Baxter Bark Twice

Do as I say, never as I do

Posts Tagged ‘wine’

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Know Your Audience

Posted by AllieB on October 19, 2010

Starbucks is testing the new “Starbucks Bar” at their flagship store in Seattle. My first reaction was, “Great! Another place that serves wine.” However, upon further examination, I’m thinking: no. They’ve delved into coffee-flavored liquers, available at your local grocer/bottle shop, and their breakfast sandwiches are actually really awesome, but to serve beer and wine at their actual coffee shops just seems wrong to me.

I learned on the Today show this morning that Starbucks does 70% of their business  before 2pm. That’s FINE – you’re a COFFEE shop. I think to add alcohol in the mix will just confuse people. IMO, if Starbucks insists upon pedaling booze, they need to do so in a totally different capacity – perhaps even under a pseudonym – at a location entirely separate from the coffee shops.

When the always-hilarious Al Roker joked, “Sure, I’ll take a Zinfandel Frappucino!” I knew that I would never be able to get behind this idea.

thanks, but no thanks

Posted in Food & Drink, Imparting Wisdom | Tagged: , , | 1 Comment »

Meet & Greet: Wine

Posted by AllieB on September 22, 2010

I like wine. I don’t know anything about it, and when I find something I like it’s because it tastes good, not because the tannins aren’t too acidic, or something – I don’t even know what that means.

What occasion doesn’t warrant a sip or two of vino? Truly, I can think of none. Season premiere of Glee? Obvi. It’s Sunday? Don’t mind if I do! Of course, everything in moderation…..and that’s all I’ll say about that.

Anyway, at my age with my income and lifestyle, it is important to be thrifty and practical when it comes to the purchase and consumption of wine. I’ve done the legwork around town (within, say, a mile radius of Buckhead), and these are my go-to’s, based first on price and taste, then on label aesthetics – there is nothing cultured about my approach to wine drinking.

My favorite reds:

  • La Vieille Ferme: this double bottle of red with the charming label was first recommended to me by a manager at Pearson’s for “drinkability” or something like that. Whatever, it’s a tasty double bottle with a screw top. Allie likes! I’m even a fan on Facebook. $11.99 at Tower; $16.99 at Whole Foods.
  • Gascón Malbec: I love, love, love this wine. John at Tower says it his favorite malbec under $20, which says a lot, IMO. John is incredibly wise. $8.99 at Tower.
  • Mark West: I honestly feel kind of pedestrian even listing this, but I couldn’t leave out my buddy Mark – we’ve been thru a lot together…$9.99 at Tower. $12.99 at Whole Foods.
  • La Granga Tempranillo: It’s a screw top from Trader Joe’s with a charming label and a decent taste. Done and done. $4.99.

even the age verification on the website is charming...

My favorite whites (warning – I don’t branch out much with white grape varietals):

  • NO Sauvignon Blanc: definitely my go-to white. It’s reasonable, v tasty, and a screw top..! $8.99 at Tower.
  • Opala Vinho Verde: I love vinho verde in it’s lightness and very, very slight tinge of carbonation. The alcohol content is also about two percent less than your average  bottle of white, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing…and how pretty is the label! $7.99 at Whole Foods.

I'm a sucker for pretty labels

These six wines are literally the last six bottles I have purchased (toss in a few Two Buck Chucks here and there), and I stand by my selections. Sorry I’m not sorry I don’t venture above $13. I have no idea what foods would go well with what wines, but I can say with utmost certainty that the Tempranillo goes great with Wednesdays.

Posted in Food & Drink, Imparting Wisdom | Tagged: , | 4 Comments »

Grocery Store Shame

Posted by AllieB on August 4, 2010

Here’s how it usually goes down*:

I arrive in lounge wear that may or may not be appropriate public attire and get a basket. I always choose a basket in lieu of a cart because obviously a basket will keep me from buying too much, or at least keep me from buying a large frozen pizza (they don’t fit). It doesn’t; I still do; and I just end up carrying things in my arms.

Anyway, my immediate go-to’s are Velveeta Shells ‘n Cheese and a two liter bottle of ginger ale. I then pick either a bag of Cape Cods or those awesome Terra veggie chips, or both. Next I visit the frozen foods section, where I pick out a pizza to carry around and a sweet – usually a pint of something Haagen Daaz makes (I’m on a dulce de leche kick right now).

If the line isn’t too long, I hunker down for a philly cheesesteak. I would do just about anything for a philly cheesesteak from Publix…anything except waiting in a line with more than three people in it.

It’s towards the end of my shopping, when my basket is overflowing and my hands are full, that I inevitably run into someone I know. Usually it’s in the manner of me chasing down an errant can of crescent rolls as it goes rolling beneath another shopper’s cart –  obviously, I know said shopper.

“Oh, hello Mrs. You’re In My Mom’s Bible Study! It’s great to see you!”

“This weather is ridiculous, Mrs. I Dogsit For You & Sleep At Your House When You’re Out of Town, but you still look so cute! Can’t wait to see Rover next week!”

Everyone laughs, and we go our separate ways, but I know they’ve judged me. It’s okay because I am judging me, too.

And that is why I don’t buy my wine at the grocery store.

*I would like to note that this applies to SUNDAYS only. I do not eat like this every day…just Sundays. Obviously.

Posted in Arbitrary, Food & Drink, Really? | Tagged: , , | 2 Comments »

Best in Show: Grits

Posted by AllieB on July 23, 2010

I love grits – I guess you could say I’m a bona fide GRIT (nerd chills)……anyway, I find them to be an excellent side dish morning, noon, or night, so I always order them when dining out.

I would like to first acknowledge the clear winner of this category – The Last Resort Grille in Athens, GA, aka Mecca. Their Salmon and Grits entree will forever hold a firm place in my Top 5 Favorite Meals, and Resort itself places similarly in my Top 5 Favorite Restaurants.

However, if you’re ITP,  Basil’s Restaurant and Bar is by far your best bet. Their jalapeño cheese grits are incredible. Like, they’re amazing. You have to go, and you must get them. I was there recently for dinner, and I almost passed out when our waiter announced the nightly special:  Bacon-Wrapped Scallops  served with a side of the grits. I love bacon-wrapped anything, first of all, so I was totally sold. The dish was amazing and I think/talk about it often.

I’ve also heard great things about their brunch, and their patio is one of the best in B-head. Oh, and they have a delicious Vinho Verde that is light and delicious and sells for $26/bottle.

On left: exterior of Last Resort in Athens and a snapshot of their culinary masterpiece. On right: Basil's on Grandview Ave in Buckhead

Posted in Food & Drink | Tagged: , , , , | 1 Comment »

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