The Rhône valley — located between Lyons and Marseilles — is the source of some of the best value reds in all of France. Here, modest blends like côtes-du-rhône are built on a sturdy base of grenache grapes (known for meaty wines with strawberry and white pepper aromas) and a healthy dose of syrah grapes (which add depth and complexity, color and smoky spice). And the same is true for this lesser-known Rhône appellation, the côtes-du-ventoux.
Roughly two parts grenache to one part syrah, Domaine de Fondreche’s O’Sud Coutes-du-Ventoux (available for $10.99 at local Wine & Spirits shops) delivers the layered flavor and lingering finish of a wine twice its price. Try this beauty with grilled meats and Mediterranean appetizers, like lamb kabobs or a simple bowl of olives.
Consider the tortilla. It’s a simple combination of masa (lime-treated corn flour) and water, yet few restaurants — and even fewer home cooks — make these flatbreads fresh. We opt for convenience: preservative-laden disks packed in plastic sleeves hold our tacos and enchiladas. Ever since sampling made-to-order tortillas at La Lupe in South Philly, every other specimen has come up short. And whenever I make tacos at home, I lament using packaged tortillas every time.
So yesterday, I took the plunge. A little research revealed that Rick Bayless (cookbook author and all-around Master of Mexican) recommends a simple cast-iron press for turning out tortillas. I called Fante’s, Foster’s, Williams-Sonoma and Amy’s Place in Reading Terminal. None carried the cast-iron version. A stroll down the south-of-Washington stretch of 9th Street offered plenty of cast-iron presses, all priced under $15. I picked up mine, along with an array of dried and fresh chiles, at Mi Pueblito, just off the market at 11th Street and East Passyunk. The results? Not exactly up to La Lupe standards, but close.
Tonight, catch Dengue Fever! No, not the particularly nasty strain of mosquito-transmitted disease (think pain behind the eyes, horrible muscle and joint problems), but the L.A.-based ensemble, performing their weirdo homage to 1960s Cambodian pop music at Johnny Brenda’s. You know, in the vein of Sinn Sisamouth, Ros Sereysothea, and Mulatu Astatke. No idea what we’re talking about? Visit Dengue’s MySpace page for a taste of the band’s unique brand of psychedelia. Show starts promptly at 9 p.m. $10.
If that’s a little too far out there for you, you can still live a little bit on the edge by checking out the Philadelphia Dramatists Center’s annual Anonymous Theater event at the Wilma. Basically, it’s a play (Steele MacKaye’s Won at Last) performed by a cast that has never met or rehearsed together. They’ve rehearsed, but only one-on-one with the director. Not exactly sure what the benefit of all this is, but it does sound like it could be fun. 8 p.m. $15 to $20.
A very historic (and very bizarre) holiday wedding: The actors you see portraying historical figures near the Liberty Bell need love too. Ralph Archbold and Linda Wilde, who met through a mutual love of history, are hitching-up on the steps of Independence Hall tonight as their historical alter egos, Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross, in full colonial garb. Surely they know Franklin and Ross most likely never even met, but why get all realistic now? [CBS 3]
Jersey shore will now cost you more: Ten of the 48 towns along the New Jersey shoreline are hiking their beach fees today, just as everyone heads down for Independence Day. Unfortunately for shore residents, the New Jersey Department of the Public Advocate also said in its third annual Beach Guide that towns are no longer offering residency discounts. The guide tells beachgoers which beaches are the best bets, what the beach tag costs are, and where to park. [Inquirer]
Like most females I know, I’ve been putting off bathing suit shopping for, well, years. (That bikini I’ve been sporting? It’s from — gulp — high school). But when my fiancé and I booked our Hawaiian honeymoon a few days ago, I decided it was finally time to update my beachwear.
Rather than subject my pale self to the super-harsh fluorescent lighting of department store dressing rooms, I happily shopped from the safety of my cubicle, ordering up a ton of ridiculously on-sale (25-50% off!!!) suits from Vicki’s, like this delicious jade bandeau-top bikini with chunky jeweled accents, shown. Even better? With their humongous sale, you can afford to buy enough to save you from having to bathing-suit-shop for at least another 10 years.
