August 13, 2012

In season... SANGRIA!

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If you haven't been celebrating the fruits of summer yet, it's high time to fill your glass with juicy bits of peach, pear and plum - or whatever you have on hand - shake it up with fluids of your choice and sip in the bright flavors of this bountiful season.


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So how DO you make sangria?  Well, don't be afraid to experiment; there's really no wrong answer.

In a carafe, toss together:
- a diced medley of whatever ripe fruit you please: apple, apricot, berry, even banana if you dare, kiwi, melon, citrus... 
- wine: red or white.  Choose an unoaked red with punchy fruit, like a malbec or zinfandel, or a pinot noir for a lighter body.  For whites, think crisp and fruity with low acid, like pinot gris or for a bit more body, an unoaked chardonnay.
- fortify your potion with a higher-proof spirit: triplesec or brandy for rich flavor, rum or vodka for a bigger buzz
- pump up the fruit with a splash of juice - a cranberry blend or a white grape work well
- add some bubbles with seltzer or Sprite  
- Soak in the summer vibe!  


And if that's just too much to handle, hop on your Harley and head to Rhodes North Tavern in Sloatsburg, NY, where a refreshing mason jar of sangria awaits.  Grab a dozen oysters and a chair on the sand.

- There's still fun for the virgins.  Try Vandalia Wine for a N.A. version that's refreshing as well. 


August 7, 2012

Have you ever been to ...

LAKE PLACID, NY  ?

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Whether you're running the Iron Man, playing lacrosse, or leisurely launching kayaks, there are hundreds of reasons to visit this Olympic town.  The first week in August, the Lake Placid Lacrosse Classic stirs up the town bringing generations of stick-twisting fans to flank the shores of Mirror Lake and nurse wounds in the shadow of the 1980 Olympic torch.


Congratulations to the the Ladies Masters Division for its 2nd year at the Classic, and cheers to the Dirty Dragons, Hound Dawgs & the Dutch Masters for a great weekend on and off the field


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A great place to start is the Lake Placid pub & brewery, with tasty, creative dishes - like Josh's Fire Fish - to pair with your Ubu Ale.


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Save a little cash by camping at Meadowbrook Campground and grab a few more brews to-go.  Relax by a campfire, or bring your bevs afloat for a scenic cruise from Lake Placid Marina & Boat Tours.


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When your beer buzz wears off, drop into Goose Watch Winery's tasting room on Main Street.  Their offerings reflect typical NY varietals like a cool-climate Gewurtz, but their Lemberger was a nice, spicy alternative, similar to a Washington pinot noir.  To expand your cellar even further, visit the Smoking Cork a few paces away, and while you're there, pick up a bottle of P3 Placid Vodka - smooth and delicious.  Peek next door at Vision of Tibet for a unique array of artisan wares.
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At last, an awesome BBQ joint this pescatarian can enjoy.  And enjoy, I did!  Grab some buddies and take a short drive out towards Saranac Lake.  You can't miss Tail O' The Pup, tikis ablaze, with live music cranking on weekends and a buzzing family crowd meandering about the picnic tables, ice cream stand, sandbox and game tables.  The apple crisp rounded out the night as perfectly as the weekend rounded out my belly.  No regrets.






My brother, Anthony & I were each recovering our sports-related ailments but we still made a great time of the weekend in Lake Placid.  Anytime of year, this destination has a lot to offer.  

What do you like best about Lake Placid?