RED or WHITE ?

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How about a whole lot of both?  That's what was pouring at Wine Enthusiast's 25th Anniversary Red & White Bash at the Hudson Hotel.

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Crimson-clad carousers savored La Belle Époque immersion as Michael Arenella And His Dreamland Orchestra rang.  

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Stilts-walkers, moon-dancers, feather-fixer and more produced a multi-sensory affair.

But the wine was the real attraction, and with over 300 90+ point wines flowing, it was an epic exhibit indeed.

Cheers to Wine Enthusiast for 25 years of creativity!

How was your week.... ?

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Mine was not as tough as the hardworking team at Augusta National, who toil from 5:30am until "whenever they are done" (usually around 6:30pm), keeping Amen Corner heavenly, along with every other blade of grass across the famous grounds.

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 Not as hard as Guan Tianlang's week. 

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My week was not even as taxing as Lindsey Vonn's.

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But it is a lot of effort to consume the quantities of light beer and green sandwiches that I did.  Still, I'd say my week was awesome. Tranquil and active, sunny and fun.  Thanks to the folks who make it happen.

Have you ever been to ...

REVELSTOKE, B.C. ?

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If so, you know you're one of a lucky few.  Steep, deep and practically untracked, Revelstoke is the best kept ski secret on this continent.  

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So shred your legs all day then have a soak at the Sutton Place Hotel, right at the Revy base lodge.  It's no bargain, but with accommodations often scarce in high-season, you'll appreciate the cozy convenience.

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Start your apres ski at Rockford, where you can sip creative cocktails while toasting your toesy.  Be sure to skip across the patio to Wino, where lumber and libations deck the walls, with an approachable balance between shabby and chic. 

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But don't be afraid to stray from the idyllic base area into Revelstoke itself, where you step into a snapshot of some yesteryear.  First stop, The Village Idiot, where Canada's famous Caeser - a take on the Bloody Mary - is lovingly concocted.  Meanwhile, check your watch and catch a tour at Mt. Begbie Brewery.  Hours are spotty, but "Your Dunkel Bob" will make it worth the wait.

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Genuine Canadian charm in an unassuming little railroad town, there's so much more to find when you take a look around.  Revelstoke is worth all of the trouble to get there.  And you might just want to stay.

Sweet Stuff

What are you gonna leave

FOR SANTA ??

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If you're really nice, you'll share your stash of amazingly delicious Sweet Andy's Cookies.  These soft, sweet and super rich meal-in-a-mouthful cookies come in 11 varieties, from classic to creative.  I melted for the Mint Chocolate Chip and the Cinnamon Sugar, but you can't chose wrong no matter what you fancy.

Visit Andy in Westhampton Beach or order your batches today from his mouthwatering new website.

Num, num, num!

Have you ever been to ...

FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA?

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Gettin' your kicks on Route 66?  Don't skip by Flagstaff.

If the time is right, you can't miss the annual, majestic aspens show.  Autumn is ablaze with the cheerful yellow sequin-like leaves, flickering their final salutation to the bluebird sky.

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Then, set your destination for downtown and stroll by Heritage Square. Get crafty at The Armadilla Wax Works Candle Factory with olfactory inspiration and a perhaps a little lesson in candle dipping.

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Forget kitschy native crafts, find your souvenirs at the Rainbow's End where truly unique clothes, kicks, jewelry, and accessories from around the world will really remind you of this fun and funky town.  

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Then take a break at Flagstaff Brew just next door or hop across the tracks (look out for the Sante Fe), and get your lunch at the Lumberyard Brewing Co.  Their draught selection, made right there, will keep you busy for a few rounds, but their food is worth the visit too.

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Save room for a treat and top off your travel mug with a gourmet delight from Macys.   

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Flagstaff has an awesome music scene with venues like the Orpheum and The Green Room hosting talent both famous and infamous.  There is always something good to see, great specials, and hey- Free Tacos on Tuesdays!

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There's a enough to fill a few days in Flag, so why not get a celebrity-inspired room at the historic Hotel Monte Vista.  Celebrating pasts guests such as Humphrey Bogart, John Wayne, and Clark Gable, among others, you might even land the bright pink Debbie Reynolds room. 

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Looking for a more organic experience?  The Abineau Lodge in the Mountainaire neighborhood of south Flagstaff offers on-site wine tasting and access to miles of casual trails.  Stop at "the tavy" (tavern) on your way back in for a refreshing PBR with a few locals.

  

My favorite thing about Flag: The People! Genuine, conscious, and ever-ready for a good time, these folks make a stay in town something to remember (with parts I forget).  Thanks, gang!

Congratulations Eric & Amanda!

In Season... ABUNDANT APPLES !

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Celebrate the season this Sunday at Warwick, NY's famous APPLEFEST! 

There's still time to get to the orchard and grab up those Grannies, Galas and Goldens, Cortlands, Crispins and Cameos.  They're a totally versatile, long-lasting staple for a well-stock pantry.

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Got a little zealous on your last apple-picking tour?  There's so much more than pie to make with your bushel...

Caramelized Onion & Apple Omelette with Smoked Gouda

On low heat, slowly saute about 1/4 of a small white onion, diced finely, and 1/2 of one apple, peeled and diced, until soft and caramelized, about 10 min.  Add a pinch of brown sugar if you please.

Toss in a tad of your still-lingering garden herbs such as thyme, chives, parsley.

Beat 3 egg whites and carefully incorporate the apple-onion mix.

Pour back into the pan and cook, turning once, about 5 min.  

Layer smoked gouda on half of the omelette, fold and top with a little bit more.

Mmmm!

Apple & Brie Bites

Top crackers with a sliver of apple and a generous cut of brie.  Drizzzzzle with a little honey.  Use Kame rice crackers (wasabi style is delish) for a gluten-free party snack.  

Impress your friends with these apple fun facts