Food & Wine

Western #NCFarmTour Recap: The Food, The Farms, The Fun w/@NCAgriculture #gottobeNC #avlbba

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Disclosure:  I joined food bloggers/writers from NC on a sponsored tour of agriculture in Western NC. Lodging, Transportation and meals were covered , however the opinions shared here are 100% my own. Thanks again to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA &CS) and the Asheville Bed and Breakfast Association for hosting our group. Also thanks to Kristen Baughman of Tabletop Media Group and Heather Barnes, the marketing specialist for the NC Dept of Agriculture who did an amazing job organizing the tour! 

On July 19-21, 2017, I went on a fantastic tour of agriculture in Western NC and let me tell you, I learned so much about food, where it comes from, how its sourced and the people. Our group traveled from Raleigh,NC to Colfax, Salisbury, Hickory, Marion, Black Mountain and Asheville and came back with so much knowledge and respect for what it takes to produce quality food from farm to table!

I shared with you some of the highlights from our two and a half day tour on social media @SobeSavvy but encourage you to also check Facebook, Twitter, Instagram of our groups social media shares at #NCFarmTour. Growing up in the city, it was great to meet farmers, experience farm life and learn about the diversity of NC agriculture. I mean as a ‘foodie’, I think it was a right of passage for myself to see where it all begins. So let’s begin…..

DAY 1 |Wednesday, July 19

Here I am with Quinn and Paten Carlton, SoulFull Sisters departing from the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market in Colfax. We left from Raleigh Farmers Market but made a stop here to pick up bloggers from Charlotte,NC. I am happy we stopped here because I was able to get a to- go snack from Moose Cafe , voted “Best Restaurant for Best use of local ingredients”.  I got one of their homemade biscuits and signature apple butter to try and it was just like grandma used to make..so good! 

Fading D Farm -Salisbury, NC

Owned by Faythe (head cheesemaker) and David DiLoreto, this is the only working water buffalo dairy herd in NC and is one of the stops on the NC Cheese Trail. During this stop we toured the fields, farm, creamery and store and got to hear how a trip to Italy and their love for cheese sparked their passion to produce at a farm of their own . Fun Fact: The water buffalo get nicknamed after cheeses and their milk is used for making their award winning fresh/aged cheeses, which we got to enjoy tasty samples of. I learned that the water buffalo milk is 30% higher in protein and if you are dairy sensitive, these milks/cheeses are a better option. In addition to selling the cheese at their on-site farm store, you can buy soaps, other gift items, and  select cuts of water buffalo meat (which is low in cholesterol and flavorful). If interested in trying some for yourself, join Heidi Billotto of Heidi Billoto Food for her On The Farm cooking class, which features 5 courses/wine pairings and fun! It’s being held at Fading D Farm on July 30 from 2-5pm! Email to make a reservation HLNC@carolinarr.com. Check out my photo album of this tour stop >>>>here. 

Highland Avenue Restaurant –    Hickory, NC 

For the record, this part of the blog post is making me hungry as I look over the menu and pictures from this farm to table feast we enjoyed courtesy of Highland Avenue Restaurant. Led by Executive Chef Sam Stachon, the team at this restaurant provided us with top notch service along with their amazing dishes. It’s no wonder they have received regional and national recognition for sourcing local foods. The Chef shared with us that he sees this as a ‘friends to table’ restaurant because of the personal relationships he has built with the farmers and the food they provide. See some of the delicious dishes that we enjoyed for dinner>>>>here.

DAY 2 | Thursday, July 20

Sweet Biscuit Inn, a Bed & Breakfast in Asheville, NC 

This Asheville Bed and Breakfast Association Inn was my accomodation during the tour. Our group was divided among the different 15 Asheville area inns, that work together to promote outstanding guest service, guest safety and quality. The Sweet Biscuit Inn’s hosts, Claudia and Christian Hickl, exceeded in hospitality by making our stay comfortable and sharing their insights of the area. My room (check out youtube for room reveal video)  was decorated with European style and a southern charm. It was spacious and suitable for 2 adults and 1 child. This inn welcomes children of all ages and is convenient to downtown Asheville and only 1/2 mile north of the Biltmore Estate entrance. The 3 course gourmet breakfast prepared by Chef Claudia was mouthwatering and memorable! Watch my video to get a taste of Sweet Biscuit Inn and make plans today for your next Asheville stay!  https://www.instagram.com/p/BW-jZcVh4S0/

