a week

Okay, so I said I would post the next day and didn't...in the same articulation of famed celeb Anthony Bourdain chef (whom we met that evening by the way) may I say, too bad.
Seriously though, I can't believe its already been more than a week since we returned home from our fabulous time at SOBE. So here's where I left off:
Saturday night, we donned our black-tie attire and headed to the Loews hotel in South Beach for the Tribute Dinner to Eric Ripert of Le Bernardin. We were more than happy to join the dozens of other accomplished chefs, industry moguls and folks like us who just plain enjoy their food, in honoring Chef Ripert.
Upon our arrival, we were greeted by tables of Dom Perignon and passed hors d'oeuvres of caviar and ceviche. Yum! We immeidately spotted Chef Bourdain. I had to tell him that his motto - Don't be a tourist, be a traveler - inspired my own family motto - Live well, travel far, taste everything. Hearing this, he said "Well then cheers," and clinked my glass. The night couldn't get any better - or so I thought. Once the doors open to the ballroom, guests made their way to their seats. We were at table 35. We passed by Martha Stewart, who Luke had a brief conversation with, but once she found out he didn't own the Standard, she quickly said her goodbyes...let Luke tell you the story! We dined on a six course meal where a different chef prepared each course and paired it with a perfectly complimenartary wine. Of course I'll have to post that menu a bit later on the blog. It was great to have met Daniel Boulud of Daniel in NYC - the restaurant that inspired our engagement. The night was magical and the food, wine and friends were a perfect pairing.


Luke, Char and Daniel

SOBE 2007

Culinary decadence, celebrity sightings and legendary wines. Our first SOBE Food and Wine Festival experience was a feast for the senses and a roller coaster of delights.

We left the icy city of DC Friday morning and were greeted by the warm Miami sun. Our first stop - Azul. We walked into the modern luxury of the Mandarin Oriental hotel where Azul is housed. Paul and Andrea were seated outside at one of the four tables balcony tables overlooking the bay. After ordering a Rudd Chardonnay, we noticed boxing legend Oscar Del la Hoya was taking the seat to our left. He was impecably dressed in a light gray Italian suit. We later found out he was in Miami for a press conference about his latest fight.

From Azul we headed to our hotel the Standard in Miami Beach. A bright sun yellow vehicle was parked out front, and we noticed Hulk Hogan with his entourage of yes men climbing inside. After a brief time to rest, we dressed and headed to the Best of the Best located inside the American Airlines arena. Tasting tables from top chefs like Nobu, Todd English and Marcus Sameulson and top wine makers such as Caymus, Dom Perignon and Haut Brion were all located in the executive suites that circled the arena. Here are just a few snap shots from Friday's event:

Pictures in order: Luke and Marcus, Char and Michael, Paul and Michael

Saturday we hit the spa for massages and then headed to lunch at the Tide's Inn. From there, we headed back to our hotel where wer saw Martha Stewart checking into our hotel. She needed to hit the spa. We had a short chat with her as she asked us if it was a nice hotel or not. Of course we answered yes, and she was on her way.

Saturday afternoon's wine seminar started with a flight tasting of seven Far Niente in a classroom style setting. Larry McGuire of Far Niente and Thomas Matthews of the Wine Spectator walked us through the entire tasting. From there, we headed to the next class where we next Andrea's favorite - Chuck Wagner of Caymus.

Andrea and Chuck

After tasting the beautiful wines of Chuck Wagner, we headed to another flight of seven, this time from Italy, and then to the one we were all waiting for...the flights of Cheval Blanc and Chateau d Yquem. ah! We had been worried about the timing, that we may missed the final tasting in order to make it to the Tribute Dinner. Luckily, with a bit of sweet talking, Paul got is in to our final tasting. The four of us sat in the giant classroom, among the hundreds of glasses ready for the students. We sat down and swirled, sniffed and tasted the best sauterne of our time just the four of us. It was perfect!

