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If the treehouse is rockin, don’t bother knockin…

Come on in!

Holy moly! If you weren’t here last week, you definitely missed something. If you aren’t here this week, well, don’t blame me for what goes on at the Bistro!

I will get to last week in a minute, but first, I need to mention that this Sunday, July 5, 2 The Ninez return to The Grind (yes, I know, don’t get confused…it’s all the same place, we just call it a lot of different things!) to play their bluesy, soulful mix of awesome music. Anyone who has seen these two play will definitely want to come back and celebrate their independence from boredom with us. I believe they will play 7-9pm, so come have a bite to eat, drink some wine, and hear some amazing sounds.

Also next month, national recording artist Julie Gribble returns to The Grind to play her original songs for our customers. She played here last year, after a gig at The Boardwalk, and sounded fantastic. Same thing this year, she will play The Boardwalk, and then come to our shop for a 9:30-11 performance. So, it will be a post wine-tasting music extravaganza that you will not want to miss.

That’s right, all this is happening right here in CB, at 2 Wine Guys’ Treehouse Bistro at The Grind…or something like that. Anyway, you signed the book, so you know where we are.

OK, back to our regularly scheduled program.

Thursday, we had a great crowd at the wine tasting, and we rolled out food for the first time. The flatbreads and paninis went over well but the antipasti platters and cheese plates were the biggest hits with the wine-drinking crowd.

Earlier in the day, Steve, from Millennium Beverage came into the kitchen and demanded a sandwich. I tried to tell him we weren’t open yet, but he saw the prep table, he saw the food, and he refused to take no for an answer, so we made him a sandwich. And then Liza from Mutual came in, but she asked nicely, so we made her a sandwich, too. Well, once we started making sandwiches, other people wanted them too, so, we were open for business.

Friday, Dave returned to play, and we were happy to have him back. He played both piano and acoustic guitar, and when some customers came in late he plugged his guitar back in and played a few extra songs for the newcomers.

Saturday, The Elected Officials played and absolutely rocked the full house we had. People ate, drank, and were definitely merry. Lou admitted, somewhat begrudgingly, that they had actually rehearsed, and it showed. These guys get a little tighter every time they play. Although, I don’t know how many musicians we can actually fit in our place, but they looked like freakin Earth, Wind and Fire they had so many people up there playing. I lost count at one point, because the band wrapped around the corner, there were so many of them.

Jeremy, from Country Vintner, brought his lovely lady and their incredibly well-behaved little man (although he did barf on Shell) in for sandwiches, and other vendors threatened to come but never showed. Jeremy had come in the day before with seven different wines, which, as you know, we always appreciate.

Anyway, the kitchen is open every day now. The menu is limited, but the food is awesome! And I’m not just saying that because it’s us, I am saying it because it is absolutely the truth. And, if you don’t believe me? Well, come on down and taste for yourself. Come on, I dare you. Prove me wrong. Seriously.

I did cut the end of my finger off the first day, demonstrating that the new knives are very, very sharp. So sharp, in fact, it cut through my fingernail like it was butter. But, what the hell, I’ve got nine more, right? So, I got that out of the way the first day, and I had already cut myself on the slicer, so the only thing left is for me to burn myself, and then I will have completed the kitchen trifecta.

The only thing out of the gate that wasn’t perfect was my Finnerty’s Flatbread. It didn’t quite translate from the home oven to the commercial kitchen the way I had wanted, so I had to work on it for a couple days. But, after a few tweaks, I believe I nailed it, and am now proud to put those puppies out.

This Thursday, Lee, from Ocean South (formerly of Country Vintner), will be here to taste everyone on some wines. Don’t know what he is bringing yet, but, like Nancy Drew, I love a good mystery…especially when there is wine involved. He has never done a tasting here (well, not with the general public anyway), so it should be interesting.

So, there you have it. The Treehouse Bistro is now open, we are in the middle of the season, and it is high time for you to come on down and see the 2 Wine Guys @ The Grind and let us pour you a glass!

