• Maria Valetta


    Fine Wine Representative for International Wine Brokers Inc., Certified Specialist of Wine, Wine Educator, Freelance Writer, and Former Host of The Philly Dish. Connoisseur of Food and Wine With a Passion for Travel and Culture!

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Looking for the Best Chilean Wines???

Posted on January 21, 2012 by Maria Valetta

Look for the 2010 Award Winning Vintage

An International panel of wine judges ranging from Brazil to Hong Kong, recently met in Santiago, Chile to swirl, sniff and sip the regions best wines. Both white and red, as well as rosé wines, were entered in different categories of the competition known as The 9th Annual Wines of Chile Awards.

Top of the crop?? Syrah. The grape seems to perform extremely well in the country’s Mediterranean climate. This is the third consecutive year that a Syrah varietal wine has taken top honors. The Best in Show distinction award proudly honored the Tamaya Winery located in Limarí Valley for their high performing Winemaker’s Selection 2010 Syrah. Which other types of wines got the judges attention? Riesling was a standout among the white category and Carmenere, Cabernet Sauvignon, and even Carignan were among the noteworthy reds. Overall though, the Syrahs were the standouts! Here is a list of the winning wines (thanks to The Wine Hub) should you choose to seek out a bottle for your collection or consumption:

The Best in Category winners of this year’s Annual Wines of Chile Awards


Sparkling: Miguel Torres Santa Digna Estelado 2010

Sauvignon Blanc: Viña San Pedro Castillo de Molina Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Elquí Valley

Chardonnay: Tamaya Reserva Chardonnay 2010, Limarí Valley

Other Whites (1): Casa Marin Miramar Vineyard Riesling 2009, San Antonio Valley
Other Whites (2): Concha y Toro Terrunyo Riesling 2011, Casablanca Valley

Rosé: Viña Leyda Loica Vineyard Pinot Noir Rosé 2010, San Antonio Valley

Pinot Noir: Undurraga Terroir Hunter Leyda Pinot Noir 2010, San Antonio Valley

Syrah (1): Cono Sur 20 Barrels Limited Edition Syrah 2009, Limarí Valley
Syrah (2): Mayu Reserva Syrah 2009, Elquí Valley
Syrah (3): Tamaya Winemaker’s Selection Syrah 2010, Limarí Valley

Carmenere: Casa Silva Doña Dominga Gran Reserva Andes Vineyard Carmenere 2010, Colchagua Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon: Hacienda Araucano Gran Araucano Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Colchagua Valley

Red Blend: Tamaya MCS Reserva 2010, Limarí Valley

Other Reds (1): Gillmore Hacedor de Mundos Cabernet Franc 2008, Maule Valley
Other Reds (2): Santa Ema Amplus Carignan 2009, Cachapoal Valley

Late Harveset: Cono Sur Cosecha Noble 2010, Bío Bío Valley

Best in Show: Tamaya Winemaker’s Selection Syrah 2010, Limarí Valley
Best Value White: Viña San Pedro Castillo de Molina Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Elquí Valley
Best Value Red: Porta Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Aconcagua Valley

Filed under: Sips, Wine | Leave a Comment »

New Year’s Idea: Learn a New Skill

Posted on January 20, 2012 by Maria Valetta

Why not give WIINEMAKING a shot?? You love wine, drink wine, buy wine, right? So why not make wine?? Sure your uncle Giuseppe probably could give you a lesson from his basement on how to use a plastic trashcan as a fermenting “tank”. And his

The Wine Room Cellar. Picture from The Wine Room Web Siteg

wine is probably passable…maybe even decent, but if you really want to get the ‘hands-on’ winemaker feel, using top-notch equipment in a true winemaking environment, then I suggest you check out the one of the Open House/Racking Events at The  Wine Room of Cherry Hill.

Here in a large open “cellar”, you have a chance to work with actual grapes, use professional winemaking equipment, and learn all the steps to create your own personalized wine. You can make a varietal wine, i.e. Sangiovese, the same grape used to make the famous Italian wine Chianti, or you could choose to try your hand at the art of blending and create a big, full-bodied, Cabernet/Merlot/Syrah blend. You’re the winemaker, so you get to decided.

Grapes are brought in from California in September/October, and from Chile in May.  Right now, the 2011 California Winemakers, having already crushed, pressed and barreled their wine, are moving on to the next step: Racking (the removal of sediment from the barrel).

