Thanksgiving 2012

So Thanksgiving came and went.  Another blessed year for the Wu Family. Nothing dramatic or extraordinary has happened.  Days of our lives passed by calmly and smoothly, like a little stream of water flowing through a quiet forest.  For that, I'm thankful.

The family got together for our annual turkey fest.  Jennifer made a beautiful 24 pound turkey.  She is getting better and better with that turkey with each year's practice.  It was juicy and moist.  Caitlin is now Jennifer's efficient kitchen help.  Carli made her first appetizer for the party.  Brandon is developing a low tone voice and he is now 12.  And guess who will be joining us next Thanksgiving? Little Justin Wu will be here in March 2013.  Yes, another new family member for the Wu clan.  For that, I'm thankful.

This Thanksgiving though has been a traumatic one for few families outside my world.  Sad news after sad news over the holiday weekends.  Family being killed on a shopping trip.  Family being swept out to sea while enjoying a stroll at the beach.  What a horrible pain losing your family any time, let alone during the holidays, and especially painful right after a family Thanksgiving gathering.  I can imagine what the surviving family members must be going through right now.... my heart goes out to them and I hope that they find peace some time soon.

This just goes to show: life is unpredictable.  We must be thankful and be grateful for what we have today.  We hope to have what we have today tomorrow and everyday, but I guess no one can guarantee that will always be the case.

So, hold on tight.  Kiss it.  Treasure it.  Say Thank You every night.

The Naked Wine Try

Let's Get Naked!  I got to try out a group coupon deal couple of months ago.  A case of Naked Wines for $69.

What's Naked Wines?  I don't know why it's naked, but I see it as a support system in which customers pay forward monthly (like an investment) to help fund small wineries with their wine business.  In return, they get to buy wines at a good discount.  Naked Wines recognizes that small independent winemakers do not have the financial means to compete with wine conglomerates in marketing and distribution.  So, its goal is to provide support through collective efforts.

I wasn't too interested at first but I liked the concept and I figured that I would be doing a good thing. And heck, what's there to lose anyway?

I got the case within two days of ordering.  Wow!  Fastest delivery ever!  It came at 8am on a Saturday morning - kind of early for wine delivery (cough-cough).  It was like a mystery box because I didn't know what they sent.  When ordering this deal, you only get to choose red, white or mix.  International or US.  I chose All California and hoped for the best.

First Observation: Funky wine names and labels.  All screwed tops except a couple.  Most are from 2010 and 2011.  Hmmm.... not sure if I like this very much, but being a good sport, I shall not judge until I try.

See. Swirl. Smell and Sip.  So for the following four weeks, I did my tasting and dutifully jotted down my thoughts with each wine.  Naked Wines welcome comments on its site so I did my share.  I actually learned a lot from reading others' comments.  I also liked that the winemakers are active in the forums and they exchange dialogues with the customers enthusiastically.  Although I don't know how to express in proper wine lingo, I found my "experience" was on par with other folks'. So, does this mean my tasting skill is improving?  I sure hope so.  Hiccups!

Professional or not, cheap or not, good or not, I enjoyed my case of Naked Wines. But would I go back to order from them?  Probably not any time soon.  You see, I can pick up similar wines at the supermarket in the same price range so why should I go through ordering?  On the other hand, a part of me says I should - for equal value - because I'll do my share to support the independent winemakers.

While I ponder, here are pictures of the wines I tried.  I tried 11 out of the 12 bottles.  I'm just not into moscato so I'll leave that last bottle alone for now.

Ken Deis Napa Valley Cabernet/Merlot 2011

Interesting blend.  Nice dark ruby color and rich bouquet.  Don't think it as a cab.  It's not as dry or full bodied but well balanced.  Easy to drink on its own.

William Henry Sauvignon Blanc 2010
I like the grassy, "green" feel. I like the acidity in t his wine.  Not complicated but delightful.

Accord Santa Maria Chardonnay 2009 - I liked the rich color and the bouquet.  My only regret is that I used some to make cioppino.  Should have saved for drinking instead.

Stephen Millier Angels Reserve Shiraz 2011 - Easy to drink.  It's better on the nose than on the palate.  Perhaps it need some aging.

Credence Nectar California White NV - Fruity, structured.  Nice finish.  I knew it was going to be off-dry but still a little bit too sweet for me.

