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| Wine (alt.food.wine) Devoted to the discussion of wine and wine-related topics. A place to read and comment about wines, wine and food matching, storage systems, wine paraphernalia, etc. In general, any topic related to wine is valid fodder for the group. |
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Newbie looking for Wine Party Info
I am the Event Coordinator for my Local Miata Club (Little two seater
convertible, in case some of you don't know what a Miata is). Our group is partial to wine drinking, most of us are what I would consider novices, but we enjoy visiting wineries when we can find them (we live in Charleston, SC) and having wine at dinners and other functions. I have heard a lot about people having Wine & Cheese Parties and I have decided to have one myself. Now, I am absolutely a novice, although I've tasted a few wines, I prefer a beer or Wine Cooler to just about all the Wine I've tried thus far. However, I still try new ones when I get the chance, I'm sure there's a few out there I would like. So, on to the party. Here's what I want to do: I am inviting everyone to my home, to have sort of a Wine Judging contest. I'm asking that all members bring a bottle or however many they want, under $20, completely wrapped in brown paper bags so no one can see what they are. Then I will number the bags, and each person will get to taste all the wines and judge them. Now, I would like to hand out some sort of a paper ballot system, with things like taste, smell, and those other categories wine should be judged in, maybe 3-4 of the top categories is all I want. I don't want this to be too cumbersome, it's for fun, and it's to let people taste a bunch of different wines without spending hundreds of dollars to do so. I'll have small sip cups that people will taste in, then if there is wine left, people can have a glass if they like one. What I need to know is has anyone done this and if so, what are your suggestions on running this "contest'? The winner will probably get a nice bottle of wine, there will be eats, such as a cheese platter (any suggestions on a good "all around" cheese platter would be great too - something else I am not familiar with), nuts and fruits, probably some dessert items, such as cheesecake rounds, etc. I'm just looking for help to finalize and round out my party so that everyone enjoys it. There will be coffee, soft drinks and water for anyone who doesn't want to participate as well, so I think I have the whole gamut covered. My main concern is the judging and how to go about it, such as the ballot, etc and then any help on a good setup for a cheese platter would be helpful too. Thanks in advance, I look forward to any and all replies! -- Bunny McElwee Event Coordinator & Membership Lowcountry Miata Club www.lowcountrymiataclub.net 1991 Mariner Blue with Red & White Stripes "BlueFlash" |
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I'm not sure what you mean by "winner" since the people will be tasting
wine and giving their impressions, who is the "winner" and what is the measurement? If the folks there are not "wine geeks" I'd just let them enjoy the wine and food. Just remember that there is a limited number of pours from a bottle so if you have a group larger than about 10 you'll have a hard time giving pours large enough to make a decent sip of wine from each bottle so it's unlikey that everyone can taste each wine. To keep it simple I would just have folks vote for which wine they prefered of the lot. |
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Bi!! wrote:
> I'm not sure what you mean by "winner" since the people will be tasting > wine and giving their impressions, who is the "winner" and what is the > measurement? If the folks there are not "wine geeks" I'd just let them > enjoy the wine and food. Just remember that there is a limited number > of pours from a bottle so if you have a group larger than about 10 > you'll have a hard time giving pours large enough to make a decent sip > of wine from each bottle so it's unlikey that everyone can taste each > wine. To keep it simple I would just have folks vote for which wine > they prefered of the lot. > Bill, I assume that by winner, she means the person who brings the most popular wine. I agree with you about the judging. For Bunny: I'd ask each person who brings a wine to categorize it broadly (dry/sweet, red/white/rose) and group them accordingly into five "flights" (or maybe 6: hopefully, no one brings a sweet red, but I guess you never know...) Have a winner for each flight to give each style of wine a chance to "win" (it also allows your guests to skip filghts of wines that they expect they wouldn't like). As for the cheese plate, keep in mind that many wine/cheese combinations are not particularly pleasant. For dry reds, choose hard cheeses like a not-too-sharp Cheddar, Manchego or Asiago. For sweet whites, try a good blue cheese; for dry whites, a soft cow's milk cheese; for sweet blush (rose) wines, perhaps some assorted nuts. Or just combine all the cheeses and nuts onto a platter and let your guests test the various combinations. Good bread or crackers are also useful. HTH Mark Lipton |
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Hi Bunny,
The key for something like this is keeping it informal and fun. One thing I would do is not use "small cups" ... have enough wine glasses for everyone. Then provide a dump bucket to empty glasses out in. A 1 - 1.5 oz pour is sufficient for tasting. We'ver compiled several thoughts on wine tasting parties on our site at http://www.stratsplace.com/winetasting.html Art Stratemeyer ============================= http://www.stratsplace.com A Community Celebration the Joy of Wine,Gardening and the Arts Cellar! Wine Software http://www.cellarwinesoftware.com |
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Salut/Hi Bunny,
le/on Mon, 31 Jan 2005 10:12:49 -0500, tu disais/you said:- >however many they want, under $20, completely wrapped in brown paper bags so >no one can see what they are. Then I will number the bags, and each person >will get to taste all the wines and judge them. Sounds fun. > Now, I would like to hand out some sort of a paper ballot system, with things like taste, smell, and >those other categories wine should be judged in, maybe 3-4 of the top >categories is all I want. I don't want this to be too cumbersome, it's for >fun, and it's to let people taste a bunch of different wines without >spending hundreds of dollars to do so. I'll have small sip cups that people >will taste in, then if there is wine left, people can have a glass if they >like one. May I suggest that instead of small sip cups, which are utterly hopeless for tasting purposes, that you have some reasonably decent tasting glasses. I use the INAO glasses for this, but I'm guessing you're in the USA, so you'll have to ask advice from other US residents as to what's available and not too expensive. Very briefly, to taste a wine you need to be able to judge the smell, and to do this yu need an appropriately shaped glass. As for the tasting grid, I do have one, but a) it's in Wordperfect format and b) it may not be sent here to a non binary newsgroup. I'll see if I can post it as HTML on a random page in one of my websites. >your suggestions on running this "contest'? How would you pick a winner? In fact are you after a winning wine? (That's relatively easy) or a winning participant, if the latter, what criteria would you judge by? >nice bottle of wine, there will be eats, such as a cheese platter (any >suggestions on a good "all around" cheese platter would be great too - Beware. Although cheese and wine have this reputation as perfect partners, be aware that they aren't as easy as all that. I quote from the late great Tommy Layton's book on cheese and wine. "Wine's affinity to cheese is remarkable. There is a wine to go with every cheese. But let us not exaggerate: every wine does not go with every cheese by a long chalk. Indeed there are a growing number of people who experience a marked dislike of their red wine after they have had a mouthful of a certain cheese." I find that "cooked" cheeses like gruyere, go better with reds than soft cheeses. Blue cheeses go better with sweet wines than others, Goat cheeses are better paired with sauvignon based wines, though they'll also go with some reds. VERY soft stinky cheeses don't (with apologies to my burgundian friends) go that well with anything. >well, so I think I have the whole gamut covered. My main concern is the >judging and how to go about it, such as the ballot, etc and then any help on >a good setup for a cheese platter would be helpful too. As I said, I'm concerned as to how you judge who wins, and why. -- All the Best Ian Hoare http://www.souvigne.com mailbox full to avoid spam. try me at website |
