Bring Great Flavors to your NYC Thanksgiving with Wine Ideas from Winemaker Brian Cheeseborough.
Thanksgiving is coming up fast, and you just have a few days left, do not panic just yet.
Most people are not “hosting” a Thanksgiving; instead, they are guests. Whether its family, friends, or you are the plus one, it is always better to make a good impression – and what better way than with an exceptional wine or two?
Winemaker Brian Cheeseborough brings Great Flavors for your NYC Thanksgiving
Wine can be inexpensive; our winemaker suggested a few wines between $15-$45.
Winemaker Brian Cheeseborough has more than 20 vintages of wine experience
Brian Cheeseborough has more than 20 vintages of wine experience and made 90+ point wines in 6 different regions worldwide (California, France, New Zealand, Argentina, and more). He is an expert at pairing flavors and (more importantly) how to fix sour or off flavors – think dry turkey. (yikes!)
Take it away, Brian!
Thanks for having me. I’m excited to share these ideas because there are two goals: if the food is incredible, we want a wine that matches it and makes it even better (think like a dancing partner), and secondly, if the food is not great, we want a way to elevate the experience and fix the mistake.
Winemaker Brian Cheeseborough brings Great Flavors for your NYC Thanksgiving
Wine can do that! Most of these wines are from vineyards I have worked with or fellow Fresno State alums, some of whom I sat in a lecture with about all things wine. Can’t find the exact bottle? There are numerous producers for these wines under $50 and some below $20 – follow the varietals.
So, let us get started.
Alexander Valley Vineyards – Gewürz, 2021 Mendocino County
Alexander Valley Vineyards – Gewürz, 2021 Mendocino County
This Gewürz can solve many problems. It is a great wine to start the night; It’s also great when you’re eating something dry or bland. Yes, it is on the sweeter side. The aromatics are floral, with enticing notes of apple, grapefruit, and citrus; the mouth is silky and rich. This will pair well with any course. I like it with turkey best!
Buy it here: AVV 2021 Gewürz – Organically Grown
Winemaker Brian Cheeseborough brings Great Flavors for your NYC Thanksgiving
Willamette Valley Vineyards 2021 Estate Chardonnay
Willamette Valley Vineyards 2021 Estate Chardonnay
Another great option to start the party. The nose is a fresh bouquet of apricot, lemon, lime, and honey. The mouth is rich and supple with flavors of golden apple, caramel, and vanilla, with a nice round, refreshing finish. You can easily pair this with rich seafood dishes like shrimp alfredo and crab-stuffed lobster tail. Also, creamy potatoes or spiced pumpkins. (If you end up with pumpkin or squash on your plate and try a glass of this, you will thank me later.)
Buy it here: Willamette Valley Vineyards – Estate Chardonnay
Pine Ridge Vineyards 2021 Chenin Blanc + Viognier White Blend
Pine Ridge Vineyards 2021 Chenin Blanc + Viognier White Blend
One more light suggestion to start off your feast! This is crisp, bright, and full of life. The nose is a bouquet of honeysuckle, and orange blossoms, with a twist of ginger spice. The mouth is full-bodied with refreshing acidity. Flavors of tangerine, lime, and green apple. It’ll pair great with a light salad, goat cheese, and olives.
Buy it here: Chenin Blanc + Viognier White Blend – Pine Ridge Vineyards
Now, let us go to the Reds!
Abacela Tempranillo Fiesta 2019
It has a gorgeous fruit-driven nose with aromas of red fruit, cherry, and plum. The mouth is sleek and silky, medium body with flavors of black currant and blueberry, with lush and velvety tannins. It would pair well with turkey, venison with traditional gravy, or cranberry.
