How much do you know about the local wineries in your own state? Do you know how many wineries exist in your state? Have you tasted their wines? Or do you presume that the wines aren't worthy of tasting?
As every state now produces wine, you can be assured that wherever you live, there are local wines which you can taste and drink. The quality of such wines has been increasing over the years, and you can find some true gems all across the country. California, Oregon and Washington are not the only states producing worthy wines. Wines from the other 47 states often struggle to attain national recognition, to get mentioned in major wine periodicals. As many of those wines see little, if any distribution, outside of their immediate area, then national recognition may not be as helpful in certain regards.
What is likely more useful is for these wines to achieve better local recognition, to become more well known in their own respective states. In a number of states that I have traveled, I have found many residents who seem largely ignorant of the wineries in their own states. The biggest problem seems to be that many of those people make assumptions that the wines in their states are not that good, so they don't seek out the wines. That hurts local wineries as those residents are potential customers, ignorant of the worthy products in their region.
For example, in Massachusetts there are over 30 wineries, and many locals I have spoken to are unaware of most of those wineries. And they also didn't know which were some of the best wineries in the state. I have even spoken to local wine store owners who didn't know about some of the best wineries in Massachusetts. Some of those same stores promote all the local foods they carry, yet generally fail to carry a decent selection of local wines. These are people who know about wine, and who should be cognizant of the wines being made in their own state yet they still are ignorant. That is a significant problem as those wine stores won't carry local wine if they know nothing about it.
Local wineries need greater local recognition. They need to spread the word about themselves to the people in their own state, those who will most likely become their customers. Gaining a high score in Wine Spectator won't help much if the people in your state don't know you exist. Such wineries are better off gaining recognition in more local press, educating local residents about the wonders in their own backyard. They can benefit from holding large wine tasting events, gathering together a number of local wineries to show consumers what they can find in their own state. Locals who know about good local wineries can mention them to wine stores and others.
I'm on the Board of Directors of Drink Local Wine, and we try to spread the word about these lesser known wineries, to broaden consumer education about what they can find in their own states. Each year we hold an annual conference in a different state, which includes a large, public wine tasting of their local wines. We help to enlighten local consumers, to shatter their preconceptions about those wines. More effort is needed as well, by local wineries, local media, wine bloggers, and others, to help spread the word.
Local wine needs to start with local recognition.
Sake News
1) Over at Saveur, check out Sake's Second Act, by Georgia Freedman, which discusses a couple of Japanese Sake breweries, including Chikurin Marumoto, Saiya and Huchu Homare. The article also includes reviews of 8 Sakes from these breweries. A caveat though is that the article makes the common mistake that Junmai Sake needs to be polished down to at least 70%. As I have mentioned time and time again, Junmai does not have a minimum polishing requirement. It simply must be produced from only 4 ingredients: rice, water, yeast and koji-kin.
2) Over at Japan Times, you can read Umami: An Ideal Sake Pairing by Melinda Joe, which discusses a Sake & Umami seminar presented at the recent Culinary Institute of America’s annual Worlds of Flavor conference. The session was intended to show that the umami taste of Sake can pair well with other umami-rich foods. It also seemed to show Sake's versatility with food pairings. I am psyched to see this idea getting more publicity. I have written about the Sake & Umami connection since 2008, and you can read my latest article about it here. More restaurants and chefs should pay attention to Sake and umami.
3) The Post & Courier has an interesting article, The Southeast Takes On Sake written by Hanna Raskin, which provides some background on Blue Kudzu Sake Company, a new brewery located in North Carolina. The brewery should be releasing its first products this year. However, Sake in North Carolina? It may seem unusual but with the growth of small, artisan distilleries and breweries across the country, it shouldn't be surprising. There are roughly ten Sake breweries in the U.S., with a few new ones in the planning stages. I can't wait to try the Blue Kudzu Sakes, and I wish them the best of luck in 2014.
4) Wine and bourbon have both been aged underwater and now Sake gets its chance. In The Asahi Shinbun, the article Dream Sake To Be Aged Under The Sea, by Yoshikazu Sato, describes how 3200 bottles of Sake, from 15 breweries, were submerged about 15 meters beneath the sea in November 2013. The Sake will stay there until May 2014. No one knows how the Sake will change after those months in the ocean but it is a fascinating experiment. Once the results of the test are issued, I'll provide an update.
