"[A] fantastic blog... which ranges from opinions on food and wine to daily adventures in a culinary-related profession."

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

The Wa Project Photography Auction at 25CPW

Basquiat & Warhol by Ricky Powell, NYC, 1985

Last Thursday, I headed downtown to Central Park West for the Wa Project Photography Auction which was catered by Blue Ribbon Sushi and Sapporo.

I'd arrived early to an already "buzzing" atmosphere. After making a donation at the door, I lined up for a little sushi and refreshment. A couple in front of me was discussing which pieces they were going to ask for and I decided I'd do the same.

inarizushi, shrimp tempura and ?

I'd not been to Blue Ribbon Sushi since a Japanese friend had taken me there in 1998. I'd spent years looking for the unmarked restaurant and it wasn't until last year that I realized that it was Blue Ribbon Sushi she'd taken me to. A native Japanese, she was excited about taking me to "the best sushi in NYC." But being young (nineteen) and not yet a foodie... I ordered steak.

So I've never actually had Blue Ribbon sushi, but I've a sneaking suspicion that the event was actually catered by another restaurateur.

The sushi wasn't as extraordinary as one would expect from the Bromberg brothers, and at the sushi line were business cards for another Japanese restaurant which was not Blue Ribbon. Perhaps something unavoidable had come up, last minute, and they had to pull out...

folk band Thomas Wesley Stern

As I examined photographs on display and milled about, American folk band Thomas Wesley Stern began tuning up for some live entertainment. I ran into a few Blue Ribbon employees whom I'd chatted with over Sapporo-and-sakes and also met a friendly reporter, Kaoru Komi, from the Japanese press. She asked if I was going to bid on any pieces that evening and I expressed interest in one in particular. Later that night I did bid on the piece, but was outbid...

Buffalo Ranch Oklahoma 2007 by Becky Holladay

It wasn't long before 25CPW gallery was at capacity and about halfway through the evening, the organizers stopped for a brief discussion about Wa Project and to thank the artists and contributors.

full house at 25CPW

Shortly thereafter, I had to skip out to meet some friends in Hell's Kitchen where we later ended up at Nizza for late night snacks. I, of course, ordered an extra anchovy pizza, my new "usual"...

anchovy pizza at Nizza

anchovy pizza at work

Daniel thought we should order a bottle and as the sommelier in the group, I, of course, had to pick out the wine. Veuve Clicquot seemed to be the "economical" choice (a lady was present so it had to be champagne--prosecco wouldn't do). I actually would have preferred a Moët & Chandon or Perrier-Jouët, but after all the Sapporo-and-sakes I'd had at the auction, I probably wouldn't have noticed much of a difference anyway... It was a fine night.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Blue Ribbon Sushi Teams Up with Wa Project to Benefit Japan


Thursday, April 21st, 6 - 9 p. m.

Wa Project Presents:

A Photography Auction benefiting Architecture for Humanity 

Japan Tsunami Relief

25CPW, 25 Central Park West 


Wa Project is pleased to announce a photographic exhibition and auction benefiting Architecture for Humanity’s rebuilding efforts following the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. 

The auction will be held at the 25CPW gallery in midtown and 100% of the funds raised will be donated to Architecture for Humanity’s work in rebuilding devastated communities in the affected area

The night will be a celebration with a display of photographic art, music and Japanese cuisine from Blue Ribbon Sushi with liquid refreshment from Sapporo and more. In addition, all ticket holders will be entered into a raffle.

The donated auction prints follow the theme of 和 (Wa). This ancient name for Japan also describes a cultural concept which underpins much of Japanese society. It has no direct translation in English, although the closest term that could be applied would be the idea of ‘harmony.’ Prints from a diverse range of photographers who have interpreted this theme in a variety of ways will be featured and provide you with a unique collection. Click here for the auction image preview.

Tickets: $20 in advance/$25 at the door

Catering by: Blue Ribbon Sushi

More details: waphotographyauction.com

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Spring is Springing in Midtown

Today at work we received our new "Spring Menu Descriptions." On my subway ride home, I read about the new items diligently... and am pretty excited about a few:

Two (of the twenty five) new cheeses:
  • Drunken Goat from Spain--firm, mild and soaked in wine
  • Fleur de Maquis from France (sheep's milk)--earthy and rubbed in herbs

A wheel of Fleur de Maquis

Pizzas (three new ones):
  • White Clam--shucked littleneck clams, chopped garlic, mozzarella and fresh oregano, finished with shaved pecorino

clam clan

Sadly, one pizza I'd really wanted to try (fried artichoke) was taken off the menu before I'd gotten around to tasting it... perhaps chef will still make one for me.

