The British Invasion! Olympic themed ideas...

With the Olypics now in session we offer all of the athletes a hearty congratulations on making their respective teams and them luck as they go for the gold! The good ol' USA looks to be in good shape to make a run at the top medal count for the games.

Over the next couple of weeks we will look forward to getting many requests for English product for the parties happening while we root on the athletes. We've had a few requests for wines from England but sad to say they don't produce them.

*correction... One of our loyal followers points out to me on Facebook that there is wine being produced in England. Further research shows us that thanks to global warming the french have even invested in some land due to its chaulky soil. The website he posted corroberates the story and in fact tells us that there is some pretty decent stuff to be had. I am sorry to say that they also point out that it is not being imported in to the U.S. in any quantity, at least not yet. Hmmm... something we'll have to keep our eye on.

Until then, You can find many great producers of beer and Gin, not to mention Pimms. We've gone through the store and added the logo pictured at the top left to the items produced in Queen mothers home country.

Take a look around or ask one of our staff to help point the way and we'll get you set.

We also have a couple of great tastings coming up to help celebrate starting with our opening day tasting of Hendrick's gin that will run from 4pm-7pm today. Hendrick's happens to be a store and customer favorite at Harry's. We've done some searching and found some good sites that offer themed cocktails for the events

http://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/food-and-recipes/olympics-themed-cocktails-1.3860551#1

http://guestofaguest.com/tag/olympic-themed-cocktails/

http://www.idrink.com/olympics.html

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, Jul 27

host is Scott from Charter Oak Brewing.

Charter Oak Brown Ale $9.99/6pb

Charter Oak’s 1687 Brown Ale (this was the year the legend of the Charter Oak took place, and Wadsworth hid the document in the majestic Oak Tree - later to become know as The Charter Oak) is an American style which is slightly more robust than the traditional English Brown Ale. This beer will be brewed to a dark copper shade and be somewhat sweet and malty with distinctive toasted flavors from both our premium specialty roasted and chocolate malted barley, also allowing for a faint undertone of caramel. This style is lightly hopped for balance and this ale will prove to be a wonderful selection for a sessionable beer. Our medium-bodied, limited bitterness and hop aroma will make this an excellent choice.

Video from the "Offshore pour" Beer festival

About a month ago, June 16th to be exact, Harry's sponsored Fairfield Counties first ever Craft beer festival aboard the Island belle out of Norwalk. For three hours the participants cruised around the Long Island sound on a picture perfect day enjoying great suds from 20 or so different breweries along with great food from Bobby Q's and live music provided by I ANBASSA! It was an incredible success and the rave reviews have been steadily heard in the weeks following.

Harry's own Renzo Kian-Kabota was the festival organizer and host for the day, making sure that all of the details were attended to and that the attendees had a great time.

We finally have a video to share from Bizz-Buzztv and it gives you a good sense of the days events. Follow the link here to see the fun!

Toward the end of the video Renzo tells the people watching about his next endeavor, The Harbor Brewfest which will take place on September 22, 2012 and will be even bigger and better than our first one. There will be twenty five (and counting) breweries, Food trucks, Three bands and an expected 2000 beer lovers sharing the experience. If you liked the first one this is sure to satisy your Craft Beer thirst!

Happy Bastille Day!

Lots to blog about today...

Already put up a post about our upcoming wine class where we are unleashing the wine staff to stump all comers. Next we are going to post the Saturday Wine Tasting. Len will join us for that one beginning at 1:00pm.

It also occurs to us that today is France's national independence day, Bastille Day. We've got a few suggestions to help to honor the day as only the French can...

