Being from Northern California, maybe Napa has spoiled me. The Santa Barbara wine scene hasn’t impressed me, except for Carr Winery. They’re a real standout from this region, and I especially like their reds. The winery is a converted half dome shaped warehouse amidst an industrial looking row. Don’t be put off, the owners are lovely and they have a friendly rottweiler.

This is a very small production winery, some varietals they only produce 100 or so cases! So get it while it lasts.

Here’s all the details:

Carr Winery Futures Tasting: 3 Barrel Samples

2007 Pinot Noir Turner Vineyard
2007 Pinot Noir Lindsay’s Vineyard

2007 Pinot Noir Yard Vineyard

Sunday June 22, 2008 4:00pm – 7:00pm
414 N. Salsipuedes Street 805.965.7985

$20 Tastings, $10 Wine Club Members
This Sunday winemaker Ryan Carr will be pouring barrel samples of his 2007 Pinot Noirs.  These wines will be available to order in both cases and six packs at a 30% discount.

Current releases will also be available for sampling at our barrel top tasting bar.  Wines will be accompanied by light appetizers from Mondial and live music by Al Vafa.

The 2007 Pinot Noirs will be available for purchase online at the 30% discount for one week only starting Sunday, June 22nd.

Print out this $10 off coupon to shop in store (expires June 3, 2008):BevMo $10 Off Coupon

Caviar is great for entertaining, but bad for the pocketbook. Fortunately, Asian style “caviar” or fish roe are much more affordable. This is an impressive yet budget conscious recipe that guests are sure to love. Plus, it’s easy to make! If you enjoy Americanized sushi, such as the California Roll, you are sure to love this.

The delicate tobiko flying fish eggs are gently nestled on a bed of creamy wasabi-hinted avocado, atop lightly toasted warm pita which makes it finger friendly. I was inspired to create this recipe after Yuki, my mother in law, introduced me to the many uses of Mentsuyu, or seasoned soy sauce that makes the base for many Japanese style noodles like udon and somen.

Make sure the Tobiko you buy is fresh and doesn’t smell fishy. Compared to Beluga caviar, which can run up to hundreds of dollars an ounce, Tobiko is much more affordable. A 1/4 cup sized container will probably cost you under 5 bucks. Plus Tobiko has a brilliant orange huge that looks much more appetizing than the dark grayish tinge of other fish eggs.

Ingredients (makes 18 appetizer servings)

• 1 Avocado
• 1 teaspoon Mentsuyu (somen/udon noodle soup base, and can be found in Asian Markets). Can be omitted, but substitutions include soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
• 1 package Tobiko flying fish roe. Capellin or Salmon roe can be substituted. Or, if you’re not down with fish eggs, try lump crab meat.
• 1/2 teaspoon Wasabi paste. Use the pre-made kind in a tube to make your life easier.
• 3 Pita Breads

Directions

1. Half avocado, remove pit. Scoop out flesh with a spoon.
2. Dice avocado meat and place in a bowl.
3. Add Mentsuyu and wasabi. Gently old ingredients into avocado.
4. Toast pita bread until light golden brown on the edges. Make sure it does not get too crispy, otherwise it will compete with the delicate texture of the Tobiko.
5. Cut toasted pita bread into 6 equal triangles.
6. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of avocado mixture on each pita, topped with a half teaspoon of tobiko. (more or less depending on how generous you feel!)

Pair this with sparkling sake from Trader Joes.
Enjoy!

Yes, it is true! And even better, the money spent goes towards charity. Philanthro Productions brings a novel concept to the club scene, encouraging patrons to “party for a good cause”. I interviewed Molly Chen, Co-Vice President Non-Profit Chair at Philanthro to find out more.

Here’s Molly, about to get her tax deductible groove on for a good cause!

[G2GL] So Molly, What is Philanthro all about?

[Molly] Philanthro is a non-profit organization whose mission is to engage young adults in philanthropy and different charities by throwing first rate events that are fun and committed to a great cause at the same time.