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Ian Hoare wrote:
> May I suggest that instead of small sip cups, which are utterly hopeless for > tasting purposes, that you have some reasonably decent tasting glasses. I > use the INAO glasses for this, but I'm guessing you're in the USA, so you'll > have to ask advice from other US residents as to what's available and not > too expensive. Very briefly, to taste a wine you need to be able to judge > the smell, and to do this yu need an appropriately shaped glass. In fact, INAO glasses are available in the US, Ian -- if you know where to look for them. IMO, they remain the most cost-effective general-purpose wine glass as they can be had for ~$2 per stem which is why we have a dozen of them lurking about our kitchen for everyday use. > > As for the tasting grid, I do have one, but a) it's in Wordperfect format > and b) it may not be sent here to a non binary newsgroup. > > I'll see if I can post it as HTML on a random page in one of my websites. Given Bunny's description of the potential tasters, I'd thought that a simple ordinal ranking of wines within flights would make the most sense and be the least intimidating for novice tasters. After the results are revealed, people could be encouraged to describe why they voted the way they did, in a strictly volutntary way (allowing the cork dorks to weigh in). Mark Lipton |
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Salut/Hi Hunt,
le/on 1 Feb 2005 01:54:52 GMT, tu disais/you said:- >>> As for the tasting grid, I do have one, but a) it's in Wordperfect format >>> and b) it may not be sent here to a non binary newsgroup. >>> >>> I'll see if I can post it as HTML on a random page in one of my websites. I've managed to upload it OK, but it's not going to be perfect, as it has been converted into HTML. My problem is that I don't know how to set up a web page to allow for a downloadable file! If I did, I could easily convert it into PDF, which would be usable by anyone. >I agree with both Mark and Ian's comments regarding both the glassware and the >cheeses. Thanks. >inexpensive wine glasses. To effectively taste a wine, I cannot stress a wine >glass too much. Now, not every person is as anal-retentive about glassware, as >I, but having done many dozen tastings, I CAN say that glassware can certainly >"break" an otherwise good wine. Absolutely. You've only got to pour the same wine into a pastic "cup" and a decent if unglamorous glass to tell the difference. > You can also contact a large "party" rental facility in your area and even rent the glasses. Good thinking. >If you are unable to get Ian's "tasting" mat layout, please e-mail me at: and I will send you one. Mine is now on http://ianhoare.free.fr/winegrid.htm >Most of all, have fun and let us all know how it went!!!!! Exactly. -- All the Best Ian Hoare http://www.souvigne.com mailbox full to avoid spam. try me at website |
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"Ian Hoare" > wrote in message
... > Salut/Hi Hunt, > > I've managed to upload it OK, but it's not going to be perfect, as it has > been converted into HTML. My problem is that I don't know how to set up a > web page to allow for a downloadable file! If I did, I could easily > convert > it into PDF, which would be usable by anyone. Just upload the PDF to your webspace and put the the whole address to it, including the pdf file. Most news clients will just allow you to click on it and fire up Acrobat. I converted it to pdf to give you an example, and made it a bit smaller so as to fit on one page. http://www.users.bigpond.net.au/davide/winetasting.pdf Cheers David E |
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Ok, after reading all of your wonderful replies, I realized I know even less
than I thought I did about wine. I have decided, since this is all in fun and everyone is just here to have a good time, that I am going the simple route that I best understand. It came down to the following: I'm having each couple/person if single, bring two identical bottles of wine. The total of the two wines can not exceed $30. They will bring them covered so no one can tell what they are. I'll be serving whites first, then rose/blush, then reds. It will probably be done in teams of two, since two bottles of wine won't go far and I already have 20 people signed up. I'm using the format that I believe Ian put out, with the basic tasting format with points given to each wine. It's got a nice description at the bottom that explains what these categories mean, which will help most people. Then, I'll collect the ballots, add up the scores, and the wine that got the highest number of points is the "winner". The person who brought that bottle of wine will go home with a GC to the local wine shop and maybe a few other wine goodies/accessories. There will be a cheese/fruit/breadorcracker platter of probably 3 types of cheese, a soft, medium, firm and maybe a fourth strong cheese. Nothing fancy, just tidbits. I'll also have nuts scattered around, oyster crackers, water, buckets and napkins. I'll also be doing the tasting out of glasses rather than my first message which sip cups which would have been plastic. Since I read thats a no-no, I decided if I was going to do this, I would find the glasses, even if I had to purchase some fm a local dollar store. I have 12, but had no idea I'd have this many people want to come. Not that I mind, it just goes to show my thought was correct in thinking this would be something our group would be interested in. We had our monthly meeting this week and when we discussed it and how it would work, everyone was very excited and they thought it was a wonderful idea. Sounds like it will be a wonderful night. So, thank you to all of the people who responded with ideas, no-nos, suggestions and helpful information. Hopefully this will be a great event and I will post how it went here after the party (on the 19th). Btw, if anyone has any good suggestions for good cheeses that I can't go wrong with and that I can find locally without breaking the bank, I'd take that help as well. I figure grapes & strawberries on the sides as well as some small bread slices, probably some stuffed globe grapes if I can find them, with crushed pistachios and goat cheese, Parmesan puff pastry straws, and some desserts, although I haven't figured out that yet. Anyway, thanks again for all the wonderful information you've given me and hopefully you'll be hearing a YIPEE from me on the 20th! "Bunny McElwee" > wrote in message ... > I am the Event Coordinator for my Local Miata Club (Little two seater > convertible, in case some of you don't know what a Miata is). Our group is > partial to wine drinking, most of us are what I would consider novices, but > we enjoy visiting wineries when we can find them (we live in Charleston, SC) > and having wine at dinners and other functions. > I have heard a lot about people having Wine & Cheese Parties and I have > decided to have one myself. Now, I am absolutely a novice, although I've > tasted a few wines, I prefer a beer or Wine Cooler to just about all the > Wine I've tried thus far. However, I still try new ones when I get the > chance, I'm sure there's a few out there I would like. So, on to the party. > Here's what I want to do: I am inviting everyone to my home, to have sort of > a Wine Judging contest. I'm asking that all members bring a bottle or > however many they want, under $20, completely wrapped in brown paper bags so > no one can see what they are. Then I will number the bags, and each person > will get to taste all the wines and judge them. Now, I would like to hand > out some sort of a paper ballot system, with things like taste, smell, and > those other categories wine should be judged in, maybe 3-4 of the top > categories is all I want. I don't want this to be too cumbersome, it's for > fun, and it's to let people taste a bunch of different wines without > spending hundreds of dollars to do so. I'll have small sip cups that people > will taste in, then if there is wine left, people can have a glass if they > like one. What I need to know is has anyone done this and if so, what are > your suggestions on running this "contest'? The winner will probably get a > nice bottle of wine, there will be eats, such as a cheese platter (any > suggestions on a good "all around" cheese platter would be great too - > something else I am not familiar with), nuts and fruits, probably some > dessert items, such as cheesecake rounds, etc. I'm just looking for help to > finalize and round out my party so that everyone enjoys it. There will be > coffee, soft drinks and water for anyone who doesn't want to participate as > well, so I think I have the whole gamut covered. My main concern is the > judging and how to go about it, such as the ballot, etc and then any help on > a good setup for a cheese platter would be helpful too. Thanks in advance, I > look forward to any and all replies! > > > -- > Bunny McElwee > Event Coordinator & Membership > Lowcountry Miata Club > www.lowcountrymiataclub.net > > 1991 Mariner Blue with Red & White Stripes > "BlueFlash" > > |
