The Silverstone Collection

Hooray For…

Phillip Silverstone — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 06:21:33 +0000

” I love it when a plan comes together” and “I love the smell of a radio show in the morning” are loosely borrowed from the small and large screen because that’s how things are shaping up at the moment…of course life isn’t always on your side when it comes to last minute hiccups, but “t’s” are crossed and “I’s” dotted and fingers are well and truly crossed…

I just had my first “Movie Star” interview confirmed and the actor is coming along with 2 stylists, a studio rep and that most dreaded of all human beings: The Publicist!!! But I will have some chilled fizz on hand and an unopened container of publicist-anxiety Valium hidden in the handkerchief tucked up my sleeve (was it just older English women who used to do that…stuff handkerchiefs up there sleeve I mean?) so that’s alright then…and since my radio show will be the only one in town to have a weekly Philly Theatre feature , I have a lot of shows to see…there are 80 theatres in the DelVal…and despite the Mouse Trap being played on the Walnut Street Theatre stage, I will avoid seeing it.

The MT has been playing my entire life in the same theatre in London, and it is the longest running show on the London stage (make that the world). But I promised myself that I will see it in London, on our joint 60th birthday, and that is still my intention…sadly in the not too distant future.

We’ve had a remarkable winter here in Philly, but despite the lack of chilly, windy nights (no baked beans comments please) I’ve still managed to work my way through a healthy number of bottles of Sandeman Founders Reserve Port (Approx $19). The family and I (mostly I) recently polished off an entire box of plain (dark) chocolate dipped strawberries washed down with the Founders Reserve…it’s the closest I’ll ever come to a religious experience, although watching Billy Crystal doing his schtick on Sunday night in Holy Wood comes a close second. Cheers!

A Week Of War & Vino

Phillip Silverstone — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 05:09:50 +0000

I saw “This Means War” earlier this week (it opens nationwide tomorrow) and it stars: : Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine, and Brit, Tom Hardy. It’s about two CIA agents at the top of their game who are partners (in the work sense) and best mates…but then they fall in love with the same girl…I would go so far as to say this is the BEST “buddy” film since Hope and Crosby…a MUST see…fun, fun, fun.

I received a bottle of Lapostelle Sauvignon Blanc from Chile and found it undrinkable…there’s nothing wrong with the wine other than the fact it’s a 2011 vintage and so acidic it would burn the skin off your toes if you soaked them in a bath filled with this nectar…so my question is: Why release a wine that is so young and so obviously underdeveloped…why did Dolly Parton just spring to mind…weird.

Saw “Act Of Valor” this evening (opens next Friday) a Navy SEALs adventure with a cast of real-life SEALs and a very different filming technique…I’ll give my verdict next week.

Go out and buy a bottle of De Bortoli Petite Sirah (Riverina, Australia) it’s far too inexpensive, with rich, spicy fruit flavours, and a touch of chocolate.

I’m attending the Walnut Street Theatres preview of their 2012 productions on Monday night and I see Barefoot Wine is the sponsor of the nibble and slurps…shame I’d hoped for some good wine to toast the new season.

I have an “A List” Hollywood hottie scheduled for an interview with me in the studio in a couple of weeks…just have to wait to see whether her Reps agree to this newbie (in their universe) being one of the privileged few to spend some chat time with her…I’m boldly going where no wine man has been before…to conquer Agents, Reps and PRs …I’ll keep you posted…Cheers!

(This report also appears on my Facebook page…so apologies if you subscribe to both but my schedule didn’t allow for two blogs this week)

Radio Show Update

Phillip Silverstone — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:18:55 +0000

We’re moving along at a very comfortable pace. The new show on WWDB (and on the web) is shaping up nicely.

Among the regular features I will have weekly reviews of upcoming shows coming to Philly and interviews with the stars of those shows…I’ll be talking about the latest films and play clips from those flicks and I’ll be talking to the starts of the films…

The show will have some nifty segments from UK radio people..including regular reports from Andy Mossack, who is very popular with BBC listeners:.BBC_radio_travel_reviews.html Jill Weber will be discussing affordable (often quirky) wines with me and food guests will include writers and chefs from both sides of “The Pond”.

I will begin recording interviews the week of March 12th. At this stage of the game I must thank the Philadelphia Film Office, The Philadelphia Theatre Alliance and The Free Library of Philadelphia for their help and kindnesses…it’s very exciting to have so many people being part of my “posse”…and special thanks to “Hockers”!

