Al Spoler

B.R. Cohn Cabernet Sauvignon, Olive Hill Estate 2008  ***
B.R. Cohn Chardonnay, Carneros 2009 ** 1/2
B.R. Cohn Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley 2008 ** 1/2
B.R. Cohn Zinfandel, Sonoma 2008 ** 1/2
B.R. Cohn Merlot, Sonoma Valley ** 1/2
B.R. Cohn Chardonnay, North Coast 2010 **
B.R. Cohn Cabernet Sauvignon, North Coast 2009 **

When it comes to eating, the world has gotten to be a pretty small place.   For example, a popular Japanese snack has become a totally familiar part of our repertoire… and that of course would be sushi.   Jerry thinks the entire key to sushi is not the raw fish (which is actually just one of many options), but the rice.   The word "sushi" can be broken into two smaller words: "su" which means rice vinegar, and "shi" which means handcraft.   The object of this manual dexterity and savory condiment is the rice, which resembles classic risotto's arborio:

Bogel Old Vines Zinfandel, California 2009 * 1/2
Klinker Brick Winery Zinfandel, Lodi 2009 ** 1/2
Plungerhead Old Vines Zinfandel, Lodi 2010 * 1/2
Calstar Cellars Alta Zinfandel, El Dorado, Cardani Estate 2007 ***

Several weeks ago we were talking about High Tea as served at Downton Abbey, the popular BBC show, and the subject of scones and crumpets came up.   We thought this might warrant a show of its own since English muffins, scones and crumpets are delicious to eat and also, quite easy to make

English muffins are made from a yeasty dough, scones and crumpets from a batter.   In fact, the scone resembles quick bread in many respects, while the crumpet is very similar to a pancake. 

The English Muffin

Northstar Merlot, Walla Walla Valley 2008 ***
Northstar Merlot, Columbia Valley 2007 ***

Those of us who follow the eat local movement are dedicated to the seasonal harvest of produce from all over Maryland.   But there is a lot of local food that doesn't come from a farmer's field.   A lot of good things are swimming in our beloved Chesapeake Bay, and Chef Jerry Pellegrino of Waterfront Kitchen has been getting to know them.

White Hall Vineyards Petit Verdot, Monticello 2009 ** 1/2
Baraka Red Dry Wine, Georgia 2007 * 1/2
Geil Scheurebe Kabinett, Rheinhessen 2010 ** 1/2
Anne Amie Cuvee A Muller-Thurgau, Willamette Valley 2009 ** 1/2

It's High Spring and the national Fancy Food shows are in full swing, which means it's time to get an update from Adam Borden, our food scout.   This time Adam is regaling us with tales of Adult Desserts, which are very very intriguing.

Adam reports:

Benziger Carneros Chardonnay 2009 * 1/2
Benziger Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County 2010 **
Benziger Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley 2008 **
Benziger Merlot, Sonoma County  2007 * 1/2
Benziger Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County 2008 * 1/2
Benziger Tribute, Sonoma Mountain 2007 ***

Of all the cooking techniques I've been exposed to, none has more intimidated and bewildered me than cooking in paper.   I know it can be done, but I have trouble getting past images of a fire in my oven.   Fortunately, Jerry was able to give me some tips in this style of cooking.