East Coast is falling in love with the flavors of Nazareth restaurant Indigo 52.
Indigo 52 is a Nazareth restaurant gaining big buzz both in the Lehigh Valley and throughout the East Coast.
It’s not your average restaurant. There’s a twist.
The menu, the owner, the ingredients. Everything is special and there’s a reason why.
Lehigh Valley is falling in love with the flavors of Nazareth restaurant Indigo 52
It’s special enough to inspire families to drive hours just to enjoy a meal there. More about that in a minute, let’s get to the food.
Nazareth restaurant Indigo 52 Menu
Restaurant Owner Felicia Rocchino has a “Food Vision” for the items they serve and if you’re a foodie, you’re gonna love this:
All their dishes are:
- Unique – things you can’t find everywhere
- Better than what someone can cook at home
- Plated amazingly – be instagrammable!
Here’s what I sampled on my visit:
Indigo 52’s Cauliflower wings
Cauliflower wings
Grain-free battered cauliflower with maple garlic (you could also choose hot buffalo or mild sauce).
These were delicious and better than what I expected. The flavor, the breading; and each piece held together well, even after dipping.
Indigo 52’s Vegan “Crab” Cake Bites
Vegan “Crab” Cake Bites
Mini heart of palm bites, seasoned, and served with a house made cocktail dipping sauce
Great flavor, very moist. The same tender and moist notes (like most vegan “crab” cakes) also made them fall apart easily. Delicious, but delicate.
Indigo 52’s Hand-cut Sweet Potato Fries
Hand-cut Sweet Potato Fries
Served with house-made maple garlic dipping sauce
I wanted these to be great and they were. Big flavor, excellent snacky side dish and the maple garlic is a winner.
Indigo 52’s Chicken Marsala Rotini
Chicken Marsala Rotini
Anti-biotic free chicken breast, over pasta with julienne onions, mushrooms, organic spinach, fresh herbs, with marsala sauce.
This was the highlight. A very well-balanced dish. On different bites, the onion stood out, then the mushroom, then the marsala. There’s a lot of nuance here and the sauce pulls it together. Also, it’s a big portion. Take the remainder home and give yourself a present for lunch tomorrow.
Indigo 52’s Apple Pie stuffed French Toast
Apple Pie stuffed French Toast
3 slices topped with a house-made fresh apple cinnamon “filling”, house-made cashew cream, and 100% pure grade A maple syrup.
The brunch favorite brings a big bold flavor. And, again, a lot of food. Each bite makes you smile. If you’re into boozy brunches, this plate deserves a glass of bubbly.
Felicia’s Passion for Nazareth restaurant Indigo 52
Felicia is a triple-threat. She has a creative eye, a global expertise in restaurants and retail and she has a personal passion creating this concept to help others.
Creative in the way the restaurant looks and feels. It’s funky. It’s whimsical. It’s playful. As you walk in, the decor gives your eyes flavors to enjoy, while the menu handles your taste buds.
Indigo 52’s Felicia Rocchino and Chef Kadel Woody
Expertise from years at her previous corporate work helping successful restaurants launch and grow into hugely popular brands.
And personal passion. Yes, it’s very personal.
Recently, Felicia was living the life of a big city retail and hospitality professional based out of Philadelphia, helping restaurants grow and fulfill their professional dreams.
Indigo 52’s funky, whimsical, playful decor gives your eyes flavors to enjoy
Problem is, she was always feeling sick; and in and out of dozens of doctors offices trying to understand why. Year after year, test after test, with no answers.
One day, she met the right doctor who decided to give her a different test and there she learned the truth – Felicia has Celiac Disease.
Celiac Disease is sensitivity to gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye, which is in… a lot of food.
Indigo 52 is gluten free and dairy free
Truthfully, many of us suffer from different nutrition allergies, with different levels of sensitivity in reaction. The statistic is 1-10 people.
A strong majority of people are un-diagnosed. Some people react with a stomach ache, others are rushed to the hospital for a few days of care.
Those who end up with stronger reactions (like needing a hospital visit) tend to never eat out or get take-out, because the risk isn’t worth it.
Even “gluten-friendly” food tends to not be so friendly. The restaurant and its kitchen needs to enforce incredibly disciplined action and even then, it’s still a risk.
But Felicia Rocchino’s Indigo 52 practices incredibly disciplined kitchen practices to make it safe for immune-compromised people.
And around the country, people are taking notice.