Pisgah Brewing Company –                 Black Mountain, NC 

Before moving to NC, I would casually drink beer only in the summer as a pairing with Maryland steamed blue crabs. Then when I moved to Miami, I started covering beer events, festivals and grew to develop my palate thru tastings. I even have a category on the blog dedicated to Spirits/Beer. So I was excited to tour NC’s own Pisgah Brewing! We learned all about this brewery , founded by Dave Quinn. Our tour guide, Tom, shared that the #1 ingredient in beer is water and because of the great quality there in the western NC mountains, they are able to produce brews consumers enjoy! Since 2005, they have specialized in craft brews made with 100% whole leaf hops and organic grains and malts. We got to walk threw the brewery and learn about the history of Pigsah and process of making beer. Outside we saw their real beer garden, viewed the hop vines and learned how they use local produce to make beer. My fave part was sampling some of Pigsah’s brews inside their taproom, which is open 7 days a week and often has live music and other events. Wanna see more from this part of the tour? View pics >here.

New Sprouts Organic Farms-Black Mountain,NC

Ever wanted to follow the journey of a seed to the grocery store? Well Founder, Alan Rose and his son took us on a tour of New Sprout Organic Farms -it’s office, packing house and we even got to visit the fields(see pics >>here).  The family owned farm grows, pack and ships certified organic fruits and vegetables to East Coast grocery stores, including Ingles, Whole Foods, Earth Fare, and Harris Teeter. During this part of the tour, I learned what it means to be GAP certified. It means Good Agricultural Practices are met for food safety.  For optimal health, it’s important to eat local to ensure the days from field to plate are not long. This is a way to to make sure you get the most nutrients from your vegetables. Check out the youtube video of my photo recap of this tour.  And thanks again Alan for our New Sprout Organic Farms swag!

“Taste of Local” event at Ingles Market

After a delicious lunch at locally owned Black Mountain Bistro , it was time to head to Ingles Market in Black Mountain for their “Taste of Local” event. This event is held every Thursday at Ingles stores and gives customers a chance to meet local farmers/vendors who supply Ingles and sample their products. I came home with some edible souvenirs like Unicoi Preserves, which owner Suzy Neal explained are “perfect pairings with cheese and charcuterie” !

All of the staff/farmers/vendors were so passionate about their products and a pleasure to talk to. Special thanks to Ingles Markets Corporate Dietitian Leah McGrath (we share a Maryland connection, Go Terps!) who not only is a pioneer in her field, but has done an amazing job connecting brands and products to consumers and informing customers about health and nutrition.  

If ever in the area, this is a free event you should attend! Here is my event recap : https://www.instagram.com/p/BWyMOjQB1K4/

Engadine Inn & Cabins at Honey Hill-Candler, NC

So much to see and say about this wonderful evening at Engadine Inn & Cabins. The Asheville Bed & Breakfast Association (ABBA) welcomed us to a feast featuring dishes from many of the B&Bs. We got to tour the historic inn, and enjoy dessert by the fire pit. Dinner was delicious and the sunset views of the Blue Ridge Mountains were amazing! I captured some of it here via Facebook live. This 12 acre property offers the choice of staying in one of the B&B elegant rooms(adult only) or in the cozy,comfort private cabins(which allows pets and children). This is also a perfect place to host a wedding or any indoor/outdoor event. Want to see more photos, check them out >>>>here. 

DAY 3 | Friday, July 21

Harvest Farm- Marion, NC

Harvest Farm is a conventional family farm owned by Cassandra Benfield. During this stop on the #NCFarmTour, we learned that in addition to distributing their produce to wholesale distribution facilities, the farm also works with local produce stands, local restaurant delivery trucks, food shelters, Move With Compassion Ministry, The Society of St. Andrew, and a local cattle farmer. Cassandra is passionate about freshness and makes every effort to provide the best produce to a diversity of people within the community. We were thankful to not only learn about her and what she does but we also got a chance to pick tomatoes to take home and plant cabbage! We hope to return in the fall to the Harvest Farms Corn Maze and Pumpkin patch. See my photos from our visit>>>>>here.

Ingles Distribution Center

The final stop on the Western NC Farm Tour was the Ingles Distribution Center, which is located within 250 miles of Ingles stores, allowing it to meet the store’s standards for freshness and quality. Now that’s an #InglesAdvantage that customers appreciate! All merchandise (grocery, perishable, frozen, health & beauty) for Ingles stores is distributed by the company’s 1.6 million square feet distribution center. No cameras were allowed inside, but we were in awe of how much product was stored, the organization of operations, and positivity of the employees (many who have been there for years). There are approximately 200 stores in six southeastern states all accepting deliveries 7 days a week. After lunch, sponsored by Ingles, we were on our way back to Charlotte & Raleigh, with memories, knowledge and a great appreciation for agriculture and the people in Western NC. 