Shawn

Licensed to thrill!

OK, in case you didn’t check out the blog online (that’s www.2wineguys atthegrind.com for those of you playing at home), we had a happy visit from the New Hanover County Health Department on Friday, who issued a permit for our kitchen…so we can now offer food to our wine-drinking customers. All right, you don’t have to be a wine-drinking customer to eat here, but, if you aren’t, wouldn’t this be a great time to start?

Anyway, we will come out of the gate relatively slow, and build our menu as we go. Our initial focus will be our antipasti platters, the already famous Finnerty’s Flatbreads, and Panini sandwiches. We have more ideas than you could fit in the space shuttle, so once we get comfortable in the new kitchen, there will be some amazing things showing up on tables at the Treehouse Bistro. In the meantime, have a glass of wine and relax, and watch our menu grow!

Thursday, Liza rocked, as always, as we sold out of almost every wine she showed. People stayed and drank off the shelf, and the Chamber of Commerce once again put on a great fireworks display just for us. This week’s tasting should be even better, as you will be able to order something to eat to go with your selection. Or, order a selection to go with something to eat. Either way, we can hook you up.

Friday, The Elected Officials once again shook The Grind, and a nice crowd showed up to imbibe in adult beverages and listen to a little rock and roll. Next week, the boys play on Saturday night… Rumour has it Dave returns Friday night!

All in all, we have had a great beginning to our summer, and we are really looking forward to firing up the kitchen this week, and seeing if we can put all that shining stainless steel to the test. And, hey, even if nobody eats here, at least we will be able to get a decent meal at night. Seriously, after we closed Saturday we tried to find something to eat, going to three different places and being rebuffed each time. We couldn’t even get a stinkin’ gas station hot dog! Seriously, what is this world coming to?

We actually had to get in line with 47 other cars at the McDonald’s drive-thru. I can’t remember the last time I ate that swill, but with the aftertaste fresh in my mouth, I can assure you it will be a long time before I do it again. I’m not kidding, even their French fries suck. They used to be the best fries in the business, then they decided to get healthy, and used another oil. Now, they are flavorless cardboard strips. I mean, if I want nutrition, I am NOT going to McDonald’s! So, quit it! Give me full-fat, lard if you’ve got it, and I will decide when it is too much!

I’m sorry, was that me? As you can see, I am fairly passionate about food. As much, if not more so, than I am about wine. So, the natural pairing upon which we are about to embark is tremendously exciting for me. I sure hope all of you are just as excited, because your taste buds are about to get a total freak out! And I’m not just saying that because we make good food, I am…OK, well, actually, I am saying that because we make good food. But, also, because we are creative, and will have fun…yes, fun, dammit!...and the chalkboard menu will give us the ability to change things up and keep the food interesting.

Wow. All of that just came out by itself. Maybe I won’t have that stroke after all. Which would be nice, because I don’t have health insurance, and Congress doesn’t seem to be in any hurry to give it to me, and I already owe enough money for the kitchen without adding a major health event to the pile. Of course, if I was a veg, I probably wouldn’t care…maybe I should have that stroke…

Kidding, of course. I am anxious to get our Bistro cranking, and haven’t slept much anyway, so, obviously, I can go a long time without it.

So, bring your appetite, and come on down to the Treehouse Bistro, and let 2 Wine Guys @ The Grind pour you a glass!

Shawn

Wine, wine, everywhere…

Did you ever have one of those days, where it seemed like simply everyone wanted you to taste their wine? Yeah, I know how you feel. Thursday was like that for me.

First was Kristin, with a nice old vine Grenache from 100 year old vines. Rich, chewy fruit, and reasonably priced.

Then, our boy Jeremy came on the scene, with six wines, ranging from an absolutely delicious Columbia Valley Riesling (although he couldn’t get Susan to try it, even though she is the unofficial “Riesling Queen”), to a couple nice selections from Oregon – including a pretty Rose. I don’t remember the last two so well, as my notes become less clear.