From there, we had enough time for the Tribute Dinner to Le Bernadin. Where I will pick up or story tomorrow with more photos of our trip. Util then, enjoy fine wine!

2 weeks and counting

It's exactly two weeks before we head to Miami for a weekend over culinary indulgence. We feel like kids waiting for Christmas to arrive! Here is a brief rundown of our weekend (you can see why we're so excited!):

Friday:
Fly to Miami and upon retreiving our luggage, head straight to Azul at the Mandarin Hotel for lunch with our culinary cohorts!
After lunch, head to the Standard Hotel in Miami Beach and check in. After getting ready, sip Champagne poolside over looking Biscayne Bay, then get car service to the Best-of-the-Best event where we officially kick-off the festivities.

Who and what is the Best-of-the Best??? Here's what/who we'll be tasting:

Alfred Portale (Gotham Bar and Grill, New York)
Andrew Carmellini (A Voce, New York)
Andrew Swersky (The Forge, Miami Beach)
Anita Lo (Annisa, New York)
Cindy Hutson (Ortanique on the Mile, Coral Gables)
David Chang (Momofuku, New York)
Douglas Rodriguez (Ola on Ocean, Miami Beach)
Edgar Leal (Cacao Restaurant, Coral Gables)
Fabio Trabocchi (Maestro, McLean)
Floyd Cardoz (Tabla, New York)
Gabrielle Hamilton (Prune, New York)
Govind Armstrong (Table 8, Miami Beach)
Hedy Goldsmith and Michael Sabin (Nemo, Prime 112, Miami Beach)
Howard Kleinberg (The Food Gang: Surfside, FL)
Jean Paul Desmaison (La Cofradia, Coral Gables)
John McLean and John Nicely (Levy Restaurants at American Airlines Arena)
Johnny Vinczencz (Johnny V’s, Ft. Lauderdale)
Jonathan Eismann (Pacific Time, Miami Beach)
Marc Vetri (Vetri, Philadelphia)
Marcus Samuelsson (Aquavit, New York)
Maria Frumkin (Duo Restaurant & Bar, Miami)
Mark Militello (Mark’s, Las Olas, Cityplace, Mizner Park, South Beach)
Michael Mina
Michelle Bernstein (Michy’s, Miami)
Nobu Matsuhisa (Matsuhisa international)
Scott Conant (L'Impero, Alto, New York)
Stefan Kauth (ENVY The Steakhouse at the Renaissance, Las Vegas)
Thomas Valenti (Ouest Restaurant, New York)
Todd English (Todd English's Tuscany at Mohegan Sun, Uncasville)
Participating Champagne Houses:
Champagne Gosset
Champagne Lanson
Champagne Laurent Perrier
Champagne Louis Roederer
Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte
Champagne Perrier Jouët
Champagne Pommery
Dom Pérignon
Participating Wineries:
Altesino
Andrew Geoffrey Vineyards
AP Vin
Au Bon Climat
Beaulieu Vineyard
Beringer Vineyards
Bodegas Caro
Charles Krug Winery
Chateau Coufran
Chateau de la Gardine
Chateau Haut-Brion
Chiarello Family Vineyards
Col Solare
Daedalus Cellars
Diamond Creek Vineyards
Domaine de la Vougeraie
Far Niente
Gypsy Dancer Estates
Hanzell Vineyards
Hitching Post
IL Borro
Jordan Vineyard and Winery
Joseph Phelps Vineyards
La Misión Aut.-Brion
Lancaster Estates
Landmark Vineyards
Loring Wine Company
Maison Louis Latour
Marchesi Antinori
Markham Vineyards
Marques de Riscal
Newton
Nickel & Nickel
Pali Wine Co.
Prunotto
Qupe Wine Cellars
Robert Mondavi Winery
Roessler Cellars
Schrader Cellars
Silver Pines Vineyard
Tandem Winery
Tor Kenward Family Wines, LLC
Trinchero Winery
Vine Cliff Winery
Wines from the Wagner Family

