Wine and Dine Hunting Adventure!

Yes, wine can be an accessory. No, not like when you spill it on your favorite silky shirt nor when it stains your teeth and matches that burgundy lipstick. There are actually necklace apparatuses (check out www.wineyolk.com, I am serious!)  that you can sleeve your wine glass through. I guess this was invented to allow your hands to be free allowing for that animated conversation you and your girlfriends always seem to be having. Maybe it serves to be placed perfectly between your “great divide” to accentuate what God clearly wanted we women to proudly display. How about the next concert or sporting event- no need to put the glass down now when you feel the need to clap! Or maybe, just maybe, it was meant for some tired woman who endlessly cleans, sweeps, hugs, helps with homework, etc thus does not have time to sit down for her sip of wine. I think Lisa Wallner needs one of these! Who thought of such a contraption? Not sure, who cares! You will be sure to find one or more at this year’s shoe hunt and accessory party! Just for fun.

This was just one of the many entertaining items Kathy, Kelly, and I encountered this past Sunday at Wine and Dine 2013 sponsored by Boston Store. Though this was not technically a “hunting mission”, each one of us came dressed to kill. We were on the hunt for good food, wine and even came across some smooth bourbon and dark malt. While the rain poured and wind gusted outside, inside the only drops were those left in our glasses after a sampling of greats such as Leonitti Cellar winery, Aviation Top Gin, and Sheboygan’s very own Sheeps Brewery. The air was calm and filled with aromatic flavors thanks to Braise, Le Reve, and the Harbor House who were among the over 30 restaurants serving out delectable samples. If you are interested in learning more of these and other great finds in the Milwaukee area, download the “Best of Brew City” free app from the Apple or Google store!

Though this may sound like all play and no work, we did work! Hunting doesn’t just happen and if a hunt is successful, it is essential you know how to prepare it. We signed up for a cooking class presented by the MATC Culinary Arts School. Of all things, we made aioli (fancy for mayo). Here’s a recipe that seems similar: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Aioli/Detail.aspx. In place of the “water” called for in this recipe, just lean forward as the beads of salty sweat drop off your forehead! Because, remember, we had to whisk…and whisk…and whisk. We were paired with Jo, a beautiful woman, who loved to cook as well. We were able to take the aioli home and I sampled it with smoked salmon- yum! This culinary experience reminded me of one of the best dinners I can remember. It came from a culinary school I went to when out visiting my friend Heidi in Bend. I was happy to find out MATC is now doing the same- http://www.matc.edu/cuisine/. 

The highlight of my day was the pleasure of spending it with 2 awesome women. Kathy and Kelly have a long friendship together. I always feel honored to spend time with such talented and giving ladies. In addition, this experience inspired ideas for the Shoe and Accessory Hunt Fundraising Party on December 4th. Besides great wine and beer samplings being offered by Moosenuckles, your entrance to this great event will include delicious food too! After all, hunting burns calories- we need to dine! I look forward to sampling smoked trout, teriyaki venison, and elk meatballs with famous “Two Fat Guys” hot sauce to name a few! Hunting themed cuisine will be available, of course!

Next edition: more about the raffle prizes!