R.I.P. Jimmy McGriff, blues artist and Philly native: Known best for his hit “I’ve Got a Woman”, ’50s jazz organist Jimmy McGriff has died from MS at the age of 72. McGriff also served as a Philadelphia police officer and was a Korean War veteran. [Blinq]
Condiments won’t stop Little Leaguers: A Little League club in Camden was vandalized over the weekend, but thanks to two donors, not a game will be missed. The vandals covered Fairview Little League’s building with ketchup and mustard before stealing all their equipment. Anonymous social workers purchased thousands of dollars of replacement equipment, and both volunteers and team members have pitched in to repair the damage. [6 ABC]
If you want to avoid the scalpers and Craigslist scams, consult this handy guide to the shows soon to go on sale …
Snoop Dogg, the man who brought us “Gin and Juice” and the suffix “-izzle,” brings the honeys and suitcases full of weed (and, oh yeah, bands Fiction Plane and 311) to the Festival Pier on July 17th. $49.50. On sale this Friday, 10 a.m.
A picnic-perfect show: Sheryl Crow with James Blunt and Toots & the Maytals at the Mann Center on August 2nd. $49.50-$85. On sale this Saturday, 10 a.m.
Love ’em or hate ’em (I fall into the latter category) Steely Dan does the Borgata on June 27th. Ticket prices not published yet, but you can bet it will be expensive, and it will sell out, just like everything else at the Borgata. UPDATED: Tickets are $75 to $125. On sale this Saturday, 10 a.m.
And the born-in-Philly Paul Green School of Rock throws its annual festival, this year with the Dropkick Murphys, the Butthole Surfers and, yes, Devo! Festival Pier and the Electric Factory, June 27th through 29th. Individual shows $25 to $37.50. Two- and three-day discounted passes available. On sale this Saturday, 10 a.m.
The Rhône valley — located between Lyons and Marseilles — is the source of some of the best value reds in all of France. Here, modest blends like côtes-du-rhône are built on a sturdy base of grenache grapes (known for meaty wines with strawberry and white pepper aromas) and a healthy dose of syrah grapes (which add depth and complexity, color and smoky spice). And the same is true for this lesser-known Rhône appellation, the côtes-du-ventoux.
Consider the tortilla. It’s a simple combination of masa (lime-treated corn flour) and water, yet few restaurants — and even fewer home cooks — make these flatbreads fresh. We opt for convenience: preservative-laden disks packed in plastic sleeves hold our tacos and enchiladas. Ever since sampling made-to-order tortillas at 
Tonight, catch Dengue Fever! No, not the particularly nasty strain of mosquito-transmitted disease (think pain behind the eyes, horrible muscle and joint problems), but the L.A.-based ensemble, performing their weirdo homage to 1960s Cambodian pop music at 
A very historic (and very bizarre) holiday wedding: The actors you see portraying historical figures near the Liberty Bell need love too. Ralph Archbold and Linda Wilde, who met through a mutual love of history, are hitching-up on the steps of Independence Hall tonight as their historical alter egos, Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross, in full colonial garb. Surely they know Franklin and Ross most likely never even met, but why get all realistic now? [
Like most females I know, I’ve been putting off bathing suit shopping for, well, years. (That bikini I’ve been sporting? It’s from — gulp — high school). But when my fiancé and I booked our Hawaiian honeymoon a few days ago, I decided it was finally time to update my beachwear. 
R.I.P. Jimmy McGriff, blues artist and Philly native: Known best for his hit “I’ve Got a Woman”, ’50s jazz organist Jimmy McGriff has died from MS at the age of 72. McGriff also served as a Philadelphia police officer and was a Korean War veteran. [
If you want to avoid the scalpers and Craigslist scams, consult this handy guide to the shows soon to go on sale …