Saturday:
Morning massages, lunch at Tides Hotel, the a Wine Spectator professional tasting seminar, followed by a black-tie tribute dinner honoring Eric Ripert - Le Bernadin. Here's what we'll be tasting at the Spectator afternoon tasting:

Evolution in Oakville: 15 Years of Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon Vintage after vintage, Oakville has proven itself to be the epicenter of the most exciting Cabernets being produced today. Far Niente President and CEO Larry Maguire will lead a rare tasting of the Oakville winery's Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon spanning 15 years from the 1990s into the 2000s. Showcasing hallmark vintages over two decades, the tasting will illustrate how Oakville fruit, estate vineyards, meticulous farming and intuitive winemaking combine to create Cabernets in the legendary, luxurious Far Niente "house style."

“Wines of the Wagner Family”
Family, farming and fine wines are the foundation for everything the Wagners have created during their more than 100-year history in the Napa Valley. Best known for the Cabernet Sauvignons he makes at Caymus Vineyards, Chuck Wagner will not only prepare a tasting of the 1994 and 2004 Special Selection Cabernets, he’ll also proudly pour wines made by his sons Charlie (Mer Soleil Chardonnay from Monterey County) and Joseph (Belle Glos single-vineyard Pinot Noirs.) Having started Caymus with his mother Lorna, and father Charlie, Chuck knows the family is onto something: Wine Spectator recently recognized Caymus Vineyards for producing the best Cabernet Sauvignon in the Napa Valley since 1990.

“The Best Italian Wines You’ve Never Heard Of”
Most wine lovers have heard of Brunello di Montalcino in Tuscany and Barolo and Barbaresco in Piedmont; however, Italy produces outstanding wines in all twenty regions. Join us to discover delicious wines from Campania, Emilia-Romagna, Basilicata, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia selected by Southern Wine & Spirits Italian Wine Specialist Cesar Basurto. The tasting will be conducted by Master Sommeliers Laura DePasquale, John Blazon and Eric Hemer. All the wines to be poured won the top award “Tre Bicchieri” (three glass) awarded by the prestigious Italian publication Gambero Rosso.

Château Cheval Blanc & Château d’Yquem
Needs no explanation!!!

Tribute dinner for Eric Ripert:
New York Magazine’s Insatiable Critic Gael Greene hosts the Festival’s Tribute Dinner paying honor to the team Eric Ripert and Maguy Le Coze of New York’s legendary four-star restaurant Le Bernardin. The pair will be feted with an unforgettable meal prepared by some of their friends, among them Daniel Boulud (Daniel, New York), Laurent Gras (formerly of Fifth Floor, San Francisco), Elena Arzak (Restaurante Arzak), Marc Ehrler (Loews Miami Beach), Tony Esnault (Alain Ducasse at the Essex House), Norman Van Aken (Norman's, Coral Gables) and Le Bernardin’s own pastry chef Michael Laiskonis. Yum!!!

Sunday:
Up and at 'em and head to Daniel Boulud's latest restaurant: Cafe Boulud in Palm Beach

That evening - head home to DC!

Culinary Controversy

As most of you know, Chicago’s City Council banned the sale of foie gras not too long ago. Even our beloved Charlie Trotter's jumped on the band wagon to ban our favorite delicacy. But thank goodness someone is coming to their senses! Could it be that they just couldn't stand it anymore. Their taste buds are fighting back?

Whether it be their pocket books protesting (after all this had to have an affect on their bottom line) or just that it's dawned on them it was a bad idea...local restaurateurs are fighting back. Can we say HOORAY?!?!

A lawsuit filed in Cook County Circuit Court by the Illinois Restaurant Association and a corporation owned by Chicago chef Allen Sternweiler of Allen’s claims the ban is unconstitutional. Other chefs continue to sell the delicacy, despite the ordinance. Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, who calls the ban "the silliest law" the Council ever passed, complained to the Chicago Sun-Times: "We have children getting killed by gang leaders and dope dealers. We have real issues here... And we're dealing with foie gras?"