“That’s Just The Way Life Is.” Nah, it doesn’t have to be.
A local family always stops by the Nazareth eatery when they’re picking up their college-aged daughter because their family is immune sensitive and Indigo 52 is one of the only restaurants on the East Coast that truly offers safe food. So they’re willing to drive hours for a meal there.
Indigo 52’s seating and decor
Same thing for a Lehigh Valley couple who became used to not eating out because of the risk. Then they tried Indigo 52 and to their relief, it was perfect. As a result, they even had their anniversary dinner there and Chef Kadel catered the menu toward romance.
Because of the growing unique demand, Indigo 52 has become reservation-only with diners driving from hours away to have a very specific and risk-free meal.
This Lehigh Valley restaurant has become one of the very few healthy (and delicious) stops on the East Coast to offer a consistently safe (risk-free) experience to immune-compromised diner. And word is spreading quickly.
Chef Kadel’s work is Art, Magic and Flavor
Chef Kadel Woody has been working in Lehigh Valley restaurants since he was in high school. Learning his kitchen secrets from time at Widow’s Tavern and Grille, Two Rivers Brewing, Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza.
Felicia and Kadel connected when she knew she needed someone magical to create these unique and challenging dishes and her first several chefs couldn’t give her the results she envisioned.
Chef Kadel’s plating is art.
Chef Kadel’s ingredients are magic.
And the flavor is in every bite.
The kitchen is open so that diners can watch him create magic from their seat or even step over and get a closer glimpse.
Local Food Brings Big Flavor
Most of Indigo 52’s ingredients are local. Some come from Nazareth farms literally down the street from the restaurant and their delivery is walked over. That’s very local. That’s fresh.
Felicia and Kadel are big supporters of the local community handing out snacks at nearby businesses and contributing delicious bites at neighborhood events.
Indigo 52 Review
Cuisine: Very strong. From their locally sourced ingredients and an inventive menu, to Chef Kadel who’s able to create custom experiences for even the most sensitive diners.
Ambience: Fun, playful. Small town quaint with ambitious creativity
Service: Now that they’ve switched to reservation only, once you’ve been seated you get plenty of friendly and knowledgeable support. The kitchen proudly goes out of their way to service your specific needs.
Hospitality: Because Indigo 52 is such a unique experience, if you visit knowing how special your experience can be, the kitchen and staff go out of their way to surprise and delight you
Indigo 52 is located at:
52 S Main St
Nazareth, PA 18064
Indigo 52 is open Thursday – Saturday, 10a- 8pm, reservation only
Make a reservation here.
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Jérôme Peschard Leads Vietnam Art Renaissance, Launches Art Exhibition at the Sofitel Saigon Plaza in Ho Chi Minh City
Jérôme Peschard Launches Art Exhibition at the Sofitel Saigon Plaza in Ho Chi Minh City
For the past 60 years, Sofitel Hotels & Resorts has epitomised the essence of French art de vivre across the globe. As 2024 heralds its Diamond Jubilee, commemorated with a series of exclusive events at Sofitel properties worldwide, Sofitel Saigon Plaza, the paragon of French hospitality in Ho Chi Minh City, proudly inaugurated an extraordinary celebration of art.
From Left- Betty Qiffe Pallard, Consul General Daniël Stork of the Netherlands to Vietnam, Nykky Do and Milena Padula- Spouse of Consul General of Italy to Vietnam / photos courtesy of Nick Middleton for the Sofitel Saigon Plaza.
photos courtesy of Nick Middleton for the Sofitel Saigon Plaza.
On the evening of June 21st, the Sofitel Saigon Plaza was the scene of a glittering event, marking the launch of a collaboration with the internationally renowned French Pop Artist, Jérôme Peschard.
French Pop Artist Jérôme Peschard Portrait / photo courtesy of Stephane Thierry
The hotel’s lobby served as an elegant backdrop for an array of Peschard’s stunning oil paintings on recycled corrugated metal, showcasing his inspiration from French Indochina.
From Left- Tracie May, Milena Padula- Wife of Consul General of Italy to Vietnam, Sofitel Saigon Plaza Hotel Manager Alistair Minty, Lindsay Nutley, Consul General of Australia to Vietnam Sarah Hooper, Simon Pugh and Michael Hooper // photos courtesy of Nick Middleton for the Sofitel Saigon Plaza.
