Al Spoler

Great Divide Hibernation Ale
Long Trail Hibernator
Victory Yakima Glory 
Heavy Seas Winter Storm
Widmer Brrr Beer  
Anchor "Our Special Ale"
Wolaver's Alta Gracia Coffee Porter  
Otter Creek Winter Red Ale

November 20, 2012   #1111   Thanksgiving Sides

Welcome to Radio Kitchen, I'm Al Spoler.   Well just in time you've tuned in WYPR to get some advice on the big dinner coming up day after tomorrow.   Now, you can play Thanksgiving straight, as many do, or you can use it as a springboard for creative cookery.  And Chef Jerry Pellegrino of Waterfront Kitchen, you have your own preferences (you hate turkey), but you love the chance to dabble in a few new side dishes.

Hugel Gewurtztraminer 2009 ***
Mader Gewurtztraminer 2010 ** 1/2
Meyer-Fonne Gentil 2010 **
Marc Tempe Pinot Blanc "Zellenberg" 2008 ***
Geil Scheurebe Kabinet, Rheinhessen 2010 **

November 13, 2012   #1110   Adam Borden and Alternative Sweeteners

Last week we talked about our tour of Domino Sugar, that waterfront institution in Baltimore.   The tour was arranged by our good friend Adam Borden, the food scout.   And we invited Adam to come on the show and fill us in on some of the alternatives that Domino and others are pursuing in the world of sweeteners.   Here are his notes:

Why Alternative Natural Sweeteners?

Salton Volpi Pinot Noir 2010 **
Salton Virtude Chardonnay 2009 ** 1/2
Salton Desejo Proprietor's Reserve Merlot 2007 ** 1/2
Salton Classic Tannat 2011**
Salton Moscatel Sweet Sparkling Wine * 1/2

November 6, 2012   #1109   Baltimore's Domino Sugar
   
We've all seen it, particularly at night when we're down at the Inner Harbor:  the world's biggest neon sign, spelling out the logo of Domino Sugars.   Looking like a relic from the Industrial Revolution, the Domino's factory stands in stark contrast to the glitz and glitter of the city's maritime heart.   Jerry and Al had a chance to pay a visit (it's not open to the public) and it was eye-opening.

Lobster Reef Pinot Noir, Marlborough '11 1/2*
Sherwood Estate Pinot Noir, Marlborugh '09 * 1/2
Over The Edge Pinot Noir, Martinborough '10 **
Roaring Meg Pinot Noir, Central Otago **
Mohua Pinot Noir, Central Otago '09 ** 1/2 (great bargain)

October 30, 2012   #1108    A Primer on Venison

As a boy, I loved hearing stories about Robin Hood and his Merry Men, sitting around their Sherwood Forest campfires wolfing down platters of roast venison.   I didn't have clue what roast venison tasted like, but I figured it had to be pretty bold and savory stuff.  Decades later, I can say that I had it right.

And as Chef Jerry Pellegrino of Waterfront Kitchen knows, you can still harvest your deer with longbow and arrow, but there are easier ways of getting it.

Calera Viognier, Central Coast 2011
Domaine de Couron Viognier, Cotes du Rhone 2011
Tabali Viogniee Reserva, Limari Chile, 2011
Spann Vineyards Chardonnay/Viognier, North Coast 2010