Entertaining a la Chicago Gourmet

Enjoyed a lively conversation at breakfast this morning.  Do you consider yourself a gourmet? Or an epicure?

Foodies' Night In Special Event 8/30 - Chicago's Macello

We are so excited to share the fun of Foodies' Night In (#fni) - our weekly Twitter party with Cooking With Caitlin all about FOOD - with fellow Chicago friends!

On Monday, 8/30 we will be co-hosting Foodies' Night In with our Cincinnati-based delicious dynamos, Cooking with Caitlin, from Macello Ristorante in Chicago!

This week's mouth-watering topic is The Dinner Party Menu - and we'll chat about everything from the inspiration that spills from the cocktail menu to the guidance that the main course lends the entire evening...

What We're Sipping ~ 6 Wines for HOT Weather

We discovered a few new items to wet your whistle - even share with guests! - this weekend.

As always, we rely on and are indebted to the sage counsel and advice of the ever-present-online wine.com.  We are also thrilled with our adventures into the Whole Foods Top Ten wine picks...have found a few new treasures on our value-quest for wines we love, and can AFFORD.  Especially in the context of entertaining.

Give them both a try on your next wine quest and see if you are much wiser in the wine world ;-)

Meanwhile here are 6 wines that we have diligently sampled and served for your review and consideration...including the foods we're pairing with each.  The wines are listed below with winemaker notes (as available) and/or descriptions from our reliable resources.

Value Wine Quest - Pinot Noir for Entertaining

For sipping and sharing with guests, we like Pinot Noir - but often DON'T like the price.


We've also stumbled across more than a few bottles that have a great price, but we might as well have been drinking water (expensive water at that!).  And in keeping with 10 Trends in Savvy Entertaining for 2010, we're drinking "only wines we love".

What's so special about Pinot Noir (grapes pictured left)?  Our go-to savvy resource for all things wine, wine.com, offers the following description -

Just as Merlot was pooh-poohed by Miles in Sideways, Pinot Noir was worshiped in its glorious difficulty. Pinot Noir is a finicky grape. It only grows in the right climate, with the right soils and the right care. Perhaps because it is so difficult is why it is so loved. Pinot Noir's home and the classic wines from the grape hail from Burgundy...Other than Burgundy, Pinot has been successful in areas like Oregon, California and lately, New Zealand - the Central Otago region to be exact. 

• Pinot Noir from France gives flavors and aromas of red fruit, summer pudding and baking spices. As the wine matures - and great Burgundies are able to do so for years - the flavors become more like the earth the wine comes from- mushrooms, truffles - and the wine gains tremendous complexity. 
• Pinot Noir from the new world like Oregon and California typically exude stronger fruit intensity, some wine able to reach a high level of complexity, structure and age. Others are wonderful for drinking now with a myriad of foods. 

Many may wax poetic about this grape, the reason being that Pinot Noir produces an amazing contradiction in wine - something so delicate and subtle, yet powerful and mesmerizing. 

Serving Pinot Noir is easier than you think.  Even though its red, you shouldn't hesitate to consider it a perfect match to grilled fish or a fish-based dish such as Pasta alla Pescatore or Paella.  When we prepare Bruscetta with roasted wild mushrooms, pork tenderloin wrapped in pancetta or beef brisket, we often reach for one of our favorite Pinot Noirs to enjoy.  And it's not just for mediterranean cuisine!  Pinot Noir also pairs well with many Indian, Thai and Malaysian recipes.

Here are a few Pinot Noirs we find delicious in taste, and deliciously affordable (under $20) for entertaining.  Tasting notes from the winery or winemaker are included.

8 Top Picks to Pour & Sip

With summer in the air, and the grilling game going on, here's a list of 8 refreshments we're pouring with friends, family and whoever else happens to drop by this week...

For each selection, you'll find a review or winemaker description we found useful, followed by what we're pairing in the way of food to serve.  Note that many of the pairings suggested are also listed in this week's Good Food Gatherings, along with their recipes and sources.


(1) Crispin Cider 

Always true to the apple, Crispin Hard Ciders are naturally fermented using apple juice, never from apple juice concentrate, from a premium blend of US West Coast apples, with no added malt, grape wine or spirit alcohol. Crispin’s unique flavors are smoothed with pure apple juice or from natural sugar sources like oragnic honey or organic maple syrup, and contain no added colorants, sorbate or benzoate preservatives and are filtered cold for crisp refreshment.

Value Wine Quest:: 12 Rosés Worth Attention

We’re on a quest to compile a solid reference list of $20 and under wines that won’t embarrass a savvy host when entertaining.  While an excellent wine can be worth hundreds of dollars a bottle, this is not a necessary, or even realistic, investment for most events we host. (Photo courtesy of Samantha Nicol Art Photography).