The event attracted an illustrious group of attendees, including Mrs. Sarah Hooper, Consul General of Australia to Vietnam; Mr. Daniël Stork, Consul General of the Netherlands to Vietnam; Mrs. Milena Padula, spouse of Italian Consul General Enrico Padula; and Mrs. Lê Hạnh, CEO of TVHub Vietnam. Distinguished guests also included Michelin Starred Chef/Owner Peter Cong Franklin of Ănăn Saigon, totalling one hundred and thirty of Ho Chi Minh’s leading tastemakers.
photos courtesy of Nick Middleton for the Sofitel Saigon Plaza.
Guests enjoyed a selection of exquisite canapés, fine wines, and champagne while admiring Peschard’s captivating works. Adding to the allure, music by DJ Edge Pamute filled the space, and trendsetters Tracie May and Nykky Domodelled custom-embroidered Áo Dài, the national costume of Vietnam, designed by Peschard and couturière Giao Basson. A pop-up retail store showcasing Peschard’s merchandise collection also opened to the public, featuring a curated selection of home decor, limited edition numbered and artist-signed lacquer replicas of paintings, and an array of gift items. Both the boutique and the art exhibit will grace the Sofitel Saigon Plaza throughout the summer, concluding in early September.
photos courtesy of Nick Middleton for the Sofitel Saigon Plaza.
This premier event highlighted the vibrant intersection of art, culture, and gastronomy, celebrating a unique fusion that will enchant visitors throughout the season, encapsulating Sofitel Hotel and Resort’s world of prestige and luxury.
photos courtesy of Nick Middleton for the Sofitel Saigon Plaza.
“I’m deeply grateful to Sofitel Saigon Plaza for granting me such a fantastic platform to showcase my art. Although I am French, my heart is Vietnamese, and I’m thrilled to share my homage to Vietnam with their guests and visitors during the 60th Anniversary celebration of Sofitel Hotels and Resorts.” – Jérôme Peschard
“Marking 60 years of exceptional hospitality, we take pride in being a part of a legacy that consistently sets the standard for excellence in Asia, providing a unique experience for all modern travellers to explore Ho Chi Minh City through a French-inspired perspective.” – Mario Mendis, GM, Sofitel Saigon Plaza
ABOUT SOFITEL SAIGON PLAZA:
Sofitel Saigon Plaza harmonises the sophistication of French art de vivre with the vibrancy of local Vietnamese culture, delivering a luxury hospitality experience enriched by genuine heartfelt service. Conveniently located in a tranquil enclave on Le Duan Boulevard, Sofitel Saigon Plaza places you in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s business, cultural, and shopping district. The hotel boasts 286 rooms and suites adorned with refined décor and deluxe amenities, a fitness centre featuring advanced exercise equipment, and an outdoor swimming pool with breathtaking city views. Sofitel Saigon Plaza also features five dining establishments serving local and French cuisine, seven polished meeting rooms, and an opulent ballroom equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, making it the ideal destination for business, leisure, meetings, and gatherings.
ABOUT JÉRÔME PESCHARD:
Dubbed the “Gauguin of Vietnam,” Jérôme Peschard is a self-taught artist whose work reflects a life richly lived and creatively charged. His art bridges the past with the present, blending East and West, while drawing profound inspiration from his adopted home of Vietnam. Characterised by the use of oil on rusted corrugated iron sheets salvaged from local construction sites, his pieces reflect the very essence of Saigon – its history, development, people, culture, and vibrant spirit. Peschard’s unique fusion of Western pop art with Asian influences, inspired by comic book legend Jack Kirby and modern art icons like Basquiat and Warhol, continues to evolve as he explores new themes in his storytelling. In the dynamic energy of Vietnam, Peschard not only found his place in the world, but also his distinctive artistic identity.
Join Us MidTown NYC for An Incredible Prosecco Experience: Taste and Discover with Wine Expert Alan Tardi Wed June 26th at New York Wine Studio
Join Us for An Incredible Prosecco Experience: Taste and Discover with Wine Expert Alan Tardi Wed June 26th at New York Wine Studio
Prosecco has gone from a little known mountain fizz to a vinous superhero, overtaking Champagne (and every other sparkling wine out there) and enjoyed by wine drinkers throughout the world, as the base of a cocktail or an everyday quaff.
But despite its huge popularity, most people don’t know much about it.
And there is much more to Prosecco than many people are aware.
”My objective is to
clarify the critical differences
between the original ancient Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco and
the DOC Prosecco that was enacted in 2010.”