By the way: I love my new job! I'm so excited to be at a restaurant where I'm passionate about the whole menu, not just some of it, and I'm guessing our executive chef/proprietor feels the same (there's no "throw-away" items on the menu--all items that we're proud to serve).

I met the executive chef the other night and felt a genuine warmth upon meeting him. He visits the restaurant regularly and actually spends time there (not just when on business)... I've yet to dine at my new restaurant as a guest; I'm hoping to take my parents there first--if I can get them to visit!

"I wonder how Patrick's doing."
"I wonder... what are we doing for dinner?"

Monday, April 18, 2011

April 18, 2011


Pay your taxes, then have a stiff drink... in that order.

(that's an order!)

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Yet Another Sunday Brunch

It seems that my regular schedule at my new job includes Fridays and Sundays off; I'm all for that.

After meeting an out of town friend for an early a. m. latte at Café Lalo (they have a terrific champagne list) before flying home to East Lansing, Michigan, I returned home to prepare myself a Sunday brunch, for one. (David's in Europe for a music competition and recital) Before David left town last week, we both went grocery shopping because he knows that if left to my own devices, I'll eat out three times a day until he returns home.

ON my way home I decided to stop at Heights Wine & Spirits--one liquor store in the neighborhood which I had yet to try. Upon entering, I was immediately impressed: a nice selection and a few "rare to find" bottles. (there was even an organic Marquis de Gelida) I selected a bottle of Segura Vuidas brut cava to make mango mimosas with.

Arriving home, I went to washing scallions and haricots verts and came up with the menu as I went. The first two courses consisted of: a scallion omelette, with a crushed Ritz cracker crust and haricots verts in brown butter (and garlic).

My Sunday Brunch

I decided to prepare the haricots verts first, tossing them in butter, garlic powder and fleur de sel, while I beat eggs with some milk for the omelette. Considering I don't consider myself a cook, the omelette came out much better than I'd expected.

Simple Scallion Omelette
Ingredients: 3-4 eggs
Small bunch of scallions
Milk for fluffing
Handful of Ritz style crackers
Garlic powder and sea salt
Olive oil
Directions:

  • Wash and chop about half (or more) of a small bunch of scallions
  • Beat three to four eggs, with some milk added (to fluff the omelette)
  • Add: chopped scallions, garlic powder and sea salt, to taste; stir
  • Pour olive oil into a large pan, enough to coat the entire bottom; allow pan to warm over medium to high heat
  • Crush about ⅓ sleeve Ritz style crackers
  • Once pan has heated: pour in the egg mixture and sprinkle the crushed crackers on top of the egg, completely covering
  • Cover and cook over medium heat until top layer appears 'firm'
  • Carefully flip omelette, allow to cook for an additional one to two minutes before turning off flame; may leave covered, in pan, until ready to serve
  • Slice into quarters and season with freshly ground black pepper and a dash of cajun seasoning (optional) to taste

scallion omelette with haricots verts in brown butter and garlic

The omelette was as refreshing as a cold lime citron pressé and the crushed cracker crust added substance. Once making my way through one or two mango nectar mimosas (my own variation of the mango flip) I cleared the table to make room for a (Häagen-Dazs) java chip sundae with raw oats and roasted salted cashews.

No, the sundae wasn't served on the table--David 
and I have clear dessert bowls from Ikea

The sundae was the perfect mix of textures and flavors--both hard and soft, sweet and salty. The raw oats topping is a tip I'd learned from David--which may seem a bit unusual to some--but tasting it, it makes perfect sense. I'd have to say that today's brunch surpassed my own expectations. (Cindy Bearman best hope I don't consider pursuing pastry studies!)

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Friday, April 15, 2011

Just In!

Part one of four of our very own Spring Picnic Prize--it's not too late to enter for your chance to win(e)! This huge 40" x 70" hard to find "Gourmet: Popsicles" beach towel sells on other sites for prices upwards of $70! But our lucky winner will receive it absolutely free!