Abacela Tempranillo Fiesta 2019
Buy it here: Abacela Tempranillo Fiesta
Dutton-Goldfield’s 2020 Mendocino Hills Pinot Noir
Dutton-Goldfield’s 2020 Mendocino Hills Pinot Noir
The nose starts telling you this is something extra special; classic rich blackberry, pomegranate, and a touch of vanilla to round out the aromas. The mouth is super juicy and decadent, full of bright red cherry and cola with a baking spice finish. You want this with your main entree – turkey, ham, and stuffing. The people at your party drinking this will be glancing at each other, smiling between bites – they will know why!
Buy it here: Mendocino Hills Pinot Noir
Porter Creek, Estate Pinot Noir, Russian River – 2019
Porter Creek, Estate Pinot Noir, Russian River – 2019
On the nose, red fruit notes with cherry and plum. On the mouth, medium body with moderate oak, black currant, and blueberry, with delicate tannins. This pairs well with lean meat.
Buy it here: Porter Creek, Estate Pinot Noir, Russian River
The critical thing to remember is that regardless of your budget, you can find a great flavor to pair with what you are eating. Also, the wine can “save” the day, just in case it ends up a little (or a lot) dry or bland. You are not the chef du jour for Thanksgiving, but you can still contribute to the sharing.
Brian Cheeseborough is currently the Director of Winemaking at FermForge in West Texas.
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NYC’s Newest Margarita: Hailee Steinfeld Launches Angel Margarita: A Premium Ready-to-Drink Margarita Cocktail with Premium Beers Group
Hailee Steinfeld Launches Angel Margarita: A Premium Ready-to-Drink Margarita Cocktail with Premium Beers Group
Academy Award-nominated actress, multi-platinum recording artist, and producer Hailee Steinfeld, in partnership with Premium Beers Group, a leader within the alcohol industry in Mexico, proudly announces the launch of Angel Margarita.
Hailee Steinfeld falls in love with flavor
Hailee Steinfeld has openly expressed her love for margaritas, often sharing glimpses of her favorite citrusy cocktail on social media. Whether enjoying a classic lime margarita or experimenting with fun flavors like spicy or strawberry, she appreciates the drink’s refreshing and vibrant appeal. Her enthusiasm for margaritas perfectly complements her fun-loving personality, making it a go-to choice for celebrations and casual outings alike.
This premium ready-to-drink margarita cocktail is made with 100% Agave Tequila from the rich soil of Jalisco, Mexico.
Angel Margarita: A Premium Ready-to-Drink Margarita Cocktail
To ensure that each can offers an authentic and refreshing taste experience, Angel Margarita is then fully crafted just moments from the Agave fields.
Blending Hailee’s West Coast style with the deep Mexican roots of her co-founders Jordi Zindel and Rodrigo Hernandez, Angel Margarita will lead the category with its commitment to quality. Angel Margarita will launch with four vibrant and refreshing flavors: Lime, Grapefruit Paloma, Ranch Water, and Wild Berry.
“Margaritas have always been my go-to cocktail,
so making a ready-to-drink version with high-quality ingredients that didn’t compromise on taste was important to me,”
Hailee Steinfeld
co-founder
“After visiting the Blue Agave fields in Jalisco with my partners Jordi and Rodrigo, I was inspired by the region. I am so proud of what we have created together and cannot wait for the world to try Angel Margarita.”
In 2023, premixed cocktails were the fastest-growing spirits category in the US, valued at approximately $2.8 billion, marking a 26.8% increase year over year. Tequila was the second fastest-growing category, valued at $6.5 billion, up 7.9% yearly.
To underscore the excitement and potential of this fast-growing category, Angel Margarita has partnered with Philip Button, Founder and CEO of Seven XV Ventures and Geloso Beverage Group, one of the leading alcohol beverage manufacturers and distributors in North America. With their support, Angel Margarita will begin its launch in Southern California.
“Hailee is the perfect partner to help us share an authentic piece of our culture and redefine the ready-to-drink market through Angel Margarita with a more global audience,” said Jordi Zindel and Rodrigo Hernandez, co-founders at Angel Margarita. “We invite consumers to taste our 100% Agave Tequila premium cocktails and to experience an authentic piece of Mexico in every sip.