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You're out of your mind. What kind of sick individual are you? Why are
you wasting people's valuable time with this perverted, sick shit? WINES ARE MADE TO BE DRUNK WITH MEALS. Not cheese and crackers, not 'for fun'. What kind of sick, twisted mind thinks up this crap? |
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> wrote in message oups.com... > You're out of your mind. What kind of sick individual are you? Why are > you wasting people's valuable time with this perverted, sick shit? > > WINES ARE MADE TO BE DRUNK WITH MEALS. Not cheese and crackers, not > 'for fun'. What kind of sick, twisted mind thinks up this crap? > God forbid we should have FUN with wine |
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"Andrew Goldfinch" > wrote:
> > wrote > >> [Total BS] > God forbid we should have FUN with wine Would you - and the group - please reply to uraniumcommittee's (or whatever name he takes) postings simply with one line: "DO NOT FEED THE TROLLS!" This applies to the first seeing these utterly bullshit postings. Thank you. M. |
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Michael Pronay wrote:
> Would you - and the group - please reply to uraniumcommittee's (or > whatever name he takes) postings simply with one line: > > "DO NOT FEED THE TROLLS!" > > This applies to the first seeing these utterly bullshit postings. If you would also forward any message that he posts in AFW to it might help get rid of him also. I know they are already working on a number of complaints about him. |
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Bill Loftin wrote:
> Michael Pronay wrote: > >> Would you - and the group - please reply to uraniumcommittee's (or >> whatever name he takes) postings simply with one line: >> >> "DO NOT FEED THE TROLLS!" >> >> This applies to the first seeing these utterly bullshit postings. > > > If you would also forward any message that he posts in AFW to > > it might help get rid of him also. > I know they are already working on a number of complaints about him. > Bad advice, Bill. He doesn't post through yahoo, but rather through Google ) from a nuvox account ). However, many ISPs don't consider abusive language to itself by a violation of their acceptable use policy. However, both of the organizations in question do list "verbal harassment" among their no-nos. Mark Lipton |
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Sorry Michael,
Missed reading this thread before I did reply to his "tasting" thread where the tone was civil On 5 Feb 2005 11:33:44 GMT, Michael Pronay > wrote: >"Andrew Goldfinch" > wrote: > >> > wrote >> >>> [Total BS] > >> God forbid we should have FUN with wine > >Would you - and the group - please reply to uraniumcommittee's (or >whatever name he takes) postings simply with one line: > >"DO NOT FEED THE TROLLS!" > >This applies to the first seeing these utterly bullshit postings. > >Thank you. > >M. Art Stratemeyer ============================= http://www.stratsplace.com A Community Celebration the Joy of Wine,Gardening and the Arts Cellar! Wine Software http://www.cellarwinesoftware.com |
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Art Stratemeyer wrote: > Sorry Michael, > > Missed reading this thread before I did reply to his "tasting" thread > where the tone was civil > > > On 5 Feb 2005 11:33:44 GMT, Michael Pronay > wrote: > > >"Andrew Goldfinch" > wrote: > > > >> > wrote > >> > >>> [Total BS] > > > >> God forbid we should have FUN with wine > > > >Would you - and the group - please reply to uraniumcommittee's (or > >whatever name he takes) postings simply with one line: > > > >"DO NOT FEED THE TROLLS!" > > > >This applies to the first seeing these utterly bullshit postings. > > > >Thank you. > > > >M. > > Art Stratemeyer > ============================= > http://www.stratsplace.com > A Community Celebration the Joy of Wine,Gardening and the Arts > > Cellar! Wine Software > http://www.cellarwinesoftware.com The fad for 'tastings' by amateurs represents a cultural void. Only Americans do this. Italians don't. |
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Do you have ANYTHING else to contribute here other then excoriating 99.9% of
the participants. Because you do not like the sub-culture of wine appreciation and hold the dogmatic view that wine is only to be enjoyed with food is jejune and BORING. You should form your own sub-group alt.food & wine.together. The original poster in this thread was thirsting for knowledge. Your familiar and repetitive rejoinder was not only antagonistic but pejorative. Please desist from further argumentative and insulting prose. -- Joe "Beppe" Rosenberg > wrote in message oups.com... > You're out of your mind. What kind of sick individual are you? Why are > you wasting people's valuable time with this perverted, sick shit? > > WINES ARE MADE TO BE DRUNK WITH MEALS. Not cheese and crackers, not > 'for fun'. What kind of sick, twisted mind thinks up this crap? > |
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"Do you have ANYTHING else to contribute here other then excoriating
99.9% of the participants. Because you do not like the sub-culture of wine appreciation and hold the dogmatic view that wine is only to be enjoyed with food is jejune and BORING. You should form your own sub-group alt.food & wine.together. The original poster in this thread was thirsting for knowledge. Your familiar and repetitive rejoinder was not only antagonistic but pejorative. Please desist from further argumentative and insulting prose. " I'm just getting started, Joe. I'm sick of the idiotic American 'tasting' mentality. The blonde's idea of culture. 'Well, Jill, let's have a tasting party!. Let's invite Susie and Shauna and Patty and Clarise!' Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay! Heaven forbid anyone would actually COOK a meal and invite 15 or so people over to ENJOY the wines with a real meal. NO! They're too busy having out hair done and taking the kids to soccer practice while talking on their cell phones... It's sickening...pathetic and sickening |
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> wrote in message oups.com... > "Do you have ANYTHING else to contribute here other then excoriating > 99.9% of > the participants. Because you do not like the sub-culture of wine > appreciation and hold the dogmatic view that wine is only to be enjoyed > with > food is jejune and BORING. You should form your own sub-group alt.food > & > wine.together. > > The original poster in this thread was thirsting for knowledge. Your > familiar and repetitive rejoinder was not only antagonistic but > pejorative. > > Please desist from further argumentative and insulting prose. " > > I'm just getting started, Joe. I'm sick of the idiotic American > 'tasting' mentality. The blonde's idea of culture. 'Well, Jill, let's > have a tasting party!. Let's invite Susie and Shauna and Patty and > Clarise!' > > Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay! > > Heaven forbid anyone would actually COOK a meal and invite 15 or so > people over to ENJOY the wines with a real meal. NO! They're too busy > having out hair done and taking the kids to soccer practice while > talking on their cell phones... > > It's sickening...pathetic and sickening > Totally inappropriate -- totally. Need some help with Social Skills???? M |
