For the wine lovers...
To the Houstonites- there is a Spanish restaurant that you simply must try…periodically the chef, “Nacho” hosts a wine tasting night. Basically he selects 5 Spanish wines to showcase and pairs them with spectacular Spanish delectables. Usually wine is paired with the food, but that is definitely not how Nacho runs the show at La Rioja:
1) Wine: Marques de Monistroll Reserva Cava (a sparkling white)
Pairing: Toasted baguettes topped with vine ripe tomato spread and Jamon Serrano (Serrano Ham)
2) Wine: 2003 Palacio de Menade (in my admittedly amateur opinion, the best all night- a crisp white with the aroma of “zesty greenage”)
Pairing: Smoked Salmon Mousse Canapes topped with a 3 berry glaze
3) Wine: 2001 Enate Crianza (a combo- Tempranillo/Cabernet)
Pairing: Pork tenderloin marinated in Spanish smoked paprika and red wine
4) Wine: 2004 Beryna (Nacho informed us that this one was perfumed with the scent of saddle or even a worn “baseball glove.” It was delicious.)
Pairing: Grilled homemade chorizo topped with caramelized onions in a “Beryna” reduction…mmmmm
5) Wine: 2004 Beryna Seleccion Especial
Pairing: Paella de la Tierra (paella with a mixture of different meats)
Happy first-day-of-spring, and don’t forget about the international holiday- Birth of Abe George Day, which we celebrate on March 23rd.
Come and knock on our door.....
We've been waiting for you......
Where the kisses are hers and hers and his,
Three's company too.
Come and dance on on our floor......
Take a step that is new.....
We've a loveable space that needs your face,
Three's company too.
You'll see that life is a frolic and laughter is calling for you......
Down at our rendez-vous,
Three's company, too!!!!!
Birthday time
Natalie’s birthday was last Saturday so I drove to Austin for the umpteenth weekend in a row. We spent the afternoon at Zilker park watching the kite fliers get whipped around and sometimes violently tugged behind their own kites and occasionally strangled by another’s. The wind had a good laugh that day. A bike ride back to Amanda’s sealed the deal on another gorgeous day in Austin. We surprised Natalie and took her to Castle Hill Café, the literal icing on the cake was when the waiter brought out a yummy carrot cake (Nat’s favorite) that we had picked up at Central Market. Then it was on to a friend’s house, where he happened to have a piñata (I believe someone else was celebrating a birthday as well). The best spectacle was watching Aly and Natalie swing at a Chicken Little piñata, while wearing a black shroud over their heads. By the grace of God alone, no one was hurt. Happy birthday Babs!
Also, Happy Birthday to Libby, Sally and Hassan...February was a festive month.
I have been listening to Hotel Costes Vol.8 almost non-stop since I bought it. If you're an insane (and I mean totally off your rocker) music fanatic and you want your mind blown- imagine a remix involving Lee "Scratch" Perry and Zuco 103. Oh my.
