A Love Of Cigars: Sneak Peak
May 30, 2009
I do love a nice cigar- so full of flavor and so wonderful to indulge in for those special occasions. As you know, I greatly believe in making my own occasions and so I do love to have my cigars fairly often. I make my own moments, with fashion as much as with food, and cigars and spirits very much among them.
Last night was one of those nights in which we felt like celebrating! I have some new gems I picked up to keep the luxury coming-I’ll let you in on a sneak peak for now and keep you informed more on them later. But last night was a special treat, and so I had a very lovely cigar in hand: The Oliva Serie V Double Robosto.
What a beautiful cigar, so wonderful I had to pick up another one this afternoon to have again soon. Everything about it is just right and what I love in a cigar, the flavors are magnificent. So smooth and rich with those dark tones- my dark chocolate lovers will appreciate this one, I know it.
I found these fine cigars at the Richmond Avenue Cigar shop for those of you who travel through Houston, a very fine shop with the people, humidor, selection and care you want. I love a place that looks over the details, and this is definitely the place.
I’ll be having more lovelies for you soon. I have some special plans for my Cabaiguan Cigar pictured at the end- ah the familiar tastes of my Miami. I have a great pairing in mind for that little gem, ooh yes!
Alright, loves- some fashionable and classic cocktails coming to you tomorrow, including a decadent delight of the 1920’s! Cocktail lovers, stay tuned.
Some Looks Into Last Night With Cigars
May 26, 2009
I love what I love- and enjoy balancing my indulgences in pleasurable amounts. It keeps them special and appreciated. Those who know me know that I love my food and drinks as much as I do my fashion; I like to appreciate all the small details that go into something, whatever it may be. Of my loves, cigars definitely appear on the scene. And always with friends, wonderful drinks, and lasting memories.
There is something so relaxing and delicious about a cigar that the experience itself is the reward, for me. They seem to highlight events and successes and increase the bond between you and your guests.
Keep in mind that you never inhale a cigar- I’ve never been a smoker of cigarettes or ever cared to, but I do love my occasional and delightful cigar. They are two very different worlds.
So the other night at Anvil, when we unexpectedly ran into some dear friends- after having many delightful drinks we decided to make an event of the evening and enjoy some cigars outside. We had some on us just in case, it felt like a night of celebrating which is why we went to Anvil in the first place.
I have been enjoying the Habano Nub cigars lately- very impressive, they pull like a full cigar for their size and are very tasty. Beautiful construction.
It seems whenever I find out that a friend of ours enjoys cigars, the bonds become tighter and the stories that unfold are so wonderful. It is always a very happy and relaxing experience that leaves room for new ones to come.
Just thought I would share another glimpse into the other evening with you, I feel you are all so close to me it is only right that I include you in these moments, too.
I have some new cigars waiting for an occasion to come up, and will let you know what they are and how they taste as the time comes. They will have their moment. In the mean time, I have some fabulous fashion posts coming up that you will love- see you tomorrow!
Celebrating With A Yummy Sauvignon Blanc
April 20, 2009
Last night my hunny and I finally indulged in our latest gorgeous accessory, the wine refrigerator. And naturally, we selected some new wine purchases to go with our beautiful new toy.
We had been looking at wine refrigerators for some time, however could not come across one that wasn’t too big or too small and included two chambers, one for our whites and one for our reds. The ones we did like were never in stock, so the hunt continued until we finally came across one we loved and jumped on it!
And so to celebrate, we began with a bottle of Nobilo, a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc that is absolutely wonderful. I love New Zealand sauv blancs, they have that crisp, citrus style I love about a sauvignon blanc; and this one is marvelous (as is the price at only $11).
We went through this bottle rather quickly over dinner, and decided to follow with some dessert. Now, I do have a new eiswien I have been meaning to try, but this time we opted for a rose we picked up for a fun taste.
Now, when I think of rose one of my favorites comes to mind- the Belle Glos Pinot Noir Blanc, if you haven’t tried it go pick it up now you will love it! Yes, it is a fabulously pink bottle and you cannot miss it, but the taste is sure to please!
