Wine and Spirits Travel

It had been a while since I’d spent any time in the Nation’s Capital, and even longer since I’ve visited the attractions, so when my niece, Alea, began college there, I thought it was the perfect time to spend a few days with her in Washington D.C. . I took an early morning flight to Washington Reagan airport. I was picked up at the airport by a friend and colleague I hadn’t seen in a while, Julia Coney. My first stop in DC was lunch at Brasserie Beck . Julia had been here and raved about it, but it was my first time. I decided to start with a cocktail and their Pear Ginger Fizz ( Ketel One Vodka , Pear Ginger Cinnamon Shrub, Honey Syrup, Soda Water, Lemon) was as good as it sounded. We shared the Roasted Farm Beet Salad, which included sheep’s milk feta and candied walnuts, and was topped with a maple walnut vinaigrette. It was perfect for the spring-like day. Julia raved about their burgers and decided to get one with the Belgian Frites, which come with

I hope your holiday season is going as well as mine. I have been spending lots of time with family and friends. Get out the basket… We’ve all seen those standard fruit, cheese, and meat baskets passed around during the holidays and other occasions throughout the year. The cheese is simply “cheddar,” or something just as generic. I was happy to hear from Murray’s Cheese about their selections, which are anything but ordinary. They sent me The MVP: Most Valuable Player . It includes: tasty Murray’s Gruyere, tangy Humboldt Fog, mild and delicious Grazier’s Edge, and hearty Point Reye’s Bay Blue cheeses, as well as an excellent Prosciutto San Daniele and a lean Creminelli Wild Boar Salami. The Pistachio Cranberry and Olive Oil Crackers were a perfect accompaniment, and the buttery Marcona Almonds are addicting.   One of the other things I love about Murray’s Cheese is that they let you build your own basket from all these interesting ingredients. Definitely give them a tr