4 Reasons Why You Don’t Wanna Miss the Grand Opening @41HundredLounge on 7/25 @RenRaleigh

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Raleigh..and the surrounding Triangle,have you heard?! A new, multi-level bar is celebrating it’s grand opening tomorrow and let me tell you: YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS IT ! Step inside and experience the new 41Hundred Restaurant & Lounge!

I had the chance to enjoy a media lunch and a sneak peak tour of the beautiful 41Hundred, located at 4100 Main St. at North Hills inside the renovated Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel. We got to meet excutive Chef Dean Thompson and tried some of his crafted sharable plates described as “simple sophisticated, international cuisine”. During the tour (see some of my photos here), he encouraged us all to tell everyone to come out to the grand opening celebration! Here are 4 Reasons Why:

  1. THE AMBIANCE The new 41Hundred and 41Hundred Lounge has a lobby level and upstairs. I would describe both areas as having a casual ambiance and suitable for hotel guests, North Hill visitors and locals. They wanted to create an uncomplicated space that brings the outdoors inside and I believe they suceeded!
  2. THE FULL BARThis is a stylish bar area I would bring anyone to who enjoys good libations. Step to the bar, order beer, wine, a cocktail or drop by for their house-aged whiskey. Come watch a game on any of their number of flat screen tvs or plug in to any of their usb outlets. And ladies whether you are there to work or werk, there are purse hooks by the bar. I love that kind of attention to detail, don’t you?!
  3. THE FOODThe food we got to sample was from the sharable plates menu.  They offer unique dishes like oxtail poutine and took my taste buds on a journey to Korea with their Korean BBQ wings (pictured above) and my fave dish tuna poke had me on the beaches of Hawaii!And if you just want to satisfy your sweet tooth try the Chef’s Hot Cheesecake or the locally made ice cream exclusively sold there. Come get a taste of shareable plates, you won’t want to share! 


  4. IT’S FREE !

As per the flyer, come out and enjoy complimentary bites from the 41 hundred menu and drink samples from Topo Distillery, Bombshell Beet Company & Aviator Brewing Company. 

I plan to be there to support and celebrate! Be sure to follow @SobeSavvy Twitter/IG/Facebook for event highlights. Come out and see why this is not your average hotel bar for yourself. Hope to see you there !

#FoodieFriday Spotlight on @MissShirleys | Where to Eat for Breakfast,Brunch, Lunch #Baltimore

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One of the many reasons Baltimore is unique is it’s geography. Not a southern city and not a wholly northern city either. Both influence Baltimore’s culture and cuisine. To sample this split personality is to visit Miss Shirley’s Cafe. With 3 locations in the region, the locally owned Miss Shirley’s is the go to place to sample all that Baltimore cuisine has to offer. From regional classics like crab cakes to southern mainstays like fried green tomatoes, Miss Shirley’s does it all on a high casual level. Dress up or down. All are welcome here.

Miss Shirley’s has been featured on Food Networks hit show, Diners, Drive In’s and Dives, making it very popular with locals and visitors alike. Open for breakfast, brunch and lunch, the downtown Inner Harbor location was packed. They don’t take reservations, but this restaurant is well worth the wait for its delicious food, exceptional service and warm atmosphere. We chose to done at this location for lunch as it was convenient to our hotel, Hyatt Place and close to Port Discovery Children’s Museum (Read all about this attraction and more family fun places to visit in Baltimore >>here.)

THE DRINKS

I ordered a “Miss Mimosa” from their House-Made Mornin’ Cocktails list. They use freshly squeezed orange juice and mix it with champagne and garnish it with an orange and strawberry slice. It was so refreshing! Since we were in the Charm City, my husband opted for a DuckPin Pale Ale, a craft beer made in Baltimore!

THE FOOD

I’ll start with saying the menu has something for everyone and if you were wondering if this restaurant is kid-friendly it is! In fact, it was voted America’s Favorite Family Restaurant and Favorite Kids Menu.

My daughter ordered the Silver Dollar Pancakes, which were beautifully presented in a bento box ! She really enjoyed the fresh fruit and option to have brocolli with her pancakes. 

