{#WineWednesday} @euwinetreasures Bulgarian #Wine Tasting and luncheon @huntandfishnyc with Sommelier @Marika_Vida

The National Wine & Vine Chamber Degustation for European Wines and Luncheon at Hunt and Fish Club with Sommelier Marika Vida Arnold in New York City

As a New Yorker and journalist who has served as a Media Partner to quite a few New York City based Wine Festivals, I definitely have had the chance to attend some stellar Wine Tastings, but I have to say this one was pretty fantastic and I knew it would make for a perfect Wine Wednesday.

One thing I have greatly enjoyed about the tastings I have experienced is the chance to try international wines and expand my palate beyond 'Napa'.

Let me take you through this experience:

THE SPACE:

Above: Chandelier, Hunt and Fish Club, NYC

I must admit I am no stranger to The Hunt and Fish Club in New York City, they host very upscale events!

THE FOCUS:

Bulgarian Wine has such a rich and deep history, one I wasn't very familiar with, and much like a sponge I was fascinated and wanted to 'soak it all in', ok, so no pun intended!

THE HISTORY:

Above: Bulgaria is actually one of the oldest wine producing countries whose prominence rose and fell with each ruling class and whose Golden Age was during the 12th Century. In the 80's Bulgaria was the second largest wine producing country!

Above: Principal Regional Highlights: Bulgaria's Five Major Regions for Wine Production include: Danube River Plains, Black Sea Costal, Sofia, The Valley of the Roses/Thracian Valley and Struma Valley

THE WINES:

Above: Cabernet Sauvignon Special Reserve Vintage: 2010

Vinal AD, Lovech is a modern winery located in one of the oldest Bulgarian cities

Classic 10-month aging in French and American oak barrels and subsequent aging in a bottle.

Notes on taste: Cabernet Sauvignon Special Reserve has a rich granite color, an intense flavor with a well-formed bouquet and preserved fruitiness, hints of blackberry and minerals. The taste is soft, harmonious, well-structured and balanced.

Food pairings: Fat meats, dishes with a lot of spices, heavy cheeses.

Awards: Silver medal from Vinaria 2011, 2013, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Gold medal from Vinalies Internationales 2014 – Paris FR
 

Above: ELENOVO Mavrud, Vintage: 2013

Grapes: 100% Mavrud.

Colour: Intense red colour with brownish hues.

Aroma: Attractive nose, rich in ripe cherries, with hints of mushrooms, dry leaves, walnuts and smoke.

Taste: The body is full and supple, rich in soft tannins. Excellent structure and complexity, long and memorable finish.

Ageing: 18 months in 225 l French oak barriques

Serving suggestion: Pizza, pasta, red meat casseroles, steaks (underdone). In order to fully enjoy this product, it is recommended to open the bottle in advance or to decant it.

Best serving temperature:
18° - 20° C.

Above: EM Brut "Edoardo Miroglio" Series

GRAPES: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay

COLOUR: Light and clear, with greenish and golden nuances

AROMA: Delicate nose of fresh white mulberries and incense.

TASTE: Fresh, dry, mouth-filling, with a tickling sensation, soft and inviting. Honey, bread crust, and raisin flavors, complemented by incense and mastic nuances.

AGEING: Minimum 18 months on the lees.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: To be served as an aperitif, with fish dishes, white and yellow cheeses

You know this butterfly loves her Champagne, Sparkling Wines, Bruts and all thing 'bubbly'.

Above: Merlot Special Reserve Produced from high quality grapes grown in vineyards in the Lovech Region

Grape variety: 100% Merlot

Vintage: 2010

Production: The wine was produced by a classic technology and matured for 8 months in French oak barrels with subsequent aging in a bottle.   6) Notes on taste: Merlot Special Reserve2010 captivates with its rich, well preserved, deep purple color. The flavor is a powerful multilayer bouquet of pleasantly interwoven nuances of ripe plum, forest fruit and discrete vanilla, unique for this region. The taste is thick, voluminous and warm.

Food pairings: Grilled or broiled dark meats, game, lasagna with meat or   type of pasta roasted with cheese and mushrooms.