So where to begin?  If you are going to have an intimate gathering with wine aficionados, use the expertise of your local wine merchant to select lesser-known but well-regarded vineyards from the peak wine regions (California, France, and Italy). Delicious alternatives that your guests will enjoy can be found for under $20 – and an added bonus is that such a find will be considered gold to even the most discerning wine zealots.

In light of the spring mood, let’s focus on Rosé wine first.  A little education about this type of wine might be helpful – here’s what our friends at wine.com offer about Rosé.

Wine & Food Matching Made Easy

Don't you love it when someone else figures out the perfect way to handle a situation ~ and they share it with you??

Matching wine and food for entertaining can be a frustrating experience, especially if you don't consider yourself expert in either category.  Do you pick the wine first?  Or do you set the menu and hope you find a proper wine that you can afford?  And, what if you're serving multiple course???

When we're in need of some savvy wine & food pairing information, we're thankful that these resourceful guides ~including interactive web tools, iPhone apps, and printable charts ~ figured out interesting ways to help us navigate wine & menu matching.

Bar Basics ~ Creating Your Signature Cocktail

To enhance an entertaining occasion, consider introducing a signature cocktail. Whether this drink is your “house specialty” or something tied to the theme of your event or menu, signature cocktails can hallmark your gathering at the get-go.

Want to be creative?  Think color, country of origin, what might complement the food, and/or the ability to go non-alcoholic ~ these guidelines help to channel your cocktail creativity into results just right for your event. 

Looking for a place to start?  Here’s our starter list of classic libations we consider perfect options for a "signature" cocktail for your next gathering.  Easy to make ~ definitely easy to drink ~ we think these are classic cocktail fun.  Consider tweaking these to your own tastes and preferences with specific brands, varying juices, unique garnishes, or whatever your style might dictate!  And, if a Mocktail is more appropriate to your gathering, don’t miss Mocktail Mondays with our favorite Intoxicologist for creative non-alcoholic options.

• Bellini - 1 oz. pureed peaches, 1/4 tsp fresh squeezed lemon juice, sparkling wine or champagne.  Pour puree and lemon juice in bottom of flute. Add sparkling wine to taste. Stir and garnish with a peach slice.
• Cosmopolitan (traditional) ~ 3 parts Vodka, ½ part Triple Sec, ½ part fresh squeezed lemon juice, 1 part Raspberry-infused sugar syrup. Combine in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake, strain and serve in a martini glass.  Try variations on this classic from The Intoxicologist… 
• Kir - Dry White Wine in a wine glass.  Add 1/4 oz. Cassis (for Royale) or Framboise (for Imperiale). Garnish with a lemon peel. 
• Kir Royale/Imperiale - Champagne or sparking wine in a flute, add 1/4 oz. Cassis (for Royale) or Framboise (for Imperiale). Garnish with a lemon peel.
• Long Island Ice Tea - ½ oz. Gin, ½ oz. Vodka, ½ oz. Rum, ½ oz Triple Sec, 3 oz. sweet & sour mix.  Add ingredients in the order listed over a tall glass of ice.  Top off with cola to taste. Garnish with a lemon slice.
• Manhattan - 1.5 parts top quality Bourbon, .5 parts Sweet Vermouth, 1 tsp maraschino cherry juice, cherries to garnish. Fill shaker w/ice add liquid ingredients. Shake, strain, and serve. Garnish with a cherry.
• Martini – (vodka or gin ~ dry or dirty ~ fruit flavored, coffee/chocolate enhanced...) for the basics, start with excellent vodka or gin, Dry Vermouth, and add either lemon twists, wedges, olives (blue cheese, or...).  Be sure to take note of how “dry” your guests prefer their martinis…
• Margarita - 2 oz. excellent tequila, 1 oz Grand Marnier, 1 oz fresh lime juice. Combine ingredients in shaker over ice - or blend. Garnish with a salt rim and lime wedge.
• Mojito - 2 oz. Light Rum, 1 oz. fresh squeezed lime juice, 1 oz. simple syrup, 8-10 mint leaves, Club Soda.  Add a mint sprig garnish.
• Old Fashioned - fill glass with ice, stir in favorite scotch whisky for several minutes. Add a dash of bitters, sugar. Stir again, and then serve.
• Negroni - 1 oz. Gin, 1 oz. Campari, 1 oz. Sweet Vermouth, orange twist for garnish. Fill glass with ice. Add liquid ingredients. Garnish with orange twist.
• Screwdriver – 2 parts Vodka, 4-5 parts fresh citrus juice (try other citrus blends such as tangerine if you’re in the mood!). Fill glass with ice. Add liquid ingredients. Garnish with citrus.
• Tequila Sunrise - 1 ½ oz. Tequila, 4-5 oz. fresh orange juice, grenadine, orange twist for garnish. Fill glass with ice. Add tequila and juice, top with grenadine to taste. Garnish with orange twist.