After seeing all the #ShirleysLove on Social Media channels like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest @MissShirleys, I could not wait to try some of their signature dishes. Take a look at what we tried: 

Shirley’s Affair with Oscar is indeed a love affair on a plate. A twist on a Surf and Turf dish. If you are a meat lover and enjoy seafood, this combo will not disappoint.

My hubby devoured his Bay-O PO’ BOY with Softshell crab. His thoughts were Yum.Yum.Yum. I did not get to taste but I did get a quick photo at least! It’s served with hash browns and was a nice portion.

We took the opportunity to cast our vote for Miss Shirley’s after thoroughly enjoy our lunch!

Next time you are in Baltimore and are looking for a family-friendly restaurant that serves award winning food and won 

  • Best Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch
  • Overall, Good Deal, Family Friendly
  • Server & Restaurant for Visitors
  • #1 Breakfast & Amercan Traditional
  • Best Breakfast Dish in Maryland
  • Best Brunch Spot 

..then make sure you make plans to eat at Miss Shirley’s Cafe! 

SobeSavvy Tip: If driving, You can park in the Harbor Park Garage and Take Skywalk on the 7th floor into building. The take elevator at end of skywalk into the lobby  where restaurant is located. Parking at the Harbor Park Garage is discounted to $5 for guests at Miss Shirley’s Cafe for a 3 hr maximum.

 Miss Shirley’s ~Inner Harbor

750 E Pratt St

Baltimore, MD

410-528-5373

#Baltimore Event|Photo Recap 4th Annual Chesapeake Crab & Beer Festival @DrinkEatRelax 

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If you were not in Baltimore,MD this past Saturday 6/24/17, you missed a crackin’ good time at the 4th Annual CHESAPEAKE Crab & Beer Festival !

Held at Rash Field-Inner Harbor, this festival is the epitome of summertime in Maryland: fun, friends, beer, music and steamed crabs! If you love Maryland Blue Crabs steamed in seasonings and served hot,then the ALL-YOU-CARE-TO-TASTE VIP tent is for you. 

I attended the event with my husband, a native Baltimorean, and he was quite impressed with how organized the event was and how delicious the crabs tasted. After checking in, once you get your wristbands, you can opt to walk around to try other food vendors, sample beers, liquors, wines, play some games, dance to live music, buy crabs a la carte and sit at picnic tables OR if you bought the VIP option you can head to the tent for the unlimited crab feast. 

Inside VIP are signs that let you know 6 crabs are served at a time and not to worry, they won’t run out! Along with your tray of crabs you get: a souvenir beer mug, a crab mallot, corn, a bag of UTZ chips ( a MD fave) cole slaw, melted butter, vinegar and extra seasoning. There was plenty of seating along with paper towels and buckets for shells. Friendly staff was always on hand to empty those buckets and to help with anything that was needed. Both serious crab lovers and new eaters can be seen in the tent throwing down on these crustaceans. Beer and Wine was available inside the tent as well. Everyone seemed to be satisfied, smiling and enjoying the crab feast! 

SobeSavvy Tip: I would highly recommend going and buying early! Tomorrow at 10am – mid year sale begins! 2-4-1 tickets available for the 1st 50 ticket purchasers on June 27th 

Go to : http://www.drinkeatrelax.com

The next Chesapeake Crab & Beer Festival is being held-National Harbor,MD August 19, 2017. Stay tuned for more details and Follow SobeSavvy.com for your chance to win 2 VIP Tix to the event! 

Here are some photos , As Seen on the Scene by SobeSavvy.com !

SobeSavvy.com celebrates #NationalRoséDay with @chateaudesclans @WhisperingAngel #Rosé #wine 

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For those of us who like to drink pink, today is the day we celebrate Rosé All Day! Every Second Saturday in June, National Rosé Day is observed and I decided to open up a bottle to enjoy a glass or two on our newly revamped small patio. 

 
But not just any bottle of Rosé. Thanks to our friends at Chateau d’Esclans, SobeSavvy.com received a bottle of their Whispering Angel 2016 to enjoy and give our honest review to share with our readers.

WHO is the winemaker? 

  • Chateau d’Esclans is a prestigious estate and winery who’s portfolio includes four premium rosés with an array of depth and flavor. Under the leadership of Sacha Lichine, these wines are respected and enjoyed as the producer of some of the world’s leading rosé wines.

WHERE does the wine come from?

  • Whispering Angel 2016 comes from Cotes de Provence, Provence, France . Named and inspired by an icon of two cherubs who adorn the walls of a 19th century chapel.

WHEN is it best enjoyed? 

