Aren’t you just sick of eating out yet? I kind of am, actually. Over the past month, while I’ve been posting about Napa Valley with almost no breaks, I’ve actually eaten out kind of a lot. It’s that time of year when everyone wants to get in a few last dinners, the weather turning colder every day (and dude, it was 30- something today! I am wearing my down jacket!), and October is always a busy month for me (more on that another time).
What’s my point? Well, while I was in Napa, I had a brief email conversation with Cathy of Not Eating Out in NY about a few random things which led to her inviting me to a private wine tasting class at Bottlerocket Wine in the Flatiron District. Though I’ve never posted about them, I’ve been to a few random free events there – a chocolate and spirits pairing (which was out of this world, by the way – I never looked at chocolate mixed with alcohol the same way again), etc. and I’ve even visited for recommendations on which wine to drink with my (FAILED) pot roast. The place is adorable, and laid out slightly differently than you might expect, separated by what you might drink with what you’ll be eating.
What’s a wine class without cheese, right? From Murray’s, of course… (more on them in another post!)
A basket of breads and such to go with the cheese…
Elissa led the class. I have to say, she was an absolute NUT and it was great. She kept things interesting, and she was supremely knowledgeable about her stuff, but didn’t come off snooty at all. I really enjoyed her tutelage.
Slightly spicy chicken puff – really tasty
Steak on toast
Caprese on toast
We also were led through pairing certain wines with certain appetizer-bites, but my notes don’t tell me which wine with which appetizers…. sorry! This tasting was actually the day after I landed in NY (and went to this game), so I was still very jet-lagged and bleary, unfortunately. Overall, though, the class was well-done, I learned a bit more about wines in my search for understanding, and had a lot of wine and ate well all while having fun. Really, what more could you ask for?
I would definitely recommend Bottlerocket for your own tasting event (ask for Elissa to be your instructor!). Hmm, I feel like if I give their phone number here it’s an ad – I assure you, I am not affiliated with Bottlerocket in any way whatsoever, nor do they even know who I am. But if you like this idea, check it out, to schedule your own events: 212-929-2323.
Thanks again for inviting me, Cathy – I had a great time!!! Can I stop eating out now???
Bottlerocket Wine
5 West 19th Street
New York, NY 10011
212-929-2323
www.bottlerocketwine.com
Lizz says
hmm I’m going to have to check this out. Right by the office too.