For the most up-to-date listing of events, go online to masslive.com/entertainment
Weekend
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HOLIDAY DECOR: Home for the Holidays Workshop planned for Storrowton Village, E5 BEER NUT: Celebrating 17 years of beer column, E10 WINE PRESS: 3 affordable, revolutionary Bordeaux wines, E10
PLUS
Christmas by Candlelight returns, E4
‘Gingerbread in Wonderland’ Annual competition, exhibit brings sweet holiday touch to Springfield Museums, E2
“Mushroom House” by Terry Sullivan of Springfield. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN)
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The annual gingerbread competition and exhibit is now open on the second floor of the Springfield Science Museum. The creations this year are inspired by Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.” See more photos at MassLive.com. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN)
ON THE COVER
‘Gingerbread in Wonderland’ Annual competition, exhibit brings sweet holiday touch to Springfield Museums
‘A By Cori Urban
Special to The Republican
lice in Quarantine” is just one of the creative ways that entries to the Springfield Science Museum’s “Gingerbread in Wonderland” are being inspired by Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.”
This gingerbread house called “A Wonderland Christmas” by Tammy Richter of Southwick is part of the annual gingerbread competition and exhibit that is now open on the second floor of the Springfield Science Museum. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN)
There are 37 entries, and many feature the tea party from the classic book as well as the Cheshire Cat. In addition to gingerbread displays themed on Wonderland, entries also celebrate the holiday and winter season. “It is always exciting to see how creative and imaginative people can be both in their use of edible materials and their detailed references to the theme,” said Larissa M. Murray, Springfield Science Museum director of education. The annual gingerbread competition and exhibit meshes baking and creativity. It runs through Jan. 3. Gingerbread creations come from local
“Alice in Wonderland Merry Jolly Christmas” by Evelyn and Violet Schettler of Longmeadow. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN)
bakeries, schools, adults and children and are displayed along with festively decorated holiday trees, enchanting lights and a backdrop of painted murals. “A beloved annual tradition, we choose a new theme each year,” Murray said. This is the 11th year of the gingerbread exhibit, and enthusiasm for it has increased throughout the years. Two years ago, the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism SEE GINGERBREAD, PAGE E5
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MUSIC
Van Morrison taps Eric Clapton for anti-lockdown song
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INGER VAN MORRIson continues to rail against COVID-19 lockdown measures, and his latest salvo is a song penned for Eric Clapton. “Stand and Deliver” is due out tomorrow and the protest song is performed by the iconic rock star Clapton. This is not the first instance of Morrison decrying government lockdowns in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. Over the summer he openly railed against quarantines and called for concerts to resume. “We need to be playing to full capacity audiences going forward,” the Northern Irish singer wrote on his blog. The coronavirus has killed an estimated 1.4 million people worldwide and infected more than 60 million, according to the World Health Organization. Health experts discourage large gatherings like concerts during the pandemic because the virus can spread through the air via respiratory droplets released when people talk, cough or sneeze. The 75-year-old Morrison, known for hits “Brown Eyed Girl,” “Domino” and “Wild Nights” is asking supporters to lend their names to a list he will publish on his site at vanmorrison.com.
Eric Clapton performs on stage during Music For The Marsden 2020 at The O2 Arena on March 3 in London, England. Singer Van Morrison penned an anti-lockdown song for Clapton. The song, “Stand and Deliver,” is due out tomorrow. (GARETH CATTERMOLE / GARETH CATTERMOLE / GETTY IMAGES)
Donnie Moorhouse LiveWire
all need it. We all deserve it. Here’s to 2021.” The show will feature a COVID-cleared live audience, over 50 cameras and 360-degree views of the performance. Tickets are priced from $39.99 up to $999 for a VIP package. Fans can purchase tickets through kiss2020goodbye. com. The Kiss “End of the Road” tour was scheduled to play both Hartford and Mansfield last summer.
in the late 1960s and is widely regarded as a consummate songwriter who penned and performed such classics as • Maren Morris has Liner notes “Wild World,” “Moonshadow,” released dates for her rescheduled “RSVP: The Tour” jaunt • Dave Matthews is set to and “Peace Train.” join three dozen other artists in that was postponed due to a tribute to singer-songwriter • With the most recent “fare- COVID-19. well” tour from rock band Kiss Yusuf/Cat Stevens. The country star will perform The virtual event will take interrupted by COVID-19, the at the Rockland Trust Bank place on Saturday at 3 p.m. band has opted to say farewell Pavilion in Boston on June 25 The festival can be viewed on to 2020 with a New Year’s Eve and the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion in Guilford, New the YusufCatStevens YouTube livestream. Hampshire, on June 26. page. Kiss will perform from The The CatSong Festival will Tickets purchased for the Royale Beach at Atlantis Dubai honor the 50th anniversary of original date will be honored. on New Year’s Eve and in the the artist’s 1970 albums “Tea Morris, the reigning CMA process will attempt to set the for the Tillerman” and “Mona world’s record for largest pyro- female vocalist of the year, will technic display. Bone Jakon.” also be performing a livestream Along with Matthews, per“On New Year’s Eve Kiss will from the Brooklyn Bowl tomorformances are scheduled for row at 9 p.m. rock the heavens, shake the Haim, Jack Johnson, Passen- earth and blaze the way out Tickets for the livestream are ger, Feist, and others. More available through Live Nation of 2020 with the largest and information on the show is most bombastic celebration in at livenation.com. available at catstevens.com. our and anyone else’s history,” Yusuf/Cat Stevens debuted • “A Sonic Celebration of said the band in a statement professionally as Cat Stevens the Life and Legacy of Gregg announcing the show. “We
Allman” will take place on Dec. 11 at the famed Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. The show will feature a properly-distanced live audience and a worldwide livestream. Tickets for the livestream are available through ryman.com. The show will include Allman Brothers and Gregg Allman songs along with cuts from the Allman Betts Band’s latest release “Bless Your Heart.” Guests for the show include Shannon McNally and Luther Dickinson. Allman Family Revivals are annual shows put on by the Allman Betts Band that honor the legacy of the Allman Brothers Band. • Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes have a new date in Hartford. The Jersey Shore band will play Infinity Hall in Hartford on June 5, 2021. The original date, Nov. 14, was postponed due to continued concerns over COVID-19. Tickets purchased for the original date will be honored and ticket information is available through the venue website at infinityhall.com. “Southside” Johnny Lyons is considered the godfather of the “Jersey Shore” sound and fronts one of the great bar bands of the rock era. He served as an inspiration