St. germain is available

The St-Germain Cocktail:
2 parts Brut Champagne or Dry Sparkling Wine
1½ parts St-Germain
2 parts Sparkling Water or Club Soda

Method:
Stir ingredients in a tall ice-filled Collins glass, mixing completely. Think of Paris circa 1947. Garnish with a lemon twist.Variation: Think of Sartre circa 1947. Be the lemon twist.
Gift pack including free decanter with fill lines and recipe book, in stock. $35.99


Lillet is another Great choice

$18.99 750ml

Another Great Idea is Bastille hand crafted french whisky (pictured up top)
Produced in the Cognac region, this craft whiskey is amazing and the price is great!
$30.99

And there are Champagnes and wines from every region to choose from!

Wine Tasting 1-4pm Saturday, Jul 14

Your host is Len Gulino showing a selection of T. Edwards Wines.

Anne Pichon "Gris Montagne" Rosé 2011 $22.99 1.5 Liter
Composed of Carignan, Grenache and Syrah, this is a light, elegant rose with a delicate floral nose leading to vibrant berry notes on the palate. A subtle spiciness emerges on the refreshing finish.

Les Vins de Vienne Viognier 2011 $21.99
Light straw in the glass. Citric aromas of mandarin and apricot. It has a tight palate with flavors coming out of pear, apricot, and light lime and peach peel. It you like/love Chardonnay, this grape, Viognier, could become a new favorite for you. In 1996 three wine growers from The northern Rhone - Yves Cuilleron, Pierre Gaillard and Francois Villard - decided to join together to recreate the vineyards around Vienne. Beside production of the wines from here (appellation Vin de Pays des Collines Rhodaniennes) they have started a negociant firm producing wines from different appellations: Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, Saint-Joseph, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Cornas, Saint-Peray, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas and Côtes-du-Rhône.

Circa Pinot Grigio 2011 $7.99
LIght and lively Pinot Grigio with pleasing peach and lemon aromas. Citrus flavors and refreshing acidity make this a good pair with all kinds of lighter foods.

Elizabeth Spencer Sauvignon Blanc 2011 $19.99
Very pale spring green, with fresh apples and alfalfa aromas. It is mouth watering with lemon zest, grapefruit flavors and an undercurrent of just sliced peach that keeps the body balanced between bright citrus and fresh stone fruits. The subtle tang of melon makes the finish both fruity and clean.

WINE CLASS: Harry’s Staff Unleashed- Wed, July 25th 2012 7pm-9pm

For our next class we're going to unleash the staff here at Harry’s for another unplugged version of the series that we have not tried before. We’ll go blind with Christelle, Greg, Chris, and Jan, and we’ll freestyle our way through each of their own unique challenges to the participants. Domestic or imported? Older or younger? and more… How good are you? Are you up for the challenge?... Are they? Join us July 25th and find out

Wednesday July 25th 7pm-9pm
Harry’s Wine and Liquor 2094 Post rd.
$40 per person

Still a couple of seats remaining but you'll need to act quickly if you'd like to attend.

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, Jul 13th

Your host is Seth from City Steam brewery.

BLONDE ON BLONDE $9.49 6pk
A very hoppy, very pale CONNECTICUT ALE. Brewed with Northern Brewer hops for bitterness, Centennial and Cascade for aroma. 15 Plato. Oh Mama!

THE NAUGHTY NURSE Amber Ale $9.49 6pk
AMBER ALE. Our Best Seller! Brewed for a spicy, slightly bittersweet finish in the traditional English Manner. 13°

INNOCENCE ALE (IPA) $11.99 6pk
Absolutely packed with an abundance of malt and hops, this fine apple cheeked INDIA PALE ALE is anything but what the name suggests. 18 Plato.

Look who's early...

We've been putting the word out for the past few weeks that Rob Bleifer, Executive Chef for The Food Network, would be joining us today for our weekly wine tasting. He showed up about half an hour early and has jumped right in.

I warned him that I promised our people that he would be here to shake hands and kiss babies, he smiled and said "perfect, I love babies". I've only had a few minutes to get to know him but he seems like a good guy.

