Wine Flight Wednesdays

Wine Flight Wednesdays at Swirl begin September 14th.

What are Wine Flight Wednesdays you ask?

Why, they are informal weekly wine tastings geared for fun and enjoyment. For a nominal ticket price (which will vary depending on the wines featured for the night), you can Swirl, sip, and relax. A discounted ticket price will be offered for those who purchase in advance.

Honestly, our Friday tasting format was getting a bit stale and boring. Coming up with fresh, interesting tasting ideas for every single Friday was getting a bit difficult. We always envisioned our Friday tastings to have more of a "cocktail hour" feel, in the sense that one would be comfortable chatting and mingling while tasting some new treasure that we discovered. But, the reality of Fridays is that most are dashing from work in a hurry to get home after a long work week. Alas, Wine Flight Wednesdays was born.

Each Wednesday we will feature something compelling, expect to sip on little known values, esoteric oddities, and decadent treats. We will announce the flight line-up in advance on our website, Facebook page, and in our weekly newsletter. Not on our email list? Sign up for our email list via our website and find us on Facebook to stay in the know of all things Swirl!

Feel free to contact us with any questions if your curiosity is piqued. We are totally excited to get this thing started. Finally, wine fun in the 'burbs.

Salud,

Austin & James

The 3 P's of Parenthood

My life for the past nine months has been driven by the three P's of parenthood. Pee, Puke, and Poop.

Oh yes, the glamorous life of being a parent. These days I feel like I won the lottery if I scrounge up enough time to blow dry my hair. I have not blow dried my hair in two months. Whenever I come across a perfectly coiffed mommy, I have to resist the overwhelming urge to poke her eyes out. I mean really? Come on! Let me tell you about my morning.

After the morning chaos of breakfast for hubby, breakfast for baby, a nibble of toast for mommy, doing the dishes, throwing a load of laundry in, and figuring out the logistics of the day. It's bath time for baby. Baby does not care that mommy has five other things to do before attempting to get ready for work. After undressing the little rug rat she promptly pees all over the changing table and my slippers. When I let out a surprised yelp, she simply grins her bugs bunny grin adoringly at me. For those who are not yet blessed with your own bundle of joy, this is nothing new. Expect to be peed on at least once a week. Then comes the puke.

Freshly scrubbed and outfitted in her new ladybug themed outfit, she grins and spits up all over said ladybug outfit. At least this is better then yesterday when her spit up landed in my mouth. Had I known that grandma recently fed baby a bottle, I would have known not to play airplane with baby. Coulda, shoulda, woulda.

On to outfit number two!

Finally, baby is dressed and ready for a new day! Time for mommy to jump in the shower and, oh man, really?! Grinning baby girl has an atomic poop and destroys outfit number two. Oh yes, the glamorous life of parenthood.

Austin

There's magic in that glass

There's a wide, longing look in your eye. You've wandered through those doors searching to fill a numbing emptiness.

What is it that you need?

Do you have a desire, or a lust for something blissful?

Do you need a spark, a hint of inspiration?

Or maybe you just need a glass to help you escape.

We can help.

There is magic here at Swirl, lying dormant on these shelves. We just need to dwell around the aisles for a moment, sniff a little to the left and then back to the right, and carefully listen to which bottle might be softly calling out to you.

Shhhh. Do you hear it?

There's magic in here, waiting patiently to be poured in a glass, but you have to believe.

With each person it's different. The magic that exists in one bottle might not come alive for one person, while for another, it creates a lasting impression. It all depends on what you need and what you're longing for.

A bargain bin wine might be the perfect remedy for game night with tacos, yet another night might call for a $25 single vineyard Malbec that will create another world for you.

A little dramatic, you say?

Hey, give us a try. Trust us.

We want to find the magic for you. That's what makes us happy.

James

Speaking of Zombies

Yes, these are wedding photos.

I don't know this couple, but...

I love them!

These are utterly fantastic.