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Mike P wrote: > > wrote in message > oups.com... > > "Do you have ANYTHING else to contribute here other then excoriating > > 99.9% of > > the participants. Because you do not like the sub-culture of wine > > appreciation and hold the dogmatic view that wine is only to be enjoyed > > with > > food is jejune and BORING. You should form your own sub-group alt.food > > & > > wine.together. > > > > The original poster in this thread was thirsting for knowledge. Your > > familiar and repetitive rejoinder was not only antagonistic but > > pejorative. > > > > Please desist from further argumentative and insulting prose. " > > > > I'm just getting started, Joe. I'm sick of the idiotic American > > 'tasting' mentality. The blonde's idea of culture. 'Well, Jill, let's > > have a tasting party!. Let's invite Susie and Shauna and Patty and > > Clarise!' > > > > Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay! > > > > Heaven forbid anyone would actually COOK a meal and invite 15 or so > > people over to ENJOY the wines with a real meal. NO! They're too busy > > having out hair done and taking the kids to soccer practice while > > talking on their cell phones... > > > > It's sickening...pathetic and sickening > > > > Totally inappropriate -- totally. Need some help with Social Skills???? > > M Can you imagine in such an outrage in Italy? A 'tasting party'? Absolutely not. On Americans, with their 'consumeristic' culture, would even think of such idiocy. And of course, there has to be a 'winner'! Excuse me while I go vomit..... Bunny, get a life.... |
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Ok, hopefully I can get some advice from you guys without getting
attacked again. Seems like I post a message and instead of getting replies to my message, I get a bunch of replies to the Trolls <BG>! Anyway, I've figured out my party setup, I'd like to know of any advice you can offer that would help me with the food aspect of my Party. No, this is not a full meal, yes *I* will be making ALL OF it, I am just short of a gourmet cook and I make ALL of my own party foods, big or small, at my home or someone else's. I would like to have a cheese platter, maybe three to four cheese varieties and along side it fruits (grapes, strawberries, etc) and crackers/breads. What are the best all around cheese's that any cheese platter should not be without? I know they should be served room temp, but I don't generally eat these kinds of cheese's so I don't know how to serve them? Rind on or off? Let them guest decide, or cut it off in advance? And suggestions on types of cheeses I should have that would likely be good ones to have on a platter of this kind, with the inclusion of people drinking wine? I understand that the wine & cheese thing does not always go together, I really am looking more for a good accompaniment of cheeses for people to nibble on and not necessarily for them to eat WITH their wine as a matched set. Also, any ideas of other "wine/Italian" type dishes I could serve or no Wine party should be without? I want to keep this to mainly finger type foods, but I want there to be enough to eat that people won't be falling over drunk everywhere after they've had a couple glasses. I was think some stuffed globe grapes with goat cheese and crushed pistachios, bruschetta, nuts, parmesan puff pastry sticks, maybe some squares of simple cheesecake. This doesn't sound substantial enough to really fill the belly. I'd like to do something with chicken, maybe some marinated chunks of chicken thighs on skewers, but not sure what type of marinade to use at this point. Anyway, hopefully some of you kind people who have been helping me with this can give me some suggestions on some more suitable foods to provide my guest. My original post stated 20 people, I am now looking at 30-40 guests. BTW, I will also be having a BDay cake on hand as it is my Husbands birthday on the 26th and we decided to surprise him on the 19th because he says we never can. I think we will this year! "Bunny McElwee" > wrote in message ... > I am the Event Coordinator for my Local Miata Club (Little two seater > convertible, in case some of you don't know what a Miata is). Our group is > partial to wine drinking, most of us are what I would consider novices, but > we enjoy visiting wineries when we can find them (we live in Charleston, SC) > and having wine at dinners and other functions. > I have heard a lot about people having Wine & Cheese Parties and I have > decided to have one myself. Now, I am absolutely a novice, although I've > tasted a few wines, I prefer a beer or Wine Cooler to just about all the > Wine I've tried thus far. However, I still try new ones when I get the > chance, I'm sure there's a few out there I would like. So, on to the party. > Here's what I want to do: I am inviting everyone to my home, to have sort of > a Wine Judging contest. I'm asking that all members bring a bottle or > however many they want, under $20, completely wrapped in brown paper bags so > no one can see what they are. Then I will number the bags, and each person > will get to taste all the wines and judge them. Now, I would like to hand > out some sort of a paper ballot system, with things like taste, smell, and > those other categories wine should be judged in, maybe 3-4 of the top > categories is all I want. I don't want this to be too cumbersome, it's for > fun, and it's to let people taste a bunch of different wines without > spending hundreds of dollars to do so. I'll have small sip cups that people > will taste in, then if there is wine left, people can have a glass if they > like one. What I need to know is has anyone done this and if so, what are > your suggestions on running this "contest'? The winner will probably get a > nice bottle of wine, there will be eats, such as a cheese platter (any > suggestions on a good "all around" cheese platter would be great too - > something else I am not familiar with), nuts and fruits, probably some > dessert items, such as cheesecake rounds, etc. I'm just looking for help to > finalize and round out my party so that everyone enjoys it. There will be > coffee, soft drinks and water for anyone who doesn't want to participate as > well, so I think I have the whole gamut covered. My main concern is the > judging and how to go about it, such as the ballot, etc and then any help on > a good setup for a cheese platter would be helpful too. Thanks in advance, I > look forward to any and all replies! > > > -- > Bunny McElwee > Event Coordinator & Membership > Lowcountry Miata Club > www.lowcountrymiataclub.net > > 1991 Mariner Blue with Red & White Stripes > "BlueFlash" > > |
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Bunny McElwee wrote: > Ok, hopefully I can get some advice from you guys without getting > attacked again. Seems like I post a message and instead of getting replies > to my message, I get a bunch of replies to the Trolls <BG>! Anyway, I've > figured out my party setup, I'd like to know of any advice you can offer > that would help me with the food aspect of my Party. No, this is not a full > meal, yes *I* will be making ALL OF it, I am just short of a gourmet cook > and I make ALL of my own party foods, big or small, at my home or someone > else's. I would like to have a cheese platter, maybe three to four cheese > varieties and along side it fruits (grapes, strawberries, etc) and > crackers/breads. What are the best all around cheese's that any cheese > platter should not be without? I know they should be served room temp, but I > don't generally eat these kinds of cheese's so I don't know how to serve > them? Rind on or off? Let them guest decide, or cut it off in advance? And > suggestions on types of cheeses I should have that would likely be good ones > to have on a platter of this kind, with the inclusion of people drinking > wine? I understand that the wine & cheese thing does not always go together, > I really am looking more for a good accompaniment of cheeses for people to > nibble on and not necessarily for them to eat WITH their wine as a matched > set. > Also, any ideas of other "wine/Italian" type dishes I could serve or no > Wine party should be without? I want to keep this to mainly finger type > foods, but I want there to be enough to eat that people won't be falling > over drunk everywhere after they've had a couple glasses. I was think some > stuffed globe grapes with goat cheese and crushed pistachios, bruschetta, > nuts, parmesan puff pastry sticks, maybe some squares of simple cheesecake. > This doesn't sound substantial enough to really fill the belly. I'd like to > do something with chicken, maybe some marinated chunks of chicken thighs on > skewers, but not sure what type of marinade to use at this point. > Anyway, hopefully some of you kind people who have been helping me with > this can give me some suggestions on some more suitable foods to provide my > guest. My original post stated 20 people, I am now looking at 30-40 guests. > > BTW, I will also be having a BDay cake on hand as it is my Husbands > birthday on the 26th and we decided to surprise him on the 19th because he > says we never can. I think we will this year! > > > "Bunny McElwee" > wrote in message > ... > > I am the Event Coordinator for my Local Miata Club (Little two seater > > convertible, in case some of you don't know what a Miata is). Our group is > > partial to wine drinking, most of us are what I would consider novices, > but > > we enjoy visiting wineries when we can find them (we live in Charleston, > SC) > > and having wine at dinners and other functions. > > I have heard a lot about people having Wine & Cheese Parties and I > have > > decided to have one myself. Now, I am absolutely a novice, although I've > > tasted a few wines, I prefer a beer or Wine Cooler to just about all the > > Wine I've tried thus far. However, I still try new ones when I get the > > chance, I'm sure there's a few out there I would like. So, on to the > party. > > Here's what I want to do: I am inviting everyone to my home, to have sort > of > > a Wine Judging contest. I'm asking that all members bring a bottle or > > however many they want, under $20, completely wrapped in brown paper bags > so > > no one can see what they are. Then I will number the bags, and each person > > will get to taste all the wines and judge them. Now, I would like to hand > > out some sort of a paper ballot system, with things like taste, smell, and > > those other categories wine should be judged in, maybe 3-4 of the top > > categories is all I want. I don't want this to be too cumbersome, it's for > > fun, and it's to let people taste a bunch of different wines without > > spending hundreds of dollars to do so. I'll have small sip cups that > people > > will taste in, then if there is wine left, people can have a glass if they > > like one. What I need to know is has anyone done this and if so, what are > > your suggestions on running this "contest'? The winner will probably get a > > nice bottle of wine, there will be eats, such as a cheese platter (any > > suggestions on a good "all around" cheese platter would be great too - > > something else I am not familiar with), nuts and fruits, probably some > > dessert items, such as cheesecake rounds, etc. I'm just looking for help > to > > finalize and round out my party so that everyone enjoys it. There will be > > coffee, soft drinks and water for anyone who doesn't want to participate > as > > well, so I think I have the whole gamut covered. My main concern is the > > judging and how to go about it, such as the ballot, etc and then any help > on > > a good setup for a cheese platter would be helpful too. Thanks in advance, > I > > look forward to any and all replies! > > > > > > -- > > Bunny McElwee > > Event Coordinator & Membership > > Lowcountry Miata Club > > www.lowcountrymiataclub.net > > > > 1991 Mariner Blue with Red & White Stripes > > "BlueFlash" > > > > The cookbook "Ultimate Recipes Italian" has an excellent section on "starters". |
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Bunny McElwee wrote: > Ok, hopefully I can get some advice from you guys without getting > attacked again. Seems like I post a message and instead of getting replies > to my message, I get a bunch of replies to the Trolls <BG>! Anyway, I've > figured out my party setup, I'd like to know of any advice you can offer > that would help me with the food aspect of my Party. No, this is not a full > meal, yes *I* will be making ALL OF it, I am just short of a gourmet cook > and I make ALL of my own party foods, big or small, at my home or someone > else's. I would like to have a cheese platter, maybe three to four cheese > varieties and along side it fruits (grapes, strawberries, etc) and > crackers/breads. What are the best all around cheese's that any cheese > platter should not be without? I know they should be served room temp, but I > don't generally eat these kinds of cheese's so I don't know how to serve > them? Rind on or off? Let them guest decide, or cut it off in advance? And > suggestions on types of cheeses I should have that would likely be good ones > to have on a platter of this kind, with the inclusion of people drinking > wine? I understand that the wine & cheese thing does not always go together, > I really am looking more for a good accompaniment of cheeses for people to > nibble on and not necessarily for them to eat WITH their wine as a matched > set. > Also, any ideas of other "wine/Italian" type dishes I could serve or no > Wine party should be without? I want to keep this to mainly finger type > foods, but I want there to be enough to eat that people won't be falling > over drunk everywhere after they've had a couple glasses. I was think some > stuffed globe grapes with goat cheese and crushed pistachios, bruschetta, > nuts, parmesan puff pastry sticks, maybe some squares of simple cheesecake. > This doesn't sound substantial enough to really fill the belly. I'd like to > do something with chicken, maybe some marinated chunks of chicken thighs on > skewers, but not sure what type of marinade to use at this point. > Anyway, hopefully some of you kind people who have been helping me with > this can give me some suggestions on some more suitable foods to provide my > guest. My original post stated 20 people, I am now looking at 30-40 guests. > > BTW, I will also be having a BDay cake on hand as it is my Husbands > birthday on the 26th and we decided to surprise him on the 19th because he > says we never can. I think we will this year! > > > "Bunny McElwee" > wrote in message > ... > > I am the Event Coordinator for my Local Miata Club (Little two seater > > convertible, in case some of you don't know what a Miata is). Our group is > > partial to wine drinking, most of us are what I would consider novices, > but > > we enjoy visiting wineries when we can find them (we live in Charleston, > SC) > > and having wine at dinners and other functions. > > I have heard a lot about people having Wine & Cheese Parties and I > have > > decided to have one myself. Now, I am absolutely a novice, although I've > > tasted a few wines, I prefer a beer or Wine Cooler to just about all the > > Wine I've tried thus far. However, I still try new ones when I get the > > chance, I'm sure there's a few out there I would like. So, on to the > party. > > Here's what I want to do: I am inviting everyone to my home, to have sort > of > > a Wine Judging contest. I'm asking that all members bring a bottle or > > however many they want, under $20, completely wrapped in brown paper bags > so > > no one can see what they are. Then I will number the bags, and each person > > will get to taste all the wines and judge them. Now, I would like to hand > > out some sort of a paper ballot system, with things like taste, smell, and > > those other categories wine should be judged in, maybe 3-4 of the top > > categories is all I want. I don't want this to be too cumbersome, it's for > > fun, and it's to let people taste a bunch of different wines without > > spending hundreds of dollars to do so. I'll have small sip cups that > people > > will taste in, then if there is wine left, people can have a glass if they > > like one. What I need to know is has anyone done this and if so, what are > > your suggestions on running this "contest'? The winner will probably get a > > nice bottle of wine, there will be eats, such as a cheese platter (any > > suggestions on a good "all around" cheese platter would be great too - > > something else I am not familiar with), nuts and fruits, probably some > > dessert items, such as cheesecake rounds, etc. I'm just looking for help > to > > finalize and round out my party so that everyone enjoys it. There will be > > coffee, soft drinks and water for anyone who doesn't want to participate > as > > well, so I think I have the whole gamut covered. My main concern is the > > judging and how to go about it, such as the ballot, etc and then any help > on > > a good setup for a cheese platter would be helpful too. Thanks in advance, > I > > look forward to any and all replies! > > > > > > -- > > Bunny McElwee > > Event Coordinator & Membership > > Lowcountry Miata Club > > www.lowcountrymiataclub.net > > > > 1991 Mariner Blue with Red & White Stripes > > "BlueFlash" > > > > http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...916437-8986237 http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...glance&s=books |
