Start the New Year Off Right

I realize this photo doesn't have the slightest to do with Champagne, sparkling wine, or New Year's Eve, but it does show my brother-in-law, Scott, working at his fine wine and liquor store in downtown Memphis, and The Corkscrew is certainly the place where one could buy a bottle or two of a bubbling beverage for just such an occasion as New Year's Eve. There isn't a recipe at the bottom so you'll just have to wait patiently for tomorrow's post.

"Tiny bubbles
In the wine
Make me happy
Make me feel fine." Don Ho

I'm sure most of us know the difference between Champagne and sparkling wine, but for those of you who don't, I'll take this opportunity to fill you in. All sparkling wines cannot be called Champagne. This is because real Champagne comes from the Champagne region of France, and it is made from grapes that are only grown in certain areas of that region. Everything else, for the most part (there are always loopholes and exceptions), is called sparkling wine.

Most people save their bottles of bubbly for special occasions i.e. engagements, promotions, a new house, just to name a few. In my realiatively short life, I've come to the realization that a bottle of champagne (I'm using the word champagne as general term so Scott back off) is far too fun and delicious to be hidden in the back of the refrigerator until those rare celebratory occasions. I say drink champagne when the opportunity arrises, in celebration or on a regular Monday night while watching How I Met Your Mother.

So tonight is New Year's Eve and it's definitely a time celebrate, and we are doing so with lots of champagne. This year, we decided to forgo the traditional New Year's Eve parties and are staying in for a number of reasons. First, in my opinion, New Year's Eve is overrated. The results of weeks of planning and built up excitement are usually quite disappointing. Second, if you plan to drink, and let's face it, who doesn't on New Year's Eve, you can't drive. It's like the July 4th of winter. Road blocks are every where you look. Who needs the hassle of driving, and it's almsot impossible to find a cab. Finally, I think New Years should be about welcoming in a new year of joys, pains, surpises, obstacles, and triumphs with the people you love, not strangers in some bar.

Earlier this week, I asked Adam if he would like to spend New Year's Eve with me and our dogs in lieu of going to a big party. To my surprise, he said he would love nothing more. I figure as long as there is good food, plenty of cocktails, and great conversation, we're getting the new year off to perfect start. I've mapped out a menu that would send even the foodiest foodie into a haute cuisine induced coma. Let's just say caviar, filet mignon, champagne, and choclate fondue have the ability to kick any dinner up a notch or two. Now, if only I can get it on the table before midnight... that will be something to celebrate as I ring in the new year with a glass of my favorite sparkly and bubbly beverage.

I'll let y'all know how the meal turns out tomorrow and give some recipes. Happy New Year everyone!