November 3rd, 2012: HEADED TO THE WINE COUNTRY

It's here...    We are headed to the wine country to celebrate 40 years of drinking wine...   wait, no that would be just 40 years of life...   drinking wine is more like 19 if you take away 21.   Something like that anyway.

We are off to Napa Valley with a few close friends to eat at some great restaurants, tour some really cool wineries, sample some good wine and have a good time with close friends.  

It is such a special place to my family and I know that my mom is looking down on Clay and me this week.    Look for some great posts in the coming week.

NAPA VALLEY, HERE WE COME!

Neighborhood Services - Preston

Dined last Friday at Neighborhood Services on Preston.   (Please click through for information) Had not been here in a while but the atmosphere was definitely upbeat and lively, and we had a great overall experience.      

This may be one of the best neighborhood based restaurants in the city.    Had dinner with the family, Meredith, the kids, Jan and Kent and my brother in law, Porter Miller.

Porter was hosting, so he picked the wine.   He choose a 2009 Veraison by Krupp Brothers Winery in the Soda Canyon area in Napa.  

SOURCE WIKIPEDIA: Véraison is a viticulture (grape-growing) term meaning "the onset of ripening". It is originally French, but has been adopted into Englishuse. The official definition of veraison is "change of color of the grape berries." Veraison represents the transition from berry growth to berry ripening, and many changes in berry development occur at version.

I always thought that was a cool name for a wine.  This was not one of the cheaper options on the menu, but was a great choice.    I have not had this wine in a while, but it is a restaurant staple with wide distribution, so you will see it often on restaurant menus.   We all enjoyed it, enough to try it again with a second bottle.  

Neighborhood services - Great Time, thanks to the whole family...   Way to go!

Economy, Politics & Great Wine

Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse, Dallas...   the quintessential Dallas Steakhouse.     It is the name that comes to mind when you want a great steak in Dallas, Texas.     Known for their shrimp remoulade appetizer, hot sizzling steaks and amazing after dinner options, Del Frisco's is always a treat.  

Last week we attended an event to hear a presentation on the current political scene and the impact the elections might have on the economy. Hosted by our business associate Michelle Gantt, the evening was full of good information and nice company.   The dinner was served family style alongside each person's steak selection.    The Wine was preselected by the host and we were offered two options.   The 2007 Prisoner by Orin Swift and the 2008 Honig Cabernet Sauvignon.

Cody and I decided to order both and compare each along with the meal.   The Honig was a nice even bodied selection as was certainly a great wine.    It was one of the most reasonably priced wines on the wine list that evening and for the price i thought it was a super selection.   Buuutttttt....   it hardly stood up to the big bold taste of the Zinfandel Blended Prisoner.   Honestly hard to drink these side by side and hold a fair comparison, because they are not the same varietal or even the same style.    I always enjoy this wine.  It widely available and i have had it many times, so it was no special opportunity, but the wine is a great option for big groups when you want to serve some good wine at a fair price.      I appreciate the hosts selections this night.   She did an excellent job picking some really great food elections along with two super wines.  '

Next time your at Del Frisco's, i suggest a bottle of the 2007 Prisoner, I think you'll agree that "for the money, this one is right on!"