After some exhausting days, we did get at little time to play. I went to Artisanal on Park Ave. & 32nd St. Great food, at least 100 wines by the glass, and wide array of cheese - all of which were super yummy. Plus we had great service. I highly recommend it!!!
The next night, we met with our BeerSmarts team for dinner at Hearth. Once again a great meal and wonderful service. Joining us were BeerSmarts author Joseph Cummins, our editor Garrett Oliver, who's the brewmaster at Brooklyn Brewery and the author of the Brewmaster's Table (an excellent book!), and BeerSmarts fan Timothy Hall, the brewmaster at New Jersey's The Ship Inn. Great conversation, great food, great beer (and some wine too). Friday morning came up way too quick!
After the show on Friday, I was invited to a friend's potluck dinner in the Upper East Side, which was great as I was able to swing by one of my favorite wine shops, Best Cellars, that coincidentally was featuring my current favorite wines - roses. I picked up a great Hunter Valley, dry pink Shiraz (Captain Margan) which was delightful. Upon arrival, most of the other guests looked at me like I was a wine novice for bringing the pink (still thinking it's super sweet). But, once I coerced everyone to take a taste, they were sold (and soon they were fighting over the last taste). It was super refreshing in the hot weather and wonderful accompaniment for the food. So the night's mission was accomplished - 8 new rose converts down.
After a long (but delicious and interesting week) I got some downtime with friends at the beach in Rockaway on Sunday, and now off to jet back to SF for more food and wine adventures in the Bay Area.
Cheers!
