It’s easy to crave simple and refreshing white wines in the summertime as the mercury rises. In fact, I am all about crisp, clean and refreshing wines this time of year—especially as a cocktail or apéritif before dinner. There is nothing like that $15 bottle of Sancerre that you discover at your local wine shop and stockpile, by the case, for the rest of the summer. But then there are times when you want something a little more complex Continue reading →

Boston’s restaurant scene gets a bad rap: blame the small-town vibe or the Puritanical history. In fact, however, the city is crawling with top-notch restaurants. Continue reading →

Nantucket is believed to mean “far away island” in the language of the Wampanoag Native Americans and that is just what it is to most – a unique and beautiful vacation destination. While the island is, indeed, revered for it’s breathtaking beach vistas and rich American history, Nantucket is also home to a number of notable eateries and bars. Continue reading →

Like any good idea in New York City, once it’s out, everyone wants in. The proliferation of rooftop bars and restaurants in NYC has been a great thing, as many hotels, restaurants and building owners have realized just how valuable their rooftops really are. Continue reading →

Cucumbers are a summer staple for their refreshing flavor, high water content and hydrating capabilities. Of course, salads and fresh summer vegetable plates are not the only place you will find them. The cucumber is a classic cocktail compliment (and garnish), particularly for gin. Continue reading →

Sierra Nevada Honors The Origin of Oktoberfest With Contest for Beer Loving Lovers 

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. will kick-off its annual Oktoberfest celebration with an expense-paid “royal wedding” at the festival for one lucky beer-loving couple. The celebration harkens back to the very first Oktoberfest, which was held in Munich in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. Continue reading →

If you’re spending a getaway on the cliffs of Big Sur, watching the sunset as you enjoy the panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, chances are you’re probably thinking you’ve done pretty well for yourself. And if, in the back of your mind, you’re thinking that nothing could be better than this, we’d have to tell you—you’re wrong. Continue reading →

In his seminal tome “No Reservations”, the late author-celeb Anthony Bourdain revealed his passion for fresh oysters. Make that incredibly fresh oysters, straight from the ocean. Continue reading →

Pursuitist was lucky enough to snag James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Mina, owner of restaurants like BOURBON Steak, Michael Mina, PABU and Stripsteak, for a quick chat surrounding the 10th-anniversary celebrations for his BOURBON Steak, DC at the landmark Four Seasons Hotel, Washington, DC Continue reading →

It’s no secret that Manhattan—and the thirsty masses who live in and travel to it day in and day out—love a good speakeasy. After all, potent drinks, exclusivity and Gatsby-esque charm will take you far in a city renowned for not sleeping and its endless waitlists.

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Belles and beaus are readying their bells and bows for the premier event of the South: the Kentucky Derby. And amid the horses and hoop skirts, that oh-so-Southern cocktail, the mint julep itself, is poised to make its annual gallop through the world consciousness. A genteel concoction of sugar, water, ice and mint; founded upon that most Southern of spirits, bourbon; the mint julep is to the South what the martini is to the North. (See Our Tips for Perfecting the Mint Julep and Drinking It in Style). Continue reading →

Although the temperature is still in the 40’s in some cities, the 2019 baseball season is in full swing. It’s impossible to predict what will happen over the course of a 162-game season—that’s already evident, with the reigning World Series Champion Red Sox team having trouble finding a victory while the seemingly hapless (on paper) Baltimore Orioles have managed a winning record in the first week of play. They are forecast to win 58 games. Continue reading →

The Best U.S. Airport Terminals To Be Stuck At

Delays at airports are not as woeful as they used to be. That is, if you are lucky enough to be stranded in a choice terminal replete with the type of trendy dining and watering-hole options that rival our very cities. If you find yourself in an airport for an extended period of time this coming holiday season—or any time for that matter—hopefully it’s at one of these terminals.

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It will likely never have the allure—or tourist traffic—of Tuscany or Piedmont. But Sicily’s reputation as a rising star among Italian wine regions cannot be denied. Continue reading →

INTERSECT BY LEXUS  (412 West 14th Street) has opened in the heart of the Meatpacking Districtin New York City. The sprawling three-story space boasts a Restaurant, Café, Cocktail Bar and Lounge, and public and private gallery space, all designed by renowned interior designer Masamichi Katayama of Wonderwall. Continue reading →

To those who have lived and worked in Southern or Northern California, and traveled by car to or from San Francisco, Los Angeles or San Diego, there is a stretch of coastline halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco called the Central Coast. Continue reading →

Much like its still wine cousin (rose),  sparkling rose and rose Champagne strike a soft and delectable balance between sweet, dry and earthiness that sets it apart. And of course the color only adds to the allure—especially on a certain day in Mid-February when the red and pink color spectrum reigns supreme. 

