DISCOUNT WINE CELLARS

L'Espalier is one of the most expensive restaurants in the United States. Located in Boston, a meal there can cost dearly. Chef McClelland's tasting menu costs $185 per/person. For those of you willing to splurge on the tastes of a great restaurant and the skills of a sommelier, L'espalier offers some interesting events which cost quite a bit less (though you may still need to go for a burger later or sell a kidney on E-bay.)
Every Monday, this Boston gem offers a themed 'wine' night. Apparently, the chef and the wine director get together in the cellar, open bottles, talk about combinations of food and wine. Sounds unrealistically civilized, but beats sitting in the pub listening to some guy tell jokes about a Scotsman, an Englishman, and an Irishman. These wine-tasting events are meant to be casual, to encourage conversation between participants, and are hosted by Erich Shliebe, the sommelier. Everyone is welcome: you don't need to be an expert, just rich enough to afford $60 for the privilege. For this money participants will also enjoy a 4 course tasting menu 'composed' by Chef McClelland, from which some items eventually find their way to the main menu. You could be a high-flying guinea pig. Upcoming themes include the Loir and the Rhone; Spring Fling; March Madness; and for Easter, rose colored glasses.
I was taught to know that when no price is indicated on an item, I cannot afford it. Cheese Tuesday at L'Espalier does not show a price, at least not on the website, so I guess I couldn't even peak there. I might get charged an eyeballing fee. Here, sommelier and fromager combine their talents to offer a 'grand cheese tasting' along with music and a 3-course meal with paired wines. The next series is New England Cheeses from the Shy Brothers (March 23rd). After that, try cheese and chocolate. I would, except for the cheese. I'd have double the chocolate, though.
Oh yeah, I can't even afford oxygen in L'Espalier. Oh well.

Labels: 48 bottle wine cellar, Boston, Discount Wine Cellars, gourmet food, lead free crystal, wine cellars

I don't know why, but New Hampshire wasn't the first place I thought of when considering where there might be a wine festival. Still, in retrospect, the location makes sense when I recall that it is January. Winter wine should be consumed at a wintery location. Their festival started mid-January but continues into mid-February, even encompassing Valentine's Day while they're at it.
If this gets you interested, then take note: the website shows many events sold out, and while Feb. 14th isn't yet, it probably soon will be so take your girlfriend/boyfriend/spouse/grandmother there before space runs out. The title is 'Veuve Clicquot Champagne Grand Vintner's Dinner with Chef Pierre Gignac of 98 Provence'. The reception is at 6pm with a four course dinner beginning at 7pm. A little late for me, but then if I was there, my stomach would still say it was only mid-afternoon, so perfect really. The cost is steep: $129.95 per/person, and although we on the west coast are behind by the clock, we count money the same way. Still, the plan is to create a 'Sweetheart Menu' which, at that price, has to include chocolate in some way. Otherwise what kind of a Valentine's gift would that make?
There are lots of dinners at the wine festival with high prices and gourmet chefs attached. There is also the chance to purchase wine at outlet prices if you arrive on February 7th from 1-4. Fill your wine cellar with the good stuff you can't normally afford. Another cheaper event is the regular 'Flight Night' happening every Tuesday-Thursay from 5-7pm at the Roosevelt's Lounge. Here you can sample free hors d'ouevres and have wine paired with them by guest professionals. The price is from $10-$18 per/night depending on the wines selected.
Then start counting down: spring isn't far away.

Labels: 192 bottle instant wine cellar, Discount Wine Cellars, gifts, gourmet food, Valentine's Day, wine cellars, wine festival, wine pairing