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Showing posts from April, 2024

Old World vs. New World Wines

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Tonight, we’re having a Wine Dinner at Prime featuring wines from around the globe, rather than a specific producer. Therefore, I feel it’s appropriate to explore and explain the topic of the Dinner: “Old World vs. New World” as it pertains to wine.  In the world of wine, two terms often come up: "old world" and "new world." But what do they mean, and how do they affect the wine in your glass? Imagine the "old world" as a classic novel—full of tradition, history, and a deep connection to the land. Old world wines, predominantly from Europe, like France, Italy, and Spain, are often described as having lighter bodies, higher acidity, and more subtle fruit flavors with earthy undertones. These wines reflect centuries-old winemaking traditions and the concept of "terroir," which refers to the unique characteristics the soil, climate, and geography impart on the grapes.   On the other hand, "new world" wines are like a modern-day blockbuster

Stir or Shake?

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We all like to watch Matt, Prime’s Bartender do his “shaker thing” with our Award-Winning cocktails. But did you know there are a few guidelines as to when and why some  of your favorite drinks are either shaken or stirred. This edition of Felix’s facts spells it all out for you! Some people shake when they should stir, or stir when their cocktail needs to be shaken. The difference changes the entire texture and mouthfeel of the drink.   The general rule is that if there's something other than alcohol in the drink, you shake it. When to shake: Shake cocktails containing citrus or other juices, as well as those with cream, eggs, or dairy (our Drink your Desserts are an exception, as well as the ever popular Espresso Martinis to “the stir dairy” rule) How to shake: Forget about fancy techniques. A basic, straightforward shake is all you need to chill, aerate, and dilute a drink. One sign of a well-shaken cocktail is a frothy edge in cream or egg-based drinks, or a fine blanket of ice

Pairing Wine and Food Tips

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  A majority of the questions I receive from guests are about pairing wine with Prime’s Menu items. It’s very rewarding when our guests’ experience is elevated because the wine we decided to accompany their dish pairs together extremely well.   Here are some tips to help you pair wine with food, no matter where or what food you decide to enjoy: Acidic Match : Pick a wine with higher acidity than your food. It helps cleanse your palate between bites. Sweet Match : Sweeter wines go well with desserts or spicy dishes, providing a balancing contrast. Intensity Blend : Match the intensity of your wine with your food. Light wines for delicate flavors, bold wines for richer dishes. Red Meat, Red Wine : Red wines complement the richness of red meats, enhancing their flavors. White for Light : White wines pair beautifully with lighter meats like fish and chicken, letting the food's flavors shine. Bitter Balance : Bitter wines, like many reds, balance well with fatty foods, cutting through t