Condé Nast Beach is a collection of vintage magazine covers. Enjoy
classic artwork from Condé Nast's publications of New Yorker,
Gourmet, House & Garden and Mademoiselle
magazines.
40" x 70"

Thursday, April 14, 2011

My Return to Flip

Just a few days after posting "Flip at Bloomingdale's" I received an e-mail from Bloomingdale's regional manager of restaurants.

... I just wanted to take the opportunity to apologize for the flaws in our service. Your blog was comprehensive and well-written, and your points are all well taken. Your experience does not reflect our standards of service and we used your blog as an instructional tool for the staff to remind them how important it is to adhere to our standards 100% of the time. I do hope you come back to try us again. I hope to exceed your expectations. In fact, have the host or manager call me and I will come down and introduce myself...

Never one to turn down a personal invitation to dine, how could I not go back?

After running a few errands in midtown, I headed east along Central Park South and shortly thereafter, arrived at the Lexington Avenue entrance of Bloomingdale's. Arriving at Flip, on the lower level, I waited for the host to return to the podium who then escorted me to a banquette table for one with a view of the entire restaurant. Immediately after seating me, he removed the additional place setting. I was already impressed...

A complete set of shakers and a clean dining room at Flip.

The first thing I did after being seated was to inspect the floor and banquette surrounding my table. Not a crumb. I was also glad to find a "specials" menu on my table--something that was missing on my last visit. After selecting a cocktail, I browsed the specials and instantly knew I would be ordering the Brie and fig burger: our refined (wagyu) blend burger topped with Brie and fig compote on a plain brioche with steak fries. ($18)

My server, Megan, quickly brought my "mango flip," a mango purée and 'champagne' (St.-Hilaire) bellini.

My table set with everything I needed...

Megan even brought me the bottle with "a little extra champagne." Another thing that impressed me on this visit was the signature Flip coasters, something I'd never seen there before.

I'm almost 'fine-dining.'

Flip's manager on duty greeted me with a smile and made his round of chatting with guests while Megan returned to top off my mango bellini. Shortly thereafter, my burger arrived and as Megan placed the plate before me asked, "Would you like any mayonnaise or mustard to go with that?"

"I'll take some mustard."

"Would you like yellow or dijon?" (I just about fell off my chair)

"I'll take the dijon."

I was excited about tasting my burger and quickly went about peppering the fries and removing the top bun. (I rarely eat the top bun on burgers)

Special of the day...

wagyu beef topped with Brie and fig compote.

I ordered my Brie and fig burger medium rare, even though I was a bit apprehensive about it; but they did have an "A" grade posted at the front of the restaurant... I told both the server and the manager that my Brie and fig burger was, perhaps, the best burger I've tasted in NYC. Perhaps that was a bit of an exaggeration, but the burger was quite good!

Needless to say--fully
enjoyed...

After Megan cleared my table, she asked if I'd be interested in coffee or dessert to which I had to reply, "I need a few minutes to rest..." By this time, the restaurant had become quite full with what seemed to be happy diners.

Late lunch (or early dinner) at Flip.

As I relaxed, taking in the sights and sounds, I noticed: clean and properly set tables; and a steadfast host at the podium. A few moments later, Megan returned (with the inadvertently removed dessert menu) and took my order for S&S cheesecake. The cheesecake was nothing to rave about, but it did have a nice crust at the end. All in all, Flip certainly redeemed itself on this visit and I would definitely dine there again. (as long as one of the better servers are working)

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

I Never Met an Amuse-Bouche I Didn't Like

... until tonight.

One of the many pleasures of working in a completely new neighborhood is getting to discover all the neighborhood bars, eateries and gems... Last night I made my first stop at The Oak Room. It was fine enough--even with its $88 Manhattan, and mini ice cream cones (please, let's keep it classy). I also peeked into Jumeirah Essex House's South Gate (beautiful dining room) and Marea, just east of Columbus Circle (wonderful menu), but tonight, stopped at yet another restaurant, lying just adjacent to Columbus Circle.

