Updated: Feb 29, 2020
Barley Swine is casual. Not like a cozy corporate coffee shop, more like a bohemian farmhouse. Jars with lights inside hang from the ceiling. An assortment of other jars are lined across the table facing the open kitchen–it’s assumed they’re not for eating but the label on top confirms any doubts–and a random painting of a camper and groups of random beer steins round out the decor de hodgepodge.
I sat in front of the jars facing the kitchen. Why not get a show as well? I twisted the arm of my date and we splurged on the ten course Chef’s Tasting. It wasn’t the original plan. But you don’t go to a piano bar not to not hear “Piano Man”.
Each plate came out picture ready and the portions were perfect for a full appetite. Don’t fear of leaving hungry or unsatisfied.The highlights for me were the shishito peppers, cooked over an open flame that was hand fanned by kitchen staff. The shrimp dumplings, which looked small at first, but somehow expanded once I started chewing. And finally, they finished the savory courses with an aged Akaushi ribeye. It was cooked as to inspire envy in any man who has tried to master meat and fire. The ghost of Mozart couldn’t have ended the savory list of plates on a better note.
The staff is friendly and will walk you through each course with as much detail as you want. If you take a date, buy a bottle of wine, or better yet, opt for the Chef’s tasting with alcohol pairing.
Updated: Feb 29, 2020
This week has been a parade of French white wine. Today's tasting note is a Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley in France. If wine labels were already a handicap of yours, then you will be delighted to know this bottle tells a story of how the wine came about, all in French.
Wine: Pourquoi Faire Sans Blanc?
Vintage: 2017
Winery: Domaine Sérol
Country: France
Region: Loire Valley; Côte Roannaise
Grape Varietal: (100%) Chenin Blanc
Source: Travis Heights Wine & Spirits
Price: $15.00
T&T Notes: I can't remember if I tasted a Chenin Blanc before. I was excited. The color was deep gold. Darker than the light and transparent Sauvignon Blanc's I've tasted. It was closer to the dense gold of Chardonnay. On the nose were hints of limestone and spices. There were no curveballs when tasting. Notes of green apple appeared. I also picked up a buttery sweetness with pinch of tartness that reminded me of key lime pie.
Tasting Notes is a series where readers can drink and share wine notes.
Updated: Feb 29, 2020
Cigars act like punctuation: they serve as a tool to provide context for a given subject. At times they are an exclamation point! A perfect ending for a wedding or new year celebration. Sometimes they serve as an ellipsis...offering us a brief pause. Giving us an hours time to gather our thoughts and relax. Over the last few weeks I’ve made this a habit. I return from work, pour a glass of wine or make a cocktail, pull one of the Dominican wrapped cigars from the humidor, then retreat to the backyard. I use the time for dual purposes. The first serves as an opportunity for my thoughts to flow free. I allow my mind to wander uninterrupted, and leave it in a perfect position to stumble upon inspiration. Ideas come as if you were in the shower or on a run. I also use the time to catch up on reading. Magazines, newspapers, the second book in the Churchill series I’ve been putting off for two years, all serve as great escapes and faithful allies to a cigar.