Posts Written OnNovember 12, 2010

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor Next Saturday, Roanoke Vineyards will host "The Judgment of Riverhead" a tasting that is modeled, quite obviously, after "The Judgment of Paris." Top wines from California and France — wines scored 90 or higher by The Wine Advocate or Wine Spectator, from $40 to $140 — will face off against top wine from Long Island in a blind tasting. The wines will be tasted by a panel of nine wine and restaurant industry professionals — including yours truly — using a 20-point scale, just like at the original 1976 event in Paris. A group of…

By Julia Burke, Beer Editor When I asked the beer goddesses at The Old Toad pub in Rochester what to pair with my gorgeous blue cheese, bacon and onion-ring-topped burger, they didn't hesitate. "Blackheart Stout!" I was all kinds of up for a nice stout with this delicious meal. Midnight-oil black to befit its name, this Middle Ages Brewing Company offering pours a half-finger toasted-coconut-colored head into a lipped pint glass. The nose is milky hot cocoa, marzipan, roasted almonds and coconut rind. Malt is king, in other words — no hops to speak of on the nose and only…