[G2GL] Are bar tabs and entrance fees associate with your organization really tax deductible?

[Molly] Yes. Because we are a 501 c 3 organization, any donations [which include any money spent at our events] are tax deductible.

[G2GL] How was Philanthro started?

[Molly] Philanthro was founded in February 2007 by two young consultants in Los Angeles. They quickly assembled a team of dedicated Gen Y volunteers that represent some of the most talented individuals in their respective professions and communities.

[G2GL] How did you get involved with Philanthro, and what do you do for them?

[Molly] I attended their last event at Cabana Club whose nonprofit partnership was Camp Heartland, a great organization committed to helping kids with AIDS, and was extremely impressed at the professionalism and distinction of their event from a regular Hollywood club night. I was recruited through a few college friends who were in Philanthro who I’d met through other charity organizations during college to be a Co-VP Non-Profit Chair. I recruit and foster the partnerships with non-profits who reach out to us and I help to facilitate the relationship between the two groups.

[G2GL] What are your parties like, in terms of the usual type of venues, mood, demographic, number of attendees, formality?

[Molly] We book our events at top-notch clubs in Hollywood, although we are looking to branch out to different areas of Los Angeles, and even different types of venues, for future events. We draw between 500-700 young professionals, students, and socially conscious clubbers to each event — most are in their mid-20’s. We aim for a different theme at each event, which impacts the mood, but generally, we just try to throw the best party possible, and provide a great social networking opportunity in an upscale environment.

[G2GL] How much money has your organization been able to raise or donate?

[Molly] Since its founding less than a year ago, Philanthro has raised over $17,000 for its partner charities.

[G2GL] How do you choose charities to work with?

[Molly] Philanthro partners with leading charities based on a variety of factors including alignment with Philanthro’s mission and demographic.

[G2GL] Do you have any celebrities working with your cause?

[Molly] Even though it is still a young organization, Philanthro has generated significant buzz in Hollywood. We’ve been proud to feature several special guests including: Jonathan Bennett (Mean Girls), DJ Qualls (Hustle & Flow, Road Trip), Jason Ritter (Days of Our Lives, Swimfan), Marianna Palka (named one of CNN’s “Young People Who Rock” in 2008), DJ Tony Collage (Power 106 FM), Yesi Ortiz (Power 106 FM), Ray Ray Babul (preeminent fashion designer)… We have also partnered with hip Los Angeles companies who have also signed onto our cause, including Pinkberry, Anheuser-Busch, and DirecTV.

[G2GL] Aside from financial donations, how else do your events affect the charities you support?

[Molly] Not only do we raise significant funds for our partner charities, but we also raise awareness and foster affiliation between our patrons and our charities. Additionally, we provide access to opportunities to extend commitment to the cause beyond the one-night event.

[G2GL] What upcoming events or projects do you have planned?

[Molly] Following our next event, PINK: PARTY FOR THE CURE, we are hosting a team for the 12th Annual Los Angeles Race for the Cure on Saturday, March 15 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Come network with other socially-conscious young people from Los Angeles. Visit our website to join our Race team: www.philanthroproductions.org

[G2GL] How can others get involved?

[Molly] Visit our website, www.philanthroproductions.org, or email us at join@philanthroproductions.org

So there you have it! The next time you have a night out on the town, do it with a good cause in mind (and don’t forget the tax deduction fringe benefit!)

Sorry Sparklett’s, move over! You might want to reconsider the kind of water you drink, if you don’t want to be judged. Think of the bottled water you carry as a portable a status symbol. And the most extravagant of all waters is Bling h20. If you like Lamborghini’s and sporting ice around your neck (but can’t necessarily afford it), this could be the next best thing for you. The rest of you,are probably thinking you must be kidding me…

Bling H20 is touted a “couture water” by the company’s founder, Kevin G. Boyd, who envisions the brand as the “Cristal” of bottled waters. Bottles of Bling H2O have been spotted along side Grey Goose during table service at the hottest clubs in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. This pairing sort of makes sense. You are drinking a $200+ bottle of liquor and you get tap to wash it down? I don’t think so…