This is also happens to be one of the “Wine Club” winemaking sessions, and you are invited! Racking events lend an opportunity to observe the actual racking process and of course visit (and taste) some wine. The Wine Room staff will be racking barrels continuously during the Open House/Racking Event.  Just pop-in during the listed time slots on any of the three dates listed below and check out whats brewing–er fermenting!

All wine lovers are welcome!  If you like what you see and want to get involved, grab a couple of friends and go in on a Chilean Winemaking Package: the 2012 Chilean Winemaking Season begins early May!

Reservations are not required to attend the end of January events, so stop in to see (and taste) what all the buzz is about! And as is the case for all open houses, an anti pasta table with bread, cheese and such, and of course many wines to sample will be stationed around the cellar! Sounds like a grape party to me!

1/26 Thursday – between 5 & 8pm
1/28 Saturday – between 4 & 7pm
1/29 Sunday – between 3 & 6pm

For more information about attending the Open Houses and/or Racking Events, visit www.TheWineRoom.com or call owners Kathy and Kenton at 856.424.9463 for any questions you may have. Cheers!

The Wine Room of Cherry Hill
1 Esterbrook Lane  Cherry Hill, NJ 08003-4001

(856) 424-9463

Thank you, and as always, please contact us with questions by responding to this email, or calling us at 856.424.9463.

We hope to see you at one of the Open House / Racking Events.

Cheers!

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Explore Cuisines and Cultures From Around the World

Posted on January 13, 2012 by Maria Valetta

This new Video Series I recently came across through a group I belong to on Linked In, reminds me of the local Philly video show ‘The Philly Dish’ that I used to host for Philly.com.  From the trailer shown here, it’s sure to be a fun and flavorful look into the kitchens and lifestyles of some of the world’s most highly acclaimed chefs.  And possibly a chance to learn a secret recipe or cooking technique too. The Muses Productions’ team really knows how to glam up the gourmet world!

 

Let me know if you have heard of the series, and give me your thoughts and feedback.

 

Cuisine Culture

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Festive Epicurean Events

Posted on December 13, 2011 by Maria Valetta
As Featured in the Weekly Press
• Tue, Dec 13, 2011

By Maria Valetta

Food and Wine Connoisseur

Tis the holiday season; a time for giving, a time for cheer;

a time for celebrations to bring in the New Year.

A dress for your daughter, new shoes for your son,

my goodness the shopping has only begun.

Now what to get Mom? And what to get Dad?

a gift card for dinner would make them glad!

The city is full of great food to explore;

it’s the perfect gift for family and more.

But don’t forget to be good to yourself,

don’t overdo it like a Santa’s elf.

Take an evening to enjoy and indulge,

in the events and festivities the city beholds.

Click HERE to see the list of exciting events happening in and around flavorful Philadelphia!

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Preserving the Abundance of the Summer Season

Posted on September 18, 2011 by Maria Valetta
Marisa McClellan with peaches
Weekly Press
• Wed, Sep 07, 2011

By Maria Valetta
Food and Wine Connoisseur

“What are you going to do with all of those tomatoes?” I asked as I stepped into Marisa McClellan’s small Center City high-rise apartment. There in the living room sat three stacked boxes full of tomatoes–90 pounds of tomatoes to be exact.

The Canning Queen of Philadelphia is known best for her work/hobby of teaching the process of preserving goods in cans through DIY classes at various locations around the city and her written contributions to well-known online sites such as The Food Network’s blog and Serious Eats. This all arose from a blog she started in 2009 called……READ MORE HERE.

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IT’s Time for a Second Helping…….. of FEASTIVAL that is!

Posted on September 14, 2011 by Maria Valetta

TONIGHT IS THE SECOND ANNUAL FEASTIVAL BENEFIT SO EXPECT TO SEE YOUR FAVORITE TOP PHILLY CHEFS ALL IN ONE PLACE

(It’s like watching a Philly Only, Top Chef episode–LIVE!)

 

The purpose of this high-profile Culinary Arts Event is to raise funds for the annual Philadelphia Live Arts Festival and Philly Fringe.

FEASTIVAL will be held Tonight, Wednesday September 14, 2011 at Pier 9, (121 North Columbus Boulevard). The culinary carnival will commence at 6pm and wrap up around 9pm. Just in time to hit-up Valanni for their Fashion event at 10pm!

At tonight’s Feastival, expect a magical mash-up between edibles and performance extravaganzas. Innovative choreographer, Brian Sanders, will be performing live. You will also be able to watch on the spot, painting “performances” by the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program AND,  check-put an actual circus routine by Montreal’s 7 Fingers (now nationally touring their show Traces) They chose Philadelphia as their premiere kick-off location. You can also catch them in action, showcasing traces of their talent, throughout the Live Arts Festival (running the rest of this week/weekend September 15-18).

