Cork & Fork Giveaway Winner

Wine, wine, and more wine -- the prescription for happiness. Now one lucky winner gets to enjoy wine while learning about the viticulture.  The lucky winner of the 3-part Wine Education Program is [drumroll]..........Angela H. of DC!

Congratulations Angela! You will be attending the Wine Education Program at Cork & Fork November 6, 13, and 20!  You also have the opportunity to bring a friend for half off. I hope you enjoy learning from the wine master, Matt Stollenmaier.  It is sure to be a good time.

For more information about classes at Cork & Fork in DC, click here.

Cork & Fork
1522 14th Street NW
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 588-5766

Cork & Fork - Review of Wine Tastings & Giveaway

Cork & Fork's weekly tasting events have been going so well that they built a separate tasting room in the back of the shop. I recently attended the Krupp Brothers Napa Wines event and had a delightful time. The room in the back of the shop is bright and inviting with multicolored prints on the walls and contrasting dark wood tables. This allows patrons to still shop for wine while the tasting event is in session. On this particular evening, the class was entirely about one winemaker -- Krupp.

All of the wines I tasted were fantastic with my favorites being the Black Bart Stagecoach Syrah 2009 ($79.99), Veraison Napa Valley Stagecoach Cabernet 2007 ($84.99), and the Krupp Synchrony Stagecoach 2010 ($129.99). Yes, we really did taste the $130 bottle of wine. What a treat!

Afterwards, fresh bread, olives, and nuts were served and we all had the opportunity to talk to the speakers and discuss wine. What a great night.

New Class!
Well, since all of these events have been going so well, Cork & Fork is now holding a Wine Education Program. The Wine Essentials Class is for the beginner looking to learn more about the basics of wine. This three-class weekly introductory course is designed to cover the basic grape varietals, and old and new world regions as the key to wine tasting and understanding the full wine spectrum.

The instructor is none other than Matt. Stollenmaier. Matt enjoys collecting, studying, and tasting wine, which started as a hobby working in the hospitality industry, but soon became a strong passion. Matt holds the WSET Intermediate Wine and Spirits Education Trust Certificate from the International Wine Center in New York City, Master of Wine Program. He is also a member of the Society of Wine Educators.

I'm excited to announce that I am offering a chance to win a full 3-week Wine Essentials Class (worth $90) with the option to add a second guest for half off ($45). To enter for a chance to win, just complete the form below.

Giveaway details:

• Requirements: just complete the form below
• Prize: a complementary Wine Education Program (3-week series) to be held on 
• Wednesday, November 6 at 7:30 - 9 p.m.
• Wednesday, November 13 at 7:30 - 9 p.m.
• Wednesday, November 20 at 7:30 - 9 p.m.

• Additional optional prize: add a friend to this class for 50% off ($45)
• Where: Cork & Fork at 1522 14th St. NW in DC (not transferable)
• Deadline to enter: Friday, October 18 by 5 p.m.
• Winners will be announced on this blog on Tuesday, October 22
• For an additional chance to win, like me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter and let me know that you did so in the comment box below (please indicate the name you used to register for this giveaway). If you already liked my page on Facebook or follow me on Twitter, please just let me know in the comment box below and I'll put you in for a second entry.

Good luck!

mad momos Giveaway #2 Winner!

The results are in!  I am pleased to announce that Emily O. of DC has won the $50 credit to mad momos in Washington, DC!  I hope Emily enjoys the Himalayan Momos and tries the Vegan Thukpa too!

Thank you to all who entered the giveaway. Even if you didn't win, I encourage you to check out their bottomless guava mimosas and the Scrambled Tofu Mad Wrap. You won't be disappointed.

mad momos, DC Review & Giveaway #2

Since its opening late last year, mad momos has become a hot brunch spot.  My friend and I showed up this time on a Sunday afternoon at 12:30 p.m. and it was packed. We were seated on the first floor and the front windows of the restaurant were completely open because it was a spectacular day.

While taking in the fresh breeze, we were confronted with the decision to order one mimosa or the bottomless. Hell, we decided to get the bottomless this time. The mimosas are made with guava juice instead of orange juice, which gives them a sweetness that works perfectly with the sparkling wine.  So much better than a traditional mimosa!