The frosted bottle is adorned with Swarovski crystals to spell out the brand name. You can get different colors too, “collector’s editions”. Pretty flashy. Costs about $40 for a 750 mL bottle. If you want a more portable version, go for the $20 350 mL bottle.
But does it taste good? The water won a gold medal for best tasting spring water at the Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting Festival. Wow, an honor of a lifetime. Who the heck attends that event?! But the water does use a nine step purification process which includes ozone, ultraviolet and micro filtration.

With price, prestige, and taste: Bling H2O attempts to blow Fuji and Voss out of the water.

For more info, visit www.blingh2o.com

Now open is the Bling H20 flagship boutique in Beverly Hills: 9885 Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills

As a convenient service to our readers, you can purchase many of the items featured in this blog at Shop the Good Life. We have tried our best to handpick the most interesting, unique, and useful products of interest to our readers. New items are added regularly, check back often for weekly updates to our product lines.

If you already have an Amazon.com account, you can use that same login for check out at Shop the Good Life. And many items qualify for free shipping. Get all your holiday shopping done at one stop at: Shop the Good Life.

If we do not currently carry something you are looking for, you can browse all goods carried by Amazon.com by clicking on the link to their main site in the upper left hand corner of Shop the Good Life.

If you have any comments, suggestions, or requests for new products to carry, please leave a comment below. Thanks and happy shopping!

“Thanksgiving” by Norman Rockwell

Throw out the old notion that white wines go with white meat. While a good rule of thumb for beginners, it really does not work for all food pairings. This rule can be (or must be) broken, especially when dealing with the hefty texture of turkey and its traditional side dishes. Certain whites can actually be uncomplimentary to turkey meat, making some reds a better match. I have categorized my wine picks in order, from the safest to more adventurous.

The Crowd Pleaser – NV Brut Rose, Domaine Carneros by Taittinger

When in doubt, choose sparkling wine, especially if you have an unconventional mix of potluck side dishes. Brut Rose styles are especially suited for a variety of pairings, and the acidity levels with the natural carbonation will cleanse the palate between bites. In this particular wine, the fruity character is especially predominant and many people find this easy to drink. The saturated pink color is also very appetizing, but do not be deceived. This is not a sweet with and is very dry. Received 93 point rating by Connoisseur’s Guide to CA Wine. Visit their Chateau style vineyard in Napa if you have the opportunity. $36.00 @ www.domainecarneros.com.

Creature of Habit – Kalyra Chardonnay, Santa Ynez Valley 2006

Photo by Yvonne T. @ Yelp

If you must pick a Chardonnay because that is what you are familiar with, choose one with minimal buttery oak influence. Unfortunately, this is the style of most Californian Chardonnays. You want an acidic Chardonnay that will cut through the richness of the meal. My recommendation is This wine is fermented in stainless steel barrels (as opposed to oak). The result is refreshing and lets the natural crispness of chardonnay shine. The natural fruit flavors of this variety peak through in a very subtle way and mesh well with seasonal herbs and spices. If you are accustomed to drinking Californian Chardonnays, you will probably assume this is a Sauvignon Blanc (which is also a great choice for turkey). I should also note that this winery was featured in the movie Sideways. $18.00 @ www.kalyrawinery.com

The Rebel – Campion Pinot Noir, California Central Coast 2005

This Pinot Noir with low tannin levels with complement turkey meat without overpowering it. Although this is relatively young for a red wine, this Pinot Noir is has a pleasing aftertaste of more expensive wines due to the colder conditions of the 2005 growing season in the region. An easy drinker for all occasions, it will convert even non-red white fans. This winery is exclusively devoted to Pinot Noir production in the terroir style. So if you are a fan of French Burgundy reds, this is a like-styled wine at a fraction of the price. The only caveat is that it can be hard to find, but it is ready to drink now if you can get your hands on it. No need for further aging, but if you can restrain yourself from opening it ASAP then I applaud your discipline. The wine will only improve in the next few years. Note that this is the Central Coast bottling, not the Sonoma version. My personal choice to drink with turkey. $23.00 @ www.klwines.com