Awards:Gold medal at Vinaria 2013, Plovdiv, Bulgaria;Diploma from Wine Challenge 2011

Above: Pixels Sauvignon Blanc, Dry white wine, 100 % Sauvignon Blanc

VINTAGE: 2016 REGION: Thracian Valley, Bulgaria

Vineyards:  Vineyards, where grapes are grown, are located in the heart of the Thracian region – Naiden Gerovo village. This region is characterized with fertile black cotton soil. The climate is transitional-continental with long spells of sunshine and more than 102 sunny days throughout the year and with a mild warm Autumn, which results in uniform ripening of the grapes with excellent ratio of sugars and acids. The average annual air temperature is 12 С° and the average annual rainfall is 539 mm

Tasting notes: Bright color with green hints. Delicate nose with hints of green apple and ripe citrus fruit. The acidity is medium high and has roundness and fruit. It will pair perfectly with shrimps or white cheese.

Above: VERSION, PLAISIR DIVIN MAVRUD

Vintage: 2016

Alcohol: 14.5%

I can see why this one has won so many awards!

Tasting Notes: Wine with sparkling, deep, ruby-red color. Complex brand aroma, which reminds of a ripe wild blackberry, sweet dark cherry, and fresh forest fruits. In taste it is a juicy, fruity, mature with pleasant unostentatious freshness, soft tannins and long elegant aftertaste.

Above: Villa Yambol Reserve

Vintage: 2013

Alcohol: 13.5%

Taste: This wine carries the spicy nature of Cabernet in a rustic, but delicate body texture. Our advice: aerate before consumption.

Aroma: A fascinating blend of red berries, cherries and oak overtones with hints of vanilla, clove, smoke taint and spices.

Origin: Thracian Plain

The Eats and Tasting:

Above: The Hunt and Fish Club put together quite a menu!

Above: You guys know I love my 'pour shots'

Above: We had a choice of Appetizers and I chose the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, that slaw and the sauce were delish by the way! (I wasn't fast enough to nab a shot of the salad that was the alternate appetizer/starter)

Above: We had choice of Entrée and I chose seafood (Artic Char) yet again! I am always team seafood.

Above: The other option was Filet Mignon! Talk about difficult decisions! (both were DELICIOUS) I didn't get a photo of the Roasted Cauliflower Steak

Above: Another Pour Shot! Would a wine blogger consider this 'the money shot' or is that just a tad 'too cheeky'? :-)

Above: Deep Chocolate Cake with Espresso Buttercream and Chocolate Ganache. Needless to say this was my choice and it tasted every bit as decadent and delightful as it looks!

Above: Carrot Cake with Candied Walnuts, Caramel Rum and Bayou Rum Ice Cream (I was lucky enough to have a blogging buddy sitting next to me who let me photograph her Filet Mignon and taste it! and I photographed her Carrot Cake although I didn't taste it, I'm taking her word for how delish it was because at this point I was STUFFED!)

Above: Ivaylo Shotev, BWC Imports.

Totally Funny Sidebar: I was not fast enough to nab shots of "The Sides" which were: Truffle Tater Tos, Grilled Asparagus and Roasted Root Vegetables - ALL were insanely delicious by the way.

Above: I spot cute Swag Bags/Wine Totes!

MY TAKE:

Some standouts I thought I should share:

- Marika Vida Arnold, wine director of The Ritz-Carlton New York was our Sommelier and emcee, sadly my direct photos of her did not come out clearly, but she is seated in one of the photos above and I have linked you to her web page. She did a phenomenal job of sharing her knowledge of the wines and best pairings, I hope to attend more events with her, I feel like I learned way more in this tasting than many conferences/tradeshows I have attended. And kudos to the PR team FMG NYC for keeping this event so intimate and inviting such a diverse and fun guest list!

- Alcohol Content on these are a bit higher than I am used to in wine, so they definitely pack a punch, in a GOOD way

- I LOVED the reds! That's notable because I usually go for sparkling first, then white wines, with the REDS in most tastings coming in dead last. This time it's the opposite, the MAVRUDS were simply outstanding, memorable and notable and you will definitely impress your guests without breaking your budget.

- The price points are super budget friendly without tasting like they are budget friendly!

- Hunt and Fish Club is always consistent, I haven't had a meal there I didn't like and the service is always impeccable. It's warm, never aloof, fancy but without being stuffy.

This was an amazing introduction to Bulgarian Wine and I am looking forward to learning more about Bulgarian Wines and hopefully visiting some of these amazing wineries for myself someday.

