Why Celebrate Today? 12/15/2008

 

Why Celebrate Today?  Btms^ for December 15, 2008 

Only 10 days till Christmas, and 16 days till New Year’s Eve! 

On this date in1832, Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel born. Guess what Tower he designed, engineered and built?

A Parisian toast to Eiffel with some lovely French wines from E. Guigal (Cote du Rhone, Cotie-Rotie, or a Chateauneuf-du-Pape) and great French cheeses such as Brie or St. Andre should light up the festivities!  

On this date in 1891, Basketball was invented!

While it wasn’t invented here in Kentucky, we certainly made it our own!  How about some Kentucky beers to celebrate? Sheltowee’s Gloomsucker Black Ale, 502 Amber Ale, Hop-A-Lot IPA, or Sunrise Golden Ale would all be great to enjoy on game day     

On this date in1939, the movie “Gone With the Wind” premieres.

How about a wee bit of Bushmill’s Irish whisky to toast a favorite heroine Scarlett O’Hara?  

Btms^

Why Celebrate Today? 12/14/2008

Why Celebrate Today?  Btms^ for Sunday, December 14, 2008 

 On this date in 1902, Emmy-award winning actress Frances Bavier (Aunt Bee on one of the best TV shows ever, “The Andy Griffith Show”) was born in NYC. 

One especially memorable episode revolved around “Aunt Bee” and her awful recipe for home-made pickles that Andy and Opie had to endure. If you fancy a good pickle, I’d highly recommend French Cornichons. A truly great pickle to salute Francis with, they are tiny, crunchy and o o la, spiced just right, and they go nicely with all manners of charcuterie, frommage and artisan breads! Or if you are looking for sweet treat, how about adding some Kentucky Honey to your afternoon tea to remember our favorite Aunt, Bee!

 In 1909, the Brick racetrack was completed in Indianapolis, Indiana. 

If you win the Indy 500 on Memorial Day, Milk is the traditional “First Drink”! Got Milk? Btms ^

In 1947, NASCAR was founded. (NASCAR is an acronym for the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing.)

NASCAR fans are wonderfully loyal to their drivers AND their drivers’ sponsors! If you’re a Dale, Jr. fan you know the only beer to toast with is a Bud. If you’re a Kurt Busch fan, a Miller Lite is it!  Jeff Gordon fans? Pepsi for you! Do you cheer for Clint Bower? Then you get to enjoy a Jack Daniels! Do you prefer something sweet to celebrate NASCAR with? Kyle Busch fans can enjoy their M&Ms, while Ricky Rudd’s fans get the last laugh with… a Snickers Bar!  

In 1911, Roald Amundsen reaches the South Pole. 

For obvious reasons: Only a warm toast to Roald will do! How about a cup of hot, freshly brewed mug of coffee with a shot of Kahlua, or Bailey’s, or Wild Turkey’s American Honey Liqueur!

BTMS^

Here, Taste This! @ LB Today!

 

Here! Taste This @ Liquor Barn: Saturday, Dec 13

 

In Lexington:

 

SPECIAL!  Four Roses Master Distiller Jim Rutledge Bottle Signing and complimentary Sip and Samples at Beaumont Liquor Barn, today from 3 to 6 pm 

 

Pictured: Jim Rutledge, Four Roses Mastiller Distiller, with Liquor Barn’s Brad Williams 

 

 

Small Batch Bourbons (Booker’s. Baker’s and Basil Hayden)  complimentary sampling at Hamburg LB, 3 to 6 pm

 

Bacardi Select Rum complimentary sampling at Richmond Rd LB, 3 to 6 pm

 

Ningaloo Chardonnay and Shiraz complimentary wine sampling, ALL Lexington LBs, 3 to 6 pm

 

In Louisville:

 

SPECIAL! Knob Creek Bourbon complimentary tasting at Fern Valley LB, featuring: Beam Whiskey Educator Bernie Lubbers 

3 to 6 pm 

 

– Ningaloo Wines: Chardonnay and Shiraz, complimentary tasting @ all 3 LBs, 3 to 6 pm

 

– Bernheim Wheat Whiskey, complimentary tasting @ All 3 LBs

 3 to 6 pm

 

*Buy A Try Beer Sampling! Schlafly Brewery Beers, Hurstbourne LB (*complimentary beer samples prohibited by law, small sampling fee applies.) 3 to 6 pm

Why Celebrate Today? 12/13/08

 

Why Celebrate Today?   Btms^ for December 13, 2008

 

On December 13, 1642 Abel Tasman, a Dutch explorer, discovers New Zealand.  While the Tasman Sea, located between New Zealand and Australia is one of many things in the region named after him, the most famous is the Tasmanian Devil, a rather ferocious marsupial.

