Home for the Holidays

Enjoying a good wine these days can be a daunting
challenge. There are some terrific wine inventories popping
up in our local grocery stores across the country. The more
these wine inventories amass at some of the super shopping
centers, the larger number of amateur wine consuirs there
will be with questions of which wine to serve with
particular meals.

Hopefully I can offer some helpful tips to improve your
overall wine experience. There really is nothing much more
enjoyable in the culinary arts as the pairing of a
sumptuous wine with an elegant dinner.

Cabernet Sauvignon some consider to be the king of reds. A
big-structured, dark-fruited wine, the best of which become
even more elegant with age. The swirl and taste brings out
the flavors of plums, blackberries, and black currant;
sometimes violets or rose petals, and often mint, mocha,
and eucalyptus or cedar; strong tannins underneath.

Such a wonderful flavored wine is best served with a well
marbled beef. The sheer enjoyment of mixing the robust
flavors of this wine as you just sample your beef will
enhance your tasting experience. It is a wonderful mix of
flavors completing the enjoyment of your main course. This
choice of wines is also served well with hearty fowl such
as duck. The two flavors compliment each other very well.
Your enjoyment of this wine will also be intensified by
serving it with meats that are basted with spice rubs and
sauces with lots of black pepper and mushrooms. A strong
soy sauce marinade is another excellent choice.
Long-braised stews, pot roast and grilled red meat are all
wonderful choices to pair with a Cabernet Sauvignon.

You should really taste and test to find your style.  Some
Cabernet’s are made to be drunk tonight, with ripe fruit
and subdued tannins. Others need years to mellow. Great
Cabs, some argue, are balanced the day they are released
and get better with time.

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Now we have our Chardonnays a rich yet complex white.  With
complex fruit flavors and often a rich, creamy texture it
has become more than likely the most popular of white wines.

With the swirl and taste of this wine you will be captured
by the green apple, pear, melon, creamy lemon, and
sometimes pineapple, rounded out with butterscotch and
vanilla.

This elegant white is best paired with sweet shellfish,
your dinner guests will never be disappointed. This wine
also goes well with any white-fleshed fish such as halibut,
sturgeon, mahi mahi, tilapia and the flavorful cod. In the
meat family your best choices would be chicken of turkey,
pork and veal. Again the mix of the flavors and texture of
the two together in your mouth is a wonderful way of truly
enjoying the wine. A nice Chardonnay will also compliment a
risotto and pasta dish served with white cream, buttery
sauces.

California winemakers have traditionally made Chardonnay in
a rich, buttery style by fermenting and aging it in oak
barrels. Now, some have learned that too much oak can cover
up the fruit, so some winemakers are starting to substitute
stainless-steel tanks for a leaner, crisper style. Be
certain to sample many varieties as they can and will vary
some in flavor and dryness.

Then we have our Merlot a soft tannins, dark fruit,
probably the most popular of the reds here in the states.
Merlot has dark fruit flavors like Cabernet Sauvignon, but
is generally a little rounder and softer. The swirl and
taste of this popular wine will leave you with the enhanced
flavors of  blackberries, blueberries, plums, cassis, and
dried cherries combined with chocolate, cedar, and tobacco
and sometimes hints of black olive.

Again with this red you will want to try a few varieties as
you will come across some with a more dry, delicate fruit
flavor and spice. Then there are others that tend to have a
bit more of a wild berry and herbs flavor, they tend to be
a bit darker and heavier in texture.

Personally I enjoy a nice Merlot with a hearty red meat but
others seem to feel it pairs best with lamb, a more meaty
fish such as salmon or tuna. Your dishes can be
complimented with black olives, fresh herbs, mushrooms,
berries and dried cherries. A tender, milder cut of beef,
such as a tenderloin makes for an excellent choice when
serving a Merlot. I always found it most enjoyable to take
a bite of the tenderloin and then a sip of Merlot and let
the flavors just mesh on the palate.

When it comes to choosing a wine to serve with particular
meals there are some basics that you should follow to get
the most enjoyment from the wine. Be certain to sample
different makers of the same type wine as you will find a
difference in flavors and dryness. Most of all make your
wine tastings an enjoyable experience.

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If you would like some more complete information about wine
in general please visit http://www.the-wine-enthusiast.com/
There you will find some free information to help
compliment any dining experience. Along with all the wine
information you could ever need there are some excellent
top Chef tips.

