Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Wine mixes and All Natural Cocktail Mixes by Philip S. Kampe and Maria Reveley




 Time to Experiment with Wine and ‘All Natural’ Cocktail Mixes by Philip S. Kampe

I guess at times you think you have seen everything, then, all of a sudden someone has a brilliant idea to create a new product, in my case, specifically made for white, red or sparkling wine.
Once you sample this new wine invention, you wonder why it was never done before.
What I discovered was a company based in Atlanta, named Old World Gourmet, who has created some innovative wine and cocktail mixes that turn still wine into ‘Adult Slush Puppies’.
I know, it sounds ‘out-of-the-ordinary’, but, the reality is, a new world of wine and cocktail flavors now exists for the wine lovers of the world.
Vino-Licious, the name of the product, has created a whole new wine experience for both the new wine drinker and the wine geek.
They have created a new way to enjoy wine, as a frozen drink, like a slush puppie.
It is like tasting wine for the first time.
This unique frozen drink mix is easy to make. Basically you add the mix to a bottle of white wine, red wine or champagne or prosecco, fill the empty wine bottle with water, add together and freeze for 3-4 hours. The result is an amazing slush drink made in your freezer.
If you prefer non-alcoholic, just add grape juice or a bottle of non-alcoholic wine.
The flavors I tried were Sangria, Peach Bellini (made with Champagne or Prosecco) and Wine Ice.
The result was wonderful, even for a skeptic like me.
I have a few more flavors to try, Lemoncillo, Margarita and Blueberry Pomegranate, before fall sets in.
If you can’t find Vino-Licious locally, look online at www.owgshoponline.com
They retail for $8.99 per flavor.

Speaking of mixes, ‘Powell & Mahoney’ have created a line of ‘All Natural’ cocktail mixes that are made in small batches and are of top quality. Recently I had the opportunity to sample a group of cocktail mixes and found the ones made by Brian Powell and Mark Mahoney as the cream of the crop.
The founders explained that there is a need for a true natural cocktail mix that would replicate the classic cocktails of the world with a few exotic twists.
Literally, after twenty years, the duo of ‘Powell & Mahoney’ have introduced their line of cocktail mixes to the world.
At a recent sampling, I had the opportunity to try their combined expertise in several mixed drinks. What I learned was that their passion and diligence for turning your home into a bar was a reality.
The cocktail mixes retail for $6.99 each and can be found at select stores or online at:
www.powellandmahoney.com
I had the opportunity to try the whole line of natural cocktail mixes and have to believe that there is none better in the market. As a wine drinker, I find that the transition to alcohol based drinks was simple because of the high quality of the mixes. The drink tastes ‘real’ and not like one that is made with a mass-produced mix.
The Blood Orange, their newest mix, really knocked me out. Add Mojito, Lemon Sour, Pomegranate, Ginger, Peach Bellini, Cosmopolitan, Margarita and Bloody Mary to the mix and you have created an entire bar room in your house.
My married kids and my wife Maria always want products that are natural.
Brian Powell and Mark Mahoney have taken care of that.












Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Italy and My Thoughts about Wine and Politics by Philip S. Kampe



ITALY and My Thoughts about Wine and Politics by Philip S. Kampe

ITALY is a kaleidoscope of varying images, colors and sounds, all passing you by as you breathe in the odor of tomato sauce from a nearby open window.  Cats lie on the open window sills, smelling the anchovies in the tomato sauce, while staring aimlessly at strangers as they pass by.
Restaurants are full of locals searching for the best, original, regional  pasta dish that is being offered.
Sipping wine, while eating antipasto, the locals talk about life, politics, food and love.
Berlusconi, although toppled, is often the topic…wives, women, power and money.
My life is different.
Wine dominates my thoughts.
Food is a close second.
Growing up in New Orleans has taught me about life’s essentials.
Normally food, politics and the Saints are the topic of the day in the ‘Big Easy’.
In the Berkshires, we speak daily about the Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins and Patriots.
Politics are another issue.
I rarely get involved.
Politics scare me.
There is never a right answer, only a judgment.
The same is true for wine.
Sure, I think that I know a lot about wine, but, the reality is, I don’t. I only have my judgment and opinion. It is the same as everyone else, trained or not.
Who judges wine competitions or dance competitions. Isn’t it someone like you or me?
Sure, I pass along my opinion and many follow my advice, but, I am only one person advocating a specific wine for your evaluation and consumption.
Certainly, there are others who are better versed in the wine industry.
The reality is, after so many discussions with sommeliers, the winemaker has the absolute final word about the wine he makes.
He knows the grapes, the profile he is after and how to get the needed end result.
We, only, comment, on his results for discussion.
People like Robert Parker and Steve Tanzer make a profession as the voice of the people. Their thoughts surface, often, in discussions about wine.  What I have learned in the past several years is the voice for your wine choice comes from you. Your voice dominates. Your palate dominates.
What is the best way to find your voice?
The answer is simple.
Attend the weekly complimentary tastings that our local wine shops offer.
Go to Spirited, Nejaime's or Kelly's on any given Saturday afternoon.
Your palate is the judge, not the person pouring the wine.
They just recommend.







