Raise a Glass: Wine Picks for February 24

hotinlittlerock — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 13:12:27 +0000

Raise a Glass:

Wine Picks for February 24

February 24, 2009

For Christians all over the world, today is Shrove Tuesday. It is the last day to party before the fasting season of Lent. For some, tonight’s meal will be pancakes, but not at our house. Ever since we took a cooking class in New Orleans more than twenty years ago, our meal of choice is Jambalaya, made with Andouille, Tasso, smoked ham, and Chaurice, a hot sausage which we remove from the casings.

We chop a bell pepper, an onion, two or three stalks of celery, several cloves of garlic, and open a large can of tomatoes. After sautéing the hot sausage and Tasso, we add the onion, bell pepper, and celery. When those are tender we include a bay leaf and ½ tsp of thyme. Next we stir in two cups of rice, add the tomatoes, three cups of chicken stock, garlic, Andouille and ham. Simmer this just until the rice is cooked. When we’re ready to serve, we garnish with chopped green onions and parsley. A crusty loaf of bread and a green salad complete the meal.

We want a good red wine with this dish, and we chose one that fits both the economic climate without sacrificing on quality. Our Trusty Wine Merchant recommended a 2007 Viña Borgia Campo de Borja. This is one of the Jorge Ordonez selections, who, according to Robert Parker, “spends an enormous amount of time ferreting out the finest wines of Spain, and most sensational bargains…”

This is a medium bodied wine with a nice balance of cherry, blackberry, and spicy pepper. It is a perfect complement for the Jambalaya. At about $13 locally, it is a very good deal. And whether or not you observe Lent, this is a really good house red that also would make a super Sangria. Hummmmm….maybe we’ll invite our children over to share dinner tonight. We do have an extra bottle.

Weekend Happenings

hotinlittlerock — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 04:31:27 +0000

Weekend Happenings
for February 20
February 20, 2009

Friday is always one of our favorite days of the week. There is always anticipation of what the weekend may bring. It’s a bit like the anticipation you feel right before a vacation. And this weekend feels just that way – especially with all that’s going on. It’s a fun-filled weekend, whatever your fancy. Be sure to check out the online calendar at www.hotinlittlerock.com/calendar to make sure you don’t miss out on a thing. Here are our Top Three:

Throw Some Beads. Can’t make it to New Orleans this weekend? Don’t be blue. There’s a Mardi Gras celebration right here on Main Street! Join the fun at the 3rd Annual Mardi Gras parade. They’ll start at 3:00 p.m. at 24th Street and go all the way to 12th and Main. There will be a block party between 13th and 14th Streets immediately following the parade – complete with music, of course. And for the little ones? Join Kinder Songs at 3:45 p.m. in the Juanita’s Party Room for Kiddie Gras! Don’t miss out on this funafternoon for the whole family.

Listen to Some Music. Love opera? Then don’t miss out on UALR’s Viva Verdi this Saturday night. Join them to celebrate the great Italian opera composer Verdi and hear selections from popular operas such as Rigoletto and La Traviata. Edward Crafts, who has performed with the Metropolian Opera and the London Royal Opera, and Susan Brummell Belcher, who has performed with the Chicago Lyric Opera, will thrill you with their voices. There will be a champagne reception following where you can meet the performers. Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall, UALR. $75 per person. Call (501) 569-8993 for tickets.

Eat Some Soup. It’s time once again for Soup Sunday. This is always a wonderful family event supporting Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families. Bring your muffin tins and enjoy soup from as many different restaurants as your belly can stand. You definitely won’t leave hungry. Sunday, 4 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Embassy Suites. $20 for adults; $5 for children. Tickets available at the door or by calling (501) 371-9678.

Hot In Little Rock » mardi gras

Raise a Glass: Wine Picks for February 24

Raise a Glass:

Wine Picks for February 24

Weekend Happenings