More news soon…

Liberal Wining

Phillip Silverstone — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 02:55:39 +0000

Radio talk show hosts would call me a Liberal. I can’t conceal the fact, and find nothing to be ashamed of in that statement. For example, a few years ago, the wife and I, along with our daughter (who was 20 at the time) dined at a number of BYOBs in our area. This might be a good moment to note my total disgust of garlic. Can anyone explain the purpose of a meal which makes peoples’ breath so deathly for the following 24 hours that people at the receiving end pass out instantly?

I became acutely aware of the “liberal” use of this wretched ingredient in a number of establishments we visited. But I digress. It occurred to me that BYOBs are not licensed alcoholic establishments (duh! that’s why they’re called Bring Your Own Bottle), so allowing our 20 year old to enjoy a glass of wine, wouldn’t jeopardize the restaurant and isn’t illegal. Not professing to have any legal knowledge whatsoever, I’m assuming there’s an invisible line here somewhere, but I just can’t see it.

So, being of the mind that 20 or better yet, 18, is a perfectly acceptable drinking age, as it is in my native Blighty and much of Europe (a continent which boasts a few reasonably intelligent countries) I happily shared our chosen nectar at BYOBs with our daughter. My position remains today, as it was then: predictable! If a child of 17 is allowed to operate a motor vehicle, in essence a potentially deadly weapon, why not allow them to savor a glass of wine. And, no, of course I don’t mean at the same time. Having permitted our daughter to sample small amounts of wine at home since she was quite young, she managed to avoid the binge drinking many of her peers subjected themselves to at college. And at 24 she now enjoys the occasional tipple but, frankly, prefers Arizona Sweet tea with meals (I also love that stuff!)

If we trust a teenager to control a machine with a speed in excess of 100 mph or send them across the world in military uniform to a war zone carrying the deadliest weapons, surely we can trust them with a glass of wine. Call me a liberal, call me naive, and if you think I’ve over imbibed, call me a cab. But make it a Cabernet Sauvignon, because like most intelligent wine lovers I know my limit. I also know certain laws need updating and amending to reflect the 21st century’s sensibilities. Until then we have BYOBs and our dining table. Cheers!

Santa Sofia Ripasso 2007 (Veneto, Italy)

Phillip Silverstone — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 03:11:56 +0000

I’m convinced I’ve got some Italian blood pumping through my veins. Maybe my mother’s kept a dark secret from me all these years. When I’m out grazing, it’s nearly always in Italian restaurants. Even when we’re on vacation or when I’m working the “other” side of the Pond, I manage to find a comfortable Italian restaurant to slip into. It fits me well, and in the past I was a self confessed creature of habit.

Very often, while perusing the menu in an Italian restaurant I’d order a bottle of an innocuous wine, simply because I knew it wouldn’t overwhelm my taste buds and would fill the conversation-challenged void between air kissing arriving guests and ordering our first course. But then I thought to myself: “Self! Why not make the first wine something special and perhaps forego a first course and savor the wine until the entrée arrives.” I agreed with myself unanimously, and thus a new drinking habit was born.

I mention this because I just met a wine that fits the role perfectly. In the Veneto region of Italy, a mere hop skip and jump (or a quick burst of the gas pedal in your Ferrari) from the gondolas of Venice, is the land of the Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara grapes…not three mega stars of the grape world, but nonetheless as a band they consistently made it to number one with their biggest all time hit Valpolicella. Valpolicella is a viticultural zone in the province of Verona, northern Italy, east of lake Garda.

The Fab three grapes produce an absolutely stunning wine called Santa Sofia Ripasso 2007 (approx: $25). This amazing elixir will capture the palates of a whole new generation of wine drinkers.

Luciano Begnoni started in the wine industry at the beginning of 1900 and in 1967 his son Giancarlo took over the company of Santa Sofia, and still runs it with his son, Luciano, and his daughter, Patrizia.

The powerful Amarone della Valpolicella, usually known as Amarone is made from the partially dried grapes of the (surprise, surprise): Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara grapes. Santa Sofia Ripasso is a unique wine. The basic Valpolicella has the pomace of leftover grape skins and seeds from the fermentation of of Amarone added for a period of time. The taste is quite remarkable, blending a smoky-chocolatey -cherry-ish – flavor. This wine has a dark ruby color, and an elegant bouquet with a hint of spices. It was aged 9 months in oak barrels then 3-months in the bottle. It will go well with roasted meats, game, and aged cheeses.

