Quote of the Day -- Lord William Stonewall

A dinner lubricates business.

--Lord William Stonewall

Dominick's, West Hollywood, or, Diagnosed at 40. Part I

A Foreword: This entry will hopefully accomplish two things: first, a mini-review of the restaurant Dominick's in West Hollywood; and second, to outline a truly fantastic night full of hilarity and good friends. 

5 friends were invited to Dominick's to help Leslie ring in year 40, quite the monumentous occasion. On the back patio, bricked in and canopied by an olive tree, the only light source a fireplace and strings of globe lights traversing the space, we are tucked into a long wooden table and start the night off right. A bottle of bubbles appears, and the night begins. 

Leslie is my stylish cousin, a super-creative type who travels the world and lives between Los Angeles and St. Croix. She can be credited with spoiling me for all world travel, as my first trip to Europe was as her guest at age 17. We stayed at the Savoy, soaked up culture, went to the World Music Awards... you get the idea. Her party guests include folks from across the creative spectrum and I feel inspired from the moment I sit down with this group. 

I swipe the wine list to discover an Italian-focused yet nicely balanced selection to celebrate Leslie's big day. Wines are separated into "White" and "Red" but subcategories don't stray into the cliche grape names; instead, bottles were creatively organized by familiarity under titles like "Tried and True," "Your New Best Friend," and "Go Out on a Limb." 

We chose a Sirch Tocai-Fruilano "Albana" 2007 off the "Your New Best Friend" list. This is one of my favorite grapes, and it is becoming just a little easier to find with its popularity growing. The first bottle was dry and lightly effervescent with notes of lemon-verbena and pears. An instant crowd-pleaser! Bottle #2 was from the 2006 vintage, and had vanilla undertones with a very slight tang on the palette. This, too, went over well with our group, so a third bottle (of the 2006) was requested and came sailing out with smiles. 

And then there was food...

New Orleans Needs Ideas!

New Orleans holds a special spot in my heart as the birthplace of my personal and professional passions. Food, wine, restaurants, and entertaining are a way of life in that city, and a little storm a few years ago still threatens the city I and many others hold dear.

IdeaVillage is a group of passionate and creative entrepreneurs in New Orleans dedicated to bringing the city back to its prominence and then some. They recently unveiled a program asking entrepreneurs for ideas to keep young professionals in the city, offering $100,000 to the winner. 

Long has it been a problem for New Orleans that its young, educated people leave the city for opportunities in Houston, Dallas, Chicago, and other places around the country. IdeaVillage believes the trend can change. 

See their outstanding YouTube video after the jump for an outline of their program, and pass the word along to anyone who may have that great idea!

http://www.youtube.com/browse?s=rf&c=29&l=&b=0

Quote of the Day -- Anthelme Brillat Savarin

A meal without wine is like a day without sunshine. 

--Anthelme Brillat Savarin

Return from the Southern Hemisphere

I have returned from my little jaunt down to New Zealand, so sorry there weren't many (any) posts while I was away; sitting down at a computer just didn't seem right in such an amazing country. 

I will write about my trip and its stellar food and wine experiences once I have pictures. J and I shared a camera (I only have a film, not so good for international travel), so I am waiting patiently for what I hope turns out to be great shots of the NZ landscape.