and mentor to other Jersey Shore artists like Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi and founded the original Jukes with E Street Band member Steve Van Zandt. • Hanson will help fans usher in the holiday season with a livestream concert series. The group, famous for its ’90s hit “MMMBop” will perform live from its hometown club, Cain’s Ballroom, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The concerts will take place tomorrow and Saturday. “The Christmas Ball” will feature songs from the group’s Christmas albums “Snowed In” and “Finally It’s Christmas.” Tickets are available through hanson.net. The band, still a draw on the club and theater circuit, consists of brothers Taylor, Zac, and Isaac. • Acclaimed Journey guitarist Neal Schon is set to release a solo album. “Universe” is several years in the making and is due out in December. The album was produced by Journey drummer Narada Michael Warren and includes a collection of originals and covers. Schon was a founding member of Journey, after serving as a member of Santana. The SEE LIVEWIRE, PAGE E11
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STURBRIDGE
Holiday tradition lights up Old Sturbridge Village to our Countryside, which hasn’t always been a part of our holiday event. You can look into the Bixby House and see some holiday baking going on, as well as into the Blacksmith Shop and watch the blacksmith at work,” O’Brien said. Visitors can also stroll the Christmas Tree Trail, new last year, featuring dozens of sparkling, decorated trees. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the Common, the Countryside trail welcomes wanderers to enjoy the sights, ending at its special Christmas Wish Bridge. Of course, it is called Christmas by Candlelight, and O’Brien noted there will be plenty of light – electrical lights, real candles harking back to the early days, and bonfires – illuminating the village in all its 19th century splendor. Old Sturbridge Village’s Christmas by Candlelight is returning this year with a few changes to Several dates during provide extra safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. (OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE PHOTOS) December offer additional activities for guests including Members’ Shopping Nights IF YOU GO tomorrow through Sunday, with discounted purchases Event: Christmas by for members. Then, from Candlelight When: Dec. 4-6, 11-13, 18Dec. 18-20, they will be firing 20, 23, and 27-30; 3-8 p.m. up OSV’s 24-foot kiln. The On some days the event will 15,000-brick kiln located outopen at 1 p.m. side the Pottery Shop can fit Where: Old Sturbridge approximately 1,000 pieces of Village, 1 Old Sturbridge pottery stacked 10-feet high Village Road, Sturbridge within its walls. Admission: $22 adults, $11 “It’s the second time we will for youth ages 4-17. Membe firing the kiln, which has bers: $20 adults, $10 for typically been done only once youth ages 4-17. Admission a year, at the village,” O’Brien is free for children ages 3 said. and under. Another popular feature of For more information: osv. the holiday event is returning, org. but in virtual form, noted O’Brien. interpreters create a tradition- any questions onlookers may ability for visitors to view our Visitors this year won’t be al Christmas meal or work able to view up-close the have. Also, there will be a few giant nativity, so you will be on special projects such as inspired, and in some caslittle takeaway items to bring able to look inside the Center making ice skates or a sled home with you and directions Meetinghouse to see it. You can es delicious, entries in the from scratch. also safely peer inside the Sol- annual Gingerbread House to make-your-own craft,” omon Richardson house, also Contest. Instead, contestants “We will have more cosO’Brien said. tumed staff in the village known as the parsonage, where were asked to submit photos While visitors can’t set than ever before to interact they will be cooking up some of their entries in one of four foot into any of the village’s with visitors. They will be Christmas dinners from differ- categories, including adult building, several will have dressed in period attire with a their front doors and windows ent cultures,” O’Brien said. non-professional, adult pro“Once again, we’re opening fessional, youth and family. 21st century twist – a facewide open for visitors to peek mask – and will explain what Prizes will be awarded in each up more of the village as we in and observe some holiday is happening at our various did last year when we extend- category to the top entry. Visgoings-on. SEE OSV, PAGE E7 “We didn’t want to lose the ed Christmas by Candlelight demonstrations and answer
Re-imagined Christmas by Candlelight features outdoor festivities
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By Keith O’Connor
Special to The Republican
espite the current coronavirus pandemic, some holiday traditions will continue as in the past, but they may look or feel a little different. One of those rituals, Christmas by Candlelight, is returning to Old Sturbridge Village tomorrow. The event has become a much-treasured tradition, creating family memories and holiday cheer for those who return year after year. “Our annual holiday event will still be a very festive recreation of the past, and we’ve kept as many of the popular elements as possible and added new ones,” said Jim O’Brien, director of public events and performances at Old Sturbridge Village. Last year’s Christmas by Candlelight attracted more than 27,000 visitors to the early New England village. “Christmas by Candlelight has grown year after year. It is all about tradition and people making their own traditions. Families have sent us thankyous and photographs of them participating in the event, and some have even shared scrapbooks they have made over the years of their good times at Christmas by Candlelight,” O’Brien said. Christmas by Candlelight has been re-imagined during the pandemic with safety in mind by taking its many favorite activities outdoors. Guests can see demonstrations of such classic Christmas projects as knitting stockings, wreath-making, natural ornament-making and more, and watch as costumed
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WEST SPRINGFIELD
Storrowton Village offers holiday decor workshop By Ray Kelly
rkelly@repub.com
Storrowton Village Museum will bring holiday cheer to families with its Home for the Holidays Workshop on Saturday. During this small group, hands-on workshop, participants can create a holiday wreath and design a mason jar tea light floating candle mini-centerpiece. Guests will hear stories of New England holiday lore while designing winter decor. Admission to the workshop is $45 per person, which includes the cost of all materials and instruction. There are two
During this small group, handson workshop, participants can create a holiday wreath and design a mason jar tea light floating candle minicenterpiece. available time slots. The morning session will run from 10:30 a.m. – noon and the afternoon session will take place from 1 – 2:30 p.m. Tickets are available online at storrowtonvillage.com/
events/2020/home-for-theholidays Workshop group sizes are limited to meet all necessary COVID-19 guidelines and follow social distancing and mask-wearing protocols. Home for the Holidays is recommended for ages 12 and older. Tickets are required and must be purchased in advance on the museum’s website. The inclement weather date is Sunday. For more information about the Home for the Holidays Workshop, visit storrowtonStorrowton Village Museum is ready for the holidays. The village.com or call 413-205Museum is holding two sessions for its Home for the Holidays 5051. Workshop on Saturday. (DANNY NASON PHOTO)