Friday, September 6, 2013

The BIG E Returns: Bigger & Better than Ever (September 13th to 29th) Springfield, Ma.


  The Big E 2013 logo
 




                    FOOD , MUSIC AND ... RACING PIGS (?!) ARE   

                                     COMING TO THE BIG E

            New England's Grandest Fair Returns Sept. 13 to 29, 2013



WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (July 25, 2013) - It's hard to sum up America's 9th largest fair in a single story. There is so much to see and do this year, you'd need a book to describe it all, but food and music are always two of The Big E's, well, biggest draws. Read on for some highlights for this year's Fair.
   
Music Men  


The Big E's 6,500+ person, outdoor concert venue, xfinity arena, hosts some big names for 2013, including Don Felder who brings us An Evening at the Hotel California on Sept 14 at 7:30 p.m. (free). Tommy James & The Shondells perform Sept. 15 at 7:30 p.m. (free), with The Beach Boys making waves as the grand finale on Sept. 29 (free). That sound of teens shrieking can only mean one thing: pop star Austin Mahone is in the house on Sept. 28 (free).  

Country fans can enjoy Hunter Hayes Sept. 20 ($29-$39, on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com), and Kix Brooks, Sept. 27, 7:30 p.m. (free). See the complete line-up at www.TheBigE.com. 

Jonglieren!

Jonglieren is German for juggling, and you'll never believe what one man can do when Hilby The Skinny German Juggle Boy performs daily at 11a.m., 1:00, and 6:30 p.m. on the Court of Honor stage, sponsored by xfinity(r). This is a larger venue for the boy's "rivetingly absurd" (New York Times) act, so expect bigger effects and more music. Hilby is from Berlin, but travels the world with his crazy vaudeville act, juggling such absurd items as an electric hedge trimmer, a bowling ball, and a flaming beanie baby. Hilby still performs worldwide, but you can catch him at The Big E starting Sept. 13.

It's Bacon!

Blessed bacon is available in wondrous variety at The Big E, and attendees can get an early start at the Big E-Z Café where they can find one of the Fair's popular Craz-E Burgers. And since breakfast is the most important meal of the day, or so they say, there's something new at the café: a breakfast sandwich of egg and bacon on a grilled glazed donut. (Might be good to brush your teeth afterwards - we're just saying).

The Ultimate BBQ in the Food Court has a new signature sandwich for The Big E this year, called "Three Pigs in a Bun." This taste treat includes pork sausage, pulled pork, and, naturally, bacon. There is even chocolate dipped bacon for sale.

Not Technically Bacon!

OK, just joking, but watching Swifty Swine Racing Pigs run every day outside the Mallary Rotunda is seriously fun. The pigs compete, not for love, or money, or to avoid - horrors! - being eaten. They compete for the Oreo cookie they know is waiting for them on a silver platter at the finish line. Come wonder at "America's Fastest Swine."

Fair hours:
Gates open: 8 a.m.
Buildings & Exhibits: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Avenue of States: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Storrowton Village: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Craft Common: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Midway: Sun. - Fri. 11 a.m. to 10 pm., Sat. 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The Big E, the largest fair in the Northeast, is located in West Springfield, Mass., and is home to The Big E Cream Puff and Craz-E Burger. It's a New England extravaganza with top name entertainment, Circus Spectacular, The Avenue of States, Storrowton Village Museum, animals, competitive exhibits, rides, shopping, crafts, a daily parade and a Mardi Gras parade, and foods from around the world - for 17 days, Sept. 13 - 29, 2013. Learn more at www.TheBigE.com 


# # #

7-25-13
Hunter Hayes is coming to The Big E

Hunter Hayes comes to The Big E on Sept. 20
  










The HUDSON VALLEY WINE and FOOD FEST is this WEEKEND--a 'MUST to ATTEND'




The 2013 Hudson Valley Wine and Food Fest:
Official site for film shoot. 
Yep, that's right. Rhinebeck meets Hollywood.
This year, we are pleased to welcome the production crew for "RAW", a new reality show featuring 
Celebrity Chef Vincent Tropepe.
You don't want to miss this.

 http://www.hudsonvalleywinefest.com/realityshowathvwinefest/
Featuring hundreds of wineries, specialty foods, educational seminars with chefs and Certified Wine Specialists, and, for the first time....that's right...

gourmet food trucks + regional microbreweries!