Alan Tardi
New York Wine Studio
Prosecco is produced only in Italy, in the Northern regions of Veneto and Friuli, and there are three official Prosecco appellations.
Prosecco DOC
One of them, Prosecco DOC, was created in 2010. It occupies a huge, mostly flat area encompassing almost two entire regions and accounts for most of the 700+ million bottles of Prosecco produced each year.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG is a tiny area in the foothills of the Dolomites consisting of 15 small municipalities in the province of Treviso. This is the ancient winegrowing area where Prosecco was born and made a miraculous comeback in the aftermath of World War II.
New York Wine Studio’s Alan Tardi
Besides its pedigree, there are numerous factors of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene enclave that distinguish it from any other winegrowing area in the world: complex and diverse topography, variety of soils, native grape varieties, distinct sub-areas, ancient history, and varied typology—bubbly, fizzy, and still; secondary fermentation in tank or in bottle, leaving sediment in the bottle (known as Ancestral Method) or removing it (Traditional Method).
In this class—which takes place right in the middle of National Prosecco DOC week—we will discuss the origin and evolution of Prosecco in the Conegliano Valdobbiadene area. We will also examine the two additional Prosecco appellations created in 2010.
But most of the time will be devoted to exploring and tasting Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco through a lineup of 8 exceptional terroir-driven wines, in a variety of styles, that demonstrate the unique characteristics, complexity, and diversity of the original Prosecco.
Participants will also learn how to say “CONEGLIANO VALDOBBIADENE” like an Italian!
Alan Tardi has arranged a fantastic lineup of unusual and exceptional wines (half of them are coming directly from Italy) which demonstrate the various factors that characterize the complexity and uniqueness of Conegliano Valdobbiadene: Different production methods (“Tranquillo” i.e. still, Martinotti, Classico/Traditional, Ancestral); frizzante, spumante; single vineyards, Rive, native grape varieties; diverse, soils, terroirs and topographies.
List of Wines
- Prosecco Tranquillo DOCG “Il Canto Antico” — BORTOLOMIOL*
- Colli Trevigiani IGT Verdiso Frizzante Sui Lieviti — GREGOLETTO
- Progetto 5 Varietà Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG Brut — MARCHIORI*
- Conegliano Prosecco Superiore DOCG Rive di Ogliano Extra-Brut — BIANCAVIGNA
- Superiore di Cartizze Brut DOCG — RUGGERI*
- Superiore di Cartizze DOCG “Private” Rifermentato in Bottiglia 2014 — BISOL
- Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Rive di Carpesica “S.C. 1931” Metodo Classico — BELLENDA*
- Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Asciutto, Rive di Colbertarldo, Vigneto Giardino — ADAMI
- Torchiato di Fregona Colli di Conegliano DOCG “Ciàcoe” 2016 — CA’ DI RAJO*
*Shipped directly from the winery in Italy
Find more information and buy tickets at New York Wine Studio or at the link below.
https://www.newyorkwinestudio.com/original-prosecco
Cocktail magic, competition, celebration: Vietnam Cocktail Festival 2024 at iconic Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel
Cocktail magic, competition, celebration: Vietnam Cocktail Festival 2024 at iconic Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel.
MC Petey Majik hosted the 2-day Vietnam Cocktail Festival 2024 June 14-15 celebrating with flavor, masterclasses, magic, competition. Tracie May captured it all.
Photos courtesy of Nick Middleton @glam.foodbev
Tracie May at Vietnam Cocktail Festival 2024
A spectacular 2-day summer celebration, welcomed over 1000 cocktail enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike to the iconic Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel.
The vibrant cocktail carnival featured a dazzling array of over 130 cocktails from 36 premium global spirits, liqueurs and mixer brands.
Fernet Branca poured at Vietnam Cocktail Festival 2024
A gathering of Vietnam’s top mixologists, innovative concoctions were expertly mixed by a combination of the country’s most respected bartenders and up-and-coming talents.
Cocktail Carnival part of Vietnam Cocktail Festival 2024
At the heart of the festival was a showcase of Vietnam’s craftsmanship and creativity, where seasoned mixologists flexed their skills to craft tantalizing libations.
The Botanist at Vietnam Cocktail Festival 2024
From classic cocktails with a Vietnamese twist to avant-garde creations pushing the boundaries of flavor, each drink was a testament to the artistry and innovation within Vietnam’s ever-growing cocktail scene.
