Monday, April 21, 2008

April 25, 2008 -- Dr. Tom Vinick

The movie star entertainer, Dr. Tom, will be here on Friday evening. If you follow the happenings at The City Wine Sellar, you'll remember that the last time Dr. Tom entertained us was the evening the folks from PBS' NC Weekend show were here filming and interviewing. We made both the newspaper and television!

Dr. Tom has a great variety of songs in his repertoire. His specialty is 70s cover tunes. So, stop by and boogie on!

Thursday, April 17, 2008

April 18, 2008 -- Joe Gosman

Joe and the guys will be jammin' this Friday night. Joe Gosman always draws such an eclectic crowd to The City Wine Sellar. Maybe it's because he is talented enough to cover a wide variety of musical genres, making everyone happy...from twenty-somethings to sixty-somethings. So, whatever "something" you are, we guarantee you'll have a good time. Music from 7:00-10:00 pm; Deli fare served till 9:00 pm.
Bring an extra nine bucks and buy his CD, "Where is Home."

Thursday, April 10, 2008

April 11, 2008 -- Chuck Hodges

Plan for a once in a lifetime event at the City Wine Sellar on Friday evening...Chuck Hodges entertaining when there's NOT a downpour outside! Seems the last four times Chuck has played for us, he has been forced to trudge his equipment through the cold and nasty weather. Alas, it looks like Spring might finally visit with us on Friday. According to the weather gurus, Friday is to be in the 70's, with no rain. No better time to wander around Downtown Elizabeth City, stop by the wine sellar and listen to the sounds of Chuck and Hot Hoidal. Entertainment 7:00-10:00 pm; Deli fare served till 9:00 pm. Smoking allowed in the outside cafe area. Call 335-1163 for more info.

Friday, April 4, 2008

May 7, 2008 -- Do it French-style with The Common Girls

Man, oh man! What a treat we have for you for the May wine tasting! Or, should I say "treats." The "Common Girls" will be our Guest Pourers for the May 7th wine tasting. Debbie Sauls, Nikki Marshall (and maybe even Julie Jones) from the Water Street Commons complex will be sashaying around spilling wine into your glasses.
We'll be doing it French-style on this particular evening. Hobnob wines will definitely be on the tasting list, along with a few others to be chosen at the last minute (in my world, that's referred to as procrastination). Visit their web site for a few laughs prior to tasting night (not the Common Girls' web site, but the Hob Nob site...www.hobnobwines.com). Come hob nob with the best of 'em next month!
Sip to the sounds of jazz with Connected.
Tasting 6:00-7:30 pm; $10 per person; RSVP highly requested. 335-1163.

April 4, 2008 -- Further Adieu

The boys are back! They last rocked us in January. Wow. Can you believe it's been three months, almost to the day? There WILL be fireworks...literally. Roanoke Bible College is celebrating their 60th anniversary with fireworks at 9:15 pm. So, hang out in downtown Elizabeth City tonight...enjoy the show at The City Wine Sellar, Bakery, Deli & Wine Bar, then hop on down to the waterfront for a spectacular show in the sky. (We'll guard your drink for ya. ;-) )
Deli fare served until 9:00 pm; wine & beer until 10:30 pm; entertainment from 7:00-10:00 pm.
See more of Further Adieu at http://www.furtheradieu.com/

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Wine Tasting Notes -- April 2, 2008

Let it be known that I’m horrible at keeping secrets. I wanted to keep these wines under wraps, so to speak, until the end of the tasting, and do a great “voila” to reveal their identities. While putting together the tasting notes, I got too excited about the variety of wines we’ll be tasting that I decided to save the “brown bag” theme for another time. I hope you will be as excited tasting the super group of Argentine wines selected.
Argentine wines could very well be the next phenomenon wines to hit the U.S. market. They’re being regarded as some of the best wine values, balancing quality and value quite nicely. Argentina is the worlds 5th largest wine producing country, and 6th largest wine consuming country. Once difficult to find in the United States, you will surely be seeing more and more of these wines in your favorite restaurants and wine shops in the years to come. –Debbie
Special thanks to Ann Hoffman, Publisher of The Daily Advance, our Guest Pourer for this evening, and to Lisa Van Curen of Empire Distributing. “Connected” is back with us for another great evening of jazz and wine. Be sure to get their contact information and book them for your next big event!
--Trivento Chardonnay – “Combines distinctive varietal character with judicious oak aging to deliver rich banana and crisp apple flavors complemented by toast notes. After fermentation, the wine is aged in French oak for two months. Well suited for seafood and white meats.”

