Starmont Chardonnary

It's always nice to get a bottle of wine from someone else because chances are I have never heard of it or tried it and it gives me the opportunity to see what other people like. I don't usually like Chardonnay because they can be very mineraly or acidic. This 2010 Starmont Chardonnay was rich and buttery with lots of tropical fruit aromas. I don't recall Chardonnays being known for tropical fruits, but it was certainly delicious. The wine starts out buttery and a bit nutty, turns into bright tropical fruits and then finishes with a touch of acidity and hints of minerals. This is not your typical chardonnay and it actually surprised me. This wine in under the $20 mark, making it a perfect hostess gift (we all the fall festivities and holidays are right around the corner). Since it has a broad range of aromas, it pairs well with light to medium seafood dishes and offers and interesting twist to cream sauces. Even if you aren't a chardonnay fan give this one a try because you might be surprised.

Blue FIn Chardonnay

Trader Joe's has yet to disappoint me...which only happens when they are out of something. While perusing the store, I walked through the wine and beer section. I was really surprised to see that they had quite the selection of half bottles of wine. Usually stores don't carry them because they aren't all that popular and they aren't the big money makers in the store. Personally, I like them because then I don't have to worry about the wine going bad once I open it because I can drink it in time and I also get to try more. It is also helpful if for some reason you purchase something that isn't your favorite because then you don't have to waste a whole bottle. Trader Joe's doesn't carry any of the main stream wine brands you see in other stores, but they are super cheap and actually pretty good. Granted, these are probably not the wines you should be buying for a wine connoisseur or for a fancy dinner party, but they are great everyday wines. I chose the Blue Fin Chardonnay and it was surprisingly good. There was a hint of acidity with herbal, citrus notes. It was a light wine that had a good finish. For $5, you should try it... there's not really a downside because you aren't throwing away tons of money and if you don't like it there's only about two glasses in the bottle. Take a walk on the wild side and pick up a bottle next time you are at Trader Joe's.

Grotto is a Go

I had no idea the difference between Italian food from Italy and American Italian food. Italy uses super fresh ingredients, light sauces, and handmade pastas, which is not exactly the way they do it here. I found that it took me a while to want to go out for Italian because I didn't want to be disappointed, but then I found Grotto. Located by the Galleria, this gem is one of a few places that I have found that serve real Italian style food. They are less about drenching the pasta in sauce and more about highlighting each flavor to create a party in your mouth. To start they have this herbed olive oil with basil and crushed red pepper in it and it's served with plain sourdough bread and these cheese and herb "tortilla" strips. I am not exactly sure what it is, but it is something between a tortilla and a pita. All I know is that it's delicious and was gone in seconds. Since the temperature is rising, I chose a pasta with tomatoes, chicken, and mozzarella. There were roma, sundried, and regular tomatoes and for not loving tomatoes, I do have to say I am quit a fan of sundried tomatoes. The chicken was moist and tender and the fresh note of the basil was a great flavor boost. There wasn't too much sauce; it had just a touch of marina sauce so the pasta wasn't dry. I decided to pair my pasta dish with a Kenwood Yulupa Chardonnay. It was buttery and had a hint of oakiness to it, that lingered for a minute on your tongue. It was a perfect beverage for a delicious pasta dinner! If you haven't been to Grotto, I suggested you make it a point to try it because you won't be disappointed.