Thursday, July 3, 2008

What are you cooking for July 4th?

Just curious if you have a favorite or traditional dish you like to make for the Fourth of July weekend? Maybe a twist on a burger or hotdog?  I thought I would ask the throngs and hordes* of our readers for ideas.  We love to eat and are always on the lookout for interesting ideas.  You don't have to post exact recipes, but you are welcome to.  Be sure to let us know what you are drinking with your dish too. - Salamanzar



*Throngs and hordes refers to the six or eight people who actually might read this.  But let's not get too tied up in these definitions.  I am pretty sure my mom doesn't even read this blog.

Monday, June 30, 2008

Rhymes with Heritage

One wine term we frequently hear mispronounced is the word Meritage.  This is actually an American marketing term created by combining Merit with Heritage.  Folks frequently try to give it a French sound by pronouncing it Mer-i-TAHJ, as in the Taj Mahal, but it actually rhymes with heritage and is pronounced MER-i-tidge. 

A Meritage is a blend of grapes in the Bordeaux style - Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot and Malbec for the reds and Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Sauvignon Vert for the whites.  The organization was created in 1988 and you have to pay to use this on your wine label and become a member of the organization.

Unfortunately, the mispronunciation is propagated throughout the wine world daily, even by wine professionals and in wine shops.  Let's start getting it right in Durham and spread the word in proper English outward! -Salamanzar