5) If you are traveling to Japan on Nippon Airways, then you might be excited to learn that Nippon Airways is going to showcase Sake, Shochu and Awamori. Until February 2018, the airports will showcase a different prefecture every three months, offering samples as well as information. This is a great way to promote Sake though I wish they could extend these plans to airports outside of Japan as well, which would help to promote Sake across the world.
Virginia Cider: Potter's, Albemarle & Foggy Ridge
"In early eighteenth-century New England, the most popular alcoholic drink, in terms of volume, was locally produced cider. Throughout much of this period, cider served as a currency. It was used to pay salaries and product prices could be quoted in barrels of cider."
--Drink: A Cultural History of Alcohol by Iain Gately
When Europeans settled in America, apples were one of the first crops they introduced to the country. It is believed that the first cultivated apple trees were planted in the region which would eventually become Boston, as early as 1623. Apple trees spread through the colonies and by 1647, apples were grafted onto wild native rootstocks. A significant proportion of those apples ended up being made into hard cider. By 1775, about 10% of farms in New England owned and operated their own cider mills. However, the 19th century saw a waning in hard cider production and consumption.
In recent years, hard cider has seen a rebirth and renaissance, and numerous artisan cideries have opened all across the country. I have previously written about some of these new ciders, as I am a huge fan of hard cider. These hard ciders are being produced from many different apple types, including numerous heirloom varieties, and are made in a variety of styles too. It has become a creative endeavor and I am always intrigued to taste new ciders, from all across the country. For example, last year I tasted a number of ciders from Quebec.
Recently, I had the opportunity to sample three ciders from Virginia. Virginia has a lengthy history of cider production, and now hosts eight cideries, including Albemarle Ciderworks, Blue Bee Cider, Bold Rock Cider, Castle Hill Cider, Foggy Ridge Cider, Old Hill Cider, Potter's Craft Cider, and Winchester Ciderworks. Many of those cideries have been around for less than two years. Last year was also their second year hosting a Cider Week, which helps to promote their cideries. After tasting a few of their ciders, I was intrigued enough to want to sample more.
My favorite of the three ciders was the Potter's Craft Cider Farmhouse Dry. Potter's has been around for about two years, and has tried to revive the old style of American farmhouse ciders. They use traditional cider apples that have been grown in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Their Farmhouse Dry is made from a combination of Albemarle Pippin, Virginia Winesap, and Stayman apples. The cider was tank aged for 3-6 months before bottling, has an alcohol content of 8.5% and only 0.1% residual sugar.
What grabbed my attention was the complexity of this cider, the melange of aromas and flavors that I found within this bottle. Crisp and dry, it possessed bright fruit flavors of not only apple but also touches of pear, melon and even pineapple. A refreshing effervescence, a subtle tartness, a mild earthiness and a lengthy, pleasing finish. This was so tasty that it was easy to finish the bottle one evening, and then wishing I had a second one. Highly recommended.
I was also impressed with the Albemarle Ciderworks Royal Pippin. Albemarle, located in North Garden, has been around since 2009, and they grow over 200 apple varieties on their property. Their Royal Pippin is made the Albemarle Pippin apples, which were a favorite of Queen Victoria. The cider has an alcohol content of 8.5% and only 0.2% residual sugar.
This cider also possessed a nice complexity, as well as being dry and crisp. Plenty of apple flavors, there were also subtle notes of peach and pineapple. A light effervescence, a lush body, and a satisfying finish. This is another cider that it was very easy to finish, and left me desirous of more.
Foggy Ridge Cider, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, has three orchards of American, English and French apples. Their Serious Cider is made from a combination of Dabinett, Tremlett's Bitter, Ashmead's Kernel, and Newtown Pippin apples. The cider spent 2 months on the lees and was then tank aged for 6 months before bottling. It has an alcohol content of 8% and 0.4% residual sugar.
This cider seemed to be the simplest of the three, a pleasant drink but not especially compelling. It also had a touch of sweetness to it, differentiating it from the other two more dry ciders. It possessed a nice apple taste, with a hint of spice, and was light bodies, with an easy drinking style. I would be interested in trying their other ciders to see how they compare.