Stay up to date on Angel Margarita: www.angelmargarita.com / @angelmargarita
100% Tequila, 100% Angel Margarita.
Angel Margarita stands out with its high standards of craftsmanship and tradition:
- Protected Denomination of Origin sourced and manufactured in Jalisco, Mexico
- Expertly crafted high-quality ingredient list featuring 100% Agave Tequila Blanco, a blend of sparkling water, agave syrup, and natural flavors
- Each 12 oz can is 6% ABV and is gluten-free
- Available in four flavors to start: Lime, Grapefruit Paloma, Ranch Water, and Wild Berry
- Retail = $14.99 / 4-pack, $28.99 / 8-pack variety
About Hailee Steinfeld:
Academy Award-nominated actress, multi-platinum recording musician, and producer Hailee Steinfeld remains a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. Her leading performance in the 2016 critically acclaimed film THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN garnered her two Critics’ Choice Award nominations and a Golden Globe nomination. Her big-screen debut was in 2010 with the Coen Brothers’ film TRUE GRIT, for which she earned an Oscar nomination at only 14 years old. Up next, she will star alongside Michael B. Jordan in Warner Brothers and Ryan Coogler’s latest film, SINNERS. The supernatural action horror-thriller is set to release globally on April 18, 2025.
About Premium Beers Group:
With over 3 decades of experience, Premium Beers Group has innovated and revolutionized the alcohol category in Mexico. PBG was the first company in Mexico to import 100% malt beers from Europe and introduce craft beer and non-alcoholic beer. Premium Beers Group is the benchmark for excellence and a leader within the premium alcohol category.
About Geloso Group:
A leader in the innovation and development of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, Geloso Group manufactures and distributes premium malt beverages, wines, ciders, beers, and spirits. Geloso Group is a valued supplier and trusted partner recognized for its professionalism and commitment to quality, service, and marketing.
Thanksgiving in NYC: the perfect stuffing bread DOES exist – and it’s… [Recipe here]
This Thanksgiving in NYC, the perfect stuffing bread DOES exist – and it’s brioche. As in St Pierre Brioche Thanksgiving Stuffing
No Thanksgiving spread is complete without a hearty stuffing. While add-ins are a matter of preference, choosing the right bread is crucial. One underrated choice is eggy, rich brioche – and with St Pierre Bakery, you don’t need to go to France to get it.
Thanks to its butter and egg content, St Pierre’s Brioche Loaf provides the perfect balance of crisp toastiness while remaining soft and creamy inside, while its lightly sweet flavor adds a decadent quality that can still lean savory. Attached below is an approachable recipe for stuffing allowing for all the craveable crunch for the whole family with minimal effort required.
St Pierre Brioche Thanksgiving Stuffing
By @BrandiMilloy
Ingredients
1 loaf St. Pierre Brioche Bread
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 medium onion, diced
3/4 cup celery, diced
3/4 cup carrots, diced
1 cup mushrooms, diced
2 large eggs
1 tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped
3 sprigs fresh thyme, just the leaves
1 tbsp. fresh sage, chopped
1 small apple (granny smith works well), peeled and diced
Salt and pepper
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350 F. Cut brioche bread into 1” cubes and bake for about 10-15 minutes until toasted.
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Meanwhile, into a pot over medium high heat add butter until melted. Add onion, celery and carrots and cook until everything starts to soften, about 7 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat and set aside.
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Into a bowl whisk together the eggs, herbs, apples, mushrooms, and salt and pepper. Add your cooked vegetables and mix to combine.
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Pour mixture on top of toasted bread and stir to combine. Bake stuffing for about 45 minutes. If your stuffing starts to get too brown, cover until finished baking. Enjoy!
