THE GAZETTE
Page B-10
Wednesday, December 18, 2013 r
Grapelines: Further holiday gift ideas for the wine lover on one’s list GRAPELINES
BY LOUIS MARMON some other ideas that will not spill or require decanting.
Bring in 2014 at el GOLFO LIVE Music Featuring MOXIE BLUES ROCK BAND starting at 8:30 p.m. • Three course PRIX FIXE with live music, dinner package $50. per person • Includes non alcoholic beverages, party hats and noise makers • Free champagne toast to ring in the New Year • BIG screen TV to see the ball drop at mid-night • Certificates and Tequila bottles will be raffled throughout the night
A la car c carte arte te m menu enu 4 - 8p.m.
Make your reservation for before 7:00 p.m. and get a $25.00 Gift Certificate per couple when you spend $50 or more 8739 Flower Ave, Silver Spring 20901 301-608-2121
1894398
Continuing with last month’s literary gift theme, the first suggestion is the latest edition of “The World Atlas of Wine, 7th Edition” by Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson. A perfect synergy of entertainment and detail, this volume is an absolute must for anyone passionate about the fruit of the vine. Few writers have Johnson’s vast experience combined with an impeccable charm and ability to explain and entice without pretense about a subject so often considered intimidating. Robinson, who has been a co-editor since the fifth edition in 2001, is among the worlds most gifted and articulate wine critics and oversees a team of other experts to collect and assimilate the diverse and evolving information collected so superbly in this volume. Many new and updated maps are highlights as are the extensive evaluations provided by the editors. As a reference,
on a coffee table or displayed among the prize bottles in your cellar, “The World Atlas of Wine” is the penultimate wine book and an ideal gift. Earlier this year, Robinson also published a wide-ranging evaluation of winemaking in the United States. Co-authored with the well-regarded wine writer Linda Murphy, “American Wine: The Ultimate Companion to the Wines and Wineries of the United States” is a perfect
gift for those who prefer the wines of the new world. As the fourth largest wine producer, the U.S. is deserving of such a well-written and comprehensive examination that includes not only the familiar regions of California, Oregon and Washington State but also New York’s Finger Lakes, Michigan, New Mexico, Texas and elsewhere in America’s heartland that is also creating quality wines. Replete with maps and
nearly 200 photographs, this book is a thorough assessment of the ever-changing and vastly improving U.S. wine industry. Since a cork was first utilized to seal a bottle, enjoying wine has also been associated with gadgets. Old corkscrews are collector’s items and it seems that every few years a new device is created to deal with the issues of opening and conserving the flavors of wine. The latest (ingenious) approach is the Coravin Wine Access System, which features a hollow needle attached to a can of inert gas that is heavier than oxygen. The device is placed atop the bottle, with the needle passing completely through the cork, allowing the gas to fill the space between the liquid and the bottom of the cork. This prevents oxygen from entering the bottle while allowing the wine to pour out via the needle. Dispense as little or as much as desired then
remove the device, causing the cork to re-seal itself, preserving the integrity of the closure and permitting the wine to remain basically undisturbed. At $300 (plus the subsequent cost of refill gas containers), it is an expensive gift ideally suited for those whose cellar contains exceptional bottles — but perhaps only if the giver is assured an opportunity to try some of these special wines, as well. Other gifts for wine lovers are those that can adorn a table. Wine decanters not only enhance a wine’s flavors (especially younger ones), but also provide an interesting visual accent. A retired wine barrel is too large for most homes, but recycled circular tops and bottoms (called heads) make wonderful and rustic “Lazy Susans” and serving trays, while the staves can become candle or votive holders.
IN THE ARTS MUSIC & DANCE Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club, Gotta Swing Dance Night
w No ing! w Sho F.
Scott Fitzgerald Theater
603 Edmonston Dr. Rockville, MD 20851
240-314-8690
www.rockvillemd.gov/theatre Rockville Concert Band Presents
The Greatest Generation’s Holiday Enjoy holiday music from the World War II era in this afternoon concert. Sunday, Dec. 22; 3 p.m. No tickets required, Suggested donation: $5
Rockville Chorus Holiday Concert
Rockville’s Adult Chorus celebrates the season Sunday, Dec. 22 at 7:30 p.m. No tickets, join us afterwards for punch & cookies!
with The Cutaways, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18; Joyce Lyons, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19; Holiday Tango concert with Roberto Pomili Orchestra, 8:30 p.m. Dec. 20, Daryl Jr. Cline with Julia Nixon and the Recliners, 8:30 p.m. Dec. 21; Ori Naftaly Band, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22; Wynonna & The Big Noise: A Simpler Christmas, 8 p.m. Dec. 23; Jamison & Double O Soul, 8 p.m. Dec. 27; Freddy Cole’s Christmas Show, 8 p.m. Dec. 28; Christmas Jazz Brunch w/Freddy Cole, 11 a.m. Dec. 29; The Nighthawks: Back to Bethesda/Psychedelly, 8 p.m. Dec. 29, call for prices, 7719 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda. 240-330-4500, www.bethesdabluesjazz.com. BlackRock Center for the Arts, Holiday Swing with Daryl Davis and Gotta Swing, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19; Lloyd Dobler Effect, 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Dec. 21, call for tickets, 12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown. 301-528-2260, www. blackrockcenter.org. Institute of Musical Traditions — Takoma Park, Ensemble Galilei,
1912158
The holiday catalogs abound with numerous gifts ideal for the wine-lovers on your list. In addition to a nice bottle of bubbly or a Pinot Noir from Oregon or the Russian River Valley, consider
7:30 p.m. Dec. 20, Takoma Park Community Center, call for prices, times, Takoma Park Community Center, 7500 Maple Ave., Takoma Park, 301-960-3655, www.imtfolk. org. Strathmore, Afternoon/Spe-
Legendary comedian Bill Cosby is coming to Strathmore. Due to overwhelming demand, and after selling out an originally scheduled Jan. 31 performance, a second and final show has been added. Show time is 8 p.m. Jan. 30 and tickets ($49.50 to $89.50) go on sale at 10 a.m. Thursday at the box office. For more information, call 301-581-5100 or visit strathmore.org. ELITE ENTERTAINMENT
cialty Teas, 1 p.m. Dec. 18, 28; Coral Cantigas, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18; The Washington Chorus: A Candlelight Christmas, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19, 23; AIR: Integriti Reeves - Christmas Jazz Songs, 11 a.m. Dec. 20; Ricky Skaggs, 8 p.m. Dec. 20; The Irish Tenors: The Premiere Irish Holiday Celebration Tour, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Dec. 21; National Philharmonic: Washington Symphonic Brass, 4 p.m. Dec. 22; Bohemian Caverns Jazz, 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 22; Salute to Vienna, 3 p.m. Dec. 29, call for venue, Locations: Mansion, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda; Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, 301-5815100, www.strathmore.org.
ON STAGE Adventure Theatre, “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” to Dec. 30, call for prices, times, Adventure Theatre MTC, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, 301-634-2270, www.adventuretheatre-mtc.org. Imagination Stage, “Lyle the Crocodile,” to Jan. 10, call for prices, times, Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, www. imaginationstage.org Olney Theatre Center, “The King and I,” to Dec. 29; Olney Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker,” Dec. 13-24; “A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas,” to Dec. 29, call for prices, times, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney, 301-924-3400, www.olneytheatre.org.