Hello Everyone,

I love driving through Manchester early in the morning when there is always something amazing to see.  This morning I saw the early sun shining directly on one of the big mountains.  It glowed.  My imagination got the better of me and it looked like a movie where the hero finally gets to his destination and the light shines on where the treasure is hidden.   Ok…..a little dramatic…but you get the idea.

Mark has been in a Caribbean mood and has created two new specials.  An appetizer called Salmarejo that is lump crab in a criollo sauce served with shredded, crispy plantain and an entrée of plantain crusted Maji Maji served with rice and beans and topped with marinated onion, red bell peppers & olives.  They are simply delicious.

I love that the flavors of both are big enough that they can go with both white and red wines.  I personally like our Le Jouet, Domaine des Enfants white from France or our Villadoria, Bricco Magno, Nebiolo red from Italy.   Talk about a treasure.

Not to brag….but I know what I am having today.

Have a wonderful day!!

Melody

Hello Everyone,

I can’t believe we are almost ringing in the new year, it seems as if the last one has just flown by.   Although the weather has not been cooperating  for us over the last couple of weeks we are determined to make a fresh start to a wonderful 2015.

And what better way to ring in the new year than with some bubbly.  I have a new favorite that we are going to serve by the glass…..Gruet, Rose Brut.   All sparkly like a NYE dress…yet not sweet.  Love it!!     I may describe it “like a girl”…..but men will love it too.

I hope this coming year is delicious for all of you in so many ways,

Melody

Hello Everyone!

I can’t believe how beautiful it is in Manchester.  I was driving my son to school this morning and we decided it looked…..**Magical**.  The snow, the mountains……you just have to see it.  I told him that although there are so many amazing places in the world….we just happen to be in one of the MOST beautiful places of all.  Lucky us!

Manchester is all dressed up  the Holidays with twinkle lights, garlands and red bows.  I have done some of my holiday shopping here and it feels….well……. fun.  In and out of the snow with your boots crunching…walking into a shop with all the warmth, wonderful smells, lovely people and of course the Holiday music. I enjoy it so much Mark is starting to get worried I might go overboard.  I can’t even believe he would think that.  Do I sound like I could ……ok……never mind.

After all that shopping you will be starved and that is where we come in.  I can suggest a glass of wine to get you started and then you can just sit back and let us spoil you.  Mark has just added a warm, tasty Osso Buco that will melt the snow off in a hurry.  It  goes so well with our Chateau Moulin de Mallet Bordeaux……see…I can’t help myself.

I always suggest that what ever you are doing, take time to enjoy nature. Bundle up and go for a walk….or just sip a tea while you look out your window.  Or better yet…get into a snowball fight and laugh with someone you love.   Just have fun.

Happy Holidays,

Melody

SNOW…SNOW…SNOW

It’s snowing  big fluffy flakes and I can’ t get that song from White Christmas out of my head.  Oh….and I sound like Rosemary Cloony in there too.  We are warm and toasty here with all kinds of things bubbling on the stove. 

I like to warm up with a glass of my new favorite red:  VINA CANEIRO, RIBEIRA SACRA, 2011 from Spain.  You will love it.

Cheers,

Melody

Hello Everyone!

Raise your hand if you love November.        Me….me…..me.   I love my transition month to get ready for winter.   November makes me want to put an extra blanket on the bed, to start a fire, to put on a warm sweater and go for a walk and sit down with a warm bowl of soup.

Mark has, with only a little bit of urging from me, added a lentil soup topped with duck sausage and I just love it. Warm for your body and soul…  just right for November.  Pair that up with a Spanish Red ( and yes I have one) and you feel good down to your toes..

Seriously…..November in Vermont….I woke up the other morning and saw ten wild turkeys in my yard.  Before you ask…..we are not adding turkey to our menu.

Try to visit Manchester if you can,

Melody