A Cool Cork Shot…

I don’t claim to have any real photography skills, but I do usually take my own pictures for my Dan’s Papers column. I’m working on a round-up of Martha Clara Vineyards’ recently released and soon-to-be released wines…and I think this is the one that will run with it. I like it, so I thought I’d share.  

Blackwells Restaurant Under New Management

JULY 2006 UPDATE: Both Great Rock Golf Club and Blackwells have new ownership and management. As such, this review may not reflect current the current dining experience. I’ve only eaten at Blackwell’s once since new management took over, so I don’t feel like a new review would be a good one. However, the food, service and overall experience was a million times better. I’d recommend Blackwell’s again without reservation. Once I’ve eaten there at least one more time, I’ll write a new review.   Last summer, I wrote a review of Blackwells Restaurant in Wading River, NY. I thought the…

Wine Blogging Wednesday #9 Announced — Tickled Pink

Getting sick of the red-themed WBWs? I know some are…so next month we’re gonna keep things a bit ligther with May’s WBW host, the always entertaining Sam of Becks & Posh. After three straight editions with red wines as the theme, it’s spring…so rosé is our theme for Wednesday, May 11th. With so many new roses coming out on Long Island in the next few weeks (2004 vintage), chances are I’ll be ‘forced’ to drink more than one. This should be a fun edition of WBW…so start looking for your pink drinks! Any questions…ask Sam…she’s running the show this time!

Wine Trail Tasting Tips

(This column originally appeared in the 4/15/05 issue of Dan’s Papers) Spring is here and now that we’ve all at least started our spring yard work, it’s time to put aside our chores and relieve some of that cabin fever we’ve all been feeling. I’m sure it will come as no surprise that I think there’s no better way to enjoy a spring afternoon than a trip to the wineries. Whether you’re new to visiting winery tasting rooms or a seasoned vet, here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your trip. Choose a Designated…

WBW #8 Round-Up

Well folks, another vintage of Wine Blogging Wednesday has come and gone…and wasn’t it fun? All told,  26 wines were reviewed…with generally positive results. I don’t think I’m alone in my plan to look to Sicilian wine more often…especially with Italian food! I’d like to thank Ron and Katia of the appropriately named blog Love Sicily for hosting the virtual event. To see the full round-up, visit their blog. For May’s edition…keep an eye on your favorite San Francisco-based blogs. I’m not going to tell you who’s hosting just yet…but I’m glad to have her on board.

10 Great Long Island Wines You’ve Never Heard of

(This story appeared originally in the 4/14 issue of the Long Island Press) Jim and Linda Waters of Waters Crest Winery, pictured in their barrel room, own one of Long Island’s newest family-run wineries. Photo by John Griffin, Long Island Press It’s no secret that Long Island produces its share of wine. You can find local labels easily in stores, and wine tasting on the East End has become a popular activity. Some of the wines are good, and others aren’t, but if you look hard, there’s a select group that is truly world-class. The LI wine region, born in…

WBW #8: Morgante 2003 Nero d’Avola

Nero d’Avola, Sicily’s most popular and famous non-fortified wine, is one I first tasted a couple summers ago — in Orlando’s Epcot Center of all places. After a morning of dodging rain showers Nena, my parents and I were ready for lunch. So, we ducked into the Italian village and had a nice lunch at L’ Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante. My mother is 1/2 Sicilian and Nena and I are both part Sicilian as well, so when charged with picking our wine, I chose the only Sicilian on the list…a Nero d’Avola. It was delicious…and extremely food friendly (I…

A Discussion of the James Beard Writing Award Nominees

As I continue to catch up on all the happenings from last week, Alder of Vinography (one of my favorite wine blogs) offers nice commentary on the James Beard Writing Award nominees for 2005. It is certainly great to see an Internet writing category…and I share Alder’s hope that maybe blogs will get a sub-category some day. I’m not going to hold my breath…I think we’re still seen as "renegades" in a way…because we don’t have a "real journalist" serving as an editor…but no blogger I know would ever want it any other way. Personally, I think it’s great that…

Don’t Forget — Wine Blogging Wednesday #8 is This Week

Ron of LoveSicily is hosting this month’s vintage of Wine Blogging Wednesday…and it’s in two days! The the theme: Sicilian Reds. It should be a fun one…I’m curious to see what people come up with beyond Nero D’avola. I have to admit…I haven’t bought my bottle(s) yet…but I will tonight if I have time. Spread the word…and keep your eyes peeled for an annoucement about May’s WBW theme!

White Trash BBQ From Brooklyn

When you think of world-class BBQ, does Brooklyn, NY pop into your head? No, not usually. But, Robert of WhiteTrashBBQ sure is trying. He’s on a quest toward "producing award-winning, competition-busting, real barbeque." He’s a Long Island native now living in Brooklyn and I like how his site his shaping up. He hasn’t been at the blog thing long, but there’s already a bbq chicken recipe I want to try…and some cool how-to pictures of indirect grilling on a Weber kettle grill. If I were a betting man (and I am), I’d expect to see some collaborative work that brings…