If you have got some time and want to meet one of the guys behind the entwine line of wines, a collaboration between The Food Network and Wente wines, this is your opportunity. Good, Food friendly line of wines and we'll be tasting them until 4:00pm.


2010 Cabernet Sauvignon- Rich, fruity, and herbaceous – like eating raspberry jam off a sprig of thyme.

2010 Chardonnay- Easy-Drinking, with crisp fall fruit – think toast spread with homemade apple butter.


2010 Merlot- Juicy and mouthwatering – thing mid-summer plums and cherries with a hint of black tea.


2010 Pinot Grigio- Crisp, refreshing, and citrusy, like a green apple drizzled with lime juice and honey.

Rob Bleifer, Exectutive Chef for The Food Network this Saturday 1pm-4pm

Join us for a special tasting of "entwine wines", A collaborative effort by Wente Vineyards and The Food Network Executive Chef, Rob Bleifer. A well crafted and food friendly line of wines that we will feature for our weekly wine tasting.

Rob will answer questions and sign a bottle if you would like. Bring a camera for a picture with him if you would like. The tasting will start promptly at 1:00pm and run until 4:00pm.

2010 Cabernet Sauvignon- Rich, fruity, and herbaceous – like eating raspberry jam off a sprig of thyme.

2010 Chardonnay- Easy-Drinking, with crisp fall fruit – think toast spread with homemade apple butter.

2010 Merlot- Juicy and mouthwatering – thing mid-summer plums and cherries with a hint of black tea.

2010 Pinot Grigio- Crisp, refreshing, and citrusy, like a green apple drizzled with lime juice and honey.

WINE DINNER: An Evening in Italia Tue, July 17th 2012 7pm-10pm

Harry’s Wine & Liquor Market, Wine Lovers of CT,

Bin 100, and Votto Vines Importing Present:

An Evening in Italia

Tuesday, July 17– 7PM

$70 all inclusive

Local burrata mozzarella, olive tapenade crostini

Ricotta stuffed zucchini flowers

Arancini di riso

Shrimp Ravioli

Grilled calamari steak

Monte del Fra Soave Classico 2011

Pan seared fresh Branzino filet with vegetable farro

Leone d’Oro Gavi 2011

Orrecchiette pasta tossed with sweet sausage and red peppers

Casalvento Chianti Classico 2007

Roasted pork tenderloin with dried cherries in a port wine reduction

Monte del Fra “Lena di Mezzo” Amarone 2007

Fresh berries with mascarpone zabaglione

Vinchio-Vaglio Serra Valamasca Moscato d’Asti 2010

For reservations please contact: 

Wine Lovers of Ct

1211 Quinnipiac Ave, New Haven

RSVP  203-469-4218

Email:  wineluvint@aol.com

Impromtu Beer tasting Clown Shoes & Green Flash

So a few weeks ago we introduced Clown Shoes, Six Point, and Green Flash to the state. (More on that here)

Todays Chris (OB around here) asked me if he could do an unscheduled tasting to livin' things up a bit around here. It seems that some of the folks on our staff would rather be at a picnic somewhere than working today (go figure). Sounded like a good idea to me although it looks like Renzo wants in the fun too, maybe a bit jealous?? In my attempt to keep morale high we thought we would revisit a couple of those breweries. If you are out and about, on your way to a picnic, or just looking for something to do. Come on by and taste some of these unique beers.

Clown Shoes Clementine 1.5 $5.99 (Limited Release)
Clementine 1.5 is the Daft Punk version of Clown Shoes Clementine, “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger.” The label illustrates the original Clementine tree as fully grown, and like its predecessors, Hoppy Feet and Hoppy Feet 1.5, the color of the sky has changed to show the passage of time and the increased intensity of the brew.

