Vino and Econo

After sorting books at the fairgrounds most of the day, a quick stop in a wine store yesterday resulted in a chance to taste some wines from a relatively new winery from Washington, called "milbrandt". Between sips, I found out that they have just started marketing their wines under their own label. They have been growing grapes for a while but made their living by selling fruit to other wineries like Chateau Ste. Michelle and other giants. After watching those guys start winning medals for their wines (with the purchased grapes), milbrandt decided that why should those people get credit (and awards) and started producing their own wines. The economics were also explained to me(it’s a business as I always say) and it made sense. I think there were nine wines, 5 whites and 4 reds. Spitting allowed and recommended.. I enjoyed their Pinto Gris/Grigio, it was light and fruity, and one of the two Merlot’s we tried was very nice with good structure. The cab was acceptable, and syrah was also good. Keep your eye for them soon…

Heard about another economy scheme in the food service business this morning. On News Channel Four, they said if you go to restaurant dot com, you can buy a “certificate for 25 dollars off any meal” and, they went on to explain that if you bought a 30 dollar dish it would only cost you 5 bucks! Part of the never-ending quest of the media to help you save. Hmmm….sounds too good to be true. So checked it out (you can too) only to find that “terms and conditions apply”; “limitations and restrictions apply”. As I understand it, you can certainly get a $25 gift certificate. But, it will cost you 10 bucks. And, oh, by the way, “Valid with a minimum $35 food purchase. Excludes alcohol. Present before order. 18% gratuity added to full bill. Valid at this location only.” A search engine allows you to enter a zip code. Within 20 miles of “20653” only Arizona Pizza in Leonardtown appears. I guess 35 + 10 – 25 is still 20, plus 18% = $23.60, and oh, by the way did you want a beer (alcohol) with your pizza? you figure it out..(There are higher values of “certificates available”.

and just for fun, here's a nice picture of a tomato