Regular Price: $ 12.36 Tasting Price: $ 11.36
--Pannotia Torrontes – “Pannotia Torrontes has floral notes of iris and hibiscus, two plants growing along the Cafayate plateau. Pannotia’s riper style of Torrontes offers light notes of orange zest, green apple, lemon, and peach. With this wine, Pannotia has created a wine that juggles lightness and intensity.”

Regular Price: $ 14.68 Tasting Price: $ 13.68
--Duo Sauvignon Blanc – “The nose is fragrant with cantaloupe melon and lemon blossom. The taste carries a vivacious freshness with rich, chewy flavors of grapefuit, tropical fruit and mineral. Plump mouthfeel followed by a flinty note on the finish.”

Regular Price: $ 13.18 Tasting Price $ 12.18
--MontGras Carmenere – “Powerful aromas of spices, wild herbs and vanilla. It has a well-rounded taste with subtle fruit flavors and soft tannins leading to a velvety finish.”

Regular Price: $ 15.58 Tasting Price $ 14.58
--Trivento Syrah – “An alluring nose of violets and cassis. Intense red in color, the wine is smooth and velvety on the palate with supple tannins. It offers rich fruit flavors complemented by spice notes. Aged in American and French oak for 5 to 7 months, it is perfect for braised beef or lamb as well as for Mediterranean fare.”

Regular Price: $ 12.36 Tasting Price $ 11.36
--Pannotia Malbec – “Pannotia Malbec is created from grapes grown in one of the most distinctive areas of Mendoza, Lujan de Cuyo. The dusty, even fluffy, soils of that great old vineyard bring out another side of the grape: black and red cherries, blueberries, and hints of chocolate.”
Regular Price: $ 14.68 Tasting Price $ 12.68

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Brown Bag Wine Tasting -- April 2, 2008

No foolin'. We're having a Brown Bag Wine Tasting this month. No, you won't be required to bring your own wine. We're going to try something a little different by keeping the wines a secret until near the end of the tasting. We'll still taste 3 reds and 3 whites, and we'll still provide descriptive wine tasting notes; however, the names of the wines won't be included and the wines will be tightly tucked into little brown bags until the time of "big unveiling."
We won't keep the Guest Pourer a secret, though. This month we are pleased to have Ann Hoffman as our pourer. Ann is the new Publisher of The Daily Advance. For those of you who haven't yet met her, this would be the perfect opportunity to demonstrate Elizabeth City's southern hospitality and welcoming nature by stopping by to say, "hello."

Friday, March 28, 2008

March 28, 2008 -- Christopher Palestrant

End your month with a new artist at The City Wine Sellar. Christopher Palestrant will set the stage with his boogie, ballads and Broadway act. The multi-talented Chris will also play up some Billy Joel and maybe a little Elton John, as well as a few folksy tunes and original. It sounds like he will certainly cover the gamut.Music from 7:00-10:00 pm. Deli fare served until 9:00 pm. Non-smoking inside venue.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

March 21, 2008 -- Jazz with "Connected"

Join us Friday night at The Sellar Wine Bar (located inside The City Wine Sellar) for an evening of Jazz with "Connected." Connected will delight you with a variety of jazz music, standard to contemporary. Come join us and be entertained by the talented trio of Wayne James, Dennis Figgs, and Ellard Forrester.Entertainment is from 7-10 pm. Regular deli menu items served from 6-9 pm. The Sellar Wine Bar is a non-smoking venue. Smoking permitted in the cafe seating area.
Check out the band at www.dwconnected.com

Thursday, March 13, 2008

March 17th Beer Tasting -- 6:00-7:30 pm

Betcha never tasted a Sour Apple Honey Cinnamon Ale! You'll have an opportunity to do so on Monday evening, March 17th (coincidentally, St. Patrick's Day). We're having a home brew beer tasting in cooperation with Elizabeth City Brewing Company. In addition to the interesting Sour Apple Honey Cinnamon Ale, you can try an Irish Pale Ale, a Clover Porter, an Indian Brown ale, an Ein Bien Bitte Bier, and a Kilt Lifter. Personally, I can't wait to check out that last one. Tasting will be held from 6:00-7:30 pm. Light appetizers will be served. RSVP Requested. Call 335-1163 for more info.