And, how bad-ass, the guy is still holding his glass of wine while he fights off the zombie.

What a man.

And speaking of hard core, the wife finishes the zombie off with a shovel blow to the head.
All that pilates paid off, huh?

I would've loved to have gone to this wedding. Wow, speaking of a bonding experience, any couple that can battle a zombie together, is on good grounds for a solid relationship.

This burger is like smoking crack

Hey, man, I need my fix. I need it badddddd.

I'm smacking my lips. I'm rubbing my belly.

It's time.

Give me my burger!

The hell with 5 guys. I'm heading to Burger Brothers in Towson.

It really is like your brother inviting you over for a homemade burger fresh off the grill. Hand made patties, made with love, sweat, and tears. The taste is soul satisfying.

And it means something when the actual owner of the joint is back there flipping your burger and not some high school punk. These guys want you to come back again and again, and I for one, have been converted.

This is what keeps us going here at Swirl Wine. This is our fuel, our sustenance.

God, I love a good burger.

James

"Bring out your dead"

It's 4 am.

Our baby is slowly transforming us into zombies.

Must get up and answer the wailing call of the little torturer. It's so dark and I'm so groggy. I proceed to track down the source of the sobs, stepping on squeaky, rubber animals, and bumping into sharp corners of ambushing furniture.

I have become the walking dead.

"Why, baby, why can't you sleep?"

3 1/2 hours into sleep, just getting settled into a nice, cozy dream, and now here I am, abruptly changing a diaper and trying to soothe her frantic cries. Oh, I curse the fact that I had to stay up and watch that god-awful movie, and finish that bottle of wine. At least the wine was good.

I'm sluggish today. Exhausted and fried. Sleep deprivation is an enemy I never want to do battle with. Please, Vivian, please have mercy on us. Ha-ha-ha. Sounds funny begging, but desperation creates uneasy alliances. If you come in and see us, bleary eyed and non-responsive, don't panic, we're not zombies. Well, not the zombies that moan and seek out human brains, that is. Maybe zombies that crave a hearty Zin or a silky Albarino.

Yeah, wine zombies, I like that.

By the way, I do love zombie stories. You know, anything dealing with end of the world scenarios is fun, as long as it's purely fiction. Not ready for the real thing. At least, not yet.

If a zombie plague hit the area right now, would you be ready? It's good to have a zombie contingency plan ready to enact, just in case.

You never know. Big Pharm just might be working on some new virus killer that mutates horribly wrong, waking the dead from their restful grave and hungry for human flesh.

If that happens, don't rely on guns, oh no, too much can go wrong:

(1) run out of, or don't have enough ammo.

(2) it's not as easy as it looks to hit a moving, growling target in the head. Only head shots can bring them down, so they say.

(3) gun fire attracts more zombies. That can't be good.

(4) always have to reload at the worst times, like when they're right on top of you. Then you have to either fumble with a new clip, or load another bullet into the chamber. Stressful.

Better to have a bladed weapon, like a Katana sword. Don't have to worry about it jamming, backfiring, or reloading it. Just swing and take out your aggression, and hopefully you're in shape and have lots of adrenalin flowing to keep up with the horde of masses trying to eat you. And, hell, they just look cool. Who doesn't look like a bad ass with a Katana sword strapped to your back?

Oh, and make sure you have enough wine at home, in case of an emergency like this, because you'll need all that you can drink to get through it.

James

aka wine zombie

Wings, wing-dings, wings!

As my hubby, James, expounded in a previous post, we adore buffalo wings. Mild, spicy, atomic spicy, seasoned with Asian inspired spices, sprinkled with old bay, or simply naked. My father-in-law affectionately calls naked wings, "wing-dings." I just like saying wing-ding. Admit it, you do as well.

