Wine Basics: A Quick and Easy Guide Review

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(More customer reviews)This book is a fine introduction to wine for anyone interested in obtaining a good foundation for the understanding and ultimate enjoyment of wine. It's a simple and fast read, yet is very informative. It takes you through how to taste wine, how to buy it, how to order it in restaurants, how it is made, and what to look for in wines. The author finds a way to deliver this information without being too serious or stuffy; the presentation is quite down to earth and very approachable, nonintimidating. A fun book

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Written for anyone who wants a quick but intelligent guide to the basics. The information and principles here apply to practically any wine you may encounter, no matter where it is made. Will enhance your understanding of what wine appreciation is all about and enable you to enjoy your choice of wine, whatever it may be.

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10,000 Drinks: How to Turn Your Basement Into the Most Happening Bar in Town Review

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(More customer reviews)As an avid home bartender, I frequently find myself answering requests for "Can you make X?" I have several excellent bar tending resources, but I often find they lack recipes for "popular" drinks. This book has it all... finding it can be tricky though, because of the clever (or frustrating) way in which the recipes are organized. The book is divided into 20 or so major sections, such as "Tall drinks", "Cocktails", and "Shots and Shooters". Some of the major sections refer to a particular ingredient ("Champagne Drinks") while others refer to the way the drink is made ("Depth charges"). The author's stated purpose is that the book be used for browsing and discovering, rather than merely as a reference. I find this to be a pretty ingenious way of breaking things down. The big problem comes into play when you know the name of a drink, but not what's in it. The book lacks a major index by drink name. Rather, the index is broken down by ingredients (e.g., vodka, whiskey, etc.) If you know one of the ingredients (drinks may appear in more than place in the index) then you're okay. But, if you remember having something at your favorite bar but don't know any of the ingredients, then you'll have a harder time finding it. My test was to locate a Manhattan in the book. It doesn't appear in the index under Jack Daniels, Jim Beam, Rye, or Vermouth, but only under the "Whiskey" heading.
All in all, I think the book is great, and has just about everything under the sun. It's an excellent addition to any home bar. Only reason not five stars is that the index could be better.

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Martinis, cocktails, shots and shooters, hot drinks and coolers, mind-erasers, and even luscious alcohol-free libations: with this hugely delicious collection, anyone can become a mix-master par excellence! The 10,000 tempting recipes feature everything from champagne- and wine-based drinks to beer, liquor-infused coffees, and iced-teas. Some come blended and frozen; others have distinct layers of ingredients that offer an array of flavor sensations. Capture the taste of the Islands with a Barbados Planters Punch; go X-rated with a Kiss Down Under; or enjoy a dramatic flaming Fiery Blue Mustang. In addition to the drinks, the guide includes a complete rundown of bartending techniques, a list of must-have equipment, advice on stocking a bar, and a glossary of every drink type you’ll need to know.

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Sales and Service for the Wine Professional Review

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(More customer reviews)Master Sommelier and Hospitality Professor Brian Julyan's long-awaited revision of SALES AND SERVICE FOR THE WINE PROFESSIONAL is finally available. Wine is covered in a succint, no-nonsense, easy-to-grasp, and immediately-useable manner. The same holds true for sections on beers, spirits, mineral waters, specialty coffees, traditional European cigar, cigarette, and cocktail service, and even telephone manner. Mr. Julyan's British background does become obvious with the section on how to greet royalty. While certainly amusing, this may not come in as handy for Americans. However, the rest of this guide book is so helpful to everyday operations that copies are sure to become dog-eared, well-worn, and kept at arms' reach by servers and supervisors alike instead of gathering dust on an executive's shelf.
Educators and Sommeliers: this book is one-stop-shopping for all of those interested in the sales and service of wine, and is on the required reading list for the Master Sommelier program (now we can stop circulating that eight-year-old photocopied version from Hawaii!)

