Dominus

Colts Still Undefeated: 9-0

2009-11-20T12:08:00.005-05:00

Yes, they won a classic game this past Sunday versus the cheatin' Pats and what a game. Colts getting spanked around like a newborn all night and then Belichick goes for the juggular by going on 4th down and 2 yards on the Colts 27 and they come up short. Peyton drives the Colts 29 yards on a miraculous catch by Reggie Wayne to pull out a 35-34 stunner. Truly amazing.

I will travel to Baltimore this Sunday to watch Peyton take on the Ravens and meet a good buddy and am sure it will be a great game. Since the Ravens are my 2nd favorite team I won't feel "too" bad but hope Peyton keeps the streak alive.

On a personal note, I plan on going to the Australian Open this year which will complete the last item on my "Bucket List" of attending every tennis grand slam. I have been to the French, Wimbledon, US (every year) and now the Australian. I've even been to the Italian Open which was probably one of the best tournaments I have attended but it doesn't count as a Grand Slam event. I plan on meeting Pam & Tom who are very good friends of mine from Albuquerque at the Open and take in dinner in Melbourne. I will also visit some of my Travian buddies from Oz and have another get-together/reunion where I will put a face with my alliance mates. It should be fun.

On the wine front, GaryV from WLTV has had some really good finds lately, especially some Pinot Blanco from Italy. I will be awaiting my Thanksgiving Secret Pak where GV reviews wine on T'giving in the comfort of our own homes. I'll take a laptop to the festivities and everyone will gather around to sniffy-sniff, taste and compare notes. I will also take two renditions of my infamous sweet potato casserole. Yum :)

That's about it for now. No political news to speak of. Playing tennis at least twice a week, sometimes three and playing quite well. The wrist is holding up due to exercises. and wearing my brace. Yippee!

Cheers!

Autumn Time

2009-10-24T16:53:00.003-04:00

Well, the summer is over and it has been some time since I've written about anything here so I will try and sum up the past few months.

I had been away from tennis due to a torn ligament between the large bones in my hand and after MRIs, rest, ice, ibuprofen and I never got well until I went to physical therapy. I now know why I had tendonitis and wear a brace when I play so all is good on the tennis court.

One of the more exciting events this summer was to meet people who I had befriended on an internet war/strategy game from Australia. We had alliance members from Virginia and Maryland show up to our festive event at the chateau. One of our friends bought two bottles of '97 Dominus which was enjoyed by all. A very generous gift.

I also finally got to meet my (what we call "sitter") and needless to say, we got along very well. A real sweetheart. She brought along a friend and she visited a friend in Idaho and I believe they enjoyed the good ole USA. The final going away dinner was held at Raven Master's house in Ellicott City and I brought along a '95 Haut-Brion for the special occasion and it was quite an amazing bottle of wine. Smooth, complex and downright delicious. It could have held it's weight for another 15-20 years without any problem.

On the football front, the Colts are undefeated at this point at 6-0. Peyton is looking the best he has every played.

Tonight I'm cooking one of Rick Bayless's recipe of Grilled Lamb with Pasilla Peppers and Honey along with some mashed potatoes with bacon, fennel and grainy mustard and some almond green bean. I will match the lamb with the '01 Dead Arm Shiraz and a Barbera to mix things up.

That's about it. Playing tennis, cooking and working.

Cheers everyone,
Dom

Food and Wine

2009-05-21T08:54:00.004-04:00

Well, it has been some time since I have posted anything worthwhile so I guess it's worth the effort at this time. What is going on in the wine world and within my own kitchen? First thing is my wrist has been killing me since I played tennis six weeks ago in the Cayman Islands on vacation. Yeeeeoowwwww! I have done all of the remedies, i.e. rest, anti-inflammatories, wore a brace for immobility, lotsa wine, I've done it all and still not 100%. I plan on hitting some balls tonight to see where I am. After hitting, I plan on preparing my infamous Red Snapper Verrazano on the grille paired with a nice Viognier or one of GV's Portuguese whites if it makes it to my office today. I had his recently reviewed '05 Chat Pibarnon Bandol last night and it was wonderful. 95 points? NO, but low 90s for sure.