I choose not to share this wine with anyone, as I am quite happy to have a private liaison with it whenever I can sneak away for a while…a long while…Cheers!

Hogue Cellars Late Harvest White Riesling

Phillip Silverstone — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 23:04:54 +0000

OK, it’s no secret that my favourite grape variety in the entire world, is the Riesling. It’s what wine is all about. The very essence of wine appreciation. A grape with so much subtle nuance, it could have been a matinee idol with a pencil thin moustache. Riesling is such a smooth operator, I think it once understudied for Charles Boyer. Riesling was probably the best thing to ever come out of Germany. I mean, it was one of the only things that came out of Germany without annexing it’s neighbors. But to think of Riesling as a Germanic grape would be as shameful as suggesting that Cabernet only makes decent wine in Bordeaux. Riesling is, like all grapes, a democratic fruit, and the world is it’s vineyard.

Some vineyards aren’t perhaps as deft as others when it comes to producing text book nectar from this particular grape, whilst others are the very soul of perfection. Riesling, when treated with respect and tremendous love, will reciprocate with some of the most hedonistic juice mankind’s lips have ever tasted. I’m referring to Late Harvest Riesling, the over ripened, naturally sweet, dark golden elixir of the gods. A sweet, luscious and sensual libation which suggests the crossroads between heaven and earth have been breached.

Hogue Cellars’ Late Harvest White Riesling is the result of modest rainfall and cool nights in eastern Washington state. A wine, which in my opinion, offers more complexity and flavor, one would expect if it had been poured from a bottle with a German label. The flavor simply can’t be described. It needs to be tasted. There’s a quality you might expect when opening a can of apricots. But this is a sophisticated sweetness, with a lightness rather than a syrup-heaviness. It is simply a gorgeous drink, and one which will elevate your appreciation of wine. Cheers

Approx $15

“From Babylonian Mathematics to Aglianic” By Jill Weber

Phillip Silverstone — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 22:11:59 +0000

Archaeologist Jill Weber lives in Philly when she’s not on digs around the world. Jill has an uncanny knack of transferring her professional skills to her passion for wine. She sifts through wines until she discovers a liquid gem, which she then features on her wine list at Jet Wine Bar (1525 South St, Philadelphia www.jetwinebar.com.)

I am proud to have Jill as my “Guest Blogger” this week.

What, you might ask, do Babylonian Mathematics and the Italian grape Aglianico have in common?

The answer is Pythagoras, the Greek mathematician and philosopher.

Pythagoras is, perhaps, best known for his equation that the square of the length of the hypotenuse (c) of a right triangle is equal to the sum of the square of the length of each of the short sides (a, b), written as:

What is less commonly known is that Pythagoras’ theorems and generalizations were built on the foundations of specific, applied formalae of earlier mathematics. For instance, Old Babylonian (ca. 2100-1600 BC) texts contain, in essence, trigonometric and geometric information such as coefficients for geometric calculations, properties of right triangles, and so-called Pythagorean triples.

A lot of work has been done deciphering, collating, and understanding the generally algorithmic form of Babylonian mathematics, such as Robson’s Mesopotamian Mathematics, and more specifically as Babylonian mathematics related to Pythagoras’ later theorem

Pythagoras was born on the Greek Island of Samos, but did not spend his life there. He traveled widely and was exposed to the academic knowledge contained within Asia Minor, Persia, Mesopotamia, and Egypt, among which mathematics and astronomy were particularly strong.

He eventually found his way to the Greek colonies of southern Italy collectively known as Magna Græcia. Greek colonies were found in the modern regions of Calabria, Puglia, Campania, and Basilicata, the latter two of which also happen to be growers of Aglianico. It is this Greek-connection to southern Italy that, in part has led many to contend that Aglianico is a grape of Greek origin, but Jancis Robinson points out that this has yet to be proven. Basilicata “claims” Pythagoras as its own, as one of Lucanian descent, along with Francis Ford Coppola. However, it seems his religious colony was actually founded at Crotone, which is in Calabria.

So, drink Aglianico for 3 degrees of separation from Babylonian mathematics, or 2 from Pythagoras!

We can help you along with our Basilicata offering: Aglianico del Vulture. Ours is the Terre di Vulcano from Bisceglia and we are selling it for 8.50 a glass. This wine has tremendous sense of place (e.g. “terroir”). I sip this wine and want to chat with an old man in a beret, while playing bocce ball. It has blueberries and currants, pepper, and drinks beautifully and smoothly.