In 2014, endeavor to drink more hard cider, and if you can obtain some Virginia cider, then do so. The Potter's and Albemarle as as good as any other ciders I have tasted, and both are worthy of a hearty recommendation.
--Drink: A Cultural History of Alcohol by Iain Gately
When Europeans settled in America, apples were one of the first crops they introduced to the country. It is believed that the first cultivated apple trees were planted in the region which would eventually become Boston, as early as 1623. Apple trees spread through the colonies and by 1647, apples were grafted onto wild native rootstocks. A significant proportion of those apples ended up being made into hard cider. By 1775, about 10% of farms in New England owned and operated their own cider mills. However, the 19th century saw a waning in hard cider production and consumption.
In recent years, hard cider has seen a rebirth and renaissance, and numerous artisan cideries have opened all across the country. I have previously written about some of these new ciders, as I am a huge fan of hard cider. These hard ciders are being produced from many different apple types, including numerous heirloom varieties, and are made in a variety of styles too. It has become a creative endeavor and I am always intrigued to taste new ciders, from all across the country. For example, last year I tasted a number of ciders from Quebec.
Recently, I had the opportunity to sample three ciders from Virginia. Virginia has a lengthy history of cider production, and now hosts eight cideries, including Albemarle Ciderworks, Blue Bee Cider, Bold Rock Cider, Castle Hill Cider, Foggy Ridge Cider, Old Hill Cider, Potter's Craft Cider, and Winchester Ciderworks. Many of those cideries have been around for less than two years. Last year was also their second year hosting a Cider Week, which helps to promote their cideries. After tasting a few of their ciders, I was intrigued enough to want to sample more.
What grabbed my attention was the complexity of this cider, the melange of aromas and flavors that I found within this bottle. Crisp and dry, it possessed bright fruit flavors of not only apple but also touches of pear, melon and even pineapple. A refreshing effervescence, a subtle tartness, a mild earthiness and a lengthy, pleasing finish. This was so tasty that it was easy to finish the bottle one evening, and then wishing I had a second one. Highly recommended.
This cider also possessed a nice complexity, as well as being dry and crisp. Plenty of apple flavors, there were also subtle notes of peach and pineapple. A light effervescence, a lush body, and a satisfying finish. This is another cider that it was very easy to finish, and left me desirous of more.
This cider seemed to be the simplest of the three, a pleasant drink but not especially compelling. It also had a touch of sweetness to it, differentiating it from the other two more dry ciders. It possessed a nice apple taste, with a hint of spice, and was light bodies, with an easy drinking style. I would be interested in trying their other ciders to see how they compare.
In 2014, endeavor to drink more hard cider, and if you can obtain some Virginia cider, then do so. The Potter's and Albemarle as as good as any other ciders I have tasted, and both are worthy of a hearty recommendation.
Resolutions For My Readers
As today is New Year's Eve, there will be much celebrating tonight, including plenty of Chinese food and Champagne. Some may go to Boston's First Night celebrations while others will trek to New York City's Times Square to watch the ball drop. It is also the time when people will ponder and make Resolutions, the things they want to do to make their lives better in 2014. Maybe it will be to give up smoking or lose weight, to take up yoga or join a gym.
I want to offer you some alternative suggestions for resolutions, all connected to food and drink. Rather than deal in absolutes, or exact measurements, I merely hope that you choose to follow these suggested resolutions with the simple goal of doing better than you did in 2013. And step forward is progress, and that will feel much better than having to break a resolution for which you have set specific goals that you later find yourself unable to reach.
1) Resolve to eat & drink healthier
That encompasses so much, from eating less calories to choosing items that have less preservatives and chemicals. Take small steps in your approach rather than diving into a major change. The smaller steps won't seem as burdensome and it will make it easier to take another small step later on. We probably all would benefit from eating healthier.
2) Resolve to consume more local food & drink
Local products can help the environment, the local economy and benefit the local community. Plus, many of those local products can be healthier than mass produced, overly processed foods that might come from thousands of miles away. This includes drinking local wines, as every state now produces wine, and you might be surprised by the quality of some of that wine.
3) Resolve to eat more seafood, especially domestic
Seafood can be extremely healthy for you, especially those fish rich in Omega-3s, so it is an excellent choice for dinner. And seafood is delicious, versatile and often easy to prepare. Yes, it can be more expensive, but it is well worth the added cost. And buying more domestic seafood will help our economy, rather than buying so much imported seafood.
