Due to the ongoing craziness that is our world, we have not had an RCC evening since February. March rolled around and with it the Coronavirus pandemic, and everything came to an immediate halt. With the initial improvement in conditions in Israel and the relaxing of the guidelines from the Health Ministry, I decided about … Continue reading RCC Israel # 36 – Av 5780
Netofa
Netofa’s 2020 Lineup
I have refrained from visiting wineries over the last couple of months out of necessity. Guidelines during this crazy period of time simply prevented most wineries from receiving visitors in person. Many if not most wineries were forced to adapt to the changing times and embraced some kind of direct to consumer delivery model to … Continue reading Netofa’s 2020 Lineup
Seder 2020
Wine writing is something that I take pleasure in ordinarily. It allows me to crystallize my thoughts about whatever topic it is that I am writing about. If I happen to be writing about specific bottles, as opposed to a general topic, it actually helps me to commit the notes to memory - as well … Continue reading Seder 2020
Netofa Winery Visit – April 2019
The slightly more relaxed pace of Chol Hamoed gives me the opportunity to catch up on a whole bunch of witting. One of the few wineries consistently putting out not only excellent wines but also providing excellent value is Netofa. Year after year Netofa appears on pretty much everyone's QPR list - and this year … Continue reading Netofa Winery Visit – April 2019
Blind Tastings with David Raccah and friends
When I visit the US, I usually spend some quality time with fellow wine-lovers who I get to see too infrequently. But with limited time (and funds), I basically stick to the NY/NJ area each trip to be close to my family. That makes visiting with friends from other areas a real treat. Luckily David … Continue reading Blind Tastings with David Raccah and friends
Mid October Trip to the US
Over the last year I have started visiting the US more and more - primarily to have the opportunity to spend time with my grandmother who is 94 and my parents and siblings who I see far too infrequently. I also usually get a chance to enjoy wines with friends that I also see all … Continue reading Mid October Trip to the US
RCC Israel #22 – Av 5778
As Ashkenazic customs of the 9 days prohibit the consumption of wine even on Rosh Chodesh Av we had the RCC brought forward by a couple of days to accommodate. While every dish that we had was wonderful (and beautifully plated), the clear star of the night for me was the dual preparation of Flat … Continue reading RCC Israel #22 – Av 5778
RCC Israel #21
This month Bracha cooked solo as Uri is off traveling with his lovely wife - and she did a wonderful job as usual. My favorite dish of the night was the corn gnocchi served on a puree of lamb bacon and greens topped with a sous vide egg - excellent stuff! My thanks to Andy … Continue reading RCC Israel #21
2018 White Festival at the Hertzlia Marina
This is a festival I really enjoy going to every year. I happen to love the Marina in general as a setting - super chill and relxed - plus there are 3 decent kosher restaurants that are in the connected Arena Mall - Bistro 56, Lechem Basar & Papagaio Prime, so you can take a … Continue reading 2018 White Festival at the Hertzlia Marina
Rosé Season is here – and is promising!
Each year as Pesach and spring approach, people start talking about Rosé. This makes sense especially in Israel where we have already seen the mercury hit above 34 °C (93 °F) a couple of times. I am not really going to go on about the various ways that Rosé is made - I think it is not … Continue reading Rosé Season is here – and is promising!