Italian Winemaker Visit: Claudio Icardi to present his wines at Spiritus

"We are very pleased to welcome back our friend Claudio Icardi, owner/winemaker at his family estate in Piedmont, to Spiritus this Wednesday for a special in-store wine tasting. Claudio will pour four of his wines and entertain you with his engaging personality. Do not miss this opportunity to meet the winemaker and ask your questions!"

FREE IN-STORE TASTING
Wednesday, June 29th from 4:30 to 6:30 PM

2009 Icardi Cortese L'Aurora
White Wine; other white varietal; Piedmont;$18.99
Cortese is the same grape also known as gavi. This is a terrific summer white with pleasing notes of pineapple and citrus, but also minerality and refreshing acidity.

2007 Icardi Pinot Nero Langhe Rosso Nej
Red Wine; Pinot Noir; Piedmont;$32.99
Celebrated Italian wine critic Luca Maroni calls it "the best Italian pinot noir ever", while awarding it a whopping 98 point score. The glowing praise flows as suave, powerful, harmonious and creamy with voluptuous notes of black currant, cherries and balsamico. The seduction is complete. Leave it to the Italians to get the heart racing of pinot noir lovers everywhere!

2008 Icardi Barbera d'Asti Tabarin
Red Wine; Barbera; Piedmont;$18.99
Claudio holds true to the traditional style of his ancestors, turning his back on the modern trend of more extraction and heavy oak. This barbera is fashioned in stainless steel tanks, never seeing a stave of wood. The exceptional purity of this wine immediately captured my attention as the palate bursts with fresh wild cherries leading to an impressively long, clean finish.

2006 Icardi Surisjuan Nebbiolo
Red Wine; Nebbiolo; Piedmont; $31.99
The Icardi family has been growing grapes in this Piedmont region since 1914. Imagine a wine so provocative, surging with scented perfume and floral tones on the nose, yet with masculine force it grips your palate with brawny tannins and dominating structure. More often than not, nebbiolo's tannic stars need years to fully develop into the masterpieces they are destined to be, but this one is remarkably ready to drink thanks to the ripe flavors of the excellent 2006 harvest.

Welcome addition to the neighborhood

It was last fall when I first encountered The Hartford Baking Company when I purchased a loaf of bread from them at the local farmer's market. While I wasn't impressed with the bread (that was when they had just opened) at the time, I recall thinking that they had great promise and that I should give them a bit of time to work out the kinks and then check back on them. Well, I am glad that I did. Actually, sidetracking a bit, in case any of you are wondering why you never see me post "bad" or "negative" reviews on a place, it's not because I don't experience bad service, dingy atmosphere, or food that makes you physically ill. I do! But after years in the food service industry I have learned that a bad review can literally shut down a business, when perhaps they just haven't gotten into the swing of things yet. Thus, all you will see me review are places that are a consistant enjoyable experience. Plus you don't have to get bogged down in reading about places that aren't worth your time.

Anyway, I am feeling very confident about The Hartford Baking Company's survival in the neighborhood. While they are located in the industrial, and newly dubbed "home design" district on the Hartford/ West Hartford line, don't let that factor deter you, there are many reasons to travel over and check them out. Firstly, they are open at 7:30 am during the week, a total blessing for those of us who have to be at work by 8am, but need a jolt of coffee first. This is an outstanding feature if you ask me. Secondly, the coffee is roasted by Stumptown Coffee Roasters in Brooklyn every week, and it definately is evident in the taste. If you are like me, and hate bitter, dried out beans that then have to be masked by syrup and chocolates like the coffee served at Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts, then you are going to love this place. There is no need to cover anything up. You might even want your coffee black!

The baked goods are lovely, and the scone that I ordered with my cafe au lait was moist, not overly sweet, and chock full of crystalized pieces of ginger. Since I am very particular about my scones (this of course began on a trip to England with my grandparents) and usually end up being disappointed, I was thrilled with my choice this morning and can't wait to go back this weekend to try another flavor.