For guests inspired to continue the cocktail adventure at home, Mercantile Vietnam provided the option for attendees to purchase a bottle of their favorite brand from the event and have it shipped directly to their door.
Entertainment Extravaganza
The event’s charismatic MC Petey Majik led the carnival atmosphere and captivated the audience with a spellbinding magic show accompanied by igniting cocktail flaring performances from the talented Chương and Phước.
Tracie May with Clase Azul at Vietnam Cocktail Festival 2024
On Friday, the stage was taken over with a charismatic live performance from Vietnam’s premier DJ and saxophone duo Omar and Pierre. The party continued Saturday with the contagious energy of DJ PIA.
Interactive Masterclasses and Exclusive Tasting Room
For spirits connoisseurs the festival also offered a wealth of knowledge with 4 optional interactive masterclasses hosted per day, where industry experts from Lady Triệu, Bruichladdich, Jose Cuervo, Highland Park and Lý Gia Viên shared their craft and insights with eager participants.
Tracie May with Michelin Star Chef:Owner of Ănăn Saigon Peter Cường Franklin
Luxury spirits aficionados could enhance their experience further and purchase tickets to enter the event’s Exclusive Room, featuring personalized tastings from 8 of the world’s super and ultra-premium brands, with a combined retail price of over 600 Million VND.
Competitive Spirit
One of the highlights of the festival was the highly anticipated Best Cocktail, Best Bartender and Best Brand Competitions with guests encouraged to vote for their favorites.
Bartenders from across the country battled it out for top honors.
With precision, flair, and a dash of showmanship, contestants dazzled spectators with their signature creations, showcasing the ingenuity and talent within Vietnam’s cocktail community.
Shanky’s Whip at Vietnam Cocktail 2024
On Saturday 15th June, the 2024 winners were announced: Mai Thanh Phong’s “Banh Mi Saigon” cocktail, made with Matusalem Rum, won Best Cocktail.
Nguyen Tuan Cuong, who works at Yugen Bar and is sponsored by Shanky’s Whip, was named Best Bartender. Also, Jägermeister was awarded Best Brand of the event.
Cultural Fusion
Beyond the cocktails themselves, the festival served as a social celebration of cultural fusion, from modern Vietnamese influences to global trends, the event highlighted the diverse tapestry of brands and the pioneering people shaping the country’s dynamic cocktail scene.
Vietnam’s Cocktail Revolution
As the final glasses were raised and the last drops were savored, the Vietnam Cocktail Festival 2024 left an indelible mark on the hearts and palates of all those who attended. With its vibrant energy, innovative spirit, and unwavering passion for mixology, the festival has undoubtedly cemented its place as a must-attend event on the global cocktail calendar, promising even more excitement and inspiration in the years to come.
Cheers to the next chapter of Vietnam’s cultural cocktail revolution!
Awards were announced on Saturday, June 15th, at 8 PM
Best Cocktail of the Event 2024
- Cocktail Name: Bánh Mì Sài Gòn
- Bartender Name: Mai Thanh Phong
- Brand Name: Matusalem Rum
- Bar Name: Madam Kew Bar
Best Bartender of the Event 2024
- Bartender’s Name: Nguyen Tuan Cuong
- Brand Name: Shanky’s Whip
- Bar Name: Yugen Bar
Best Brand of the Event 2024
- Brand Name: Jägermeister
Participating Brands:
- Large Exhibitors: Lady Triệu, Jose Cuervo, Cointreau
- Medium Exhibitors: Bushmills, Naked Malt, Kaibutsu, 1800, Campari, RCR Crystalleria Italiana.
- Small Exhibitors: Kurayoshi Matsui, Duncan taylor, Lark Distillery, Hangar 1 Vodka, Maestro Dobel, Bruichladdich Distillery Company, Passoa, The Botanist, No3 London Dry Gin, Dictador The Arthouse Spirit Brand, Colombian Gin, Stranger & Sons Gin, Fernet Branca, Espolon Tequila, Michter’s, Shanky’s Whip, Gran Centenario Tequila, Jägermeister, The Kyoto, Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, Matusalem, Brookies Byron Gin, Ly Gia Vien, Torani, Fentimans, Mercantile.
