As the holiday season kicks into high gear this week, SOHO is celebrating by adding a new cocktail to the menu. We will be offering "The Grinch" through the end of December.

 

Eddie – SOHO owners Frank and Susan Smith's beloved dog

 

Our bartenders will be happy to serve up "The Grinch" for you at the restaurant – or perhaps you'll decide to try one at home. Here's the recipe:

 

The Grinch

1 oz citrus vodka (SOHO uses Ketel One Citron)

1 oz cranberry vodka (SOHO uses Finlandia Cranberry)

3/4 oz Midori

Splash of white cranberry juice

 

Shake vodka, Midori and juice together with ice. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a cherry (a symbol for the Grinch’s changed heart!). Enjoy! 

 

The holidays aren’t complete without a delicious treat or two – whether a unique cocktail or a favorite dessert. So, in addition to "The Grinch" recipe, I thought I’d pass along a link to some great cookie recipes. Gourmet magazine’s website offers favorite cookie recipes from 1941 – 2008. Ranging from a gingerbread cookie recipe from 1959 to a pistachio cranberry icebox cookie recipe from 2006, the roundup offers plenty of sugary delights to try.

 

Happy holidays!

SOHO’s South American journey continues! Flight night on Wednesday, November 18, will feature outstanding wines from Argentina and Chile.

 

 

Chile's Colchagua Valley

 

This week we return to the Maipo and Colchagua valleys of Chile. In addition, we will explore the Uco Valley of Argentina. Located within Argentina’s Mendoza province, the Uco Valley includes the highest altitude Argentine vineyards. The valley draws winemakers from all over the world, due to dry weather and microclimates that produce wines rich in color and ideal for aging. SOHO will offer the following Chilean and Argentine wines – as well as South American-inspired tapas – through December 2.

2008 Finca el Origen Torrontes, Uco Valley, Argentina

Pulpo a la plancha – grilled octopus with fresh lemon and olive oil

 

2006 Santa Ema “Amplus One” Red Blend, Maipo, Chile

Pastel de Choclo – layered seasoned beef and vegetables with a corn mash

 

2006 Arboleda Merlot, Colchagua Valley, Chile

Hot smoked Chilean salmon with shaved cucumber and an avocado vinaigrette

 

Try each of the featured wines in a flight (three three ounce glasses and a cheese plate) for $18. Or, pair a glass of wine and tapas for $12. The wines and tapas are available individually as well ($9/glass and $6/tapas). Please join us soon!

The holidays are on the horizon and many people are looking forward to enjoying the company of family and friends. Whether you’re hosting loved ones at home or dining out, the perfect bottle of wine can complement any evening. With that in mind, I thought I’d share a few insights from SOHO’s wine expert, Lars Snavely, on choosing a high-quality – and affordable – bottle.

First, a brief introduction to Lars – he’s spent over 20 years working in various hotels and restaurants, and he has worked with wine distributors such as Prestige and Grapefields. I asked Lars why he loves wine industry, and if he has a favorite varietal.

 

Lars: Because wine is an agricultural product, it’s never the same from year to year. The wine industry has been evolving ever since I began in the restaurant and wine business – and it’s kept my career very interesting. Plus, the industry has allowed me to travel numerous places, such as France, Spain, and South America. I don’t have a favorite varietal, but I can say I don’t care for over-oaked Chardonnays, insipid Pinot Grigios, or high-alcohol, over-extracted red wines.

If you were choosing an affordable bottle ($15 – $30) for an evening in with family or friends, what would you buy? Any suggestions for food pairings?

 

Lars: For a white wine, I would recommend the Four Vines “Naked” Chardonnay. It is an unoaked Chardonnay that is very enjoyable. If you prefer your Chardonnay to have a bit of oak, I would recommend a La Crema from the Sonoma Coast. The Chardonnays will pair well with seafood or chicken – as will a Moscophilero from Greece (Boutari makes a nice one) or a Grüner Veltliner from Austria.

 

For a red wine, I would recommend the Delas Cotes du Rhone, as well as the Tres Picos Garnacha from Spain– it is a delicious old-vine Garnacha that is drinking well now. Each of these wines pair would pair well with red meats and pork. If you are looking for a Pinot Noir, I would recommend a Mark West or Bishop’s Peak. Both would pair well with lamb.

Which wines standout for you on SOHO’s wine list?

Lars: Quite a few – I think the Nobilo Icon Sauvignon Blanc is terrific. The Monchhof Reisling is wonderful as well. I’ve met the winemaker and he’s dedicated to a top quality product, plus it has received outstanding recognition from critics. I also like the Oberon Cabernet from Napa Valley. The 2001 Oberon was one of the best values I’ve seen in years and the current vintage, 2006, is very good as well. Finally, I like the LaCrema Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from California. They are consistently very high quality.

I hope you’ll raise a glass with us at SOHO this holiday season. And, please let me know your favorite wine in the comments section!

This week, SOHO travels to Chile for flight night on Wednesday, November 11.

 

The Chilean varietals showcased this week come from the Maipo and Colchagua valleys. The Colchagua Valley gained world-wide recognition in 2005, when Wine Enthusiast magazine named it Wine Valley of the Year. The region is known for producing juicy reds such as Syrah and Carmenere – some wine enthusiasts have even nicknamed it the Napa of Chile. SOHO will offer the following Chilean wines and South American-inspired tapas through November 18.