In addition, they have recently started to offer lunch, and the menu looks very appealing, and affordable. Also, there is a very cute outdoor seating area for you to enjoy that should have wide appeal due to the overall lack of places to sit outside in the Hartford area. Check out the menu and more on their website: http://hartfordbaking.com/ and by all means, report back, I'd love to hear from you!

Summer cooking/ eating/ drinking events at Barcelona

June 25th:
Description: Seafood Cooking Class
Barcelona South Norwalk
Saturday, June 25th, 1pm
Ceviche, Esquiexada, and Escabeche...oh my! Join Chef Jodi and learn how to make these staple summer dishes. Limited space available for this hands-on cooking class.
Please call Barcelona SoNo at 203.899.0088 to make reservations.

$30 per person*Plus tax and gratuity.

June 29th:
Please welcome the third installment of our new event series, the Cocktail Classroom. These fun and informal classes are designed to demystify the art of making delicious drinks. This class will explore Mexico’s beloved tequilas and mezcals. Join Barcelona New Haven’s lead bartenders as they lead an informative Tequila 101 lesson, as well as demonstrate some fantastic tequila and mezcal based cocktails. Executive Chef Mike Hazen will be preparing some Mexico-inspired cocktail friendly bites to curb the appetites while we get our margaritas on!
$30 per person.*event price does not include tax or gratuity
June 29, 2011 (Wed) from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
To RSVP send an email to: gretchen@barcelonawinebar.com
COCKTAIL DEMOS: Hot Dahlia, Azteca, Smoky Cholula MENU: Kumato Tomato Salsa with Tuna & Avocado, Baja Fish Tacos, Chicken Gorditas and Fresh Guacamole with Black Truffle, Cilantro, Huitlacoche

July 12th:  
Description: Exploring Navarra & Basque Cuisine Cooking class
Barcelona New Haven
Tuesday, July 12, 7pm
Next up on our culinary tour of Spain is the northern territory of Navarra! The capital of Navarra is Pamplona, where the annual Running of the Bulls happens. The area focuses heavily on vegetables and salt cod, but we'll see what surprises Chef Mike comes up with!
When: 7/12/2011 7:00 PM. $25 per person  Plus beverages, tax and gratuity. For reservations, please call the restaurant at 203.848.3000

July 14th:
Description: Fiesta de San Fermin
Thursday, July 14 / BarcelonaWest Hartford/ 7:00 pm / When: 7/14/2011 7:00 PM
$45 per person*
This week-long celebration in Navarra is famous for its Running of the Bulls festival held annually in Pamplona. If you can’t get to Spain for the life-threatening event, join us for this 5th annual event in West Hartford to try some of the celebrated wines of the regions surrounding Pamplona, as well as the incredible cuisine of Navarra. This informal dinner will include plenty of wine, passed tapas, and our famous “paella grande.” A party not to miss!

WINES
Xarel-lo, Albet I Noya, Penedes 2009; Viura/Verdejo, El Hada, Rueda 2009; Tempranillo Rosado, Dinastia Vinvanco, Rioja 2010; Garnacha, Teorema, Calatayud 2009; Tempranillo, Onice, Joven, Rioja 2009
Tempranillo, VIllarica, Crianza, Rioja 2008; Garnacha Blend, Mas Donis, Montsant 2008

MENU
Scallop on Watermelon Micro Celery, Fennel Pollen
Pork Belly with Sunny-Side Quail Egg
Piquillo Peppers & Boquerones on Grilled Bread
Duck Confit-Foie Gras Risotto Croquettes
Roasted Grape Chutney
Summer Corn Fritters with Basque Pepper Aioli
Gazpacho-Oyster Shots
“PAELLA GRANDE”with Chicken, Chorizo, Seafood, Vegetables, Saffron Rice
*dinner price does not include tax or gratuity
For reservations, email gretchen@barcelonawinebar