Participating Bars (in collaboration with brands):
- Kraken x The Dot Bar
- Sexton x Dram Bar
- Wild Turkey x Lost Birds Bar
- Glenrothes x Firkin Bar
Master Classes: Lady Trieu, Bruichladich, Jose Cuervo, Ly Gia Vien, Highland Park
Photos courtesy of Nick Middleton @glam.foodbev
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Incredible Flavor and History at “Homage to Our Rivers”: Spanish Wine Academy Pours at NYC’s City Winery June 20 — Flavor, History and Wine
Flavor, History and Wine – Spanish Wine Academy Pours “Homage to Our Rivers” at NYC’s City Winery June 20, 2023
Spain’s Penin Guide winemakers gathered in Manhattan on June 20 to pour their best wines for a crowd of Sommeliers, wine retailers and wine critics.
Spanish Wine Academy Pours “Homage to Our Rivers”
The Penin Guide, first published in 1990, is the most comprehensive Spanish wine guide in the world. With editions in Spanish, English, German and Chinese, it is the most widely used tool for amateurs and professionals to make purchasing decisions on Spanish wine.
It’s a must-have resource for restaurants, wine shops and critics.
Part of the event featured a masterclass on Spanish regions, ‘Homage to Our Rivers’ led by Ana Riaz.
‘Homage to Our Rivers’ led by Ana Riaz.
While Spain’s rivers haven’t reached the wine trade fame that classic European wines rivers like Rhone, the Loire, the Po or the Garonne mostly because they were very difficult to navigate.
But Spain’s rivers have created a more important element for their region’s wine – and that is the discovery of this masterclass.
Spanish Wine Academy Pours “Homage to Our Rivers”
As we taste through the areas and learn how each Spanish region’s flavor and aroma is tied to their rivers. With peaks, valleys and their overall geology has created some of today’s most outstanding Spanish Vineyards and generations of Spanish winemakers who have taken care of the vineyards.
Rivers and Rias by the Atlantic Ocean
In Galicia at the “top left corner” of Spain, the topography has been excavated by jagged river valleys. At the mouth of the large river, where the tide meets the stream is locally called “Rias”.
A perfect area to grow Albarino from the Salnes Valley, Inland on the banks of Ulla
Albarino, Mar de Frades 2022 DO Rias Baixas
Albarino, Mar de Frades 2022 DO Rias Baixas
Mango, pineapple and lychees on the nose, with wild flowers and notes of eucalyptus. Bright, fresh and vivacious on the palate, the tropical fruit flavors with a hint of salinity.
Albarino Mar de Frades Finca Monteveiga 2018 DO Rias Baixas
Albarino Mar de Frades Finca Monteveiga 2018 DO Rias Baixas
Medium pale yellow. A refreshing nose of citrus, herbal and grassy. Clean, bright acidity leading to passion fruit on the palate. Pair with shellfish, sushi, pasta with cream sauce, and soft cheeses.
Duero, the Lord of the High Plateau
Duero is an area with a long wine history and surprising diversity also known as “the backbone of Spain’s Northern Plateau.”
Growing their grapes more than 800 meters above sea level and under extreme Continental climate.
Duero offers wines of great character from two distinct areas: Rueda, a region specialized in white wines, and the famous Ribera del Duero, specifically the so-called “Golden Mile”.
Ramon Bilbao Verdejo Sobre Lias 2019 DO Rueda
Deep gold in the glass. Aromas of guava, papaya. Velvety dark chocolate, cocoa beans and vanilla on the palette. Pair it with roasted chicken, mushroom risotto.
Cruz de Alba Crianza 2019 D.O. Ribera del Duero
Medium ruby. Minty and herbal aromas, more herbaceous and less citrus. Palette brings cedar, clove, with a soft finish. Pair this with meat-heavy charcuterie, meaty lasagna.
River Ebro On the Mediterranean Side of Rioja
Upper Rioja is where Spain’s wine story began and the origin of Bodegas Ramon Bilboa.
The Sierra de Yerga area in Rioja Oriental boasts a Mediterranean lifestyle and many different expressions of Garnacha to taste and discover.
La Lomba Finca Lalinde 20232 DOCa Rioja – Rioja Oriental
La Lomba Finca Lalinde 20232 DOCa Rioja Rioja Oriental
Medium pink in the glass, this nose is Valencia orange and dried thyme. Mouth evolves from bright grapefruit, notes of jasmine, sage and white chocolate with a nice long finish. Pairs well with roasted pork, shellfish.