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Given the fact that Seattle may be lucky to get a week of
snow each year, this Northwest city might not be an obvious
choice for a Winter Wonderland to experience the joys of
Christmas. But what it lacks in snow, it makes up for in
festive spirit and Northwest residents discovered long ago
that a trip to the city for Christmas shopping can be
rewarding indeed.

From Seattle Center to Westlake Center to the Pike Place
Market, the usual visitor attractions become just a little
more special on a chilly winter’s day. Throngs of excited,
bundled-up families and couples sample the seasonal
offerings at Westlake such as Quest carousel rides, or the
kettle corn and elephant ears nearby. Vendors make balloon
animals for the kids while loud Christmas music blares in
the background making sure no one misses out on Seattle’s
holiday spirit.

Make it an overnight trip and it’s even better. First, you’ll be sure to see the numerous Christmas lights along downtown streets including the famous star on Macy’s, the
Space Needle lights and many other special seasonal touches. And, by staying overnight, you can turn a shopping trip into a true getaway.

Our base of operations was a Seattle landmark, the
Edgewater Hotel. If you’re old enough, you’ll remember that
the Edgewater was made famous in the mid-60’s when the
Beatles stayed in one of the waterfront rooms and caught
fish out their window. In fact, it became the obvious
choice for many famous rock groups that came into town
during that period to play for one of Pat O’Dea’s
spectacular rock concerts.

Today the Edgewater has a classic elegance that combines
the best location in Seattle with an updated interior
design that evokes the Northwest’s rich Native American
heritage. The first thing we saw when entering our
waterfront room was a Washington State Ferry - just out the
window and across the waters of Elliott Bay. Our view made
us feel like we were traveling on a cruise ship with
nothing but water between us and the ferry. This, of
course, is the major attraction of the aptly-named
Edgewater - a location literally out on the water with
incredible views of Puget Sound and nearby islands.

Our room featured many Northwest accents such as a log
headboard on our comfortable king-size bed, bark trim and a
wood panel above the corner fireplace, Native American
designs on the carpets with knotty pine baseboards, and
Indian characters and designs on the wood-frame
entertainment center. In the bathroom, a large claw-style
bathtub looked awfully inviting, while the modern colors
and fixtures made the room look like something you would
see in a magazine on interior design. The floors were amber
quartz slate, while the room also included a glass-enclosed
European spa shower.

With a room at the Edgewater - which features a constant
parade of boats just outside your window — there is the
temptation to just stay there and enjoy the endless sights
and sounds. But we came to Seattle to check out the city’s
Christmas activities so first stop was the Pike Place
Market, a few blocks and easy walking distance from the
Edgewater.

The market is one of Seattle’s most recognizable symbols -
right up there with the Space Needle. That probably has
something to do with the way TV sports announcers always
make a point of showing footage of the market while
broadcasting Seattle Seahawks or Washington Huskies sports
telecasts. Typically the shot is one of the fish handlers
throwing King salmon - thus we were pleased that, upon our
arrival, the fish were indeed flying. Just like the 50 or
so other visitors standing around watching, we had seen for
ourselves the famous Pike Place Market fish throw.

Those fish handlers in their sweat suits, hoodies and
aprons aren’t the only reason to stop by the market at
Christmas time. The market goes all out in its decorations
and, in fact, has Christmas trees available - not that we
wanted to cart one back to the Edgewater. Take a walk just
north of the first fish market and you enter a beehive of
activity where it seems like just about anything you want
is for sale - fresh fruits and produce, honey, herbs, dried
flower bouquets, jams and jellies, nuts, fruits,
chocolates, tee-shirts, purses, you name it. There actually
are several fish markets in the same building, as well as
restaurants where you can dine on fresh fish before you
even leave the market..

Just across the street from the market, in front of the
Starbucks, a musical group called Slimpickens was warming
up the crowds with lively 1930’s style music played in a
four-piece configuration: guitar, stand-up bass, violin and
washboard. Dressed in 30’s garb, the group also seemed to
be getting a Depression-era response to their music: lots
of smiles and toe-tapping, but not many coins dropping into
their prominently placed cup.

Along about here we encountered Piroshky, Piroshky, a tiny
take-out restaurant serving up fresh Russian piroshkies for
just under $5. These were just baked and, if you’re
wondering, the piroshky is a little like a flakey turnover
filled with meat, cheese or other fillings. They’re
delicious and, for us, provided a quick and inexpensive
lunch.