July 20th:
Description: “The Cocktail Classroom” – Delightful Muddled Drinks
Tuesday, July 20 / Barcelona SoNo / 7:00 pm / When: 7/20/2011 7:00 PM
$30 per person*    *Event price does not include tax or gratuity

Please welcome the fourth installment of our new event series, the Cocktail Classroom. These fun and informal classes are designed to demystify the art of making delicious drinks. Join Barcelona South Norwalk’s lead bartenders as they demonstrate how to prepare some classic muddled cocktails (such as our infamous mojitos and caipirinhas) as well as how to select appropriate ingredients for your own muddled creations. Executive Chef Jodi Bernhard will be cooking up some cocktail friendly bites while you hone your muddling skills! For reservations, email gretchen@barcelonawinebar.com

COCKTAIL DEMOS
Traditional Mojito; Brazilian Caipirinha; Hot Dahlia

MENU
Crispy Pork Belly Pintxos
Spicy Apricot Glaze Grouper Esquebeche Jalapeño, Garlic
Grilled Stone Fruit Salad Cilantro, Cucumber, Avocado
Spiced Beef Coca Caramelized Onion, Charred Scallion

August 11th: Description: The Cocktail Classroom – Summer Sippers
Thursday, August 11/ BarcelonaWest Hartford / 7:00 pm / When: 8/11/2011 7:00 PM
$30 per person*  *Event price does not include tax or gratuity
Please welcome the fifth installment of our new event series, the Cocktail Classroom. These fun and informal classes are designed to demystify the art of making delicious drinks. Join Barcelona West Hartford’s lead bartenders as they demonstrate how to prepare some easy and refreshing drinks perfect for the Summer heat. Executive Chef Adam Greenberg will be cooking up some cocktail friendly bites while we enjoy drinking in some sun!
For reservations, email gretchen@barcelonawinebar.com

August 31st:
Description: La Tomatina!
Wednesday, August 31 / BarcelonaGreenwich / 7:00 pm  When: 8/31/2011 7:00 PM
$50 per person*  *dinner price does not include tax or gratuity
Our 5th annual and much-anticipated La Tomatina dinner is back! Every year the villages of Valencia celebrate with their famous tomato throwing battle, painting the streets, buildings and revelers red. In homage to this fun holiday we will be serving a special menu by Executive Chef Christian Petroni with each course featuring heirloom tomatoes, the summer season’s greatest fruit. The dinner will be paired with delicious wines from Valencia and other regions of Spain. There could be an impromptu tomato fight, come dressed accordingly!

These are just a smattering of the events planned for the summer at various locations. Check out the website for a full calender.

Website: http://www.barcelonawinebar.com/index.htm

Hip Hip Huzzah for vintage baseball in Hartford!

Following on a recently begun summer trend, my friend and I decided that attending a vintage baseball match would nicely compliment our own vintage activity of picnicking. So, off we went to Colt Park to see a match between the Charter Oaks and Blue Boys. The matches are free and are held every Saturday starting at 10:30 am, and then the 2nd match is around 12:30pm. 

The match was a lovely way to spend a Saturday, and enjoy our picnic made from items procured at the Hartford farmer's market, the splendor of Hartford's vast public parks, and share in experience of a gentlemanly activity. The players didn't wear any gloves, played with wooden bats, rang a bell when a score was made and were decked out in all vintage uniforms. The entire experience was quaint, fast paced and highly engaging and we found ourselves getting rather attached to the Charter Oaks and rooting loudly for them.

The organization, "Friend of Vintage Baseball" have created a local soda pop that they sell at the games to actively try and recreate the feel of a bygone era. They sell for $3 per bottle and support the efforts of the teams. So if you are looking for a good local place to enjoy your picnic this summer, the beauty of Hartford's parks, and a classic American past-time, come out to the ball-field. I think even Mrs. Colt would contribute a huzzah!!


