THE CHALK REPORT

Food, Wine, Travel

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andychalk

Mar 6, 2021
1 min

Texas Winery Dogs - Book Available Now!

The books that showcases the wonderful dogs of Texas all in their natural environment. Click on the image to buy your copy now!

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DINING: NEW MENU ITEMS AT GRAND LUX CAFÉ

andychalk

2 days ago
1 min

DINING: NEW MENU ITEMS AT GRAND LUX CAFÉ

by Andrew Chalk Grand Lux Café is not just a reproduction of a Belle Époch Parisian, Viennese, or Belgian Café, it is also a lively and...

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andychalk

3 days ago
24 min

What Did Rudolf Steiner Actually Say?

Part 1: Background, and the first half of his lectures by Andrew Chalk Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) is the Austrian who invented...

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andychalk

4 days ago
3 min

BENRIACH IS BACK!

by Andrew Chalk Remember Benriach? They impressed us with their Speyside single malts a year ago. Later they showed their power to really...

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Gehricke Wines Announces Debut Release of Sonoma Mountain Sauvignon Blanc

andychalk

5 days ago
2 min

Gehricke Wines Announces Debut Release of Sonoma Mountain Sauvignon Blanc

FROM THE WIRES... Innovative Négociant Representing Terroir-Driven Wines Announces Line Extension for its Flagship Sonoma Winery SONOMA,...

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andychalk

6 days ago
2 min

Dining with Bacchus at EATALY

by Andrew Chalk It is not every day that you get to dine with Bacchus. God of "wine, vegetation, fertility, festivity, ritual madness,...

202 views0 comments

andychalk

Nov 28
2 min

Holiday Gift Guide for the Grill Master

FROM THE WIRES... Burn Pit BBQ Price: $8.99 - $10.99 Rubs and hot sauces also available on Amazon Grill masters know just how savory all...

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THE HILL COUNTRY TOWN OF MASON IS EMERGING AS A NEW HUB OF THE TEXAS WINE INDUSTRY

andychalk

Nov 25
27 min

THE HILL COUNTRY TOWN OF MASON IS EMERGING AS A NEW HUB OF THE TEXAS WINE INDUSTRY

by Andrew Chalk In 2020 I wrote that the quaint but tiny town of Mason was emerging as one of the next wine industry clusters in the...

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KOPKE IS THE OLDEST PORT PRODUCER IN THE WORLD

andychalk

Nov 24
1 min

KOPKE IS THE OLDEST PORT PRODUCER IN THE WORLD

by Andrew Chalk And they make some really good port wines. Check out these examples on the shelves... 2003 White Colheita 20 Year Old...

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COUNTDOWN TO A TEXAS THANKSGIVING: T - 1

andychalk

Nov 23
2 min

COUNTDOWN TO A TEXAS THANKSGIVING: T - 1

by Andrew Chalk We are just days away from what, for many Americans, is the biggest family get-together of the year - Thanksgiving....

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HUGH JOHNSON’S POCKET WINE BOOK 2023 - BUYER’S GUIDE TO A POTENTIALLY DEFECTIVE PRODUCT

andychalk

Nov 21
4 min

HUGH JOHNSON’S POCKET WINE BOOK 2023 - BUYER’S GUIDE TO A POTENTIALLY DEFECTIVE PRODUCT

by Andrew Chalk When the 2022 edition of this long-running guide (hereafter HJPWB) was released, I reviewed it and reported that I found...

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COUNTDOWN TO A TEXAS THANKSGIVING: T - 4

andychalk

Nov 20
2 min

COUNTDOWN TO A TEXAS THANKSGIVING: T - 4

by Andrew Chalk We are just days away from what, for many Americans, is the biggest family get-together of the year - Thanksgiving....

189 views0 comments

COUNTDOWN TO A TEXAS THANKSGIVING: T - 5

andychalk

Nov 19
3 min

COUNTDOWN TO A TEXAS THANKSGIVING: T - 5

by Andrew Chalk We are just five days away from what, for many Americans, is the biggest family get-together of the year - Thanksgiving....

151 views0 comments

andychalk

Nov 18
1 min

KEEPING THE TRAINS ON TIME

Symington Family Estates Launches Combolo do Vesuvio FROM THE WIRES Seasoned travelers know that the Linha do Douro (Douro Line) in...

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andychalk

Nov 17
1 min

Tis a Mere Truffle!

FROM THE WIRES... Get ready to unearth one of Italy's most prized ingredients – fresh white truffles are back in season, and at Eataly...

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WINE REVIEW: Cakebread 2021Chardonnay, Napa Valley, CA ($45)

andychalk

Nov 16
1 min

WINE REVIEW: Cakebread 2021Chardonnay, Napa Valley, CA ($45)

by Andrew Chalk This month, Cakebread Cellars is releasing the newest vintages of Merlot and Chardonnay perfect for fire-side sipping....

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andychalk

Nov 15
1 min

Drake's Perfect Margarita Boxtail

FROM THE WIRES... Drake’s Perfect Margarita Boxtail: (SRP: $19.99/1.75L, ABV: 12%) is the only boxed RTD that is vegan, organic,...

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Flat Top Hills Releases a $16 Pinot Noir and it is their Best Wine Yet

andychalk

Nov 14
3 min

Flat Top Hills Releases a $16 Pinot Noir and it is their Best Wine Yet

FROM THE WIRES Flat Top Hills Celebrates International Pinot Noir Day with Introduction of New Wine Offering Winery Will Also Introduce...

