On 26 Dec 2006 12:22:53 -0800, "DaleW" > wrote:


>PS A side story: I thought the glazed carrots tasted funny, but every
>thing else was good, until I found a salad to have off aromas- I
>realized I thought the salad was corked! Laughed at myself, then today
>Betsy made another salad to go along with some leftovers for lunch, and
>put discovered the carrots had a distinctive TCA smell. Whodathunk?
>

Might have been the starter culture for some Long Island carrot wine?

My Christmas dinner was exceptional. Starters during the Dallas
Cowboys drubbing were a Gorgonzola Dulce and cranberry relish
bruschetta and a smoked salmon and guacamole on rye toast with an
Absolut vodka martini--stirred, not shaken.

When the game's outcome was assured, we sat to dinner which was an
incredible center cut, prime filet mignon with shrimp etouffe and
haricot verts. The wine was 1995 Ridge Monte Bello and I am happy to
report it is magnificent. Dark, bluish purple color. Big rich nose of
black cherry, spice and a hint of leather. Wonderful blast of black
fruits in the mouth and an unctuous, warm finish.

I'd love to have a case of this for the next twenty years, but alas it
is not to be. Made me giggle softly when I mentioned that a month ago
at Del Frisco's Steakhouse in Dallas I saw the '97 MB on the menu for
$450! They're quite proud of their wines and I mention when JR comes
to town from South Fork he sips them on the rocks....

Ed Rasimus
Fighter Pilot (USAF-Ret)
"When Thunder Rolled"
www.thunderchief.org
www.thundertales.blogspot.com