Schedule of games and other info about the organization can be found here on their website: http://www.friendsofvintagebaseball.org/about.html

What to get dad...

Rapidly approaching, lest we forget, is Father's Day this weekend. Sunday to be exact. If the day slipped your mind, or you are still struggling with potential gift ideas as you have exhausted all known possibilities in years past...here are some friendly suggestions from some of my favorite online shops.

BEER MAKING KITS  $15-$40
"After discovering a vintage fermenter in her father's basement, Erica Shea and Stephen Valand researched the art of home brewing and swiftly became self-taught pros. The pair quit their advertising jobs and left for a seven week beer-tasting tour of Europe to train their palates and test the possibility of a business partnership. They returned inspired and ready to launch this do-it-yourself kit, equipped with everything you need to brew up a mouth-watering storm of pale ales, porters or saisons. Yields the equivalent of 12 beers in four weeks. "
Found: Uncommon Goods website

FACE MUG $18

Chomping At The Bite

Put a smile on that mug with a hungry mouth cubby that bites off more than you can chew. Perfect for serving milk and cookies, coffee and doughnuts, tea and biscotti, or your favorite snack-time combinations.
FOUND: Uncommon Goods website

BBQ BRIEFCASE $84

Grill Master

Fire up a feast with this portable, grill-side case of 20 stainless steel utensils topped with heat-resistant handles. Perfect for the on-the-go grill master, this traveling case transforms day trips, parks and backyards with its fully-equipped set of flame-retardant cooking tools. Whether you're flipping kabobs or charring fresh corn, you'll always have the right tool for the job. It's outdoor entertaining in a two snaps of its case.
FOUND: Uncommon Goods website

STAINLESS STEEL BRANCH SKEWERS $20 (set of 2)
Bough Meets Grill

Shish kabobs are branching out! These modern grilling skewers, made from laser-cut, premium brushed stainless steel, have nine individual prongs, perfect for veggies, meat or marshmallows, that balance the entire skewer and make for easy flipping. The design is not only stylish, but also allows you instant access to any piece of food, so there's no need for any more unevenly cooked kabobs. Handle stays cool.
FOUND: Uncommon Goods website

GLASS GROWLER $12.99

A contemporary take on the traditional growler, re-created in glass, with a cork top to keep draughts safe from spills and a handle for easy portability. And this would compliment quite nicely the beer making kit for dad. Infact, you may need a few of them!
FOUND: West Elm website.

ACADIA SLABS $24- $34Organically shaped, richly grained ovals of acacia wood do double-duty as cutting boards in the kitchen and beautiful display and serving pieces for fruits and cheeses at the table or during cocktails. If your father is like mine, and appreciates the art of presentation, then he will love this gift...I think that the choice in naming it a "slab" versus a "cutting board" also has a great level of appeal.
FOUND: West Elm website

 
TEST TUBE SPICE RACK $16.99
Last but not least...Laboratory-style test tubes bring a dash of modern science to the kitchen. This spice rack does double-duty as stylish tabletop display for condiments—salt, pepper, hot sauce, and more—or even as a quartet of bud vases.

 
Hopefully this has inspired you to get your gourmet dad something that he will love. I am very excited about my father's day find this year, but I can't post it because I know he reads my blog. If are curious however, email me, and I will be glad to share. Have a wonderful father's day everyone!

The Farmers Market is Back!

Tomorrow marks the re-opening of the West End farmers market for the summer season! They will be open every Tuesday and Friday at the corner of Whitney St. and Farmington Ave from 4pm to 7pm. This year, they are partnering up with South Whitney Pizza to sell slices and pies at the market, but you can also rely on finding the stuff you have come to know and love there. Local cheese, honey, fruits and veggies and freshly baked bread to name a few. I am so excited, I know where I am picking up dinner tomorrow!