It’s almost 2010! If you’re planning to dine out on New Year’s Eve, we hope you’ll join us at SOHO. In addition to our regular dinner menu, we’ll offer seven special dishes for the evening. Please click here to make reservations or call 770-801-0069. 
 

Many will ring in the New Year with a champagne toast (we’ll certainly have plenty of bubbly on hand at the restaurant on December 31). If you’re raising a glass with friends and family this week, SOHO’s wine expert, Lars Snavely, suggests popping open one of the following bottles: Francois Montand Brut (approx. $12), Nicolas Feuillatte NV Brut (approx. $30), or a Duval-Leroy Brut NV (approx. $35). And, don’t forget the Gruet sparkling wines, recommended last week.

 

 Champagne bubbles

 

Interested in adding a twist to the classic glass of champagne this New Year’s? Consider shaking up one of these two tasty recipes:

 

Cranberry Champagne Cocktail

(from Tyler Florence / Food Network)

 

Ingredients (makes 1 drink)

1 oz cranberry juice (sweetened)

1 lime wedge

Champagne

Frozen cranberries

 

Directions

In a chilled champagne flute add cranberry juice and a squeeze of lime. Top with champagne. Add 3 or 4 frozen cranberries as garnish.

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SOHO’s tour of Australia and New Zealand finishes with flight night on Wednesday, December 23 and Wednesday, December 30.

 

 Kangaroo in an Australian vineyard

 

This week’s featured wines again come from the vineyards of Australia. First, SOHO will offer the 2008 D’Arenberg “Hermit Crab” Viognier Marsanne. Wondering about the unusual name? The D’Arenberg winery is in McLaren Vale where many of the vineyards are on soils underlain with limestone formed by the remains of the local marine fauna – including the hermit crab. Since the wine also pairs well many seafood dishes, D’Arenberg owner and winemaker Chester Osborn thought the “Hermit Crab” name would be a good fit.

Next, SOHO will serve a 2007 Mitolo Jester Cabernet Sauvignon. One interesting feature of the Cabernet is the process by which the grapes are dried – on mats, similar to how the Italians produce Amarone. This enhances the flavor, complexity and texture of the wine. Finally, SOHO will offer a 2004 Turkey Flat Shiraz from the Barossa Valley. Like the “Hermit Crab” Viognier Marsanne, the Turkey Flat draws its name from local history. The Turkey Flat Shiraz is named for the bush turkeys that once roamed the Barossa Valley.

To complement each outstanding wine, Chef Joe has drawn inspiration from Australia and created three new tapas plates. The following wines and tapas will be available through Wednesday, January 6.

2008 D’Arenberg “Hermit Crab” Viognier Marsanne, McLaren Vale, Australia

Grilled pork tenderloin served with herbed rutabaga and a Worcestershire-laced jus

 

2007 Mitolo Jester Cabernet Sauvignon, McLaren Vale, Australia

Wild mushroom ravioli served with prosciutto and sweet peas in a roast garlic cream sauce

 

2004 Turkey Flat Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australia

Panko and pine nut encrusted shrimp with cucumber-mango slaw

Guests can sample each wine in a flight (three three-ounce glasses and a cheese plate) for $18, or sample a wine and tapas together for $12. The wines and tapas are available individually as well ($9/glass and $6/plate). Hope to see you soon!

‘Tis the season for parties with family, friends and co-workers. One wonderful way to thank the host of a holiday gathering is with a nice bottle of wine. With that in mind, Lars Snavely, SOHO’s wine expert, has shared a few choices sure to please the palate.

 

 The Northern lights shine above Alaska.

If your host prefers red wine, consider the 2006 Guenoc Victorian Claret (approx. $10), a complex blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Petite Sirah. The wine offers flavors of dark berries and chocolate. Another worthwhile buy is the 2007 Thorn-Clark “Shotfire” Shiraz (approx. $20) from Australia’s Barossa Valley. The wine was awarded 90 points by Wine Spectator and, according to the magazine, is “ripe, focused and silky, with a mild bite of tannins to support the cedary black cherry and spice flavors.”

If a white wine is more to your host’s tastes, the 2008 King Estate Signature Pinot Gris (approx. $15) from Oregon’s Willamette Valley is a worthwhile buy. It recently made Wine Spectator’s list of top 100 wines for 2009. The Pinot Gris offers flavors of citrus, peach, tropical fruit, mineral, and honey. Another nice white is the 2007 Chalone Chardonnay (approx. $25), ranked twenty-ninth on Wine’s Spectator’s list of top 100 wines for 2009. According to the critics, the wine “exhibits a complex mix of subtle pear and mineral with pleasant earthy notes and floral scents.”