Honestly, I just love anything that involves frying and chicken. But alas, I'm not getting any younger and eating healthier has been on my mind. So have I banished buffalo wings from my diet? Hell no! Here is just one of my health conscience wing recipes. It happens to be my husband's favorite! A word on my recipes, usually I just wing it (sorry folks, couldn't resist), so apologies in advance for the lack of exact measurements. Just have fun with it.

Austin's Wings

chicken wings (duh)

lemon

honey

butter (the real stuff, none of that low fat spread BS)

Texas Pete (substitute at your own risk)

Salt & pepper

Red pepper flakes

Preheat oven at 400 degrees. Spread baking sheet with foil if you like, and spray baking sheet/foil with some kind of non-stick spray, I use Trader Joe's canola oil spray. Arrange wings on sheet, season with salt, pepper, lemon juice, red pepper flakes. You can season the other side of your wings when you flip them mid-bake. Whack them in the oven for, oh, about 20 mins. Then flip them over and finish cooking until you achieve the golden brown you desire, say another 20 mins. This may seem excessive, but mama likes her wings thoroughly cooked and crispy. While the wings are baking. Mix Texas Pete, honey, butter, a bit of lemon juice in a medium sauce pan. So this is where it's all about preference. I like more of a glaze so I reduce the hot sauce until I achieve a thick, rich consistency. If that's not for you, add more hot sauce and simmer instead of reducing. I LOVE butter so I tend to be liberal with it, if you bulk at the thought, then don't add as much. Although, in my humble opinion butter tempers the heat and adds a creamy dimension, so don't nix it altogether. Same goes for the honey. My hunny likes his honey so I add a generous portion. Whew! This is getting LONG. After the wings are done, toss them in your delicious glaze/sauce. Serve and devour!

And, what to drink with your tasty wings? I like a refreshing white with a bit of fruitiness to dual with the heat. Since it is summer, my adult beverage of choice is Rose. If you are more into reds, try a plump, fruit-forward, red Zin, or a blend with your next buffalo wing feast.

Yummy in your tummy,

Austin

Summer Eating, Park Style

I love Korean food. I mean LOVE!!!! For anyone who knows me, it comes as no real surprise. I am, after all, of Korean descent and lucky for me, my mother is an f-ing, amazing cook.

Summer eating at the Park house consisted of the usual seasonal delights: corn, tomatoes, an ungodly amount of watermelon, peppers, peaches, you get the picture. And the star was, and still is, kaenip (pictured to the left from the garden). This summer staple in Korean cuisine is a member of the mint family. When eaten raw the texture is slightly fuzzy, flavors of roasted sesame, mint, and a unique herbaceous zing explodes on the palate. Japanese cuisine has a similar version, which is called perilla leaves or shiso. But, Korean kaenip displays a stronger, distinctive taste, which is way better!

Beloved for its crazy versatility, kaenip is usually devoured raw as a wrap like vessel, but can be braised for a savory side dish, or used as a herb in stews. For a modern twist, I love adding kaenip to sandwiches, omelets, salads, and pasta dishes for an added aromatic element. Another thing I love about kaenip is that its a cinch to grow. This perennial plant requires little care so that even a gardening moron like me can have it flourish (just check out the picture!).

Damn I'm getting hungry.

Austin

It taste soooo good, but so very bad

I got a craving for a chocolate milkshake.

Usually it's a constant craving that longingly aches from deep inside. You know the kind, the unrelenting digging into your core, that is never quite satiated until you acquiesce, and then you feel disgusted for consenting to its demands.

Just like they say, never give in to terrorists (unless it's an 8 month old baby, then you're at her mercy). Once you do, they know you'll be their puppet for life.

It's the same with Doritos, or as I like to call it, "Orange death." I know how bad it is for you. I know I should stay away. But once I see that bag, I am undeniably drawn to it. You start off having "just a couple of chips," and then something happens you're not aware of. Subconsciously you've already decided that you're finishing the bag, and you're not even cognizant of it. You happen to look down and notice, my gosh, the bag is empty. How did that happen? And then the guilt pangs start springing up, not to mention the stomach grumbling in revolt of all that processed food.

