Monthly Archives: November 2016

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Holiday Dining Favorites at the Jersey Shore

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With Christmas around the corner, we are all looking to find some favorite holiday dining spots to eat and be merry at! Look no further; I am outlining my favorite spots to eat at the Jersey Shore that give you the best holiday dining scenes that will be sure to get you in the spirit! All restaurants have gotten the “nod” of approval with 70% or above!

BRUNCH WITH SANTA

This is a great way to “see Santa,” get in the holiday spirit, and eat some great food. The American Hotel in Freehold and The Mill in Spring Lake Heights each put on a great Brunch with Santa event two Sundays each December. Both are brunch buffets with awesome variety in foods that will please everybody. Breakfasts, chafing stations, desserts, you can’t go wrong! Make sure to book your reservations since these spots always book up fast! This year, both venues offer their brunch with Santa on 12/11 and 12/18. Our ratings: The American Hotel 70% and The Mill 81%

HAVE SOME 1980’s ORIGINAL ITALIAN

Jimmy’s Italian Restaurant in Asbury Park is one of the best Italian restaurants in the area. It opened in 1982 as a place “where good friends meet.” This old school Italian restaurant was opened so that you did not have to travel to New York City for some authentic Italian food! It is amazing all year round, but there is something magical about this little restaurant come Christmas time. They string the bar area with lights that make you feel like you are stepping back in time. The ambiance really makes you feel the Christmas spirit, and on top of that, the food is delicious. The stuffed veal chop is by far the best entrée on the menu. Come step back in time and enjoy an Italian Christmas! Our rating: 84%

A RAVEN INSTEAD OF YOUR FOUR CALLING BIRDS

The Raven and the Peach in Fair Haven is spectacular all year round, but they definitely know how to amp up the Christmas atmosphere in an elegant way. I just love the old school vibes this restaurant gives off, and the food is so delicious. Catch a drink by the piano bar afterwards made by the legendary bartender there. Be sure to check them out! Our rating: 87%

Hope everyone enjoys the holiday season!

paul-xmas

Merry Christmas from us!

Wine Feature

Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

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Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Region: Alexander Valley, California

Wine.com: 90 points

Vivino app rating: 4.5/5

Average Price: $90

Drinking the Silver Oak Cabernet is a real treat. It is smooth, oaky, and full-bodied. The winemaker states:

Our 2012 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a lively and full-bodied expression of Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from an exceptional vintage. It has a lovely garnet color and opens with aromas of black currant, orange zest and raspberry. These aromas are framed by nuanced notes of vanilla, marshmallow and cocoa, eliciting an effect reminiscent of chocolate-covered berries. The attack is rich and gives way to a mid-palate with breadth and depth, supported with refreshing acidity and integrated, dusty tannins. This wine has power with an unusual vitality and structural balance. Given proper cellar conditions, this wine will provide drinking pleasure through 2034.

This cabernet pairs beautifully with steak, veal, and lamb.

I really like this cabernet a lot, however if you want to speak about price to taste ratio, I think you can easily find a cabernet this awesome for a little less. Don’t get me wrong though; the silver oak cabernet wine is amazing. I would rate this a 4.3/5. Whatever you do, please do not pay a dime over $75 for this wine because if you do, I can promise you that you are getting ripped off. Give this one a try and remember, “Life is a Cabernet!” Salute!

silver-oak

Life is a Cabernet
Life is a Cabernet
Article, Wine Feature

Wente Morning Fog 2013 Chardonnay, Your White Wine for the Fall

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Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay 2013

Region: Livermore Valley, California

Wine Enthusiast: 90 points

Vivino app rating: 3.8/5

Average Price: $13.99

It’s Fall, but sometimes you just aren’t ready to give up your white wine just yet! The best wines for the autumn are the wines that offer some cinnamon or vanilla notes, and that is what the Wente Morning Fog 2013 Chardonnay offers. The Wente winemaker notes on wine.com states,

Enjoy aromas and flavors of green apple and tropical fruits, balanced by subtle oak, cinnamon and vanilla from barrel aging. With a mouth-filling body and balanced acidity, this wine delivers a medium-long, refreshing finish.

A little oaky, but definitely full-bodied and refreshing, this Wente Morning Fog 2013 Chardonnay is very enjoyable especially for the price point.

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Chardonnays pair well with chicken and shellfish; if you’re pairing with cheeses, go for the gruyere or provolone.

I’m picky about my Chardonnays, and this Wente Chardonnay, in my opinion, is very nice. I would probably rate it close to the actual Vivino score, but a tad higher at 3.9/5. Go enjoy your white wine this Fall and have a great Wine Wednesday!