I've been chasing cherries for
several holiday seasons. Not real hard, mind you, but I caught the one I was
seeking. I'd seen a customer at a package shop purchasing a jar of beautiful
red jewels and we chatted about his Luxardo Maraschino Cherries. He noted they
are pricy, but worth it. Billed as The Original Cocktail Cherries, they're an
Italian thing, dark red, soaked in thick marasca syrup. There's a big-deal
candying process for a "delightful crispness" and "signature
taste."
A year later I noted a jar of
these at a hotel bar that was closed. It was tempting to reach over and get the
bottle, but that would not be nice. Got to stay on the "nice"
list.
Another year I forgot the name
and did a search for "expensive cherries" and Luxardo came out on
top. Jars ranged from $24 to $99.99. I mean, I like cherries, but...
So this season I'm at a function
and run into Greg Rosenberger, who gave me his card for his services as a bartender/waiter.
I've seen him at many area events. I simply mentioned his jar of Luxardo
cherries and he very generously gave me a sample. He says it is part of his
personal stock and worth every penny to make a proper old fashioned. He carries
them with him. Guess what, these were some exceptional cherries. Like others
online, I would say it would be hard to go back to the cherries I used to know.
If you'd like to know more, ask this bartender, via greg9247243@gmail.com
Purple Pride,
Outside - Are you a Port
Neches-Groves area resident who loves purple? In a region where residents and
fans support their school colors, consider a garden of Purple Pride. Ever heard
of the Purple Teepee Bean?
Trust me that
Sandra Mao of @sandra.urbangarden covers a range of topics in “Vibrant Harvest:
Cultivating a Kaleidoscope of Colors in Your Vegetable Garden with Heirlooms,
Modern Hybrids, and More.” I’m stuck on the purple pages.
Adorn your
property with the glow of foods listed in the index. There’s purple asparagus,
purple basil, purple bell peppers and purple bok choy. Let me save space by
eliminating the word purple and guiding you toward these other crops that are
also purple: Brussels sprouts, cabbage, dragon carrots, kale, kohlrabi, sage
and snap peas.
More Please? Go
for Purple Lady Bok Choy, Purple Magic Broccoli, Purple Majesty potato, Purple
Mustard greens, Purple of Sicily cauliflower and Purple Passion Asparagus.
Peace Out – I’ll never own a home where a wall of
windows and stone fireplace provide an a-ha moment for guests who realize
“dropping down” into deep Montana powder is a few steps away.
“Peace in the
West: The Rustic Luxury Interiors of William Peace” is a coffee table book
bringing as much nature into the home as architecture. Rooms are fashioned from
felled trees, a chimney mimics a mountain view and horseshoes and mounts go
with wheel chandeliers and even gunrooms feature leather and wood looks of
exclusive men’s clubs. I’m imagining being a guests in one of these spreads and
living in a remote wooded area. One beautiful setting, which seemed like a
showcase any nature lover would aspire to, was something like the extra guests
house for when friends overflowed from the big house to the first guest house.
Dream on, but the inspiration in this book is for anyone at any time. Because
Peace is inspired by nature. Can’t get enough of those rocky, snowy, soaring
views. Here’s an observation for any home: many stacks of books, often with a
small bowl or sculpture on top, are all about these areas.
Darragh Doiron is
a Port Arthur area foodie wishing foodie readers the happiest of holidays.
Share with her via panews@panews.com
No comments:
Post a Comment