2008 Santa Ema Amplus Sauvignon Blanc, Maipo, Chile

Ceviche de Camarones – a fresh shrimp ceviche served with Chilean avocados

 

2006 Casa Silva Carmenere Reserve, Colchagua Valley, Chile

Ostiones a la Parmesana – oysters baked with Argentine parmesan

 

2005 Montes Alpha Syrah, Colchagua Valley, Chile

Anticucho con aji pebre – grilled Chilean beef shish-kabob with green hot chili sauce

 

Guests can try all the Chilean wines in a flight (three three ounce glasses and a cheese plate) for $18. Or, pair a glass of wine and tapas for $12. The wine and tapas are available individually as well ($9/glass and $6/tapas). See you soon!

Autumn burned brightly, a running flame through the mountains, a torch flung to the trees. – Faith Baldwin

 

 
 

With autumn fully upon us here in Georgia- complete with vivid colors and chilly mornings – many people are eager to indulge in beloved seasonal foods, such as apple pie or pumpkin muffins. At SOHO, we’ve added fall favorite butternut squash soup to the daily menu and it’s received rave reviews from our guests recently, so I thought it would be worthwhile to pass along the recipe here. Of course, if you’re not in the mood to whip it up at home, we’re always ready to serve up a bowl at the restaurant!

 

Butternut Squash Soup (serves 4)

 

Ingredients

2 average-size butternut squash (peeled, chopped and seeded)

1 medium onion (peeled and chopped)

1 cup heavy cream

Salt and pepper

 

Preparation

Place squash and onion in medium size pan. Add enough water to cover squash and onion. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cook until squash is soft. Add heavy cream to pan and bring to a boil. Transfer pan's contents to blender. Carefully blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve and top with herbed mascarpone cheese (recipe below).

 

Herbed Mascarpone

 

Ingredients

1 cup mascarpone

2 tablespoon rosemary

1 tablespoon thyme

Salt and pepper

 

Preparation

Mix rosemary, thyme, salt and pepper (to taste) with mascarpone.

 

Enjoy!

Each week in November, SOHO will feature new South American wines and tapas. Flight night on Wednesday, November 4, will include varietals and flavors from Argentina and Chile.

 

 

Vineyards in Mendoza, Argentina
 

SOHO has recently teamed up with wine connoisseur Lars Snavely, who will be selecting the wines featured each week on flight night. Lars has traveled extensively in South America, and I’ve included a few of his insights on this week’s wines below.

Two of the wines Lars has chosen this week come from Argentina’s Mendoza province, one of Argentina’s most important wine regions – it accounts for nearly two-thirds of the country’s wine production. The region is known for producing full-bodied Malbecs, as well as impressive Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and Chardonnay. The third wine SOHO will feature this week is a Cabernet Sauvignon from the Maipo Valley in Chile. The region is ideal for producing Cabernet, due to its altitude (2,100 feet above sea level) and soils. SOHO’s Chef Joe has tapped into the regional flavors of Chile and Argentina to prepare this week’s small plates – each pairs well with one of the featured wines. The following wine and tapas will be available through Wednesday, November 11.

2007 Catena Tupungato Chardonnay, Mendoza, Argentina

This Chardonnay has an elegant balance of fruit and oak with just enough crisp acidity. The taste fills the mouth with peach and ripe mango flavors with underlying minerality. The finish is long and smooth.

Paired with Almejas con limon – raw clams on the half shell with fresh lemon

 

2007 Decero Remolinos Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina

This wine is a deep ruby color with violet, fresh fruit and spice on the nose. Rich in the mouth with red fruit and spice taste. It’s a complex and beautifully balanced wine.

Paired with Empanada de pino – baked turnover with diced beef, onions, olives, raisins and eggs

 

2006 Cousino-Macul Antiguas Reservas Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipo Valley, Chile

This 2006 Antiquas Cab is a deep ruby color with lovely black fruit and light toasty oat on the nose. The dark fruit continues on the taste with dark plums and blackberries. It’s quite approachable now but should age nicely.

Paired with Costillar de Chancho – baked and grilled pork spare ribs with chimmi churri

 

Guests can enjoy the flavors of Argentina and Chile in a variety of ways. Try a flight (three three ounce glasses and a cheese plate) for $18. Or, pair a glass of wine and tapas plate for $12. Of course, the wines and tapas are available individually as well ($9/glass and $6/tapas). Please join us soon!

A big thanks to all those who helped make our “Big Night” anniversary celebration a success!

 

Last Tuesday, about 50 SOHO friends gathered to celebrate our 12th anniversary and enjoyed a special “Big Night” feast prepared by Chef Joe and the rest of our wonderful kitchen staff. The menu included pasta en brodo, il timpano, roasted chicken and fish, grilled calamari, and suckling pig. The wine was flowing (Ca Montini Pinot Grigio and La Braccesca Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano) and the company was fantastic.

For those ready to try a taste of “Big Night” at home, here is the “Big Night” il Timpano recipe. It’s a bit more involved than some of the other recipes I’ve featured, but well worth it if you have a passion for cooking and a little extra time.

 

Ingredients (makes 6 to 8 servings)

For the pasta:

2 cups flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 large eggs, lightly beaten

1 tablespoon olive oil

 

For the meatballs:

1 pound ground pork

1 pound ground beef

1 teaspoon fennel seed

1 egg, lightly beaten

1/2 cup chopped parsley

1 cup fine bread crumbs

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