Readers Sound Off: How/Where do you learn about International Wines? Do you have a favorite Wine Region?

NOTE: Don't forget to enter to win a pair of passes to #CHIHULYNIGHTS - The Dale Chihuly Exhibition at New York Botanical Garden Here

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post, press access was granted for Editorial Consideration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR Part 255  Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising see our  Disclosure Page for additional information.

Things that lure Ascending Butterfly out of her butterfly cocoon of fabulosity: Electronics/Technology (yes I am a Gadget Geek first!), Fashion, Jewelry, Bubbly/Spirits, Foodie/Restaurants, Photography and Travel. And remember Ascending Butterfly does NOT have children, please do not pitch her toys (at least not those that are intended for children).

Unless it's charity related, If a campaign doesn't pay, this butterfly won't want to play.

Smile if you got this far, twirl around twice and sing Mariah Carey's Butterfly. Still here? Now go make someone happy today.

{Mothers Day #Giveaway} Win a pair of passes to #CHIHULYNIGHTS from @Ascending1 & @NYBG #ChihulyNYBG

Coming up empty on Mother's Day Gift Ideas this year?

Tired of the same old same old?

How about an experience instead?

I recently attended the media preview day of  the latest Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden for Dale Chihuly which will run through late October (10/29 to be precise).

As usual, I have taken more photos than I can possibly fit into one post so I will create a Pinterest Board that will be a work in progress of the exhibition. (When the board is completed the words "Pinterest Board" will become clickable).

Do you think Mom would like an experience that combines nature, art, and music in a very special setting?

I come with a Special Giveaway!

The 'evening version' of this exhibition called 'CHIHULY Nights' where the exhibition will be infused with an almost magical energy as the artworks created by Dale Chihuly will be illuminated which will heighten the drama and luminous quality of Dale Chihuly's colors and forms when lit under the evening sky is all yours, read through for your chance to win a pair of tickets to CHIHULY Nights at New York Botanical Garden.

In the Visitor Center plaza there will be a rotating lineup of performing artists and musicians, and Avion Tequila cocktails will also be available for purchase.

Media Day Intro:

Above: “The New York Botanical Garden is the perfect setting for Dale Chihuly’s art,” said Gregory Long, Chief Executive Officer and The William C. Steere Sr. President of NYBG. “Our historic landscape is an open-air museum, providing a thrilling opportunity for our visitors to see the spectacular installations, especially when they will be lit at night. The exhibition will be a more holistic look at the legacy of Chihuly the artist. We are extremely grateful to our sponsors and everyone whose support is making it possible for us to bring this experience to our existing and new audiences.”

Above: The artist had a show at the New York Botanical Garden in 2006, but the NYBG says the new exhibit is much larger and much more fully-realized. Gregory Long (pictured above), the NYBG’s president, referenced the 2006 show as “only a taste of the real thing… this one is bigger and better.” CHIHULY incorporates a broader and more diverse terrain across the garden, from inside the Enid Haupt Conservatory to the Metz Library and all around the wooded grounds.

There are more than 20 installations of Chihuly’s beautiful glass works all in all. His staff and the NYBG worked together for two years as they prepared for the opening and installation of the works took three weeks, with many large trucks from Seattle delivering the glass pieces.

Above: Citron Sun by Dale Chihuly welcomes visitors to the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory at New York Botanical Garden.

Above: Citron Sun Close Up!

Above: I couldn't resist the temptation to get super close up and capture the vibrant color and detail in this installation.

Where Nature Meets Art:

Above: I loved the Dragon Tree 'Colorama' juxtaposed against Dale Chihuly White Tower with Fiori New York Botanical Garden, CHIHULY 2017 - Photo Credit Tracy Iglesias

Above: I zoomed in to get a close up on the vibrant color and detail on this installation as well

Above: I thought I'd get in close to the bottom of the installation as it makes it appear as if it is growing straight up out of the rocks!

Above: CHIHULY Exhibition Scarlet and Yellow Icicle Tower, New York Botanical Garden 2017 Photo Credit: Tracy Iglesias

Above: CHIHULY NEON (don't worry I got a close up, see photo below)

Above: NEON by Dale Chihuly - yes I zoom in again for a bit more detail, see below

Above: Neon 206, a busy outdoor work that features over 1,100 feet of neon and acrylic arranged into a glorious tangle!