The menu changes seasonally, but the brunch items looked similar to the ones I saw many months ago. The vegan choices include a wrap, taco platter, and big salads.

Since I'd already tried the wrap (and loved it!), I went with the Sun Salutation Taco Platter. The soft tacos were loaded with tofu scramble, mixed greens, black beans, corn, and a spicy sauce. They were great. They were served with smash browns - potatoes fried perfectly. I was a happy camper.

My friend ordered the Scrambled Tofu Mad Wrap, which was very similar to my dish, but in a wrap with kale and sunflower seeds.

On another visit, I ordered the Vegan Thukpa noodle bowl for dinner and absolutely loved it as well. It was a hearty bowl filled with tofu and noodles along with kale, carrots, and zucchini in a smoky soy marinade.  Although they no longer offer this specific Thukpa bowl, they offer another one that looks just as delightful.

Other vegan dishes available for dinner include the Compassionate Vegan Momos and Vegan Tacos with tater tots. There are also Mezze dips with pita points including housemade hummus, baba ganoush, and Himalayan style dal.

Hungry yet? Good. Because I'm giving away a $50 credit for Mad Momos AGAIN! Don't love me, love the owner of mad momos who is incredibly generous. Just enter for a chance to win below. Good luck!

Giveaway details:

• Requirements: just complete the form and correctly answer the question below
• Prize: a $50 credit for mad momos at 3605 14th Street NW in DC
• Restrictions:  Must be fully redeemed in one visit; Must be used by December 11, 2013.
• Deadline to enter: Friday, September 6 by 7 p.m. EST
• Winners will be announced on this blog on Wednesday, September 11
• For an additional chance to win, like me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter and let me know that you did so in the comment box below (please indicate the name you used to register for this giveaway). If you already liked my page on Facebook or follow me on Twitter, please just let me know in the comment box below and I'll put you in for a second entry.

mad momos
3605 14th Street NW
Washington, DC 20010
(202) 829-1450

Straw Propeller Giveaway Winner

Last week I told you about the delicious new oatmeals made by Straw Propeller Gourmet Foods and today I get to announce the winners of a 12-pack of oatmeal!  And the winners are.... Christa Hroch from Maryland and Victoria Robinson from Pennsylvania!

Congratulations Christa and Victoria!  I hope you enjoy all the delicious oatmeal flavors like the Muesli, Strawberry Jungle, and Banana Bread. My mouth waters just thinking about them.

And even if you didn't win, I'd encourage you to try some of these oatmeals. They make a delicious, healthy breakfast.

Straw Propeller Gourmet Foods - Oatmeal and Muesli

At the Vida Vegan Con conference -- that's the vegan blogger conference for those of you not "in the know" -- we received goodie bags filled to the brim with fantastic food! And one of the items was a cup of oatmeal from Straw Propeller Gourmet Foods. When I got home, I dug in and found the cup of oatmeal so delicious that I asked for more.  Not only did they send me more samples, but they also offered to give away a bunch of oatmeal to two lucky winners (see below). That's a win-win!

Review
As far as the oatmeal goes, I loved all six flavors that they sent me! They offer twelve different flavors of oatmeal including a few gluten-free flavors along with three different flavors of muesli. The one thing that was consistent is that they were all loaded with stuff!  I don't mean just oatmeal -- they were loaded with all the extras. And since they are all natural with nothing artificial or preservatives, it's all good-for-you stuff.

Take the Peaches and Berry Bramble for example -- loaded with raspberries and peaches, I found this one to be slightly sweet, but not overly so.

The Fruit & Nuts is filled with gluten-free oats, dehydrated sugar cane juice, raisins, super juicy blueberries, cherries, cinnamon covered walnuts, and slivered almonds. This one was a bit high in calories and fat at 340 calories and 8 grams of fat, but it tasted so good.

For each of them, you just fill them with 1/2 to 3/4 cup of boiling water, put the lid on, wait 3 minutes, and voila!, you have oatmeal.

The Banana Bread truly tastes like banana bread in oatmeal with chunks of banana and walnut.

The Strawberry Jungle has freeze-dried strawberries, rolled oats, evaporated cane juice, and sea salt.  This one only had 3 grams of fat, but not enough flavor.

Oh, and the Cherry Chia was delish! Tart Cherries and Chia Seeds, oh my!