Upon passing through gold-trimmed doors, I was welcomed by a warm front door staff. I told the maître d' I was just 'there for a quick drink' to which a hostess escorted me to a pair of open bar stools. I started with a glass of Napa Valley sparkling Domaine Carneros ($15), which was rather flawless (for an American sparkling) and after a brief chat with one of the managers, decided upon ordering foie gras brûlée. ($19)

A few minutes after placing my order, I was presented with an amuse-bouche, "compliments of the chef." Having had only a handful of amuse-bouches in my lifetime (they usually only come gratis, or with a tasting menu), I'd never met an amuse-bouche I didn't like--until tonight. Not having ordered it, I don't remember its exact description, but I do remember: on the left, a 'crispbread' with wholegrain mustard, topped with a quarter of a baby radish; and on the right, a warm carrot soup, topped with a dribble of what seemed to resemble pesto oil. I wasn't an avid fan of it--but after all, it was complimentary.

Next, the foie gras brûlée arrived, served with pineapple-meyer lemon jam on the side. As I sliced my first taste of the foie gras brûlée, set upon a slice of brioche, I was near-dazzled as foie gras seeped out the crevices of the brûlée shell. Dressed with the pineapple-meyer lemon jam, it was "above pleasant." The manager I spoke with earlier stopped back to check on me to which I replied, "I would have a double order of this--with some greens--as an entrée..." As I worked on my second glass of Domaine, the bartender placed a dessert spoon at the northern end of my place mat and I knew that a third course would be coming.

Yet another unordered item, "compliments of [the manager]," I don't recall its exact description. But I do recall: hazelnut cream and raspberries. It, like the amuse-bouche, didn't do much for me. But I did appreciate the gesture. Of course, I won't tell you how or why I received all this PPX service (that would be giving away my secrets) and I won't tell you where it all took place. But if you can put two and two together (like you may have, regarding where I had previously worked) you can probably figure out where I was. Although the two floor managers I'd spoken with that evening said to me, "You're welcome anytime!"--I'll probably just stick to The Oak Room. So far, it's my 'new neighborhood' favorite place...

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

ABC K-i-t-c-h-e-n, Part 2

My place setting at ABC Kitchen
I just returned home from a lengthy and lovely dinner with my very dear friend (a.k.a. partner in crime), Cynthia. Being that we both were working until about nine, we decided to meet midway, at Union Square, at ten. I'd spent my minutes on the subway trying to think of a convenient place where Cynthia and I could meet for a pit stop. ABC Kitchen, being just a short walk from Union Square, seemed to be a sensible decision.

Arriving at ABC, I gave my name to the maître d' while I waited for Cynthia to arrive. I knew I had at good twenty minutes or so before Cynthia would arrive which left me with plenty of time to examine the menus. While I sipped iced coffee at the bar, I more or less narrowed down my decisions to: a bottle of Castellroig brut cava ($42) and my favorite ABC dish, chicken liver toast ($10, up from $9). At exactly 10:15 (the time I'd requested for a table), the hostess approached to let me know: "we're just resetting your table."

A few quick minutes later, I was escorted to a table in the main dining room. Shortly thereafter, Cynthia arrived and quickly scanned the menu selecting: pork belly appetizer with shaved (and pickled?) radishes and spinach and quinoa salad with shitake mushrooms and goat cheese. Our dishes, which we'd asked to be brought out all at once, came out faster than I had anticipated. What I'd worried was going to be too little food, ended up being quite a bit. As the final dishes were laid before us, another runner approached carrying a plate of brussels sprouts, (dressed in a wonderful dressing) "compliments of the chef."

Delighted, Cynthia and I dove right into dishing out portions for each other onto share plates. The first dish I sampled was Cynthia's pork belly appetizer. With three layers--crispy, meaty and fatty--it was truly a taste experience any meat lover would enjoy. Next, I moved onto my chicken liver toast, but didn't love it as much as I'd remembered. The pâté seemed less "moussy" and flavorful than the previous time. After having a few of the perfectly charred and wonderfully flavorful brussels sprouts, I moved onto sampling Cynthia's spinach and quinoa salad. I skipped forking up any quinoa (I'm not a huge fan of the stuff), but was pretty pleased with the taste of the 'meaty' shitake mushrooms. Throughout the meal, the highly affordable Catellroig cava was pas mal.