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Bunny McElwee wrote: > Ok, hopefully I can get some advice from you guys without getting > attacked again. Seems like I post a message and instead of getting replies > to my message, I get a bunch of replies to the Trolls <BG>! Anyway, I've > figured out my party setup, I'd like to know of any advice you can offer > that would help me with the food aspect of my Party. No, this is not a full > meal, yes *I* will be making ALL OF it, I am just short of a gourmet cook > and I make ALL of my own party foods, big or small, at my home or someone > else's. I would like to have a cheese platter, maybe three to four cheese > varieties and along side it fruits (grapes, strawberries, etc) and > crackers/breads. What are the best all around cheese's that any cheese > platter should not be without? I know they should be served room temp, but I > don't generally eat these kinds of cheese's so I don't know how to serve > them? Rind on or off? Let them guest decide, or cut it off in advance? And > suggestions on types of cheeses I should have that would likely be good ones > to have on a platter of this kind, with the inclusion of people drinking > wine? I understand that the wine & cheese thing does not always go together, > I really am looking more for a good accompaniment of cheeses for people to > nibble on and not necessarily for them to eat WITH their wine as a matched > set. > Also, any ideas of other "wine/Italian" type dishes I could serve or no > Wine party should be without? I want to keep this to mainly finger type > foods, but I want there to be enough to eat that people won't be falling > over drunk everywhere after they've had a couple glasses. I was think some > stuffed globe grapes with goat cheese and crushed pistachios, bruschetta, > nuts, parmesan puff pastry sticks, maybe some squares of simple cheesecake. > This doesn't sound substantial enough to really fill the belly. I'd like to > do something with chicken, maybe some marinated chunks of chicken thighs on > skewers, but not sure what type of marinade to use at this point. > Anyway, hopefully some of you kind people who have been helping me with > this can give me some suggestions on some more suitable foods to provide my > guest. My original post stated 20 people, I am now looking at 30-40 guests. > > BTW, I will also be having a BDay cake on hand as it is my Husbands > birthday on the 26th and we decided to surprise him on the 19th because he > says we never can. I think we will this year! > > > "Bunny McElwee" > wrote in message > ... > > I am the Event Coordinator for my Local Miata Club (Little two seater > > convertible, in case some of you don't know what a Miata is). Our group is > > partial to wine drinking, most of us are what I would consider novices, > but > > we enjoy visiting wineries when we can find them (we live in Charleston, > SC) > > and having wine at dinners and other functions. > > I have heard a lot about people having Wine & Cheese Parties and I > have > > decided to have one myself. Now, I am absolutely a novice, although I've > > tasted a few wines, I prefer a beer or Wine Cooler to just about all the > > Wine I've tried thus far. However, I still try new ones when I get the > > chance, I'm sure there's a few out there I would like. So, on to the > party. > > Here's what I want to do: I am inviting everyone to my home, to have sort > of > > a Wine Judging contest. I'm asking that all members bring a bottle or > > however many they want, under $20, completely wrapped in brown paper bags > so > > no one can see what they are. Then I will number the bags, and each person > > will get to taste all the wines and judge them. Now, I would like to hand > > out some sort of a paper ballot system, with things like taste, smell, and > > those other categories wine should be judged in, maybe 3-4 of the top > > categories is all I want. I don't want this to be too cumbersome, it's for > > fun, and it's to let people taste a bunch of different wines without > > spending hundreds of dollars to do so. I'll have small sip cups that > people > > will taste in, then if there is wine left, people can have a glass if they > > like one. What I need to know is has anyone done this and if so, what are > > your suggestions on running this "contest'? The winner will probably get a > > nice bottle of wine, there will be eats, such as a cheese platter (any > > suggestions on a good "all around" cheese platter would be great too - > > something else I am not familiar with), nuts and fruits, probably some > > dessert items, such as cheesecake rounds, etc. I'm just looking for help > to > > finalize and round out my party so that everyone enjoys it. There will be > > coffee, soft drinks and water for anyone who doesn't want to participate > as > > well, so I think I have the whole gamut covered. My main concern is the > > judging and how to go about it, such as the ballot, etc and then any help > on > > a good setup for a cheese platter would be helpful too. Thanks in advance, > I > > look forward to any and all replies! > > > > > > -- > > Bunny McElwee > > Event Coordinator & Membership > > Lowcountry Miata Club > > www.lowcountrymiataclub.net > > > > 1991 Mariner Blue with Red & White Stripes > > "BlueFlash" > > > > http://dogbert.abebooks.com/servlet/...magefield.y=13 |
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"Bunny McElwee" > wrote in message ... Bunny - I can't help you that much with the cheeses - I personally like a sharp American cheese with red wines, but many people may not agree. I've been following this thread with interest - you have gotten a LOT of wisdom from some people I respect very much (and also some of the usual newsgroup highly opinianated people). I think your party will go very well. At any rate, my family has just joined the Miata crowd, my wife bought a used one Saturday. Both doors cannot be locked, either with key (turns but nothing happens), or from inside (what appears to be a slide doesn't) - I would expect maybe one door on a used vehicle to be a problem, but both? - any wisdom on this? We live in eastern NC, a bit far away to visit. If I were going, I'd carry a nice German Riesling. Why? Well, first, I like them. Next, they are different, won't be just another Chard or Cab (though I like Cabs, too). I'll just end this by saying "Enjoy - have a good time of it." Jim |
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Yes, I absolutely got some very good information, I'm glad I came here