4) Resolve to expand your drink horizons
Don't keep drinking the same old stuff all the time. There are so many wonderful beverages out there to taste, to see if you can find some new favorites. Break out of your rut and endeavor to try something new on a regular basis. If you mainly drink Chardonnay, venture out and try some other white wines, such as Gruner Veltliner, Trebbiano or Albarino. Try Sherry, Sake, Japanese Whisky, Mezcal, Franciacorta, and other under-appreciated beverages. Taste it all, and continue drinking those you enjoy.
5) Resolve to cook more at home
Cooking at home is another way to benefit the environment, and it can be more economical than eating out all the time. It also gives you a better handle on exactly what you eat, so you can make the food as healthy as you desire. It can be fun too, if you cook with someone else, breaking the potential boredom of cooking alone.
6) Resolve not to be a douchebag when you dine out
When you dine out at a restaurant, be polite and show respect to everyone working at the restaurant. Don't demand special treatment or threaten the restaurant just because you write reviews on some community website. Tip properly, showing your server gratitude for all their hard work. If you enjoy the restaurant, do spread the word about your positive experience. Good restaurants can use, and deserve, all the help they can get.
7) Resolve to give more to fight hunger
Despite the wealth of the U.S., there are still far too many people who can't afford to eat properly. Hunger is a major problem and one that we can do something about. Give food or money to local food banks, national organizations, or any other charity that is trying to combat this problem. Those of us without food security issues can probably all help out.
8) Resolve not to waste as much food
It is said that up to 40% of our food ends up as waste, and that is a nearly unbelievable statistic. Do your part to help reduce food waste. Food waste can lead to higher food prices and cause more environmental damage. So, as your mother probably once said to you, finish everything on your plate. Use leftovers to make additional meals.
9) Resolve not to drink & drive
As I have said time and time again, do not drive if you are impaired by alcohol. It is much too dangerous and you could injure or kill yourself or someone else. Even if you don't get in an accident, you could be arrested and that comes with its own high costs. It isn't worth doing it, so please just don't drink and drive.
Is there anything I missed?
I want to offer you some alternative suggestions for resolutions, all connected to food and drink. Rather than deal in absolutes, or exact measurements, I merely hope that you choose to follow these suggested resolutions with the simple goal of doing better than you did in 2013. And step forward is progress, and that will feel much better than having to break a resolution for which you have set specific goals that you later find yourself unable to reach.
1) Resolve to eat & drink healthier
That encompasses so much, from eating less calories to choosing items that have less preservatives and chemicals. Take small steps in your approach rather than diving into a major change. The smaller steps won't seem as burdensome and it will make it easier to take another small step later on. We probably all would benefit from eating healthier.
2) Resolve to consume more local food & drink
Local products can help the environment, the local economy and benefit the local community. Plus, many of those local products can be healthier than mass produced, overly processed foods that might come from thousands of miles away. This includes drinking local wines, as every state now produces wine, and you might be surprised by the quality of some of that wine.
3) Resolve to eat more seafood, especially domestic
Seafood can be extremely healthy for you, especially those fish rich in Omega-3s, so it is an excellent choice for dinner. And seafood is delicious, versatile and often easy to prepare. Yes, it can be more expensive, but it is well worth the added cost. And buying more domestic seafood will help our economy, rather than buying so much imported seafood.
4) Resolve to expand your drink horizons
Don't keep drinking the same old stuff all the time. There are so many wonderful beverages out there to taste, to see if you can find some new favorites. Break out of your rut and endeavor to try something new on a regular basis. If you mainly drink Chardonnay, venture out and try some other white wines, such as Gruner Veltliner, Trebbiano or Albarino. Try Sherry, Sake, Japanese Whisky, Mezcal, Franciacorta, and other under-appreciated beverages. Taste it all, and continue drinking those you enjoy.
5) Resolve to cook more at home
Cooking at home is another way to benefit the environment, and it can be more economical than eating out all the time. It also gives you a better handle on exactly what you eat, so you can make the food as healthy as you desire. It can be fun too, if you cook with someone else, breaking the potential boredom of cooking alone.
