually presents the wine but gave his protégé, Trina, the night to shine.

  Needless to say, I’m looking forward to the next tasting!

Featured Pinot Noirs:

Dr. Zenzen - Rheinhessen '05

Mirassou '06 (California)

A By Acacia '06 (California)

St. Gregory Mendocino '06

Dom. Du Chateau de Meursault-Bourgogne '02

Terre di Gioia - Friuli '05

Elk Cove Willamette '06

Marchesi Incisa "Rollone" - Piemonte '05

     click images for a larger view