My travels in the last quarter of 2008 on behalf of Robert Craig Winery spanned the North American continent from Alberta province in Canada to the charming old city of Charleston, South Carolina and many points between. I am always fascinated by the effect of the prevailing weather on the local populace, though you might confuse the citizens of Calgary with Brazilians due to their warm temperament and good time spirits.
Here is a glimpse of what is happening in the food and wine communities along the way. Add some spice to your life and do the following as soon as possible!
DENVER
Attend a wine dinner at a great steakhouse. Del Friscos Double Eagle in Denver (http://www.delfriscos.com) is run by GM Chris Rockwood who has had a long relationship with Bob and his wines. We received countless calls after a bottle of Affinity was displayed prominently next to Del Friscos great steak and lobster platter on CNN and FOX News coverage of the Democratic Convention.
No matter your politics, the Robert Craig Wine Dinner at Del Friscos, which was held in mid-September, was sold out and stunning. The wine service offered by sommelier Aubry was expert and the steaks were manly sized yet tender at heart.
Top photo: Bob (left) with Del Friscos' Chris Rockwood. Lower photo: Here is Bob terrorizing a table full of Del Fiscos loyal customers!
NEW YORK
Go for a light breakfast in New York at the Upper East Side Sant Ambroeus (http://www.santambroeus.com). Perfection is hard to come by anymore. So you have to order a double macchiato, a croissant and a grapefruit juice and see if the folks at Sant Ambroeus don’t know where you’re from on your next visit (after you finish freaking out). I go there every single day I’m in Manhattan.
EDMONTON
Have 40 friends over for a Robert Craig Winery Party and make them buy a bunch of wine. This is just what Craig Ambassadors Kimberly and Rob Reeves did in their home in Edmonton, Canada in November. Rob and Kimberly became fans of the wine when our Peter McFarlane hosted a tasting for them at their Napa Valley place in Calistoga Ranch this summer. During my visit in Edmonton, they insisted on having the gang over for a wine party. Though we drank almost as much as we sold (and we sold a good deal), it could not have been a better time. Kimberly and Rob own the Castrol Raceway there, so along with Rob’s amazing collection of motorized toys, they have a restored gas pump next to the fountain in their living room. Rock on. Go Oilers!
Top Photo: At the home of Kimberly and Rob Reeves (center) with Brian Heck, owner of our Alberta Wine Agency, Winerunners (at left). Bottom photo: Brian Heck does some splainin about "the Craig."
Best cocktail napkin ever!
Stay tuned for can't miss things to do in Calgary, Chicago and on down the road. . .
Please send me an e-mail if you are heading into unknown waters around the country and would like some tips on local food and wine ([email protected]). The restaurants that I recommend are not always "Craig" houses, but they are all unique, regionally true, and independent.
Now that I am home from the holidays, prepare for some increased blogging my pretties.
Salud Amigos,
Elton
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