Lastly, I had the Original Muesli. The buckwheat groats gave it a crunchy, hearty taste while the raisins, dates, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, and flaxseed were all icing on the cake.

Straw Propeller Oatmeal is available in coffee shops and grocery stores nationwide like The Fresh Market, Earth Fare, and Market of Choice. In DC, they are available at Tynan's. Each cup retails for $2.99-$3.75.

Giveaway
These are all so good and somewhat hard to find so I thought it would be great to give away TWO 12-packs of oatmeal! Just enter below for a chance to win!

Giveaway details:

• Requirements: just complete the form below
• Prize: 1 12-pack of oatmeal
• Number of winners: 2
• Deadline to enter: Friday, August 16 by 5 p.m. EST
• Winners will be announced on this blog on Tuesday, August 20.
• For an additional chance to win, like me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter and let me know that you did so in the comment box below (please indicate the name you used to register for this giveaway). If you already liked my page on Facebook or follow me on Twitter, please just let me know in the comment box below and I'll put you in for a second entry.

Good luck!

Full Disclosure: Although the products were provided to me for free to review, that in no way influenced my veracious opinion. 

Mad Momos Giveaway Winner

It's the moment you've all been waiting for. Who has won the $50 credit at Mad Momos, a new American and Himalayan restaurant, in Columbia Heights?  Drumroll please........the winner is Grace Geiger.

Congratulations, Grace! Now you and your friends can head over to Mad Momos for a vegan feast of momos, curly kale salad, taco platter with scrambled tofu, and the tofu mad wrap! (Menu is subject to change soon for the seasonal spring menu.)

Stepanie Breijo Photography

For those of you who didn't win, I'd still encourage you to check it out. See here for my previous review. I, for one, like supporting restaurants that highlight their vegan options. Enjoy!

Mad Momos Giveaway

You may recall my excitement about the new restaurant Mad Momos and their vegan brunch offerings. Well, since then the owner got in touch with me and in the spirit of promoting local DC businesses, I am pleased to announce a giveaway of a $50 credit to Mad Momos!

Say it ain't so?! I kid you not. And you don't have to use it for brunch. You can feel free to use it for whichever meal you'd like. In fact, they offer vegan options for every meal!  Here are some examples (subject to change with the upcoming spring menu):

• Crispy Vegan Rock and Roll with fresh mango and black bean chutney
• Pita and Dal
• Carrots with King Cardamom soup
• Orange and Beet salad (without blue cheese)
• Curly Kale salad (without feta cheese)
• Roquette salad (without parmesan cheese)
• Compassionate Vegan (brown rice dish with veggies)
• Vegan Thukpa (braised tofu, veggies, and noodles)
• Sun Salutation Taco Platter with scrambled tofu (brunch only)
• Scrambled Tofu Mad Wrap (brunch only)

About Mad Momos
Mad Momos is a new American and Himalayan restaurant located in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of DC that opened in December of 2012. They focus on hand-crafted momos and offer a variety of other eclectic dishes.

Giveaway details:

• Requirements: just complete the form below
• Prize: a $50 credit for Mad Momos at 3605 14th Street NW in DC
• Restrictions:  Must be fully redeemed in one visit; Must be used by July 3, 2013.
• Deadline to enter: Monday, April 2 by 5 p.m.
• Winners will be announced on this blog on Tuesday, April 3
• For an additional chance to win, like me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter and let me know that you did so in the comment box below (please indicate the name you used to register for this giveaway). If you already liked my page on Facebook or follow me on Twitter, please just let me know in the comment box below and I'll put you in for a second entry.

Cork & Fork Giveaway Winner - March 2013

The winner of the Exotic Mediterranean Wine Class at Cork & Fork is......Gwendolyn Arber!

Congratulations, Gwen! I hope you enjoy your time at the wine class this Thursday. And for everyone else, even if you didn't win, I still encourage you to go to the class as it promises to be a lot of fun.

Exotic Mediterranean Class Description
One of the key elements in the Mediterranean diet is wine. Wherever the Greeks and later the Romans went in their efforts to conquer the Mediterranean world, they took along wine and the grapes to produce it. What, pray, is Greek moschofilero, or Turkish kalecik karası? The answer is grape varieties – different, exciting grapes. We will search the best from Croatia, Lebanon, Israel, Slovenia, Turkey and Greece. The wines are unfamiliar in provenance, and pretty pricey. These countries are all sources of interesting wine, and there are few chances to taste these styles, so seize the opportunity.

