Consumed. DC » Wine

An outlet store for wine?

Consumed.DC — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:00:22 +0000

Sure, there are those bottles of red or white that great – even above par – for their price, whether it be $20, $30 or $40. And often, we’re willing to make such a short-term investment in exchange for great quality and personal enjoyment. But what if there was a secondary market for wine – like clothing – at an outlet?

Well apparently there is! We think they’re on to something over at the Accidental Wine Company. In a creative arrangement, Accidental Wine buys back those bottles that have been spilled on or otherwise had their labels damaged and makes them available directly to the public for resale at a discount.

Caveats: You can only choose from a small list of preferences, leaving much of your selection to chance. The wines are categorized by general taste and price and are available in packs of 3, 6 or 12. There’s also a choice available between whites, reds, half and half mix, and 100% surprise.

The Best Part: The company invites customers to call or email their special requests, which they’ll try to send to you if available at a future date.

Sounds like a great way to find some new favorites – and at 20-40% off, the prices can’t be beat.

Proof goes Spanish and comes to Logan Circle

Consumed.DC — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:30:57 +0000

The Washington Post is reporting that the owners of Proof in Chinatown have secured a new restaurant space on 14th Street for a new venture named Estadio. Set to open in Spring or Summer of 2010, Estadio will feature food and wines from northern Spain in the form of small bites, tapas, and main entrees. Casa Mono in New York – owned by renowned restaurateur Mario Batali – will serve as inspiration.

Metrocurean was able to secure some additional details, including that the restaurant will seat up to 100 diners, including 20 bar seats and three communal tables. Although the restaurant will only serve dinner to start, plans for brunch and lunch are in the works, reports Metrocurean.

The new space will be located at 1520 14th St. NW, recently vacated by Garden District.

We can’t wait!

Lunch specials at Zola’s Wine Kitchen

Consumed.DC — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 21:46:28 +0000

Those of you who work in Penn Quarter might have heard today’s craze over Zola’s Wine Kitchen lunch special: Lamb and Sheet Ricotta Ravioli with Roasted Pepper Jus. Quite a mouthful, in more ways than one. Zola’s lunch specials seem like a great deal with soup and salad included for just $12.00.

Located at 505 9th Street, NW, Zola’s Wine Kitchen is a spin off from the original Zola by the Spy Museum and, in addition to their lunch menu, features a wine shop, private event space, and educational classes on wines and cooking.

If you missed today’s ravioli, don’t worry – tomorrow’s special of Pecan crusted pork loin, smoky braised kale and acorn squash sauce sounds equally enticing!

Thanksgiving beverages to enjoy now…

Consumed.DC — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:05:53 +0000

In our house, its never to early to start looking forward to Thanksgiving. It’s our favorite holiday of the year – and a great reason to gather our friends together for a long day of celebrating, eating, and drinking.

To help get you in the spirit, here’s a great list of seasonal beverages and brews curtesy of Real Simple.

A few of our personal favorites also include Rogue Dead Guy Ale, Blue Moon’s Harvest Moon and Abita Amber.

From Real Simple:

Beer

Belgian: Saison Dupont, $11 for a 25-ounce bottle. Hearty, malty.
Pumpkin: Dogfish Head Punkin Ale, $10 for four bottles. Pumpkin, spice.

Red Wine

Sparkling Shiraz: Rumball Sparkling Shiraz, $28. Effervescent, bold.
Pinot Noir: Twin Fin Pinot Noir, $10. Light, fruity.

White Wine

Riesling: Dr. Loosen L Riesling, $12. Fruity, slightly sweet.
Prosecco: Mionetto Prosecco di Valdobbiadene, $15. Delicate, bubbly.

Hard Cider

Still: Farnum Hill Extra- or Semi-Dry Still Cider, $9 to $15. Crisp, sophisticated.
Sparkling: Woodchuck Amber, $7.50 for six bottles. Sweet, sparkling.