Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Spring Cocktails at Restaurant Nicholas

© 2011 Donofrio

Cucumber Fizz-Gin, Fresh Cucumber, Lime, Club Soda
Bar N Tini-Coconut and Pineapple Puree, Zyr Vanilla Vodka
Snakebite Mojito-Jalapeno Infused Rum, Mango, Mint 

CD

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Pinot Camp (Willamette Valley, Oregon) 2002.



Top: Tractor Tour at Willazenzie.
Bottom: Helicopter Tour of the valley.
© 2002 Donofrio

Just a couple images from the vault...More images and retrospective reflections on the event and wines to follow...

CD

Monday, March 28, 2011

Bargain Bins (Wines to Try for Under $20)

© 2011 Donofrio

2009 Cotes du Rhone, Mas de Libian "Khayyam", (Rhone Valley, France)
Appellation: Cotes du Rhone
Region: Southern Rhone Valley (France)
Grapes: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre
Food Pairings: Grilled poultry, roasted meats, flank steak. Medium-flavored cured meats and cheeses.

CD

Tasted Recently...

© 2011 Donofrio

1990 Pomerol, Chateau L'Evangile (Bordeaux, France)
Appellation: Pomerol
Region: Libournais District (Bordeaux, France)
Grapes: Merlot (78%), Cabernet Franc (22%)
Date Tasted: 3/26/2011
Tasting Notes: Leave a comment and I will post…

CD

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Spring Menu Items Arriving at Restaurant Nicholas (Red Bank, NJ)

All Images © 2011 Donofrio

Butter Poached Nova Scotia Lobster-English Pea Puree, Snap Peas, Carrot Butter Sauce.
Pickled Heirloom Baby Beets-Olive Oil Mascarpone, Meyer Lemon, Stinging Nettle Puree.
Crispy Pork Belly-Avocado Lime Puree, Candied Peanuts, Mango.

Unless you neighbor with the Geico Caveman ("do ya live under a rock?"), you already know that Restaurant Nicholas is the highest-rated restaurant in New Jersey. These recent additions to the spring menu punctuate that point. More seasonal menu changes will follow...

Restaurant Nicholas
160 Route 35 South
Red Bank, N.J.
732.345.9977

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Tasted Recently...

© 2011 Donofrio

2008 Puligny-Montrachet (1er Cru “Les Chalumeaux”), Chateau de Puligny-Montrachet, (Burgundy, France)
Appellation: Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Vineyard: Les Chalumeaux (Premier Cru)
Region: Cote de Beaune (Burgundy, France)
Grapes: Chardonnay
Date Tasted: 3/8/2011
Tasting Notes: Leave a comment and I will post…

CD

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Tasted Recently...

© 2011 Donofrio

2006 Bordeaux Blend, Bond “Quella”, Napa Valley, (Cali., USA)
Appellation: Napa Valley
Region: Napa Valley (California)
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon…
Date Tasted: 3/3/2011
Tasting Notes: Leave a comment and I will post...

CD

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Tasted Recently...

© 2011 Donofrio

1995 Perrier-Jouet "Fleur de Champagne", (Champagne, France)
Appellation: Champagne
Region: Vallee de la Marne (Champagne, France)  Village: Epernay
Grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier
Date Tasted: 2/15/2010
Tasting Notes: Leave a comment and I will post...

CD