Above: I spot Blue Herons by Dale Chihuly poking out from the Native Plants in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, New York Botanical Garden 2017 CHIHULY Exhibiion. Photo Credit: Tracy Iglesias

Above: The juxtaposition of the plant life with the art installations is captivating and a photographers dream! Photo Credit: Tracy Iglesias

MY TAKE:

My recap coverage is so extensive I will have to split into a few pieces so you can get a sense for how much of the grounds the exhibition really covers! I can't wait to experience the installations by night as well so I can see the pieces lit up against the night sky. So keep checking back for our Wordless Wednesdays - they won't be wordless because obviously - I am never wordless - but they will be photo heavy!

I love this exhibit and can't wait to check it out at night!

WIN IT:

Tell us your favorite memory experience with your mom! Leave a comment on this post on a cherished memory with your mom and don't forget to use the rafflecopter widget to enter the contest. Did you have a favorite place you would always visit with your mom?

Use the rafflecopter widget below to enter (if the widget seems 'stuck' just refresh your browser, it might have 'fallen asleep while you were reading!):

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Please Note: This giveaway is only open to those 21 years of age and above. Ascending Butterfly will NOT be held responsible if you are denied access to the event or bar because winner or guest is not of age, there are NO subsitutions to this prize)

The Prize: This giveaway includes one pair of passes to CHIHULY NIGHTS (one winner and one guest) It does NOT include airfare, hotel, parking or any additional expenses.

Leave a comment on this post on a cherished memory with your mom and don't forget to use the rafflecopter widget to enter the contest.

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FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received, and all opinions are 100% my own! I covered the Media Day as press and the giveaway is sponsored by NYBG but NOT compensated. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Join @Ascending1 in #Brooklyn @worldmarket for the Children’s Story Time Event in honor of #NationalLibraryMonth

ad: This is a compensated campaign brought to you in conjunction with Cost Plus World Market

Cost Plus World Market Children’s Story Time Event in honor National Library Month

Photo Collage of March 2017 DIY Easter Treat Jars Workshop, Cost Plus World Market Brooklyn, NY - Press Photo to make bigger or see it on Instagram @Ascending1

This Cost Plus World Market Brand Ambassador is co-hosting a Children's Story Time Event at my local Cost Plus World Market (Brooklyn, 850 Third Avenue), there are a few other US locations hosting this event as well, and guess what?

YOU are invited! RSVP HERE!

Sometimes the cool stuff I do is "Press Only", but this time around you can come to!

Details:

Join us to celebrate National Library Month with our Let's Read Children's Story Time Event! On Saturday, April 8th from 1pm - 3pm (your local time) we will be hosting Children’s Story Time, enjoying snacks and treats and handing out Children’s Activity Sheets created by Laura Kelly Walters of www.meandmyinklings.com.

DEAL: BUY ONE, GIVE ONE* Children's Books.

Buy one children's book and get one free. If you choose to donate your free book, we'll deliver it to a local elementary school.

WIN IT: Enter in store for a chance to win a $100 World Market gift card**! Raffle drawing will take place Saturday, April 8th at 3pm.

Local bloggers will serve as special guests leading the Let's Read Children's Story Time Event at the following Cost Plus World Market stores:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Phoenix, AZ (2501... W Happy Valley Road Suite 22 Phoenix, AZ)- Vanessa Coppola of www.seevanessacraft.com

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Goodyear, AZ (885 South Cotton Lane Goodyear, AZ)

- Laura Peterson of www.pinkcakeplate.com

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - San Diego, CA (372 4th Avenue San Diego, CA)

- Alli Ward of www.madewithhappy.com

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Westlake Village, CA (160 Promenade Way Suite 1 Westlake Village, CA)
- Stacy Molter of www.fancyshanty.com

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Oceanside, CA (2140 Vista Way Oceanside, CA)
- Kylie Jenkins of www.madebyaprincessparties.com

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - San Diego, CA (10455 Reserve Drive Suite 150 San Diego, CA)
- Elizabeth Light of www.1111lightlane.com

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Framingham, MA (1 Worcester Road Unit 501 Framingham, MA)
- Amanda Light of www.primandpropah.com

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Durham, NC (6807 Fayetteville Road Suite 114 Durham, NC)
- Shelby Vanhoy of www. prettyinthepines.com