Any new recipes? A friend just sent me a Mushroom Soup recipe that I need to try. Still awaiting the zucchini blossoms to come in season which should happen pretty soon. I plan on going to the Eastern Market this weekend to see if I can find some there or tomorrow in McLean.

That's about it. The G Man is going to be a Dad soon. The Vayniacs are awaiting with baited breath for the little, I'm betting, girl.

Cheers!

New Wines

2009-02-26T19:45:00.002-05:00

Let's see, Wall Street is tanking though the Democratic de-stimulus bill was passed so the best thing to do in these times is either jump off a cliff or drink some good wine. My choice is for the latter and the latest find is a nice red blend called Clayhouse Adobe Red. Inexpensive (less than $15) yet quite enjoyable.

Tomorrow, Friday the 27th, I'm driving down to Washington & Lee to watch Randy's teams play some great tennis. I will spend the night Friday, watch some tennis and return Saturday evening. Since it will be indoors (low 40s temp) it will be alot of fun.

Not much else is going on for now except not one of my label designs for the Vayniac cab made the Top 5. I was pretty bummed about it since the ones that made the cut were, in my opinion, childish and immature but hey, I've been in this business all my life so what would I know?

Cheers!

Football Is Over . . .

2009-02-03T20:14:00.005-05:00

. . . thank goodness though the Squealers won. Hatin' life right now. It was a poorly played game with a predictable though somewhat exciting ending. Looking forward to the Washington Capitals this season and hopefully Spring will be here soon so I can start playing tennis.

Not much else is going on in the world other than the poor economy and lack thereof of any cabinet appointee being able to pay their own income taxes! Is anyone vetting these people before they are nominated? And Obama was going to bring "respect" to the WH? You are not starting off so well my friend.

In my other life, i.e. Travian, we are getting close to end game plus I will be dualing on the restart with a very nice lady from Australia. It should be a lot of fun plus I'll get a little bit more sleep not having to worry about being attacked!

It's cold outside, hate it, though I tried to grille a few nights ago with little success.

One final note: I have ten entries in the Vayniac Cab wine label sweepstakes. I don't plan on winning though I hope to make a good showing. Gary will choose the finalists at the end of the February and then it will go to the Vayniac Nation to vote.

Inauguration Overload

2009-01-21T19:25:00.004-05:00

Well, it's been some time since my last post so I need to catch up on a few things. One, the inauguration was yesterday and there were masses of people descending upon our fine city and thankfully that only happens every four years. Thank goodness it is finally over. But since this area is sooo "blue" there were even more of them this time. Needless to say, I'm one of the few who was not excited so I'll leave it at that and get onto more fun topics like wine and football.

Gary V reviewed some Canadian wines tonight which looked promising though the problem will be trying to procur any of them anytime soon. But, I will try.

The Super Bowl will take place on Feb. 1 in Tampa Bay between the Pittsburgh Stealers and the Arizona Carnals and again, I could care less (a debacle of a season for the NFL with bogus calls by the refs, unfair scheduling, etc) though it will be a typcial "David vs Goliath" contest. This time Goliath (Stealers) will slay the over-achieving, lucky Cards. Sorry. They don't belong there and this will confirm their mediocre record and not being able to win out of their own state. Yes, they beat Carolina but Carolina (Delhomme specifically) beat the Panthers. Final prediction: Steelers 37 Cards 10 and they get their 10 pts in garbage time.

That's about it. Hatin' life. Dow below 8k, lowest drop on any inauguration in history (what . . . no Obama splurge?) a boring SB to look forward to but I always have Gary V to enlighten and lift up my spirits. Thank goodness for that. Oh yes, the wine label contest for the Vayniac Cab? Alot of good entries so my work is cut out for me. Good luck to all.

Cheers!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T11:21:00.003-05:00

Last night we celebrated New Year 2009 by attending VOLT restaurant in Frederick, MD with our friends Bruce & Mary. We were not overly impressed with the portions and the ambiance though the food was well presented by the roboton staff. The wine pairing for the first three courses (white) were right on but the Zin paired with the lamb was disjointed, hot and awkward.

Though we enjoyed ourselves with our company, I do not believe we will be making the trip back to VOLT. We are not into the nouveau cuisine. Our friend, Bruce, on the way home had to stop at McDonald's since he was still hungry. We should have joined him.

