Posts Written OnNovember 01, 2006

My First Cabernet Franc Harvest

Well everyone, all of the cabernet franc from my adopted vines at Raphael have been harvested, crushed and are now fermenting (with Lalvin M05, a Loire Valley isoloate yeast) in an open-top oak barrel. Average brix was around 22. The fruit was flavorful and the tannins ripe, so I’m pretty excited about how the wine is going to turn out. Let me first say that I have a whole new level of respect for the hard work that goes into winemaking. It took me about four hours to harvest just a single row of grapes. After I was done Don,…

November 7 — Mario Batali: Roasted, Battered & Fried

Next Tuesday, Superstar chef  Mario Batali will be roasted by a diverse dais that includes some of my favorite celebs like Anthony Bourdain, James Gandolfini, Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, Artie Lange and Sarah Silverman. Proceeds from the event go to the Food Bank for New York City. The event begins  at Capitale (130 Bowery) with cocktails at 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 7:30 and the roast itself at 8:45. Tickets start at $500, but it’s a great cause and should be a ton of fun. Buy tickets online at the Food Bank for New York City.