 

Today New Zealand is renowned for two things: its awesome scenic beauty, captured so majestically on film by director Peter Jackson, a native New Zealander whose “Lord of the Rings” trilogy was shot in his homeland, and for its incredible way with Sauvignon Blanc wine. We’ll offer up a toast to them all with a glass of Omaka Springs Sauvignon Blanc!

 

On this date in 1818, Mary Todd Lincoln was born in Lexington, Kentucky. As a young woman, Mary was known for her intelligence, wit and beauty that could turn all the boys’ heads, including a young lawyer in Springfield, Illinois named Abe. Like Mary, Abraham Lincoln was born in Kentucky, near Hodgenville, on a farm called Knob Creek. A warm and fitting salute to Mary would be a glass of Knob Creek Bourbon, made by our friends the Noe family, of Jim Beam Brands.  

 

And in1903, Italo Marcioni patented the ice cream cone in Hoboken, New Jersey. An Italian immigrant who sold Italian ices, he tired of washing, breaking or loosing glass ice cream dishes. So he made waffles and while they were warm, he folded them into a conical shape to hold scoops of his frozen treats, encouraging customers by telling them that ‘could eat it all’.  Here’s to hoisting a scoop of Italian Gelatos in honor of Italo. Liquor Barn carries Gilberto Gelatos, made in Louisville they are “Kentucky Proud”. Their flavors, Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, and Pistachio, are so divine, we could eat them all too, including their special holiday treat: Cranberry Orange Gelato! 

 

Btms^

Why Celebrate Today? 12/12/2008

Why Celebrate Today? Btms^ for December 12, 2008

 

On December 12, 1863, the artist Edvard Munch was born in Norway.

His most famous painting is “The Scream”.

 

 

In summing up the painting’s impact author Martha Tedeschi has stated: “Whistler’s Mother, Wood’s American Gothic, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and Edvard Munch’s The Scream have all achieved something that most paintings—regardless of their art historical importance, beauty, or monetary value—have not: they communicate a specific meaning almost immediately to almost every viewer. These few works have successfully made the transition from the elite realm of the museum visitor to the enormous venue of popular culture.”

 

How about a toast to Edvard with a Screaming Banana Banshee? Here’s how! Combine all ingredients listed below, except cherry. in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with the cherry.

Ingredients:

1/2 oz. Creme de Cacao, white

1/2 oz. Liqueur, banana

1/2 oz. Vodka

1 1/2 oz. Cream

1 whole Cherries/Maraschinos

 

On Dec. 12, 1893 actor Edward G. Robinson born was born in Bucharest, Romania.

 

His major breakthrough role was as the gangster Rico in “Little Caeser”.  He starred in many films, including “Double Indemnity”, “All My Sons”, “Key Largo” (one of 5 movies he made with Humphrey Bogart); “The Cincinnati Kid”,  “The Ten Commandments” and “Soylent Green”.  Actor Hank Azaria’s voice for “Chief Wiggum” on “The Simpsons: TV show is based on Robinson.  How about remembering him at supper tonight by fixing a Caesar salad from scratch? We have the specialty ingredients you’d need here at LB: Olive oil, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, worcestershire sauce, anchovies, and black peppercorns.

   

On December 12, 1915 in Hoboken, New Jersey, Frank Sinatra was born. 

Among the gazillion great songs Frank sang, one was “Scotch and Soda” which would make an appropriate toast. An even more fitting one would be a shot of Jack Daniels!

 

The things reportedly placed in Frank’s suit pocket by his family at his internment were a roll of dimes, a flask of Jack Daniels Black, a Zippo lighter and a pack of Camel’s. On his tombstone: The Best is Yet To Come.

 

So, a fitting tribute to Ol’ Blue Eyes tonight would be to put on your favorite Sinatra CD and enjoy a sip of Tennessee whiskey.

  

 

Btms^ 

@ Liquor Barn: Here, Taste This!

Thursday Dec 11 Tasting Events!