Cork & Fork Wine Class Giveaway - March 2013

You can never attend too many wine classes. The more educated you are about wine, the better decisions you'll make when you are spending tons of money building your wine cellar while shopping for wine in Napa, France, or Italy. So, why not come out and get educated by the fine staff at Cork & Fork in DC?!  Just complete the form below to be entered into a drawing to win a complementary pass for two to the Exotic Mediterranean class to be held on Thursday, March 14 in Washington, DC, worth $50 (see below for full details).

Exotic Mediterranean Class Description
One of the key elements in the Mediterranean diet is wine. Wherever the Greeks and later the Romans went in their efforts to conquer the Mediterranean world, they took along wine and the grapes to produce it. What, pray, is Greek moschofilero, or Turkish kalecik karası? The answer is grape varieties – different, exciting grapes. We will search the best from Croatia, Lebanon, Israel, Slovenia, Turkey and Greece. The wines are unfamiliar in provenance, and pretty pricey. These countries are all sources of interesting wine, and there are few chances to taste these styles, so seize the opportunity.

Guest Speaker: Tanzer Tok 
Tanzer has more than fourteen years of experience in the foodservice industry. He started his career with his studies in Switzerland and has worked in several hotels in managerial positions to expand his knowledge in foodservice operations and design. Tanzer has been heavily involved in the execution of projects ranging from large hospitality chains to individual restaurants. He has specialized in hotel, university and laundry operations as well as design requirements. He is now an integral part of the Cork & Fork team of wine consultants.

Giveaway details:

• Requirements: just complete the form below
• Prize: a complementary wine education class for 2 on Thursday, March 14 beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Cork & Fork at 1522 14th St. NW in DC (not transferable)
• Deadline to enter: Monday, March 11 by 5 p.m.
• Winners will be announced on this blog on Tuesday, March 12
• For an additional chance to win, like me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter and let me know that you did so in the comment box below (please indicate the name you used to register for this giveaway). If you already liked my page on Facebook or follow me on Twitter, please just let me know in the comment box below and I'll put you in for a second entry.

Best of luck!
*Please note that the speaker will not know whether any of the wines are vegan or not. 

Cork & Fork Giveaway Winner - Jan 2013

We had a lot of interest in this one. So who is the lucky winner of The Best 2012 Cork & Fork Wines class to be held on Thursday, January 24 at 7:30 p.m. in Washington, DC?

*drumroll*

The winner is Kerry Macuska! Congratulations!

Thanks to all who entered! Please stay tuned for more chances to win in the coming months.

Cork & Fork Wine Class Giveaway - Jan 2013

As promised, the Cork & Fork wine classes are back and this year promises to be better than ever! I'm offering another chance to win a complementary wine class and tasting for two. All you have to do is complete the form below and you'll be entered into a drawing to win The Best 2012 Cork & Fork Wines class to be held on Thursday, January 24 in Washington, DC (see below for full details).

Class description
Knowing there’s nothing quite like a best-of-the-year list to sum up the best of the best, we will feature three distinct groups for all of our top 2012 selections: wines for $15 or less, premium bottling from $15 to $30/bottle and, finally, the very best above $30. This is our special best-of-the-year roundup. While all of the wines featured are highly rated by our C&F team, in selecting this group, we consider many factors, including the wine’s quality-to-price ratio, drinkability, availability and uniqueness. We also strive to provide as diverse a list as possible, reflecting the range of styles, varieties and regions we’ve been most impressed over the past 12 months. The result is a list of wines that should not be missed, and wineries to definitely keep on your radar in the years ahead.

Guest Speaker: Tanzer Tok
Tanzer has more than fourteen years of experience in the foodservice industry. He started his career with his studies in Switzerland and has worked in several hotels in managerial positions to expand his knowledge in foodservice operations and design. Tanzer has been heavily involved in the execution of projects ranging from large hospitality chains to individual restaurants. He has specialized in hotel, university and laundry operations as well as design requirements. He is now an integral part of the Cork & Fork team of wine consultants, leading the weekend public tastings at the MD store and assisting with the weekly wine events at the DC location.

