Three cheers to summer! It means Rosé season is here!

Pernod Ricard USA has announced the launch of Sainte Marguerite en Provence rosé wines in the US market, offering free spirited rosé lovers an avant-garde approach to Provence rosé this summer. We hear that to celebrate there will be a soiree tomorrow where at the private stylish affair glasses will be raised in grand style.

In 1977, Brigitte and Jean-Pierre Fayard discovered Sainte Marguerite in La Londe-les-Maures, Provence, and immediately fell in love with it. They purchased seven hectares of vines and restored the “mas” (traditional farmhouse) surrounded by palm trees, now the symbols of their vineyard. These two self-taught, visionary, determined entrepreneurs identified the potential of Provence rosé wines – well before its rise to popularity in the early 2000s – and have actively contributed to their reputation by adhering to uncompromising quality standards.

Sainte Marguerite en Provence joined Pernod Ricard’s portfolio of premium wines and spirits in late 2022 and makes its debut in the US market ahead of National Rosé Day on June 10. Sainte Marguerite en Provence is characterized by a family history based on passion, high standards and a vision for the wines of Provence. Sainte Marguerite en Provence has two signature rosé wines – Symphonie and Fantastique – beloved for their finesse and elegance.

The Sainte Marguerite en Provence vineyard is a unique site of around 200 hectares, consisting of 11 plots spread over 22 kilometers, situated in one of the best Côtes-de-Provence AOC terroirs. This diversity of terroirs – including the famous La Londe, facing the Iles d’Or – offers a complete aromatic palette for blending Sainte Marguerite wines. This remarkable vineyard has been crafted patiently, over time, to suit the quality of the terroirs and the selection of grape varieties. Château Sainte Marguerite is also striking in appearance, with modern infrastructure of cement and glass alongside impressive walls of pink and orange, complementing the extraordinary taste and quality of its creations.

Out of the 17 grape varieties present in Provence, Sainte Marguerite en Provence has chosen three to blend its rosés. Grenache is its signature varietal, while Cinsault and Rolle have been selected for their complementary qualities. Grenache brings uniform elegance and fruity aromatic intensity. Cinsault expresses itself finely and delicately. Rolle (or Vermentino in Italian) completes the aromatic structure of subtle fruitiness. Planted according to the soil types and plot orientations, these three varietals form the style that differentiates Sainte Marguerite en Provence wines, which are popular for their elegance and finesse.

“Our top priorities at the vineyard are respect for the environment, our customers and our staff. This echoes the standards that guide us in everything we do. We gained knowledge of the different terroirs while building up the vineyard. Over 46 years, we’ve learned how to understand them in order to express their best qualities,” Olivier Fayard, Sainte Marguerite en Provence CEO and Winemaker, said. “We could have created traditional rosé wines, but we decided to go against the grain. This is all part of the heritage and positioning of Sainte Marguerite. The hallmark of a great wine producer is to know how to think outside the box and continually evolve.”

Symphonie Rosé: The Symphonie cuvée exemplifies an established savior-faire. It offers a harmonious composition distinguished by finesse, fresh notes and a generous aromatic profile, making this rosé a perfect introduction to the House style. Symphonie is a delicate shimmering pink color with a light, airy nose of citrus and white peach aromas.

Fantastique Rosé: Fantastique Rosé is the only organic Cru Classé in Côtes de Provence. This certified organic and vegan fine rosé wine is balanced, structured and precise. Fantastique Rosé is blended from Grenache, Cinsault and Vermentino grapes from the best parcels of the Château Sainte Marguerite vineyard. Tasting notes include peach, pear, citrus, floral notes and other exotic flavors.

Sainte Marguerite rosé wines do not conform to a moment, a place, or even a season. They can be enjoyed as an aperitif or with dinner in a gourmet restaurant. They go well with the flavors of Southern European cuisine as well as more exotic inspirations.  Learn more at smpwines.com or following @saintemargueriteenprovence on Instagram.

Happy Summer!

There’s a cool, sophisticated, yet casual vibe restaurant getting a lot of attention in Chelsea these days at the newly renovated Temerario, the ground-breaking Mexican hotspot in Chelsea, boasting one of NYC’s more serious Mexican menus.  The kitchen is helmed by Chef Eduardo Santos who has worked in Michelin starred restaurants.

I sat down with owner Jorge Guzman, a successful restaurateur who started in NYC with Ofrenda Cocina Mexicana, in New York’s West Village.   In 2014 he opened the contemporary Mexican restaurant The Black Ant in the East Village.  In 2017, he opened Lamano, a Spanish wine bar next to Temerario.  In 2018, came Lamano West Village.

What is the idea behind this concept?  What inspired you to put together Temerario?

The Temerario name means fearless.  It’s like a daredevil, daring you to do something different.  The concept…we went modern, industrial…we wanted to get this Meatpacking District vibe.  Making it fit into a fun Mexican restaurant.

What can I expect here that I would not find in any other Mexican restaurant in America?

We try to mix traditional Mexican with a touch of New York and a twist of modernity.  Usually you don’t see a lot of Mexican restaurants with the look that we have. Industrial with green ceiling so at nighttime you get this really nice nightlife vibe.  You see metal plates on the wall, neon signs, beautiful bar, dark tables.  We have a great Happy Hour.  Outdoor seating on both the 8^th Avenue and 20^th Street sides of the restaurant.  We have Lunch, Dinner and Brunch.   Brunch is from 11am to 3:30pm with bottomless mimosas.    We do Happy Hour from 4 til 7pm every day.  Dinner til 11.