As America’s favorite brioche brand, St Pierre’s products are widely available via grocery stores nationwide as well as Walmart.
The Rise of Mushroom Coffee: A New Era in Health-Conscious Brewing
In today’s health-focused culture, where wellness transcends mere goals to become a lifestyle, mushroom coffee is emerging as a leading trend. This innovative beverage combines the classic energizing effects of coffee with components often linked to the reputed benefits of medicinal mushrooms. Such a blend makes mushroom coffee a more mindful, health-oriented option for daily consumption, resonating especially with those who weave wellness into their daily routines.
Image courtesy of Freepik
The uniqueness of mushroom coffee lies in its ability to enhance the usual coffee experience by potentially offering additional benefits. For those who find regular coffee too acidic, mushroom coffee presents a more stomach-friendly option. Additionally, it incorporates adaptogenic mushrooms, which are believed to help the body better manage stress. This attribute makes mushroom coffee especially enticing to wellness enthusiasts and those seeking a natural way to support their body’s stress response.
The Rise of Mushroom Coffee, Image Courtesy of Freepik
Finding a coffee that delivers on both taste and health promises can be a daunting task. Leading the initiative is More.Longevity & Wellbeing with its Coffee Superfood Blends. These products are meticulously developed, selecting each ingredient for its quality and scientific backing, ensuring they contribute effectively to the blend. Flavors such as Salted Caramel Vanilla and Mocha are designed to mask the natural earthiness of mushroom, making the beverage more enjoyable while enhancing its appeal. The addition of adaptogens and essential vitamins in the blends aims to support overall health by boosting immunity, enhancing energy, and improving mental clarity.
The Rise of Mushroom Coffee, Image Courtesy of More.Longevity & Wellbeing
The company’s commitment to radical transparency ensures that consumers receive a product free from unnecessary fillers and additives, affirming a respect for consumer health and environmental sustainability. This level of honesty and ecological consideration is becoming increasingly important to consumers who prefer products that are both healthy and environmentally conscious.
As the trend continues to carve a niche within the beverage market, consumers are presented with expanding choices. It’s no longer just about picking a brand; it involves selecting a philosophy and a level of quality that resonates with personal health values and taste preferences. The coffee not only invites coffee lovers to rethink their daily mug but also serves as a gateway to a more mindful and intentional morning routine.
Image Courtesy of Freepik
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SAG, WGA strike: 2 Hell’s Kitchen restaurants invite striking actors, writers to eat for free
For the SAG, WGA strike, 2 Hell’s Kitchen restaurants invite striking actors, writers to eat for free.
Striking workers in the entertainment industry aren’t just receiving support from the wealthy top Hollywood actors. They’re also getting help from small businesses, like two restaurants in New York City.
Just around the corner from the Theatre District: Marseille and Nizza
Just around the corner from the Theatre District on 9th Avenue by 44th Street are two restaurants: Marseille and Nizza. Both owned by the same company.
They both are now offering free meals to striking actors and writers any night of the week after 9 p.m.
“It’s just our way of giving back to the community that has supported us for so long,”
PR Director Steven Hall
The restaurants are asking strikers to present their union card and take care of their own liquor bill, tax, and tips.
At the end of the strike, if the entertainers can pay back for all their meals, great. If they can’t, their running tab will be forgiven.
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Bryant Park’s Fever Tree Porch Offers a Mid-City East Oasis of Cocktails, Menu and More
Bryant Park’s Fever Tree Porch Offers a Mid-City East Oasis of Cocktails, Menu and More
Bryant Park’s “Movie Nights” series started on June 13, marking the second year they returned to the Manhattan greenspace for weekly films since the pandemic started.
Anyone looking to catch a free movie and enjoy the surrounding nature this summer can relax on the lawn in Bryant Park and watch the movies, which will feature the 10 traditional screenings but only on Monday nights.
