Jenn UnCorked

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Jenn UnCorked- UPGRADED

Hi Friends,

Jenn UnCorked has been upgraded! Please find me here : http://www.jenn-uncorked.com/

Cheers and Provecho!

[jenn-uncorked]

Yellow Tail- Moscato

Very excited for this bottle to come to the shelf. It’s a great selection for under $10 and perfect for hot summer time. I found a bottle and shared it with my girls. They were in love instantly. Perfect to just sip and watch some TV or at a pool party. This crisp, fizzy, fresh, semi sweet wine is a great inexpensive delight.

Till next time, Cheers and Provecho

[jenn-uncorked]

Cakebread Cellars- Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

Hi Friends,

This bottle has been with me since 2009 when I went to Napa. I saved the wine for a special occasion that recently presented itself. The excitement was spreading all over as I took in the first sip. Exactly what I remembered; peppery, robust, smooth, amazing deliciousness! The wine got better every sip I took, wishing it would never end. This is not an every day kind of wine unless you are on Warren Buffets payroll. What a wine and what a perfect occasion

Till next time, Cheers and Provecho!

[jenn-uncorked]

Time to venture out and share with more Friends! Love all the support... so THANK YOU!

[jenn-uncorked]

Mark’s American Cuisine- Houston

Hi Friends,

This is the first restaurant I am visiting during Houston Restaurant Week(s). As I mentioned before my list is short. I have had several business lunches at Mark’s but never a dinner. Looking at the sample menu made me jump at the chance to dine here.

My mind is made up on what selections I will have from each course, I sit down poised and ready to order. However, Mark tosses a curve ball when the actual menu comes out. Scrambling, as there was no beef option to select, I quickly zero in on what would be my main dish. Fire roasted breast of Muscovy, duck confit, wild rice & golden jewel rice, blackberries, raspberries and blueberries. For starters I went with the prosciutto, melon and vinaigrette salad. I wanted to ensure I would not be full, as the duck sounds amazing.

My choices were paired nicely with a Pinot Noir from Chile named Cono Sur. I really have been exploring my love affair with Pinot Noir’s and loving it! This was light and fresh, flavorful but not too robust to overpower the food.

With all our selections made, wine and conversation flowing a cheer to Houston Restaurant week at Mark’s is made. Nothing is better than sharing a meal with great company. The first course arrives and the plates look great.  Our portions are fantastic as we all made comments about how perfectly sized the plate’s look. My dish is a joy, everything paired up very nicely and I wasn't afraid of being too full for my entrée. Great classic combination but with Mark’s touch.

The timing of the second dish is perfect. We have a little break to discuss our food and to sip some wine. I don’t usually select this bird; I am a beef kind of lady but I was left speechless. My first bite is succulent and perfectly mixed with the berry sauce. Not going to lie, I cleaned my plate and that is rare. I was beyond satisfied but not full to where it becomes uncomfortable. Plenty of room for desserts as we order one of each on the menu.

The rest of the evening is a tad fuzzy, I became star stuck when Chef Mark Cox himself came over to our table. He hung out and told us how he selects the menu and rotates between several different main dishes. Mark has lots of tastes to satisfy from coast to coast. Not sure how long he spent chatting with us, but for me it was spectacular and a huge honor as I am such a fan. With that said, it was a phenomenal birthday dinner for Jenn UnCorked.

  Till next time, Cheers and Provecho! 

Mark's American Cuisine

1658 Westheimer Road , Houston, Texas 77006  Phone [phone]

 http://www.Marks1658.com/welcome/index.html

[jenn-uncorked]

Hello Friends!

Time to vote for your FAVORITES! Voting ends September 9th, so get it done now.

Till next time, Cheers and Provecho!

[jenn-uncorked]

Houston Restaurant Week(s)

Hello Friends,

That time of year is here, we call it Houston Restaurant Week(s). I know it runs the entire month of August and it benefits the Houston Food Bank. Reading the list I was very excited to see all the restaurants, but the real excitement comes when the menus are released. I read ALL of them, and my list is short. Not going to lie, over the past three years living here I have dined at most the locations on the list. With that said, if the menu doesn’t impress I rather just go for the regular items that I know I will love.

Do you have your list? Do you need suggestions? No problem, email me [email protected]

Since my list is short (under ten restaurants) I want to give you all the chance to select your venues before I post mine. Either way this month long event is for a great cause and who doesn’t want to eat amazing food?

Till next time, Cheers and Provecho!

http://www.houstonrestaurantweeks.com/

[jenn-uncorked]

Hugo's- Houston

Hello Friends,

When I first moved to Houston (4 years ago November) one of the first restaurants I went to was Hugo’s. I was skeptical at first, as I do not like TexMex food at all. Growing up in Mexico I became accustomed to the real deal on a daily basis. I have to say it has become one of top ten places to dine in Houston. Anytime I have a business meeting or friends come from out of town, I bring them to Hugo’s.