  • Anytime! Often as an aperitif. Perfect for the spring,summer. Pairs well with seafood, sushi and cheese. 

WHAT did I enjoy most about this wine?

  • This delicious rosé wine is incredibly refreshing and easy to drink–perfect with all kinds of foods, especially as the weather warms up and you start dining outside more often. Per the tasting notes, “The wine has fresh red berry characteristics with a floral nose and a smooth, round finish”. It’s not too dry like some rosés and is so smooth which makes it the perfect party starter because it can be enjoyed by all! 

HOW much does it retail?

  • The suggested retail price for Whispering Angel, the #1 French Wine Brand in America, is $22

    Now that you know about this particular Rosé wine, I hope that you go out and buy a bottle or 2 to enjoy with friends to celebrate

National Rosé Day.

For more information, please visit www.esclans.com 

Facebook/Twitter/Instagram @thewhisperingangel

Cheers!

Want a Taste of NOLA? Try @BoneFishGrill ‘s New Seasonal Menu now thru June 16 #creolecuisine 

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This past Sunday, I took a trip to NOLA by way of my tastebuds, thanks to Bonefish Grill and their new seasonal specials, available through June 16. I am a seafood lover and I enjoy creole cuisine, so when I heard that the fresh fish experts at Bonefish Grill are spicing up things in the kitchen with their new Creole-Style Redfish, I knew I had to make reservations to dine there!

Redfish itself is a new type of fish on the polished casual favorite’s menu. The mild sweet fish with a medium firm texture was introduced in the 1980s in the New Orleans kitchen of famed chef Paul Prudhomme.

Bonefish Grill’s Creole-Style Redfish is topped with crawfish — a fresh water crustacean similar in taste to lobster and very popular in the South — then accented with a creole-style sauce and served with sweet corn spoonbread.{While I am usually suspicious of any large commercial restaurants claim
that a dish is “Creole/Louisiana style” Bonefish grill hit this one out of the
park! The right blend of hot and spicy made the Creole spirit of this dish
authentic.}

Bonefish Grill is spanning the globe of culinary inspiration for other items on its new seasonal menu, including:

·         Crab Cake Topped Wood-Grilled Atlantic Cobia – for a new twist, Bonefish Grill creates a delicious combination of flavors, pairing a popular starter with an interesting fish offering a rich, sweet flavor that is slightly firm, with a light flake. Served with a jalapeño bacon cream sauce it is finished with jalapeño slices and served with jasmine rice and French green beans. { Being from Baltimore, any fish that is topped by crab meat has to
meet  a high standard in my books. This met that standard. I have had their
crab cakes on prior visits so I know how good they are. The Cobia
underneath complimented the crab meat. I know, I know it should be the other way
around but again being from Baltimore things compliment crab meat and that is
just how it is !! The cream sauce is SO GOOD.}

 

·         Fresh Maryland Soft Shell Crabs –a delicacy only available a few weeks of the year, the Soft Shell Crab is sautéed crispy, stuffed with a Maryland-style crab cake and served with choice of two fresh sides.{This dish is so popular and rare that the Bonefish Grill we visited had ran out of it. The manager was kind enough to call other nearby locations to see if they had more. Now that’s customer service! If this is the dish you want to try, you may want to call ahead to see availability}

·         Cedar Plank Norwegian Salmon –Sourced fresh from Norway, thisAtlantic Salmon family is higher in fat content, Omega 3 fatty acid and has a velvety texture. Roasted on a western red cedar plank from the Pacific Northwest it is topped with a fresh, light citrus, honey-based glaze and served with a vegetable medley of asparagus, spring peas, pearl onions and button mushrooms.

·         Kate’s Wild North Atlantic Haddock – This nostalgic favorite of loyal Bonefish Grill guests features thismildly sweet, wild white fish — cut in-house — garlic crumb dusted, wood-grilled, topped with feta and a lemon basil butter sauce.

SobeSavvy Tip: Make your dinner reservations between 4pm-6pm and enjoy daily Happy Hour specials. I recommend any of their happy hour priced $5 hand-crafted cocktails and especially the “Tropical Tiki Martini”. It’s like a drinkable vacation!

Be sure to go to www.bonefishgrill.com for more information on specials and sign up to become a BFG insider to get updates sent right to your email inbox!

