Archive for September, 2008


CD PICK OF THE WEEK: A. RAY FULLER - THE WEEPER

Author: Rhonda Monique
September 30, 2008

A. Ray FullerLovers of classic R&B and jazz have an ‘unbeatable’ buffet of sensitively arranged original compositions and cover songs to choose from. Ray Fuller, who is magnetically drawn to the drama in any good piece of music, hand-picked pieces that have inspired him for decades only to refashion in his own sweet way and thus called on the elite of musical craftsman who are friends first, musicians second—Fuller states, “Every one here is a master of texture and space.”Coltrane’s timeless “Naima”, features the brilliantly subdued use of Branford Marsalis on soprano sax. “Friday”, featuring George Duke’s funky solo was co-written with Jeff Lorber, and is a likely radio ‘smash’ hit! On the classic “Superstar”, stellar vocalist Phil Perry lends his uniquely emotive ad-libs to this most impassioned version. Perry returns on a version of The Isley Brothers’ “Work To Do”, which might make Ron Isley himself jealous! “Spanish Flyer”, co-composed with Dave Kochanski, is a lush evocation of Mediterranean delights! “Weeper’s Thang” and “Speak Brother”, signature Fuller compositions, are ‘funky-deep’ grooves featuring saxman Everette Harp and Duke, respectively.

There is so much more with which to sit back and relax or get up on the dance floor and forget your cares.

PURCHASE CD HERE!


COCKTAIL PICK OF THE WEEK: MEDITERRANEAN SUNSET

Author: Rhonda Monique
September 29, 2008

Mediterranean Sunset Mediterranean Sunset Ingredients:
- 2 oz Remy Martin V.S.O.P
- 1 orange or splash of orange juice

- 1 tsp raw sugar
- cinnamon
- sugar
Garnish: orange twistMuddle 3 slices of
orange with 1 teaspoon of sugar in the raw, add Cognac and shake vigorously with ice. Strain into a martini glass that has been rimmed with an equal mixture of superfine sugar and cinnamon. Garnish with an orange twist.


AQUATERRE AT PACIFIC SHORES RESORT & SPA

Author: Rhonda Monique
September 26, 2008

aQUAtERREIdeally located for spa serenity, Pacific Shores overlooks tranquil Craig Bay on Vancouver Island’s east coast.  In pristine Parksville, BC, spa guests are a short drive from spectacular rainforest, mountain and ocean views as well as eight golf courses.  The lush 15 acre property is immaculately landscaped including floral gardens, thermal rock pools and a secluded beach. AQUATERRE

This waterfront paradise features botanical gardens, outdoor ponds and spectacular scenery. Spa guests are pampered with luxurious treatments that use only the very best nature has to offer, to help achieve immediate results and create a sense of ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation.

AquaTerre’s 10 treatment rooms offer the latest in spa technology: a Bouvier hydrotherapy tub with 144 underwater jets, a stunning hand-carved granite relaxation tub, and Swiss showers.

Guests can enjoy personal music selections during their treatment and, afterward, relax and linger awhile on a private veranda outside their room, stroll the gardens, or enjoy the outdoor alpine hot tubs.

CLICK HERE FOR RESERVATIONS AND INFORMATION


BRICKVINE FAVORITE ***EVERETTE HARP***

Author: Rhonda Monique
September 26, 2008

It’s taken a long time, but he finally nailed it. Everette Harp is a bona fide star in the smooth, or “contemporary” jazz genre. As a saxophonist, his talent is undeniable. One can hear everyone from Junior Walker to Grover Washington, Jr to Stanley Turrentine, Cannonball Adderley, and David Sanborn in his playing, which is forceful, song-like and emotive. He cops to it in the liner notes, and that’s just fine; that honesty is what frees him up to make the kind of music he wants to and acknowledging those influences places E. Harphis own music in a direct line from his predecessors. That said, while some of his records have been very good, he’s never gotten exactly what he needed from a label or a producer — or an engineer for that matter — to really make it all come together in a way that knocks the ball out of the park. Until now, that is.

Purchase Here!