“It is always exciting to see how creative and imaginative people can be both in their use of edible materials and their detailed references to the theme.” LARISSA M. MURRAY, SPRINGFIELD SCIENCE MUSEUM DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
Gingerbread
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featured the exhibit on its website as an essential holiday experience. “We are eager to bring our visitors a whimsical and fanciful exhibit which celebrates the holiday season and the ingenuity of our community,” Murray said. “Visiting the ‘Gingerbread in Wonderland’ exhibit is purely about fun; we all need an opportunity to enjoy a lighthearted, magical experience. And the delicious smell of the spicy gingerbread is sure to sweeten anyone’s day.” She hopes visitors will be inspired to go home and create their own gingerbread creations. “Overwhelmingly, our new participants each year reference having visited the exhibit in previous years. Clearly the gingerbread exhibit is a memorable experience and one that adults and families look forward
“Alice in a Winter Wonderland” by the Mackie family of Longmeadow, left, and “Mad Hatter Holiday Tea Party” by Lara and Ella Dubin of Northfield, right, are part of the Springfield Science Museum’s “Gingerbread in Wonderland” exhibit. The creations for the annual gingerbread competition this year are inspired by Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.” (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN)
to becoming a part of in the future,” she added, expressing gratitude to the exhibit participants who donate their time, talent and resources “to create this amazing, enchanting gingerbread experience year after year.”
Voting for visitors’ choice awards will continue throughout the exhibit, and in January, the first-, second- and third-place winners will be announced. Prizes aptly are provided in part by Tea Guys. “This year more than ever,
the annual gingerbread exhibit is sure to brighten people’s day and help put them in the holiday spirit,” Murray said. As with all experiences within the Museums campus, pandemic protocols require all visitors to wear masks and
Event: “Gingerbread in Wonderland” When: Through Jan. 3 Where: Springfield Science Museum, 21 Edwards Street, Springfield Admission: Included in museum admission: $25 adults, $16.50 seniors (60+), $16.50 college students, $13 youth 3–17, free for children under 3; Springfield Residents are free with valid ID. More information: springfieldmuseums. org
keep social distance from those not in their party. Admission to the Museums gives visitors access to all five of the museums and all exhibits. For more information, go to springfieldmuseums.org.
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MOVIES / TV DVD RELEASES
Nostalgic picks for holiday gifts By Katie Foran-McHale
Tribune News Service
As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, nostalgia continues to be essential pop culture comfort food. Consider these DVD picks, all out this week for anyone on your gift-giving list (or yourself). “Beverly Hills Cop”: 1984 comedy starring Eddie Murphy as a police officer avenging his best friend’s murder has been remastered in 4K. “Blade”: The 1998 action/ horror film starring Wesley Snipes as a vampire hunter out to seek justice for his mother’s death is being rereleased with a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack. “Bugs Bunny 80th Anniversary Collection”: Collection includes 60 theatrical shorts and interviews with stars, animators and historians centering on Looney Toons’ lovable stinker. “Coming to America”: 1988 comedy starring Eddie Murphy as an African prince seeking a bride in the U.S. has been remastered in 4K. “The Curse of Frankenstein”: In this 1957 horror film, Dr. Frankenstein (Peter Cushing) faces the consequences of bringing a deadly creature back to life (Christopher Lee). “The Golden Child”: 1986 film starring Eddie Murphy as a social worker sent to find a humanity-saving kid has been remastered and available on Blu-ray for the first time. “Green Eggs and Ham: The Complete First Season”: Animated series loosely based on the Dr. Seuss story follows the adventures of Sam-I-Am (Adam DeVine). “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” trilogies: Both sets of epic J.R.R. Tolkien tales directed by Peter Jackson are being released on 4K UHD. “Holiday Affair”: A store
clerk (Robert Mitchum) falls for a young mother (Janet Leigh) attempting a Christmas shopping scheme in this 1949 rom-com. “Perry Mason: The Complete First Season”: HBO reboot of the 1957-66 legal drama stars Matthew Rhys as the broody defense lawyer. “Popeye”: Robin Williams’ 1980 take on the sailor man is being released on Blu-ray for the first time with new content in celebration of its 40th anniversary. “Top Gun”: The 1986 action/adventure film starring Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer and Kelly McGillis as pilots with the need for speed is being released in a limited-edition 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray Combo Steelbook. “Trading Places”: The 1983 prince-and-pauper tale starring Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd has been remastered. Also new on DVD “Chernobyl”: Emmy-winning HBO miniseries follows the tragic 1986 nuclear explosion and aftermath in Ukraine. Stars Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgard, Emily Watson, Jessie Buckley and Paul Ritter. “Dune Drifter”: A pilot (Phoebe Sparrow) fights to survive on a bleak new planet. “Evergreen”: A couple (Tanner Kalina and Amanda Maddox) face relationship challenges while on a winter holiday vacation in a remote cabin. “Made in Italy”: A father (Liam Neeson) and son (Micheal Richardson) attempt to reconnect while fixing up a run-down house. “The Neighborhood: Season Two”: The hit CBS series starring Cedric the Entertainer as a skeptical neighbor of a white Midwestern transplant SEE DVD, PAGE E7
From left, Sophia Lillis, Paul Bettany and Paul Macdissi star in “Uncle Frank.” (AMAZON STUDIOS)
ONLINE STREAMING
‘Uncle Frank’ leads new releases By Michael O’Sullivan
Washington Post
Set mostly in 1973, “Uncle Frank” centers on the relationship between 18-year-old Beth Bledsoe (Sophia Lillis of “It”), a naive but intellectually curious freshman at New York University, and her favorite uncle, the titular Frank (Paul Bettany), who is a professor at the same school. The death of the emotionally abusive family patriarch (Stephen Root) – Frank’s father and Beth’s grandfather – precipitates a road trip back to their repressive South Carolina hometown for the funeral, with Walid (Paul Macdissi), Frank’s partner of 10 years, along for the ride, despite Frank’s wishes. (Frank, who has only just come out to his niece, is still closeted to most of his family. To make things even more interesting, Walid is Muslim.) Despite some moments of nicely unforced comedy and just a pinch of melodrama – especially in the overly contrived reading-ofthe-will scene – this is a deeply poignant and beautifully acted drama of self-acceptance. The three main roles feel fully inhabited by the talented Bettany, Lillis and Macdissi, and the supporting players – who include Margo Martindale,
Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell star in “The Christmas Chronicles: Part 2.” (JOSEPH LEDERER/NETFLIX)
Judy Greer, Steve Zahn and Lois Smith – are all top-notch, as guided by writer-director Alan Ball. Sober-minded yet far from morose or preachy, the story of “Uncle Frank” is written with compassion for all its characters, no matter their flaws. (Well, almost all: The family patriarch, shown in a prologue and in flashback, is an unmitigated jerk.) As he demonstrated in “Six Feet Under,” Ball has an ear for how real families work, even when they don’t. R. Available on Amazon Prime Video. Contains strong language, some sexual references and drug use. 95 minutes.