You do that and you can start to identify with a crack addict. That horrible need.

Let's get back to that chocolate milkshake, shall we? The other day we got lunch at Chick-Fil-A. I got the #1 meal and I upgraded my drink option to get that dubious, chocolate milkshake. Buwah-haha!

The trouble with these fast food milkshakes is the same as making a deal with the devil: you start getting what you want, but you always get screwed at the end. Upon first sip, you notice the incredibly thick and rich textured feeling of the creamy, chocolatey goodness. It almost seems too good to be true. But with each subsequent trip to the sipping straw, the flavor begins to reveal its true artificial calling. It's all synthetic. It's all processed. It's HFCS.

Check on the link to see the actual page-long list of ingredients:

http://www.foodfacts.com/food/Beverages/Chick-Fil-A%20Chocolate%20Milkshake%20Large/58671

Whatever happened to just ice cream, milk, and chocolate. I've never once made a milkshake at home, and asked my wife, "Do you know where the carrageenan and the polysorbate 60 is? I'm making milkshakes and it doesn't taste the same without them."

If you're looking for a nice, healthy alternative with your wine, let me tell you about the one we had for dinner last night: the Pircas Negras Torrontes.

Organic. Fresh. Ripe. Very tasty white from Argentina. So flavorful, yet so crisp and easy to drink, this white will quickly wine you over and become that good tasting addiction that you can feel good about (without any guilt pangs the morning after).

Come on in and try it. You'll be glad you did.

James

Swirl Fun in the 'Burbs

Private Tastings at Swirl

Host your next event at Swirl! Need a chic yet informal venue for your next office gathering, girl's night out, birthday party, bridal shower, or book club meeting?Think Swirl! Private Tasting parties are perfect for any occasion. We do all the work & you have all the fun! We are now taking reservations. Rates vary according to number of guests. Give Austin a ring @ Swirl for details.

Swirl.Sip.Relax

We are excited to announce Wine Flight Wednesdays! Our first Wine Flight Wednesday will be September 14th. Mark your calendars! We have decided to take full advantage of being the only boutique wine shop in the area. Let our gorgeous space with our quality driven wine selection be your Wednesday night destination. For a nominal ticket price, Swirl, Sip, and Relax on Wine Flight Wednesdays. Starting September 14th. More details to come. Finally, Wine Fun in the burbs!

Cheers,

Austin

What to drink with (insert food)? Basic food pairings on the quick

I love Buffalo Wings!

Oh, I'm sorry, my love, we love Buffalo Wings.

Can't get enough. It's hard to be in a bar and pass up an order of wings, especially after a plate passes you buy and you get a whiff of that beautiful aroma. Mmmm. Used to be a time when I knew every wing special in town and where to find it on each day of the week. Kisling's used to have .10 cent wing night on Sundays, then Monday night at Fell Point Station for the meatiest .25 cent wings in town, etc.

Of course, now that I'm getting older, there's more of an emphasis on quality instead of quantity, so no more all-you-can-eat wing deals for $8.99 (which usually sucked anyway, because they always gave you the wing from an anorexic chicken). My stomach can't handle that wing onslaught anymore anyway. The advantages of youth and having a body that can rebound after eating and drinking binges have abandoned me as I've gotten older.

Now, just like most of our meals, it's all about preparing them at home. You not only save money, but the food and preparation are usually better than what you can get out.

And we can drink whatever we bring home from the shop. Yes.

So what to we drink with Buffalo Wings? In fact, what do you drink with most foods? What goes with what and what to drink with ______?

It's a common question we field here at Swirl.

I'm having such-an-such, so what wine would you recommend?
Hmmm, let's get a good one for you.