Here are five rose sparklers I love this Valentines Day:

Roederer Estate Brut Rose, NV—$28

This 56% Pinot Noir, 44% Chardonnay blend, produced by the renowned French Champagne house Louis Roederer but in California (Anderson Valley), has been a favorite value wine of mine for years. In fact, I actually used to sell it when I briefly worked for a wine distributor many moons ago. It was so popular it had to be allocated, or bundled with the higher-end offerings that Roederer produced—a little trick that distributors and suppliers (in this case Maisons Marques and Domains) like to use when they know they have a winner. Mouth filling, elegant and sweet—but not too sweet—this festive sparkler has a beautiful red hue and comes in at a great price point considering the producer (Louis Roederer also produces Cristal).

Schramsberg Brut Rosé, 2017—$45

Another great value from Northern California, driven by bright, flavorful Pinot Noir grown in Carneros, Anderson Valley, and the Sonoma and Marin coastal areas (a few small lots of Pinot Noir are fermented in contact with their skins to add depth and subtle color to this unique sparkling wine). Aromas of strawberry and orange peel dominate the nose while grapefruit, darker berries and a little toast lead to good structure on the palette. This versatile sparkling wine has a bright, clean finish and can be enjoyed any time of year with a variety of foods.

Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Rosé—$45

Blended with 90% red grapes (45% pinot noir /45% meunier) and 10% chardonnay, this sparkler is on the sweeter side for a Brut yet very well balanced. Think strawberries and cream; this light, salmon colored rose is perfect with desert—or as desert.

Frank Family Brut Rose, 2016—$55

Frank Family quietly has four sparkling wines offerings. And while it may not be a core competency I think it’s a testament to the diversity and willingness to experiment with new ideas that is prevalent in Napa and Sonoma today.  While all four of their sparkling wines—Blanc de Blancs, Rose, Rouge and the Lady Edythe Reserve Brut—are all delicious, the Brut Rose is my favorite.  Made in the traditional French method where the secondary fermentation occurs in the bottle, the wine then rests on the spent yeast cells for two and a half years before disgorgement. The 2014 Brut Rosé is lively yet balanced, with alluring flavors of strawberry and orange creamsicle and framed with just enough toasty oak notes. Side note: Frank Family has been recognized in national publications for leading the effort of “grower-champagnes” in the United States—Marylin Monroe used visit the winery from time to time to get her fill of bubbles.

Veuve Clicquot Brut Rosé—$60

Madame Clicquot created the first blended Rosé in 1818 by adding some red wine to Yellow Label champagne. The result was Veuve Clicquot Rosé, a fruity and full-bodied expression of the Veuve Clicquot style. If you love their yellow label it’s time to try the Rosé. Made using 50 to 60 different crus, the cuvee is based on Brut Yellow Label’s traditional blend, 44-48% Pinot Noir, 13-1 % Meunier, 25-29 % Chardonnay. This wine has classic Rosé Champagne aromas of ripe strawberries integrated with more vibrant notes of grapefruit and lemon singer. Perfectly quaffable with desert it is also a great wine to have as a cocktail or aperitif before dinner.

Most people, if asked what is the most expensive, sought after wine in the world might point to the great “First Growth” wines of the Medoc region in Bordeaux, France. Continue reading →

Last night, notable food, wine and industry gathered at the famed Rainbow Room to celebrate the release of the 2019 Michelin Star recipients in New York City. Continue reading →

Imbibe With a “Serendipity” At Ritz Paris’ Timeless Watering Hole Where Ernest Hemingway Used to Pass Time

After a renovation that took four years and cost $400 million, the Ritz Paris has recently reopened its doors — which also means that the hotel’s famous Bar Hemingway is open for business again as well. Continue reading →

Iconic. Legendary. Exceptional. Join Pursuitist on our video journey as we take you inside Cognac, France, with Hennessy. Continue reading →

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Originally published Oct 17, 2015. Republished for London Week.

For the fourth year in a row, London’s The Artesian bar has been named the world’s best watering hole in the world. Continue reading →

Rooftop Bars have been all the rage of late in big cities, from New York to L.A. and everywhere in between. And while this trend shows no sign of stopping, with more and more watering holes opening up atop dormant rooftops, most are suited for drinks and appetizers and are not true outdoor dining destinations. Continue reading →

What do you get a dad that has everything? How about a bourbon that not only tastes great and is made with impeccable craftsmanship, but also has a great father-son-grandson legacy behind it? Continue reading →

The 38th Auction Napa Valley took place this weekend (May 30 – June 2), raising more than $13.6 million for charity. Here are some of the highlights and big ticket items that sold according to Napa Valley Vinters—who have hosted the event since 1981. Continue reading →

Top 10 Wines To Give (And To Keep)

Move over, vodka , rum, and beer.  Wine is now the world’s number-one most popular alcoholic beverage.  But things get complicated when it comes to choosing what type of wine to drink, gift, or store in cellars to enjoy in a few years. Continue reading →

Cinco de Mayo—the Mexican holiday to commemorate their victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla, on May 5, 1862—and the Kentucky Derby—the most famous horse race of the year at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY—fall on the same day this year. In case you are not aware, this would be Saturday, May 5th.
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