Wine 101: A Guide to Choosing a Type of Wine

 

Hello, lovelies! 

Inspiration for this post came while I sipped on a glass of my favourite white wine. Have you ever wondered what different types of wine are out there? Check out this guide to 6 types of wine! 

1. Cabernet Sauvignon

This wine is derieved from full-bodied red grapes. It is flavored with bold tannins. (Describe). Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with flavorful meats (e.g. Lamb, smoked meats) and firm cheeses (e.g. Aged cheddar)

2. Shiraz

A full-bodied wine with intense fruit flavors. Shiraz often has a meaty quality. It pairs with beef, lamb, and firm cheeses.

3. Zinfandel 

White Zinfandel is my personal favourite. Flavor notes are aromatic, exotic fruits (e.g. Strawberry, lemon)

4. Pinot Noir

A light-bodied red wine with high acidity. It is dry wine with tasting notes of red fruits. It pairs with chicken, pork, and cream sauces.

5. Chardonnay

Chardonnay is a dry, full-bodied white wine. Two subtypes of chardonnay:

• Unoaked: Unoaked chardonnay has a lighter flavor profile. Ir is zesty with apple and citrus notes.
• Oaked: An oaked chardonnay will contain spicier notes.

Chardonnay pairs with seafood, chicken, pork and cream sauces. 

6. Reisling 

Reisling is a white wine that is floral. It contains notes of cirtus and stone fruit (e.g. Peach). Reisling is aromatic with variable sweetness. Pairings include chicken, turkey, fondue, and Thai cuisine. 

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The 3 Healthiest Items to Order at Starbucks (Morning, Noon, or Night!)

Hello, lovelies!

We’d all like to prepare healthy meals at home each week, but it is not always possible with a busy schedule. My go-to coffee choice is Starbucks. I actually drafted this post while sipping an iced coffee at my local Starbucks after work. I often add a food item with my coffee. These items range from chocolate chip cookies to a cup of oatmeal. If you’re looking for the healthiest items to order from Starbucks while on-the-go, look no further!

1. Classic Whole Grain Oatmeal 

Oatmeal is a healthy option. It is also nourishing and filling. Starbucks’ whole grain oatmeal contains just 160 calories, and 2.5 g of fat. Oatmeal is rich in fibre and other important minerals (e.g. magnesium, mangese, zinc)). These minerals support a healthy digestive and immune system. Starbucks’ classic oatmeal also contains nuts and berries for additional nutrients.

2. Basic coffee 

Stick to the basics when ordering your coffee. Coffee or espresso-based drinks like lattes, or blonde/dark roast coffees are light options. These options are low in sugar and extra calories. Asking for your coffee iced lightens it even more. A good rule of thumb is to skip sugary drinks like Frappuccinos. I’ve tried just about every drink on the menu. My main coffee order is now pared down to a Blonde roast coffee or iced latte.

3. Protein Bistro Box 

A bistro box contains the following items:

• Hardboiled egg
• Apple slices
• Grapes
• Peanut butter
• White cheddar cheese
• Muesli bread

This is a great option for breakfast or as a post-workout snack. It contains 15 grams of protein and 360 calories. A bistro box is healthy and portable. I often eat half in the morning then save the rest as an afternoon snack. The combination of fruit, grains, and protein keeps you full and satisfied until lunch.

What Starbucks drink or food item do you order? 

 

A Taste of Home: 3 Key Destinations for Foodies in St. John’s

Hello, lovelies!

Today I thought I’d switch up my blog post and feature some local favourites. I rarely mention my hometown of St. John’s, Newfoundland. Newfoundland is a small Canadian province in the middle of the Atlantic. (which happens to be a small Canadian province in the middle of the Atlantic). The warm, sunny weather this weekend inspired me. Today I share my favourite destinations for foodies living in, and visiting, St. John’s.

Newfoundland Chocolate Company

I adore chocolate. The Newfoundland Chocolate Company, founded in 2009, combines delicious chocolate with local flavours. Chocolates are filled with wildberries, seasalt caramel, almonds, and other ingredients. The fresh, handmade chocolates is my chocolate-loving dream. The company crafts a delicious Gelato using many of the same flavours found in their single chocolates. Gelato flavours include vanilla bean, sea salt caramel, and partridgeberry. You’ll find the Newfoundland Chocolate Company in two prime downtown locations – Duckworth Street and Signal Hill.

Bagel Cafe

I frequent Bagel Cafe. The cozy atmosphere offers a slate for hearty breakfast options. I favor the crisp, fluffy Belgain waffles loaded with summer berries. The cafe is located in the heart of the downtown core. It is sandwiched between colourful buildings and ocean views.

Starbucks 

Though Starbucks is not local to St. John’s, I placed it on my list. Most of the coffee I drink is bought from one of the Starbucks locations in the city. I enjoy the bright, flavourful blends of the company’s iced coffee, iced tea, and other specialty beverages.

What part of the world are you from? What is your favourite local food destination? Let me know in the comments below!