Winesday

Last week, Peter and I were invited by the fine folks at Dickie Brennan's Bourbon House to serve as judges for a blind wine and oyster pairing contest. The winner between both the public tasters and the judges? An Anne Amie Vineyards Cuvee A Amrita with a slight fizz and some lively citrus flavors. Peter picked that one, whereas I liked the minerality of the Muscadet. Proving once again that wine is solely a matter of personal taste. Well, unless you are the Dread Pirate Robert whose favorite wine for oysters is Mad Dog 20/20's Rappin Raspberry.

Poppy Tooker also served as an esteemed member of the judiciary that day. And she had some huge news to share. Beginning tonight at 6:30, Poppy debuts her new radio show "Louisiana Eats" on NPR (WWNO 89.9 FM), which will also replay on Saturday at noon. The half-hour weekly show will cover the Louisiana food scene. Check it out, radio heads.

Bloggle has become a very good friend but we can't help but be excited for the release of his first foray into wine making with 2008 C&B Selections "There's No Place Like Home" Syrah. Bloggle and winemaker, Paul Hoffman, (pictured below) created a Syrah that balances the power and finesse of the Rhone with the fruit of Sonoma. Inspired by Macy Gray, Bloggle has been wandering around town wearing a dress that says "My Wine Drops on June 10th" for about a week.

We had an opportunity to taste the wine last night, and Hoffman and Bloggle (which sounds like a trippy, acoustic college rock duo) have hit it out of the park. Dark in the glass, with a savory aroma of smoky bacon and pepper, the wine finishes smooth and cool coming in at just under 15% alcohol. The price is $24.99 a bottle; $20 a bottle when you buy a case or more. Head over to Cork & Bottle tomorrow afternoon and pick you up a bottle of wine or two. And while you are there, give Bloggle a hug or a kick in the groin. Your choice.

Colonel Dickie

Is that:

a) Dickie Brennan's official Kentucky Colonel appellation?

b) Dread Pirate Robert's "screen" name?

c) A great name for a cocktail?

Last Thursday I was invited to attend a ceremony proclaiming Dickie Brennan an official Kentucky Colonel. Legend has it that the Kentucky Colonel was established to honor a group of Kentuckians who had served valiantly in the War of 1812. Some of the perks of being a Colonel include access to a Colonel's Box at the Kentucky Derby and free dry cleaning on all white suits.

In all seriousness, it is a very big deal. Other members of the club include Bill Clinton, Pope John Paul II, and Muhammed Ali. Mr. Brennan has spent a lifetime highlighting and selling Kentucky's finest commodity: bourbon. In recognition of his work, they made him a Colonel. Which means Donnie Boy Riguez has a shot to become an honorary Mayor of Metairie in light of his tireless devotion to daiquiris.

The event was held upstairs at Bourbon House in a wood paneled room that seems tailor made for secret rituals. To begin, there were a few cocktails: a Meyer Lemon Sidecar and a Sazerac. Then a five course meal with a different bourbons accompanying each dish.

My favorite was the spicy butternut squash puree with toasted pumpkin seeds and cayenne maple oil and jumbo lump crabmeat. This soup had a wonderful texture, intense heat, and nice sweetness from the crab. In fact it almost reminded me of Indian cuisine. This was paired with Eagle Rare Single Barrel, a delicious and peppery bourbon. Of course, all the bourbons were pretty incredible. Shoot, bourbon is America's greatest invention.

Sorry I don't have any pictures because it was darker than an angsty teenager in there. So congrats again to Dickie Brennan and thank you to his staff and the lovely people of Kentucky.

A Maitre'd Walks Into Lakeview Harbor

It is Friday. You are reading ESPN and People who are both incidentally talking about the same person. We don't waste good articles on Friday. So prepare ye for the snow by reading below.

Check out our review of Lakeview Harbor. The Lakeview area has been largely neglected by the press, city, and others; but one thing is for certain the resilient, tough Lakevillians need a good place to have a cold beer and a delicious meal. And Lakeview Harbor does that very well. Lakeview Harbor has that dark, dimly lit, this "would be a great place to drink all day while watching the game" vibe going for it. The burgers aint bad either.

But the real star are these dry wings. Fried to order, then rolled in a spicy dry rub. Be careful not to inhale the heat. Lorin Gaudin recommends the salads at Lakeview Harbor; I recommend that you not listen to such poppycock.
While you have your copy of offBEAT, read about Patrick Van Hoorebeck. The addition of Patreeck at August has greatly improved an already impressive dining experience. Plus, who wouldn't want to begin their day at eleven a.m. with a glass of Champagne?