JILL WEBER

Holiday Cheers!

Phillip Silverstone — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 22:36:29 +0000

I always slip into the Holiday season with a glass of fizz and a delicately cut tray of smoked salmon sandwiches on slim slices of white bread spread with a layer of Danish “Lurpak” or “Plugra” brand unsalted butter. The wife, our 24 year old daughter and I sip our favorite tipple (a list of my favorites are printed below) and Salmon sandwiches while watching Mr Clark and Mr Seacrest on the telly at the stroke of midnight on December 31st. The older I get the better Scottish smoked salmon and fizz taste together. Of course bubbly simply doesn’t work with the mediocre smoked fish known as Nova or the inedible Lox which somehow still appears on store shelves. The Scots, as far as I can see, have three things to boast (which is still three more than the Belgians): Single malt whisky (no “e’ between the “k” and the “y’); Sean Connery…oops, forgot ..Sir Sean Connery…and Scottish smoked salmon – and steer clear of Scottish “style” smoked salmon, you really don’t want to waste your time with pretenders to the throne, make sure it was sliced and packaged in Scotland. As for fizz, most people know I’m Mr. frugal slurper. There are plenty of bubblies under $20 from Spain (Codorniu, Freixenet etc) which enjoy matrimonial bliss with the smoked salmon sandwich, and the combination is a supreme triumph. By the way, while on my salmon soapbox, let me remind you that cream cheese, tomatoes and onions should never, ever be included in the smoked salmon sandwich. By all means fill the lox sandwich with them, as they will kill it’s disgusting flavor.

I’ve spent all my adult life with such eclectic, diversified taste that I’m almost a walking contradiction. There are not many 59 year old men who can switch their iPod from playing Mahler’s Symphony number 2 to: “Winston Churchill’s Greatest Speeches” to “The E.N.D” by the Black Eyed Peas. The latter always requires roof open, windows down and volume to highest possible position…oh and nifty shades “must” be worn while listening. Problem is, in December that’s a tad eccentric. I still enjoy a heavy duty Cabernet Sauvignon to accompany Heinz baked beans on toasted Maier’s white bread with lashings of butter. I’ve never put anything in my mouth which looks like it did when it was alive or which is still in the final moments of death. Neither lobster, nor any type of shell fish or sushi have ever passed my lips. Until a couple of years ago, I also shied away from wine with bubbles. I loathed sparkling wines, especially the French versions, called Champagne (because that’s the area where they are made and NOT a guarantee of quality). But I became curious about the fizzy nectar and soon included it in my drinking regimen, where I’ve embraced it and now welcomed it, as the long lost relative to my wine collection. And how appropriate that I’m sharing this nugget of information with you as we once again approach the end of year celebrations. Coincidence? I think not!

I’m not quite up to my hero Winston Churchill’s astonishing bubbly quaffing accomplishments, but I have done him proud by sampling a healthy number of bottles so I can present you with my list of stunning New Year’s Eve poppers. Wine is subjective, so my opinion is not sacrosanct, but it’s jolly well close! These are all available in your local stores and splendid examples of the finest end of year quaffs, relatively modest sums of money can procure. They are all dry and all from California…just the way I believe bubbly should be:

Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut $19.99

Mumm Napa Brut Prestige $27.99

Roederer Estate Brut non Vintage $i7

Iron Horse Classic Brut $24.00

Prices are based on an average shelf price which will vary by store and many wine companies offer deep discounts if purchased on-line. I have also avoided publishing vintages since, once again, these will vary by the inventory held at a specific store. In general I don’t worry about vintages for these wines. I’ve yet to have a bad one!

I have loved Iron Horse sparkling wines for many years. If you want to splurge and savor the quintessential Sonoma County, California bubbly try: IRON HORSE BLANC DE BLANC (approx $35). To quote the winery: “The most distinctive and elegant of the Iron Horse cuvées, made from 100% Chardonnay… It is ethereal, like drinking a cloud. It seems to effervesce away in your mouth and tastes like, among other flavors, a perfectly browned, lightly buttered slice of sourdough toast”. Yummy indeed.

While on the subject of fizz. I’d like to share some random thoughts with you from my various notes on sparkling wines.

