Archive for the ‘Wine’ tag

VINO JACKPOT!

AVANT, the latest State-of-the-Art Tapas and Wine bar in Buellton, California is where Risqué chose to socialize last Saturday, as he did what he loves most… partake of the reward of the Gods! One of Risqué’s Winemaker LUSHES, Nick Morello, opened the doors to this innovative establishment only a couple weeks ago where they pour 32 different and amazing wines served alongside delectable inspired Tapas.

What makes AVANT State-of-the-Art are the machines that dispense their wines. Just like Risqué’s favorite slot machines, one inserts their card given to them by the staff into the machine. Fortunately, AVANT has a description of each wine so the anticipating Oenophile (or Novice) is able to make an almost sure bet/selection as to what wine will bring the most payoffs by selecting a 1 oz. taste, half glass sample or full glass indulgence.

And just like Risqué’s favorite gambling den, the amount you invest/consume is tracked on the card. Of course, this can be a surprise for a satiated LUSH as to how much were the spoils when the card is swiped and totaled on the computer register before departure.

After Risqué played his luck on the Vino Jackpot machines, he ventured on to amuse his palate with Chef Chris Warrick’s wine pairing special where he paired his creativity with some of Imagine’s prize wines.

Chef Chris paired…

Imagine 2008 Chardonnay with a slice of Robiola Bosnia cheese …perrrfect with the butteriness of the Chardonnay!

Imagine 2006 Viognier with Shrimp Crostini and Chimichurri …delightful complement where the Viognier is a nice counterbalance to the garlicky Chimichurri. Wow!!

Imagine 2006 Pinot Noir with Grilled Shrimp tightly wrapped in Serrano ham …the Berries, cinnamon and nutmeg in the Pinot enhances the saltiness of the ham and sweetness in the shrimp.

Imagine 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon paired with some slices of Barolo Sausage …black cherries, currants and a hint of chocolate contend with the salt and spice of the sausage. Amazing!!

Risqué was a bit confused as to where AVANT was located as the GPS on Risqué’s M5 only told him so much… Risqué offers the following advice… “Just go gaily forward to the backside” as AVANT is located behind the Terravant facility. Nick assured Risqué that better signage will prevail soon as Risqué tantalizes his LUSHES to visit AVANT’s Vino . AVANT is located at 59 Industrial Way H, Buellton CA.

Risqué recommends to all his LUSHES that they hit the machines at AVANT and win big with a Vino Jackpot!!!

More info about AVANT can be found in the Santa Barbara Independent, on Twitter and AVANTS website which will be up later this week.

AN ORAL PROCLIVITY

Azur 2008 Rosé

Risqué has been known to appropriate various proclivities. However, his favorite proclivity is that of an oral nature in which he grasps a fabulous glass of wine and sips his way to nirvana. On one special occasion, Risqué had the opportunity to meet a woman, Élan Fayard, who would arouse Risqué’s oral proclivity with a bottle of Azur 2008 Rosé.

Risqué met first met Élan Fayard when she worked for Lynmar Estate in the Russian River Valley where she toured Risqué and his LUSHES through the winery. Later Élan was able to introduced Risqué to her husband, Julien Fayard’s wine and his proclivity for classic provençal rosé.

The Methode Provençal Rosé glints a very pale coral shade similar to the beautiful cascading Roses found at Risqué’s desert Chateau. The nose cultivates fond memories of ripe, juicy peach and airy florals, leading to the a very drinkable dry taste of light tangy peach and garden strawberry with a delicate hint of floral which blooming on the backside. The Rosé offers a “balanced natural acidity” and minerality that is perfectly food friendly.

Risqué often shares his proclivities with others as his LUSHES can prove. His fondness for the Azur 2008 Rosé was certainly the reason why he worked with Élan to have it poured at the LUSH-A-LICOUS wine tasting at GayDays Orlando 2009.

Risqué recommends everyone try this wine and awaken their oral proclivity! A Toast…To Élan, Julien and oral proclivities!

14.1% Alcohol ($24) Cork Closure

HOUSE OF LIFE

While Risqué relaxed… his driver whisked him North to Calistoga to his serene accommodations, the delightfully French Maison, Chateau de Vie. The five room “Ralph Lauren Décor” Inn and Euro-style formal gardens are nestled against their namesake vineyards with stunning views across the vineyard and valley of the Palisade Mountains and Mt. St. Helena from the giant sycamore shaded terrace and adjacent sparkling pool. Making a name for themselves over the last decade, not only as an elegant Inn, the welcoming owners Peter and Phillipe, along with Winemaker Dave Phinney have produced a very fine blended Cabernet Sauvignon under the same label Chateau de Vie… Having settled and feeling a bit famished… Risqué pondered dinner… at one of the splendid dining options in and around Calistoga such as Terra, Auberge du soleil and Tra Vigne. As it was already quite late, Risqué and LUSHES opted to dine in oh so quaint downtown Calistoga at the less fussy Brannan’s Gill which was excellent! Risqué returned to the House of Life to revel in a delightful glass of CdV Cab Sauv and drink in the incredible star filled sky from the Jacuzzi. Risqué retired very late to his cozy room and very comfortable bed to chase sweet dreams.

Up early, Risqué sipped his morning coffee and listened to the birds in the vineyard while he read the morning paper. A pleasurable breakfast was served with freshly baked lemon and currant scones with butter, fresh orange juice and a Phillipe forte… egg strata studded with artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, sweet basil and parmesan along with grilled chicken and provolone sausages… Sublime!

Chateau de Vie is the perfect retreat from hurried city life… pure refined relaxation!

RISQUE’S ROMP… THROUGH NAPA AND SONOMA

Risqué had the pleasure of spending four wonderful days last summer in San Francisco with favorite LUSHES at some of his favorite haunts… Tsar Nicoulai Caviar, Hog IslandOysters, his favorite hidden jewel box… The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus, the incomparable Michael Mina’s Signature Restaurant at the St. Frances Union Square including a 1966 bottle of German Riesling.. (Unbelievable, but that’s another story!), the Fifth Floor at the Hotel Palomar and the amazing Plumpjack Cafe which reminds Risqué of the Palace of Versailles meets Alice in Wonderland on psychotropics!!…  Risqué anxiously anticipated the gay wine country experience offered by GayNapaGetaways.

Planning a weeklong trip can be a bit tedious unless you’re just classically type “A” which of course Risqué represents classically.  But, this trip he was looking for something a little more relaxing… and yet something just a little gay.  Risqué had been introduced to a full service gay Concierge, Charles Kimball of GayNapaGetaways.com who was accredited with being well connected with what is hot and happening in the Napa and Sonoma Wine Country.  This gay owned and operated Concierge offers personalized arrangements from private wine tastings, rustic to luxurious accommodations, memorable dining experiences, special events and gay weddings packages… all through the Napa and Sonoma Valleys and… just a little gay! Definitely a perfect match.

So, Risqué being just somewhat submissive that day turned over all of the planning to “the Chas” and decided to run with it!  Risqué’s only demands… show me what ya got baby!!!  Arrange a trip that showcases the Gay friendly accommodations, services and dining establishments on Risqué’s general itinerary traveling from Napa through to Healdsburg across six gloriously anticipated days.

The next couple weeks, Risqué will take his LUSHES along for the ride on “Risqué’s Romp…through Napa and Sonoma”.   He’s elated to share the fabulous sensuous experiences and treasures that stimulated him along the way!