6) Resolve not to be a douchebag when you dine out
When you dine out at a restaurant, be polite and show respect to everyone working at the restaurant. Don't demand special treatment or threaten the restaurant just because you write reviews on some community website. Tip properly, showing your server gratitude for all their hard work. If you enjoy the restaurant, do spread the word about your positive experience. Good restaurants can use, and deserve, all the help they can get.
7) Resolve to give more to fight hunger
Despite the wealth of the U.S., there are still far too many people who can't afford to eat properly. Hunger is a major problem and one that we can do something about. Give food or money to local food banks, national organizations, or any other charity that is trying to combat this problem. Those of us without food security issues can probably all help out.
8) Resolve not to waste as much food
It is said that up to 40% of our food ends up as waste, and that is a nearly unbelievable statistic. Do your part to help reduce food waste. Food waste can lead to higher food prices and cause more environmental damage. So, as your mother probably once said to you, finish everything on your plate. Use leftovers to make additional meals.
9) Resolve not to drink & drive
As I have said time and time again, do not drive if you are impaired by alcohol. It is much too dangerous and you could injure or kill yourself or someone else. Even if you don't get in an accident, you could be arrested and that comes with its own high costs. It isn't worth doing it, so please just don't drink and drive.
Is there anything I missed?
Rant: Predictions & Desires for 2014
2014 is almost here, bringing a new year and hopefully some positive changes to the local food & drink industry. Some people have already made predictions for what 2014 will bring, and at the end of each year, the success rate of those predictions is usually quite low. Predicting the future isn't easy. It is difficult to decide what new trends will catch on in the future. Rather than provide a list of predictions, which probably won't come true, I'm going to give you a list of my desires, new trends which I would love to see take place, though I'm not predicting they will come to fruition. However, I think we would all benefit if these desires were fulfilled in 2014.
1) No More Froyo, Cupcakes Or Burgers.
We've been over saturated with froyo shops, cupcake stores and burger joints. Many of them offer similar products, insufficient to differentiate themselves from each other. Why is there a need to copy a trend until it becomes ubiquitous on every corner? Where is a sense of originality? I don't understand the excitement that generates when another one of these shops opens. Stop opening more and more of these places. Make your own trend rather than follow these trends like sheep.
2) More Bread Pudding
Bread pudding is relatively easy to make, and can be inexpensive as it can be made with day old bread. Plus, it is a diverse dish, and can be made in a wide variety of flavors, with different sauces, and accompaniments. I've had some superb bread puddings at local restaurants, and would like to see more restaurants offering it on their dessert menus. However, I think there is a great opportunity for an enterprising baker to open a Bread Pudding Bakery. I recently learned of such a bakery in California, Schulzies Bread Pudding. Why hasn't anyone locally done this yet? Rather than open a cupcake bakery, go for bread pudding instead!
3) Cheaper Wine Prices
When you visit a restaurant and peruse the wine list, it is simple and quick to use your smart phone to check the usual retail prices of their wines. Wine geeks may not even need to do that as they often know the usual retail of common wines on restaurant lists. I hate when I see wine list prices that are marked up 3 or more times the usual retail, knowing that such wines are marked up 4 or more times what the restaurant actually pays for the wines. Such huge markups aren't necessary, and they can turn off many wine lovers. A number of restaurants are able to be quite successful with far more modest markups, so why can't other restaurants do the same? If you want more people to drink wine, then lower your prices and make wine buying more attractive. If not, there will be people like me who will call you out over your large markups.
4) A Filipino Restaurant
I've been ranting about this for two years, the dearth of Filipino cuisine both locally as well throughout the U.S. With apparently only a single Filipino restaurant in Massachusetts, and not even in Boston, there is a huge opportunity here for more Filipino spots. Filipino cuisine can be delicious and diverse, so there is no valid reason why a Filipino restaurant couldn't succeed. Or if not an entire restaurant, maybe we could see more Filipino inspired dishes on other menus. For example, Chef Erwin Ramos of the Ole Restaurant Group was born in the Philippines, and has served Filipino cuisine at his restaurants from time to time. Let's see more of that in 2014.