Here's to 2009 and a Colts Super Bowl victory. They are playing the Chargers this weekend in the first round of the playoffs.

GO COLTS!

Colts 10-4

2008-12-18T19:09:00.004-05:00

Well, tonight the Colts can clinch a playoff berth with a victory over the Jags. This would be a great Christmas gift for me since it is just around the corner.

The little woman and I recently lost our Moms so this year has not been one to remember.

I'm still enjoying WLTV and being a Vayniac, work is going well, playing tennis and everyone in the family is healthy.

The plans for the holidays include: Channukah on Monday, Wednesday we travel to Salisbury for Christmas Eve and then returning to see friends on Christmas Day. New Year's Eve dinner will be at VOLT in Frederick, MD with dear friends.

In March, we are travelling to the Cayman Islands and staying with our friends, Gerry and Sandy. We plan on having a grand time. They are both wonderful people who enjoy good food and good wine. Plus, Gerry plays tennis so we are looking forward to the time away.

Off to cook dinner and get pumped for the Colts.

I believe it will be a Manning Bros Super Bowl.

Cheers!

Colts 6-4

2008-11-17T17:36:00.007-05:00

Well, the Colts defeated the hapless Texans yesterday in a close one but I'll take it any way I can get it. Next week, it's off to San Diego vs LT. Hopefully, Bob Sanders is back in the lineup to stop their offensive attack. It should be a high scoring affair.

On the wine front, nothing new to report other than watching every episode of WLTV and kudos to the Jets for beating the Cheatin' Pats on Gary and Lizzie's anniversary!

I ordered the Thanksgiving Secret Pak so that should be fun and these wines will accompany my usual bottle of Flowers Pinot that my brother-in-law and I enjoy very much.

Go Colts!

P.S. On a very somber note, my mother-in-law passed last night after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. She will be truly missed.

Cheers!

2008-10-20T21:33:00.004-04:00

It's been awhile since I have posted so I've decided to give an update.

Wine that I've tried and liked lately are King Shag (SB from NZ) and Bergevin (Cab from WA).

Glad to see the Bosox lose. Hope the Rays can win the WS.

Vacation at the OBX

2008-09-19T16:54:00.005-04:00

Well, it's been windy and rainy for most of the week though I got to play tennis at Pine Island a couple times and some doubles with friends, Blake and Norma.

Tonight (Friday) dinner at my favorite restaurant, Elizabeth's Cafe and Winery. Back to the grind on Monday.

Recent wines I have had that are quite nice are: Koehler Chardonnay (one of Gary V's picks in his book) and last night I had an '05 Rex Hill Pinot. I also had a nice Australian pinot called Coldstream Hills that is quite good and Burgundian in style.

Colts are 1-1 and play Jax this week so hopefully we'll be 2-1 going into the bye week and we should get Jeff Saturday back soon for our push to the Super Bowl!

Cheers

2008-02-29T17:59:00.003-05:00

It's been awhile since my last post but since it's Friday, I may as well wrap up the week.

It's still cold in these here parts so one can only hope it gets warmer very soon. I need to unveil the grille and get back to "real" cooking. With regards to cooking, nothing special this week other than grilled London broil on Tuesday and tonight I will whip up a rendition of the steak with some sautéed rainbow chard.

At work, I wrapped up a monthly magazine and our semi-annual directories along with transitioning to a new web-based system which will be quite exciting. We've run into a myriad of bugs and idiosyncracies but that's expected. I guess.

This weekend will be quiet. The little woman has PT and I plan on going to Whole Foods and buy a nice rockfish or snapper. I may also stop by the pet shop and pick up another canary. My mom's parakeet which I've had for at least six or so years died yesterday so I need to get "Peyton" (our canary) a cagemate.

TGIF

My Vegas NASCAR pick this week: Jimmie Johnson though Matt Kenseth could sneak into victory lane.

Cheers!

2008-02-18T21:21:00.004-05:00

Well, I was off work today so I caught up on errands, i.e. Starbucks, washing and waxing my car, BB to check on a friend's options for a HTIB, played some tennis and ended the evening by cooking rockfish with a beurre blanc sauce and sauteed fennel.

Tonight, we'll pick up on Laura's Theme on In Treatment and then back to work tomorrow.

