For the past eleven years we had the “Best Derby Day Gala Ever” right here in the Star City of the South, Roanoke Virginia. Sadly, the Covid-19 caused the cancellation of the 2020 Derby Day Gala at Rockledge, but we still have lots of very happy memories. I had the honor of serving on our Derby…
Roanoke Virginia
Spring Is In “Bloom” ~ Wasena Neighborhood~ Roanoke, Virginia
One of the best things about my hometown, Roanoke, Virginia, is our neighborhoods. Wasena neighborhood is an up-and-coming area with fun restaurants. One of my favorite restaurants in Wasena is Bloom. Bloom recently hosted a International Women’s Day Brunch – featuring wine and food pairings. For our aperitif, we chose Apricot Mimosas. On their à la…
Holiday Sparkling Wine/Champagne Tasting ~ River and Rail Restaurant
What better way to take a breather from the hustle & bustle of the holidays than to sip sparkling wine and champagne at the River and Rail Restaurant in Roanoke Virginia? Relaxing and refreshing! Our first bubbly tasting was Avinyo Petillant 2018 from the Penedès region of Catalonia located just outside of Barcelona. Vibrant and…
Bordeaux Tasting ~ Domaines Barons de Rothschild
In preparation for holiday celebrations, we shared a very special evening with friends who had just returned from a trip to France. With so many holiday parties to attend and gifts to buy, we will all be on the search for wonderful pairing wines to toast the happy holiday occasions. It was in this spirit…
Bloom ~ Restaurant and Wine Bar in Roanoke, Virginia
Bloom Restaurant has a big city vibe with a small town feel. Located in the historic Wasena neighborhood in Roanoke, Virginia, this modern sleek restaurant offers a seasonal menu that highlights fresh local food. Don’t let the unassuming facade fool you, there’s lots to love inside! The Roanoker Magazine will feature Bloom in upcoming issues….
Loving Vermouth ~ Happy Martini Day!
Today (June 19, 2019) is National Martini Day. My friends at T.W. Hollister and Company in Gaviota, California sent me some fabulous vermouth to taste – Oso de Oro dry vermouth and red vermouth. The Hollister homestead has a rich heritage which can be found here: https://twhollister.co/heritage They source the finest ingredients available and wild…
Austrian Wine Dinner ~ Riesling, Gruner Veltliner and Pinot Noir
We were welcomed to the River and Rail Restaurant by Executive Chef Aaron Deal and Klaus Wittauer, founder kwselection Wines from Austria. Our first course was “Brettljause”/Kasekrainer, Alp Blossom Cheese, Fingerling Potato Salad and Smoked Trout Roe and Rye Flour Crackers paired with Anton Bauer, Riesling, Feuersbrunn 2016 – light soft yellow color. On the…