As Jeremy was wrapping up his little song and dance, Drew, from Alliance wines, came in with his Big Guy Red, a Merlot/Cab/Syrah blend from the makers of the Little Wing Syrah we tasted a few weeks back. Interesting.

All in all, about two-and-a-half hours of tasting wine (yes, I am slow, but deliberate). Of course, I revisited one or two wines, just to make sure…

[Editor’s Note: No, that’s not why this email is late…we were here until 11 last night doing our punch list for the Health Department so we can pass our inspection and get our permit to serve food…so, I know I am tardy, but I have a non-alcoholic excuse…for once!]

Then, of course, there was the tasting. Unfortunately, I had a Planning and Zoning meeting, so my civic obligation prevented me from enjoying the tasting in my own shop! I cannot wait until my term is up. Like to give back, and all, but I DO have my priorities, and, hey, they call me a wine guy for a reason, and it doesn’t have anything to do with ruling on fence heights or setting requirements for conditional use permits!

I’m sorry, was that a rant?

OK, back to your regularly scheduled program. The Elected Officials played Friday, and they just keep getting better. We are going to have to start paying them pretty soon, I am afraid. Lou played piano and bass, demonstrating that the intensive schooling his parents paid for did not go completely to waste. Rhonda Sparks got up and belted out a few numbers with the boys, getting the crowd all rowdy…there was even a little hootin’ and hollerin’ at The Grind.

We had some of our Raleigh regulars in, who we always enjoy seeing (even though one of them put an ice cube in a lovely Pinot Noir…sheesh!...but it was hot, so I gave her a pass. They are good customers, after all, so I won’t say any more. Right now.).

Also Friday, we received our visit from the Health Department, who gave us a list of items as long as my arm…OK, maybe not that long, but plenty of things to cross off just the same. We anticipate we will complete the list and be re-inspected by the end of the week, and that we will have our permit to operate…so, next week, we will start rolling out a limited menu, and then I can have my stroke and recuperate in peace at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

[UPDATE: Friday, the Health Department issued our permit...next week, we will begin a limited menu, so get ready!]

Thursday, Liza will be back to taste us on some wine, so get here early…you know how things go. She has some interesting selections, including a Sauv Blanc, a Chard and two Cabs…
Friday, The Elected Officials return to rock the house. I know I keep saying this, but if you haven’t seen them, they really are a fun little group. Perhaps a little rowdier than The Grind is used to, but they are a lot of fun, and Lou has promised that they will continue to practice.

So, there you have it. The Treehouse Bistro is almost here, the wine is flowing, the beer is cold and summer breezes are making our deck the place to be, so come on down to 2 Wine Guys @ The Grind and let us pour you a glass.

Shawn

You dim sum, you lose some

We learned a new term this past week…”field blend.” Apparently, that is when someone mixes two varietals…well, no, we never got an actual explanation, it just so happened that Jeremy was pouring wine, and Joel wasn’t yet finished with the previous selection. In his haste, Jeremy poured the new one on top of the wine already in Joel’s glass…and when he had realized what he had done, declared it a field blend.

Actually, it was a Petit Verdot on top of a tannic Cab, so the fruit in the Verdot actually softened the Cab and made for a nice blend. A theory kind of along the lines of “you got your chocolate in my peanut butter…”

Anyway, yes, that is how our weekend began. Jeremy was back, sampling us on six wines from Country Vintners international selection. Basically, he is our “ruffi,” as we sometimes have trouble recalling events after he leaves. Fortunately, we have someone else working, so we are free to nap, order pizza, drink more…or all three. And, actually, we did open up a bottle of the ’02 Bridgeway Napa Cab to “re-taste.” What a nice cab for the price! Good structure, bold tannins and subtle fruit. Yum!

All of this led to discussion for a new game show, which Jeremy coined “Dirty Family Feud.” I will leave it at that.

Billy, from Tryon, poured at Thursday’s tasting, and the wines absolutely rocked. All but one sold out, and the place was packed, full of regulars and some newbies. People were parked down the street, in neighboring lots, on the grass, by the lake…there were a lot of people here!