That is exactly what I did with a dear friend of mine who lives in Austin. She loves TexMex and I was on a mission to show her some authentic cuisine. We are starving by the time we arrive, and she is wondering about the chips and salsa. We are served some cacahuates enchilados (chili flavored peanuts) and my friend is over the moon for them. I smile, as I know this is just the start of what will be an amazing meal and time with her. Looking over the menu is always difficult, as I want it all. So tonight I select some Quesadillas for us to enjoy. No, not just any regular old Quesadilla, these are three different tasty treats: Mexican chayote, corn and squash; cactus and caramelized onions; rajas and fresh oregano. We both are in flavor heaven and she is not sure if the next plate can get any better.

I pair my main dish with a Pinot Noir from Oregon called Anne Amie, as it was velvety smooth and light. Just enough punch to taste fantastic with my meat. normally I reach for the Cabs, however it is just too hot to truly enjoy them at times. 

Our main dishes arrive, I order the Carne Brava: wood grilled skirt steak smothered in rajas, served with guacamole, refritos, arroz a la Mexicana and warm tortillas. My friend gets the Enchiladas de Pollo: chicken enchiladas topped with Chihuahua cheese and your choice of tomato-chile sauce or green tomatillo. She goes with a mix of both sauces on my recommendation. It can always be such a battle to choose red or green salsa. Both of us are beyond excited by what we are eating. Each bite seems to taste better than the last. So much so we are full yet still want to continue eating.

Mission accomplished, my friend is amazed by her dinner and I am pleased I was able to share this slice of goodness with her. What a dinner!

 Till next time, Cheers and Provecho!

Hugo’s

http://www.hugosrestaurant.net/

[jenn-uncorked]

My favorite chef! I fell in love with his food back in Denver. He creates authentic, gourmet dishes that remind me of growing up in Mexico. THIS my friends is TRUE Mexican food. He has opened various restaurants around the US and the world. 

(click the title for link)

Cheers and Provecho!

[jenn-uncorked]

Aureole -The last Vegas supper

Hello Friends,

Reservations at 9 p.m. and we are walking to the back of the restaurant. Sitting in a secluded high booth I feel I am on a romantic date with one of my best friends. We look at each other and laugh, as we are some of the few patrons left. The giggles have taken over and our voices are nowhere to be found.

The menu is lovely as we get to pick one appetizer and entrée each for a fixed price. I was in the mood for beef and a delicious glass of Cabernet. I selected the cheese plate and my friend wanted the French Onion Soup.

We each choose wine, she is always about the Sauvignon Blanc especially if they are from New Zealand. On the other hand I spotted a glass of Cabernet from Hess Winery and knew that would be mine for the evening.  Appetizers and wine are served and we can’t keep track of all the different guys that are serving us. We just can’t stop laughing about our weekend and our recaps. We scanned pictures and videos and ate our cheese (all nice selections were yummy) spilled the soup on the white linen.

Our entrees finally arrive; I picked the Blue cheese crusted fillet. Cooked to perfection (medium-rare, more rare than medium) all I remember was just how succulent each bite was. We both couldn't stop laughing with what little sound would come out.

Food, wine and a spectacular friend of mine, the best ending to Vegas and an amazing UnCorked weekend. 

Till next time, Cheers and Provecho!

[jenn-uncorked]

Vegas Run Down

Last weekend was beyond UnCorked, in more ways than one. Friends, if you were attendance you know what I mean! Now down to the moments that can be shared with you.

Here is the list of restaurant

N9NE

Alize

Nobu

Aureole

I left Houston with high hopes for these places to blow me away. Upon my return, sitting here writing not sure what to say. The lovely ladies who joined in the dinning also agreed that dinning in Vegas was a bit of a let down.

N9NE was the first place we tried at the Palms Casino. The atmosphere is trendy and not too loud. Service is decent nothing spectacular. The three of us decided to eat Oysters on the Half Shell, Ahi Tuna Tartare and the Porcini Risotto. Pleased by the menu and our selections of food, however there is no WOW factor. We all agreed that none of these were better than anything we could have had in any other restaurant. The saving grace was my wine that made me smile and my friend enjoyed her glass. I didn’t want a white wine as I was in the mood for red. With the food choices I needed something light with flavor yet not overpowering. Pinot Noir was my selection by Cold Light.  The wine was very smooth and light with hints of chocolate and oak. Dinner ended pleasantly as we were all very ready for the next spot to enjoy dessert.

My mother always says “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all”. I am taking this to heart, as I really have nothing good to say about Alize. The manager refused to sit us lovely ladies at a table and shoved us to the bar. He said it would cost too much to set a table just for dessert. Ok, that is it I have said too much. Point is do not waste time on this place!