Giveaway details:

• Requirements: just complete the form below
• Prize: a complementary wine education class for 2 on Thursday, January 24 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Cork & Fork at 1522 14th St. NW in DC (not transferable)
• Deadline to enter: Monday, January 21 by 5 p.m.
• Winners will be announced on this blog on Tuesday, January 22
• For an additional chance to win, like me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter and let me know that you did so in the comment box below (please indicate the name you used to register for this giveaway). If you already liked my page on Facebook or follow me on Twitter, please just let me know in the comment box below and I'll put you in for a second entry.

Good luck!

*Please note that the distributor will not know whether any of the wines are vegan or not. 

Cork & Fork Giveaway Winner - December 2012

It is time to announce the winner of the Champagne wine tasting and education class for two at Cork & Fork to be held on Thursday, December 27 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. The winner is [I can feel the tension] Laura Fogliano!

Congratulations, Laura! She was one of the many people who completed the following statement correctly: France is the second largest wine producing country in the world. 

Thank you to all who entered! This will be the last wine education class of the year at Cork & Fork, but Dominque has secretly told me that he plans to hold more next year. Stay tuned!

Cork & Fork Wine Class Giveaway - December 2012

It's that time of the year -- the time of the year when you try to think of the most unique gifts to get your loved ones. And what better gift could you give than the gift of a wine tasting and education class?!  To help you along, I am giving away a complementary wine class for two for the Champagne class to be held at Cork & Fork in DC on Thursday, December 27 at 7:30 to 9 p.m. worth $150! (And if you don't believe in gift-giving, keep it for yourself!)

The series of wine classes that began this fall at Cork & Fork have been a huge success. I have had the pleasure of attending several of them and have found each of them to be educational and unique. Some of them are more focused on the location of the wines and their terroir while others have been focused on the art of tasting and identifying scents and flavors. In each of them, I have taken away something that has helped me grow as I continue to explore the wonderful world of wine.

The owner is also kind enough to offer delicious locally made vegan baguettes along with vegan spreads like hummus and olive tapenade.

So, if you are interested, just complete the form below and answer the question and you'll be entered into a drawing for a complementary wine class for two! For an additional chance to win, just like my page on Facebook or follow me on Twitter and let me know that you did so in the comment box below.

About the class to be held Thursday, December 27: Champagne, France
The Champagne we know and love comes exclusively from the Champagne region of France, and claims the honor of being the most famous of the sparkling wines. Technically, it is the only sparkling wine that may be referred to as "Champagne." Bubbly from all other regions in the world are simply referred to as "sparkling wine." Join us as Dominique will present Champagnes from small artisanal producers. This is a rare opportunity to learn more about Champagne. We will pour outstanding Cuvees from Duval Leroy, Jacquesson, Philipponnat, Lallier, Janisson, Jean Lallement and more… This event is the signature event of Cork & Fork. The event started at the VA store, and has grown as Dominique's most successful event.

About the speaker: Dominique Landragin, Wine Retailer at Cork & Fork
Dominique’s family's winemaking dates back to 1772 when his great-great-grandfather first made champagne. His grandfather was the manager of Veuve Clicquot vineyards in France. His father, Pierre Landragin, was the vineyard manager at Heidsieck Monopole. Dominique and Anna co-founded Yellowglen, Australia's first methode champenoise winery which became the greatest success story in Aussie wine history. In a 1989 article on Landragin's winemaking style, the famous wine writer, James Halliday, wrote of Dominique and his wines as "Landragin has taken the [wine] blender's art to a new level of sophistication…a brilliant blend." Dominique is co-owner with his wife, Anna, and daughter Antoinette of Cork & Fork retail stores in Gainesville, VA, Bethesda, MD and the Logan Circle area of the District of Columbia.

Giveaway details:

• Requirements: just to answer the question below correctly
• Prize: a complementary wine education class for 2 on Thursday, December 27 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Cork & Fork at 1522 14th St. NW in DC (may be given as a gift)
• Deadline to enter: Monday, December 10 by 5 p.m.
• Winners will be announced on this blog on Tuesday, December 11
• For an additional chance to win, like me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter and let me know that you did so in the comment box below (please indicate the name you used to register for this giveaway). If you already liked my page on Facebook or follow me on Twitter, please just let me know in the comment box below.