Over the weekend, Jeremy played Friday, and Dave was joined by Lou on Saturday, giving us a nice selection of wine drinkers good music to listen to while they enjoyed their adult beverages.

Monday, Kristin, from Choice Specialty Wines, took us to dinner at Mason’s Haunt to celebrate our anniversary. We drank several bottles of a Carneros Pinot Noir, a lovely Napa Zin, and a beautiful French white…oh, and we ate some really good food. The chef sent us an unbelievable sushi/tempura roll to start, and we spent the better part of the evening eating, drinking and laughing. In the process, Kristin got a new nickname, “Choice Spice.” I can’t explain here, because this is a family blog, but suffice it to say it was funny stuff, and made her husband less conscientious of his infamous “Tall Poppy Tumble.” (If you don’t remember that story, check out www.2wineguysatthegrind.com and click on the Willamette Valley tab…great stuff).

Anyway, Kristin was our very first vendor, and helped tremendously when it came to opening this shop. Since then, she has continued to bring her wine knowledge to the table, tasting us on hundreds of wines…oh, and there was that trip to Oregon…

This week, I will be hosting Thursday’s tasting. The Theme will be “Shawn’s grab bag.” In other words, I haven’t decided yet, but, hey, we both know it will be good, right? Right?! RIGHT?!

Ok then. Plus, there will be fireworks at dark. Once again, the town has decided to help compliment our wine tasting with a fireworks celebration. We appreciate it, obviously, as our deck provides a great view of the show, and what goes better with pyrotechnics than good wine?

Friday night, Your Elected Officials return to rock the house. If you haven’t heard these guys, it is worth the trip. They are a fun house band, and I have a sneaking suspicion they have actually been practicing, so it should be a good evening.

There you have it. June is upon us, school will be out soon, and summer will be in full swing. What better time to come on down to 2 Wine Guys @ The Grind, and let us pour you a glass?

Shawn

Sprechen zie bier?

A weekend to remember, if only I can remember all of it!

I do know that it all started Thursday, when John, from Turner Wine Imports, came to taste everyone on an interesting selection of reds and whites. We had a great crowd, and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

Friday, we had Hans Hoss, whose family has been making beer in Germany since the 1600’s, come in to tell our customers about his beer. His U.S. distributors poured a fair amount of the delicious liquid, and we sold even more. Out of the four different beers he showed, not one was a dud. Each was delicious, from the lager to the Bavarian, the hefe to the dopelbach, I enjoyed each one several times (just to make sure…it is important to revisit from time to time to ensure your first reaction was the correct response).

Hans visited New York City, and Carolina Beach. Obviously, he knows all the hot spots. From Studio 54 to The Grind, he will have stories to tell all of his friends back home, and we were happy to be a part of it – and to be future German lore.

Anyway, Jeremy followed the tasting with his excellent, mellow sound, keeping some of the crowd here until late.

Saturday, Your Elected Officials rocked The Grind. Just a fun group, they really get the crowd going, and they definitely bring out some beer drinkers. This place was hopping for two-plus hours, and we look forward to their return. They will be playing every Friday in June, so, if you haven’t seen them…

This week, our boy Billy returns to the tasting table, to show off a good selection. In fact, we like one of the reds so much, we had to replace the case we got for the tasting, because we either drank or sold about 90% of it over the weekend.

Did I mention we were busy this weekend?

Good music this coming weekend, and Dave returns Saturday night, which is always a treat.

Speaking of treats, we should get our refrigeration in this week, which is one of the last elements to the kitchen. Then, we will await all of our inspections and approvals, and be ready to start playing in our new space. I anticipate by mid June we will actually be serving food, so get ready.

In the meantime, summer is upon us, we have a great selection of wine and beer, so come on down to 2 Wine Guys @ The Grind and let us pour you a glass.