Also streaming The documentary “Born to Be” follows the work of Dr. Jess Ting, a surgeon at Mount Sinai Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery, as well as the stories of several of the medical center’s patients. Through these stories, the New York Times writes, “Ting is an anchor, a presence of compassion and good sense. Anyone confused about transgender people will certainly benefit from a viewing of this picture.” Unrated. Available at afisilver.afi.com and sunscinema.com. 92 minutes. SEE STREAM, PAGE E7
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(Max Greenfield) in a rough area of Los Angeles returns. “The Rental”: Vacationing couples begin to suspect they’re being watched. Alison Brie, Sheila Vand, Dan Stevens, Jeremy Allen White and Anthony Molinari.
The directorial debut of actor Josh Duhamel, “Buddy Games” tells the story of six lifelong friends who, after a falling out, reunite for an absurd competition involving physical and mental challenges. According to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, the film – which stars Dax Shepard, Olivia Munn and Kevin Dillon, in addition to Duhamel – “feels like it could have been a movie within the movie that was ‘Idiocracy,’ a posited example of just how stupid we would become if we didn’t begin to shun the path we’d started down.” R. Available on various streaming platforms. Contains strong crude sexual material and coarse language throughout, some graphic nudity, drug use and brief violence. 96 minutes.
Out on Digital HD “Alt Space”: A New York couple grapple with a fear of leaving their apartment and a devolving sense of reality. “Disco”: An award-winning dancer (Josefine Frida Pettersen) clashes with her evangelical family. In Norwegian and English. “18 to Party”: A group of ’80s latchkey teenagers struggle with relationships, addictions and recent suicides against the backdrop of a small-town venue. “Pink Floyd’s Delicate Sound of Thunder”: The legendary group’s 1988 Grammy-nominated concert at Nassau Coliseum has been restored and remixed. “Thirst”: After being falsely accused of murdering her brother, a woman (Hulda Lind Kristinsdottir) joins forces with a gay vampire (Hjortur Sævar Steinason) to face a cult. In Icelandic. “Dear Santa”: Documentary explores the U.S. Postal Service’s holiday operation that allows families to send letters to the big guy in red. Out tomorrow. “Free Lunch Express”: A satirical look at the life of Sen. Bernie Sanders. Out tomorrow.
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itors will be able to view the entires on a monitor and vote for the “Best in Show House.” For a ride through time, a horse-drawn wagon will also run throughout the village, offering rides with social distancing in mind. “We totally expect to sell out all of our tickets for Christmas by Candlelight and suggest purchasing them ear-
Kurt Russell reprises his role as Santa Claus – now joined by Goldie Hawn as Mrs. Claus – in the sequel “The Christmas Chronicles: Part 2.” Variety calls the film a “harmless piece of hokum,” where the plot ruptures are all “healed by Christmas, and you get to hang out with a Santa who’s traditional but nearly cool.” PG. Available on Netflix. Contains mild action, violence, and brief strong language. 115 minutes. Produced by Shonda Rhimes’s Shondaland, the documentary “Dance
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believed to have parachuted from a plane with $200,000 before disappearing in 1971. According to IndieWire, somewhere beneath the surface of the film is an “illuminating meditation on the relationship between the banality of modern living and the fantasies that people sell to the masses to help them cope with it.” TV-14. Available on HBO. 87 minutes. Student dancers at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy in “Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker.” (NETFLIX)
woman who has decided to propose to her girlfriend (Mackenzie Davis) at her girlfriend’s traditional Christmas dinner with her family – only to discover the family doesn’t know she’s gay – in the rom-com “Happiest Season.” PG-13. Available on Hulu. Contains some strong language. 102 minutes. The thriller “Mosul” tells the story of the campaign to reclaim the titular Iraqi city from ISIS. Variety calls the film “a well-made but trouMackenzie Davis, left, and blingly generic war-is-hell Kristen Stewart in “Happiest pulse-pounder that ineviSeason.” (LACEY TERRELL/HULU) tably prompts the question: How recent is too recent Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker” goes behind the when it comes to turning a theater of war into pure thescenes at the Debbie Allen ater, pure Hollywood spectaDance Academy to offer cle?” TV-MA. Available on a peek at preparations for Netflix. 102 minutes. Allen’s annual award-winning holiday version of “The Nutcracker.” TV-G. Available “The Mystery of D.B. on Netflix. 80 minutes. Cooper” explores the myth that has arisen around Kristen Stewart plays a Cooper, a hijacker who is
“Our annual holiday event will still be a very festive recreation of the past, and we’ve kept as many of the popular elements as possible and added new ones.” Jim O’Brien, director of public events and performances at Old Sturbridge Village
ly. People want to get out and do things in an environment where they feel safe and comfortable,” O’Brien said about ways to celebrate the holidays during the pandemic. Dates for Christmas by Candlelight are Dec. 4-6,
11-13, 18-20, 23, and 27-30. Times are 3-8 p.m. On some days the event will open at 1 p.m. Check the OSV schedule for early openings. Guests must purchase tickets for specific arrival times. Tickets for the event
are available to members at the discounted rate of $20 for adults and $10 for youth ages 4-17. General public admission is $22 for adults and $11 for youth ages 4-17. Admission is free for children ages 3 and under.
