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Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Eataly...you gotta go


Hats off to Joe, Mario and company. A client of mine raved heavy about Eataly. I had heard of it- didn't think much of it. And for the first time in a long time, the hype lived up to the hype.

Think Disney World for Italian food and wine lovers. Seriously. It's awe inspiring. It's fun. It's cool. It's convenient. It's got huge energy. It's affordable. It's quality. It's arguably the greatest commercial example of a living and breathing culture of the table (Italian table) that I've ever seen.

I was blown away. You gotta go...

Eataly
200 5th Ave
New York, NY 10010


P.S.- If you read the reviews you will be scratching your head. Trust me, just go...it's worth it.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

The Rules and Etiquette of the Wine Trade Tasting

Sorry, I've been MIA for awhile. Craziness. Drama. Stuff. Life. I won't get into it. Anyways........I'm back! And I have a lot to write about. Food (of course!). Wine (you know). Glassware (cause I have something to say about glassware now). And the daily grind at the table...

But, before I get into all of those things let me start with the obvious for all of you industry folks out there. In the industry, the Fall and the Spring are the traditional "tasting periods". Importers and distributors will put on these huge trade tastings for the shops and restaurants in advance of the traditional buying season. Huge, as in 500+ wines at a show huge...as in way too many to make deciding and buying even practical.

Anyways, for years the industry itself has collectively- socially- voiced some real problems in tasting etiquette. In essence, there are 'understood' rules to coming to, and participating in, these tastings and yet each and every year many seem to be oblivious to these tasting norms which interferes with the rest of us trying to politely taste. I know this because literally after each and every tasting I've ever attended, every single one of my clients spends no less than 10 minutes on "that/those person(s)..."

So, I'm taking it upon myself to lay down some rules. Thus,

The Rules and Etiquette of the Wine Trade Tasting
(in no particular order or importance)

* Always keep your opinions to yourself (a wine you may hate, someone may love).

* Always compliment the winemaker or winery regardless of your opinion of their wine (they spent an entire year making this product, you may not like it, but you must respect that.)

* Always observe a two foot personal boundary of the tasting table (offer your glass for a taste, receive a pour, step back two feet to allow others to receive a pour as well).

* Always spit. Getting drunk at a tasting is unprofessional.

* When spitting, lean in within 6 inches of the spittoon and controllably spit so as to not create a backsplash for yourself or others.

* The food, regardless of how extravagant it may be, is a courtesy not a right. Never criticize it, the purpose of the tasting is to taste the wines.

* Always be incredibly polite to the winery / winemaker...In essence, they are artists who have made a product and are offering it to you. It may not be to your taste, but at least recognize their work.

* Whenever possible, work your physical body to keep the tasting table in front of you clear and open so that others may come forward and receive a pour.

* Bringing 'friends' who are not in the business is largely frowned upon. However, if this person truly does help you make accurate and current buying decisions then this is acceptable. There is an 'understanding' in this...

* It is always appreciated that tastings be used for business first, pleasure second (in essence, coming to a tasting to simply taste the most extravagant / expensive wine, and that's it, is frowned upon).



And that's all of the rules I can think of right now. I have spoken with many of my clients over more than half a decade regarding this subject. I welcome your input. Place your comments below.