Shawn

Old friends, new wines…

Well, we made it a year. All in one piece, not too much worse for wear, and I have only gone slightly mental…but I am working on that, with the help of some of the best medical minds out of Switzerland.

And by that, I mean pharmaceuticals.

No, I kid. If I take any kind of medication, I am out of it for at least a day, and I am having enough trouble focusing without any additional help. At least I have all this wine.

Speaking of wine, Country Vintner’s Jeremy (quickly becoming our favorite rep) remembered our anniversary, showing up Friday morning with two unbelievable wines out of his own private stock – as he put it, out of the ”touch it and I kill you cabinet.”

First was Penfold’s St. Henri Shiraz, an incredibly elegant wine, not what you would typically think of from Down Under. This was more along the lines of a big French Syrah, Australia’s parent grape, done with style and élan.

Next, he opened up the Torbreck Les Amis, a 100% Grenache from the Barossa Valley that just knocked our socks off. He paid a pretty penny for it several years ago, but thought our anniversary was a worthy occasion to pop that very special cork.

That, my friends, is what I call love.

We also received a visit from Laurence, an old FOTG (friend of the Grind) who represents Malibu Family Wines from southern Cali. Now, I know Malibu is typically associated with movie stars, mudslides and pharmacology for recreation, rather than wine, but in the mountains about this L.A. resort some very special things are happening.

Their Merlot and Cab are very solid, the Pinot Noir is classic Burgundian (although I like it more than some of the more typical French stylings) – Old World style, but still pleasing on the palate of someone spoiled by the unbelievable offerings of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. We also brought back the Saddlerock Rose, a Cabernet-based blush that would be perfect on the deck on a hot summer day, full of orange peel and strawberries.

Laurence has hooked us up more than once, and, along with these wines, we will be getting Saddlerock’s higher end Semler Library Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, a beautifully balanced Cab with great structure, that we will be able to offer at a fantastic price due to his generosity.

Oh, and Billy came in and tasted us on five other wines…so, all in all we tasted another 14 wines. I know, that is low by our standards, but it still beats a poke in the eye with a sharp stick.

Friday was our anniversary, and we had great music thanks to Dave, Lou and Johnny. We had our cake, and ate it too (pics will be available on our blog at

http://www.2wineguysatthegrind.com/), and celebrated ourselves by opening up a bottle of the Etude Cabernet, a rich, elegant (and somewhat expensive) wine. But, we have had two bottles on the shelf for some time, and, as you know, if you don’t drink it, we will. You didn’t, so we did. I blame you…

Saturday, Dave returned to play, and we ended up with a nice late crowd, including some of our Raleigh regulars, who were smart enough to ignore a dismal weather forecast, and were rewarded with a beautiful sunny day on the beach. I would love to have a job where I could be so consistently wrong, and still be not only employed, but have throngs of people relying on me to tell them what was going to happen.

If you did not see Everly play when they were at The Grind, here is a clip of them playing one of their songs at Tin Pan South. If the link doesn’t work, cut and paste it into your browser, and you will see what I have been bragging about.

http://imageevent.com/tcw1/tinpansouth2009?p=50&w=4&c=6&n=0&m=-1&s=0&y=1&z=2&l=0

Anyway, we are now headed into Memorial Day weekend, fireworks and movies will start, the rides on the Boardwalk will be open, and the season will be upon us. The kitchen floor has been grouted and sealed, and the sinks will come up and be plumbed in this week, so we are not too far away…

John, our friend from Turner Wine Imports (which is currently transitioning to something else), will be doing this week’s tasting, and we have a special beer tasting on Friday night – as one of the family members of a Bavarian brewery will be here to show off four of their German productions. Their family has been making beer since 1657, so they have a little experience…

Jeremy (no, not that one, another one) will be playing Friday, and Your Elected Officials return to The Grind’s center stage Saturday night. So the weekend entertainment should be excellent.

There ya have it. What are you waiting for? You owe it to yourself to come on down to 2 Wine Guys @ The Grind, and let us pour you a glass.

Shawn