As minutes turned into hours... we still hadn't gotten through what seemed to be a bottomless bottle of cava, and had no room left for dessert. As we slowly made our way toward the front door, we managed to become fast friends with nearly the entire staff. One of our many servers that evening recommended coming back in a month, "when the green market really starts to pick up." Cynthia and I were both impressed with the service at ABC Kitchen (and it takes quite a bit to impress us) and will definitely return next month to sample the seasonal offerings.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Brunch and the City

PPX crew
Today was the thirtieth birthday celebration for a very dear friend of mine and he decided to celebrate with a brunch at Braai--South African cuisine in Hell's Kitchen. Even though I'd previously browsed their menu online, I still couldn't come to a conclusion when our server came around to take orders. (I'd had a Stella D'oro breakfast treat that morning, plus a cup of coffee and wasn't all that hungry) I decided to go with dippy eggs, two soft boiled eggs with toast fingers.

soft boiled eggs and toast
I'd never eaten a soft boiled egg before, but I at least had a clue as to how to eat them... The bottom of each egg cup was filled with salt and pepper--each one in the other--and appropriately, my toast was cut into the perfect shapes for dipping. The "dippy eggs" were just enough and still left room for unlimited pomegranate mimosas! ($12)

Pama mimosa
Later that night, I was feeling hungry again (even though I'd already had a four cheese pizza and some sparkling at Therapy) and decided to go to Mercer Kitchen for a late night snack. I was having a meat craving and thought about ordering their tarte flambée, but unfortunately, it was taken off the menu. I instead ordered the tuna spring roll, with soybean purée.

tuna spring roll

The tuna spring roll was okay and the presentation was shoddy; but the dressing was actually quite good. To conclude my late night snack, I had a glass of cold apple cider, from the dessert menu.

apple cider at Mercer café


It was the best apple cider I'd ever tasted... thick, juicy and cinnamon-y! I also liked the fact that they offer a juice on the dessert menu; sometimes I want something sweet, but not necessarily a dessert.

After I finished reading Food & Wine, I decided it was time to call it a night and head home. It was a good Sunday...

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Vaguely Familiar?

From Behind The Open Table

Next Magazine covers dinner at Dixon Place

... or is it just me?

Saturday, April 9, 2011

A Contest Fit for Foodies!

In an effort to get a much delayed spring on it's way, FBTOT is offering a Spring Picnic Prize! 

One lucky winner will receive an official FBTOT "I love champagne" eco-friendly natural canvas tote, in 100% cotton, stuffed with prizes including a 40x70 oversized Condé Nast "Gourmet: Popsicles" beach towel, in 100% cotton--a recreation of a classic Gourmet cover.

Win these plus more!


And our winner will also receive a bottle of bubbly, compliments of De Wine Spot plus a certificate to use towards dinner at one of our favorite New York City restaurants.All you have to do to enter is send an email to: frombehindtheopentable@gmail.com with "spring picnic prize" in the subject line.

The winner will be selected at random and announced on June 20, 2011. The contest is open to anyone age 21 and over, but do keep in mind that your redemption certificates are redeemable in New York only.

*The winner will receive a certificate to redeem a bottle of wine at De Wine Spot plus a certificate to use towards dinner at a restaurant of our choosing. 

Friday, April 8, 2011

So Long to 3 Years of Memories

Today was the last time I passed through these doors as an employee of the Prince Street eatery that I'd stayed at for so long...

I will truly miss many of my co-workers there, especially those that I worked the front door with and the rest of our FOH staff. I brought my trusty Canon S90 to work with me today to snap a few "last day photos," but (even though I was only working the reservations office) I was busier today than I had thought I would be.

The only photo I managed capture all day is this one photo of my co-maître d' who I've drank many a cava with and have eaten many an oyster... (from Lure to Blue Ribbon) But I know we'll remain in touch--she's already made plans to have brunch at my new restaurant this weekend. My only question is: who, now, will tell me "I'll scratch your eyes out!" whenever we butt heads?

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

WOW! (a big Thank You)


So many of you took advantage of the $10 coupon that we are already sold out of the American Apparel Mélange Jersey Gym Tee! But don't worry, it should be back in stock soon and there are still plenty of other designs to choose from. Can't wait to see you all rockin' your tees!

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Reason to Celebrate...

