Posts categorized as Wine

Tomato reader Nicole, from San Jose California shared with us her Bridal Shower Wine Basket photos.  She came across our post “For the Newlyweds Who Love Wine – Bridal Shower Gift” and used it as inspiration for her own beautiful gift basket (pictured above). Nicole took it one step further adding wine glasses with “Mr.” and “Mrs.” painted on. I asked Nicole how she made the glasses… I used a Sharpie paint pen (medium tip), typed out the letters on the computer in the  font and size that I wanted, and […]

Like many designers, I really love typography. And I especially love old typography and signage. These signs are from another time, a different Ridgewood. Joe’s, 66-53 Forest Ave My husband took me on our first date over 11 years ago at the original Joe’s. The inside was decorated with fake flowers and garlic hanging from the ceiling. The table cheese sat in sawed-off plastic Coke bottles and notably, saint statues and gnomes were scattered about. It was a very special first date to say the least! 68-55 Fresh Pond Rd This store […]

Walking to the subway, I passed the old sign on Cypress and Stanhope and decided to take a picture, but I also noticed there were dudes inside the place. These dudes appeared to be building something. “Dudes”, I said, “Are you building something?” They told me about the plans for the Cypress Inn, cafe by day, wine bar by night. Paula is going to find out more from the owner Vinny, but in the meantime, I thought you guys would be happy to learn that we’ll be getting a new […]

I saw a grapevine growing up a telephone wire above the ghost yard, and no one believed me. “Look closely– you can see ten or fifteen bunches of grapes!” Eventually, I convinced all the “hataz”. Take a look. They actually look really good. Paula hopes they will continue to grow up the wires and land themselves onto the RD so she can have a perpetual supply of grapes and grape leaves.  This picture shows that potential path. The grapes are currently on the diagonal wire closest to the building. The […]

Doctors and self-professed health experts have touted the benefits of a Mediterranean diet. People living in Greece or Italy are suspected of living with more fresh fruits and vegetables, along with an abundance of extra virgin olive oil. This, along with siestas and lots of good red wine seem to contribute to their longevity — and admirable lifestyles. More than fifty years ago my Italian family lived this fabulous diet without even knowing how smart they were. The genius behind the food eaten at my mother’s table was her father, […]

Last Saturday we ran into Patrick Flibotte co-owner of the new wine bar Sayra’s, soon to open on 91-11 Rockaway Beach Blvd. “Want to take a look?” Patrick asked, offering an unexpected invitation which we immediately accepted. Susanne and I were thrilled to get a first peak inside the much-anticipated, first-ever wine bar in Rockaway. My reaction when walking in was… this place is really special. After talking with Patrick it all made sense. He’s an artist with a concentration in sculpture and welding. From the handmade bar stools to the […]

Of late, I’ve been into giving (and receiving) gifts of food and beverage. It’s a fun idea to consider this holiday season. Lets get the juices flowing… Wine, beer or alcohol: if you have a friend/family member that indulges in these pleasures, you just can’t go wrong with these gifts. Usually I pick up wine for 13 bucks or less, so receiving a fancy bottle is always a welcomed treat. Same goes for vodka, whiskey and other liquors. Peroni for your beer drinking paisans – so easy! I’m sure your friends […]

ROMEO is a terminology I learned from my long time friend, Mike Honan. Mike coined the term ROMEO to refer to “Retired Old Men Eating Out” (note: that may be a completely false statement that he coined it, but I am going to give him the credit anyways). I always get the term mixed up and say its “Really Old Men Eating Out”. In the latter interpretation, my father Jerry has been doing that for years! I bring up the ROMEO terminology now, because my dad has retired. Part of […]