Night number two was NOBU located at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Our server was younger and unpolished. The menu was overwhelming with choices and pricey. The three of us agreed on what we wanted and away we went. Out of what we ordered there are two highlights, the yellow tail with jalapeno and the Kobe beef. Again, none of the rolls were spectacular; in fact we sent one back because it tasted too fishy. I didn’t feel it was worth what I spent, and felt I have had better sushi in Colorado and Houston!

Till next time, Cheers and Provecho!

[jenn-uncorked]

UnCorked-VEGAS Style!

Hi Friends,

Heading to Las Vegas for the weekend. I have a fantastic line up of places to go UnCork! Hopefully, they will all be sinfully sensational.  As we all know, “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas”… Unless it involves food and wine then Jenn UnCorked will be sharing all the scintillating details.

Hope you are on the edge of your seat in anticipation as to where I will go. Feel free to make recommendations as well.

Till next time, Cheers and Provecho! 

[jenn-uncorked]

Winetopia and a taste of Italy

Hello Friends,

After the disaster with Opala, I needed to visit my favorite wine bar (in Houston) and have my faith in white wine restored.

Winetopia is a winos paradise. They carry wines that will not be typically found at the grocery or liquor store. KP and Nina are the owners and are fantastic people. They are passionate consumers just like Jenn UnCorked!

I told KP about my issue with Vhino Verde and he said not to give up but definitely to forget Opala. He walks away mid sentence and returns with a slender bottle, and I am thinking “well he knows I like Riesling, time to make me happy”. The pour smelled sweet like Riesling and had the same coloring. My first sip was surprising because it was not sweet but refreshing and crisp. The wine tastes like a juicy pear that lingers perfectly with a very smooth finish. He notes my surprise. I was not expecting this tasty treat to not be my usual Riesling.  The bottle was of  "Trebbiano di Lugana" grapes from the Lugana area in Italy. The Vineyard is called Tenuta Roveglia. I had to look up the website and read a little as this was a first experience.

I am a solid RED Lady, however Mother Nature has forced my taste buds to slightly deviate. This tasting made me excited to try more whites especially because reds are too heavy in this heat.

Till next time, Cheers and Provecho! 

 Yes recommended, happy tasting!

Winetopia

6363 San Felipe Street #240- Houston, TX 77057  [phone] 

www.winetopiatx.com

Tenuta Roveglia

http://www.tenutaroveglia.it/en/vini/tenuta.htm

[jenn-uncorked]

Opala Vihno Verde

Hello Friends,

Hopefully everyone had a wonderful 4th of July weekend, filled with fun, food and copious libations. I suspect some of you are still “drying out”.

This was my first 4th in Houston and it was a tad hot to be poolside all day. While exploring the new Whole Foods in Montrose, I ran into a very bright and festive bottle of white wine, perfect for this kind of heat. Since it was under $10, and the guy who said “excuse me young lady, you must be 21 to be in this section” said it was a good alternative to a Riesling, I picked it up. By the way his comment made my entire weekend (fellas take note).

Home, finally with my chilled bottle of Opala Vihno Verde, taste buds ready to be satiated with the grand expectation of decently priced goodness. Are you kidding me? BLAND is the first thing that came to mind; the second was my utter disappointment. Did not want to waste this wine so decided to use it to make my signature White Wine Sangria.

I will not give up on Vihno Verdes… just will ask someone other than the Whole Food guy.

  Till next time, Cheers and Provecho!

 No cork recommendation, skip it.

[jenn-uncorked]

Follow me on Facebook

Hi Friends,

Having issues following here? No problem, you can get your fix of Jenn UnCorked via Facebook.

Till next time, Cheers and Provecho!

[jenn-uncorked]

"We could in the United States make as great a variety of wines as are made in Europe, not exactly of the same kinds, but doubtless as good." --- Thomas Jefferson HAPPY 4TH OF JULY FRIENDS

[jenn-uncorked]

La Mexican

  Hi Friends,

Cravings from my childhood came about and I knew exactly where they would be quelled. La Mexicana and their Huevos Rancheros would be my fix.

I was born in Mexico and lived there for about 14 years, so I can call myself a “Mexican Food Snob”. Sorry Friends but cheddar cheese is not authentic, Oaxaca yes, Cheddar no.

 Let me just tell you about these eggs because they are by far the BEST I have had in Houston. The yolk is perfect, runny but not under cooked; the salsa ranchera (red) is chunky, spicy but not going to kill your mouth. The refried black beans are spectacular, not super salty or greasy, just how they were made back in Mexico. I also always ask for my tortilla de maiz to be cooked under the eggs. Trust me, this ties the entire dish together. I wash this all down with a fresh squeezed glass of orange juice. As a kid I used to have a fresh glass every morning. Buddha belly is fully content and my day has started off perfectly. Thank you La Mexicana for making me feel back at home.

Till next time, Cheers and Provecho!

JENN

    La Mexicana

 1018 Fairview St - Houston, TX 77006 - [phone]   www.lamexicanarestaurant.com

* Recommended for a serious craving of authentic Huevos Rancheros