And yes, WLTV Episode #410 featured some nice Chards from St Aubin. I will need to seek them out since I've been more into whites than past winters.

Cheers!

2008-02-13T20:02:00.004-05:00

Today was a busy day at work which began around 7:30am and lasted past 5pm. We are implementing new processes that promise to be quite challenging but it could be fun.

The good news today was I found out last night that I have been released from my physical therapist. I really enjoyed seeing her each week but I guess I should be happy that I'm getting better. Of course, today my neck hurt which hasn't happened for quite some time. I'll contribute it to "stress."

On the menu tonight, I'm preparing salmon with a green olive/basil tapenade coated with pako accompanied with a parmesan/mushroom risotto. I will wash this down with a 2005 Carm red blend from Portugal.

And yes, I watched the G-Man tonight and he reviewed three expensive Merlots. Good show though two of the three were disappointing. Bordeaux, of course, was tops.

Cheers!

2008-02-11T17:34:00.000-05:00

This past weekend was uneventful. On Saturday, I took a Core Conditioning class, got a speeding ticket on my way there, sat down with our financial adviser and then cooked a yummy dinner. On Sunday, I took it easy, Starbucks, the usual and today I just got home from a deposition which is not fun but necessary. Tomorrow I will vote and go to PT. I'm getting there. Ready to play some tennis this spring.

Watched the G-Man and it was a great show on Old World whites made in the great ole USofA. The Ash Hollow Gewurtz is worth seeking out.

Tomorrow are the primaries. There's not much to choose from on either side but since I'm a 'pub I'll have to cast my vote for Big John.

Prediction: Obama sweeps the Potomac Primary, surprise, surprise, but going into the convention neither candidate will have enough delegates to wrap up the nomination. It comes down to Super Delegates and Hillary gets the nomination. Running mate? It's gotta be Obama. Anyone else and she loses. Just a very early prediction.

Cheers!

2008-02-07T20:31:00.000-05:00

Well, it's getting close to the weekend and one must say I can't wait. Today at work it was status quo. Nothing new, same ole, same ole.

Today, Romney dropped out of the race which guarantees McCain the Republican nomination. Huckabee has got to go so it's a three-way race for the Presidency. Amazes me in this day and age that the best we can come up with to run the most powerful nation on Earth are the likes of an old hag, an inexperienced senator and an old codger. Not good.

On a physical note, I feel pretty good. I begin a Core Conditioning class this weekend so hopefully I will be able to play competitive tennis this summer.

On a food/wine note, I prepared Cashew Chicken tonight and paired it with Cote du Rhone Blanc. Of course, this occurred after watching a great show on WLTV with Pipes. It was fun.

Off to watch the new season of Survivor, LOST and In Treatment.

2008-02-01T17:41:00.000-05:00

Another week has past and quite an eventful one considering all one does nowadays is work and work. A friend of ours, Dave Chesnut, came up to the DC area from NC on Wednesday to attend a retirement party and stayed over at our house to catch up on our lives. We also had the opportunity to go out to dinner to one of my favs, Il Pizzico, which I had the venison special with a nice Isole de Olena Chianti.

Thursday was the usual with the premiere of LOST raising more questions again . . . what a great show and tonight, well, I'll watch two episodes of WLTV since somehow I missed yesterday's "Thunder" episode. Oh well. Two episodes of the G-Man on a laid back Friday works for me.

Oh yes, I will now begin the process of getting the little woman her passport since we want to go away to somewhere exciting in May. I'm thinking either Greece, Spain or maybe Hawaii again? One would only hope.

My prediction for this weekend's Super Bowl. Well, I despise the Cheats so I'll bet with my heart: Giants 24 Cheats 21 though we all know who will really win. :( This is one time that enforces that "cheating does win."

2008-01-28T19:29:00.000-05:00

Well, it's been awhile since my last post but I'll try to catch up on the events of the last week.

I went on a business trip for a day to NY for training on a new system we need to integrate into our daily lives. Looks promising but an oh so long day.

The weekend I had PT which always works wonders for me, shopped at the local Amish farmer's market where I bought some beef cubes and made a nice beef stew on Sunday.

Sunday morning I played tennis for a half hour at GT Prep. The people there were not too nice but heck, I wanted to hit some tennis balls.

