Thursday, September 28, 2006

Off to Wine Country

No, not Napa (you snob).

Did you know that the country's second largest wine producing area is the Finger Lakes of New York?

We (ABFS and some poor, misguided, obviously addled, woman who has been ABFS's compañera for the last two years) are heading out to Sheldrake Point on Cayuga Lake for a long weekend of wine tasting, diet-busting dining, and complete relaxation. We'll be sans television, radio, newspaper, computers, and cell phones.

The photo shows where we will be staying. We'll have a room with a private porch overlooking the lake. We've been there before and it is a perfectly delightful B&B overlooking the point. The hostess is the best chef I have ever run across, and a delightful person as well -- perfectly suited for her occupation.

Our favorite winery, which also has a pretty darn good restaurant, is, fortunately, within walking distance of our Cayuga Lake home. There are sooooo many good wineries in the region. I was frankly astounded at the quality when we made our first trip just one year ago. Equally surprising is the amazing caliber of dining experiences available in the area. Our favorite matches for creativity, freshness, preparation and presentation any of the five-stars I've enjoyed over the years -- Simply Red in Trumansburg -- don't blink or you'll miss it (we did the first time) -- it is to die for!

So, they'll be no posts for a few days and when I return, I'll be refreshed, but a few pounds heavier.

Until then . . . .

4 comments:

Will Divide said...

Bon voyage, Slob. If you are on the left side of the lake you and the babe should check out the Rongovian Embassy.

Say, that Kenyon College sure sounds like an interesting spot.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Have a good trip!

Gort said...

Have fun and try not to mess up the water.

A Big Fat Slob said...

Sadly, Rongo didn't quite make it on the tour -- Samantha at Simply Red's just fed us too much amazing food. (If anyone goes, do do the Chef's Table, with a paired wine on each course, a guilty steal at $45 per.)

We visited three lakes, took refreshing brisk walks each day, enjoyed the sumptious, if not a little sinful, breakfast meals and sweets Maura arose, in what we would consider the middle of the night, to preparefor her guests, enjoyed the dark sky, and wondered at the geologic forces which created the splendor of those hills, valleys and lakes.

We referred to neither itinerary nor clock (not even to spontaneously awaken from a late afternoon (wine-induced) nap in just the time to make it to our 8:oo seating).

We were happy to realize that there is so much in the region that we could make this trip annually for a decade and never worry about not having an entirely new experience.

We returned loaded down by pleasing meals and three cases of our favorites (we are currently in negotiations over which bottles reside where), and as refreshed as if we have been away for a week or more.

And returned also, at least did yours truly, to the equally pleasing news that the New York teams had ended the season tied for the best record in baseball.

Life resumes tomorrow.