For Passover: Carmel Winery Launches New Signature Series Wine for Passover: Carmel Black Cabernet Sauvignon
Carmel Winery Launches New Signature Series Wine for Passover: Carmel Black Cabernet Sauvignon
Carmel Winery, the largest and leading winery in Israel is launching a new wine from the Signature series – Carmel Black Cabernet Sauvignon
Kosher for Passover & All Year Long
Israel’s Carmel Winery will launch the USA premier of new CARMEL BLACK, a Signature Luxury brand, February 2024, just in time for the Passover season.
Carmel Winery – the largest winery in Israel – adds the new vintage to its distinguished SIGNATURE series, a portfolio of luxury wines from the highest-quality producing vineyards known for its long tradition of winemaking knowledge and expertise.
The new wine joins the brand’s highly successful Carmel Mediterranean Vats ($30 SRP), Single Vineyard ($45 SRP), Carmel Mediterranean ($60 SRP), and Carmel flagship wine Limited Edition ($99 SRP).
Carmel Black, a sign of strength and elegance, is a mysterious marvel that exudes prestige and sophistication.
Inspired by its boundless depth and signature timelessness, created Carmel Black, a new exclusive edition in the distinguished Carmel Signature series.
This full-bodied velvety wine epitomizes Carmel’s artistry and innovation and encapsulates the vast expertise and philosophy of Carmel Signature: to nurture and enhance the unique qualities of the grapes, extracting their best attributes and realize their full potential with love, care, and minimal interference.
Carmel Black Cabernet Sauvignon Galilee 2021 boasts a rich, dark crimson hue and delights the senses with aromas of ripe fruit, cassis, and hints of tomato leaf, complemented by subtle notes of warming spices.
This wine offers a full-bodied, silky texture, with flavors of luscious ripe red fruits that linger through a satisfying medium finish.
It has been meticulously aged for 14 months in French oak barrels within its wine cellars. Bottle aging potential: 5-7 years under suitable storage conditions.
Yiftah Peretz, Chief Winemaker of Carmel Winery, “Our new Carmel Black is meticulously aged for 14 months in French oak barrels. Grown in the Galilee, its climate provides comfortable temperatures which offer excellent conditions for nurturing and enhancing the unique qualities of the grape.
Etti Edri, Carmel’s Export Manager, “Israel is naturally the historical homeland of kosher wines, and we are excited to introduce our exclusive Carmel Black in the USA in time for Passover, when more than 40 percent of all kosher wine sales occur.”
Carmel BLACK Signature will be launched in the USA at the NJ Kosher Food & Wine Experience (KFWE), February 26, 2024. This important trade show regularly drives trends for Passover holiday wines and spirits, as well as year long forecasts. The trade event at the Meadowlands Hilton in Rutherford NJ is open to wine and spirits industry buyers, caterers, and restauranteurs.
Carmel BLACK Signature Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Galilee (SRP: $30) can be purchased at specialty wine stores and online sites.
CARMEL SIGNATURE is Carmel Winery’s most prestigious wine category. The wines are produced from grapes nurtured and selected with strict precision from Carmel’s top vineyards, with an emphasis on elegance and harmony between all the elements.
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What does “Bean to Bar” Craft chocolate mean? Is it as simple as a one sentence answer? Or Is it more complicated?
It’s far more complicated. In itself, it’s a little bit selfish in my opinion. There’s a lot of benefit employing those who work in origin to also manufacture the chocolate. That’s something that we’d be interested in down the road. We just can’t afford it so right now we take all the effort, all the energy and time to do it here in St. Louis.
It’s a really fun process. But you do end up taking a lot of the credit where the credit isn’t necessarily due. A lot of the credits due for the fine cocoa farmers at origin.
Can you walk me through the basic concept?
So in our industry it’s wherever you receive the dry, unfermented cocoa beans. and you roast them. What you’re doing is crafting this flavor and you’re manufacturing a product that otherwise wouldn’t wouldn’t necessarily exist.
If you have the ability to roast [in-house] and you start [you’re own manufacturing process] ]there, you’re ‘bean to bar’.
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l got it. So the beans come from somewhere else, they arrive under your roof and the manufacturing process happens under your roof. So beans come in and a bar comes out, but it all happens under the same roof.
Yes. And it’s traceable. That’s also very important.
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But it really does start with what the consumer likes. You can’t necessarily force an 85% bar onto a consumer that enjoys white chocolate.
But you look at the ingredients on them. There are some good makers that use Lecithin just because it makes the product easier to work with, but it does make it less of a clean label product. So you look at the clean label from nutrition.
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Thank you, Cam.
Visits Honeymoon Chocolates at: https://hmchocolates.com
On Instagram, at: www.instagram.com/honeymoonchocolates
On Facebook, at: https://www.facebook.com/honeymoonchocolates
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Santa Monica ‘s Mon Ami “First Class to Spain” Sept 19 Experiential Dining Brings Catalonia to Your Table
If you’re not already familiar with Mon Ami, you’re missing out on one of Santa Monica’s tastiest hidden gems.
Tucked behind the crowds on Ocean Avenue, this hidden courtyard restaurant feels like the best-kept secret for cocktails and bites near the beach.
Nas Negahban’s Mon Ami “First Class Experience’ takes Your Tastebuds to Barcelona
Under the guidance of Nas Negahban from Pacific Coast Hospitality Group, a seasoned traveler with a passion for authentic culinary experiences, Mon Ami strives to mirror the richness of Mediterranean cultures in every aspect.
The Mon Ami event series will launch September 19.
Reservations to the Barcelona First Class Series Event: https://resy.com/cities/santa-monica-ca/venues/mon-ami?date=2024-09-19&seats=2&query=Mon%20ami&activeView=list
Pricing is: $95 plus tax and gratuity for the 4-course food menu
Or $125++ for the food menu and 2 included drinks.
