Great PLCB Deals and Steals

It may very well have been the holiday push for sales, or the fear of Privatization, or the decline in wine purchases in this Economic climate that may have caused the PLCB to re-adjust their Specialty Wine prices and discounts this year,  but I really don't give a damn what it is: I absolutely LOVE the quality and quantity of superb wine selections that I've recently been able to find for relatively affordable prices lately (and yes, i do mean LOVE in the masculine, non-infommercial form that is close to impossible to get me to blurt out to a zealous girlfriend)! 
I had intended to blog my wine picks for the Holiday Season weeks before Christmas, but i must admit, good, old-fashioned, Daffy Duck-esque "mine mine mine" greed got the best of me.  Yes, I am that guy who hides the last couple of bottles of a great value wine in the wrong aisle -- preferably behind a herd of undecipherable, eastern european, white wine selections -- for me to return to purchase at a later date.  But I stand by my Daffy-ness. Fair is fair! Afterall, spectacular wines at ridiculous low Sale prices are often witheld and sold from the backroom --by the cases-- to eager doctor and lawyer enthusiasts with long pockets and insatiable thirsts, before the public even gets to see that they are available.
   -- And those short-stepped, huffy-puffy State Store Soldiers who can't tell you the difference between a vintage and an appellation -- much less answer a valid vinological question -- certainly are extremely efficient at finding lost, or (ahem) misplaced wines; often ruining my plans to re-experience that transcendental, lusty juice that had bumped me from snuggy, silly, falstaffian partner, to irresistible, secret agent gorgeousness and gorgeousity all made flesh  demi-god in my girl's eyes just a couple of days before!
However, since our first WEGC dinner is upon us and considering that not all of our members enjoy the poetic expression of artisan beer pairings, i feel it's my duty to encourage any and all to bring a bottle of wine or two along to enhance and ensure the intimacy of the evening, as i feel inclined to lead them to the finest, complimenting suggestions available.

Whites

Let's not be hasty to blurt out pinot grigio, pinot grigio, pinot grigio.  I hear it everyday at the bar, fumbled from lips to bartop in staccato, without eye contact or discrimination.  I have nothing against the grape.  As most varietals, this one can be as regal and noble as the next.  It's the over-priced swill masked behind recognizable names and words that have created in me a stubborn Paul Giamatti in Sideways disdain for it.  I recognize that it takes a very adventurous and/or passionate wine lover to take chances on white varietals.  Most white wine drinkers i encounter know what they like and stick to it.  But there are some lovely food wines out there, and also some gorgeous ones that need nothing but to be consumed.
If you prefer ecclectic varietals and don't mind trusting the likes of me, there are a handful of wines that will help you forget all about PG (i refuse to even write the words anymore). Two italian beauties immediately come to mind,  La Scolca Oro Gavi -- made from Cortese grapes, this a bargain at $13 from a serious producer in Piedmont -- and the Passerina from Pharus, a very obscure varietal from Marche, which is better known for its Verdicchio and Trebbiano.  The Passerina's friendly acidity and characteristics will certainly stand up to most pairings, and at 14 Bones, it is a steal! 
If you enjoy elegant bright whites with mouthwatering acidity, the Terra de Lobo Godello from Galicia will be the best 15 bucks spent, and it'll keep you craving more.  A personal favorite of mine -- albeit not as attractive at $19 -- is Itsas Mendi BiskaikoTxakolina, made from the Hondarrabi Zuri varietal in Basque. Considering the Gastronomic Social Club concept was invented in Basque Country and it's the root of the WEGC, as well as personally being part Basque, how could i not plug this wine?
I know there will be many whom i will not be able to convince into trying something outside the box, so for you Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc faithfuls, the best values are Big Ranch Napa Chardonnay, and Bernardus Sauvignon Blanc from Arroyo Seco.  They both express the best characteristics of the California varietals.
There are some like me that don't mind spending a couple extra bucks for a great bottle of wine.  It's not often that you can find a Louis Latour Chassagne Montrachet, or Meursault 1er Cru under $50, and these two at $40 are a great indulgence.  Not into the French? Then Flowers Andreen Gale Chardonnay is the way to go for less than $30, but enough about Chardonnays.  If I were a guest rather than the host, i would only debate between 2 selections, but only for a minute The Grans Fassian Spatlese Riesling will make you think Rieslings for a month and probably never meet its match. But my Jenny unequivocally is and shall forever be Roussanes, and (i can't believe i'm sharing this, but) Yangarra has four bottles only at the Cedar Crest store at $25.  Anything from Yangarra Estates is money, and i would take a chance on any 100% Roussane from any producer, anywhere in the world.  The varietal at its best expression is irresistible, sophisticated, and regal -- love at first sip; a princess in the... you get the idea.