But this was something different, something fun- and something very sweet. It was perfect for dessert, with a fruity taste dense in strawberries. It was very smooth and soft, and rich in sweet fruity flavor. We picked up the bottle on a whim, just to see how it would be and I have to say we enjoyed ourselves.
The bottle is what caught our eye this time as well, and with a further glance at the label we were intrigued and delighted to give it a taste.
We even brought out the wine glasses we were given as a beautiful gift for Christmas- and they are lovely! Just the thing to also celebrate our new wine refrigerator. Am looking forward to many more, I’ll let you know when we open our first red from the fridge. A Burgundy maybe? We shall see.
Pommard, A Love Of Luxurious French Wines
April 13, 2009
I love wine, and as the evening arrives and all is calm and quiet- I love nothing more than to relax with a glass of Burgundy. Even when we have some guests over for conversation, a bottle of luxurious wine is always present- it makes us warm and happy.
I love all styles of wines, but burgundy- or pinot noir, is my personal favorite.
So I thought this evening I would share with you what I am drinking, and be forewarned, this is certainly an earthy, full, and rich red wine.
It is a 2005, and comes from the appellation of Pommard, France- where only red wines are allowed to be produced. The wines are known for their full bodied tannic quality, and because of it do well with aging. I admit I am opening this one early (five is generally a minimum with this one, and as many as fifteen or more does very well to soften the tannins and bring out the complexity of the fruit flavors and dimensions).
I used one of my fun little wine tools to speed up the breathing process as well as letting it rest, and I must say it was still quite the treat! Definitely holds well with food- something rich and meaty like a filet, especially something gamey like venison or elk. Nom!
Very rich of red fruit- black cherry, black currant, and plum. Love it. Without the Wine Aerator Tool I have it would come across more bitter, which is why it will do better with time. This is certainly something I would purchase again (and let rest for a future celebration or gathering).
Cheers, loves!
An Award To The Fabulous!
February 21, 2009
Something I greatly believe in is making each day an occasion and making all occasions fabulous ones. When an opportunity of the fabulous is presented to me, I am delighted to indulge and pass the luxury to those who mean the world to me.
I am incredibly honored to be presented with the award, “Your Blog is Fabulous” from an incredibly fabulous lady herself, Roxy of For The Love Of Beauty – a fascinating blog I have been following now for some time as well. She is such a delight to read and I am very grateful to have her as one of my fabulous followers!
What a marvelous award and inspiration to celebrate!
It is with great honor and appreciation that I am able to present this award to these notably fabulous blogs that I adore and follow. And though two are technically not fashion only blogs, they still hold the high ranking of being fabulous. It is difficult to select so few, however these gems stand high on my list.
Once presented with this award, I encourage you to participate in the rules of this prestigious award:
1. Place this lovely logo as a badge of honor on your blog or within a post.
2. Nominate ten blogs which you find to be fabulous.
3. Be sure to link your nominees within your post
4. Let them know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. share the love and link this post and to the person from whom you received the award.
This is fabulous and fun, and it is always a pleasure to give to those who have given you so much.
Champagne Ale, Anyone?
February 5, 2009
Or should I say Bierre Brut? Might sound a bit more glamorous, haha. What an interesting find, hope you didn’t think all beer was the same (how could you!) because you are about to be surprised.
When I first saw the bottle in the store, I thought it was on the wrong shelf. There were only two of them in all and the bottle looked like your traditional champagne bottle. Deifnitely stands out among the much smaller beer bottles.
Belgian? Ale? Champagne? YES, it definitely qualifies for a taste. Besides, I always love an extra special reason to celebrate, and what better way than with a drink. Cheers.
I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but I must say it definitely is a balance of both. Brewed with Barley, Deus is fermented and matured in Belgium, refermented in the bottle and then is followed by the traditional “remuage” and “degorgement” in Champagne, France.
It pours with a very light golden color- has the bubbly action of a champagne and the head of a belgian beer- even breaks up in the same manner. What a marvelous thing!