Good luck!

Masa 14 Gift Card Winner!

It is the day you have been waiting for--the day when you find out if you are the lucky one who will soon be dining on fried tofu and sauteed spinach in a sweet and spicy chile sauce. Or will you choose wok-seared cauliflower with ginger, garlic, and chile de arbol? Okay, okay, it is time for the announcement. The winner is....Danielle Kichler!  Congratulations, Danielle! You are the lucky winner of a $75 gift card for Masa 14.

For all of those who did not win, I hope you still check this place out. It has a great happy hour vibe with great vegan food--many of the items on the downstairs happy hour menu are vegan like the temaki sushi hand roll with sweet tofu! Mmmm.

Even better is to go there for dinner to experience all of the goodness that makes Masa 14 so popular. To see the full list of vegan items, go here.

Thanks to everyone who entered. I'll keep the giveaways coming.

Masa 14 Giveaway!

Where is the hottest vegan-friendly happy hour in DC? At Masa 14, of course! Anyone who has read either of my reviews (here and here) will know that I love Masa 14. I've been there for dinner and for happy hours and I really can't get enough.

Most recently, I went there to experience their new rooftop happy hour only to find that none of the awesome vegan, Latin-Asian small plates available downstairs were available on the rooftop. I expressed disappointment and immediately, the manager contacted me to explain how the kitchen upstairs differed greatly from the kitchen downstairs and that they were trying to find a way to incorporate a good vegan plate into that menu. I should note that only about 2% of my posts expressing dissatisfaction about a certain aspect of a restaurant are ever responded to, which makes Masa 14 unique in caring about its clientele and even more specifically, its vegan clientele. I was really impressed by that.

So now we are friends (I love making new friends!) and because of that, Masa 14 wants to offer my readers a chance to win a $75 gift card that can be used for food and drinks at the restaurant! Yay!

So, what might a vegan eat at Masa 14? Here are my favorite dishes:

• Vegetarian temaki sushi hand roll with sweet tofu / hijiki / pickled cucumber / basil (manager recommends adding pickled red fresno chilis)
• Yucca Fries / chimichurri / garlic / lime aioli dipping sauce (hold the dipping sauce)
• Edamame / salted or steamed or spicy 
• Fried Tofu / sautéed spinach / sweet & spicy chile sauce 
• Wok Seared Cauliflower / ginger / garlic / chile de arbol (without butter)
• Wild Mushroom Flatbread (hold the cheese)

The chef also recommends the following vegan-friendly dishes:

• Hijiki Seaweed-Jicama Salad
• Masa Chicken Salad 7 cabbage / carrots / piloncillo vinaigrette / cilantro / crispy noodle (hold the chicken)
• Boneless Beef Shortrib 10 fried rice cake / baby bok choy / peanut-coconut milk sauce (hold the beef and have it served with two rice cakes) 
• Kung Fu Chicken (vegetarian option without chicken) peanut crusted / stir-fried peppers / mango / kung pow-adobo 
• Shrimp & Bulgogi Fried Rice (vegetarian option without shrimp, egg, pork or crab) kimchi / carrots / corn / gochujang / cilantro 
• Portabello Bao Buns (hold the panela cheese)
• Roasted beet salad (hold the cheese)
• Kimchi Brussels Sprouts / roasted red pepper / red onion (*cooked in fryer with meat)
• Crunchy Wok Fried Okra / soy / spicy ponzu (*cooked in fryer with meat)

But, the choices don't stop there!  There are also some amazing specialty drinks as well.

To experience it for yourself, just complete the form and you'll be entered to win a $75 gift card to Masa 14!  And don't forget -- happy hour runs EVERY DAY from 5 to 7 p.m. That means weekends too!

Giveaway details:

• Requirements: complete and submit the form below
• Prize: 1 gift card with a value of $75 for Masa 14 located at 1825 14th Street NW in DC
• Deadline to enter: Monday, November 12 by 5 p.m. EST
• How to find out if you won: winners will be announced on this blog on Tuesday, November 13
• Note: gift card will be picked up at Masa 14 and will be good for 1 year past the date it is activated; may be used for multiple visits

Good luck!