Exactly my point! If they would have just listened to us sooner.

Countdown to SOBE

The countdown has begun - only 22 more days until Wine Spectator's South Beach Food and Wine Festival. Friends, food and fabulous wine all rolled into one weekend. Isn't that what life is all about? Check out what's in store http://www.sobewineandfoodfest.com/2006/about.php We'll have a full report of course upon our return!

Norovirus - got us

We were down for the count...but not for long! The Norovirus swept through Richmond. Being the good community supporters we are, we did our part. Over and over and over, or so it seemed. Bruno was the only health one in the house for a while. Here you can see poor little Greyson with her red-kissed nose just before the worst of it hit.

We lost a few L-Bs, but had more than enough to spare. On the mend and making a full recovery, home renovations will soon be back in full swing. The painting upstairs is almost complete. There are a few more touch ups in the master bathroom. The crown molding has been installed in the kitchen and as soon as the weather warms, it will be window trim. Grab your paint brush! We're thinking we may buy stock in Lowes at this point! Nothing keeps us down for long.

2007 is upon us!

A new year in a new city is ahead. There are a lot of anticipated adventures for us in 2007, but no change in our family motto!

Here's a glance at what's in store for the year ahead:

Jan - Celebrate the New Year
Greyson visits the zoo
Lonnie gets married to Miss Brazil

Look out New York!
Feb - South Beach Food and Wine Fest (we're looking forward to tasting more than 200 wines!)
Jules comes to the East Coast to visit her cousin for the first time
Mar - A new city!
Aprl - Happy Birthday Greyson - a whole year!
May - Getting settled
Summer - New adventures TBA
Sept - Hitting the wine trail
Oct - Spooky
Nov - Happy Birthday Bruno - two years!
Dec - Santa's anticipated arrival

Happy Thanksgiving!

Greyson is thankful for Bunny! We're thankful for our friends and family! Happy Thanksgiving to all!

We'll be spending our time with Luke's parents who will be traveling down from DC. It will be the first time in a long time, that Luke does not have to work the Friday after Turkey day. Hooray!

We're very excited that it's Greyson's first Thanksgiving, she may just get a bite of turkey and mashed potatoes!

Robert move over, Patty has come to town

For year's now, we've been singing the praises of Robert Sinskey Pinot Noir. It seems like just yesterday we were discovering this full-bodied California wine.

We've watched its price point increase from $15 per bottle to a well deserved $30, not mind paying more; watched it disappear from wine merchants shelves, tracking it down and running across town to buy that last bottle as it became harder to find as it gained popularity, and we visited the vineyard "homeland" in Napa Valley twice. Forget about the movie that put Pinot Noir en vogue, we were the true Burgundy lovers before Hollywood made the grape trendy in city bistros.

As such, it must be said that you all have graciously I endured us bringing countless bottles of Robert Sinskey Pinot to holiday dinners and weekend getaways. Ordering it off the wine menus time-and-time again when we discovered it on the list. To that, we say thank you.

But recently, we've discovered a new Pinot, that dare I say it, may take Robert's place in our home cellar. Is this true you ask? Which wine could it be?

Let me tell you how it all happened...

The husband of a colleague of mine, owns a wine shop here in Richmond. She also happens to live in our neighborhood, so occasionally we car pool together. On this particular night as we were riding together, she needed to stop at her husband's shop before heading home. Perfect! We needed a few bottles (ok, ok, not a few, it was more like six) of wine for guests who were coming into town for the weekend.

We we walked in, there was a tasting. Fate, coincidence...It didn't matter. The wine was being poured and we were there, so of course I had a taste.

One of the wines being tasted, was Patricia Green Pinot Noir, or more affectionately called by the staff: Patty G.