It is very sweet- much sweeter than I was expecting and so makes for quite the dessert! Though it is sweeter than my usual liking, I must admit it starts to grow on you making you want more. A little is honestly all you need with with this flavorful concoction, also making it a perfect dessert for a celebration. I used my chimay chalice glasses, which I felt was appropriate for the occasion, though a flute would also be suitable. The texture is lovely and a fun experience over all. Champagne and beer- how can you not have fun?
It tastes of pears, honey, and spice most prominently for me, with hints of an apple tartness as well. I love the hint of tart in the finish, adds that bite I love to round out the sweetness.
Fun, love a new drink for a fabulous toast!
The Latest Belgian Beauty
January 16, 2009
What could be more wonderful than a luxurious abbey ale? I love my Belgian beers, and with good reason seeing as they are the best, in my opinion of course. Last night I finally was able to taste one in particular I have had an eye on for quite a while. And this one is making my favorite’s list without question.
It is the bottle that caught my attention this time- I love it. So cool to the touch with that unique texture, makes me feel at home. When I was a child, I remember actually having a water bottle of this same material. Keeps the contents extra cool and at just the right temperature. So now I have moved from a water bottle to beer, it is good to have both most likely. It does make things quite fun.
St. Sebastiaan Dark is a dark top-fermented abbey ale brewed according to the purity law of 1516. Old and true like so many of its Belgian brothers. They all have this velvety malty sort of texture that is filled with a luscious flavor- each beer having its own distinct taste.
This one, with a smell of spice and caramel has a slightly bitter sweet bite to it that is marvelous. Honestly, when I first tasted it, Gingerbread came instantly to mind. And I do love gingerbread. It works wonderfully in this form- so delicious! I cannot wait to purchase another.
Seriously, like dark gingerbread- so heavenly.
They have some other styles and tastes I will have to try from them; dark is usually my favorite so I grabbed it first naturally. I think the Grand Cru will be next on my list.
A gorgeous bottle with the contents to match- so fabulous. I would have been disappointed if it wasn’t anything other than great. My Belgian beers never let me down though, so all is well and better than ever.
This is a must try- loves! And what perfect timing, a taste right before my birthday. May have to try the other tomorrow in celebration, who knows.
TINI Bigs With Finlandia Love
November 19, 2008
It was our last night in Seattle and it turned out to be one of those nights that is so perfect you couldn’t have ever attempted to plan it. Just one of those, wow- really nights.
It began simple enough- we did the tourist thing and took lots of photos, eating our way throughout the city (yum yum oh incredibly yum on another note!). On a great recommendation from a particular cigar smoking man, we decided to end our visit with a night at the famous TINI BIGS Lounge.
We had a red eye to catch back home, so it would be a night at the bar, some walking around, and then on to the airport for the flight back home. We walk in to this lovely little bar fairly early at about 5:15 in the afternoon or so. It was already dark, the time change does some wonders on that doesn’t it? So we were ready for some drinks. The bartenders were very friendly and introduced themselves as they welcomed us in. One of them asked if we would like to order, but if that we decided to wait five minutes drinks would be free.
… excuse me?
That’s right… apparently, and for this evening only, they were celebrating their official sponsorship of Finlandia Vodka. The international ambassador for Finlandia had flown in for the event and everything- so from 5:30 until about 8:00 any drink with Finlandia Vodka in it in any way was complimentary. Wow, how beautiful is that!
I must admit, when I first walked in and saw the drink list there were numerous bourbon and gin based drinks that had caught my attention- but how could I refuse complimentary drinks especially when there was a celebration to be had for the bar itself? It would be just rude.
The drink above was the favorite of the evening, the Pop 5. It contains Finlandia wild berries, midori, white grape juice, sweet n’ sour, and sparkling wine. It has quite the refreshing twist and pop- lovely drink! The Grapefruit-Tini pictured just below was also quite scrumptious with Finlandia Grapefruit vodka, campari, Cointreu and orange juice. These drinks were the features of the evening and so we felt it was appropriate to order them. Yum.
I will have to venture into the other drinks the next time I visit, and there will certainly be a next time.
As for their food menu- the mac and cheese is heavenly- crisped on top and creamy in the center- cheesy perfection. Definitely a must for the evening as well!