Cork & Fork Wine Class Giveaway - Oct 2012

Cork & Fork, a wine store located in Logan Circle, is holding a series of wine education classes with tastings through the end of the year. Since I love giving things away, I am offering yet another chance to win a free wine class for two!  The prize will be two passes to the South African wine class to be held on Thursday, November 1 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. worth $100.

So what exactly happens at these wine classes?  Typically, upon arrival, you'll be offered a light sparkling wine. You'll have a chance to mingle with the other 10 or so people, then the class will begin. The instructors will vary from experts employed by Cork & Fork to distributors and sometimes the winemakers themselves. They are always very knowledgeable about the wines and take the time to describe the terroir, vinification, and tasting notes.

You will try a variety of wines and snack on French baguettes with hummus or olive spread. You will also be provided with informational materials about the wines and the country from which they originated. I have really enjoyed the ones I've attended and have learned something in each one.

So, if you are interested, just complete the form below and answer the question and you'll be entered into a drawing for a complementary wine class for two!

About the class to be held on Thursday, November 1: South Africa
South African wines are grown in one of the world's most special places - with ancient soils, two oceans, soaring mountains, and unparalleled natural beauty. The South African winelands are renowned for their breathtaking scenery and the wines are as full of variety as the myriad of cultures that form this rainbow nation. This event will review the top independent producers from various regions.

About the speaker: Theresa Morrison, Importer/Distributor, Boutique Vineyards
Theresa is the owner of a fine wine distribution house in MD, DC, and VA, that specializes in small production, hand-crafted wines that provide good value and offer uniqueness and quality. Wines are carefully selected from all over the world. The producers are all committed to superlative quality, with a guiding principle that the wines should reflect their distinct terroir. These are real wines made by real people who are passionate about the wine, not the quantity or quarterly reporting. Hand-picked and handmade, production is usually less than a few hundred cases per varietal.

Giveaway details:

• Requirements: just to answer the question below correctly
• Prize: 2 free passes to the wine education class on Thursday, November 1 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Cork & Fork at 1522 14th St. NW in DC (not transferable)
• Deadline to enter: Thursday, October 25 by 5 p.m.
• Winners will be announced on this blog on Friday, October 26

Good luck!

*Please note that the distributor will not know whether any of the wines are vegan or not.

Cork & Fork - Wine Education Class Sept 2012 Giveaway Winner!

It is time to announce the winner of an Italian wine tasting and education class for two at Cork & Fork to be held next Wednesday from 7:30 - 9 p.m. And the winner is [drumroll]....Kristin Hughes!

She was one of many people who answered the following question correctly:
Côte Rôtie and Hermitage, both northern Rhone valley growths, are created using which of the same single variety?  The answer was Syrah.

Well, even if you didn't win this one, I'd still recommend you sign up for an upcoming class.  It is a great opportunity to enjoy some great wines and learn all about the viticulture. The next four scheduled classes are as follows:

• Wednesday, Sept. 26: Italy. $50/person
• Thursday, Oct. 4: Organic Wines. $50/person
• Thursday, Oct. 11: Greece. $50/person
• Thursday, Oct. 18: Lopez Heredia, Spain. $75/person

To read more about them, go to http://www.corkandfork.co/Wine_Education_2012.html.  To reserve a class at the DC store, call (202) 588-5766. 
 

I hope to see you at one of the classes!

Cork & Fork - Wine Education Class September Giveaway

Cork & Fork, a local wine store in the Logan Circle area, has just announced a weekly series of wine education classes to run from Thursday, September 13 to Thursday, December 27. Most of the classes will be held on Thursday nights from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. with some exceptions noted below.

I had the pleasure of attending the first one held on September 13. The topic was Tour de France and it was led by Stephane Defot, Importer/Distributor of Z Wine Gallery.  We enjoyed fine wine that ranged from $18 per bottle to $50 per bottle while socializing with fellow wine enthusiasts in a relaxed environment. Vegan hors d'oeuvres included fresh French bread with olive tapenade and hummus.

