Domaines HINE Bonneuil 2005

HINE Vintage Cognacs and US importer Anchor Distilling Company will introduce a limited edition Grande Champagne cognac, Domaines HINE Bonneuil 2005.  Bonneuil 2005 will be the first expression in a new collection of single grand cru, single harvest cognacs, originating exclusively from HINE’s own 297 acre estate, Domaines HINE.  Each year, if the quality is up to HINE’s standards, a careful selection will be made to create a new addition to the collection.  Only 18 casks (8,100 bottles) of Bonneuil 2005 were selected for bottling.  It will be available in the United States at a suggested retail price of $139.99. 

The Domaines HINE Bonneuil 2005 consists solely of Ugni Blanc grapes, a late-maturing varietal that produces a dry, delicate white wine. One of the few houses in the Cognac region to have its own vineyard, the quality of the grapes harvested at Domaines HINE contributes to the finesse, floral bouquet and elegance found in HINE cognacs. The aromatic richness comes from the exceptional quality of the soil, careful tending of the vines and precise timing for harvesting, which are further enhanced by distillation and aging in French oak barrels.  The winter of 2004 was sunny with a few light frosts. The flowering season progressed well until early July. Temperatures soared to 35°C, creating dry conditions typical of hot years and triggering the onset of ripening a week earlier than usual. The grape harvest took place on 30th September, a hundred days after flowering, in fine sunshine.

  

            DOMAINES HINE BONNEUIL 2005 

With its delightful pale golden color, Domaines HINE Bonneuil 2005 offers a remarkable nose, developing elegant and subtle fragrances of ripe grapes. It reveals aromas of gingerbread, licorice, combined with light tangy notes supported by peppery spices, lending an oriental touch. On the palate, Domaines HINE Bonneuil 2005 charms with a generous texture, delightfully fruity and jammy. The lively and candid aromas are enriched with honey and pineapple notes and a hint of clove. The very pleasing and lingering finish rounds off the appreciation of the great qualities of this 2005 harvest.

Strength: 43% ABV, 750ml, Suggested Retail Price $139.99

Katsuya LA Live Gluten Free Menu

I was taken to Katsuya at LA Live. They had a gluten free menu.

This was the Wagyu Beef Tobanyaki.

It was a big too salty but the meat was delicious.   I'm glad more and more restaurants have Gluten Free options.

All Nippon Airways Offers California-French Cuisine by Patina

At a special media preview of the in-flight menu offerings on ANA created by Chef Joachim Splichal of Patina in Los Angeles, a four course meal was offered.

Ahi Tuna

This is the gluten version with soy onions, avocado, tomato, yuzu granite, and olive oil

And this is the gluten free version

Sunchoke Agnolotti with autumn mushrooms and turnip nage

Braised Omaha Shortrib with potato celery mouse, elery battonets, and parsley

And Exotic Coconut with Tapioca Verrine

Chef Splichal said that the trick to creating meals for an airplane is to avoid making them complex. But that doesn’t mean taste is compromised. The Ahi Tuna was very tasty, silky fresh and blended well with avocado both in taste and texture.

And that was a big sized chunk of meat! Chef say that it would be a little smaller for the flight because of compactness.

 

TCL IMAX Popcorn Too Salty

Uggh! Someone at the Interstellar SAG screening at TCL IMAX Chinese Theaters put too much salt in the popcorn. It was absolutely disgusting. I’ve been up to the TCL VIP booth, and I don’t recall the popcorn being oversalted. I came home with a headache and was incredibly dehydrated. I feel like I need to detox.

Spain's Great Match Discount Code

Want to partake in over 200 of the finest wines from Spain?

Well, Spain's Great Match is coming November 10 to Los Angeles.

Held at Bazaar West Hollywood, this event is open to the public!

What? That's right. Previously events were press-only events but now, everyone will have the chance to enjoy the delights and diversity of Spain. Tapas by Chef Jose Andres will also be served.

And courtesy of us, we're offering a $15 discount code.

You can find it here on Wide Lantern.

Spain’s Great Match Celebrates Wine and Diversity

But I'll just give it to you here as well--use "Lantern"

Portion of proceeds will benefit Mind Matters

Loew's Hollywood and Highland Gluten Free Carrot Cake Muffin

I was skeptical when the waiter brought this out for me.

(Full disclosure--I ate a couple berries before taking a photo.)

When he brought it. I re-told him that I was gluten intolerant and said I didn't think I could eat that. Previously he gave me a custard that everyone else had.

He said that it was gluten free. When I bit into it, it didn't taste gluten free. There was a lot of frosting, but there is a muffin under that.

It was good. I still was skeptical.

My stomach would immediately tell if it wasn't. I survived tho I knew when I rode the bus home that I had to go the bathroom. But not devastatingly so.

At SMPTE 2014, the only replacement on the chicken was on a side. I think they gave me quinoa which was delicious.

Last year for dessert they just gave me a plate of fruit which was perfectly fine. As I didn't get sick, the muffin was wonderful.

But see note on my travel blog, Click Heels Traveler on Loew's Sanitation standards...

Loew's Hotels Poor Sanitation Standards

Cocktail Maestro Creations at The Cromwell Vegas

What can you say about a Salvatore Calabrese creation? OMG—this is fucking wonderful? Well, that would be an understatement. The creator of the World’s Most Expensive Cocktail, Calabrese was at Mixology 101 at the Grove LA to show off his creations. They’re all available at Bound, his new bar, at The Cromwell, right on the Vegas strip.

A boutique hotel with an intimate bar, The Cromwell officially opened in May 2014. Giada just opened recently and now is serving breakfast. 

Here’s some video of the Cocktail Maestro making his creations.

Oh those coffee drinks were a wonder!