Some friends of ours went instead to Von’s Grand City
Café, just a few blocks from the market on Pine Street
where the meal was fine but they reported back that this
was the first time they had encountered canned champagne.
They ordered a split of champagne and the can that was
delivered to their table had a straw attached - which our
friends said reminded them of the fruit drink boxes they
get for their kids. Of course that’s what visiting the “Big
City” is all about - experiencing new things.

A few blocks from the market is Westlake Center, a modern,
multi-story shopping center with upscale stores and -
because of its location near Macy’s and Nordstrom — the
epicenter of retail activity downtown. It’s here that, for
just $2 each way, you can hop on board the Monorail -
originally built for the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair - and
zip over to Seattle Center where their Winterfest
celebration has continual holiday entertainment and one of
the coolest model railroads and miniature Christmas towns
your kids will ever see.

Soon it was time to head back to the Edgewater, where we
watched the fog roll in and marveled at how the few
sailboats that were out on this wintery day were able to
dodge the Washington State ferries. Thank goodness for
foghorns and radar, we would guess. We took a short, brisk
walk over to the Spaghetti Factory for an inexpensive but
tasty dinner.

The night was restful and, when the sun came up the next
day, the skies were blue and the views from our room were
like a picture postcard. No need to lose that view while
having breakfast — downstairs at the Edgewater we stopped
in for a hearty meal with the best views in town at the
hotel’s award-winning Six Seven restaurant. We were
pleasantly surprised at the reasonable prices, given the
restaurant’s prime location and upscale reputation.

More downtown exploration was on tap for our second day,
with no shortage of merchandise available at unusually good
prices. Soon it was time to go home, but it wasn’t like a
trip home from the mall in which you’re exhausted and swear
never to go shopping with the multitudes again. Yes, we’d
accomplished our Christmas shopping all right — but we
also felt invigorated by an unforgettable holiday trip to
Seattle’s Winter Wonderland.  Back to HomePage

For more information on Seattle, go to www.visitseattle.org For more information on the
Edgewater Hotel, please visit www.edgewaterhotel.com.

For even more great ideas in the greater Baltimore area, Visit Baltimore.org

Baltimore’s Miracle on 34th Street
November 29, 2008 - January 2, 2009
Christmas Street.
34th St. between Chestnut and Keswick in Hampden

This nightly display of lights along Hampden’s 34th St. is a long-standing tradition in Baltimore. From the first Saturday following Thanksgiving through New Years, the community transforms this street into an astounding display of kitsch and lights. Take in this celebration of the holiday season and then pop around the corner to Cafe Hon for hot chocolate or do some shopping at the many quirky boutiques and shops on Hampden’s Main Street.

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K’Nex: Building Thrill Rides
September 28, 2008 - January 4, 2009
Maryland Science Center
601 Light Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
Website

The K’NEX: Building Thrill Rides Exhibit offers hours of entertainment and exciting building fun for the entire family. The exhibit contains a Kid K’NEX building station for children ages 3-5, in addition to the ever popular K’NEX stations for children 6+.

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A Chorus Line
December 2-14, 2008
Hippodrome Theatre at The France -Merrick Performing Arts Center
12 N. Eutaw Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Website

In an empty theatre, on a bare stage, casting for a new Broadway musical is almost complete. For 17 dancers, this audition is the chance of a lifetime. It’s what they’ve worked for - with every drop of sweat, every hour of training, every day of their lives. It’s the one opportunity to do what they’ve always dreamed — to have the chance to dance. This is A CHORUS LINE, the musical for everyone who’s ever had a dream and put it all on the line. Winner of nine Tony Awards®, including “Best Musical” and the Pulitzer Prize for drama, this singular sensation is the longest-running American Broadway musical ever. Now A CHORUS LINE returns. Come meet the new generation of Broadway’s best. “A CHORUS LINE is back, and it’s thrilling!” - John Lahr, The New Yorker.

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The Polar Express 4-D Experience
November 15, 2008 - January 4, 2009
National Aquarium in Baltimore
501 East Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
Website

The Polar Express 4-D Experience, a holiday classic transformed into a magical 15-minute journey. Embark on a cold winter’s journey that’s sure to warm your heart, and to make you believe.

