Now You Know: Champagne?

If there's one thing I've learned

while living in France,

is that people are particular 

about their sparkling wine....

Excusez-moi, "champagne."

Because, in France, mon ami,

you can find Champagne

most every where you go...

since it's made there.

If you go to a cafe in London,

you may find other bubbles on the menu

but just because it's pretty and sparkling,

doesn't mean it's "Champagne."

It could sparkling wine from Italy, Spain or Napa.

(Though, you won't see American wine on a European menu too often.)

Champagne is the name that is given ONLY

to sparkling wine grown in the Champagne region in France.

Only.

And they get really fussy if you give it's name 

to anything that isn't from that area.

So here's a quick tutorial for you 

so that you can speak of the sparkling

and babble of bubbles 

correctly where ever it is

you find yourself.

Are there bubbles in your glass?

It's sparkling!

Is it from France?

Then it's probably Champagne...

but check that the bottle says so.

Is it from Italy?

Then it's not Champagne- it's prosecco.

Is it from Spain?

Then it's not Champagne- it's cava.

* * * 

Look at that.

We've all got a bit smarter 

and more refined.

Cheers to that.

*image via

Book Club, Open Forum

I have book club tonight.

It's always a fun night to get out, 

catch up with friends,

& feel like a smarty pants.

I've been in a few book clubs,

and they all seem to be different.

Some are more literary,

some are more about the food,

and some, well, some are just an excuse to booze.

Which category does your group fall into?

If you're looking for a new book,

I highly recommend the book we are discussing tonight,

Three Men In a Boat.

It's a surprisingly hilarious tale of three hypochondriacs 

 floating down the Thames together on vacation.

It was written in the 1800's.

by Jerome K. Jerome.

{Who knew, right?}

I've been giggling the whole way though it...

and really need to go finish it before tonight!

*image 1, 2, & 3

Monday Moods: I feel... cheesey.

Valentine's Day is on the retail horizon.

And the new displays of chocolate hearts, pink champagne, & overpriced flowers

are bringing out my sappy side.

Pink, sparkles, sweets, love?

Well, it's basically all my favorite things.

Monday Mood: I feel ... social.

After looking at these pictures...

I'm in the mood to hit the town.

Monday Mood: I feel... spoiled.

The Happiest Hour

I love going to happy hour.

The Marsha, Marsha, Marsha, $9, The Porch

A post-work drink

to sip away

all the worry of the day.

Kentucky Ale, The Brown Hotel, $0...

if the bartender thinks you're cute.

Today, it seems Happy Hour

is more of a question of "When?"

than it is of "If..."

Pomela & Mojito, $13, at La Duni

Anyone out there headed somewhere fabulous after 6?

Where are you headed & what's your drink?

Courtisans in costumes.

Royalty splashed in powder & pastels,

and dripping with decadence.

All under the

direction of grand dame,

Sofia Coppola.

How would could anyone hold it against me for

obsurdly craving

a 2 hour reunion with the movie,

Marie Antoinette?