Springtime

We are finally getting some warm weather in NJ. This has triggered thoughts of farmers' markets, fresh produce and working on my garden. I have expanded my garden this year and now have room for some different vegetables. I usually plant tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, string beans, herbs and sometimes watermelon or some other more exotic plants. Any thoughts on what I should plant this year.

I was in Palm Springs, California a few weeks ago right before Coachella. The desert landscape can be wonderful with the muted colors and interesting lighting effects at sunrise and sunset. I can't say that I had anything great to eat but I did manage to find a few local restaurants that were quite good. I have always found it interesting that it is not that easy to find good California wines in California.I stayed at a big Marriott resort and they did not offer any wine worth drinking. Even the small local restaurants did not have wine lists with wines worth mentioning here. I drank beer.

Recent wines of note.
2009 Deboeuf Morgon Jean Descombes - France $14 -- enjoyed the bottle with grilled chicken. I have mentioned this wine before. I find it to be a very reliable wine to drink year after year. The 2009 beaujolais' are finally starting to impress me. Light and fruity with good finish.
Crios Torrontes - 2010 Argentina $12. Very floral white wine, fruity but dry with some flavor complexity.
Chalone 2006 Pinot Noir, California. I had a chance to get several cases of this wine at a very reasonable price. I have tried 1 bottle so far and it has good fruit. It is a big wine with 14.5% alcohol. There is also a spiciness to the wine. I like the wine but will be able to discuss it better after I have tried a few more bottles. I tend to like the Chalone Pinot Noirs. The wine usually sell for over $30 but I obtained it for under $15.

Recipe of the week
Cut boneless chicken breasts in to 2 inch cubes. Marinate for 10 minutes in olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic and thyme. Put on skewers and grill until done. Do not overcook. Serve with cous cous and pita bread. Add some hummus and a salad and you are set. White or red wine works well. How about some baklava for dessert.