Posts Written OnAugust 24, 2007

Restaurant Review: Cittanuova (East Hampton)

I’ve never been to Milan (or anywhere in Italy for that matter) but sitting at a small table in Cittanuova in East Hampton, Nena and I got a small taste of one of Italy’s most chic and modern cities — along with some terrific, affordable fare. First, let me just mention that Cittanuova is an extremely versatile restaurant. Versatility isn’t a trait that many restaurateurs shoot for, but it’s on full display here. Looking for a bar with energy? Cittanuova has that. Want to eat outside? Cittanuova has two outdoor dining areas. Want to stop somewhere for coffee? Cittanuova is…

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WTN: Raphael 2006 Grand Cru Chardonnay (North Fork of Long Island)

One of the greatest things about Long Island wines is their food-friendliness. Many are fruit-forward, but they almost never plunge into the overtly fruity, high-alcohol pool of many other New World wines. Alcohol levels usually hover around the 12-13% level as well, meaning you can have two or three glasses of wine with dinner and not need a nap. Cool nights and ocean breezes help growing grapes retain their natural acidity as well-another great benefit for those who like wine with food. A move away from heavy new oak-or at least more judicious use of said oak-also results in wines…

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Overheard at the Pindar Tasting Room in Port Jefferson

So I was at Pindar’s satellite tasting room in Port Jefferson (it’s a great idea by the way and I wish more wineries adopted this model and opened tasting rooms like it) to pick up some of their 2005 Cabernet Franc, which was just named the "Best Red" at the 2007 New York Food & Wine Classic, yesterday afternoon. I was the only person in there for a while, until an older couple came in asking about "Champagne." When the women behind the bar said that Pindar’s Champagne (not really Champagne obviously) was $27.99, the couple was clearly taken aback…

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