The documentary “Saul & Ruby’s Holocaust Survivor Band” tells the story of two Florida retirees who formed a klezmer band to honor a fellow musician and Holocaust survivor. According to the Austin Chronicle, the story of the titular musicians is “such a remarkable and yet immediately recognizable story that it’s a true shame that it never feels like we get to know them.” Unrated. Available on various streaming platforms. 81 minutes. Set over a series of three consecutive Christmas holidays (which in Brazil take place during the summer), “Three Summers” is a dramedy about a housekeeper trying to overcome social barriers. The Hollywood Reporter writes that “the film is cleverly structured, asking the viewer to fill in the wide gaps between each narrative ellipsis, as if we’re watching a TV series where half the episodes have been cut out.” Unrated. Available at virtual avalon.org. In Portuguese with subtitles. 94 minutes.
Should the weather turn frightful and it snows upon a mostly outdoor event, the OSV website notes the attraction “rarely closes due to weather, but if a snow storm does hit and makes travel hazardous, the Village will close for however long as necessary. Any notice of the museum closing due to weather will be posted on the OSV website, Facebook and Twitter.” For more information, visit osv.org.
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DINE & WINE
Study predicts restaurant closures due to COVID-19
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INCE THE EARLY days of the pandemic there’s been no lack of dramatic speculation as to how COVID-19 and related public health orders would decimate the restaurant industry. Estimates last spring projected the eventual impact on dining out as resulting in closures of 10% to 50% plus of all restaurant locations. However, now that we’re eight months-plus into the crisis, data is emerging that more soberly suggests the pandemic’s eventual impact. A recent article in Nation’s Restaurant News, a periodical dedicated to the dining out industry, reported on analysis done by two independent financial research groups, New Jersey-based Kalinowski Equity Research and BTIG, a global financial services firm headquartered in New York City. The data and conclusions those two firms reported provide a still-bleak but not quite as catastrophic outlook on the industry’s future. Kalinowski’s predictions are based on the day-to-day developments in the industry. Very large chains, with deep pockets and plenty of resources, have been successfully pivoting to curbside, drive-thru, and digital strategies. Those chains have thus been able to limit their downsizing to the
Hugh Robert Off The Menu
When it comes to independents, Kalinowki’s estimates are that around 8% of such restaurants will permanently close. closure of a relatively small number of underperforming units. According to Kalinowki’s analysis, smaller chains are likely to be hit harder, likely having to shutter around 4% of their locations before the year is out. When it comes to independents, Kalinowki’s estimates are that around 8% of such restaurants will permanently close. The analysis by BTIG focused primarily on restaurant cash flow, which the firm says has improved every month since April and, according
to their estimates, is now positive for many brands and operations. Given such cash flows and even factoring in the partial shutdowns now being ordered, BTIC’s estimate of total restaurant closures this year is in what they term “the high single-digit range.” The complete article summarizing these two sets of predictions can be seen at nrn.com/operations/ covid-related-restaurantclosures-mount-perhapsless-dire-forecast. Side dishes • Arby’s Restaurant locations have brought back a seasonal favorite, deep-fried turkey, in two sandwich combinations, both available until the end of the year. A deep-fried turkey club is assembled from deep-fried turkey breast, cheddar, and bacon before being garnished with lettuce, tomato, and
on Granby Road in Chicopee, just off Memorial Drive.
The peppermint chip milkshake is now available at Chick-fil-A for a limited time.
• The Munich Haus German Restaurant in Chicopee once again plans to welcome the Dan Kane Carolers this holiday season. The Carolers will be performing from Dec. 10 through Dec. 23 each evening except Mondays starting at 6:30 p.m. Reservations are required, but requests for specific seats cannot be honored. Contact the restaurant at 413-594-8788 for more information.
• Chick-fil-A has also added two new items to its menu, mayo. both for a limited time only. Available until mid-January, Featuring the sweet-sour the peppermint chip milktang of cranberry, a “Market shake gets its flavor and a bit Fresh” cranberry sandwich of crunch from peppermint brings together deep-fried candy bark. turkey, Swiss cheese, bacon, Chick-fil-A’s version of a and cranberry spread. Lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise Tex-Mex classic, chicken tortilla soup, is also being ofcomplete the presentation. SEE MENU, PAGE E9 There is an Arby’s location (CHICK-FIL-A PHOTO)
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fered until April 24. It features shredded chicken with navy and black beans, vegetables, and spices as well the traditional tortilla strip garnish. • Joseph’s at Cold Spring in Belchertown has adjusted its operating hours. It is now open for breakfast and lunch every Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The restaurant, which is located in the clubhouse of the Cold Spring Country Club on Chauncey Walker Street, is doing business on a limited basis during the winter season while the club’s course is closed. The weekend breakfast and lunch menu can be seen online at josephsatcoldspring. com
30Boltwood Restaurant in the Inn on Boltwood in Amherst will be holding Holiday Teas on Saturdays this December. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN FILE PHOTO)
Holiday Teas on Saturdays this December. To be served between noon and 4 p.m., the tea includes an assortment of scones, tea sandwiches, threebite desserts, and petit fours. A two-cup pot of tea is also brewed for each guest. Cost to participate is $37 per person, which does not include tax or gratuity. Reservations are required. Contact 30Boltwood at 413835-2011. More information about the tea can be found online at 30boltwood.com
ry muffin is made with real fruit and topped with streusel crumbs. All three items are available throughout the day and are being promoted not only as a breakfast indulgence but also as dessert or between-meal snack. In an effort to increase use of the chain’s mobile “Order & Pay” app, participating Mc• Red Robin Gourmet Donald’s locations are offering Burgers and Brew locations “Free Fries on Fry Day” each are celebrating the holidays Friday for the rest of the year. with the return of the gingerTo qualify for the deal, there bread milkshake. Designed must be a $1 minimum order to serve as either beverage placed using the McD app’s • As part of a corporate or dessert, the shake is made strategy to rebuild breakfast “Order & Pay” function. with a soft-serve base that has traffic and increase overall cusThe McD app can be downtomer visits, McDonald’s has loaded from either of the gingerbread syrup and graham cracker crumbs blended introduced new pastry items major app stores. in. Finished with whipped to its menu, the first such topping, the milkshake is also addition since 2012. Items that • Steaming Tender garnished with more graham debuted last month include an Restaurant in Palmer is doing cracker crumbs and a ginger- apple fritter, a blueberry muf- its part to support local Christbread man cookie. fin, and a cinnamon roll. mas tree farms this season by The gingerbread milkshake The fritter, a fried pastry holding a “Bring a tree, kids will be available at participat- filled with cinnamon and eat free” promotion. ing Red Robin locations as apples, is finished with a sweet Those visiting Steaming long as supplies last. glaze. Tender after picking out and Served warm, the new cinna- cutting their tree at a near• 30Boltwood Restaumon roll is drizzled with cream by tree farm will receive a rant in the Inn on Boltwood cheese icing. complimentary child’s meal in Amherst will be holding McDonald’s new blueberwith every paying adult in the party. For more details on this “Bring a tree” offer, contact Steaming Tender Restaurant at 413-283-2744.