That's about it. "Peyton" our new canary has been singing up a tune and I won the "Italian 6-Pack" from MenuforHope and plan on trying the 2000 Berardo tonight.

2008-01-19T19:49:00.001-05:00

After a busy and depressing week at work, today my lovely wife and I did some things we both enjoy though it was "only" a Saturday. We started off by going to the bank to try and find the little woman's birth certificate so we can get a new passport to travel to Alsace/Strasbourg or Spain in the springtime. Unfortunately, no luck though we had the opportunity to open an account with "my favorite bank associate with the amazing tattoo" so all was not lost. Of course, the reason to visit Strasbourg and Spain are the Alsatian Rieslings and Riojas.

Next, we had breakfast at a new diner that replaced the venerable "Woodside Deli." It was "ok" and while we were leaving, we saw a new tennis shop and decided to stop in. I needed to upgrade my tennis racquet since mine have been discontinued and a new pair of tennis shoes. I decided on the Adidas Barricade, which I have read many positive reviews. Fortunately, both of my needs were met. A great tennis shop owned by a tennis acquaintance who Randy and I played in a Father-Son tournament a few years ago at Edgemoor. One of the the highlights of my life. After the tennis shop venture, we bought a canary and named him "Peyton", of course. He's white, brown, orange and a myriad of other colors. After cleaning the cages and getting him settled, we ran off to see "Cloverfield." Ummm, not good, I'll give it a C+. Too much sensory overload for me. We should have gone to see "Sweeney Todd" with Johnny Depp though the little woman would rather have seen something else.

Now I'm home, relaxing and cooking a nice mushroom risotto while watching WLTV. I can't believe Gary V taped a Saturday show! It's been a glorious day.

Now, if only the Colts were playing tomorrow but alas, one must move on. I will play some tennis tomorrow with the demos and mt new pair of shoes. Hope the back holds up.

Off to enjoy my risotto and relax with a nice movie (maybe Pirates #2 on Blu-Ray) and a great glass of wine.

Life is good. There should be more days like this.

Go Pack!

2008-01-16T20:20:00.000-05:00

Well, we're over the hump day this week and it's taken me this long to somewhat get over the Colts' loss to SD last weekend. Football, as I know it, is over.

New wines? Not much to write about except I opened a '98 Dominus and paired it with lamb shanks. Very nice.

That's about it for now though i will say my back is getting better. My physical therapist suggests Pilates so I'll try to sign up tomorrow for a class on Friday.

Work? Same ole, same ole.

2008-01-11T18:48:00.000-05:00

TGIF! Alot going on at work since we are beginning the final week of BCA and I will soon be in the throes of WAD. Word is this year will be the last we will produce a print version. Oh well, it had to end sometime.

I worked out as usual, my back has been cooperating and I walked to the local Cowgirl Creamery for a sandwich, sampler and a bottle of the Emmolo SB which I like very much. Unfortunately, no tennis this weekend. Harry called to cancel.

Tonight for dinner, I plan on doing something quick since the little woman will probably be late, retract that, definitely be late. Maybe pasta with shrimp though this weekend I shall do a boneless shoulder roast from this week's Food section in the Post, a kale recipe courtesy of Josh with another undetermined side. I may even cook one of the ducks I bagged on Tuesday. Recipe choice to come.

Now to relax with some and listen to some classical music to rest for the weekend of football!

Go Colts!

Predictions: GB, NE (hoping for a Jags upset), Colts and Giants

2008-01-10T19:53:00.000-05:00

Well, I was in NY for a meeting and last night I walked up to the box office and was fortunate to get a ticket to see "Young Frankenstein" on Broadway at the Hilton Theatre. Great show, amazing sets and just a fun time. For dinner, I had a chicken shish kebabs from one of the corner vendors. I believe it was on 42nd Street.

Tonight, I finally made it home via the train, I have showered off what I call "the NY layer" and prepared a roasted eggplant/lentil soup which will be accompanied with a NY strip (it's NY night at the chateau) along with a nice Chilean cab.

Getting psyched for the Colts game vs the Chargers this weekend.

P.S. Happy Birthday Gabriele!

