Great Country Music from Baltimore!

On Friday 11/20, I attended a fundraiser for KNON's Texas Renegade Radio format in Dallas, TX to hear Arty Hill from Baltimore, MD. I had heard him over a year ago in a backyard concert which was very good, but this concert was excellent due to the smaller venue. Arty's lyrics are smart and his vocals are top notch. His new EP is a Hank Williams tribute (Montgomery On My Mind; the Hank EP) that has a couple of original tunes. He played one during this evening. You can get information at: http://www.artyhill.com/v3/

redbox

I have been a fan of this new, high tech video rental company, and have rented from them several times. However, I just had an unsatisfactory experience with their online reservation system.
Here is copy from the confirming email I received:

"Thank you for using redbox! You successfully reserved your rentals(s):

"Up"

Your disc(s) will be waiting for you until 9:00 PM tomorrow night at the redbox you selected:

7-Eleven (see available movies)
4438 Lemmon Ave
Dallas, TX 75219-2142

Please remember to bring the credit card you used to make your reservation when you pick up your disc(s)! "

After 9:00 PM tomorrow night, all disc(s) will be made available for other customers to rent, and your account with be charged $1 + tax for each disc.

That would indicate that I could pick up the disc before 9PM on the following day. I picked it up about 4PM the following day, returning it the next day about 4PM. I was charged for two days even though I only had the disc for one day. I was able to get a credit for one day "as a one time courtesy" after a considerable hassle as well as no acknowledgment of a mistake This, in my experience (especially with banks), tends to be an excuse to cover deceptive practices to increase income. I still like the price and convenience of the redbox kiosks and will probably continue to rent from them from time to time. I just want to make others aware of a potential problem.

Failla wine tasting at Veritas

I went to Veritas Wine Bar in Dallas last night to taste several of California winemaker Ehren Jordan's new releases under the Failla label. His "day job", as he referred to it, is the winemaker for Turley.

We tasted a chardonnay (Keefer Ranch 07-Parker 92 pts.) selling for $39.99 at retail was an excellent wine. There were two Pinot Noirs, the Sonoma Coast 07-a Wine Spectator 91 pts selling for $44.99 and the Keefer Ranch 07, also a Wine Spectator 91 pts. selling for $53.99. I personally liked the Keefer Ranch Pinot the best, but not at that price. Finally, there was the Phoenix Ranch Syrah-a Wine Enthusiast 94 pts. selling for $49.99. This was my least favorite of the tasting. I look for wines at a much lower price point with a great deal of success such as the Hahn Estates 06 Pinot Noir-a double gold medal winner at the San Francisco International Wine Festival that sells for $19.

As I was told early on when I began to drink wine, pricing is a perceived value only. I continue to find excellent wines under $20 with more and more under $15 and some under $10. World Market and Dallas Fine Wines on Oaklawn in Dallas continue to be my primary sources of these wines.

Eliza Gilkyson

I failed to talk about the wonderful concert I attended at the Belmont Hotel in Dallas, TX on 10/15/09. It was the first cold snap, so the show was a little uncomfortable. However, the music and the venue were spectacular (see picture). These concerts are held at the pool with the Dallas skyline as the backdrop-unbelievable!
Eliza is one of the best singer/songwriters around with a great stage presence. I have been following her for over 30 years, and she never gets old!

New Wine Finds and the Best Burger in Texas

I have been remiss in my postings! My apologies! Two new wines I tasted this summer first by the glass are Hahn Estates 06 Pinot Noir, a double gold medal winner at the San Francisco Wine Festival, and Cline 07 Ancient Vines Zinfandel. Both are excellent wines and good values at $19 and $16 respectively at retail.

I tried the Zinfandel at the Grape with Texas Monthly's designated "Best Burger in Texas". I have since bought numerous bottles of both and recommend you do the same. 'Til next time...

Chappy Hardy RIP 6/21/09

I was devastated to learn yesterday of the passing my good friend and cohort in the pursuit of wine women & song. Chappy was literally and figuratively larger than life with a quick wit. I spent many days and nights with him in past years "doin' " Jazz Fest, lunching at Galatoires , prowling the streets of New York and other venues too numerous to mention.
I was notified by his brother, Tommy, an attorney in the Big Easy. He is survived by his son, Zepher, who I understand works with ESPN and is London covering Wimbledon. My condolences go out to his family and all who had the pleasure of knowing him over the years. We have lost a good one who will truly be missed!
His service will be held at the Lakelawn Funeral Home, 5100 Ponchartrain Blvd., New Orleans at 10am Saturday June 27 with a memorial service at One Eyed Jacks, 615 Toulouse at noon. I can't make it in person, but I will be there in spirit. God speed Chappy!

More bargin wines at World Market

If you are a wine drinker and don't shop at World Market, you're missing inexpensive, highly rated (by good sources) red and white wines. They seem to come in spurts, this being one. Check it out!