Tag Archives: New year

Happy Lunar New Year: Hot Pot and Old White Wine

Posted on January 30, 2017 by waywardwine

Happy Chinese Lunar New Year my internet followers. We decided to celebrate the year of the cock with our fudge on a Japanese classic: hot pot.

I started by soaking dehydrated shiitake mushrooms. Then I caramelized garlic in a pot. Once golden, I added 3 bowls of water to boil. While waiting, I furiously rinsed and chopped bok choy, carrots, enoki mushrooms, firm tofu, and broccoli. I then dolloped miso syrup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, the shiitakes, and a whiff of sriracha into the boil until I could just taste them. Fresh udon noodles and tofu plopped in. After five minutes, I killed the heat and then layered in the veg: crunchy’s first: carrots, then broccoli, bok choy, topped by enoki mushrooms. The lid capped in the steam. Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Asia, chapoutier, drink, Food, hot pot, Japan, lunar, lunar new year, moon, mushrooms, New year, wine | Leave a comment

New Year’s Eve 2017 Laurent-Perrier Champagne Profile

Posted on December 30, 2016 by waywardwine

Confused by the Champagne shelf? Me too. Prestigious-sounding names blur together. Navigating the cursive fonts, French, shiny labels, crests, colors, and high prices might send you to Prosecco. Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged 2016, 2017, Champagne, drink, France, Laurent Perrier, New year, New Years Eve, travel, wine | Leave a comment

Counting Down: How to Crack Champagne for New Year’s Eve

Posted on December 26, 2013 by waywardwine

The countdown begins. Eyes watch the ball drop. 3. 2. 1.

Corks crack open, impale an uncle, and flutes fill with Champagne. It disappears just as quickly. But between the hugs, huzzahs, resolutions, and regrets, you wonder: was that $40 plus bottle of Frenchness worth it?

It tasted fine. Maybe a bit tart, or a bit fruity, or a bit toasty. But memorable? Maybe it was too cold. Maybe the excitement distracted you. But we here at Wayward Wine blame New Year’s Eve. Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged 2014, Blue Top, Bordeaux, Brut, Champagne, France, Heidsieck & Co Monopole, New year, Non Vintage, Paris, Prosecco, Sparkling wine | 4 Comments

HAPPY.NEW.SAME.

Posted on January 4, 2012 by waywardwine

Wine follows its own calendar. You can’t rush it. All you can hope is to avoid panic. It has taken two months for it to settle, since I picked up vidal blanc grapes in October. I itch to bottle it. … Continue reading →