See you next week with a recap of Dickie Brennan's Kentucky Colonel Coronation (a Colonation-or is that a medical procedure recommended once a year for men over 30?) and likely some more recaps of Asian food we are eating.

Pho Dat?

Ersters

Peter and I give instructions on how to dine at Casamento's in this month's offBEAT. Also pick up a copy of the magazine or get a subscription if you live elsewhere to read our look at the Old Broads from Broad Street. Peter did most of the heavy lifting on this article and so far the results have been positive. Here is another article to make you feel good about living here. If you don't live here, this may make you move here.

The Old Broads are a collection of broads who worked at the Ruth's Chris on Broad Street for many years. Some of them bounced around to other Ruth's following Hurricane Katrina and many of them (including, cooks, dishwashers, and the general manager) returned to the new location in May.

Now back to the subject at hand, the enviable mollusk known by the name Oyster. Believe it or not, I used to never eat seafood. Never. Would not touch it. However, since moving back a few years ago, the addictive qualities of seafood make it harder and harder to say no.

Over the weekend I had some oysters at Felix's. While the oysters were good, the rest of the meal just did not pan out. So in honor of month's that have an R in them, here is our Official Blackened Out Rating of Oyster Bars. This rating takes into account not only the bivalves themselves, but also the ambiance, the shucker, and other food options. Here is a pic of an erster from Casamento's. Look at this beauty.


Eagle: Casamento's
Birdie: Luke, Bozo's, Grand Isle, and Pascal's Manale
Par: Acme, Cooter Browns
Bogey: Felix's, Bourbon House
Double Bogey: Unless it makes you sick, there is no oyster bar bad enough to warrant the dreaded double bogey.

Birthday Dinner and After Work Today...

One week from today, next Friday, November 21st, Dickie Brennan's Steakhouse will turn 10 years old. Although the restaurant is not old enough to legally drink, you can celebrate with $10 bottles of DB Cabernet. Also, the restaurant is running a Blackened (out?) Prime Rib Dinner for $19.98. So if you wanted to go out to lunch/dinner, but lost your shirt, pants, tie, socks, and shoes in the market, go to Dickie Brennan's and eat like a king for a pauper's ransom.

But get a reservation. To do so, call 522-2467.

This deal will be available all day long. I may go for lunch, if you would like to join shoot me an email. Dinner is out of the question, as the Chairman of the Bored has decided to get married that night. His fiancee refused to move the wedding for this event, what a brat.

Photo courtesy of the internet and google.

Ok, so it is a Friday Night and you just found your Montell Jordan CD. Now often when we speak of wine and food pairings, the food comes first. Usually you order a dish or decide what you are going to cook and then decide on a wine. Well, tonight, why dont you do this. Go to one of the many wine shops in the city: Martin's, The Wine Seller, Dorignacs, the Co Nah Store, it doesnt matter. And pick out something to drink. It does not have to be wine, it could be beer or booze.

Usually on Friday afternoon, any self-respecting wine shop will have a free tasting. I know The Wine Seller is having a tasting of Punt Road wines from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Find something new and then cook around it. Shrimp is plentiful right now should you go the white route. Or if you choose a red, a grilled steak will always help you kick off the weekend.

A 2 Day Bourbon Smash

Its Bourbon Time. Recently got this email from the New Orleans Bourbon Society (NOBS). Looks like some fun events. Those dinners look particularly damn fine. I can't make the dinners, but if you do we would love a full report. Extra Credit will be given.

Bourbon House & The New Orleans Bourbon Society host the second American Whiskey Festival Pairs Nation's Best Master Distillers with Distinctive New Orleans Cuisine and Supports the Southern Food and Beverage Museum Featuring the Nation's Top Master Distillers:September 24th & 25th

Jimmy Russell - Wild Turkey
Chris Morris - Woodford Reserve
Jeff Arnett - Jack Daniel's
Harlen Wheatley - Buffalo Trace

Wednesday, September 24th Master Distiller Panel DiscussionSouthern Food & Beverage Museum/ Museum of the American Cocktail "Whiskey Nation": American Culture & Brown Liquor with Dr. David Beriss. $105:00-6:30 PM

