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Last Updated: Jul 2nd, 2008 - 21:15:22 |
(NUI) - Summer is all about casual relaxation: kicking back and watching a beautiful sunset with friends. For many of us, summer also means escaping to the coast for a weekend getaway.
If you can't get to the coast this year, consider bringing the feeling of coastal living to your home or back yard. It's easy to do with the right food, wine and decor.
One of my favorite summer foods is fresh seafood - shrimp, mussels and, if you can get it, cracked lobster. Seek out mail-order sources for summer cooking variety. For instance, look through catalogs or go online to order a clambake kit, a lobster steamer complete with the lobsters, or all of the fixings for a crawfish fry - including the crawfish.
There is a wide variety of wines that can be found in almost any supermarket across the country to help you get into a coastal state of mind. For example, BV Coastal Estates Chardonnay features golden apple and tropical fruit flavors that pair nicely with fresh seafood. Or, if you prefer a full-bodied wine to pair with grilled fish, you may want to choose the BV Coastal Estates Shiraz which has dark berry flavors and a hint of spice. Of course, these wines should be enjoyed in moderation.
When serving wine in the summer, remember this rule of thumb: Chill red wine for 15 minutes before serving. If you are serving white wine, remove it from the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
When it comes to wine, most wine experts like to suggest wine and food pairings. But my philosophy is that wine is best when you pair it with life. I'm a big believer in using wine to set a certain mood, without being intimidating.
For instance, people think they have to bring out the fancy wineglasses, but there's no rule that says you can't use small juice glasses to serve your wine. They are perfect for outdoor entertaining.
Another way to bring the coast into your home is to create a coastal ambience. Weigh down small paper bags with sand and light a votive candle inside. Put on some beach music. Have your guests remove their shoes and give them a pair of flip-flops to wear. Use summer beach reads like "The Beach House" and "The Great Gatsby" as place cards, and give away the books as parting gifts.
For me, there's nothing better than having a few friends over, sitting on lounge chairs in the back yard and sipping wine while the sun is about to set. It's these little things that make up life's perfect moments.
What makes up your perfect moment? The Center for Photographic Arts in California is asking people to share their favorite moments through the BV "Recipes for Life" contest for a chance to win a getaway to a coastal resort. For information on how to enter, visit www.bvwines.com.
Michael Green is Gourmet magazine's wine and spirits consultant.
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