Throughout the night, Stephane told us about the wines and the regions from which they originated. Many were interested to find that one of the French wines we were drinking was aged in concrete--not in oak or stainless steel as is the case with most wine in the US. By the end of the night, we had tried seven great wines, many of which we ended up purchasing at a discounted rate because we liked them so much, met some interesting people, and learned a lot about French wine.  It was such a great time that I'm coming back for more!

The class schedule for the next few weeks is as follows:

• Wednesday, Sept. 19: Merlot and blends. (sold out)
• Wednesday, Sept. 26: Italy. $50/person
• Thursday, Oct. 4: Organic Wines. $50/person
• Thursday, Oct. 11: Greece. $50/person
• Thursday, Oct. 18: Lopez Heredia, Spain. $75/person

Giveaway!
I am pleased to announce that I am offering 2 FREE passes to the class to be held on Wednesday, September 26 (worth $100). All you have to do is choose the correct answer to the multiple choice question below, then you will be entered into a drawing for 2 free passes to that class.

About the upcoming class on Sept. 26: Italy
This country has about as many wines as it had governments. With 20 different regions, hundreds of DOCs and even more indigenous varieties, the amount of wine made in Italy is mind-boggling. Most of the juice, however, remains in the country for thirsty Italians. Wine is food in Italy and it is rare that a meal is consumed without a glass of vino. That said, it's not common to find many folks drinking wine without food either. In turn, it's a match, and a mighty good one at that. In fact, it's safe to say that Italian wine is a foodie wine - one that goes on the table for a myriad of meals.

About the speaker: Nick Materese, Wine Marketer Extraordinaire, Siema Wines
Nick Materese began his journey in food-rich New York indulging in Finger Lakes wines before moving to Arizona to spread his culinary and drinking wings. He has managed several restaurants and wine bars and helped build numerous highly acclaimed wine shops from the ground up. The opportunity to teach about food and wine eventually brought him back to the East Coast. Today, he works for one of metro DC's premier boutique importers and he is also currently pursuing several side projects involving the quest for the perfect pint, eating copious amounts of good food and, of course, sharing stories about exceptional wine and fantastic spirits.

Giveaway details:

• Requirements: just to answer the question below correctly
• Prize: 2 free passes to the wine education class on Wednesday, September 26 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Cork & Fork at 1522 14th St. NW in DC (not transferable)
• Deadline to enter: Thursday, September 20 by 5 p.m.
• Winners will be announced on this blog on Friday, September 21

Good luck!

*Please note that the distributor will not know whether any of the wines are vegan or not.

Vegan Brunch at Muse - August 2012 - Giveaway Winner!

I get so excited when I prepare to announce giveaway winners...it is just so fun! Anyway, the winner this month is most deserving because she wrote in my comment box, "Thank you for your blog!"  Well, thank you for thanking me!!  But, seriously, that isn't why she won. As always, a random number generator picked the number and the number it picked was lucky number 13 and that was Catherine Cooke's position in the spreadsheet.

Congratulations Catherine Cooke! You have won a complimentary brunch for two this Sunday at Todd Gray's Muse at the Corcoran!

Update: Unfortunately, Catherine Cooke can no longer make it to the brunch. However, fortunately, Katie Shamp of Compassion Over Killing won the second time I drew names! Congrats, Katie!

When I asked all who entered for a chance to win which items they were most excited about, the votes weren't surprising:

1. Vegan Black Mission Fig Blintzes
2. Vegan Cheese and Potato Croquettes
3. Vegan Deviled Eggs with Whipped Tofu "Yolks" and Cavi-art®

We are definitely on the same wavelength because I, too, am most excited about these menu items!! 

Other items you'll enjoy at this brunch include:

• Barbecued Tofu with Sweet Corn Salad
• Vegan Pancakes with Summer Berry Compote
• Farro Salad with Heirloom Tomato and Lemon Citronette
• Heirloom Watermelon Salad with Jicama, Serrano Chili, and Lime
• Farmers Market Salad
• Summer Vegetable and Chickpea Burgers (passed)

Oh my gosh, I'm getting hungry. Anyway...please join me this Sunday at Muse! I'll see you there!

Other Info
The price for adults is $25, which does not include cocktails. Children age 12 or younger dine for $12. Reservations are recommended. There will be two seatings: 11 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. To make yours, email reservations@toddgraysmuse.com.

Muse at the Corcoran
500 Seventeenth Street NW
Washington, DC 20006