All Set in Massachusetts

Puma City -- Boston Fan Pier

Social media breakfast Boston

ICA Boston -- view from Puma City

Kicking outdoor patio -- Grand Canal, Boston

Ready for summer and Happy Hour?

www.thegrandcanalboston.com

Between Haymarket and Da Garden

Puma in Boston

Andrus Reserve 2002 - One of the Best from Pine Ridge Napa Valley

In honor of early summer weather (in April! in Massachusetts!) and National Prime Rib Day, we cracked open a special bottle of wine tonight – Andrus Reserve 2002 from Pine Ridge in Napa Valley. While this bottle of wine was expensive – retailing at nearly $100 when we bought it four years ago – its smooth, rich flavors reminded us why we splurged on it in the first place. The smoky aroma is reminiscent of blackberries and cherries, and the flavor combines fruit with a hint of spice and tobacco, and features a long, silky finish. Named after the founders of Pine Ridge, Andrus Reserve is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Merlot, and is aged in chateau-style thin staved French oak barrels.

A&T Ranking 8.5/10

Vegas Hotels - Wynn vs. Palazzo

In the past six weeks, I've been on two business trips to Vegas. The first time, I stayed at the Palazzo, the newest wing of the Venetian. The Palazzo is an all-suite hotel, and I was very impressed with the style and decor of the rooms. They were comfortable and inviting, yet also the type of space where you want to throw a wild party (unfortunately, the only "pre-gaming" I did was rehearsing my work presentation).  My room had two queen-sized beds with fluffy white duvets and a living area with a massive velour sectional couch. There were flat screen TVs in both the bedroom and living areas, and floor-to-ceiling windows that revealed expansive views of the desert (my room faced the Wynn). My only complaint was that my shower head did not have a hook (I was in a handicap accessible room). Therefore, I was relegated to hand-held (European style) showers all week. Overall, this was a fabulous hotel in a good location on the strip. I highly recommend it. It ranks right up there with my all-time favorite, THEhotel at Mandalay Bay.

This past week, I stayed at the Wynn, which is also a very nice hotel. When you arrive, you will see a massive fountain (of the kind of proportion you only find in Vegas), where you can sit and have drinks while you're waiting for your room to be ready. The rooms themselves were surprisingly formal and a bit bland in style, and not as fun as the rooms at the Palazzo. However, the bed was quite comfortable, and the bathroom spacious with double sinks, a large tub, and a glass enclosed shower. I loved the lemongrass citrus Bambu bath products! One strange thing that happened was that the maid threw away my expensive razor. I complained about it, and the hotel's response was to bring me a disposable shave kit. Perhaps it was just a fluke experience, but one worth noting. I ordered room service twice (one breakfast and one lunch) and would highly recommend the Asian Chicken salad.

Bottom line: You can't go wrong with either of these hotels. But if you're looking for a great Vegas hotel experience (without the skeeviness of the Hard Rock, where I've also stayed many times), definitely check out the Palazzo.

The Tastes of Concord, Mass

West Concord Liquors, The Concord Chamber of Commerce, and Solidworks Present: The Tastes of Concord

Over 100 different wines along with scotch and beer to taste and pair with food from 15 local producers and restaurants. Come hungry and thirsty!

The Tastes of Concord is like a city event right in your backyard! Usually you have to go into Boston for something this big. Bring your 21+ family, friends and dates. Dress code is casual or dress to impress.

When: Thursday, April 30, 2009 from 6:30 to 9:00 pm

Where: The Concord Cafe inside Solidworks. 300 Baker Ave in Concord. There will be balloons at the entrance!

Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 at the door

Tickets available at: West Concord Liquors, 1216 Main Street, West Concord (978) 369-3872, the Concord Chamber of Commerce, 15 Walden Street, Suite 7, (978) 369-3120, or online  

Food: Concord Prime and Fish, Verrill Farm, The Cheese Shop, Vincenzo's, Slow Pokes BBQ, 40ParkLane, Edible Arrangements, To Die For, Comella's, Walden Grille, Club Car Cafe, Concord's Colonial Inn, Corporate Chefs

National Pigs in a Blanket Day -- April 24, 2009

National Pigs in a Blanket Day  Who wants to celebrate? Throw back a few beers and a couple dozen pigs!

Make it Rain -- Zimbabwe Style

Wine Riot, Boston- April 17 & 18

Wine Riot! Not your Parents Wine Event!
Kick ass expo-style wine event in Boston’s South End

When: April 17th and 18, 2009

Where: Cyclorama
539 Tremont St
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 426-5000

Buy Tickets:

Cost: $45.00/$65.00 for VIP night

What/Why:

The Riot will feature 250+ baller wines from all over the globe in a snob free environment. Highlights include crash course seminars, tasty food pairings, twitter tasting, photo booth, dj and a special seminar VIP night on organic and biodynamic farming.

Free Crash Courses will be hosted by sponsors throughout the Riot! sessions, dishing in-depth knowledge about specific grapes, regions, and growing trends. Stop in for some complimentary guided tastings and head back to the main floor equipped with some stellar tips and know-how that will help you stand up to any wine list you meet.