About Our Event.
Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest The Hudson Valley Wine and Food Fest is a true celebration of the "foodie" lifestyle in New York State. 

Our guests can literally "tour" hundreds of wineries, restaurants, and, for the very first time, food trucks; oh...and.... again, did we mention?.....our highly anticipated craft beer pavilion (featuring NY State and regional microbreweries).

Look for high-end chefs Peter Kelly, Vincent Tropepe, and Certified Wine Specialist Debbie Gioquindo, all of whom will no doubt completely transform your experience of wine and food. Also enjoy incredible shopping, tastings, live entertainment, and fun. 

Follow us at Facebook.com/HVWineFest; we will be giving away a one-day tasting ticket to a randomly selected fan when we hit 4,000 "likes" on our page.

September 7th and 8th

Rhinebeck, New York
Visit us online to reserve your tickets.


Discounts available to AAA members, as well as special discounts for our media to share with readers/followers. 
Contact us at 845.658.7181 for more information.

SPIRITED (Lenox, Ma) In-store Tasting Schedule from September 14th to October 12th by Philip S. Kampe




As I have 'Preached' in the past, the complimentary wine tasting events in the Berkshires is unmatched. As an attendee you begin your wine education
Take notes, ask questions (it is encouraged) and become wine knowledgeable.
The three wine merchants who have created this for you include:
SPIRITED Wines, Nejaimes's Wines (Lenox & Stockbridge) and Kelly's Package Store (Dalton).
My wife, Maria & I, attend each week to learn, as well as to sample the new and ofter older vintages.
The goal, obviously, is to keep the business in the Berkshires. With no sales tax on wine and sale prices, who could shop elsewhere!

●Sept. 14th, Time: 12-4pm SPIRITED
Taste Hand-crafted, Artisinal Wines from Café Europa Imports

This great small import company
has fabulous wines that are hand-crafted in small batches from boutique wineries in France, Italy, Spain & Chatham Vyd. in CA. The results are artisinal beauties that we can't wait for you to try. Join us & guest pourer, Emerson in-store at SPIRITED, it's complimentary!

●Sept. 14th, Time: 1-4pm SPIRITED
Taste Bully Boy Distiller Aged White Rum & Whiskey!
Started by brothers in Boston, this awesome distillery produces small-batch,
handmade beverages produced from quality ingredients. Guest pourer, Charlie
will be on hand at SPIRITED from 1-4pm to taste out their Aged White Rum
& White Whiskey. You won't want to miss this one!

Sept. 21st, Time: 12-4pm SPIRITED
Wine & Cheese Pairings!
Join us for our Wine & Cheese Pairings Tasting!
So everybody enjoys wine with cheese but we often get asked, What cheese goes best with this type of wine? We've got answers and plenty of TASTES to go around.

We'll feature great new Fall Wine Finds from Arborway Wine Imports perfectly
paired with Cheeses specially chosen by our cheese enthusiasts Ashley & Kate! and believe me they know cheese. So whether you enjoy French, Spanish or Italian wines and cheeses, it doesn't matter, we've got it all.

Sept. 28th, Time: 12-4pm SPIRITED
Fall Portfolio Tasting from Charles River Wine Imports
FALL WINE PORTFOLIO TASTING!
from specialty importer, Charles River with
special guest, Amanda Schark, registered wine
educator. She'll showcase a variety of wines perfectly
suited for the Fall season from talented winemakers
around the world. Join us, we're sure you'll enjoy this
event...she's a great wine personality with great wines to boot!

●Sept. 28th, Time: 1-4pm SPIRITED
Ryan & Wood Distillery Tasting!

Ryan & Wood Distlilleries, Taste their Award-Winning Rye!
This family owned and operated distillery is located in Gloucester, MA...yeah!
They proudly craft top shelf spirites and are committed to providing best-of-class
products.

They'll be at SPIRITED Sept.28th, from 1-4pm tasting out their award winning
Rye, we hope you can join us!

