MEalcentric's Profile
Wine fridge recomandations
Costco is selling a 55 bottle and 155 bottle vinotemp for incredibly cheap ($590 adn $1300 respectively)
visiting wineries in Chile
This is very helpful, as I am going to Chile and Argentina this month. I was also wondering about the logistics of shipping wine back to the states. Do the wineries help you out? What were the prices of shipping like? Many thanks
how do I plan for 3 days of wine tasting?
I like this website and it has a great interactive map
http://www.napavintners.com/maps/maps_of_napa_wineries.asp
Are these wines good to drink now?
You should check out the drinking windows suggested by cellartracker.com. I find that it is relatively accurate.
Wine Shipment. Opinions?
Is it always the case that the cork is stained when a wine is cooked? I feel that, more often than not, when I wine I feel is cooked, the cork looks fine.
Wine Shipment. Opinions?
I just got a shipment from Chimney Rock and had the same reaction as a resident of So Cal. I havent opened the box yet and I am considering returning it.
The Counter is coming to OC
It's been a while since I've lurked on the boards here, so it may be old news, but it looks like The Counter is soon opening a location in Irvine in the shopping center on Irvine Blvd and San Canyon. Just a heads up
calling all connoisseurs
Try Bogle's Petit Syrah which goes for about $10 at TJ. It's a good example of what a petit syrah should be for a good price.
BDay Napa Trip
I know this question gets asked a million times but I ask that you bear with me. I am going to be stayin in Napa from Oct 12-14 for my bday. I get in around noon on Friday and leave late afternoon Sunday. I already know a few wineries I have to hit b/c they are some of my favorites (Duckhorn and the affiliated Paraduxx--reserv made already). Plan so far is to hit Paraduxx on Friday afternoon and then parlay over to Cakebread. Then take a tour of Duckhorn very early Saturday morning. I was hoping you could point me in the direction of other interesting wineries (doenst need to be the big boys). I thought it would make sense to minimize the driving on each day and hit wineries that are in close proximity to one another (Duckhorn----->Close Pegases-->?) and maybe picnic at some of the locations. I am primiarily a Cab/Zin drinker, but really appreciate (and buy) all varietals. Many thanks, and appreciate you bearing with this redundant question.
Wine Fridge Temp Fluctuates
Interesting observation. I also noted the same "disclaimer" on some of there more expensive(i.e. $1000+) units.
Wine Fridge Temp Fluctuates
I've been using a Haier 40(ish) bottle wine fridge. The fridge has an LED display for the temp and I've noticed that is is always fluctuating about 5 degrees. I've set the temp at 63 for my reds but since the fridge is not always actively pumping cool air, it doent maintain a constant temp (it goes to 65, kicks on, down to 60, then creeps back up to 65...) Is my concern that the temp is not "constant" warranted or am I better off getting a bigger/better fridge?
Lunch in Orange, CA
I've never understood this boards appreciation with Felix. I went a couple of times and was really dispointed both times. To each his/her own I guess.
Recommendation: Penfold's Shiraz / Cabernet
Agreed. There Cab-Merlot is awesome too.
OC Restaurant for 40-50?
I am looking for suggestions in OC for a restaurant that can accomodate 40-50 people for a celebration dinner. The group is open to food, but I think asian is out of consideration. Price range is flexible but nothing ultra expensive. Thanks
Storage of a Wine Fridge
I am thinking about finally making the jump to getting a decent wine cooler. The issue is that there is no where practical to put in my house, so I was contemplated putting it in the garage. My concern is that the garage gets too warm and may cause the fridge to burn out prematurely. Is this a valid concern?
Any recs on small fridges would also be appreciated. I dont plan on storing many bottles, even though the concensus is that everyone says the same but then regrets not going big.
"Hinged" Corkscrew
Most Trader Joes have them as well. At least the one by my house does.
Bagels in Irvine
Didnt even know they were a chain. A google seach shows that the Kalmus drive location is still in operation. May need to check that out since its closer to work. I've had the everything a couple times and it's great for making people avoid you.