A closing savvy tip ~ we rely on these savvy sources not only for the cocktail recipes above but for all of our Bar Basics 411!!

The Intoxicologist

Food Network – Cocktails 

Epicurious – Drink Recipes

Cheers!

Guest Etiquette Tip: Don't Forget a Gift for the Host!

Following up on an entertaining etiquette post earlier this year, we thought we'd offer some ideas to help gracious guests with what to bring the host or hostess.  Here's a short list of items ~ all around $40 or less ~ shared by other Savvy Hosts as hostess gifts they greatly enjoyed receiving (or giving!).

1. Flowers or potted plant ~ fresh cut flowers are always appropriate, but if you are feeling a little creative, consider a seasonal green plant or potted herbs (see Photo from www.proflowers.com).  Note: if you are incredibly organized, you can arrange for these to be delivered directly to the host on the day of the event ~ we use ProFlowers for easy online ordering and delivery (flowers arrive in a long box!).

2. Wine or champagne ~ this can be a challenge if your host is a sommelier (or similar), but don't stress too much on the points and ratings.  Either bring a bottle of something you know and enjoy ~ or simply ask at the wine store for an "interesting" recommendation within your price range.  For a celebration, a bottle of sparkling wine or champagne is a guaranteed winner ~ and even authentic French Champagne can be found around $30-$35.

3. Chocolates or candy ~ even local grocery stores now stock gourmet chocolate truffles and sea-salt caramels.  It's easier than ever to find a lovely gift box of something sweet to offer your host. The Savvy Host is crazy for Vosges ~ conveniently available online, at Whole Foods, and in the airport!!

4. Nuts or specialty snack ~ prefer salty rather than sweet?  There are many options to choose from - but try to find items that are well-packaged for a gift.  We like the 1lb assorted tins from Garrett's Popcorn (a Chicago classic starting at $28) or Dean & Deluca's Asian Snack Mix ($14) or Harvest Nut Mini Bar ($22) both available online.

5. Specialty Candle or Soap ~ we're not referring to tapers or a box of Irish Spring of course ;-)  Our favorite candles are 100% soy Colette's Candles, packaged in an elegant mini-hatbox in such delicious scents as French Fig, Mod Lavendar, Southern Pear and California Chai ranging from $18-$26 (available from SavvyHostMarket!).  Gift sets of hostess soaps are also a good idea - Mistral offers a beautiful wooden gift box set of 9 bars for $19!.

6. Serving Piece or Utensil - there are many unique and distinctive serving utensils or pieces that could make a perfect gift for the host, especially if their event or gathering is more elaborate.  We like Wild Eye Design's High-Heel Cake Server ($20), our Bauhaus Bread/Fruit Basket in Red, Black or Silver ($26.95 - see photo below) or the Island Bamboo Salad & Pasta Servers ($24.99) from Amazon.

7. Hors d'Oeuvres accessory - especially around a holiday occasion, we find that sets of accessories to use with the cocktail nibble or hors d'oeuvres are appreciated.  Cheese knives or spreaders are very popular hostess gifts.  Even a special demitasse spoon set for the host who loves their cappuccino or tea works well. 

8. Napkin Rings - One of the easiest ways for a hostess to update table decor is with a unique set of napkin rings. And, with so many hosts and hostesses focusing on "green" entertaining and eco-friendly households, there is renewed interest in using cloth napkins which beg for napkin rings.  Stockholm Enamel Napkin Rings in Black & White (set of 4, $19.95) pictured to the right with the Bauhaus Bread/Fruit Basket.

9. Wine or Bar accessories - another creative area of host gifts revolves around the bar and around wine.  Hosts and hostesses will enjoy accessories that add pizzazz to their wining & cocktail-ing including wine stoppers, wine drip collar, or wine grips, specialty olive & garnish picks, and humorous cocktail napkins.

10. Themed item to match the occasion - if the gathering has a theme - a "Mexican Fiesta" or an "afternoon BBQ" or an "Italian Pasta Night" consider bringing a hostess gift to complement the theme ~ a CD of Louis Prima music, or a Molcajete (pictured above from Crate & Barrel, at $32.95) for making guacamole, or Grill Charms (pictured below at $19.95) for the BBQ enthusiast who has every possible grilling accessory.

The moral of the story ~ a gracious guest doesn't forget a host/hostess gift!  Any of these gift ideas ~ and so many more creative options within a reasonable budget ~ will keep you on any Savvy Host's "A" list.