Of course, it is also the season for breaking out the bubbly. The Gruet Winery in New Mexico, produces sparkling wines that are perfect for a celebration. Whether you select the Brut, Blanc de Noirs, or Rose (all approx. $15), it’s impossible to go wrong with these bottles.

If you’d like to add a little extra flair to your bottled offering, consider giving a wine label saver as well. Available at Target.com or WineEnthusiast.com, the label savers allow your host to save a favorite label as a memento.

 

Happy Holidays!

 

Shopping note: Sherlock’s on Barrett Parkway is one place to shop for harder-to-find wines.

SOHO’s tour of Australia and New Zealand continues on flight night Wednesday, December 16.

 

Barossa Valley, Australia. Photo from the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation.

 

This week, all three featured wines are from the vineyards of Australia. First up, a 2008 Tapestry Chardonnay, an unoaked Chardonnay from Mclaren Vale. Only 1,700 cases of the Chardonnay were produced – so it’s a treat for all wine lovers.

Next, we are offering a 2007 Glaetzer “Wallace” Shiraz from the Barossa Valley. The first Glaetzers settled in the Barossa Valley in the late 1800s after emigrating from Germany and became some of the earliest viticulturists in the Barossa and Clare Valleys. Today, the family is still producing very highly regarded wines. The grapes for the “Wallace” Shiraz come from a small sub-region of Barossa where many of the vines are 80 to 120 years old – producing a rich, big wine.

 

Finally, SOHO will offer a Peter Lehmann “Seven Surveys” Old Vines, a blend of Shiraz, Grenache, and Mourvedre. The wine is a tribute to the pioneering families who settled Barossa in the 1800s. In fact, some of Lehmann’s growers are still tending vineyards planted with rootstock brought by their ancestors. These are among some of the oldest vines in the world on original rootstock.

To complement each of these exceptional wines, Chef Joe has created three tasty tapas dishes. SOHO will offer the following wines and tapas through December 23.

2008 Tapestry Chardonnay, McLaren Vale, Australia

Thai chicken sausage rolls wrapped in puff pastry with a sweet chili dipping sauce

 

2007 Glaetzer “Wallace” Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australia

Oysters on the half shell – topped with murin, tobiko, and a wasabi-avocado vinaigrette

 

Peter Lehmann “Seven Surveys” Old Vines, Barossa Valley, Australia

Sauteed shrimp in a sweet coconut curry served with jasmine rice

 

Guests can try each wine in a flight (three three-ounce glasses and a cheese plate) for $18. Or, sample a wine and tapas pairing for $12. The wines and tapas are available individually as well ($9/glass and $6/tapas). Hope to see you soon!

It’s almost time to ring in 2010! If you are thinking of welcoming in the new year by dining out, we invite you to join us at SOHO.

 

 

In addition to our regular menu, we will offer a special New Year’s Eve menu on Thursday, December 31. The menu will include the following starters: Lobster and blue crab bisque with cream sherry; wild mushroom ravioli with asiago and pancetta in a pistachio cream sauce; and “Laughing Bird” Belizean shrimp ceviche with avocado ice cream and crisped plantains.

 

The evening’s exceptional entrees will include: Fontina cheese and prosciutto stuffed veal chop served with apple smoked bacon bread pudding, rapini, and marsala jus; Lump crab encrusted Maine lobster tail served with fresh corn polenta, sautéed spinach and mushrooms, and dill-shallot butter; and whole fried snapper served with stir-fried baby vegetables, ginger-soy glaze and a wasabi-scallion aioli. Finally, for dessert, we will offer a flourless chocolate torte served with shaved white chocolate, chocolate zabaglione and a hazelnut praline.

 

SOHO will serve dinner on New Year’s Eve from 5:30 – 11:00pm. We recommend a reservation for the evening. We hope you’ll celebrate with us on December 31!

In addition to whipping up a New Year’s feast, the chefs at SOHO are also busy preparing Sunday dinner. I’m happy to announce we will be hosting Prime Rib Sundays throughout the winter. On a chilly night, savory cooking hits the spot, so we invite you to join us every Sunday from 5:00-9:00pm and indulge in our Prime Rib dinner. For $28, guests receive a meal of succulent, slow roasted Prime Rib with a selection of steak sauces, fontina potato gratin, and a chopped salad. May I just say? Yum!

For flight night on Wednesday, December 9, SOHO continues its journey to Australia and New Zealand.

 

 Hillside Vineyard. Photo from Torbreck Wines.

 

This week, SOHO will highlight two wines from Australia– a Semillon and Grenache, as well as a Pinot Noir from New Zealand. Lars Snavely, SOHO’s wine expert, notes that certain vines age better than others and Grenache is a variety that ages particularly well. It is rare to hear of an old vine Chardonnay or Cabernet because, at a certain point, the quality of wine produced declines along with the yield. However, old vine Grenache can be a joy to drink. The Grenache SOHO will be pouring this week exemplifies this trait. Additionally, the Pinot Noir SOHO will be showcasing is another example of the excellent Pinots currently being exported by New Zealand. The following wine – and Australian and New Zealand inspired tapas – will be offered through December 16.