TELLERSTellers was created to provide patrons with a truly great American chophouse menu combined with American cuisine and local seafood dishes in an atmosphere that is at once classic and contemporary. They have also prepared both very special lunch and dinner menus comprised of an outstanding and captivating varieties of prime aged steaks and chops as well as local and regional specialties. Teller’s also has an award-winning wine list that offers a diverse and imaginative selection from their two wine cellars holding in excess of 8,000 bottles for your enjoyment.  NY Strip

Teller’s Restaurant

605 Main St. (Rte. 111)

Islip, NY 11751

Phone: 631-277-7070 Fax: 631-277-7216Go to their website here Tellers Chophouse

 


CIGAR PICK OF THE WEEK: ***Gurkha Special Edition Black Beauty***

Author: Rhonda Monique
September 26, 2008

Grand ReserveThe Grand Reserve is the flagship brand of the Gurkha Cigars. This magnificent cigar is infused with the finest cognac in the world, handmade from the finest tobaccos. The premium Connecticut shade wrapper gives this Honduran made cigar a rich, creamy flavor with a hint of spice and promises a pleasantly light finish you will truly enjoy.

Only 500 boxes of the Black Beauty Edition in the world. The wrapper is the best of the best, a 7 year old CT Ecuadorian. While the Beast is more full body, the Beauty is medium at best. hence, The Beauty and the Beast. Beauty is in a box of 25 upright smoked glass tubes.

 
Gurkha Special Edition Black Beauty - Price: $539.00 
Quantity: 25 cigars
Wrapper: Natural
Size: 6 1/2 x 58

Purchase Here


WINE PICK OF THE WEEK: EMILIO LUSTAU SINGLE CASK DRY OLOROSO 2000

Author: Rhonda Monique
September 25, 2008

Emilio Lustau Single Cask Dry Oloroso 2000Price: $45.99

Sherry may conjure the image of old ladies drinking a cloyingly sweet wine.  Yet, this fortified wine from southern Spain made predominantly from one grape variety comes in a dizzying array of styles, colors and sweetness levels, ranging from straw-colored, pungent and bone dry to viscous, black coffee-colored and syrupy.  Then again, perhaps that’s the reason sherry is so underappreciated in the U.S.  It’s complicated and confusing.  It’s also unique, a wine like no other, offering something for everyone. Bright chestnut in colour. A touch of caramel on the nose, suggestive of opulence behind. Deep, rich, exciting flavour, fleshy and robust in texture. Very long finish.

 

PURCHASE HERE


TASTE OF 4TH AVENUE JAZZ FESTIVAL - BIRMINGHAM, AL

Author: Rhonda Monique
September 25, 2008
just a tasteSaturday September 29, 2007

The Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame

1631 Fourth Avenue North
Birmingham, Alabama 35203

Free!
Jazz Festival outside in the streets of the 4th Avenue Historic District. Come hear old favorites like Foxxy Fatts & the Birmingham Heritage Band. Enjoy first time Jazz artists to Birmingham Ronnie Laws and Jean Carne along with Annie Sellick from Nashville. Children’s Area, Art village and many food Vendors.
For more information: http://www.justataste.org/


WINE AND CHEESE PAIRING PICK: PORT AND STILTON

Author: Rhonda Monique
September 24, 2008

Port WinePort Wine -

A sweet wine, Port is normally consumed after dinner. Served in a cordial glass, it is sipped, rather than drunk, from a wine glass. Sipping slows down the assimilation of alcohol into the bloodstream. What about serving food with Port after dinner? The richness of the wine is enhanced by serving nuts, dried fruit, and cheese. Chocolate is a double-barreled favorite, but notice that dark chocolate is a better match than sweet milk chocolate.

StiltonStilton -

Lighter than Gorgonzola, richer than Danish blue and more intense than UK blues, Britain’s Historic Blue is causing a revolution in the kitchen. Its meltable, full-rounded qualities enliven salads and hors d’oeuvres, soups and sauces, as well as meat, vegetable and fruit dishes.

More than a cheese, Stilton is prized as the authentic flavour of an earlier time - a taste of history that continues to make news.


WEEKLY WINE TASTING: **O’DARBY’S TOO** ROCK HILL, SC

Author: Rhonda Monique
September 24, 2008

RED AND WHITE WINEFree wine tasting every Friday from 4 to7 pm. 1st & 3rd Fridays at O’Darby’s (Riverchase):: 2nd & 4th Fridays at O’Darby’s Too (Galleria).

 

Date: Sep 26, 2008 (Fri)

Time: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Cost: FREE

Place: O’Darby’s Too
739 Galleria Blvd.
Rock Hill, SC 29730
Phone: 803-981-9463

 

More Info: O’Darby’s Too Fine Wine & Spirits