Monday, March 10, 2008

March 14, 2008 -- BC of the Drednecks

Keep rocking in March with live music with BC at The City Wine Sellar. BC will keep your toes tapping with rock, reggae, blues, folk, and a few unique originals. You can usually hear BC playing with his band, The Dreadnecks, at such Outer Banks venues as The Brewing Station, Port O' Call, Chili Peppers and The Beach Bread Company. BC offers a CD of his band's tunes for only $10.00
Music from 7:00-10:00 pm; Deli fare served until 9:00 pm.

Beer Tasting March 17, 2008

You seriously can't miss this lucky tasting! The guys from Elizabeth City Brewing LLC will be brewing at least five batches of home brews for us to try. I can tell you from experience, they know what they're doing. And it's on St. Patrick's Day, no less. So, put on those green underwear and sham-rock your hineys on down to The City Wine Sellar on Monday, March 17th. 6:00-7:30 pm. RSVP requested, please. 252-335-1163.
Check out Elizabeth City Brewing's web site at
http://www.ecitybrew.com/

Other March Entertainers

Jazz with Connected -- March 21, 2008
Boogie, Ballads & Broadway with
Christopher Palestrant -- March 28, 2008

Further Adieu -- March 4, 2008

Monday, March 3, 2008

Chuck Hodges Friday Night, March 7, 2008

He's a little bit country. He's a little bit rock 'n roll! More specifically, "progressive modern rock and alternative country." The result is a "bluesy-folksy, roots-rockish, guitar-centric sound." Everyone who hears Chuck falls in love with his laid back style. His music has a way of making you feel like all is right with the world.
Chuck will play from 7:00-10:00 pm. Deli fare served until 9:00 pm. Call 252-335-1163 for more info.
Get more information about Chuck at www.chuckhodges.com

The No-Cork Wine Tasting with Guest Pourer Jamie Koch -- March 5, 2008 (6:00-7:30 pm) --

Remember Boone's Farm wine? What do you remember most about it? How "economical" it was; that you could find it at some of the very best gas stations in town; or those fancy screw caps that required no cork screw (which was a good thing, 'cause at that age, who really knew how to use one anyway)?
Strawberry Hill aside, I bring up Boone's Farm because I want to point out the fact that our psyche many times makes the automatic linkage between screw caps and cheap (i.e., bad) wine. We need to overcome this mental hurdle. 95% of wines purchased are consumed within 24 hours. So, the argument that corks are necessary for proper aging isn't a convincing one.
At our March wine tasting, we will try to help you conquer your fear of screw cap wine by offering a selection of quality "non-corked" wines. No Boone's Farm allowed.
Our Guest Pourer will be Jamie Koch, Membership Director of the YMCA. 6:00-7:30 pm. $10 per person. Light appetizers served. RSVP Requested, please.

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Dr. Tom Vinick Friday, February 29, 2008

Tom Vinick (aka Dr. Tom) will be on center stage this Friday, February 29th, at The City Wine Sellar. His genre is 70s cover tunes. (Sounds A LOT better than "oldies" doesn't it!) You'll be tapping those toes and shimmying in your seats, guaranteed. I won't even protest if you want to do a little dancin' in the aisles. So, say farewell to February and Leap on downtown to The City Wine Sellar to celebrate Leap Year 2008. Call 252-335-1163 for more information.

Monday, February 18, 2008

Joe Gosman -- Friday, February 22, 2008 -- 7:00-10:00 pm

I cannot tell a lie. Joe Gosman is awesome! He'll be jamming Friday night at The City Wine Sellar, Bakery, & Wine Bar. The usual time...7:00-10:00 pm. Joey's a favorite, so come early and come ready to have a good time! Check out his web site at www.joegosman.com. Call 335-1163 for more information.

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Chuck Hodges -- February 15, 2008

Extend your Valentine's Day celebration into the weekend with the sounds of Chuck Hodges on Friday night. Chuck will unchain some melodies (likely with the help of some friends) and steal your hearts with his talents. Chuck's playlist includes some classic rock, modern pop, blues, and original favorites. Music 7:00-10:00 pm; Deli Fare served until 9:00. You can listen to or buy either of his CDs on his website (http://www.chuckhodges.com/) and at The City Wine Sellar on Friday night. Call 335-1163 for more info.