5) Wine Shipping To MA
A law that prohibited wine shipments to consumers in Massachusetts was ruled unconstitutional and since then, there have been numerous bills put forward to enact a law that would allow such shipments. That would be a great thing for Massachusetts wine lovers but such bills have often languished in committees. House Bill 294 recently had a public hearing, and hopefully that is but one step in finally enacting a proper law to benefit our consumers. Such a law is overdue and we need to continue supporting efforts to bring this to fruition.
6) More Local Seafood
When the latest statistics note that the U.S. imports an unbelievable 91% of their seafood, something is seriously wrong. Though there are issues with some locally, endangered species, there is also plenty of domestic seafood which is sustainable, delicious and should be served at restaurants and homes. For example, why serve Asian shrimp when Gulf shrimp can be just as good? We should support local fishermen and our local economy by buying local seafood.
1) No More Froyo, Cupcakes Or Burgers.
We've been over saturated with froyo shops, cupcake stores and burger joints. Many of them offer similar products, insufficient to differentiate themselves from each other. Why is there a need to copy a trend until it becomes ubiquitous on every corner? Where is a sense of originality? I don't understand the excitement that generates when another one of these shops opens. Stop opening more and more of these places. Make your own trend rather than follow these trends like sheep.
2) More Bread Pudding
Bread pudding is relatively easy to make, and can be inexpensive as it can be made with day old bread. Plus, it is a diverse dish, and can be made in a wide variety of flavors, with different sauces, and accompaniments. I've had some superb bread puddings at local restaurants, and would like to see more restaurants offering it on their dessert menus. However, I think there is a great opportunity for an enterprising baker to open a Bread Pudding Bakery. I recently learned of such a bakery in California, Schulzies Bread Pudding. Why hasn't anyone locally done this yet? Rather than open a cupcake bakery, go for bread pudding instead!
3) Cheaper Wine Prices
When you visit a restaurant and peruse the wine list, it is simple and quick to use your smart phone to check the usual retail prices of their wines. Wine geeks may not even need to do that as they often know the usual retail of common wines on restaurant lists. I hate when I see wine list prices that are marked up 3 or more times the usual retail, knowing that such wines are marked up 4 or more times what the restaurant actually pays for the wines. Such huge markups aren't necessary, and they can turn off many wine lovers. A number of restaurants are able to be quite successful with far more modest markups, so why can't other restaurants do the same? If you want more people to drink wine, then lower your prices and make wine buying more attractive. If not, there will be people like me who will call you out over your large markups.
4) A Filipino Restaurant
I've been ranting about this for two years, the dearth of Filipino cuisine both locally as well throughout the U.S. With apparently only a single Filipino restaurant in Massachusetts, and not even in Boston, there is a huge opportunity here for more Filipino spots. Filipino cuisine can be delicious and diverse, so there is no valid reason why a Filipino restaurant couldn't succeed. Or if not an entire restaurant, maybe we could see more Filipino inspired dishes on other menus. For example, Chef Erwin Ramos of the Ole Restaurant Group was born in the Philippines, and has served Filipino cuisine at his restaurants from time to time. Let's see more of that in 2014.
5) Wine Shipping To MA
A law that prohibited wine shipments to consumers in Massachusetts was ruled unconstitutional and since then, there have been numerous bills put forward to enact a law that would allow such shipments. That would be a great thing for Massachusetts wine lovers but such bills have often languished in committees. House Bill 294 recently had a public hearing, and hopefully that is but one step in finally enacting a proper law to benefit our consumers. Such a law is overdue and we need to continue supporting efforts to bring this to fruition.
6) More Local Seafood
When the latest statistics note that the U.S. imports an unbelievable 91% of their seafood, something is seriously wrong. Though there are issues with some locally, endangered species, there is also plenty of domestic seafood which is sustainable, delicious and should be served at restaurants and homes. For example, why serve Asian shrimp when Gulf shrimp can be just as good? We should support local fishermen and our local economy by buying local seafood.
Rant: DON'T DRINK & DRIVE!!
(This is a repeat of a prior post, but as it is my most important Rant of the year, it bears repeating during this holiday season.)
It couldn't be any simpler so listen carefully. If you have had too much alcohol to drink, don't drive. Any questions?
Once again, I step forward with probably my most important Rant of the year. It is an absolutely vital issue for everyone who enjoys alcohol of any type, from wine to beer, from Scotch to cocktails. With the advent of October, holiday season is here, a potentially dangerous period for those people who over indulge, to drink too much at parties, feasts and gatherings. There is nothing wrong with that, and they can drink as much as they desire, as long as they give up their keys and do not drive.