2008 Torbreck Woodcutter’s Semillon, Barossa Valley, Australia

Grilled Australian lollipop lamb chops and shaved asparagus salad in kiwi vinaigrette

2006 Simon Hackett Old Vine Grenache, McLaren Vale, Australia

Baked Roaring 40's blue cheese, apple and onion tart

2007 Saint Clair Vicar’s Choice Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand

Tandoori spiced chicken skewers with cucumber salad and yogurt mint sauce

 

Guests can try each wine in a flight (three three-ounce glasses and a cheese plate) for $18 or, sample a wine and tapas together for $12. The wines and tapas are available individually as well ($9/glass and $6/tapas). Hope to see you soon!

This December, SOHO is offering a special gift card promotion. Purchase $100 in gift cards and earn a $25 bonus card reward. Recipients of the gift cards will not only have the chance to enjoy SOHO’s food but, more importantly, can savor the company of friends and family.

 

 

 

Spending time with family and friends is the reason so many of us love the holidays – and whether you’re entertaining in a restaurant or at home it can be fun to add to the ambience of the evening with special details. With that in mind, I thought I’d share three holiday entertaining ideas:

 

Consider setting a seating arrangement and utilizing place cards. One creative idea for place cards is to use photos. Simply place a photo of each guest in a small picture frame and set the image at the guest’s seat. (Walmart offers twelve 4 x 6 frames for $9.00).

 

Use wine bottles as decorations. Wash and dry empty wine bottles and then arrange dried or fresh flowers within the bottles. Or, if you are more ambitious, create a wine bottle filled with holiday lights. This article from eHow.com has full instructions on making this unique centerpiece.

 

Music can help create a festive mood. You may want to tap into televised music stations – many offer sounds of the season – or iTunes radio. Or, ask each guest to bring a favorite holiday CD to the gathering.

 

Happy holidays!

 

SOHO will feature wines and flavors from New Zealand and Australia each week this December. The journey begins with flight night on Wednesday, December 2.

 

 
Kookaburra in an Australian vineyard – Image from Australian wine and brandy corporation

This week, SOHO will feature two New Zealand wines, a Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. Sauvignon Blanc is the grape that made New Zealand’s wine reputation – it grows exceptionally well in the country’s cool, dry and sunny climate. The same climate is also ideal for growing Pinot Noir and, in recent years, New Zealand has begun exporting a number of excellent Pinots.

The third wine SOHO is showcasing this week is a 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon from South Australia. According to SOHO’s wine expert, Lars Snavely, this Cabernet is a wonderful representation of the vintage. In 2007, South Australia experienced a cold, dry winter followed by severe frosts during spring and early summer. Summer was hot and dry, with cool to cold nights and, in January, just enough rain fell to carry the vines through to harvest. The result was below average yields of extremely high quality.

SOHO will offer the following wines and tapas through December 9.

2008 Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc, Te Muna Road Vineyard, Martinborough, New Zealand

Shrimp on the Barbie – Grilled shrimp served with a shaved green mango salad and coconut curry sauce

 

2008 Matua Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand

Fish and Chips – Fosters battered mahi mahi served with old-fashioned tartar and sweet chili sauces

 

2007 Penley Estate Phoenix Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra, South Australia

Australian meat pie made with beef and spiked with vegemite and tamarind

Guests can sample each wine 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 ($6/tapas and $9/glass).

Please join us soon!

The passing of Thanksgiving means the season of gift giving has arrived. Perhaps you’ve already selected the perfect gifts for your loved ones but, if not, I thought I'd share three memorable and creative gift ideas.

 

 

 

First, how can you go wrong with free food? Baked goods are almost always appreciated. SOHO’s recipes for pound cake and chocolate bread pudding might be of use for this gift. Or, try a classic like chocolate chip cookies (here's a collection of recipes from the Food Network). After you’ve finished baking, simply package in plastic wrap and add a festive ribbon.

 

Another idea is to give an IOU. Whether offering an evening of baby-sitting, a car wash in the spring, or a night in with a home cooked meal, it’s hard not to appreciate this gift. You can write the IOU inside a traditional holiday card – or check out the IOU template on Kodak.com.

 

Finally, consider giving a recipe scrapbook if you are gifting a foodie. Pick up a blank scrapbook at a local store (Target has a few good ones). Then, simply include your favorite recipes and/or recipes that have special meaning for the recipient. You could also reach out to family and other friends and ask them to contribute a recipe as well, noting who contributed each recipe within the book.

 

Have a great holiday gift idea? Please let me know in the comments section!

 

Happy Holidays!