 

Lexington LBs:

 

Buffalo Trace Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley will be signing bottles and offering complimentary sips of Buffalo Trace Bourbons,  Hamburg LB from 5 to 7 pm

 

Stone Brewery will be at Beaumont from 5 to 7 pm today, offering “Buy A Try* samples from their Cellared brews, as well as their current beer offerings.   (*By law, a nominal charge is required for beer sampling.)  

 

Small Batch Bourbons (Booker’s. Baker’s and Basil Hayden)  Complimentary Sampling at Richmond Road LB, 5 to 7 pm

 

Complimentary Sip & Sample Wines: Ningaloo Chardonnay and Shiraz,

All LBs from 5-7 pm  

 

 

Louisville LBs:

 

 

Thursday, Dec 11, 5-7 pm

 

-Southern Comfort & Eggnog Complimentary Sampling at Springhurst LB, from 5 to 7 pm

 

-Prairie Organic Vodka, complimentary sampling at All Louisville LBs

 

-Ningaloo Wines: Chardonnay and Shiraz, All 3 LBs: Fern Valley, Hurstbourne, Springhurst

 

 

Here, Taste This! @ Liquor Barn this Weekend…

  

 

IN LEXINGTON:

 

Friday, Dec. 12:

 

 

Small Batch Bourbons (Booker’s. Baker’s and Basil Hayden)  complimentary sampling at Beaumont LB, (Harrodsburg Road @ New Circle) 5 to 7 pm

 

Bacardi Select Rum complimentary sampling at Hamburg and Richmond Road LBs, 5 to 7 pm

 

Ningaloo Chardonnay and Shiraz complimentary wine sampling, all 3 Lexington LBs, 5 to 7 pm

 

 

Buy A Try Beer Sampling with  Schlafly Brewery Beers at Beaumont LB (Harrodsburg @ New Circle Road), 5 to 7 pm 

(*complimentary beer samples prohibited by law, small sampling fee applies.)

 

Saturday, Dec 13

 

SPECIAL! Four Roses Master Distiller Jim Rutledge Bottle Signing and complimentary sip and samples, Beaumont LB, 3 to 6 pm 

 

Small Batch Bourbons (Booker’s. Baker’s and Basil Hayden)  complimentary sampling at Hamburg LB, 3 to 6 pm

 

Bacardi Select Rum complimentary sampling at Richmond Rd LB, 3 to 6 pm

 

Ningaloo Chardonnay and Shiraz complimentary wine sampling, ALL Lexington LBs, 3 to 6 pm

 

IN LOUISVILLE:

Friday, Dec 12, 5-7 pm

-SPECIAL! Woodford Reserve Bourbon Bottle Signing and complimentary samples, with Master Distiller Chris Morris!

 

-SPECIAL: STONE BEERS! Buy A Try Beer Sampling!

 Stone Brewery includes Vintage Beers from Stone’s Beer Cellar!  (*complimentary beer samples prohibited by law, small sampling fee applies.)

– Ningaloo Wines: Chardonnay and Shiraz complimentary samples, All 3 LBs

-Amarula Liqueur, complimentary sampling at Springhurst LB

 

 

Saturday, Dec. 13, 3-6 pm

SPECIAL! Knob Creek Bourbon complimentary tasting at Fern Valley LB, featuring: Beam Whiskey Educator Bernie Lubbers 

 

– Ningaloo Wines: Chardonnay and Shiraz, complimentary tasting @ all 3 LBs

– Bernheim Wheat Whiskey, complimentary tasting @ All 3 LBs

 

*Buy A Try Beer Sampling! Schlafly Brewery Beers, Hurstbourne LB

 

 (*complimentary beer samples prohibited by law, small sampling fee applies.)

Why Celebrate Today? 12/11/08

Why Celebrate Today? Btms^ for December 11, 2008

  14 Days till Christmas and 20 days till New Year’s Eve!

On December 11, 1872 – Buffalo Bill Cody made his first stage appearance. A salute with Buffalo Trace bourbon would surely get rave reviews from bourbon lovers, while foodies would love a salute with buffalo mozzarella.    

 On this date in 1940, singer David Gates of the soft rock group “Bread” was born. We could “toast” him with an array of our crusty artisan breads by Blue Dog Bakery in Louisville, and Bluegrass Baking in Lexington. Topped them with some of that mozzarella and you’ve got a great “peasant meal” worth applauding.