Ramon Bilbao Limite Sur 2018 Garnacha from different plots in Yerga Mountain DOCa Rioja – Rioja Oriental
Medium ruby in the glass. Raspberry, red currant on the nose. Intense tomato, bell pepper, white pepper and mint flavors. Sweet vanilla. Well balanced, smooth tannins, long finish. Enjoy this paired with poultry or pork with spicier toppings or sides like red pepper and paprika.
River Tiron Valley, North of Rioja
The Ebro, a section of the Rioja Alta, is a fertile, wine-growing area. It receives the water from the river Tiron, a perfect mix of Mediterranean, Continental and Atlantic influences.
Lalomba Finca Valhonta 2017 Tempranillo DOCa Rioja
Deep purple in the glass. Blueberry, blackberry, black currant, black plum on the nose. Palate shows ripe red currant with tobacco and leather. Medium body, good structure, medium finish. Pair it with a steak.
Ramon Bilbao Mirto 2016 Tempranillo DOCa Rioja
Inky purple in the glass, aromas of raspberry and espresso bean. Heavy body on the palate, with flavors of cassis, pomegranate, tobacco, coffee. Plush tannins with a long finish. Pairs well with grilled BBQ and gamey meats.
Founded in 1924, Ramon Bilbao is globally recognized as one of Spain’s most innovative wine producers.
Led by Rodolfo Bastida, it is committed to crafting wines that express the native terroir. Ramon Bilbao is part of Zamora Company group along with two other wineries: Mar De Frades and Cruz de Alba.
The Spanish Wine Academy is the wine training platform by Ramon Bilbao, aiming to promote an add value to the knowledge and consumption of Spanish wine globally
Kudos and cheers to Ana Riaz, the entire Penin team. Thank you Morgan Perry and Sicily Cronin.
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Oryx Desert Salt brings Taste, Health and Social Good to Your Gourmet Experience
Oryx Desert salt brings Taste, Health and Social Good to Your Gourmet Experience
Oryx Desert Salt Taste
In the crowded world of salts and condiments, Oryx Desert Salt is working hard to separate itself from the crowd and more and more people are noticing.
Come have a taste and a closer look….
Oryx Desert Salt has a heightened taste, even when compared to other gourmet options. Subtle, yet bold. It adds a zest to the bite while being gentle on your palate. A finishing salt who’s magic is pulling out an extra bit of dimension from most dishes.
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I tried it on poultry, rib eye and salmon. Bringing out the juice and flavor. Each time the taste was noticeably enhanced.
With its distinctive flavor profile using less salt will achieve that enhanced flavor and Oryx is still going, creating more exclusive flavored salts for exciting new taste experiences
So far I’ve only sampled their white salt, but judging by that experience, I’d LOOOVE to try their variety.
“Salt is the smallest ingredient in any meal yet it has the biggest impact”
Oryx Desert Salt’s Flavors
SMOKED SALT – cold smoked over French Oak shavings
WINE SALT – soaked in Shiraz red wine and sundried
BRAAI/ BBQ SALT – free from additives, flavourants, preservatives, wheat or gluten fillers.
Oryx Desert Salt’s Health Benefits
Oryx Desert Salt has all the essential minerals and trace elements that exist naturally in salt, including magnesium, zinc and potassium.
It’s 100% pure, crystal-white, natural desert salt. Sun-dried, unrefined, no additives, no anti-clumping agents, no preservatives. Dried by the hot African desert sun.
Why is this important? To really understand, let’s put on our science lab coats and get into the specifics.
There are two elements of salt – sodium and chloride – and they each play vital roles to your healthy body.
Sodium helps your nervous system, controls your taste, smell and touch, helps your muscles (and heart) work and helps your brain talk with the rest of your body.
Chloride is key for digestion and helps keep your blood moving.
Okay, science class is over.
But, yeah, that’s how important salt is to us. And how important Oryx Desert Salt recognises their role.
Some of us, honestly, haven’t put that much thought into what kind of salt we’re using. And now we know we should.
The Oryx Desert Salt Story
Back in the Summer of 2020 inspiration struck CEO / Founder Samantha Skyring when she took a 7 day walk through South Africa’s Namib Desert.
During the journey, she had several up-close encounters with Oryx Gazella (large antelopes) and learned the Oryx go a lifetime without drinking water.
How do they survive it?
The salt plays a big part. The animals get the necessary minerals and trace elements vial by licking native salt.
If you look on Oryx Desert Salt’s packaging, you’ll notice the Oryx, with its striking coloring and presence, because became the symbolic icon for Oryx Desert Salt.