Now, I could go on with lots of great wine descriptions about how wonderful this wine is, but I've decided to let Patricia Green's Web site do that. That's why I've posted a link on our "wine of the week" link. Let's face it, you need to taste it. Serioulsy, before word gets out about how fantastic it is, and before it's hard to find...quick, grab your coat, your wallet, your keys and drive to your nearest wine shop. Buy a bottle and try it!

Move over Robert, Patty is our new house pour!

Provencal Workout

Towards the end of my freshman year of high school my French teacher, Georganne Brennan, announced she would not be returning next year. She wanted to pay more attention to her seed company based just outside of Napa Valley. Little did I know at that time, she was not only friends with famed California chef Alice Waters of Chez Panisse, but that years later while on the stair master in Richmond, Virginia I would be reading about her in Conde Nast Travel Magazine.

One afternoon with sweat running down my forehead, I was climbing the stairs to nowhere while flipping through the magazine. Wanting to be anyplace but the gym, I tried to loose myself in the articles, when there infront of me was a postcard perfect picture of a rustic Provencal farm, goats and hens nibbling at the ground, a long farm table with country white linens covered with pottery, red wine bottles and trays of fresh cheeses, breads and all things French. A perfect setting to get lost in. As my eyes studied this al fresco setting, I noticed a woman sitting at the table in a long cotton skirt, short blunt cut salt and peper hair with a fuzzy yellow cat perched in her lap. To my surprise, it was my, yes MY high school French teacher, Madame Brennan.

It became the workout I don't remember. I could have stepped my way up the Empire State building. I read the entire article, getting lost in stories about her multi-million dollar seed company and how she's now hosting cooking enthusiasts to her farm in the south of France. Teaching her students the art of potager. Yes! I have that cookbook! Potager!

Well, Luke and I pulled out that cookbook recently. We picked out a recipe that is now going to be an autumn staple in our home - casseoluet! We'll be eating it for weeks I'm afraid, but it's WELL worth it! Too bad Greyson can eat the duck and beans yet!

Our little pumpkin

Who ever said life was suposed to slow down when you have a baby was and is - wrong! I can't believe Greyson is more than six-months-old now. Here she is with her first pumpkin! Her big milestones: rolling around the room, giving hugs and kisses (as best she knows how), and eating eating eating!!!! Her adventures never stop. And neither do mommy's and daddy's.

It's been two weeks since my week long client trip in New York. Next week, I'm off to Philadelphia for a day trip. So much to do, but I wouldn't change it. Lots of fun stuff is on the cusp of being unveiled and I wish I could tell you all...mostly work related...sorry to leave you hanging...

Wow - have we been busy! Humm, let's see, where do I begin???
Let me give you a quick run down, with photos to follow next week. Here's the short version: weekend to Farmville: visit Greenfront furniture with Grandmere and Grandpere. Found nothing but an adorable needlepoint rug for Greyson's room, a quaint cafeteria with yummy carrot cake and lots of tobacco warehouses full of cheesy furniture that would only be found in a cookie-cutter model home. Luke made roasted lamb shanks for dinner - yum!

weekend to Charlottesville: bad news;truck broke down. goodnews; wonderful weekend wine tasting, hitting the downtown mall, Greyson met auntie Kate and uncle Houdin for the first time at The Clifton Inn for a fantastic anniversary (we all did the tasting menu) dinner - happy anniversary Kate and Houdin!!!!

weekend with Nana: Arriving Thursday evening, Nana drove cross-country to visit Greyson...and spoil her rotten!!! Greyson's feet never touched the ground from the moment Nana walked through the front door - lots of snuggles....I believe it all started with Greyson's new favorite toy from Kentucky's Equestrian Park. We toured Richmond, taking Nana to all Richmond has to offer - well, taking her to the places she hasn't seen on her last visits of course.

Now: in NewYork for the week for a big client event - The SnagAJob.com America's No. 1 Hourly Worker contest to be judged by the season 1 winner of NBC's "The Apprentice," Bill Rancic. We've had great media pick-up in the five finalists local markets, now let's home for national coverage! Potential media on the horizon, lets keep those fingers crossed.