This year marks the 29th season for the series but unlike last year, it will only run on Mondays, with the traditional 10 screenings.
The lawn opens at 5 p.m. for blankets and picnicking, and event organizers recommend visitors be prepared to claim their spot. The films start at 8 p.m.
The Porch at Bryant Park
Outdoor lounge at Bryant Park offering laid-back seating & a basic menu of American fare & drinks.
Bryant Park Café
This informal outdoor cafe, open during warm-weather months, serves creative American meals.
Related:
Co-Founder Jane Rosenthal Announces Tribeca Film Festival 2022 Season and key entry dates.
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It’s a ‘Charming Taste of Europe’ with Italian Wines for Holiday Dinner at NYC’s Lincoln Center
Italian Wines poured for ‘Charming Taste of Europe’ at NYC’s Lincoln Center Holiday Dinner
Italian wines can be the preferred choice for the holidays or equally suited for every day drinking, whether tasted alone or paired with a meal.
Old World history, diverse varietals and styles to match every dish and palette, and are surprisingly affordable – especially compared to wines of similar prestige.
Lincoln Ristorante hosts Italian Wines from Charming Taste of Europe
Tonight’s dinner takes place at Lincoln Ristorante beside NYC Lincoln Center’s reflecting pool and iconic Henry Moore sculpture.
Hosted by Italian Wine Expert Susannah Gold for Vini D’Abruzzo, Kavala Coop, Sweet Bordeaux and the European Union.
The Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Kavala (Kavala COOP) was founded in 1927. Today it has 500 members that include producers from the provinces of Kavala, Nestos and Thassos.
Lincoln Center’s iconic Henry Moore sculpture
Lincoln Ristorante offers an authentic interpretation of Italian cuisine by sourcing the best local ingredients, relying on local farmers, Tucker Square Greenmarket and importing from Italy. Then preparing the menu with authentic Italian methods.
They honor traditional Italian dishes making their own fresh pastas, grissini, and focaccia.
Lincoln Ristorante offers an authentic interpretation of Italian cuisine
Enjoy! It’s from Europe
We’re tasting Italian wines with our holiday dinner.
With over 36,000 hectares (138 miles) of vineyard space and producing 3.5 million hectoliteres (350 million liters) each year, viticulture is one of Italy’s strongest agriculture industries.
Nearly 80% of grape growing and wine activity takes place in Montepulciano d’Abruzzo.
There’s a truly impressive amount of quality wine coming from the area. 200 private wineries and 40 cooperatives in Abruzzo’s Chieti province.
Nearly 80% of grape growing and wine activity takes place in Montepulciano d’Abruzzo.
Abruzzo’s Wine
The region has a variety of wine producers, something for every palette, pairing, and budget.
There are 2 DOCG: Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Colline Teramane Docg and Terre Tolesi or Tullum DOCG.
There are 7 DOCs: Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Doc, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo Doc, Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo Doc, Abruzzo Doc, Villamagna Doc, Controguerra Doc, Ortona Doc
And there aerie 7 IGT: Colline Pescaresi Igt, Colline Teatine Igt, Colline, Frentane Igt, Colli del Sangro Igt, Del Vastese or Histonium Igt, Terre di Chieti Igt, Terre Aquilane or Terre de L’Aquila Igt
The Abruzzo region has a variety of wine producers: 2 DOCG, 7 DOCs, 7 IGT
Chieti is the most popular area with more than 75% of vineyards
The production areas are mostly in the hills and the coast.
The Chieti province is the most popular area with more than 75% of vineyards and 83% of production.
With quite a bit less, Pescara and Teramo, each account for about 10% of the vineyards, and 10% and 6%,respectively of production
L’Aquila is most modest area, with less than 4% of vineyards, and 1% of production.