As I said multiple times before, and which continues to remain relevant, "If there is any question, no matter how small, whether you are too intoxicated to drive, then don't. If your family or friends think you have had too much to drink, don't drive. Just don't. It is not worth the risk by any calculation." Err on the side of caution so that if you have any doubt of your capacity to drive, then please do not drive. Take a taxi, catch a ride with someone else, walk or sleep over. Just do not drive!
Rationally, we all know the dangers of drinking and driving. We endanger our own lives as well as the lives of others. Every year, the news reports about terrible auto accidents, some with fatalities, that occur because a driver was intoxicated. Families are torn apart, lives are ruined, and much more. Why don't we learn from all these incidents? Even if you don't get in an accident, you might get arrested for drunk driving, with all the attendant high costs. You might even end up in jail.
About 17,000 people are arrested for drunk driving in Massachusetts each year. That is a huge figure, showing that far too many people still don't understand that they should not drink and drive. How difficult is it to understand? DON'T DRINK & DRIVE! I am sure drunk driving incidents in other states are just as significant.
Each time you drink and drive, you endanger yourself, your passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and people in other vehicles. Let someone else drive you, whether it be a friend or family. Take a taxi or public transportation. Leave your car where it is parked as you can always pick it up the next day. You have plenty of options so there is absolutely no reason to drink and drive. Be responsible.
I don't want to lose any family or friends this year due to a drunk driving accident. I don't think anyone wants to lose their loved ones either. So please just don't!
It couldn't be any simpler so listen carefully. If you have had too much alcohol to drink, don't drive. Any questions?
Once again, I step forward with probably my most important Rant of the year. It is an absolutely vital issue for everyone who enjoys alcohol of any type, from wine to beer, from Scotch to cocktails. With the advent of October, holiday season is here, a potentially dangerous period for those people who over indulge, to drink too much at parties, feasts and gatherings. There is nothing wrong with that, and they can drink as much as they desire, as long as they give up their keys and do not drive.
As I said multiple times before, and which continues to remain relevant, "If there is any question, no matter how small, whether you are too intoxicated to drive, then don't. If your family or friends think you have had too much to drink, don't drive. Just don't. It is not worth the risk by any calculation." Err on the side of caution so that if you have any doubt of your capacity to drive, then please do not drive. Take a taxi, catch a ride with someone else, walk or sleep over. Just do not drive!
Rationally, we all know the dangers of drinking and driving. We endanger our own lives as well as the lives of others. Every year, the news reports about terrible auto accidents, some with fatalities, that occur because a driver was intoxicated. Families are torn apart, lives are ruined, and much more. Why don't we learn from all these incidents? Even if you don't get in an accident, you might get arrested for drunk driving, with all the attendant high costs. You might even end up in jail.
About 17,000 people are arrested for drunk driving in Massachusetts each year. That is a huge figure, showing that far too many people still don't understand that they should not drink and drive. How difficult is it to understand? DON'T DRINK & DRIVE! I am sure drunk driving incidents in other states are just as significant.
Each time you drink and drive, you endanger yourself, your passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and people in other vehicles. Let someone else drive you, whether it be a friend or family. Take a taxi or public transportation. Leave your car where it is parked as you can always pick it up the next day. You have plenty of options so there is absolutely no reason to drink and drive. Be responsible.
I don't want to lose any family or friends this year due to a drunk driving accident. I don't think anyone wants to lose their loved ones either. So please just don't!
2013 In Review: A Collection of Favorite Lists
The lists do not necessarily address the "Best" of anything, as I have not partaken of everything in any category so cannot pass such judgments. However, every item on these lists gets my strongest recommendations and I have faith that they should strongly appeal to most of my readers. Kudos go to all of those who are listed in my Favorites as they have well earned the accolades.
This post collects links to all of my 2013 Favorite lists.
I hope you enjoy.
2013: Top Ten Wines Under $15
2013: Top Ten Wines Over $15
2013: Top Wines Over $50
2013: Favorite Wine Related Items
2013: Favorite Spirits & Drink Related Items
2013: Favorite Restaurants
2013: Favorite Food-Related Items
2012: Favorite Sake Items
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