Drink #10 Chardonnay
1.21.2012
Maybe its the suburbanite in me, but I love faux-industry big box restaurants just as much as a high-end-top-chef-four-star dining or a solid hotdog at the ballpark. I’m an equal rights foodie through and through.
So snicker if you must at my choice of the Macaroni Grill for trying my first drink of chardonnay, but it worked for me. Plus, free bread & olive oil, people. Free bread and olive oil.
[Do I mention my deep love for the Olive Garden? No, that might go too far and disgust some people. “Olive Garden isn’t REAL Italian!” people always bitch. Who cares? Free breadsticks AND salad AND soup? Are you fucking kidding me? Those people must hate puppies too. I’ll give it some thought]
As my husband will attest, I never claim to be classy. Witty? Sure. Sassy? Sometimes. Gassy? I refer you back to my love for hotdogs.
As it was, I was meeting my good friend and fellow volunteer management professional, Kathy for an early dinner while she happened to be in town. She was initially reluctant to join the Adventure–she would prefer to live off the grid–but when she gave it more thought, the idea of enjoying a glass of chardonnay with me (her suggestion) was too tempting. Like free bread and olive oil.
As you may have read already, I tried moscato to mixed reviews from my taste buds. So I didn’t know what to expect from chardonnay, honestly. I knew it would be dry and I’m not a huge fan so far of the dry quality of alcoholic drinks.
NOTE: If you are any bit of a self-proclaimed wine snob, look away now. For example if you even think the term “wine snob” is rude, I’m talking to you, trust me.
I was surprised by the alcohol-y quality of the wine, right off the bat. By far, it’s been the most alcohol heavy drink on the Adventure in terms of flavor–only 10 drinks in, mind you. It wasn’t off-putting, but it did jump out at me with some momentum.
I also didn’t expect it to be so uncomplicated as flavors go. You can’t miss the grapes, but there was a slight oaky note, maybe a touch of lemon rind flavors. It was bright, dry, thin, crisp.
It’s ability to seep into my sinuses was pleasant. That’s the alcohol I’m sure.
I had the chicken scallopini with mushrooms, artichokes, pancetta and capers. It was finished with a lemon butter sauce. The combo of chardonnay and the scallopini was far superior than the first 10 minutes alone with the wine. The meal drew out the chardonnay’s sweetness and tang in a nice way. And the simpleness of the wine didn’t over-power the variety of flavors of the meal.
The specific chardonnay was a Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve from California. I was told by the Waitress it was a very common restaurant wine. Worked for me as my 2nd glass of wine in the Adventure. Also, it was chosen by Kathy because it was the most expensive. We were feeling fancy, right?
The whole thing was very adult contemporary, if I’m being honest. But in a good way? By that I mean here we were, old friends who hadn’t seen each other in almost two years, sharing stories about work, family, married life while drinking the most expensive middle class wine and eating suburban Italian.
I was waiting to hear some Kenny G in the background, honestly.
I will admit that I’m not taking to wine like I am amaretto sours beer. But I know it’s a long road ahead for me in every category, and that’s exciting. And this being only drink 10, it’s remarkable that I’m only about 7% into this Adventure.
And thanks to Kathy again–who also paid for our drinks and meals yesterday afternoon. Extra cheers to her!
There is a long, thrilling road ahead filled with many more glasses of fermented grain, grapes, potatoes and ethyl to explore.
Won’t you join me?
Cheers, Ben
PS: I’m planning on a Quick wrap-up post every 10 drinks–coming to the blog soon–to highlight the drinks enjoyed and despised. Be looking out for that digest.
PPS: Also, very cool news, I’ve almost worked out all the details for February’s 35yo(Alcohol)Virgin Happy Hour Event at the Blue Banana, with a portion of every firstdrink sold that evening to go to a local charity. I hope if you’re in the DC area you’ll try and join us. Details coming very soon.