American Whiskey Dinners Join your favorite "Spirit Legend" for a night of innovative New Orleans cuisine paired with world famous whiskeys
Bourbon House - Wild Turkey
Palace Cafe - Jack Daniel's
Mr. B's Bistro - Buffalo Trace
Dickie Brennan's Steakhouse - Woodford Reserve
Click the links to view the menu at each restaurant
Cocktails and Hors D'Oeuvres at 6:30, Seated Dinner at 7:00 $85 inclusive of tax and tip
For reservations, call Ali @ 504.274.1829

Thursday, September 25th Meet the Masters at Bourbon House Meet, Mingle, and Sip with all Four Master Distillers Guests will participate in guided tastings from the award-winning portfolios of the world's best producers accompanied by extraordinary hors d'oeuvres created by Bourbon House Executive Chef Darin Nesbit. Proceeds from signed bottle sales will benefit the Southern Food & Beverage Museum.5:30-8:30 PM $45 inclusive of tax and tipFor Reservations call Ali @ 504.274.1829

Mint Juleps

Sensual Spring has arrived; the birds chirp and sun dresses. During spring one has a plethora of opportunities to enjoy outdoor festivities, events, and parties. One of the greatest Spring traditions, Derby Day, occurs this Saturday. Dickie Brennan's Bourbon House will celebrate The 134th running of the hohses and Fred Metzinger's Christmas all month long by offering a souvenir Kentucky Derby glass (it really should be a pewter cup, but we allow indiscretions to slide; Christ, we hang out with Legend) whenever you order a Woodford Reserve Mint Julep. I really like Mint Juleps, and if you know what is good for you you will also.

Here is a guideline for you to use on Saturday.

Simple Syrup
In a pot you would cook rice in, combine 2 cups sugar and 1 cup water. Bring to a simmer until the sugar has completely dissolved. Allow to cool. At this point you could add flavorings to the simple syrup mixture, like say some bruised mint leaves, or orange zest. Its up to you.

In a mint julep cup, cocktail shaker, or just a glass, combine 4-5 leaves of mint, and a pinch of sugar, along with 1-2 tablespoons of simple syrup (make a couple test runs). Begin muddling. If you don't have a muddler (but I bet that Mojito kit your wife's Aunt, but who isn't really related to her, gave yall for your wedding has one), use the handle of a blunt wooden object (like a wooden spoon).

Then top with crushed ice, and a 5-8 second pour of bourbon. If you used a cocktail shaker, pour mixture into a glass. Then take one last, mint leaf, crush it with your finger, and rub the leaf around the rim of the glass. Enjoy.

Now for a twist on the above. Take some strawberries, take off the green part (the fancy term is Hull), and roughly cut them up. Add about 1 tablespoon of cut-up strawberries to the mint leaves, simple sugar and pinch of sugar and then muddle. Everything else stays the same. I had this version at the Antoine's Cocktail Party, dynamite.

Interesting Fact of the Day: People love asking questions like "What is the difference between Bourbon, Whisky, and Whiskey? "

It makes for great cocktail conversation, I guess. Now, there will undoubtedly be a know-it-all wherever you are who will answer, "Bourbon can only be come from Bourbon, Kentucky."

This will cause everyone in the room to say, "Wow, what an interesting young man, I bet he would win Jeopardy."

In reality, he has either erred or lied or both. The rules on "Bourbon" require it to contain more than 51% corn and to age in a new, charred barrel, along with a few other minor rules. The only geographic limitation mandates Bourbon be made in America. Therefore, you could make Bourbon in Gentilly.

Boss Lunch

Dickie Brennan's Bourbon House will host Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley of Buffalo Trace for a Bourbon Lunch on April 18th at noon. If I was a betting man, I'd say that if you go to this lunch you are probably not going back to work. Here is the information:

Friday, April 18, Noon
Bourbon House
144 Bourbon Street

$45 all inclusive

504.274.1831 or nobs@bourbonhouse.com
for reservations

Passed Hors d'oeuvres
Cornmeal Crusted Fried Squash Blossom
stuffed with Creole cream cheese "boursin"
served with Bourbon tartar sauce

Smoked Bourbon Molasses Shrimp
on a pecan cracker with orange marmalade

Complemented by the following cocktails:
The classic Sazerac & Eagle Rare Blue Grass Sunset

First Course
Sweet Potato Soup
with duck confit-goat cheese cake, maple crème fraiche
& toasted pumpkin seeds
-with Buffalo Trace-

Second Course
Pecan "Planked" Prosciutto Wrapped Salmon
Salmon tournedos served with roasted corn succotash & shallot confit
-with George T. Stagg-

Dessert
Chocolate Pecan Tart
with vanilla bean ice cream and caramel sauce
-with Pappy Van Winkle 20yr-