packaging when they receive their next delivery. If a container is not returned within six weeks, the customer is charged for it. The service claims its packages, which look a lot like traditional foam “clamshells,” are dishwasher safe and can be reused over 1,000 times. Operating under the tagline of “food you want, sustainably delivered,” DeliverZero has recently released a mobile app and plans to expand from its base in the New York market. The service’s website can be found at deliverzero.com. Hugh Robert is a faculty member in Holyoke Community College’s hospitality and culinary arts program and has nearly 45 years of restaurant and educational experience. Robert can be reached online at OffTheMenuGuy@aol.com.
New England TRAVELER CAPE COD ACROSS FROM THE BEACH - THE VILLAGE GREEN. Rates from $60 - $85 to 5/21/21 (excluding holidays, some restrictions apply). 3 Night Special off season starting from $140 all week. Ocean views and efficiencies available. FREE continental breakfast in season. All rooms have refrigerators and cable TV. Heated outdoor pool. Take children to the beachside playground. Close to several golf courses, tennis courts, whale watch cruises, ferries to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, restaurants, shops, bike trails and many more of the Cape’s unique attractions. 10% Senior Discount. South Shore Drive, South Yarmouth, MA 02664. 1-800-487-4903. www.vgreenmotel.com.
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The Steaming Tender Restaurant in Palmer is offering a “Bring a tree, kids eat free” promotion to support local Christmas tree farms. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN FILE PHOTO)
• One problematic aspect of the pandemic-fueled growth in restaurant takeout and delivery is the mountains of single-use wrappers and containers that have been used. Food service operations struggling to survive had found themselves forced to be environmental “bad guys” in
the process. A small New York Citybased startup, DeliverZero, believes it may have an answer to the food delivery waste problem. A third party restaurant delivery service with a business model similar to that of Uber Eats and its competitors, DeliverZero differs in that it only delivers restaurant food packed in reusable packaging. Customers place their orders at DeliverZero’s website; the service currently has a roster of participating restaurants in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan. Individual accounts that tally the number of containers delivered are maintained for each customers, and recipients of DeliverZero can either drop off containers to be reused at a participating restaurant or hand over the
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Celebrating 17 years of this column
HEN I STARTED this column almost 17 years ago to the day, I could not share it with you on social media platforms because outside of MySpace, there really weren’t any. No Facebook. No Twitter. No Instagram, etc. There were some internet forums on which I could share it, but that was about it. There wasn’t any chance of a column “going viral” because that concept had not really come into the vernacular yet. Most people read the column in print. And while craft beer was on the rise (this was in 2003), there were still fewer than 1,500 craft beer breweries in the U.S. A decade later,
B
and give you something either enlightening or entertaining to think about while you sip your morning coffee (or evening stout). So thank you for being part or why it’s unique. I felt that of this journey for these past 17 everyone is entitled to his or years. I can’t say, “Here’s to 17 her opinion about a certain more,” because that is highly beer, and my subjective take on one or another wasn’t going unlikely, but what is certainly to add anything of value to the possible, if not probable, is making it to 20 years (in 2023), craft beer conversation. knock on wood. That will be a And that is what I try to do each week, to varying degrees real cause for celebration. It’s that possible 21st anniof success. Whether it’s writing about a new beer success versary that I kind of dread: story, offering an outlook on a That will mean there will be possibly touchy subject matter beer drinkers out there who in craft brewing, or simply weren’t even born when I sharing some of the more started this column. humorous beer tales that find Now that is a sobering their way to my desk, my goal thought! Cheers! is to engage you, the reader,
As I write this, there are more than 8,000 craft breweries now in the U.S., which is astounding in many lights.
George Lenker Beer Nut
that number almost doubled to about 2,800, but even that mini-boom didn’t really foreshadow the past seven years in craft beer. As I write this, there are more than 8,000 craft breweries now in the U.S., which is astounding in many lights.
As I’ve mentioned before in this space, one concern my editors originally had about committing to a weekly column dedicated to beer in a daily newspaper was about the sustainability of such an endeavor. But even back then, I felt confident that craft beer would provide enough fodder at least once a week for me to write about. One thing I didn’t want the column to be was a “review” or rating of beers. I originally wrote about a particular beer (and still occasionally do), but only in terms of describing it
3 affordable, revolutionary Bordeaux wines
ORDEAUX WINES have a bit of a problem. Sure, they’re world famous and adored by millions of wine lovers, including myself. But when many people think of Bordeaux wines – especially red ones – certain words and misconceptions might come to mind. Expensive. Old fashioned. Predictable. Perhaps even a bit boring. Add to that the fact that many people might think you have to wait years to open many bottles and it’s easy to understand why some consumers might be reluctant to buy them or only save Bordeaux wines for special occasions. But the reality is Bordeaux is changing. Yes, you can still find wines here that will age beautifully and taste great decades from now. But you can also find affordable, easy-drinking wines ready to open the same day you buy them.