Sin Fronteras Tempranillo 2011 - Fruity.  Medium-bodied.  Beautiful color.  Drink well without food.  Best to finish it in one day.  Turned sweet on day 2.

William Henry Gewurztraminer 2011 - A little bit on the sweet side.  It had a subtle floral note and a nice pineapple finish.  It's a nice afternoon wine.  Goes well with a cobb salad or a light cheese plate.

Da Da Da Lodi Chardonnay 2011 

Crispy.  Light.  Not the chardonnay style I like. It reminds me more like a pinot grigio.  But I think this is the style that the chardonnay is trending to.

Bear & Crown Merlot Sonoma Valley 2011 

I have not had merlot in a long while so glad to give this a try.   I like it better on the palate than on the nose.  A wine to drink with something meaty.

Semilla Lake County Sauvignon Blanc 2011  - Fruity. Crisp. Balanced. Really enjoyed it.  This one I would order again.

Stephen Millier Angels Reserve Viognier 2011 

Refreshing and nice floral nose. I like the honey finish yet not overly sweet.  Better than TJ's Honey Moon in body.

Overall, the wines are young and off-dry.  I think the small wineries may not have the capacity to make more complex wines.  But, big kudos all around for passion and for having fun.

Happy Birthday to Me

So, I'm 49 today.  One more year and I'll be half a century old.

Looking back, the last 48 years have gone by in a blur even in human years. It's a great run so far.  It may not have been smooth sailing but who does not have bumps and bruises along the way?

I don't have a lot of money but I am comfortable in my little world.  I don't need a lot.  I just need enough. There is not much more a girl needs.  (OK, OK, I don't mind winning the lotto!!)

I am blessed with a wonderful family.  My greatest wish is that my family stays healthy and happy.

I am blessed with a soul mate for the past 27 years and I would not trade this relationship for anything else.

I am blessed with bunch of friends who love me for who I am.  I don't have hundreds and hundreds of friends, but I have ones who grew up with me and are now growing old with me.

I may not be young anymore but that's only physically.  What's important is that I stay young at heart.  After all, 49 is really pretty young even in human years.  I still have a long road ahead of me.

Happy Birthday to me.

A GD Experience

Gary Danko.  Everyone woos and ahhs when you said you've dined there. It's like pinning a star to your lapel.  I have been wanting to check it out but never had the chance.  For starter, there is a two-month waiting list for a table.

At last, I got to visit last night with my buds.  What's the occasion?  Just because the girls want to get together and to splurge a little.

What an Experience!  Our party was super lucky.  We were able to reserve a private room without room charge because we booked for the right date and for the right time.

The menu is long and extensive.  The amazing part is that GD lets each guest "design" his/her own courses from appetizer to dessert.  I can imagine the work and the control that go on in the kitchen.  Each dish is prepared with detail and all of the dishes come out at the same time. No miscues.  And to think, they do this every single night for every single party.

Everyone is a VIP.  Not only the wait team professional, they are attentive.  They know when to step in and when to leave you alone.  Water and bread are promptly replenished without being asked.  Yes, this is basic service but how many times we have to look around and wave for attention in restaurants? Not here.

We got out of the restaurant feeling pampered -  like after a good massage.  I'm sure all the guests walk out feeling that way.  I ask myself. how they do it?  What makes GD one of the best?  Why couldn't all restaurants be this way?

What have I learned?  To be great in anything, you must have the passion to execute at the highest level, and I think the hardest part is to do it day in and day out. I think most of us fail on the consistency part. You really need to have a strong well for it.

So much to enjoy.  So much to learn.  What an experience!!

Shirley Found - on the Other Side of the Rainbow Bridge

Shirley's parents let everyone know that they found Shirley's body today.  She died about a week ago after being struck by a train.

I have thought about the worst since Shirley has not been sighted since last Sunday.  I thought she might have succumbed to her injury or her disease or die from exhaustion or hunger.  I would never have thought - and I'm sure her parents and all who follow her story - that she would be killed by a train at the end.

It's so tragic and it is the worst of worst outcome imaginable.

RIP Shirley, the missing Great Dane from Philly.   At least you are no longer lost. God bless you and your parents.

Updated 09/17/12: Community Mourns Shirley