2008-01-06T13:26:00.000-05:00

Played tennis this morning with Harry at Watkins and now I'm ready to sit down and watch some football. I played pretty well vs Ron, Ellis and Harry's boss, Myron. Later I plan on roasting a chicken for dinner and enjoying a nice white which has yet to be determined.

This week at work sends me to NY on Wednesday afternoon returning Thurday evening via the Acela and back t work on Friday.

Go Giants and Chargers!

2008-01-05T10:17:00.000-05:00

Friday night we had dinner with our friend Ted Michos at the local Mamma Lucia which was not too good. Loud, indifferent food though the wine was ok. Since we each paid our portion of the bill with cash & credit card, I was surprised that the waitress returned and questioned our tip. We were $3 short of 20%! A first time event in my life and needless to say, the LAST time I set foot in that restaurant.

On Saturday, today, we have PT in Annapolis, thank goodness, and later this evening we are going to dinner with friends to The Iron Bridge in Columbia. Prediction: Seahawks and Jags today with NYG and SD winning tomorrow. C'mon Jags! We want you in Indy!

2008-01-03T18:45:00.000-05:00

The usual day at the office, my morning coffee at the Sip of Seattle with a bagel, working out trying to recuperate my back from lifting the receiver this past weekend and tonight I'm finishing cooking my goose.

Now off to watch Gary V on WLTV.

My picks for tonight's caucuses: Dems: Obama, Hillary and Edwards with the Repubs going with Romney, Huckabee and McCain.

2008-01-02T18:45:00.000-05:00

Went back to work today and stopped at my usual coffeeshop for my coffee and a bagel. Need to start the NY off right by losing some weight.

Usual work day. Nothing out of the ordinary though I had the opportunity to IM Randy today. He predicts the Seahawks and Steelers to win on Saturday and I'm picking the Seahawks and the Jags. Of course, I'm picking the Colts to go all the way.

Off to watch Gary V on WLTV.

Grilled salmon with a mango curry marinade with leftover sweet potato casserole is on the menu tonight.

Tomorrow is another day though looking forward to Saturday where we have PT and will join Kevin & Shelley at the Iron Bridge in Columbia.

New Year 2008

2008-01-01T21:07:00.000-05:00

Monday, December 31, 2007
Last night we had our annual New Year's Dinner at The Blue Duck Tavern at the Park-Hyatt in Georgetown, DC. For my first course I had Skate Wing, entree was Duck Breast and my sides were Grits with Goat Cheese and Chanterelle Mushrooms. The wine was an '05 Belle Gros Pinot Noir which was sublime and matched well with the duck.

Phyllis has the Pumpkin Bisque, Maine Lobster, Harvest Greens and Creamed Spinach. We both recommend this restaurant.

January 1, 2008
Today I prepared two appetizers (Roasted Asparagus wrapped in Prosciutto and Crostini di Fegatini) for a dinner at the home of Gerry and Sandy Cepaitis.

Starring Role

2007-12-06T16:42:00.000-05:00

A funny, satirical public announcement.

Today

2007-12-06T15:45:00.000-05:00

This will be the inaugural contribution to my blog which will focus on the day's events, some obscure thoughts about a myriad of subjects but more or less about wines I taste throughout the week.

Tonight I plan on cooking chicken cordon bleu with a mushroom risotto accompanied by a nice red from Provence.

Wine
Saint Jean du Barroux
L'Oligocene 2003 (Provence)
Notes: Interesting nose . . . cherries galore, smooth, a cross between Old World and New World fruit bomb, port-like
Taste: Smooth as silk, black cherries with some bacon fat, muskiness on the mid-palate with some slight tannins on the finish. Stellar effort. Ugly butt label. Sorry, had to get visual.
Rating: 91 pts

Vacation Photos

2007-10-24T17:35:00.000-04:00

Here are some photos of our favorite travel destinations.

Hawaii

Duck, NC

Wine Reviews

2007-10-24T17:25:00.000-04:00

Well, I thought I would venture into the world of blogging and post some reviews of wines and any other information which I may find useful to the casual oenophile.

I will begin by saying that I am a huge fan of Oregon Pinot Noir
(a member of the Oregon Pinor Noir Club and the Vayniac Nation).

My moniker "Dominus" was given to me by my foodie and wine friends due to my passion for that wine of the same name.