Paulliac, Margaux and Graves. More important, red wines grown here tend to be made predominantly with cabernet sauvignon grapes blended with other grapes.
Ken Ross Wine Press
And while Bordeaux may be world famous for its blended red wines, all three Bordeaux wines recommended this week were each made with a single grape. But that’s just the beginning of what makes these wines so revolutionary. One wine wasn’t aged in oak barrels. Another wine doesn’t have sulfites. The third wine was fermented in a stainless steel tank. This is definitely not your dad’s Bordeaux. And all three tasted terrific. I hope you agree.
The three, Bordeaux wines recommended this week. (KEN ROSS PHOTO)
Wines recommended this week • 2019 L’Invincible Chateau Lauduc ($24.99 Suggested Retail Price) • 2018 Hors Serie Malbec ($16 SRP) • 2018 Chateau La Freynelle Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.99 SRP) More about Bordeaux France’s Bordeaux wine region is divided into two main
areas – the Left Bank and the Right Bank. The dividing line is the Gironde River. Wineries located on the southwest side of the Gironde River are on the Left Bank. Wineries located on the northeast side of the Gironde are on the Right Bank. Bordeaux’s Left Bank The Left Bank of Bordeaux includes several famous subregions, including Medoc,
Bordeaux’s Right Bank Some of the best known subregions on the Right Bank include Pomerol, St. Emilion, Fronsac and Castillon. And instead of cabernet sauvignon grapes being the primary grape in most red blends, most winemakers here predominantly use merlot grapes. New trends in Bordeaux Now that you know the basics about Bordeaux, be prepared to rethink the rules. A new generation of winemakers here are creating affordable red wines that challenge long-held perceptions about the region. You’ll notice the difference starting with the labels. Most Bordeaux wines almost never mention the grape. Instead, the labels simply state the SEE WINE, PAGE E12
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LiveWire
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star Alex Winter, “Zappa” is available now for streaming. The soundtrack is available for CONTINUED FROM PAGE E3 preorder. renowned guitarist also worked The soundtrack includes 12 with Bad English. songs that have never been He was inducted into the released and reflect all stages of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in the late performer’s career, including his mid-’60s debut with 2017 with Journey. the Mothers of Invention to • Prevented from its aphis final release, 1993’s “Yellow pointed rounds in the form of a Shark.” summer tour, Primus will take The disc also contains live the virtual route with livescuts from a 1968 performance, tream concert, “Alive From interview clips, and a 1978 performance on “Saturday Night Pachyderm Station,” on Dec. Kiss will say farewell to 2020 with a New Year’s Eve livestream Live.” 11 at 6 p.m. Tickets and link and in the process will attempt to set the world’s record for Universal is accepting preorinformation is available through largest pyrotechnic display. (KEVIN WINTER / GETTY IMAGES FOR ABA) ders for the package, which will primuslive.com. The band was scheduled to be available next year. other roots influences. spend the summer of 2020 on The soundtrack can be The band’s decade of touring its “A Tribute to Kings” tour, a streamed through frankzappa. and recording paid off in tribute to progressive rock band com. The film’s trailer is avail1987 with the cover of Richie Rush that would feature Prim- able at thezappamovie.com. Valens’ “La Bamba,” which us playing Rush’s “A Farewell to became a radio hit for the band. Kings” in its entirety. That tour • The Hanover Theatre has been moved to 2021. in Worcester is offering up a • Culture Club has set a different version of a Christmas livestream date for an upcoming concert. • Shawn Mendes will follow classic. “Hip Hop Nutcracker” up the release of his album The 1980s band will perform will livestream on Dec. 19 at “Wonder” with a livestream from the SSE Arena in Wembley 7 p.m. with access available Dave Matthews is set to join concert to benefit his founin the U.K. on Dec. 19 at 5 p.m. through the venue website at three dozen other artists in a dation. The album is due out Tickets for the performance thehanovertheatre.org. virtual tribute to singer-songtomorrow and the livestream is are available through TicketThe mash-up of the writer Yusuf/Cat Stevens on set to take place on Sunday. Tchaikovsky classic was reSaturday at 3 p.m. (JAMIE MCCARTHY/ master at 800-745-3000 and The concert is free for fans corded live at the New Jersey online at ticketmaster.com. GETTY IMAGES FOR GOD’S LOVE WE DELIVER) who will have an opportunity Performing Arts Center and Culture Club came out of to donate to the Shawn Mendes features a dozen all-star dancLondon in 1981 and became with the world-famous Viper Foundation which has support- ers, a DJ, a violinist and MC one of the most influential Room in Los Angeles, “Almost ed COVID-19 relief and social Kurtis Blow, one of hip hop’s Live: Formal as (expletive) New bands of the decade. justice causes. founding fathers, who opens the Year’s Eve Special.” The group turned out hits The album and access to show with a short set. The show tickets and viewing such as “Do You Really Want the concert can be obtained Tickets are $20. link are available through steel- to Hurt Me,””I’ll Tumble 4 Ya,” pantherrocks.com. through shawnmendesoffiand “Karma Chameleon” while cial.com. The satirical metal outfit got • Deftones have booked a winning a Grammy in the best its start playing weekly shows at new artist category. sizable summer tour for next • During a recent interview year that will grace the U.K and the Viper Room covering metal on satellite radio, Ann Wilson the U.S. with stops in Boston and glam rock gods of the day. • Indie pop band AJR has announced a virtual concert event revealed information on an Its label debut “Feel the Steel” and Connecticut. The group for Dec. 26 at 8 p.m. upcoming biopic. will play Mohegan Sun Arena on debuted at No. 1 on the BillThe movie will chronicle the board Comedy charts. Tickets for the show are Aug. 21 and Agganis Arena in life and times of Ann and Nan- Boston on Aug. 23. available through Ticketmaster cy Wilson and their seminal • Los Lobos has planned a at 800-745-3000 or online at Tickets are available now rock band Heart. through all Ticketmaster outlets livestream performance for fans ticketmaster.com. While COVID-19 has slowed including ticketmaster.com to air on Dec. 11. The show will feature nevproduction, Wilson has seen the and by phone at 800-745-3000. “Still Home for the Holidays” er-before-heard songs from AJR’s upcoming album. script written by Sleater-Kinwill broadcast from the Belly Deftones will be supporting ney/”Portlandia” star Carrie The group had two area shows Up Tavern in Solana Beach, the release of the 20th AnniBrownstein who will also versary reissue of the “White scheduled this summer before California. direct. Pony” album which will Tickets are $20 and available the pandemic – May 15 at the The Wilson sisters formed coincide with the release of the through the venue website at Toyota Oakdale in Connecticut Heart in Seattle in 1970 and compilation “Black Stallion.” and July 31 at the Xfinity Centre bellyuptavern.com. went on to sell nearly 40 million The reissue package is out Dec. The band will play selections in Mansfield. records worldwide. 