Bagels in Irvine
I recently stumbled upon "Big City Bagels" in Irvine off off Jeffrey and Alton (between Ralphs and Starbucks). Seemed like a mom and pop shop so I had no real expectation of getting a decent bagel. What I got was a warm bagel with a great crust that had some pull and chew to it and a soft interior. I was very impressed. They had all your typical variety along with some other more trendy bagels.I dont know if they bake on-site (I would be very surprised), but I dont know how the bagel was warm right out of the case. I thought it was much better than the bagels at Bagels and Brew and head an shoulders above anything else in the vicinity. They brew Deidrichs coffee to boot. I've been back a few times now and everytime, I am impressed (though the bagels werent warm on my second and thrid trip). Definately worth checking out if you live in the area.
UCI-late night eats?
Oki Doki on bristol and paularino is open pretty late. I think it closes at 1am or something.
What happened to "New" labels
How come new posts that you havent read no longer have the "New Post" label to show there have been updates since the last time you read the thread?
Post Edit...and now they are back...
First date options - OC?
Zovs is a more mature scene, though a great date destination. For a lighter scene, try Blue Coral or Wild Fish. Both upscale but in a louder environment. For a more casual and a younger scene, try Habanna in the Lab. Very dark and energetic room.
Chat Noir can be nice, but I am not crazy about their food or prices.
Quiet Woman, Oysters, or Nagisa in OC
Blue Coral isnt really a "scene," so dont let that deter you. I've been a couple times now and really enjoy the food and service. My only gripe is that they serve their biscuits at room temp but I guess we cant win em all.
Biz. Lunch in Long Beach Environs
Unless it's moved, not exactly between CM and Long beach
Biz. Lunch in Long Beach Environs
I am meeting a client in the Long Beach area for lunch (not sure exactly where he will be in LB). I am coming from Costa Mesa and would love to to hear recs for a lunch spot between Costa Mesa and LB. Client and I are old friends so a less formal place work as well so long as the food is very good. Please, no great value finds, since he is still a client.
Business Breakfast in South OC to Santa Ana
I may be mistaken, but I thought only the Cafe did breakfast. I think the Bistro does Sunday brunch. In either event, a GREAT suggestion
Business Breakfast in South OC to Santa Ana
The better the view, the worse the food (generally)
Business Breakfast in South OC to Santa Ana
Probably not, but still not worth going. Also, keep in mind you either have to make a 10 minute walk from the parking lot to the restaurant or take the shuttle, which adds to the lag time. I was very disapointed in the experience and wont be going back.
Up the street in the Crystal Cover shopping center is Pacific Whey. Not super fancy but great breaskfast foods.
Business Breakfast in South OC to Santa Ana
I would skip beachcomber unless you are very comfortable with the client and dont mind waiting for up to an hour with him for pretty mediocre food.
Sol Grill--Newport?
A co-worker of mine raves about this place. I couldnt find anything on Chowhound but I found a couple of positive reviews on citysearch. Anyone been here recently and care to weigh in?
The Beachcomber Cafe Crystal Cove
I finally ventured out to the beachcomber for breakfast. Got there at 8:45 and there was a short 30 minute wait, which wasnt too bad with the Sunday paper in hand sitting on the sand.
We started off with a bloody marry and a mimosa. The bloody marry was decent, but clearly made with a mix, though I appeciated the real celery salt on the rim. The mimosa appeared to be made with fresh squeezed juice which was a plus.
Service was a little slow and erratic but friendly. I settled on the egg white frittata with cottage cheese and toast. Girlfriend had the greek omlette. I wasnt impressed with either one, especially since mine came out dry, gummy and pretty cold (to the point where the cheese on top had firmed up). The frittata portion of my egg whites consisted of a few slices of mushroom and a few dices of tomato. Her meal was a little better (and warmer) and was a better sized portion as well.
Overall, I wont be rushing back, especially with wait which I have heard can be several hours.