because while I got a little bit more confused on the advice given to me, I got a lot of very good advice that I do plan to implement into my party. I think this party will be a ball and I know my members are very enthusiastic about this event as well. As for the Miata, what area exactly do you live in? There are several clubs in NC, as a matter of fact, we do regular events back and forth with at least 3 of them during the year. We also do events in NC, one in Deal's Gap area, one in the Maggie Valley Area, and this year we are even doing one in the Winston Salem area. get yourself into one of the club near you (I can help you find which one would be closest to you). The wealth of knowledge that other club members have is unattainable anywhere else. If they are anything like our club, they do tons of events, everything from the obvious Wine & Cheese Party, to drives all around the area we live in (Charleston), to overnighters, to weekenders. We even go to Drive In movies, although in our state, we only have 2 working Drive In's left, and they usually end up being overnighters. Its great fun though. Anyway, let me know where you are located and I will get you in touch with the local club. trust me, you'll enjoy the car a heck of a lot more when you find out that theres someone there to help with your problems, share your joys of driving and hang out with people who enjoy those little cars! It's great fun! "BallroomDancer" > wrote in message news:PqPNd.104901$Jk5.86495@lakeread01... > > "Bunny McElwee" > wrote in message > ... > Bunny - I can't help you that much with the cheeses - I personally like a > sharp American cheese with red wines, but many people may not agree. I've > been following this thread with interest - you have gotten a LOT of wisdom > from some people I respect very much (and also some of the usual newsgroup > highly opinianated people). I think your party will go very well. > At any rate, my family has just joined the Miata crowd, my wife bought a > used one Saturday. Both doors cannot be locked, either with key (turns but > nothing happens), or from inside (what appears to be a slide doesn't) - I > would expect maybe one door on a used vehicle to be a problem, but both? - > any wisdom on this? > We live in eastern NC, a bit far away to visit. If I were going, I'd carry a > nice German Riesling. Why? Well, first, I like them. Next, they are > different, won't be just another Chard or Cab (though I like Cabs, too). > I'll just end this by saying "Enjoy - have a good time of it." > > Jim > > |
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"Bunny McElwee" > wrote in message ... > Yes, I absolutely got some very good information, I'm glad I came here > because while I got a little bit more confused on the advice given to me, > I > got a lot of very good advice that I do plan to implement into my party. I > think this party will be a ball and I know my members are very > enthusiastic > about this event as well. > > As for the Miata, what area exactly do you live in? There are several > clubs in NC, as a matter of fact, we do regular events back and forth with > at least 3 of them during the year. We also do events in NC, one in Deal's > Gap area, one in the Maggie Valley Area, and this year we are even doing > one > in the Winston Salem area. get yourself into one of the club near you (I > can > help you find which one would be closest to you). The wealth of knowledge > that other club members have is unattainable anywhere else. If they are > anything like our club, they do tons of events, everything from the > obvious > Wine & Cheese Party, to drives all around the area we live in > (Charleston), > to overnighters, to weekenders. We even go to Drive In movies, although in > our state, we only have 2 working Drive In's left, and they usually end up > being overnighters. Its great fun though. Anyway, let me know where you > are > located and I will get you in touch with the local club. trust me, you'll > enjoy the car a heck of a lot more when you find out that theres someone > there to help with your problems, share your joys of driving and hang out > with people who enjoy those little cars! It's great fun! The three NC areas you gave are all in the western part of NC. We live in a small community near New Bern, NC; about 45 miles from the coast, and halfway up the state. On a map, it is at the intersection of US 17 & US 70. I'm a member of the BMWCCA (I have a 328 conv), so I understand how helpful a car club can be. Jim |
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Hmmm. How about Wilmington? Any closer to you? There's a club there as
well. Beyond that, I would have to ask the clubs in that area. And there might be one in Virginia that could be close to you as well. You might want to check out Miata.net if you haven't already. It's the site to go to for answers, info and all kinds of great information. They also have a club list on there, and you might be able to better judge how close one of them is to you. Of course, you could just be in one of those areas where the nearest club is 2 hours away. We have a couple members who come from Savannah GA and Columbia SC, just because we are the closest thing to them. The three NC areas you gave are all in the western part of NC. We live in a > small community near New Bern, NC; about 45 miles from the coast, and > halfway up the state. On a map, it is at the intersection of US 17 & US 70. > I'm a member of the BMWCCA (I have a 328 conv), so I understand how helpful > a car club can be. > Jim > > |
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Bunny McElwee wrote:
>I would like to have a cheese platter, maybe three to four cheese > varieties and along side it fruits (grapes, strawberries, etc) and > crackers/breads. What are the best all around cheese's that any cheese > platter should not be without? I know they should be served room temp, but I > don't generally eat these kinds of cheese's so I don't know how to serve > them? Rind on or off? Let them guest decide, or cut it off in advance? And > suggestions on types of cheeses I should have that would likely be good ones > to have on a platter of this kind, with the inclusion of people drinking > wine? I understand that the wine & cheese thing does not always go together, > I really am looking more for a good accompaniment of cheeses for people to > nibble on and not necessarily for them to eat WITH their wine as a matched > set. Well, good all-around cheeses for wine are also ones that people can eat on their own. Good choices are hard cheeses like Cheddar (not too sharp), Manchego, Asiago and Gruyere. Depending on what your selection is like, you might have to choose Cheddar and Swiss. Soft, stinky cheeses are tougher to pair with wine, but maybe have one around for those who like it. Soft goat cheeses won't go with red wine, but will match OK with crisp white wines. Soft, non-stinky cheeses like Gouda, Havarti, Fontina and Monterey Jack are pretty mild in flavor and could go well with a variety of wines. Blue cheeses are the most difficult to pair with wine. I'd leave the rind on the cheeses and allow your guests decide if they want the rind. In the end, experiment and see what people like. No one will be forced to eat a cheese that they don't enjoy, after all. Most fruit doesn't do much for wine, but they're tasty and good for you, so who cares? ;-) > Also, any ideas of other "wine/Italian" type dishes I could serve or no > Wine party should be without? I want to keep this to mainly finger type > foods, but I want there to be enough to eat that people won't be falling > over drunk everywhere after they've had a couple glasses. I was think some > stuffed globe grapes with goat cheese and crushed pistachios, bruschetta, > nuts, parmesan puff pastry sticks, maybe some squares of simple cheesecake. > This doesn't sound substantial enough to really fill the belly. I'd like to > do something with chicken, maybe some marinated chunks of chicken thighs on > skewers, but not sure what type of marinade to use at this point. I think that the cheese straws and nuts (if you get almonds or pistachios) are excellent, wine-friendly snacks. The stuffed grapes sound tasty and would probably go well with white wines. If the bruschetta include fresh tomatoes, that's a problem for wine, but you could easily put pesto on your bruschetta or simply cheese and be fine. The grilled chicken skewers sounds like a nice idea and should go well with most wines. Prosciuto-wrapped melon is also a classic. You could also put out some antipasti, including salami or other Italian sausages sliced thinly. They could be placed on bread for a heartier finger food. Most any good bread or cracker would do nicely. > Anyway, hopefully some of you kind people who have been helping me with > this can give me some suggestions on some more suitable foods to provide my > guest. My original post stated 20 people, I am now looking at 30-40 guests. The main thing is to have a selection of foods that will offer a flavor for anyone and for any wine. It's all about having fun, after all. HTH Mark Lipton |
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WONDERFUL information! Exactly what I was looking for. You gave me a