Throw all the rules out the window, and just drink whatever you want with whatever you're having. Sure, there's basic wine pairings that you can follow (big, red wine for meat, or a crisp, white wine for fish), but it really all boils down to what you like. What turns you on? What's going to make you happy? If you don't like reds, and you're grilling T-bones, a rich Shiraz, a fat Cabernet, or a dark Malbec wouldn't appeal to you, even though it might be the best appropriate wine for the job. It might be time to get you luxurious tasting, full-and-rich white that will tackle the job. Hell, maybe even a Champagne (they are notoriously the most food versatile wine available, didn't you know).

Ok, yes, there are some wines that match up beautifully with certain foods and cuisines, but for the most part, the common sense rule applies. If you're having delicate food, a big, full-bodied red probably won't be the perfect match. Light food = light wine. Hearty food ~ yes, you got it ~ a hearty wine.

For tonight's example: our Buffalo wings.

I'll be drinking a 6 pk of Dale's pale ale, from Oscar Blues Brewery in Colorado. Wings do go hand in hand with beer, and this is one of my favorite beers. So balanced with flavors and just the right amount of hoppy goodness and malty richness. Austin will probably be drinking either the Ponga Sauvignon Blanc, or the Ojai Rose (we got both in the fridge and I wouldn't be surprised if she didn't already have both opened for tonight). Austin has a great way of describing whites that makes me salivate, so I'll let her do the honors on that.

I'll let her chime in on anything else I didn't cover, which is usually a lot.

Can't wait to eat those wings.

James

"Sometimes you just need to pee in the sink"

Back in my vulgar and mostly inebriated days of college, where I foolishly fell into the highly versatile, but non-marketable, degree path of an English major, I was doing a lot of reading, as you can imagine.

Ok, read this canon of literature one day, read this legendary author the next, and then, if there's any time left, a little focus on Shakespeare, shall we?

Too many epic writers and their masterpieces jammed down our throats, in a very short span of time, you soon get a little fatigued by their greatness.

One day, I'm sitting at the library (yes, I actually went to the library. Good place to study and simultaneously look at girls), when a friend came up to me and put down a weathered, well-used book with pages marked and tabbed in front of me. This same friend asked earlier in the day if I had ever had the pleasure of reading Charles Bukowski.

"Can't say that I have."

Her eyes gleamed and a smile slowly crept up on her face. "Start with the first one I've marked. Then enjoy."

His writing was raw. Blood and guts and everything in between. It sucker punches you straight in the stomach and spits on your face while you're down, leaving you gasping and hawking for breath, yet hungry and delirious for more.

I naturally loved it.

This was the first poem of his that I read:

Piss

remember once I was sitting in this hotel
room when my woman came in drunk and said,
"Christ, I couldnt hold it, I had to piss in the,
elevator!"
I was drunk too, I was barefoot and in
my shorts.
I got up and walked out the door and down
the hall and pushed the elevator
button.
it came up.
the door opened.
the elevator was empty but sure enough
there in the corner was the
puddle.
as 1 was standing there a man and a
woman came out of their place
and walked toward the
elevator.
the door was beginning to close
so I held it open with my hand
so they could get
on.
as the door began to close I heard the
woman say,
"that man was in his shorts."
"and he pissed in the elevator."

I went back to the room and told her,
"they think I pissed in the elevator"

"who?" she asked.

"people."

"what people?"

"the people who saw me standing
in my shorts."

"well, screw them," she said.

she was sitting there drinking a glass
of wine.

"take a bath," I said.

"you take a bath," she said.

"at least take a shower," I said.

"you take a shower," she said

I sat down and poured a glass of
wine.

we were always arguing about
something.

Makes me want to grab a bottle, pop open the top with my teeth, tilt it back, and let the fire liquid burn a path down my throat into the lava pit of my stomach.

Why am I bringing up Bukowski on a wine blog? Well, naturally because the guy writes about drinking. Mostly drinking, and women. Good subjects that people never tire of. Try him out the next time you got a good bottle of wine that needs some company.

I think I will start drinking.

Drinking brings forth the scribe and the fool at the same time.

I'm mostly a fool, but at least God favors fools.

James