This weekend: Baby Halloween party & pumpkin carving - I think!!! But, we'll keep you posted - and post those pictures too! Lots of cute ones to come with Greyson's first Halloween pumpkin!

Scotland

We're back and rested from our fabulous trip to Edinburgh. We can't believe it only rained once the entire time we were there.

We met Emma and James at the Newark airport. Isabella and Greyson met for the first time. It wasn't a picture perfect greeting, but luckily the two babies warmed up to one another quickly.

Prior to our 7 o'clock flight, we ate dinner and enjoyed catching up inside an airport restaurant. I think the other patrons were happy when the table of four and two babies left. :)

The flight to Edinburgh went quickly. The ladies in the back of the plane (two rows all to themselves with complimentary wine from the crew) and the men in the front - first class all the way. Quite nice to be friends with flight attendants!

Once we landed, a car service picked us up and took us to Mark and Mary's home until our apartment in Stockbridge was ready. We took it easy most of Friday, exploring the neighborhood and eating lunch at a local pub. That night was a family dinner with lots of food, wine and conversation.

Early Saturday morning, we took a stroll to Princess Street eating as many croissants and pastries as possible along the way!

That afternoon, a few touristy things, lunch w/ Emma's parents and visit to the Scottish Royal Academy for an exhibit by Robert Mueck. Try to find this exhibit on the Web if you can. It was incredible!!!! We also ran into a Scottish independence parade - quite interesting comments from the British spectators. Saturday evening was a festive family dinner at a restaurant just around the corner from M&M's. Again, lots of food, wine and toasts for the occasion.

Sunday morning, the entire family walked to The Church of the Good Shepherd for the christening. I think we're all now fond of the hymn "there are hundreds and thousands and millions of flowers, and God knows everyone of them, and God knows me." The service was geared toward the children if you get the picture! As the godparents, we participated in the ceremony as all the children were invited to the cauldron where the priest sprinkled water on Isabella's forward. It was perfect!

Then back to the house...etc. etc. I don't want to bore you with every detail...Monday was sightseeing again and Tuesday we left for home...this time, the girls were in the front!

You've seen the photos, but here's a link to the professional photographer's photos that were taken on Sunday - http://www.clearphotography.co.uk/online_ordering.htm and type duecy123 as the password.

Rock Lobster

Our little crustacean!

Brunch at the Steins

Grey poses with Daddy in her new dress and shoes. We were all getting ready for brunch with the Steins. Mommy and Daddy were looking forward to friends, food and Mimosas! Grey was looking forward to playing with Cole!

Bruno vs. The Chicken

After many vet visits to our regular vet, trying to identify why his skin was bumpy, we took Bruno to a veterinarian dermitologist. Apparently, Bruno is allergic to chicken. He's now on a blend of venison and potato dry food...which he LOVES! What we didn't know, is that most dog foods, especially the high-end brands, contain chicken. We went from Iams to Canadae's, all to find out the chicken is the culprit. No more poultry for this boy!

Welcome!

Welcome to Duecy Spot!
Find out what we're up to and what we're planning on next. But, most of all, find out how we're living up to our family motto: live well, travel far, taste everything!

Bunny Bathtime

Greyson poses in her bunny bath towel!

Mario in our kitchen

Luke received the new Mario Batalli cook book for his birthday. I think I lucked out more with this present! When I walked in the door Friday night, I was greeted with the aroma of braised Lamb shanks and eggplants simmering in olive oil. Luke suprised me with a fabulous dinner, all thanks to Mario. Eggplant bruschetta, sauteed oyster mushrooms over fresh spaghetti and arugla, and lamb shanks with olives and oranges. The wine: we started with a Chianti Classico with the bruschetta and pasta secondi. For the main course: a Lytton Springs Zinfandel was the perfect accompaniment. Just the right amount of pepper and fruit! It's our wine pick of the week! Find it, try it!