Finally,on this date in 1941, spare tires were outlawed in the United States. I suppose we’d have to celebrate that with a diet soft drink or a San Pellegrino sparkling water.

Phew! We’re stuffed after all this food for thought, but what a meal!  

 

Btms^ & Chow v

Why Celebrate Today? 12/10/2008

Why Celebrate Today? Btms^ for Dec 10, 2008

 Only 15 days till Christmas, and 21 till New Year’s Eve! 

On December 10th…1955 Mighty Mouse made his first appearance on TV. Perhaps we should celebrate that with some cheese? Christmas Beemster would be a delicious choice!  

On this date in 1960 Kenneth Branagh. British actor and director, was born. A toast to Kenneth with Shakespeare Stout is in order!

And on this date in 1901 the first Nobel prizes were awarded. Funded by Alfred Nobel, a Swedish chemist whose fortune came from the explosives industry, raising a glass of Dynamite Cabernet to him would be a blast! Or perhaps a Vodka Tonic with Absolut from Sweden would be closer to home.

Btms^ 

Why Celebrate Today 12/9/08

Why Celebrate Today? Btms^ for Dec 9, 2008

16 Days till Christmas, and 22 days till New Year’s Eve!

On this date in 1884, Ball bearing roller skates were invented.

Margaret Hamilton was born. Most famous for playing the wicked witch of the West in the “Wizard of Oz” (“I’ll get you my little pretty!”), perhaps she would best be saluted by making a Cheese Fondue (“I’m melting… I’m melting!”) Or if you wanted something green to match her skin-tone, how about trying something exotic like Chartreuse or Absinthe?

Dame Judi Dench was born Dec 9. “M” m good, she is a fabulous actress who’s deservedly won every acting award under heaven. I suppose we should toast her with a vodka martini — shaken, not stirred, of course. Smirnoff is Bond’s vodka of choice, perhaps it’s M’s as well. Or if you live in the Lexington-area, you could head downtown to the music club “The Dame” to celebrate Judi.

And finally on this date in 1932, song writer Billy Edd Wheeler was born. Having penned such hits as “Coward of the County“, “Little Brown Shack” and the song “Jackson” immortalized by Johnny Cash and June Carter, we’d like to toast our friend Billy Edd with a mug of fresh coffee from Jackson’s Organic Coffee this morning, and again tonight with a glass of Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay!  

Btms^

Louisville LB Sip & Sample, Dec 8-13

Louisville LBs Complimentary* Sip and Samples Schedule for the week of Dec 8 – 13

 

In Louisville:

 

Monday, Dec 8, 5-7 pm

Ningaloo Wines: Chardonnay and Shiraz, Hurstbourne and Springhurst Liquor Barns

 

Tuesday, Dec. 9, 5-7 pm

– Jack Daniels Whiskey, Springhurst LB

– Ningaloo Wines: Chardonnay and Shiraz, Hurstbourne and  Springhurst Liquor Barns

 

Wednesday, Dec 10, 5-7 pm

Ningaloo Wines: Chardonnay and Shiraz, Hurstbourne and Springhurst Liquor Barns

 

Thursday, Dec 11, 5-7 pm

-Southern Comfort & Eggnog, Springhurst LB

-Prairie Organic Vodka, All 3 LBs

-Ningaloo Wines: Chardonnay and Shiraz, All 3 LBs: Fern Valley, Hurstbourne, Springhurst

 

Friday, Dec 12, 5-7 pm

-SPECIAL! Woodford Reserve Bourbon Bottle Signing with Master Distiller Chris Morris!

-Ningaloo Wines: Chardonnay and Shiraz, All 3 LBs

-Amarula Liqueur, Springhurst

 

*SPECIAL Buy A Try Beer Sampling!

(*complimentary beer samples prohibited by law, small sampling fee applies.)

 

STONE BEERS, includes Vintage Beers from Stone’s Beer Cellar!

 

Saturday, Dec. 13, 3-6 pm

-SPECIAL! Knob Creek Bourbon Tasting at Fern Valley LB, featuring: Beam Whiskey Educator Bernie Lubbers 

 

-Ningaloo Wines: Chardonnay and Shiraz, All 3 LBs

-Bernheim Wheat Whiskey, All 3 LBs

 

*Buy A Try Beer Sampling!

(*complimentary beer samples prohibited by law, small sampling fee applies.)

-Schlafly Brewery Beers, Hurstbourne LB

Btms^