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In the new edition of Sales and Service for the Wine Professional Brian Julyan provides a comprehensible and in-depth coverage of the wine industry and continues to promote the highest standards of wine service and product knowledge. The text contains fully revised and up-to-date chapters to reflect the changing nature of the wine industry: an expanded chapter on viniculture and vinification, an updated and expanded chapter on the wines of theNew World' and a new chapter on country-specific changes in legislation and licensing law. The new edition is a valuable resource for sommeliers, hospitality managers, food and beverage managers, trainers and students as it incorporates both practical and theoretical aspects of the wine professional.

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Shag Party: Cocktails and Appetizers to Seduce and Entertain Review

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(More customer reviews)I have been waiting for this book for several months, and was a little disappointed when I finally got it. It features 8 party ideas, such as Bongo Beat Bash and Island Luau. Each of these sections features several interesting cocktail and appetizer recepies, as well as related Shag artwork. All of this is OK but more than a bit sketchy. Except for a bare-bones introduction at the front of the book, there is nothing from the writer on how to throw these parties; even some basic fashion, decorating or organizational suggestions would have been good. I can plan a tiki party with the best of them, but it's still nice to consider other ideas.
Not bad overall, but also not a shining example of retro chic either.

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In Shag Party, Adam Rocke and Shag, tiki culture's most acclaimed artist, have devised eight soirees, accompanying each with drink recipes and simple 1950s-era appetizers guaranteed to transform any lounge or bachelor pad into retro heaven. Each Shag-illustrated party revives the sophistication of postwar pop culture. Themes include Tiki Luau, Halloween Party, Bongo Beat, New Year’s Bash, South of the Border Samba, Las Vegas Night, Seduction for Two, and Night Club Night. Fans of the Mai Tai, Side Car, or Manhattan will find it hard to resist this pop art collector’s item.

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Hospitality Manager's Guide to Wines, Beers, and Spirits (2nd Edition) Review

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(More customer reviews)This book by Albert W.A. Schmid is full of interesting, historical details regarding the history of wines, beers and spirits. His Louisville roots are evident when one reads his sections on Kentucky Bourbon. Bourbon drinkers will drool! Wines are segmented "by the grape" which makes understanding the large variety of wineries and varietals very easy and simple. This book gives an excellent overview of wines, beers and spirits -- from the way they are produced to the myriad of ways they can be paired with your favorite foods!

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This introduction to the history, science and varieties of alcoholic beverages is essential for today\'s hospitality manager. Written as a practical guide, this book helps managers understand wines, beers and spirits–from the history of alcohol to the marketing and selling of it. The user-friendly approach teaches wine by the grape, beers by the type of yeast used in fermentation, and spirits by breaking them into two categories (aged or non-aged and fruit or grain-based). This edition includes a new forward by Ken Rubin, a logical reorganization of early chapters, and material devoted to the management and marketing of beverage operations.

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It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere: The Global Guide to Fabulous Cocktails Review

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(More customer reviews)This beautiful, little book is filled to the brim with mixed-drink recipes...all categorized by the exotic (or local) birthplace of the recipe. Every recipe has a gorgeous, full color photo accompanying it. Great for visual people like myself. I gave this as a birthday gift alongside a cocktail shaker for my bachelor neighbor. He loved it!

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Cheers! It’s always cocktail hour, in at least one time zone, anyway—and this collection of tasty international libations takes you to that inviting place, wherever it might be. Think globally, and entertain locally, with more than 60 luscious recipes, serving suggestions, and fascinating national trivia. Does Chile beckon? Mix up some Pisco Sours, learn fun facts about the country, and impress your friends. Feeling Parisian? Try the City of Light’s favorite champagne cocktail, the Baccarat, put on some French music, and voila!—you’re there. Or, go tropical with a Rum Runner, Goombay Smash, or Port of Call.So start pouring, and open your passport to good times!