10 Trends in Savvy Entertaining (for 2010)

(French Cheese&Wine arrangement 

from www.williamssonoma.com)

Already in January, we see a shift in the focus, style and flair of entertaining for this year.  People are looking to enjoy time together and to appreciate what's good in our lives.

We've been giving this some thought ~ here's what's top of mind for The Savvy Host's entertaining in 2010.
  
(1) Revisiting the Cocktail Hour - it's the bewitching hour that transitions you from hectic worklife to relaxed socializing.  We see it taking back it's place as a significant part of entertaining.  Key players in the cocktail hour will be some refreshing twists on old traditions ~ White Cosmopolitan, Rose Royale ~ availability of nonalcoholic options ~ and even greater diversity of microbrews and craft beers.  21 Must Try Classic Cocktail Recipes at The Intoxicologist is a good place to start. 

(Photo credit: Antonis Achilleos, Elle Decor)

(2) Fresh means seasonal - more and more we see fresh and natural ingredients for menu and for decor shifting with what is seasonally available.  Taking advantage of what's best in Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter requires a little creativity, but is worth it in terms of taste and diversity.
  

(Artichoke arrangement www.crateandbarrel.com)

(3) Only Wines We Love - a $10 bottle of wine is still a waste of $10 if you don't like the taste.  We see savvy hosts and guests opting for value ~ and willing to savor what they truly enjoy rather than swigging carafes of something less than desirable.  This doesn't rule out consideration of inexpensive wines.  We love our Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon (~$15) and our Chateau St. Michelle Chardonnay (~$12).   The point is to find what you enjoy - and to savor it!

(4) Eclectic Gatherings - getting together will take on a variety of formats in 2010 as savvy hosts optimize what they have in the way of time and budget for entertaining.  Dessert bars, tea time, cheese & wine events, games & pizza nights, and lazy afternoon BBQs will flourish - along with many other creative ideas.


(5) Back to Basics with Traditional Recipes - comfort foods give the feeling of being warm, safe and loved.  Many times, these traditional recipes involve inexpensive ingredients as well - think Pot Roast (epicurious.com), Meatballs (Bon Appetit), Cincinnati Chili (Saveur), Southern Fried Chicken (Fine Cooking).  We see these basics continuing to play a key role in entertaining this year.

(6) Plate Geometry ~ Veggies Taking Over the Neighborhood - for 2010, we will embrace Ellie Krieger's "The New Geometry of the Plate" (Fine Cooking) and share the majority of "plate real estate" with the vegetables for a healthier serving style.

(7) Mix & Match Guests - entertaining offers the opportunity to reconnect ~ we see this in terms of mixing and matching friends & business colleagues at gatherings.  Don't be surprised at the diversity of connections and interests at the next dinner or cocktail party you attend.  And don't be afraid to mix it up at your next gathering!  All we know is that good business grows from great relationships...why not use a little entertaining to support economic renewal?

(Photo credit White House Flickr.com)

(8) Decor - Strong, Natural & Impressive - there is renewed interest in strong, basic elements for dining decor, tabletop and home ambiance.  From the simplicity of potted green grass or herbs ~ or a centerpiece of artichokes ~ to the whimsy of crocodile salt & pepper shakers intricately playing on the table ~ to the beauty of cascading lemons brightening the entryway.  Functional and sometimes whimsical shapes and forms will take priority - along with an emphasis on natural materials and elements.  This seems to be an intentional move away from opulence and over-the-top extravagance as we refocus on the beauty of basics and essentials...

(9) Where to invest? Quality Kitchen Tools! - the best way to play up the amazing ingredients you are preparing is with the right kitchen and cooking tools.  Invest in the slow-cooker ~ mandoline ~ zester ~ chicken roaster or other cookware needed to make menu preparation fun and to get the most out of your kitchen efforts!

(10) Restaurants are a Cultural Center - from wine demos to baconfest (The Publican), from specialty menus celebrating "Truffles (Vie Restaurant)" to chef's tables, we see our favorite restaurants becoming a favorite cultural center for gourmet interests.  We take cooking classes, guest bar-tend and join CSAs through our favorite dining out locations.  We see this trend continuing to support "foodie" interests by offering a combination of cultural entertainment with exceptional cuisine.

(Crocodile salt & pepper shakers available from www.TableArtOnline.com)

Overall, we see 2010 as a time of renewal ~ giving every savvy host an opportunity to refocus their entertaining on what matters most - bringing people together in enjoyable surroundings ~ offering good food & drink ~ sharing stories, ideas, laughter, .. life.

What do you see as your entertaining priorities and interests in 2010?