Now take these live festival activities and add some culinary flare and what you get is a FEASTIVAL 2011 and this year it’s on! On fire in the kitchen that is!  The “tastemakers” of Philadelphia have collaborated to supply this Fest with plenty of Feasts. It will be a true feast for all of your senses. So get your tickets, and get all decked-out for this night of delicious decadence.

Once again, FEASTIVAL will be co-hosted by three of Philadelphia’s most revered culinary luminaries: Stephen Starr, Michael Solomonov and Audrey Claire Taichman. They put together a phenomenal event last year, but with over 700 expected attendees and more art and culinary culture happening this year, you can expect this encore to be better than before!

Formal honor will be given to Former Governor and Mayor Edward G. Rendell for his pivotal role in stirring-up Philadelphia’s cultural community during his tenure in office, as well as for his significant city and statewide contributions.

Also, special thanks to event co-chairs: our Arts and Cultural Advisor, Martha McGeary Snider, and Real Estate Attorney, Tony Forte, of Saul Ewing LLP. for their efforts in pulling all the strings to make it an annual event. Expect this to be the cultural event of the year.

Now Rendell might not chow down on the featured restaurant’s top dishes tonight with his new diet in place, but you can bet I sure will be! So who will be there representing Philly’s fabulous food scene and feeding us full with fancy flavors? Let’s put it this way; who’s NOT going to be there, is more like it.

But if you really want to know…..

Participants to date include:

  1. 10 Arts Bistro & Lounge
  2. A.Kitchen
  3. Amis
  4. The Art of Bread
  5. Audrey Claire
  6. Bar Ferdinand
  7. Barclay Prime
  8. Bistrot La Minette
  9. Buddakan
  10. Capogiro
  11. Continental Restaurant & Bar
  12. Cooperage Wine and Whiskey Bar, The Corner
  13. Dandelion
  14. D’Angelo’s Ristorante Italiano
  15. Darling’s Diner
  16. Di Bruno Bros.
  17. Eclat Chocolate
  18. El Rey
  19. Federal Donuts
  20. Fergie’s Pub
  21. Fish
  22. Fork
  23. Franklin Mortgage
  24. Healthy Bites
  25. JG Domestic
  26. La Colombe
  27. Lacroix at Rittenhouse Hotel
  28. Le Bec Fin
  29. Le Castagne
  30. Le Virtu
  31. Lotus Farm to Table
  32. Marathon
  33. Marigold Kitchen
  34. Matyson
  35. Melograno
  36. Meme
  37. Metropolitan Bakery
  38. Mica
  39. Mid-Atlantic
  40. Monsu
  41. Morimoto
  42. Nectar
  43. OIC
  44. Opa
  45. Osteria
  46. Oyster House
  47. Parc
  48. Percy Street Barbecue
  49. Pod
  50. Pumpkin
  51. PYT
  52. Quest Loves Food
  53. R2L
  54. Ranstead Room Reading Terminal Market Revolution House
  55. Ristorante Panorama
  56. Rouge
  57. Sampan
  58. Square 1682
  59. Supper
  60. Sweet Freedom
  61. Talula’s Garden
  62. Tequila’s Restaurant
  63. The Twisted Tail
  64. Time
  65. Tria
  66. Twenty Manning Grill,
  67. Union Trust Steakhouse
  68. Vetri
  69. Vintage Wine Bar and Bistro, Xochitl
  70. Zahav
  71. Zama

That’s 71 reasons to get to this event! See you there!

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Meet the Washington Winemaker….

Posted on September 11, 2011 by Maria Valetta

Get a taste of Walla Walla Wine right here in Philadephia. That’s right, you don’t have to fly to the rainy Seatle airport and drive all the way to wine country to get a taste of these great Washington Wines! Besides, there’s been plenty of rain here lately that Winemaker Eric Dunham of Dunham Cellers should feel right at home.

On Monday September 19th, come to Pinot Boutique (227 Market Street, Old City, Philadelphia, PA) for a special evening of wine tasting! Washington State has developed a reputation for outstanding reds and whites, and one of the best vineyard areas is Walla Walla. Take a transportive tasting trip to one of the finest wineries in Washington with a private tour by the winemaker himself–all without leaving Philadelphia!