Sweet Tooth – Marcarini Moscato d’Asti, Piedmont (Italy)

Turkey is served on special occasions, so let’s imbibe with a little irreverent indulgence. Yes, Moscato is traditionally a dessert wine but this particular one can transition well from aperitif to main course to dessert. It has quite a bit of effervescence that lingers, which is very refreshing and palate cleansing. The fruit notes are not overpowering but create a gentle reception for the flavors of your food. It is sweet, but not syrupy–much like biting into a fresh pear. The result is an elegant sweetness with gentle acidity plays well with other flavors in the meal such as cranberries, oranges, and carrots. Although an unusual paring for your turkey dinner, it can be quite successful. Unfortunately, this is another very difficult wine to find on the mass American market. Check your local boutique wine merchant for better luck. $13.79 @ www.thewinebuyer.com

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Photo by PhotoLoftCom @ Flickr

Great home entertainers like to surprise their guests with little details along the meal’s journey. Much thought is especially put into the beverage consideration of the night. The after meal drink is no exception and should never be an afterthought.

Photo by PhotoLoftCom @ Flickr

Blooming Tea Flowers are the perfect choice. Served in clear pots, the handwoven tea leaves unfurl into beautiful floral bouquets that taste as impressive as they look.

Photo by Stash Tea @ Flickr

Serving this tea is also multi-functional. As a centerpiece of conversation, guests watch as the host prepares the exotic drink and the flower comes to bloom. Quite the parlor trick for your overly boozed holiday guests.

Also makes an excellent hostess or holiday gift. Blooming flower tea sets can be purchased at our store, Shop the Good Life.

Simply Click Here to see our wide selection of blooming tea flowers and sets.

When looking for a good sparkling wine, you do not necessarily need to spend a lot of money nor buy a French import. Many sparkling wines around the world are produced with the “Method Champenoise”, or the method of natural fermentation (where carbon dioxide is the by-product) that happens in the individual bottles. Look on the label of the wine for the words “fermented in this bottle” as opposed to simply “fermented in the bottle”. Bubbly made by this method will be of much higher quality, with longer lasting and smaller bubbles.

The label “Champagne” is exclusively reserved for sparkling wine produced in the Champagne region of France, per regulation by the Institue National des Appellations d’Origine (INAO). Try Louis Roederer Brut Premier, from the makers of the famed “Cristal” cuvee. Pairs well with light fish dishes. $39.00 at Beverages & More.

Spanish vitners produce their own version of sparkling wine called Cava. Many types of Cava are produced by the Method Champenoise and can yield a very high quality bubbly. It also has a lower price point than most similar wines produced in France because it does not carry the Champagne name. My personal favorite is NV Segura Viudas Heredad Reserve. Its bold taste stands up well to rich holiday or party food. This Cava pairs well with creamy chicken or pork dishes, and is a good choice for an aperitif with hors d’ourves. Packaged in a hand-blown bottle and adorned with pewter decorations, it makes an impressive gift. The solid pewter base also serves a functional purpose: to keep the wine chilled when served. $13.99 at Trader Joe’s.

Another way to make sparkling wine is the Charmat process (also called the Medoto Italiano), where fermentation to produce carbon dioxide happens in large tanks. This method is commonly used in Prosecco, an Italian sparkling wine. Try Dolce Vita Prosecco. Works as an aperitif and pairs well with light pasta dishes such as frutti di mare. $10.99 at Beverages & More.

The cheapest of all sparkling wine is made by carbon dioxide injection, similar to the way soft drinks such as 7-UP are made. I do not recommend any wines maybe by this method, because the bubbles dissipate quickly and the wine does not develop a palatable caliber of taste.

Enjoy these recommendations and let me know what you think!
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