Garrett Hill Ale House, Rosemont
Later Luthra – Ale replacing Kebobs.
Liquor Bored
Reviewing the PLCB’s new iPhone app.
Falesco Tellus Syrah Lazio IGT (2009)
For a while now, Italy’s vintners have been embracing “international” varietals, and – to be perfectly honest – it’s not a trend I particularly care for. Though there is no doubt Super Tuscans have generated quite a bit of buzz, they are the main source of my consternation. It’s not that there is anything wrong […]
La Querciolina Istriciaia Maremma Toscana (2007)
One of the most difficult things about wine critique – and, before I even get into that, I should mention that I don’t consider myself a true wine critic, at least that inhabits the same space as people like Robert Parker and Steven Tanzer, or even bloggers who do actual professional tasting events, but at […]
Beer Buy: Dominion Beers
One of the reasons Philly is always mentioned among the nation’s (world’s?) best beer cities is the plethora of great craft brewers in the area. Interestingly, though there are a few excellent brewers in town, the greater Delaware Valley is home to even more (and arguably better) than inside city limits. From Victory in Downingtown […]
Yellow Tail: Better than advertised?
The big dog is an easy target. Corporate wine, not unlike comparisons from a range of consumer categories like cleaning products, burgers or mall store clothing, is patronized by many and derided by an equally sizable set. Connoisseurs, of course, scoff at the hint of mass production and ensconce in the refuge of craft vintners […]
Di Bruno Brothers Private Tasting
Much hype accompanied the opening of Di Bruno Brothers‘ stand in the Ardmore Farmers Market last year – and with good reason. The legendary Italian Market “House of Cheese” has been providing Philadelphians with incredible access to gourmet cheeses, charcuterie and specialty foods since 1965, so it was about time for Main Liners to get […]
Italian Wine in PA Stores
For residents of Pennsylvania, the PA LCB Chairman’s Selection program is the one and only (legal) lifeline to interesting wines at reasonable prices, so it’s easy to get excited when they bring in some of the more uncommon varietals or styles that we read about online but rarely get the chance to purchase. As an […]
Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (2007)
From my experience, Avignonesi is the flagship Vino Nobile available in the US. This may, of course, vary from region to region, but this is the wine I have found most easily from New York to South Carolina, at least. In Tuscany, around Montepulciano, Fattoria Cerro was the most commonly available, and generally the cheapest […]