Get to know Eric Dunham personally, as he presents his wines and gives the insider’s scoop on what makes Walla Walla one of the finest winemaking regions in the country. Sample from among Dunham Cellar’s award winning wines, including a stunning Cabernet Sauvignon, sexy Merlot, bright Riesling and crisp Chardonnay.

From the Dunham Cellars website:

When Eric’s first vintage, a 1995 Cabernet Sauvignon was released, it was deemed one of the finest wines made in Washington by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Subsequent vintages and varietals have also earned high marks with both wine writers and consumers. Eric shows his artistic side by creating original artworks for all of Dunham Cellars vineyard designated and special bottlings. Come enjoy one of Eric’s special bottles with him at Pinot! SIGN UP HERE!

The Best of Walla Walla Wines – w/ Winemaker Eric

Dunham of Dunham Cellars @6:30pm- $19

Wine aging in barrels


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Bye-Bye Bindi, Hello Ham!

Posted on August 31, 2011 by Maria Valetta

I received word the other day that Bindi, the Center City Indian byob is closing for good. Valarie Safron and Marcie Turney have decided to close it, and remake the space into Jamonera–a Spanish small plate wine bar. (more from Foobooz here). Yes, that’s right, a liquor license will be the crowning feature here. I wish the Sansom St Block Babes a ton of success with their new project, but Bindi will always have a special spot (no pun intended) on my list of Philly favorite restaurants.

Oh how I crave Bindi’s food; what will I do when it is gone?. I absolutely love the exciting flavors, light use of oils/ghee, and vibrant colors that arrive with each plate at this neighborhood Gem. I love bringing a German Riesling(one of the most underrated wines in the world) and noticing how well it pairs with each and every course. I enjoy each sauce, chutney, spice and dip….a true exploration of flavors. Most Indian food is heavy on the Ghee, overly rich, and sauces too glutinous for my palate, but Bindi got it all just right.

And when they kicked-up the spice a notch or two for the more adventurous palates, the kitchen would present dazzling dishes that made your tongue sting with joy! Bindi I will miss you. But I promise one last visit you before you disappear into the land of sardines and Sangria on Sept 24th. Thank you Marcie and Valarie! May I put in a request for a Bindi Cookbook….please?

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SLURPING DOWN THE SEA

Posted on August 29, 2011 by Maria Valetta
Oysters on the half shell. Photo: Maria Valetta
Weekly Press
• Wed, Aug 24, 2011

By Maria Valetta
Food & Wine Connoisseur

The pearl of the sea, that mysterious mollusk: the oyster. A culinary favorite for thousands of years—for at least since the Roman Empire human beings have been enjoying this exotic source of protein. And while fresh oysters are available year-round, I find them especially reviving and refreshing on a hot day at the end of summer. A plate of fresh oysters on the half shell, wedged into a mound of shaved ice, is almost as good as a dip in the ocean.

Once the hard, rough, craggy gray shell is opened, a mound of sea meat that can vary in color, flavor, and texture is revealed. Perhaps you like your oysters a bit briny? Or, rather cucumber-sweet? Do you prefer tender and creamy? Or, a more firm, almost chewy texture?

Mysterious they are to those of us who have a hard time….MORE HERE!

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My Favorite Philly Flavors – Featured in the Weekly Press

Posted on August 7, 2011 by Maria Valetta
Weekly Press
• Wed, Aug 10, 20
By Maria Valetta
Food & Wine Connoisseur

Tstrumble Cocktail at The Ranstead Room

Summer tends to be the season to sum things up. Maybe it’s because summer has such a definitive end– the long days of fun are done and it’s time to get serious as school classes begin and job summer hours go back to the normal 9-5 schedule. Cooler weather rolls-in, shore traffic no longer clogs up the roads and public and private pools close until next May.

Lots to lament (like the sweet summer bounty of fruits), but it’s also a time when Philly tends to give credit where credit is due with yearly ‘Best Of’ awards, Top ‘Style’ recognition and an annual run-down or two of ‘hot lists’. All that got me thinking…what are the favorites on my list right now when it comes to wining and dining and service industry specialists in center city and University City Philadelphia?

People I meet, friends, family, out-of-towners and acquaintances always ask me, “What’s your favorite restaurant?” [That’s actually a tough one that I won’t usually answer as it depends on my mood] How about your favorite cheesesteak? [Actually I’d say the Philly Cheese Steak Spring Rolls® at Davio’s] Or they ask: where is your favorite place to go for a romantic diner? [Well it used to be James, but (sadly) since they closed I have been looking for a replacement.]

So here you go; I put together a list to help guide…..READ MORE HERE

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