Wine toys and wine alternatives for the holidays
The folks at Built NY gave us cool carriers for wine, and now they want us to have more "pop" in our vino. But we need to hit the gym now if we want to be able to use their latest gadget during the upcoming holidays.
Calling newfangled corkscrew designs intended to silently ease corks from wine bottles a travesty, the company recently came out with the Wine Ratchet Magnum, a heavyweight opener guaranteed to produce a loud "Pop!"
The Magnum sports an unusual liquid metallic look and shape and literally ratchets into the cork. It then relies on brute strength to twist and pull the cork from the bottle. "Levers are for sissies," the manual says.
The device, which costs about $100, comes with two screwbits, a 2-inch version for older, longer corks and a 1 ½-inch bit for newer, shorter corks. I just hope the Magnum doesn't get lost in my crowded kitchen drawers.
Despite its reliance on personal oomph to get the cork out, the Magnum was simple to use, attractive enough to be a conversation piece and (true to its sales pitch) produced a loud pop, AP writers report. I'm going to use the biceps curl machine a few more times before I give it a try.
No corkscrew required: It doesn't take much strength at all to twist open a bottle of First Blush grape juice.
But this isn't just any grape juice. It's a varietal grape juice, made specifically from Cabernet, Merlot and Chardonnay grapes with no added sugar, no preservatives, no alcohol and no caffeine.
Don't confuse these juices with non-alcoholic wine; just enjoy the crisp, clean flavors. My favorite was the Chardonnay, which was lively without the intense sweetness of the white grape juice I give to my preschooler.
Beer, schnitzel and then some: Explore the history and recipes of German Milwaukee at 10 a.m. Saturday at Kendall College, 900 N. Branch St., Chicago.
Trudy Paradis, whose book on the subject was published last year, will recount the story of the Germans in Milwaukee and the profound influence these immigrants and their descendants have had upon the dynamic city of today. Paradis will highlight the culinary contributions of German immigrants by turning an inviting light onto four of Milwaukee's German restaurants. Wurstsalat (sausage salad) from her family cookbook will be served.
This program is hosted by the Chicago Foodways Roundtable and costs $3. To reserve a spot, please phone (847) 432-8255 or e-mail chicago.foodways.roundtable@gmail.com.
Spotlight on entertaining: Food & Wine magazine returns to Chicago for the ninth year to host its annual Food & Wine Entertaining Showcase 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday at the Museum of Contemporary Art.
This year's Showcase will feature tastings from wineries around the world and Chicago's leading chefs, including former Food & Wine Best New Chefs Graham Elliot Bowles of Avenues, Bruce Sherman of North Pond and Rick Tramonto (with Tim Graham) of Tru and Paul Virant of Vie.
In addition, Brian Duncan, owner and wine director of BIN 36, bin wine café, and Amano, will lead a holiday wine pairing seminar.
Tickets cost $100 in advance, $125 at the door and $85 in advance for MCA members. A portion of the proceeds benefits Food & Wine's Grow for Good charity initiative. Get tickets at www.foodandwine.com/chicago, or call (212) 827-6418.
-- Deborah Pankey