RichD wrote:

> Assuming there a few winos in this group...
>
> You visit someone you haven't seen in a while,
> and bring a bottle of wine, as a gift, or to share.
> However, you don't know their tastes.
> What to buy? I figure, everyone enjoys bubbly, therefore
> cava or prosecco? (I'm on a sub-champagne budget)
> Or a fruity, simple rose?
>
> Also, since this is a foodie group - if the bottle is intended
> for immediate enjoyment, I might bring some hors d'oeuvre.
> Suggestions? I'd stop at a deli, and pick up a quart of
> antipasto - or ...?
>
> Crackers and cheese is so mundane -

https://www.totalwine.com/wine/red-w...sa/p/117578750

That is a middle of the road wine and with it I'd tend to cold boiled
peeled large shrimp with 'suit yourself' dipping sauces of: Spicy
cocktail, mild horseradish, blue cheese and feta in sour cream. Also
in case of vegetarians, roasted sliced portabella mushrooms with garlic
oil and thicker sticks of daikon. All of that would not be
overwhelming if portions are small.

I'd tend to ask if there were vegetarians. The portabella whould be
portioned as 1 cap makes 6-8 slices and if the crowd is mostly
vegetarian or vegan, drop the shrimp and add 1 endive and use it to
wrap the portabella strips with a dailon stick. That turns it into an
easy finger food to handle. Vegans will avoid the horseradish and
cheese dish but most vegetarians will find them acceptable. (Lacto-Ovo).