Segura Viudas, Extra Dry

Last night I completed the second of three trail shifts (at the restaurant, along Central Park South, at which I've been trailing), but I've already been offered (and have accepted) a full-time position! I picked up some sushi on my way home (it'd been a long time) and David surprised me with a bottle of my favorite cava, Segura Viudas, extra dry!

Sashimi

David and I sat and talked, at length, over dinner about Martin Luther King, Jr. and politics--mainly the politics of industries like music and the restaurant industry. I begin my status as a permanent employee at the new restaurant on Monday. Until then, I have some shifts to finish at The Mercer Kitchen before... "the maître d' will be right with you!"

Monday, April 4, 2011

Ganbare Japan Benefit Party at Von




Patrick De Warren "Plaisir Defundu" 11x14
Starting bid: $1200











The people of Japan are still reeling from the effects of the March 11th Tohoko-Pacific Ocean Earthquake and Von Bar is doing its part to raise money for relief efforts and show support for Japan in its time of need.

On Sunday, April 10th from 5 to 11 p.m., they'll be hosting a benefit party, Ganbare Japan, featuring a silent art auction, film, live music and DJs spinning between sets. No cover charge, only a $10 suggested donation. 

All proceeds from donations, the art auction and bar sales will go directly to three organizations engaged in relief efforts in Japan and you'll have the opportunity to choose which organization your donation will benefit.

Visit the event website, vonbar.com/japan, for the latest information. 

Sunday, April 3, 2011

My Trail Shift

I just returned home from working a trail shift at one of the many popular eateries that run along Central Park South. I'd recently begun exploring what opportunities were available to me outside the restaurant group I currently work for.

The restaurant I worked at today is within one of the many hotels facing the south end of Central Park. I spent the brunch shift working along with the front door team, mostly seating as it was rather busy... The restaurant is fairly new and has only recently begun offering OpenTable reservations; this being the case, most of their business is walk-ins. (and they only reserve for dinner) Although the restaurant isn't as formal as some along Central Park, all the steps of service are still there (along with a "celebrity chef").

The manager on duty had given me a packet of menu item descriptions to review and on my way out I picked up a couple of menus to study at home. I've already pre-selected some items that I'd like to try and additionally, there are some items/terms on the menu which I need to look up. A few are: pancetta, brisket, confit, fennel pollen, talegio, fet and vincottoSome of these items, I kind of know what they are/mean, but am not a hundred percent sure and others, I just flat-out don't know what they are...

I was sad to see that truffles are only used just barely on the menu, but was excited to see pizza on the menu! I've narrowed down some of my "most highlighted" items on the menu:

Wine:

  • Sauternes
  • Canadian Ice Wine
  • Argentinian Malbec
  • premier cru Meursault
  • Russian River Chardonnay
  • Dr. Loosen Riesling
  • an old vine Riesling
  • an Alsatian Gewurztraminer

Fare:

  • "fontina risotto croquettes" with truffle aioli
  • fig and prosciutto pizza with sweet and spicy fig jam and gorgonzola 
  • fried artichoke pizza with whipped ricotta, caramelized onions and fontina
  • charred octopus 


After today, I'll have one or two more trail shifts before any official offer will be made.

Friday, April 1, 2011

A Quality Riesling In SoHo

An elegant, understated riesling.
Last night I stopped at SoHo Wines & Spirits on my way home from work to pick up a "relatively sweet bottle of white" for David to use in his leek soup. Of course, I wanted to get something that we could enjoy "straight" as well...

THE first wines to pique my interest at SoHo Wines & Spirits were the German ones. I narrowed my preliminary search down to a spätlese riesling, but couldn't remember where spätlese fell into place on the German wines quality scale. I continued browsing. Coming to the California wines, I came across a bottle of Taft Street, Russian River Valley riesling, 2008. I'd remembered having a Russian River Valley (sparkling) white, while in Aspen last summer and enjoying it. After confirming with the wine seller that it was a "decent" wine, I selected the bottle and was on my way.

David was first to taste the wine and said that it was very elegant... understated--to which I agreed. It doesn't have the flavor attack that some rieslings can have and it carried just an "undertaste" of acid. (my wine professor might refer to those former wines at "clumsy"--this wine certainly wasn't clumsily sweet) And at $15.99, I think it makes quite a suitable host gift. I certainly wouldn't mind receiving one.