11 and pre-orders are available from its holiday-themed release now through deftones.com. • Songwriter Brandi Carlile “Llego Navidad” which was • Along with the release of will deliver a memoir in 2021. released in 2019. a new documentary on rocker • Metal band Steel Panther “Broken Horses” will come out Los Lobos began its recordFrank Zappa comes news of a has planned a livestream event ing career in the late ’70s and on April 6 through Crown, an companion soundtrack. merged traditional Mexican for New Year’s Eve. imprint of the Random House Directed by “Bill and Ted” The group will present, along music with rock, blues, and Publishing Group.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020 | E11
Carlile announced the release through social media and described the book as an extension of “the long crazy stories” she tells from the stage. Carlile was scheduled to appear at Fenway Park last summer as part of the James Taylor / Jackson Browne show. • Singer-songwriter Vienna Teng continues her livestream series with a show that will benefit local venues. Teng will perform a virtual concert on Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. In partnership with local venues, the performance will benefit the Iron Horse Music Hall when tickets are purchased through the venue website at iheg.com. The show is being presented as a “Pay What You Want” model with a minimum of $10. Teng is a classically-trained pianist who performs in the folk and pop genres. • Ricky Duran has a livestream on tap for Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. from the Continental Club in Austin, Texas. Duran earned a second place finish on last year’s run of “The Voice.” The show will feature the world premiere of his single “She Closed Her Eyes” along with other unreleased originals. Tickets for the event are available through mandolin.com. • The offspring of some fairly famous rock stars have joined together to form their own band. Noah Weiland, son of the late Scott Weiland, has teamed up with drummer London Hudson, son of Slash, and Tye Trujillo, son of Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo, to create Suspect208.The rock band has just released its debut single “Long Awaited.” Slash (Guns ‘N Roses) and Scott Weiland (Stone Tempe Pilots) were members of the rock supergroup Velvet Revolver in the early 2000s. That group seems to have been a heavy influence on the young rockers as “Long Awaited,” which is approaching a million views on YouTube, is reminiscent of the Velvet Revolver sound. Suspect208 is planning to release an EP in the near future.
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Wine CONTINUED FROM PAGE E10
region or subregion where the grapes were grown – Medoc or Pomerol, for example. Instead, this week’s wines prominently feature the name of the grape, just like wines from California, Argentina and many other places. Some of the labels themselves are more playful than most straight-laced Bordeaux labels.
There are definitely exciting things happening in the fields and the cellars in Bordeaux. But it’s not just the labels that are revolutionary. These wines are fresh and fruit-forward in style. They feature different grape varieties and a more contemporary approach. In the past 20 years, the number of acres of secondary grapes such as petit verdot, carmenere and malbec have more than doubled in Bordeaux, from 3,684 to 7,887 acres, according to the Bordeaux Wine Council. And based on these three wines recommended this week, there are definitely exciting things happening in the fields and the cellars in Bordeaux.
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grown – in limestone rich soil, the key to many great wines. I am very impressed with the maturity of such a young wine. 2018 Hors Serie Malbec Grape: 100% malbec Tasting notes: This is the wine that probably comes as the biggest shock to most people. Malbec is not a grape many people associate with Bordeaux. Argentina’s Mendoza region and France’s Cahors region are renowned for their robust, earthy malbec wines. But this jammy, voluptuous wine proves that Bordeaux can deliver big, ripe fruit flavors (especially plum) as well. Made without any oak aging and featuring a wooden label on the bottle, this wine was especially enjoyable the second day. The ripe fruit flavors became slightly softer, and hints of raspberry emerged along with more toned-down plum flavors. However, the aroma of the wine remained fragrant and intense. This is the wine you want with a sizzling steak or other grilled meats. It is a real powerhouse.
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2018 Chateau La Freynelle Cabernet Sauvignon Grape: Cabernet sauvignon Tasting notes: This wine might look like a traditional Bordeaux with its businesslike label. But inside the bottle, the winemakers took a very different approach. Fermented in stainless steel, this wine has a Wine tasting notes very austere, reserved quality, 2019 L’Invincible Chateau especially immediately after Lauduc opening the bottle. My first Grape: 100% merlot thought was this wine needs a Tasting notes: Everything few more years of aging (and it about this wine feels new and just might, depending on your refreshing – the funky label, tastes). But just one day later, the winemaking process, even the wine’s sharp edges became the name itself – invincible. much more rounded, yet flinty. Made with no added sulfites, There were also hints of chalk, the winery describes the wine cheesecloth and straw. A truly as “fresh,” “fruity” and “sapfascinating wine ready to drink py” on the back of the label. now or perhaps in another five I didn’t taste any sap, but the years. It’s also another great wine was definitely fresh and example of some of the newer fruity (especially ripe plum and style of wines being created cherry flavors) the first day. In in one of the world’s most a way, it somewhat reminded traditional and celebrated wine me of Beaujolais Nouveau regions. wine at first. But over time and Cheers! especially the second day, the Wine Press by Ken Ross wine’s flavors became softer, appears on Masslive.com every Monday and in The Repubdrier and more subtle. That lican’s weekend section every probably has something to do Thursday. with where the grapes were
FROM OUR CATERING DEPARTMENT