●Oct. 12th, Time: 1-4pm SPIRITED
OKTOBERFEST BEER TENT TASTING!
Join Us for our Annual Complimentary

OKTOBERFEST TENT TASTING!
Saturday, Oct. 12th, 2013, 1-4 pm

Featuring over 12 brewery representatives on hand
tasting out great craft beers, autumn selections and
great sales...ALL MONTH LONG!

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

VENFORT HALL to Host Music Series on the Back Porch starting September 4th, 5-7pm by Philip S. Kampe


Remember how successful and fun The Mount's Friday and Saturday night 'Jazz night' were.
For complimentary admission, you were entitled to sit on the balcony overlooking Edith Wharton's amazing gardens and listen to local talent playing their unique forms of music.
Add a cold beer and a snack to the event and for under $10 you could spend 3 hours, each night, listening to music.
Naumkeg followed with a similar program that began in late July.
Now, it is September and 'Venfort Hall' has stood up to the plate to host a new Wednesday night music series. Venfort Hall's philosophy regarding the venue is three fold.
Listen to local folk music.
Drink craft beer.
And enjoy the view from the porch.
It sounds quite easy.
Tonight's entertainment is the 'Pawn Shop Saints'.
They will entertain from 5-7pm.

Where:Venfort Hall, Lenox
Time: 5-7pm
Admission: Free
What: Weekly entertainment on Wednesday evenings in September from 5-7pm

Monday, September 2, 2013

Wine and Food Festival Day Trips from the Berkshires by Philip S. Kampe




Wine and Food Festival Day Trips from the Berkshires by Philip S. Kampe

This is the time of year when grapes are harvested in North America and Europe.
New vintages are in the offing. New wines will evolve.
It is also the time that the northeast is home to numerous wine and food festivals. There are two specific festivals that are wonderful day trips from anywhere in Berkshire county. The key is to bring along a designated driver, so, you can enjoy the wines that are offered to you.
Next weekend, on Saturday, September 7th and Sunday, September 8th, the Hudson Valley Wine and Food Fest takes place at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, N.Y.
This is the Twelfth year of the event which features wines from New York state. At last count, over fifty vineyards will be represented at the festival. The events main focus is to highlight the wonderful wineries that are found in the Hudson Valley and all over New York state.
As a NY Farm market, the Hudson Valley Wine and Food Fest offers the wineries the opportunity to sell wine by the bottle, thus offering the consumer the right to purchase wine directly from the winery.
The food part of the Fest features some of the best food produced in the Hudson Valley. Featured are many unique gourmet specialty food vendors. You can find everything from fresh cheese, farm raised meats, salsas, BBQ sauce, pasta, pasta sauce, drink mixes, dip mixes, soup mixes, baked goods, maple syrup, candy, nuts, granola and more.  
In addition, the regions best restaurants and food trucks will be represented. You can purchase tickets to purchase food, priced from $1 to $5 per portion. Also, don’t forget the chefs, who will host cooking demonstrations throughout the weekend.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
When: September 7th and 8th (Saturday and Sunday)
Time: Saturday 11am-6pm    Sunday 11am-5pm
Where: Dutchess Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck, NY
Tickets: One day tasting $40  Weekend $70
Designated driver and non-alcoholic admission: One day $22  Weekend $37
12 and under: Free
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From September 20th to the 22nd, the Preservation Society of Newport will host the Eighth Annual ‘Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival’. It is considered the most sophisticated festival on the East Coast.
I have attended this festival for the past three years and agree that the wine and food experience is heightened because the ambiance  of the locale. Sampling wine and gourmet food at one of the three Mansions involved, The Marble House, Rosecliff or The Elms adds that special element to the Festival.
Over 500 high-end international wines will be poured at the historic seaside Mansions of Newport, Rhode Island. The Grand Tasting will take place on Saturday & Sunday, September 21st and 22nd, from 12-4pm at the Marble House. More than 100 vintners will participate alongside scrumptious samplings from great restaurants and caterers. There will chef demonstrations, as well as lifestyle exhibiters.
Wine seminars take place throughout the weekend, as well as special events that include:
Wine & Rosecliff (my favorite event) on Friday night, September 20th (7pm); Collectable Wine Dinner at the Elms on Saturday night, September 21st; Newport after Dark on Saturday, September 21st from 9pm-midnight and Sunday Brunch with Chef Alex Guarnaschelli on Sunday, September 22nd from 10:30am to noon.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
When: September 20th to 22nd
Where: Newport Mansions, Newport, Rhode Island
Time: Grand Tasting 12-4pm  September 21st & 22nd
Other events at various times on all three days
Tickets: www.NewportMansionsWineandFood.org

Philip S. Kampe
theBerkshireLife@gmail.com