WHY NOT HERE? Part 1: farms, parks to the West and South
Other cities in our region are preserving and celebrating their agricultural heritage, and in the process creating centers where that pull together their community, offer fun, recreation and a draw for tourism. This posting and the next will show examples we can learn from:
‘Jersey Boys’: The story of the Four Seasons
Writers Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice took a true story and created a unique musical using all the follies and foibles of a famous group without pulling the usual punches. “Jersey Boys” tells it like it was and is. It is a refreshing departure from the usual fluffy bios of other musicals of famous individuals and groups.
Oriana Cheer
THE local singing group performs an annual series of Christmas carols at Old Mission San Juan Bautista, other venues. The Oriana Chorale wrapped up its series of Christmas carols sung locally, including a concert at Old Mission San Juan Bautista on Dec. 15. The group also played at the First Presbyterian Church on Dec. 11 and Dec. 13. Singers performed traditional holidays songs. For more, go to orianachorale.org.
Most wines should be consumed within year or two
Have you ever saved a great bottle of wine thinking it would get better with age and then opened it a few years later - only to discover that it was past its prime? That’s because the vast majority of wine is meant to be consumed now or within one to two year’s time at the most. The wines that tend to age well are the more expensive Cabernet Sauvignons and other highly tannic, red wines. Through time, the tannins (which have a bitter flavor) will soften with the wine becoming smoother, richer and more balanced. Whenever in doubt, ask the winemaker or shop manager for advice on if and how long to age the wine.
Finding a Founding Father foodie at the festival
People from all over will come to the Gilroy Garlic Festival this weekend to sample the gastronomical delights in Gourmet Alley and munch on an assortment of victuals from various vendors. If you attend South Valley’s biggest culinary event, please raise a glass of wine in toast to America’s first “foodie.” I’m referring to my favorite Founding Father from Virginia, Mr. Thomas Jefferson.
