Archive August 31, 2007

Happy Hour - The Dating Game

Okay, I'll admit right up front, this happy hour suggestion was inspired by a recent outing to a wine bar. I feel, it is my duty to hit every wine bar out there so I can share my findings with you. In fact, you have to start using the cool wine bar listing we created for you. Check it out. Wine Bars

At A.O.C. (a wine bar I highly recommend in LA), I discovered bacon- wrapped dates. Yum. Good by themselves, but of course everything just tastes better with wine.

Here's what I suggest for your happy hour tonight to kick off the Labor Day Weekend!

Drink this:
Ménage à Trois Rose '05 Saint Helena, CA
If the name doesn't tempt you, the taste will! This wine is a blend of Merlot, Syrah and Gewurztraminer. The Merlot and Syrah skins soaked for 24 hours to give the rose color and full body while the Gewurztraminer adds some flare. The wine tastes of strawberries, raspberries and lychee nuts. It's an amazing glass of wine that pairs perfectly with salty foods. Retail $12-14

Folie a Deux Zinfandel '03 Amador County, CA
This is a gorgeous Zinfandel that's smooth and full of blackberries, cherries, plum, herbs, anise and little taste of pepper. It pairs perfectly with strong cheeses and cured meats. Retail $16-18

Serve this:
Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Hunk of Parmesan cheese
12-24 fresh pitted dates
1 package of bacon

Directions:
Heat broiler with rack 4 inches from heat source. Stuff dates with chunks of Parmesan. Cut bacon into thirds crosswise. Wrap each date with a bacon strip. Place seam side down on a slotted broiler pan.

Broil until crispy on one side, 3 to 5 minutes. Turn; cook until bacon is crispy throughout, 3 to 5 minutes more. Transfer to paper towels to drain.

You can go nuts and substitute the Parmesan with almonds or pistachios inside your bacon wrapped date.

Is your mouth watering as you read this? I thought so, grab your dates and start your three day weekend!

Cheers!

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