The Scope of Italian Wines from Charming Taste of Europe
The Chieti province is the most popular (75%), but other areas include Pescara and Teramo (10%) and L’Aquila (less then 5%)
Nic Tartaglia with Italian Wines from ‘Charming Taste of Europe’
Nic Tartaglia is a leader in the area with Tartaglia Farm
Nic Tartaglia is a leader in the area with Tartaglia Farm in the little village Alanno, which is part of Pescara, 1010 feet above the sea level, within a 30 miniature drive of the Adriatic sea and the Appenini mountain range.
Winters are cold with plenty of snow, and summers are cool and sunny. Their aggressive climate, with clay grounds and limestone grounds encourage grapes that bring rich aromas, color and high sugar.
Perfect for Italy’s popular wine: Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo and Pecorino, and even more: Chardonnay and Cabernet.
Dinner begins – Italian Wines from ‘Charming Taste of Europe’
Long Island Fluke Crudo
First Course
Choice of…
Long Island Fluke Crudo
Pomelo, herbs, Pistacchio, Espelette, Meyer lemon, fried shallots
Misticanza Salad
Misticanza Salad
Red Endive, White endive, Piedmontese dressing, toasted walnuts, crispy guanciale, gorgonzola dressing
Wine: Nic Tartaglia Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC 2021
On the nose, notes of pear and plum. Full body, good acidity and lingering finish. Would pair with grilled vegetables.
Risotto: Arugula pesto, Prosciutto di Parma, Filone Garlic Crostino, Maldon salt
Primi Course
Risotto
Arugula pesto, Prosciutto di Parma, Filone Garlic Crostino, Maldon salt
Fontefico La Canaglia Pecorino d’Abruzzo Superiore DOC 2021
Wine: Fontefico La Canaglia Pecorino d’Abruzzo Superiore DOC 2021
This golden-hued beauty has a full body and refreshing minerality. Balsamic and herbal notes lead to floral hints, with grapefruit on the finish. Would pair well with a light dish and gravy or meat sauce.
Dry Age strip loin
Main Course
Dry Age strip loin
Smoked Bone Marrow, Vinaigrette, Salk baked fingerling potatoes
Velenosi Prope Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOC 2021
Wine: Velenosi Prope Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOC 2021
This is a beautiful surprise. At first when you’re served a rose with your cut of streak, it can seem like a mistake. Most rose’s couldn’t stand up to the challenge.
But this story is different; and this wine is special.
Notice it’s intense bright pink color. The most confident welcome with the results to match. Beautiful notes of floral aroma, roses, red fruit. Rounded mouthfeel with raspberry and high acidity to cut through the steak and linger long after. Would pair well with sourdough, rib eye, gamey meat.
If you’re looking for a bold rose’ this is a great selection.
On left: Masciarelli Villa Gemma Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC Riserva 2017
Wine: Masciarelli Villa Gemma Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC Riserva 2017
This is the powerful wine you’d expect paired with steak. Deep Ruby color, with black cherry and spices on those nose. Plush, velvet with smokey oak. Very tannic, almost chewy. A young wine with lots of room to evolve over the years
Pinola Al Cioccolato: Chocolate Genovese, Semi-sweet Ganache, Milk chocolate crema, Pine nut gelato
Choice of Dessert
Pinola Al Cioccolato
Chocolate Genovese, Semi-sweet Ganache, Milk chocolate crema, Pine nut gelato
Cheese Course: Aged parmesan, Candied pecans, Honey, Fig spread
Cheese Course
Aged parmesan, Candied pecans, Honey, Fig spread
Wine: Chateau de Garbes “Cuvee Fut de chene” AOC Cadillac 2019
Shimmering golden color. The nose has fruit with slightly woody aroma. Refreshing honeyed notes of candied fruit.
Wine: Chateau Loupiac-Gaudiel 2017
Pale yellow in the glass. Apricot and peach on the nose. Very well-balanced with nuances of saffron, chive and ginger. The ginger brings a slight bitter ending that makes for a brisk palette cleanser.
Italian Wines from Charming Taste of Europe