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Permission to Party Review

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(More customer reviews)What a great book! Great, unusual ideas! Who ever thought to go ice block sledding on grass in the summer?! Jill Murphy Long gives all kinds of information: tidbits on history,culture, & nutrition. I'm turning 50 this year and have gotten all kinds of ideas for a blow-out party. I really enjoy the quotes and side blocks. Most ideas are simple & doable: move over Martha. I think this is the best book Long has written in the "Permission" series (including Permission to Nap & Permission to Play; and these are great too). I highly recommend this book; it would make a great gift for people who enjoy entertaining. Whether you are planning an informal small gathering of 2 or a large formal affair, you can glean all kinds of ideas to create an event to remember. Isn't that what life is about, remembering that life is meant to be savored. Life is a party, living in the moment and loving life. Buy it, share it, and enjoy it!

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Probably the most pressing need for women today is to take a little time for themselves. Weighed down with the demands of dual careers, household responsibilities, child rearing and marriage, today's busy woman lets her friendships suffer, and she never feels she has the time to nurture herself. Third in the Permission to... series, Permission to Party is a beautifully illustrated book that gives women permission to enjoy life to the fullest.Permission to Party lets women know it's OK (and even necessary) to take care of themselves and also tells them how to carve the time out of a busy schedule. It then gives them a plethora of imaginative ideas and techniques to use.This elegant, fun book includes ways to nurture relationships and foster self-expression by bringing people together for meals and celebrations in intimate settings or large groups, as well as how to create your own quiet or playful celebration rituals to mark either special occasions or accomplishments. Plus, Permission to Party includes simple recipes, aromatherapy tips, uplifting music recommendations, party themes and party decorating ideas.

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Stoughton, Wisconsin's THE GRAND HOTEL LEGACY: A story of ghosts and spirits within these walls Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm one of the investigators who have spent time at the former Grand (now Vicky's shop) and can attest to the fact that the building has a fascinating history and quite a spooky present! From disembodied voices to floating dinnerware, the shop is one of those inexplicable places where you just can't explain it away. Vicky is always a great hostess and is a true font of information on the building. Buy this book, enjoy and then stop in sometime to say hi!

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Our building was built in 1891 as the Hanson House and then became the Grand Hotel, two years after it was built. We have always been told by many people that a little girl cries in the basement. In the 1920's , The Grand Hotel was known as a Brothel and the king-pin of bootlegging in Stoughton. The Chief of Police, they say, committed suicide, jumping out of one of the top windows in the building. We have had things float off our shelves in front of some of our customers and Phil. We have also heard a lot of unexplained sounds like breaking glass, loud crashes, yet nothing is out of place. In this book you will read about our journey through the paranormal world we never thought we would be a part of; a journey we have really enjoyed living.

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Meet Me in the Bar: Classic Drinks from America's Historic Hotels Review

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(More customer reviews)In today's world, where Cadillac advertisements proudly portray their cars as loud and obnoxious, and
television slams viewers with excessive visual stimuli....
it is nice to find that not all has become loud, obnoxious and hyperactive.
I have already enjoyed visiting several of these superb hotel bars and
look forward to meeting friends at others featured in your book.
I highly recommend this book to those who appreciate finer things.
Thank you, Mr. Connors and Ms. McConnell - well done !!

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Every major American city's social life was once defined by its grand hotel bars. Meet Me in the Bar captures and celebrates the romance, excitement, and grace of these American temples of good living. These landmark watering holes are toasted with foolproof recipes for their signature drinks-including the Boston Ritz Fizz and the Carlyle's Old Cuban-as well as classics such as the Manhattan and the Bloody Mary.One part travel guide, one part drink recipe book, Thomas Connors's handbook brings to life the greatest hotel bars, from New York's Bemelmans-with its whimsical mural by its namesake, the author of Madeline-to the gently rotating Carousel Bar at New Orleans' Monteleone Hotel. He relates the history of these venerable haunts, peppered with observations and stories told by the men and women who tend their bars.Meet Me in the Bar is full of historic images of hotel bars during their Golden Age, views as they appear today, as well as stylish color photographs of their appealing drinks. Elegant, sophisticated, and sometimes decadent, these retro drinks will charm lovers of vintage Americana. What bygone skill is more important than mixing the perfect drink?--This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

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