Al Spoler

**Most Cellar Notes selections are available at Wine World (see Sponsor tab)

Villa Pozzi Nero d'Avola, Sicily '11 **!
(An absolute steal, delicious supple red)

Azienda Agriciola Cos, Frappato , Sicily'11 **1/2
(refined, classy red, silky and smooth)

Planeta "La Segreta", Sicily '10 **
(red blend with punch and promise, perfect with cheese)

Terrae Palme Caringnano del Sulcis, Sardinia '08

May 21, 2013   #1135   The Many Colors of Salt
   
The oldest seasoning in the world is also the most important.   And that would be salt.   Most of us grew up with the blue Morton's salt box, but many of us have graduated to the more interesting sea salt and kosher salt.   But that's only the beginning of the story. 

**Most Cellar Notes selections are available at Wine World (see Sponsor tab)

Wente Chardonnay "Morning Fog", Livermore '11 * 1/2
(good everyday chard)

Wente Chardonnay "Riva Ranch", Monterey '11 **
(adds a touch of complexity)

McMurray Ranch Chardonnay, RRV '11*
(good basic chard)

Edna Valley Chardonnay "Paragon" '10 **
(very reliable, crowd pleaser)

Beringer Chardonnay, Napa Valley '11 **
(classic Napa chard at a great price)

Benzinger Chardonnay, Carneros '10 **1/2
(very classy, convincing chard)

May 14,2013   #1134   Secrets of Stir-Frying

We Americans are great borrowers of cooking techniques from all sorts of foreign traditions.   We've learned to steam our rice and veggies and melt our cheese in a fondue pot.   We roll sushi like we were born to the craft, and we are comfortable making our own pasta.   From Asia we learned about the wok and the art of stir-fry.   We believe the stir-fry is simple but there are some nuances we should master.

May 7, 2013   #1133   Exotic Greens

As we've often said that one of the best things about going to the market is discovering food you've never seen before.   At this moment, in mid-Spring, the markets are bursting with all manner of salad greens, some of which are not exactly household names.   Jerry has been scouting and he came back with a long list of greens that may be "foreign" to you.

**Most Cellar Notes selections are available at Wine World (see Sponsor tab)

Fritz Chardonnay, Russian River Valley '10  ***
(Premium chard source, first rate, a bargain at twice the price)

Fritz Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley '10 ***
(One of the best American Pinots we've ever tasted)

Fritz Estate Zinfandel, Dry Creek  '10***
(Superb, classic Dry Creek Zin, bargain)

Fritz Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry Creek '09 ** 
(Big supple, drinking young, needs age)

Most Cellar Notes selections are available at Wine World (see Sponsor tab)

Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc, NZ '12 **
(total SB package with restraint)

Spy Valley Riesling, NZ '12 **
(tons of flavor, acidity, fleshy texture)

Spy Valley Gewürztraminer, NZ '12 **1/2
(soaring aroma, flavorful, first rate)

Spy Valley Envoy Pinot Noir NZ '10 ***
(Superb pinot, complex, graceful, classy)

Lawson Dry Hills Pinot Gris NZ '11 **
(full-flavored, off-dry, perfect with pâté)

Lawson Dry Hill Pinot Noir NZ '08 **

April 30, 2013   #1132   Opening Day at the Grill

If the time has come for our beloved Orioles to be back in action, then can we safely say that our backyard grills cannot be far behind?   In truth, some of us never abandon our forks and tongs, even in the dead of winter.   Take for example Jerry, who's been known to shovel a path to his grill in mid-January.   Here's a few sauces you can whip up for early season grilling:

April 23, 2013   #1131   Lamb and Spinach Dishes

Welcome to Radio Kitchen, I'm Al Spoler.   I'll make no apologies for it:  two of my favorite Spring dishes are lamb and spinach, which can be enjoyed separately, but do happen to marry well together.   And Chef Jerry Pelligrino of Waterfront Kitchen, I did a little research and discovered that cuisines all over the world know how to work with these ingredients.

**Most Cellar Notes selections are available at Wine World (see Sponsor tab)

Justin Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles '10 **
(Good basic cab)

Justin Vineyards "Isoceles", Paso Robles '10 ***
(super premium red blend)

Walter Hansel Pinot Noir "South Slope", RRV '10 ***
(superb, complex)

Walter Hansel Pinot Noir "Cuvee Alyse" RRV '09 ***
(even better)

Walter Hansel Pinot Noir "North Slope" RRV '10****
(benchmark quality)