Bonefish Grill

4421 Six Forks Rd ~ Raleigh, NC

*also locations in Cary and Durham*

#FoodieFriday Spotlight on @TijuanaFlats New #FlatOutrageous Menu #TexMex #Yum 

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Last night, SobeSavvy.com, along with other Food Bloggers in the Triangle, was invited to Tijuana Flats’ New ‘Flat Outrageous‘ Menu Tasting Event .
During the exclusive tasting event, guests had the opportunity to try dishes from the new ‘Flat Outrageous‘ menu section, which became available in all Tijuana Flats locations on Monday, May 22. 

Just in time for summer, you can now order any of the following five flavor-packed dishes from the new ‘Flat Outrageous‘ menu:

Street Tacos …for just $7.79

Crispy Baja Fish (crispy fish, chipotle crema, shaved cilantro cabbage & pineapple salsa)

Lime Steak (grilled garlic-lime steak, avocado crema, shaved cilantro cabbage, pico de gallo & cotija cheese)


Jerk Chicken (crispy jerk chicken, MoreFire! hot sauce, shaved cilantro cabbage, pineapple salsa & cotija cheese)

Philly Cheesesteak Flautas (shaved sirloin steak, mozzarella cheese, grilled onions & peppers, served with queso) YES, Dipping them in the queso was my favorite pastime activity last night:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BU0PDPlhS0b/

Bangin’ Chicken® Tostadas (crispy corn tortillas with Smack My Ass Bangin’ Chicken®, refried beans, cheddar-jack cheese, grilled onions & peppers, tomatoes & ranch dressing)

SobeSavvy Tip: Be sure to make a trip to the hot bar. 

There are a variety of choices and amazing flavors! I had to try them all. Georgia Peach was my fave!

…and don’t forget to end your meal on a sweet note and order the cookie dough flautas for dessert! They are soooo good!

With a total of 120 locations nationwide, make sure to try the new menu at a Tijuana Flats near you! For more info go to Tijuanaflats.com 
Facebook/Instagram/Twitter @TijuanaFlats  #FlatOutrageous

TIJUANA FLATS

                                                                 12102 Bradford Green Square

 Cary, NC 27513

Wine Tasting |Tips for Hosting & Celebrating #NationalWineDay w/ @MercerEstates @Orrmanscheese

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This past Sunday, May 21, we celebrated National Chardonnay Day with friends. And since tomorrow is National Wine Day, I am dedicating today’s #WineWednesday post to sharing with you tips on How to Host a Wine Tasting at Home.

There was 5 of us ladies, with my husband serving as our private Sommelier. We had an amazing experience and learned so much about Mercer Estates Winery, who were kind to send four of their wines for editorial sampling.  I am happy to share some tips for hosting your own wine tasting at home along with my review of Mercer Estates wines. CHEERS! 🍷

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUVa7mUBS6R/
How to Host a Wine Tasting

  • Keep Guest List small <6 people 

      For me, keeping the guest list small allows for a more intimate gathering where we could all have fun sharing each others wine notes. Plus, there was more wine to go around. Each guests got a pen/notepad for tasting notes, a goodie bag with a Chardonnay scented candle (both from Dollar Tree!) and a Guide to Wine which is available for free at our local Total Wine.

      • Decorations 

        I kept it simple and used wine corks (that we collect for fun) as a centerpiece, along with fun finds from the Dollar Tree and Ross. Everyone loved the chalkboard table runner I used which I purchased from World Market. It allowed me to easily label the wine /cheese.

        • Food ..well cheese mostly!

        We recently picked some strawberries at a local farm (check out this video I made of that family fun day), so I had those available along with other berries and grapes. I picked up an assortment of jams from Ross, crackers from World Market, and kept the menu light with hummus, bread, assorted nuts, and shrimp cocktail. 

        Because this was a wine and cheese party, I did not have to do much food prep. I opted to look to Orrman’s Cheese Shop, located in Lafayette Village here in Raleigh,NC and also in Charlotte,NC, where Rachel assisted in selecting some great cheeses to pair with the wines. I picked it up the day before the party and offered the following to guests:

        “Tome Chebris” ~It’s a firm cheese made from goat and sheep’s milk. It has a grassy, tangy, nutty flavor with a sweet finish and hints of olive, hazelnut and fig. This one was everyone’s fave!

        “Sofia”~This goat cheese won 1st Place, American Cheese Society 2014. I enjoyed it with the berries and crackers with preserves.

        “Florys Truckle”~ it’s a hard cheddar cheese with a dry texture and these flavor notes: buttery, caramel, fruity, grassy, nutty
        I loved the rich aroma.

        “Roquefort Gabriel Coulet”~This Roquefort is a creamy, delicious blue cheese made from raw sheep’s milk and aged in special caves in the Roquefort region of France. We put this on some bread and it was great!