Reds

Let's get to the nitty gritty.  Red wines mostly rule especially between late Summer and early Spring, and none more supreme than the majestic Cabernet.  But i'm not going to lead you on to think that this will be a Cabernet-fest.  I have 2 strong suggestions of the varietal, and although every pick in this blog is available at the premium Cedar Crest Blvd. store, one special bottle you will have to drive all the way to the Promenade to purchase it if you are willing to trust the Force.
The Mudhouse Pinot Noir is a wonderful choice for those of you who enjoy a lighter, versatile red.  This kiwi version from the Central Otago appellation is a solid choice of the varietal.  New Zealand has been producing wonderful versions of Pinot Noir, although their prices have been a bit unfriendly to the American market.  At $13 a bottle this one is a keeper, and it might provoke some to take a chance on paying more $$ on New Zealand reds. 
If you're looking for a little more certainty from a credible producer the Joseph Drouhin Chorey Le Beaune should do. At sixteen bones per bottle, there is very little room to complain despite the unexepected lustiness of this vintage.
Nebbiolo is the noble grape from which Barolos and Barbarescos -- the wine of kings -- are made.  Well, for $15 you can enjoy Damilano Nebbiolo d'Alba and get an introducton into this unique juice.  As light and bright as these wines can be, this version will give you a little more global-warming plumpness than red fruit tartness -- a true decadent pleasure.
A Barbaresco for $20?  Yes there is.  The Rizzi is back.  No questions or comments about this one.  If you don't know to get it, don't.
Before i get to the big boys, here are my Cabernet suggestions for the Cab-Heads.  Volker Eisele Cabernet from Napa is a fine drop at $20.  Truly a wine that will impress the most learned of your friends.  My sentimental favorite comes from the small appellation Suisun, right outside Napa Valley.  Vezer Cabernet is practically sold out everywhere in the Lehigh Valley but at the Promenade store.  Costing a modest $20, this would be a great time to test the new PLCB Delivery system and purchase a case of it before it's completely sold out.  A true gem.  Try a Shannon Ridge Barbera if you're looking for something ecclectic and yet bordering on the full-bodied side.  This athletic Piedmontese grape changes into an hour-glass, luscious version when grown in CA.  And Shannon Ridge is a wonderful, sustainable winery that makes delicious wines and are sold at very attractive price points in PA --  like this one, selling for $15.
Let's face it, in deep-January-country big, voluptuous, chewy wines reign supreme.  There is a lot in the State if you care to look, and i have a bunch that i like and strongly recommend.  The must act now selection is Vezer's La Salette, selling at a ridiculous $30.  This juicy blend of old vine Zinfandel and Petite Sirah normally sells for over $75.  Prior to this blog there were only 4 bottles left at the Cedar Crest Plaza store, and selling quickly everywhere else in the LV.  Good luck.
Two wines that i feel have not received their due respect are Le Mistral, practically selling for half its true price at $25, and not as recognized now that it's detached from the Joseph Phelps brand.  My sentimental pick is Oliverhill Petite Sirah for $23, which nobody knows about because they are a teensy boutique winery with incredible wines produced with love and respect.  It is a miracle that there are more than a handful of bottles of any of their varietals still available in Allentown. 
If you love New World wines than you must must must let Clarendon Hills invade your palate.  Both available wines are less than $30, the Grenache being my fruit-bomb favorite, but that doesn't mean that the Syrah won't stand up to it.  Thank Ignorance that most consumers don't know to pick these up, or won't take a chance.  More for you and me...
Two powerhouses from Spain that should not be ignored are the Arrayan Metrida Red, and the Escoces Volante Bullas 3000 Anos.  Both are less than $30 with the Bullas relying on focused Mourvedre to dominate the blend, while the Metrida leans on Syrah to blast your taste buds. You might need to oxygenate these for a bit, but the wait will be worth the buzz.