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Decon Blues Friday, February 8, 2008

Photo by Boris Anthony via Flickr.com

"The blues was peculiar, as music borne of dispair, which had the effect of making people happy." Bruce Eder
It's Deacon Blues (aka Adam Nixon) at The City Wine Sellar this Friday (February 8th) from 7:00-10:00 pm. The Deacon is the perfect entertainment for those blues lovers who are into acoustic and electric blues. There will be something for everyone, guaranteed! 7:00-10:00 pm. No cover. Check him out at www.uphilltheband.com

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Sexy Wine Tasting -- February 6, 2008, 6:00-7:30 pm

Don't be shy. We promise to behave at this month's wine tasting
(or at least TRY to!). Join us in tasting six sexy wines in honor of Valentine's Day. The tasting notes say it all. Tasting begins at 6:00 pm (till 7:30 pm). $10 per person. RSVP Requested.
“Falling in love consists merely in uncorking the imagination and bottling the common-sense.” Helen Rowland, A Guide to Men. This is such an appropriate quote, both for the love of men and for the love of wine. Wine is all about common sense…It’s about what YOU like, unimpeded by the pressure you sometimes face to feign enjoyment of a wine simply because an “expert” says you should. Relax. Take a sip. If it tastes good, sit back and enjoy the experience. If it doesn’t please your palate, either spit it out or don’t take another sip. It’s as simple as that. My personal recommendation for either true love or the love of wine: Don’t settle, don’t compromise your tastes. Do the one you love. –Debbie
Special thanks to Susan Hoskins, Executive Director of the Albemarle Area United Way, our Guest Pourer for this evening, and to Lisa VanCuren of Empire Distributors who is here almost every month. Thanks, also to Mutual Distributing.

--Virgin Vines Chardonnay, 2006, CA – “Cool and crisp with a serious rebellious side. With an ultra clean finish, the perfect wine to serve your love in a romantic outdoor setting, or to order for that soon to be ‘new friend’ standing at the end of the bar.” “Round and smooth with a light toasty flavor complemented by fruity flavors of lemon, vanilla and honeydew melon.”
--Sincerity Sauvignon Blanc, 2005, Casablanca Valley, Chile (an Organic wine) – “Made exclusively from Sauvignon Blanc grapes biodynamically grown on Sincerity’s Cordillera vineyard estate in Chile’s Casablanca Valley, Sincerity Sauvignon Blanc is pale straw in color. It offers a classic herbaceous bouquet, crisp citrus flavors, and a lingering finish. It is a fine match for seafood, white meats, and a wide range of Asian fare. It also makes a wonderful aperitif.”
--Screw Kappa Napa Chardonnay, 2005, Napa Valley, CA – “Honeysuckle and Toasted Vanilla Oak Notes, Tropical Fruit, Rich and Balanced.” This wine has “a fruit-driven style, with vibrant, moderately rich apple, citrus, spice, quince and honeysuckle. Finishes with a touch of smoke and caramel apple flavors.”
--Folie à Deux Ménage àTrois Red, 2006 – “This wine exposes the fresh, ripe, jam-like fruit that is the calling card of California wine. Three saucy grapes make up the blend. Zinfandel adds a juicy character, Merlot mellows and Cabernet adds backbone. Forward, spicy and soft, this delicious dalliance makes the perfect trio.” (What were YOU thinking?!)
--Alexander Valley Sin Zin Zinfandel, 2006, CA – “A wild and crazy zin, the '06 Alexander Valley Vineyard Sin Zin breaks out with tasty red raspberry flavors that linger long on the palate.” “A bright, expressive nose, bursting with red fruits and crushed black pepper and a palate loaded with raspberries, strawberries, and black pepper.”
--(oops) Cabernet Carmenère, Valle Central, Chile – Referred to as the “Gentle Giant,” this wine is “a big robust wine with deep ruby color, full of rich, ripe black fruit and hints of vanilla; savory and smooth….” “This Cabernet Sauvignon’s graceful style makes it quite versatile, complementing anything from traditional big, juicy steak to grilled chicken, ribs, and even salmon. 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Carmenere.”
Added Bonus:
--Cristalino Rose Brut Cava, Spain – “Made by the traditional method such that second fermentation takes place in the bottle. The Rose Brut Cava is refreshing, fruity, smooth and easy to drink. It is perfect as an aperitif and pairs well with almost any foods.”