Wine & Words

The beat goes on with the worldwide financial, what..."meltdown," "shake out," "correction?" I can't keep up with it any more. I'm reading a couple of books on economics and policy issues that I took home from the "Words" part of our store. Trying to give myself some perspective. We've got a number of such books on history, policy, etc. Buy something intelligent for the policy maven in your family and you still have time to read it yourself before the holidays. My family has a long tradition of giving each other "ABR" ("already been read") books as gifts. Keeps the discussion going.

I do have to comment on something I keep hearing in those "person on the street" interviews that supposedly tell how average people are handing the financial crisis. A recurring theme when folks are talking about tightening their belts is "we probably won't be going out to eat as much." Well, excuse me, but that one gores my ox. I agree that it's less expensive to buy foodstuffs and prepare them at home. But that's just for nourishment, keeping the machine fueled. I'd like to suggest that a dining evening at the Back Bay Cafe is not just nutrition; it's also entertainment, education, therapy, relationship building. In short, for around $25 a person you get a lovely evening. I think that's a great value during these troubled times. It's sure cheaper than a cruise or a trip to France!

And speaking of France...Saturday is our special French wine tasting with Phillip Edwards of ExCellars Wine Agency. Phillip will be pouring and telling about our Featured French wines on Saturday afternoon at the Washington store from 1:00 until 3:00 and at the Belhaven store (with a lovely French dinner from Chef Yvonne at Back Bay Cafe) from 5:30 until 8:00. Both wine tastings are free. If you're doing the Back Bay dinner part, please call us for a reservation at 252-944-2870.

Also speaking of France...a customer was in Belhaven last weekend and I showed him our Featured French wines. He said, "Well, I don't care much for the French...but I do love their wines." I said whatever you think of "the French" the wines are really an agricultural product grown by lots of small family farms all across the famous French winemaking regions. And you've got to support farmers! He replied, "Yeah, and outside of Paris...the French are actually lovely people." I'll drink to that.

If you can't make it for the French event, please come out and eat with us in Belhaven sometime this weekend (Sunday Brunch is getting very popular, so I'd suggest reservations if you've got 4 or more in your party). And check out the new books we've got in at both stores. And shop our End of Summer Wine Clearance table. And just say hey. We very much appreciate your support.