During the last half of the 17th century wine making in France improved under the supervision of the Church. The Abbey of Hautvilliers, just above the town of Epernay in Champagne, was doing well with a light wine made from the Pinot Noir grape. Then a young monk named Dom Perignon discovered that the wines – due to the cold conditions – stopped fermenting, then started again, and as a consequence the bottles began exploding from the carbon dioxide. Thanks to some British ingenuity (of course!) thicker bottles were produced, along with a method to harness the cork from popping out…and the rest is history. Champagne as we know it today was “invented” commercially by the widow Clicquot (Veuve Clicquot) who cleaned up the production problems and created a viable brand name. The primary grapes for champagne: Chardonnay, which is white, and used for Blanc de blanc. Pinot Noir, which is red, for Blanc de Noir. Regardlesss of whether the nectar comes from France or New Jersey, if it has Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in it, you’re drinking the real McCoy.

When I had lunch with Winston Churchill’s grandson, Nicholas Soames (British Conservative Party Member Of Parliament and close pal of Prince Charles) he alluded to his grand dad’s life long “affection” for Madame Pol Roget. The Soames/Churchill family to this day only drink Pol Roget and when Churchill died in 1965 the Champagne house added a black border around the label as a mark of respect for the friendship and patronage of “Winnie”.

Flute glasses – not saucer shapes – should be used for drinking bubbly. In saucer shapes the bubbles dissipate sooner than you can say “pour me another” in the slim flutes the bubbles are kept in tact and the bouquet slips seductively up your nostrils.

I’ll close with two of my favourite toasts:

Come fill the glass and drain the bowl

May love and Bacchus still agree

And every American warm his soul

With Cupid, Wine, and Liberty.

May friendship, like wine, improve as time advances,

And may we always have old wine, old friends, and young cares.

Whichever Holiday you are celebrating, I hope it’s the best and brightest of them all.

Cheers!

Introducing A “Wine-ette” & A Radio Show

Phillip Silverstone — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 22:03:02 +0000

The following also appears on our Facebook site.

It is done! Monday February 20th, 2012 at 1pm is the launch date of my new radio show on WWDB radio 860AM (Philadelphia). It will initially be a 1 hour show each Monday, but the plan is to increase it to 2 or possibly 3 hours by mid year. I’m actually more focused on the live feed via the web for a global audience along with pod-casts on my site and the station’s site following the show…I haven’t completely decided on the format, but I can tell you it will not be a wine show per se…there will elements of wine in the show along with food; dining; travel; entertainment and guests…I have an interesting list of guests already scheduled…essentially, this show will be about all the stuff in life that floats my boat…including music…up and coming artists as well as familiar names…BUT I haven’t quite decided on a name for the show…front runner is: The Phillip Silverstone Experience, with a bit of a wink to James Hendrix in that inspired title…but I am open to suggestions, so please toss around some ideas and chuck a few my way…on a totally different subject I hosted a thoroughly enjoyable evening of “Wine-tertainment” at Tony and Rita Tedesco’s home yesterday…a classy couple with equally classy and warm, amusing friends and relatives…and I introduced them to the lovely Danielle K who will be my “Wine-ette” for smaller events of 24 people. She is a Freshman at West Chester Uni and is quite brilliant and the guests loved her…so well Done Danielle…Happy Christmas and Happy Chanukah to one and all…and Cheers!

“Holiday Cheers!” At JET Wine Bar Hosted By “Wine-tertainer” Phillip Silverstone

Phillip Silverstone — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:56:14 +0000

‘Tis the season to be drinking,

Fa la la la la, la la la….hic!

Join us for an “unstuffy” afternoon with “Wine-tertainer” Phillip Silverstone. During the 90 minute presentation you’ll be sampling 7 wines from JET’s new Winter Wine List which will be ideal for gift giving or for serving over the Holidays. Scrooge Silverstone will deliver his gift of an un-snooty, unpretentious and unpredictable presentation. Humbugs not welcome! Snacks Included.

Sunday December 11^th 2011 4-6PM

JET Wine Bar

1525 South Street, Philadelphia, PA.

215.735.1116

info@jetwinebar.com

$40 Per Person (Quote a line from Dickens, in character, and get $5 discount!!!)

JET Wine Bar offers a unique selection of wines from around the world. Explore your tastes with a glass or bottle and let your journey begin. Jet Wine Bar is also proud to offer a variety of beers and a full bar. At Jet Wine Bar, we ask you to think globally, drink locally. You don’t need a passport to travel to Jet! Your local destination for world wide wines.

Reserve NOW at JET!!!