recent bubble tastes

recent bubble tastes
2007 Cuvee Francoise Blanquette de Limoux - super dry, tastes like Champagne, retails for about $12 a bottle. I had it at a restaurant in Washington, so I don't know where it can be found retail, but it's worth looking for.
Sorelle Bronca Brut - NV Prosecco, not very interesting
Castell de Vilarnau Cava Brut - NV. Yeasty nose, a little fruit, but dry. Nice, but as Cavas go, it can't top the de Marques Gelida Brut, which is now available at Veritas. Yippee!
Pacific Rim White Flowers Brut - when in Washington you gotta try the local stuff. This is from the Yakima Valley. It's 100% Riesling. It's weird. (how's that for a fancy wine descriptor?) I finally get the petrol thing, but with bubbles, when tasting this Riesling. The barkeep said it had a musty nose. I didn't really get that. They do Riesling well in Washington, but this wasn't my fave.

Dear Hangover:

I know that earlier tonight I planned on you stopping by tomorrow morning, but I really have a lot going on and I am not up for a visit. You know we will get together soon, so can we postpone tomorrow?
I would really appreciate your understanding.
Thanks.

Very cute blog and a giveaway of a great dish

My friend Jerusalem (yes, her real name) has the cutest cottage style. She has a blog filled with photos that will amaze you with cute cleverness. And now, she has a giveaway of a great enameled cast iron deep baking dish. It is Emerillware. I have not used Emerillware, but I think enameled cast iron is the best. You get all the qualities of cast iron, plus the easier clean up of enamel. I grew up with Le Creuset; mom had a set in Flame, which I think was the only color in those days. Now there are many colors to choose from. I only have one piece, a very large red Dutch oven. This stuff is not cheap. I suspect the Emerillware isn't either, which is why we all should try to win one! And you should check out the blog for inspiration. It is darling.

Wishing Away Winter

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. I am not a fan of freezing weather. Of course, I am not a fan of blistering heat either. I would like for the temp to be between 60 and 80 degrees at all times. I guess I need to move to California, huh? Or I can just wait it out here in Dallas, which is what I shall do.

When spring comes, it's Arboretum concert time! They have added a new series this year. In addition to Cool Thursdays, they will host Twilight Tuesdays (which have nothing to do with vampires). Both series run from April through July. And then there will be a September/October series of concerts. Many were rained out last year. I hope this year will be better.

Even before the concerts start, Dallas Blooms begins March 6. This year's theme is Fiesta de las Flores. Dallas Blooms gets crazy crowded, so go right at 9 a.m. or at the very end of the day.

I love the Arboretum all times of the year. I get peaceful when I am there. It's hard to believe it is in the middle of a big city. White Rock Lake and the Arboretum are gems.

But I am not going when it is sub-Arctic. I am ready for winter to be over!

Sparklers

'tis the season for sparkling wine, though I think any day is a good day for sparkling wine. Here are some recent tastes.
Delicious - de Marques Gelida Cava 2005 Brut Exclusive Reserva from the Catalunya region of Spain. About $12-$15.
Not delicious - Nicolas Feuillatte Blue Label NV Champagne - Too sweet/fruity for me. About $30-$35.
Amazing / wish I could drink it regularly - Domaine Chandon 1999 Vintage Brut from the Carneros region of California. I think you can only get it from the winery's website. It's $45 and worth every penny.