Red, White, and You
From east to west, sea to shining sea, American’s will celebrate Independence Day this weekend by gathering with friends and family to watch parades, barbeque and enjoy fireworks. While you celebrate, take a moment to lift a glass and toast the visionary’s of this great country, and the men and women who have the courage to protect our freedom.
The White
The North Fork Project Chardonnay, from the north fork of long island is great for any celebration and it’s a steal at $15.99 for a liter bottle. The aromas of this light golden wine are notes of, apple pineapple, and a touch of melon. Medium in body, this well balanced wine has crisp acidity and flavors of clean apple and citrus with a hint of minerality that lead you to a short clean finish that makes you want to take another sip. This wine is one of Corks top recommendations for everyday drinking and entertaining.
East Coast Pairing
Maine Lobster roll
What you will need: 2 Lobsters, cooked and picked, 1 ¼ lb, 3-4 Tbsp. Mayonnaise, ¾ tsp. Chives, fresh, finely sliced,½ tsp. fresh lemon juice, salt and ground black pepper to taste, 2 Frankfurter rolls, lightly toasted,1 Tbsp. Basil, fresh, chiffonade,¼ cup Romaine, Finely chopped (stems removed).
How to make it, cut the lobster into medium size dice, and mix with the first four ingredients in a bowl, brush both outside surfaces of you roll with melted butter and toast in a hot skillet until just golden brown. Mix the basil and romaine, and divide onto the bottom of each toasted roll, divide the lobster mix between the two rolls, garnish with the pickle and chips. Pour yourself a glass of The north fork project chardonnay.
The Red
Spann Mayacamas Range Cabernet Sauvignon, 2011 only 12 barrels of this wine were made, yielding 295 cases of what I think represents the best value for any California Bordeaux style blend under $50 This wine is made from mostly estate fruit comprised of, 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Malbec, 10% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc grown at 1700’ in the Mayacamas Mountains, and aged for 26 months in French oak. Dark crimson in color this rich, medium bodied wine offers a bouquet of dark black cherry and cassis with subtle oak notes wound together by coffee bean. Masculine without any hard edges this wine has flavors of cherry black current and soft spice box with a hint of vanilla that lead you to a long savory finish. $39.99
West Coast Pairing
Pink’s, Chili Cheese Dog, I asked our customers over the last few weeks, “What do you think is more popular and “American”-hot dogs or hamburgers?” …and hot dogs came in first. Whenever I am in L.A. I take the time to go to Pinks. Pink's is the ultimate Mom and Pop hot dog stand. It's a Hollywood love story, between Paul & Betty Pink selling hot dogs from a cart at La Brea & Melrose since 1939. Here is a Recipe that is similar to the original Pinks Chili Cheese Dog.
What you will need: 2, 9-inch all-beef hotdog, hot dog bun, 3 tablespoons mustard, 2 tablespoon onions, diced, 1/2 cup chili, 3 tablespoons cheddar cheese, shredded.
How to make it: add hot dogs to a large skillet and add 1 inch of water to the bottom. Cover with a tight-fitting lid. Cook over high heat, until the hot dogs are hot. (Add more water if you run out of steam before the hot dogs are fully heated.) Fill a large pot with a few cups of water and bring to a boil. Carefully set a cooling rack over the top of a pot, lay hot dog buns on top, and steam until they are warmed through. Place hot dog in the bun, and top with mustard, onions, chili, and cheddar cheese.
Happy Independence Day!
The Wine Guys