Green Flash West Coast IPA $6.49
Poured from a bottle into a New Belgium snifter. Freaking gorgeous-looking pour with a clear, reddish-amber color and a big fluffy head that leaves behind some great lacing on the glass. The nose just reeks of pine. It's almost sticky with the scent of pine sap. There is also just a hint of a honey-like sweet note

Green flash Imperial IPA $6.49
Golden yellow in color with a slight chill haze. Poured with a tall frosty white foam that reduced to a soapy cap that left a ladder of sticky lacings from the top of the glass to the bottom. Pungent floral and citrus hop aromas with an underlying sweet maltiness. Medium bodied with a resinous feel from the start through the middle turning oily at the finish Pungent hop smack right up front that slowly tapers from beginning to end. Finishes with a delayed semi-dry pungent, piney, bitter hop aftertaste. Pungent hop aromas and flavors on display with this DIPA


We have gotten some phone calls wondering how long we'll be open and the original answer was 8:00pm. Judging by the amount of business that may get ammended so don't wait until this evening to get your last minute supplies!

Happy Fourth!

Patrick

Caipirinha tasting Tuesday, July 3rd 4pm-7pm

Caipirinha (Portuguese pronunciation: [kajpiˈɾĩɲɐ]) is Brazil's national cocktail, made with cachaça (pronounced: [kaˈʃasɐ]) (sugar cane rum), sugar (preferably raw sugar) and lime.[1] Cachaça is Brazil's most common distilled alcoholic beverage (also known as Pinga or Caninha). Both rum and cachaça are made from sugarcane-derived products. Specifically with cachaça, the alcohol results from the fermentation of sugarcane juice that is afterwards distilled.

Carl Vitale is hosting and hand mixing the signature cocktail of Brasil using Pitu Cachaca and getting everyone in the celebrating spirit. As you plan for tommorrows festivities you can taste this very refreshing summer delite. Although it isn't Americas #1 cocktail, it sure is a great summer drink and he can show you how to make it!

Lots more recipes using Pitu Cacacha here:

http://www.pituusa.com/recipes.html Sold Out!
More available Thurdsday, Thanks Carl it was great!

July 4th Food and Wine!

With summer in full swing and the fourth of July just days away, you might be asking yourself what should I do and more importantly what should I eat and drink. Independence Day has become synonymous with barbeque and there is nothing better than chowing down on a big juicy burger to celebrate on our nations holiday. Most everyone will have hot dogs and burgers, but if you really want to try to impress your neighbors and friends here are a few quick and simple ideas as well as wine pairings that will make this holiday even that much better.

Baby back ribs, Lamb Burgers or steak. These entrees scream for a big, rich and robust reds. Cabernets, Syrah and Bordeaux are all great choices.

Millbrant Cabernet 09 - $15.99
Petit Chapeau Cote Du Rhone 10 - $10.99
Chateau Blanchon 10 - $14.99

Hamburgers, Hot Dogs and Sausages. There are a variety of types of wines that can pair well with all of these dishes. Personally more medium bodied reds such as Australian Shiraz, Spanish Rioja and even a Chianti offer delicious flavor without overpowering your taste buds.

D'arenberg The Stump Jump Shiraz 10 - $10.99
Ondarre Reserva Rioja 05 -$14.99
San Felice Chianti Classico 09 - $15.99

Salmon, Fatty Fish or Chicken. With these dishes both reds and whites are both acceptable. Personally a soft and light style red such as a pinot noir are always a great choice and if you wanted to try a white, something with a bigger and weightier body such as a Viognier would accompany these dishes.

Primarius Pinot Noir 09 - $14.99
Les Vins De Vienne Viognier $21.99

Shrimp, Scallops, and Lobster. Seafood always pairs extremely well with white wines no matter what type of fish you are having. With Shrimp and scallops a light zesty white such as a Gruner Veltliner is phenomonal. With lobster a creamy and oaky white such as a chardonnay is preferred
.
Hofer Gruner Veltiner 11 - $13.99
Cheveau Macon Solutre Poully 10 - $22.99

Enjoy and have a safe and fantastic holiday!

Chris OB