        • Wine

        Mercer Estates Winery from the Horse Heaven Hills of Washington state provided SobeSavvy.com with an assortment of wines for tasting. This family owned and operated winery are eco friendly and operate sustainable farming for their vineyards.

        The four types of wine being featured at our tasting were Mercer Estates white wines: Chardonnay & Sauvignon Blanc and Mercer Canyons red wines: Red Blend and Cabernet Sauvignon. We pointed out that the red wines are in newly designed bottles and have new, expressive labels but same great wine inside! We also shared that the 2 whites we were sampling are the first white wines to hail from the Horse Heaven Hills appellation and are great spring/summer wines.  

        We had our guests take their own tasting notes after sampling each wine so they could actually take home a sort of scorecard of their own for them to use when they buy their own Mercer Wine for their homes. Eager participants always make a wine tasting even more fun. Before long folks were yelling out their notes as if we were on a game show!

        After tasting each wine, my husband read them the official tasting notes of each to see how close they were with the REAL notes. We served from white to red in the following order:

        Mercer Estates Sauvignon Blanc 2015 – Horse Heaven Hills, $12.99 SRP, 12.5% alcohol, 100% Sauvignon Blanc. This wine is bursting with aromas of grapefruit, lychee, passion fruit and boxwood.  The voluminous aromatics carry through in the mouth with flavors of gooseberry and citrus.  Capturing the fruit at its peak ripeness has resulted in a wine with both bold fruit and racy, mouth-watering acidity.  Clean, crisp, light-bodied and refreshing.   

        Mercer Estates Chardonnay 2015 – Horse Heaven Hills, $12.99 SRP, 13.9% alcohol, 100% Chardonnay.  This elegant Chardonnay opens with notes of fresh pineapples and lemon meringue pie with hints of lemon-lime zest.  Ripe orchard fruits surrounded by notes of sweet vanilla and honey flavors create a lush, juicy mouth feel.  The restrained ML fermentation has produced a wine that has bright acidity with clean fruit on the finish.  

        Mercer Canyons Red Blend 2014 – Horse Heaven Hills, $13.99 SRP, 13.9% alcohol.  Blend:  59% Merlot, 16% Syrah, 10% Grenache, 7% Sangiovese, 6% Petit Verdot, 2% Viognier. Individual vineyard lots of Merlot and Syrah were fermented separately and barrel aged in a combination of French and American oak.  The resulting wine is bursting with ripe black cherry and plum with notes of caramel, coffee and smoke.  A balance of plush fruit and powdery tannins in the mid-palate lead into a long lingering finish with notes of bing cherry and spice.
        Mercer Canyons Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 – Horse Heaven Hills, $13.99 SRP, 13.9% alcohol.  Blend:  77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 2% Viognier.   This warm vintage gave us ripe Cabernet Sauvignon with aromas of ripe black fruit with a hint of cassis.  The voluminous fruit carries through in the mouth.  Barrel aging the wine brings hints of warm baking spices and adds depth and complexity.  Powdery tannins give structure to the wine while maintaining an elegant, balanced mouth feel.  This wine shows great expression of the Horse Heaven Hills terroir.

        We all agreed that Mercer Wines were delightful and delicious as a cocktail and quite enjoyable with food. It is no wonder that Mercer Wines was awarded 2026 Washington Winery of the Year! 

        SobeSavvy Tip: Sign up for their “Carma Club” member program >> They offer case discounts and special access to twice a year releases!
        All 4 wines are available nationwide and if you would like more information, check out their website: http://www.MercerWine.com

        I hope you found some helpful hosting tips for your next wine tasting party at home as well as some new wines and cheeses to try!

        Until next time,  🍷Cheers🍷

        #FoodieFriday Spotlight on @LolosMiami ~’Where to Eat’ Mexican Food in #MiamiBeach #LolosMiami

        1 Comment

        Ever wanted to go to the beach and wander over to an authentic Mexican
        Cantina afterwards ? In Miami ?
        Well guess what ? You never have to just want to again, you can.

        Thanks to Lolo’s Surf Cantina, you can have beach and authentic Mexican cuisine within a few feet from each other. Located on the north side of the Marriott Stanton South Beach in the south of Fifth area, Lola’s Surf Cantina is a welcoming warm spot to have a meal or drink.