place to start and answered several of my questions. I'll leave the Bruschetta for another time as it would indeed include fresh tomato. Sounds like I am on the right track for the other items and thanks for the extra suggestions, I greatly appreciate all the help. Maybe some others will chime in with some other suggestions. Thanks again! "Mark Lipton" > wrote in message ... > Bunny McElwee wrote: > >I would like to have a cheese platter, maybe three to four cheese > > varieties and along side it fruits (grapes, strawberries, etc) and > > crackers/breads. What are the best all around cheese's that any cheese > > platter should not be without? I know they should be served room temp, but I > > don't generally eat these kinds of cheese's so I don't know how to serve > > them? Rind on or off? Let them guest decide, or cut it off in advance? And > > suggestions on types of cheeses I should have that would likely be good ones > > to have on a platter of this kind, with the inclusion of people drinking > > wine? I understand that the wine & cheese thing does not always go together, > > I really am looking more for a good accompaniment of cheeses for people to > > nibble on and not necessarily for them to eat WITH their wine as a matched > > set. > > Well, good all-around cheeses for wine are also ones that people can eat > on their own. Good choices are hard cheeses like Cheddar (not too > sharp), Manchego, Asiago and Gruyere. Depending on what your selection > is like, you might have to choose Cheddar and Swiss. Soft, stinky > cheeses are tougher to pair with wine, but maybe have one around for > those who like it. Soft goat cheeses won't go with red wine, but will > match OK with crisp white wines. Soft, non-stinky cheeses like Gouda, > Havarti, Fontina and Monterey Jack are pretty mild in flavor and could > go well with a variety of wines. Blue cheeses are the most difficult to > pair with wine. I'd leave the rind on the cheeses and allow your guests > decide if they want the rind. In the end, experiment and see what > people like. No one will be forced to eat a cheese that they don't > enjoy, after all. Most fruit doesn't do much for wine, but they're > tasty and good for you, so who cares? ;-) > > > Also, any ideas of other "wine/Italian" type dishes I could serve or no > > Wine party should be without? I want to keep this to mainly finger type > > foods, but I want there to be enough to eat that people won't be falling > > over drunk everywhere after they've had a couple glasses. I was think some > > stuffed globe grapes with goat cheese and crushed pistachios, bruschetta, > > nuts, parmesan puff pastry sticks, maybe some squares of simple cheesecake. > > This doesn't sound substantial enough to really fill the belly. I'd like to > > do something with chicken, maybe some marinated chunks of chicken thighs on > > skewers, but not sure what type of marinade to use at this point. > > I think that the cheese straws and nuts (if you get almonds or > pistachios) are excellent, wine-friendly snacks. The stuffed grapes > sound tasty and would probably go well with white wines. If the > bruschetta include fresh tomatoes, that's a problem for wine, but you > could easily put pesto on your bruschetta or simply cheese and be fine. > The grilled chicken skewers sounds like a nice idea and should go well > with most wines. Prosciuto-wrapped melon is also a classic. You could > also put out some antipasti, including salami or other Italian sausages > sliced thinly. They could be placed on bread for a heartier finger > food. Most any good bread or cracker would do nicely. > > > Anyway, hopefully some of you kind people who have been helping me with > > this can give me some suggestions on some more suitable foods to provide my > > guest. My original post stated 20 people, I am now looking at 30-40 guests. > > The main thing is to have a selection of foods that will offer a flavor > for anyone and for any wine. It's all about having fun, after all. > > HTH > Mark Lipton |
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On Mon, 07 Feb 2005 15:09:07 -0800, Mark Lipton >
wrote: > >Well, good all-around cheeses for wine are also ones that people can eat >on their own. Good choices are hard cheeses like Cheddar (not too >sharp), Manchego, Asiago and Gruyere. Depending on what your selection >is like, you might have to choose Cheddar and Swiss. Soft, stinky >cheeses are tougher to pair with wine, but maybe have one around for >those who like it. Soft goat cheeses won't go with red wine, but will >match OK with crisp white wines. Soft, non-stinky cheeses like Gouda, >Havarti, Fontina and Monterey Jack are pretty mild in flavor and could >go well with a variety of wines. Blue cheeses are the most difficult to >pair with wine. I'd leave the rind on the cheeses and allow your guests >decide if they want the rind. In the end, experiment and see what >people like. No one will be forced to eat a cheese that they don't >enjoy, after all. Most fruit doesn't do much for wine, but they're >tasty and good for you, so who cares? ;-) > >I think that the cheese straws and nuts (if you get almonds or >pistachios) are excellent, wine-friendly snacks. The stuffed grapes >sound tasty and would probably go well with white wines. If the >bruschetta include fresh tomatoes, that's a problem for wine, but you >could easily put pesto on your bruschetta or simply cheese and be fine. > The grilled chicken skewers sounds like a nice idea and should go well >with most wines. Prosciuto-wrapped melon is also a classic. You could >also put out some antipasti, including salami or other Italian sausages >sliced thinly. They could be placed on bread for a heartier finger >food. Most any good bread or cracker would do nicely. > >The main thing is to have a selection of foods that will offer a flavor >for anyone and for any wine. It's all about having fun, after all. > >HTH >Mark Lipton Good thoughts, particularly the last one! One of my favorite events with my wife and another couple that we've known for more than 25 years is a picnic in which we start by visiting a local bakery, a gourmet deli and our own wine cellars. Then we head to the mountains seeking a scenic, quiet place to enjoy the day. We've done this regularly in summer, and for the last eight years in winter with our annual MLK day winter picnic celebrating the remarkably temperate winters we have in Colorado in January. The bakery offers us a couple of breads--usually a batard, a European rye and maybe something a bit exotic like an asiago crusted or a six-grain. The deli has us each pulling some choices like which almost always include a pate--sometimes rough, sometimes smooth; a salami sliced thinly and then some other meat such as an air-dried ham (Serrano, Black Forest, Prosciutto, etc.) And cheeses which usually include a bleu (I'm usually the instigator of this one) like Gorgonzola, Stilton or Saga Bleu; a creamy like brie or camembert, and something else which might on any given outing be herbed or creamy or aged--Boursin, havarti, cheddar, or something suggested by the deli. (I will admit that none of the four of us is into goat!) We will usually bring four reds and a white. There's no specifics, no prices, no varietal, no origin specified. We bring what we think will be pleasant for the day. The white usually comes out first as an aperitif with some convesation. Then we spread the goodies and enjoy the wines. We talk about the wines, the food, the weather, the people we know, the places we've been, the events in our lives, and whatever comes up. Often we run out of appetite before we run out of wine and then (heaven forbid) we sit under a tree on a pleasant sunny day and sip and talk some more. I've learned about a lot of wines that I wouldn't have purchased on my own. I've learned that I like red better than white (but I don't dislike white). I've learned that my bleu cheeses might not like a Pinot Noir or Petite Syrah, but go quite nicely with a Rhone or a Piedmont red. I've learned that pate might or might not make it with a wine. And, I've learned about a lot of canyons, lakes and forests in my region that are great spots to visit. But, the point of the entire tirade is that good company and good wine are the finest accompaniments to a full life. Ed Rasimus Fighter Pilot (USAF-Ret) "When Thunder Rolled" www.thunderchief.org www.thundertales.blogspot.com |
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