Midweek meandering...

JD's busy with The Princess Plays at the Eclectic Company Theatre. While running lights and sound, he gets to watch the amazingly talented kids of The Children's Theatre Group of Southern California play princesses and witches and all the elements of various entourages in these charming one-acts. Directed by Jason Alexander's son, Gabe Greenspan, himself a charter member of CTGSC and a talent in his own right, fairy tales spring to life in a most unusual way. You should see it!

So JD's working the show, which did not play on Saturday night, Halloween. We went to a party at our friends' home, an annual event which is always a blast. This year, I got drafted to tell 'fortunes' along with a few other hardy souls who were willing to make up things out of thin air to amuse. As always, great food, lots of inexpensive, but drinkable wine (this year the bargain was CK Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot), karaoke, and the most amazing collection of Halloween decorations, memorabilia and downright icky decor. Where they get this stuff, I don't even want to know!

Thought I'd have a lazy Sunday - JD off to the theatre for the matinee - and while chatting online with a friend, I suddenly found myself on a wine tasting adventure. I can't tell you where it was, or who hosted it, but the wines were delicious! A couple that stood out for me:

2008 Mollydooker 'The Violinist' Verdelho - buttery, with nicely balanced fruit, acid and oak. My friend, who shall also remain nameless, tasted green apple. I just enjoyed the heck out of it.

There was also a Syrah by Pailla (I think that was the name on the label), which was just yummy, with smoky dark fruit and big tannins, and a Petit Sirah from Turley that rocked my world. I'll have more info about the wines that were poured later in the week, if my host gets me the list (hint, hint!).

We were lucky enough to have some great food paired with the wines - a modest selection of cheeses, nuts, dried fruit, fresh fruit, crackers, spicy pasta, Swedish meatballs (yum!), empanadas with aioli sauce to dip in. There may have been more, but I had to tear myself away and go home to meet JD for dinner. Not that I was hungry!

This week, the big event is Thursday night at the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills. It's Stars of Cabernet, hosted by Ian Blackburn of LearnAboutWine. It will be amazing!