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Holiday Festival of Trains at the B&O Railroad Museum
November 28, 2008 - December 30, 2008
B&O Railroad Museum
901 W. Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21223
Website

The B&O Railroad Museum’s Holiday Festival of Trains will be better than ever for the 2008 holiday season. In addition to its already renowned rotating display of model railroads and holiday entertainment, the B&O is offering something brand new—a train ride with Santa! During weekends through December 21st, Santa and his helpers will be on the train handing out candy canes to visitors. Where else can you ride the rails with Santa but the B&O?! Another addition for 2008 is “Santa’s Secret Shop” hidden within the museum, where children will have the opportunity to purchase their very own gifts for family and friends. There will also be holiday stories and videos, and a craft area for children.

Please note: The Museum is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

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The Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring the Rockettes
December 2, 2008 - December 7, 2008
1st Mariner Arena
201 W. Baltimore St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
Website

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the world famous Radio City Rockettes is an unparalleled show featuring the Rockettes’ signature eye high kicks and precision choreography in multiple show stopping numbers including: the legendary “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers,” and “New York at Christmas,” a dynamic holiday celebration. Families will be delighted as Santa flies high above the crowd and touched as the true meaning of Christmas is brought to life in the awe-inspiring “Living Nativity.” This legendary Spectacular has dazzled and inspired over 65 million people for more than 75 years and continues to create memories that will last a lifetime.

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Lighting of the Washington Monument
December 4, 2008 | 6:00PM
Mount Vernon Place
600 block of North Charles Street

An Evening of Choir Performances, Strolling Entertainment, and More
Mount Vernon Place celebrates the holiday season with the 37th annual lighting of the Washington Monument.

A Monumental Occasion takes place Thursday, December 4 with pre-event festivities at 5:30p.m. in Mount Vernon. The ceremony begins at 6p.m. with the official lighting at approximately 6:50 p.m. The evening includes performances, strolling entertainment, refreshments, and the official lighting by Mayor Sheila Dixon. The event ends with a colorful fireworks finale choreographed to music.

For additional information, visit http://www.godowntownbaltimore.com or contact 410-244-1030.

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Annual Parade of Lighted Boats
Fell’s Point
December 6, 2008

Baltimore’s nautical spirit is aglow as more than 50 boats and pleasure crafts, bedecked and sparkling in their holiday finery, make their way from the Inner Harbor to Fell’s Point after dark, festooned with holiday lights. Santa himself has been known to set sail for the occasion. 1-877-BALTIMORE.

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David DeBoy and the Hons in “Crabs for Christmas”
Dec 18, 2008 at 7:30 pm
300 S. High Street, Little Italy
Website

Dec 18, 2008 at 7:30 pm
The Rockettes may be coming to Baltimore, but at the Cabaret at Germano’s we are celebrating Christmas Bawlmer style. It’s a Crazy Carnival of Crabby Christmas Carols, audience participation, surprises and fun for all ages. David DeBoy will be performing hits from his album “Crabs For Christmas for Twenty Years” plus premiering new songs. Joining David will be special guest Brent Hardesty, the novelty songwriter from WBAL Radio and creator of countless jingles you hear every day. Celebrate the season like a true Balti-moron! Doors open at 6 pm for pre-show dining.  $10 cover. $15 food/drink minimum.  Cabaret at Germano’s, 300 S. High Street, Little Italy, 410.752.4515.

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Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker
December 19, 2008 - December 21, 2008
The Lyric Opera House
140 W. Mount Royal Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21201
Website

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker returns to Baltimore’s Lyric Opera House 12/19-21. Tickets are discounted during the pre-sale up to $20 per ticket for the best seats in the house.

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Barbie: Fifty Fashionable Years
December 20, 2008 - May 31, 2009
Geppi’s Entertainment Museum
301 W Camden St
Baltimore, MD 21201
Website

Since her debut in a plain black-and-white swimsuit in 1959, Barbie has been a symbol of America’s changing and sometimes controversial perception of the role of women in our society. GEM looks at a half-century of dream houses, sports cars, shifting fashions and hairstyles, and how Barbara Millicent Roberts has changed the face of pop culture.

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Ports America New Year’s Eve Spectacular
December 31, 2008 - January 1, 2009 | 9:00PM - 12:30AM
Inner Harbor

Inner Harbor Entertainment
Enjoy dynamic live music and non-stop fun at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater located at Pratt and Light streets.

Fireworks
At midnight, following a countdown led by Mayor Sheila Dixon, the largest Baltimore New Year’s Eve fireworks show returns turning the sky over the Inner Harbor into a multitude of colors. The fireworks are choreographed to music. This glistening fireworks presentation by Zambelli Internationale officially welcomes in the New Year.