Mon Ami Chef explaining tonight’s dishes
Speaking on his inspiration and Mon Ami’s concept, Nas explains:
“I’ve always had a passion for building new concepts and brands across various industries.
We currently have a few restaurants in Spain and other countries
but Santa Monica is home. ”
Nas Negahban
Mon Ami is the true Mediterranean experience.
With an emphasis on a variety of culinary dishes and spices and inspired spirits with an enhanced flair attached to it from several countries located on or by the Mediterranean Sea such as Spain, Greece, Italy, France, Morocco, & many more with a lot of their food curated and selected from the local Santa Monica Farmers Market.
First Class Series Event on September 19 – Extraordinary Journey to Barcelona
The First Class Event Series includes 2 items from Mon Ami’s drink menu (specialty cocktails or wine)… and dishes from their food menu:
- appetizer
- first course
- second course
- choice of 3rd course
- and choice of dessert
If that sounds like a lot, it is. And not in a “I’m stuffed and need to roll home” kind of way.
Incredible flavor.
Diversity.
Filling.
But you leave feeling pleasantly fulfilled. Not heavy.
For me, that’s incredibly important.
Mon Ami’s First Class Series is a great idea for date night, for a casual business dinner, for a birthday or celebration.
Most importantly, it creates memories. It’s been a few days since my dinner, and I’m still remembering it and smiling.
Mon Ami’s Blackberry Mojito
Mon Ami’s Blackberry Mojito
Mon Ami’s Catelonia Margarita
Mon Ami’s Catelonia Margarita.
The dinner started with a light appetizer, perfect to ignite your appetite.
Mon Ami; Amuse Bouche (Iberian Jamon with Burrata, Calabria Chile on a crustini)
Amuse Bouche (Iberian Jamon with Burrata, Calabria Chile on a crustini)
Light with a good crunch and subtle flavor.
Equally important, the perfect conversation starter. If your dining table has a quiet moment, the arrival of this plate sparks smiles, giggles and reactions.
Mon Ami; Tapas Trio: Truffle mushroom, Chicken Mousse with a Pickled Onion, Spicy Tomatoes and Pepper
1st Course
Tapas Trio: Truffle mushroom, Chicken Mousse with a Pickled Onion, Spicy Tomatoes and Pepper
This is the first feel of diversity. Flavor, mouthfeel; each of the three delivered a different experience. From subtle, to bold, to a kick of spice.
Is your dinner Instagrammable? It is if you’re at Mon Ami.
All evening long diners were taking pics of their meals. Why? Sure, it’s delicious. But the plating. Beautifully well-designed and playful.
Mon Ami takes their flavor seriously, but has fun creating each dish into art.
Mon Ami; Grilled Octopus with Patatas Bravas
2nd Course
Grilled Octopus with Patatas Bravas
The grilled octopus is tender and juicy, paired well with crispy fried potatoes and drizzled with red sauce. It made you hungry for what’s next…
Mon Ami; Marinated Skirt Steak with a side of Spanish Rice and Roasted Zucchini
3rd Course
Marinated Skirt Steak with a side of Spanish Rice and Roasted Zucchini
Don’t forget, the 3rd course has options: steak vs pasta.
Choosing skirt steak because it’s commonly a tougher cut and I was curious to see how Mon Ami’s skilled chef would create a heavenly plate. Here, the marinade brought out the tender juicy flavor that we hoped for. Well-prepared.
Our table shared smiles, giggles and mmmm’s with each bite.
Mon Ami; Crema Catalona with Shaved Chocolate and Berries
Dessert
Crema Catalona with Shaved Chocolate and Berries
Again, dessert offered choices. Dessert was between Crema Catalona and Sorbet. I chose the Crema because I wanted to see how the Chef and his kitchen would prepare the dish. His choices were impressive so far and I chose to trust his instincts.
I’m glad I trusted him.
It was perfect for me. To be clear, I don’t want a mountain of sugar. I want 5 bites of flavor and pleasure.
If tonight had been a date, sharing 2-3 bites each would have been the perfect evening to a perfect dinner.
Born and raised in Santa Monica, Nas is committed to elevating his hometown’s hospitality scene to reflect the sophistication of beachside cities he has encountered abroad. This is present in every aspect of MON AMI’s ambiance, from its lush indoor-outdoor seating surrounded by greenery to its late-night live entertainment and picture-perfect cocktails. MON AMI is meticulously curated to enchant and immerse guests.
The event series will launch September 19 at the Mon Ami Santa location.
Reservation to the Barcelona First Class Series Event: https://resy.com/cities/santa-monica-ca/venues/mon-ami?date=2024-09-19&seats=2&query=Mon%20ami&activeView=list
You can also email events@monamism.com if you have any questions or want to book over the phone.)
Pricing is: $95 plus tax and gratuity for the 4-course food menu or $125++ for the food menu and 2 included drinks.
Mon Ami will offer a complimentary taste of the sangria upon arrival.
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The landmark restaurant and venue announced that French-Canadian chef Benoit “Ben” LaFleche will take over the kitchen.
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Chef LeFleche’s Journey to The Magic Castle
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Chef Benoit LaFleche
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LaFleche’s hiring could mark the start of a revamp for the 59-year-old venue.
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The first time in decades that there’s been an open-air dining option. Before it was enclosed in the 1960s, there was a second-floor balcony that eventually became the terrace dining room.
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Hollywood’s The Magic Castle
The Magic Castle, the clubhouse of the Academy of Magical Arts, is private, allowing entrance only to members and their guests, or through courtesy invitations which are available to magicians visiting from out of the United States.
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A typical evening features magic shows that range from miracles right under your nose to full stage illusions that stun an entire room.
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