Thirsty Thursday: 13.5%

The week of Christmas, I got to enjoy the sights of Hampden, a northwest neighborhood of Baltimore.  Hampden has a very unique culture complete with the famous "Hon" characteristics.  For those of you who have not experienced the fully teased beehive hairdo's of the 1960's Hon, you must visit during HonFest!

We started out the evening walking around and popping into the shops to warm up (okay, maybe I was the only cold one!).   Then, we headed over to 34th Street to check out the lights.  If you have never been, you must stop by at least once in your lifetime. 

Would Christmas in Bawlmore be complete without a crab….

…and Mr. Boh himself?!

We then headed over to 13.5% Wine Bar.  Just look at this wall of wine…I so want this in my house!

I had been wanting to try this place, and it was the perfect place to warm up after walking around town. 

We warmed up by each trying a flight.  This is the first time I had ever tried a "flight," and I very much enjoyed myself.  We each ordered a different flight so we could try a bunch of wines.  I cannot remember, for the life of me, the flights we ordered, but I loved my flight and would love to sip it again!  While sipping on our wines, we enjoyed the Pulled Duck Confit Tacos, which to my surprise were delicious! 

After I had thawed out, we headed to one of my favorite restaurants, Woodberry Kitchen.  There we had some crab dip and a flatbread, which were both very good, and I had a wine and also was able to taste a sip of a Governor's Mule for the first time…YUM!  

Overall, it was a perfect evening to take in the holiday scenes and enjoy a cocktail (or two…or three…) with some great company! 

Check it out for yourself!  

Wine Down Wednesday

Last Tuesday I went to a wine tasting at The Wine Market with some of my favorite coworkers.  We had a great time and I came home with three new bottles of wine to get me through my on call weekend.  (Okay, to clarify, its not that bad, I did not have to drink three bottles myself to get through it)

Here are some of my favorites from the tasting.

(I stuck to whites after the first couple tastings as I don't think I would have made it home tasting all the delicious reds AND whites)

Charles Smith Riesling "Kung Fu Girl"

There was hardly a bottle left at the end of the tasting.  Everyone loved this Pacific Northwest wine!  I can't wait to share it with my aunt and cousin who love Riesling too!

Taburno Falanghina 

An Italian wine like no other I ever tasted.  I think this calls for a trip to Italy!!!

Peter Lehmann "Layers" White

I don't know if it was because I just made a layered strawberry shortcake or what, but this reminded me of a wonderful wine to have with a nice summery dessert!

Okay, I had to stop somewhere so those were my three I allowed myself that night.  

BUT, next time I will have to pick up this bottle too!

Alexander Valley Vineyards Rose

PERFECT for a spring/summer evening on the deck with a nice salad!

And just to run in how spoiled I am…

I had one of the greatest experiences recently.  I was able to have the opportunity to precept a nurse practitioner student.  Lordy knows why they would want me to precept, but I was excited and we had a great time!  She's such a wonderful girl, and will be an AMAZING nurse practitioner soon enough!  Yesterday was her last day with me (tear) and she wrote me the sweetest note and spoiled me with this bottle of wine!

Phantom by Bogle Vineyards

Petite Sirah - Zinfandel - Mourvedre

OMG!  I CANNOT wait to try this!!!  

Thank you, sweet Emily!!!  I already miss our Tuesdays together!

And yes, it seems as though my profession causes a wine addiction!  :)

What are some of your favorites?!