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Raleigh, NC (5900 Poyner Anchor Lane Suite 121 Raleigh, NC)
- Paula Jones of www.bellalimento.com

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Albuquerque, NM (3301 Menaul Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM)- Ciera Hudson of www.yourstrulyciera.com

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Brooklyn, NY (850 Third Avenue, Brooklyn, NY)
- Tracy Iglesias of www.ascendingbutterfly.com

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Portland, OR (2315 NW Westover Road Portland, OR)
- Carissa Bonham of www.creativegreenliving.com

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Columbia, SC (6090 Garners Ferry Rd Suite B Columbia, SC)
- Alli Smith of www.anallievent.com

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Corpus Christi, TX (5425 S Padre Island Dr Ste 136D Corpus Christi, TX)- Rebecca Fry of www.mysparklinglife.com

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Pharr, TX (500 N. Jackson Road Pharr, TX)- Marina John of www.mommysnippets.com

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Arlington, TX (239 Curtis Mathes Way Arlington, TX)
- Julie Grimmett of www.juliemeasures.com

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Bee Cave, TX (12700 Shops Parkway Suite 200 Bee Cave, TX)
- Kay Zarrugh

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Addison, TX (13912 Dallas Parkway Dallas, TX 75240)- Mariah Leeson of www.gigglesgalore.com

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Waco, TX (4633 S. Jack Kultgen Expressway Suite 103 Waco, TX)- Juli Purcell of www.flirtingwithflavor.com

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Cottonwood Heights, UT (6960 South Park Centre Drive Cottonwood Heights, UT)- Tauni Everett of www.taunieverett.com

You are certainly welcome to come as you are, but be sure to RSVP first so the stores will have a headcount and know just how much supplies to have in stock so they don't run out!

Remember the event I told you about in March? Here are some photos from the DIY Easter Treat Jars Workshop that I led at the Cost Plus World Market location in Brooklyn (just press on the shots to make them bigger):

Above: DIY Easter Treat Jars Workshop at Cost Plus World Market, Brooklyn, NY

Above: Had to get a shot of that signage - I'm the "Discovery of the Day"

Above: All smiles with her freshly created Easter Treat Jars! (and I have to point out that I was living for her boots! And that vest though! Total Fashion Plate here!)

Above: Who could resist this dimpled smile?

Above: So I lucked up with all kinds of cuteness stopping by to make jars with me! Doesn't she have the cutest smile?

Above: This mom and daughter tag team made a few jars! I thought it was neat she also made jars for her younger cousins too, super thoughtful!

Above: You all know I can't resist photos were someone is totally immersed in what they are doing.

Above: Our table got pretty busy!

Above: I love this family! A very proud Mother-in-Law declared with much pride that her son-in-law is a model!

Above: Got another shot of a mom and daughter at work!

Above: Melinda Rivera displays her Easter Treat Jars

Above: Melinda Rivera also turned out to be the lucky raffle winner, Store Manager James presents her with her Gift Card

Above: Left: Raffle Winner Melinda Rivera, Right: Yours Truly Tracy from Ascending Butterfly - don't you just love her daughter's pink bow? and look to our left a customer brought in a poodle! The kids loved that! :)

Above: Had to get a shot of some of that Easter Goodness used to make Easter Baskets!

My Take:

It was so much fun leading this workshop and I can't wait for this Saturday. I have always been an avid reader and participating in this upcoming event in honor of National Library Month is right up my alley!

And not that I'm dropping hints or anything, but stay tuned I am cooking up something special for May my butterflies!

Readers Sound Off: Is there a location near you participating? Which demo did YOU RSVP for? What is your favorite book? What is your child's favorite book?

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FTC Disclosure: Compensated post/campaign however all thoughts and opinions are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR Part 255  Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising see our  Disclosure Page for additional information.

Things that lure Ascending Butterfly out of her butterfly cocoon of fabulosity: Electronics/Technology (yes I am a Gadget Geek first!), Fashion, Jewelry, Bubbly/Spirits, Foodie/Restaurants, Photography and Travel.

Unless it's charity related, If a campaign doesn't pay, this butterfly won't want to play.

Smile if you got this far, twirl around twice and sing Mariah Carey's Butterfly. Still here? Now go make someone happy today.