        Walking into their doors reminded me so much of my favorite border cantina in Matamoros,Mexico across the Rio Grande from Brownsville, Tx. The manager here advised me that their tortillas are made daily and  hand delivered every single morning in a big brown bag by their “tortilla guy”. How is that for freshness..a tortilla guy !!

        We could have chosen to sit on their patio or inside. We took a booth inside. Artwork adorns the walls and compliments the indoor space.

         EATS

        We started with Tostados De Atun {citrus marinated tuna} from the Raw Bar portion of the menu . Sorta like ceviche but with a twist ! Fresh and good. Unlike other proteins, seafood is either fresh or it ain’t and this was fresh. We also were encouraged to try the guacomole, uniquely made with pumpkin seeds with the option to add on protein such as rock shrimp or grasshoppers! 

        I can’t say I was a fan but I did try them and it wasn’t bad. Crunchy, crispy, well seasoned and definitely for the adventurous. 

        Tacos Pescado were up next. The fish tacos were excellent. Light batter and moist. If you are like me and always in search of the perfect fish taco than this is your spot. We were lucky enough to have our South Florida SobeSavvy marketing rep Erika with us. She frequents Mexican spots in Southern California and gave us the taco thumbs up ! 

        They also have shared platters for the
        table called Platos Fuertes.Diners can choose either the snapper, organic chicken or the Carne Asada. We went with the steak. Prime NY Strip with salsas , Avocado and tortillas. It was melt in the mouth good. We ordered medium and it came medium. It disappeared promptly !

        DRINKS

        We had a pitcher of Mango Margaritas to wash it all down, …

        …..along with Sangria. 

        Two good beverage choices that complimented the cuisine. They have dozens of known and not so well known tequillas at the bar. Pull up a stool and let the bartender make you something special!

        Along with the great food and excellent service, I loved their retro authentic Mexican decor. The place literally transforms you back to a Mexico from yesteryear !

        With no room for dessert, we had to bid our new favorite family friendly Cantina Adios. We will be back.

        Want to see more delicious pics? Check out my facebook album here >> https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=710851805754042&id=550186598487231

        Lolo’s Surf Cantina

        161 Ocean Drive

        Miami Beach, Fl 33139

        4 Places to Brunch on Mother’s Day in #Raleigh |@seasons52 @simplycrepes @bonefishgrill @ncartmuseum 

        9 Comments

        Raise your hand if you think Mimosas and Moms go together like Sundays and Brunch! Eating brunch is one of my favorite activities no matter what the occasion, so I have compiled a list of some of my favorite brunch spots here in Raleigh, NC. No matter your tastes, there is sure to be something on here that Moms will like. 

        SEASONS 52 ~CrabTree Valley Mall                4325 Glenwood Ave- Raleigh, NC 27612

        Head to Seasons 52 and experience the wonderful flavors of the season from their a la carte Mother’s Day Brunch Menu. Check out my review here to see more of what they have to offer. Don’t forget to toast to Mom with any of their amazing Brunch Sips! Then take her shopping at Crabtree Valley Mall since the restaurant is conveniently located there.

        SIMPLY CREPES~Lafayette Village          8470 Honeycutt Road, Suite 110                    Raleigh, NC 27615

        Breakfast is being served all day at Simply Crepes and seating is first come, first served at Raleigh. If the sun is shining, grab a seat on the patio and watch the kids play on the courtyard lawn at Lafayette Village. This place is a family favorite, which I shared in my past restaurant feature. I highly recommend the chicken and waffles on a crepe entree. So good!

        IRIS RESTAURANT~ NC Museum of Art 2110 Blue Ridge Road                     Raleigh,NC 27607

        Sunday Brunch here is popular on any given weekend partly because people enjoy the food as well as the beautiful atmosphere. The cuisine is innovative and the setting is an expression of art and nature. Read here how I spent the whole day with my family at the North Carolina Museum of Art and what we ate at #NCMAIris. Reservations to dine at Iris Restaurant are a must. Call 919-664-6838

        BONEFISH GRILL~North Hills                4421 Six Forks Rd.                                 Raleigh, NC 27609  

        If your Mom is like me and loves seafood, along with Brunch cocktails and libations, then I suggest your Mother’s Day Celebration be held at Bonefish Grill. Take a look at my Sunday Brunch review here and hopefully you are inspired to go this Sunday. Afterwards, walk off that brunch and go shopping or catch a movie at North Hills! 

        Have you made Mother’s Day Plans? Where do you enjoy Sunday Brunch?

        Hope you enjoyed my list and now have some ideas where to take Mom to eat on Mother’s Day for Brunch in Raleigh, NC !