What is the inspiration behind the menu? What do you enjoy most about your cooking?

We don’t do regional Mexican cooking.    We do all over the country.   The concept is more similar to a Mexico City restaurant, since they utilize all the regions in their cooking.  Different flavors from different regions.  What we really focus on here is the presentation, even if the dishes are a little traditional, they will look very modern in look.   Less ingredients, but more techniques.

Do you serve tableside guacamole? What makes your guacamole different from other Mexican restaurants? 

The guacamole comes to the table already made.  It is made with avocado, onion, cilantro, serrano, pickled jalapeño.   It is served with the whole tostados and not chips. We don’t buy any sauce or tortillas.   All the tortillas, masas, moles and salsas are made in-house for maximum freshness and flavor.

What is the most popular dish in the restaurant?

Carnitas Tacos (made with Pork confit, mango-habanero salsa, chicharrón, pickled onion).

What is appealing about your bar?

As you can see, our bar looks very much like a nightlife cocktail bar, with smoked mirror in the back, neon lights.  At nighttime it looks very intimate, cozy, sexy.  Very artisanal cocktails.  We try to use small batches, brands.  The bar program is made by a Michelin star bar manager, earned at Claro in Brooklyn.   Our bar program is elevated from other Mexican restaurants.

What changes have you seen in Chelsea since you opened the restaurant?

The area is getting better. It has better nightlife.   Famous chefs are coming in.  It’s getting to be like the West Village.  You have the High Line just a few blocks away at 14^th & 8^th and also 16^th & 8^th.

What is your favorite dish and why?

One of my favorites is the Aguachile Negro(Sea bass, charred aguachile, jícama, cucumber).   It’s like a Mexican ceviche.  A little more spicy.  It’s very good for the summer, very refreshing.  The others are the tacos, very popular here.  

What demographic do you attract?

More adult than some of my other restaurants.  We get a lot of people from Google and Twitter since their headquarters are nearby.    

Anything else you would like to add?

We plan to have Latin nights with DJ’s every Friday.  We do pop-up events every two months which are one night dinners with famous chefs from Latin America.  

Other favorites include: Quesadillas with corn tortilla, queso oaxaca, salsa martajada; Flautas – Chicken tinga, salsa tatemada, cabbage, crema, queso fresco; Ensalada De Tomato – Dried chili vinaigrette, epazote requesón, baby gem lettuce;.   Taco lovers will be ecstatic with a choice of: Tacos De Pescado – Masa tempura, coleslaw, salsa tatemada, jalapeño cream;  Tacos Al Pastor – Roasted chicken pastor, guacachile, pineapple, pickled onion; Tacos Carne Asada – steak, avocado, salsa martajada, caramelized onions; Tacos De Hongos – Portobello mushrooms, salsa pasilla, red cabbage.  Main dishes are highlighted by: Pescado Zaradeado – Red snapper, mole amarillito, mexican rice, tortillas; Enchiladas Verdes – Corn tortilla, braised chicken, roasted tomatillo salsa, crema, queso fresco; Enmoladas – Mole negro oaxaqueño, braised chicken, queso fresco, crema, onions;  Carne Asada – Sirloin steak, shishito pepper, cauliflower puree, tamarindo demi-glace.   The menu is also suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets.  Lunch Mon to Fri 12 til 3pm.    Dinner Sun to Thurs 4 to 11pm;   Fri & Sat 4 til 12am.  Happy Hour every day from 4 to 7pm..   Brunch Sat & Sun from 11 to 3:30p.     198 8th Ave at the corner of 20 St., 212-645-2100, www.temerarionyc.com

COVID takes down another victim. Rosie O’Grady’s, located on 7th Avenue and West 52nd Street along with its event space, Manhattan Manor, will shut its doors on July 1st. For over 43 years the steak and seafood restaurant was a favorite of theatre goers. Owner Mike Carty rent of over $3 million per year as a significant burden has made it impossible to sustain business operations. Carty’s has also made it clear that he plans to re-open the establishment somewhere else.

Neil Diamond, who was a customer for over two decades, stated “It honestly broke my heart.”

SL Green and Carty had been in a rent dispute that went to arbitration. The panel ruled in SL Green’s favor, who plans on seeking another tenant for the space.

For coffee lovers who love to rock, we love the new Keurig partnership with The Rolling Stones. Of course, we all wish we had a summer break like being a kid again, but for the adult who has to report to work duty in the morning we could not think of a more splendid thing!

The limited edition “Start Me Up” iced coffee kit makes the perfect cup of coffee to jump start you day and will have you singing all day long. A special blend made just for this edition has a nutty roast that’ll start you up with electrifying notes of strawberry.

Each of the “Start Me Up” iced coffee kits includes a custom designed K-Iced brewer and tumbler, “Start Me Up” K-Cup Pods designed to be perfect over ice, as well as access to an exclusive Spotify playlist curated by the iconic band to rock out to while you sip.

It will start you up in a way you never knew possible! The kits are available to purchase on Keurig.com.

Tabitha Brown is coming to NYC! On Tuesday, June 6th. Vegan actress and social media personality Tabitha Brown and McCormick will be hosting the free one-day-only “That’s Your Business” Farmer’s Market pop up from 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM (or until supplies last) at Studio 525 in Chelsea, NYC. Tabitha will be on-site to meet attendees and share all her favorite healthy eating tips and tricks!

 The event will be in celebration of the recent launch of five new salt-free, vegan seasoning blends and recipe mixes as part of the McCormick by Tabitha Brown collection and will highlight local produce with family-friendly games and photo moments. 

The location is at Studio 525, 525 W 24th Street.