Oryx Desert Salt Cares About Our World
They support small, local businesses, build partnerships and advocate for eco-awareness.
Oryx Desert Salt believes in impact sourcing which is choosing to source locally where possible and supporting small, often women-owned businesses.
They also work to build collaborative relationships (from their chefs, cooking schools and beyond) seeing them as valued ambassadors.
Their cotton bags, aprons and shopper bags are manufactured by a women’s home industry community group.
They partner with organizations like the Ukama Foundation, Macassar Pottery, Khomani San and Mier communities who own !Xaus Lodge in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in the Kalahari Desert.
Where To Buy
Available at Whole Foods throughout the county, on Amazon and on their website here.
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Join Us MidTown NYC for An Incredible Prosecco Experience: Taste and Discover with Wine Expert Alan Tardi Wed June 26th at New York Wine Studio
Join Us for An Incredible Prosecco Experience: Taste and Discover with Wine Expert Alan Tardi Wed June 26th at New York Wine Studio
Prosecco has gone from a little known mountain fizz to a vinous superhero, overtaking Champagne (and every other sparkling wine out there) and enjoyed by wine drinkers throughout the world, as the base of a cocktail or an everyday quaff.
But despite its huge popularity, most people don’t know much about it.
And there is much more to Prosecco than many people are aware.
”My objective is to
clarify the critical differences
between the original ancient Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco and
the DOC Prosecco that was enacted in 2010.”
Alan Tardi
New York Wine Studio
Prosecco is produced only in Italy, in the Northern regions of Veneto and Friuli, and there are three official Prosecco appellations.
Prosecco DOC
One of them, Prosecco DOC, was created in 2010. It occupies a huge, mostly flat area encompassing almost two entire regions and accounts for most of the 700+ million bottles of Prosecco produced each year.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG is a tiny area in the foothills of the Dolomites consisting of 15 small municipalities in the province of Treviso. This is the ancient winegrowing area where Prosecco was born and made a miraculous comeback in the aftermath of World War II.
New York Wine Studio’s Alan Tardi
Besides its pedigree, there are numerous factors of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene enclave that distinguish it from any other winegrowing area in the world: complex and diverse topography, variety of soils, native grape varieties, distinct sub-areas, ancient history, and varied typology—bubbly, fizzy, and still; secondary fermentation in tank or in bottle, leaving sediment in the bottle (known as Ancestral Method) or removing it (Traditional Method).
In this class—which takes place right in the middle of National Prosecco DOC week—we will discuss the origin and evolution of Prosecco in the Conegliano Valdobbiadene area. We will also examine the two additional Prosecco appellations created in 2010.
But most of the time will be devoted to exploring and tasting Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco through a lineup of 8 exceptional terroir-driven wines, in a variety of styles, that demonstrate the unique characteristics, complexity, and diversity of the original Prosecco.
Participants will also learn how to say “CONEGLIANO VALDOBBIADENE” like an Italian!
Alan Tardi has arranged a fantastic lineup of unusual and exceptional wines (half of them are coming directly from Italy) which demonstrate the various factors that characterize the complexity and uniqueness of Conegliano Valdobbiadene: Different production methods (“Tranquillo” i.e. still, Martinotti, Classico/Traditional, Ancestral); frizzante, spumante; single vineyards, Rive, native grape varieties; diverse, soils, terroirs and topographies.
List of Wines
- Prosecco Tranquillo DOCG “Il Canto Antico” — BORTOLOMIOL*
- Colli Trevigiani IGT Verdiso Frizzante Sui Lieviti — GREGOLETTO
- Progetto 5 Varietà Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG Brut — MARCHIORI*
- Conegliano Prosecco Superiore DOCG Rive di Ogliano Extra-Brut — BIANCAVIGNA
- Superiore di Cartizze Brut DOCG — RUGGERI*
- Superiore di Cartizze DOCG “Private” Rifermentato in Bottiglia 2014 — BISOL
- Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Rive di Carpesica “S.C. 1931” Metodo Classico — BELLENDA*
- Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Asciutto, Rive di Colbertarldo, Vigneto Giardino — ADAMI
- Torchiato di Fregona Colli di Conegliano DOCG “Ciàcoe” 2016 — CA’ DI RAJO*
*Shipped directly from the winery in Italy
Find more information and buy tickets at New York Wine Studio or at the link below.
https://www.newyorkwinestudio.com/original-prosecco