Cheers,
L.
WEGC 

SO SIMPLY SWEET... POTATO SOUP

INGREDIENTS:

(Serves 2-4 depending how hungry you are... or if you want to share!)

2 Tbsp Olive Oil

3 cloves garlic, rough chopped

1 large Vidalia Onion, rough chopped

2 large Carrots, peeled and rough chopped

3-4 large Sweet Potatoes, peeled and rough chopped

2 medium size Apples*

  *choose your favorite apples ( we love our Grannies and Galas), large chop one apple; peel and small dice the other apple of your eye and set aside

1 12 oz. bottle Samuel Smith Cider (our choice of cider, also Organic, but if you fancy another go for  it!)

1/2 cup water

salt

pepper

1Tsp. Cinnamon

1 Tsp. Ginger

1 Tsp. Nutmeg

¼ cup Brown sugar

1 cup Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt (Vegan substitution of Silky Tofu)

Curried Pecans* (optional for those who like a lil more savory, a lil more heat,  and a lot more flavor and complexity!) Recipe follows!

PREPARATION:

~ Heat olive oil, garlic, and onions in a medium size saucepan and sweat until soft

~ Add carrots, sweet potato, apple (only the rough chopped apple)

~ Add the bottle of cider and enough water to cover the ingredients, place a lid on the pot and bring to a boil

~ Uncover and add seasonings and spices

~ Cook until carrots, sweet potato, and apple are tenderly soft

~ Remove from the heat and with an immersion blender, standard blender, or food processor blend the soup until smooth, adding the  sour cream, yogurt, or tofu for desired consistency

~ Add peeled and small diced apple

~ Taste and adjust seasonings as needed

~ Serve each bowl with a spoonful of curried nuts

~ Savour each delicious mouthful with a loved one or keep it to yourself and repeat!

*To Curry Yourself Some Pecans:

Preheat Oven to 350' degrees

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp butter, melted (Vegan substitution of Maple Syrup)

2 Tbsp curry powder (found in all grocery spice aisles at varying heat levels. WE like it hot. You know how you like it...)

1/2 cup pecans, chopped  (walnuts would also be a tasty option if you prefer)

~Toss all ingredients in a  mixing bowl

~Spread nuts on a baking sheet and place in oven for 10-15 minutes

~Remove nuts from oven and allow to slightly cool

Our Mission

Having grown up in the Allentown West End and recognizing the great Gastronomic tradition of our neighborhood, we intend to carry on and celebrate the passion for food and social interaction that brought us to great Eateries like The Shanty, Rascals, The Haviland Grille, Kern's, Henry's Salt of the Sea, etc., and brings us today to Ringer's, Wert's, Callaghan's and Stooges, to name a few. Initially we will host scratch-food Dinner Events in different West End locations -- whether as a Pop-up Restaurant, Pub Take-over, or Multiple Course Charity Dinners -- with emphasis on locally raised and grown, sustainable, farm to table ingredients prepared with both reverance and humor. Ultimately, we want to encourage individuals to come out to enjoy what's made the West End a great neighborhood wherein to grow up; to make it "an Evening" socializing in our great pubs, shopping from our unique, local businesses, catching a movie or show at the theatre, and experiencing an unforgettable dinner with the Gastro Club.