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TRIP TO PASO ROBLES? STAY IN A TUSCAN VILLA

andychalk

Nov 11
5 min

TRIP TO PASO ROBLES? STAY IN A TUSCAN VILLA

Allegretto Vineyard Resort Is In a Class of its Own by Andrew Chalk Prior to the pandemic, I traveled a lot on business and invariably...

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DOW’S VALE DO BOMFIM LAUNCHES WHITE TABLE WINE AND UNVEILS A NEW LOOK

andychalk

Nov 10
3 min

DOW’S VALE DO BOMFIM LAUNCHES WHITE TABLE WINE AND UNVEILS A NEW LOOK

FROM THE WIRES... SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., July 26th, 2022 – Symington Family Estates, producer of some of the finest Ports in the world...

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WINE REVIEW: Saba Winery 2019 Norteno Red Blend, Tad Daniel Vineyards, Texas High Plains, TX ($35)

andychalk

Nov 9
2 min

WINE REVIEW: Saba Winery 2019 Norteno Red Blend, Tad Daniel Vineyards, Texas High Plains, TX ($35)

by Andrew Chalk A new winery founded in 2021 by Scott Monette and Mirta Leon Poiseu in Mason, Texas. Scott was not always a Texas wine...

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A TALE OF TWO FESTIVALS: AUSTIN FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL AND CHEFS FOR FARMERS FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL

andychalk

Nov 8
5 min

A TALE OF TWO FESTIVALS: AUSTIN FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL AND CHEFS FOR FARMERS FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL

by Andrew Chalk I just spent Saturday at the Austin Food and Wine Festival and Sunday at Chefs for Farmers Food and Wine Festival in...

111 views0 comments

andychalk

Nov 5
2 min

TRIVENTO: A MALBEC TO LOOK FOR

by Andrew Chalk It says something about the impact of Argentine malbec that at least two generations in America consider malbec to be an...

52 views0 comments

This Is What Diageo is Buying With Its Purchase of Balcones Distilling

andychalk

Nov 3
4 min

This Is What Diageo is Buying With Its Purchase of Balcones Distilling

by Andrew Chalk Diageo is the largest spirits firm in the world. The owner of brands like Johnnie Walker (Scotch), Tanqueray (Gin),...

386 views0 comments

andychalk

Nov 2
2 min

New Wines from Murrieta's Well

by Andrew Chalk Murrieta's Well is a Livermore Valley wine estate defined by its rich heritage steeped in California wine history,...

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REVISIT: THOMAS HILL ORGANICS, PASO ROBLES, CA.

andychalk

Nov 1
2 min

REVISIT: THOMAS HILL ORGANICS, PASO ROBLES, CA.

Still a solid choice for imaginative, locally-sourced, New American cuisine by Andrew Chalk It has been several years since I dined at...

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CrateChef Delivers Chef Selections to your Door

andychalk

Oct 31
1 min

CrateChef Delivers Chef Selections to your Door

FROM THE WIRES Available on ShareaSale and Sovrn Gourmet items arrive right at your doorstep with CrateChef to help nourish your inner...

6 views0 comments

andychalk

Oct 30
1 min

OAK’D WINE DINNERS GO BEYOND BARBECUE

by Andrew Chalk The ‘dirty little secret’ is that Oak’d is a front operation for a fine dining restaurant. The tradecraft that keeps it...

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KENT RATHBUN’S KATY TRAIL BBQ RESTAURANT OPENS AT 11AM TODAY

andychalk

Oct 30
1 min

KENT RATHBUN’S KATY TRAIL BBQ RESTAURANT OPENS AT 11AM TODAY

by Andrew Chalk Famed Dallas chef Kent Rathbun’s latest venture opens today at 11am. It is on the Katy Trail at Monticello. It is set in...

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IT'S STILL HOT -- BETTER CHECK OUT DRAKE'S SPIKED ICE!

andychalk

Oct 27
1 min

IT'S STILL HOT -- BETTER CHECK OUT DRAKE'S SPIKED ICE!

by Andrew Chalk Mango Vodka Punch, Blackcherry Limeade, Watermelon Tini! All frozen and ready to savor as they melt. Check them out now!...

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APPELLATION MARLBOROUGH WINE’S ANNUAL COLLECTION REVEALED

andychalk

Oct 26
4 min

APPELLATION MARLBOROUGH WINE’S ANNUAL COLLECTION REVEALED

FROM THE WIRES The Appellation Marlborough Wine Annual Collection was launched earlier this month to highlight the calibre of Sauvignon...

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WINE REVIEW: Cantina Terlano, Pinot Grigio, Alto Adige DOC, Italy ($23)

andychalk

Oct 25
1 min

WINE REVIEW: Cantina Terlano, Pinot Grigio, Alto Adige DOC, Italy ($23)

by Andrew Chalk REVIEW “An extremely elegant wine is the Pinot Grigio with its multifaceted fruity bouquet. It convinces with its mild,...

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Announcing the Appellation Marlborough Wine 'Annual Collection'

andychalk

Oct 25
3 min

Announcing the Appellation Marlborough Wine 'Annual Collection'

FROM THE WIRES... FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THE APPELLATION MARLBOROUGH WINE ANNUAL COLLECTION Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) is proud to...

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LIKE SEAFOOD AS MUCH AS I DO? CHECK OUT BAP-CERTIFIED SEAFOOD

andychalk

Oct 25
1 min

LIKE SEAFOOD AS MUCH AS I DO? CHECK OUT BAP-CERTIFIED SEAFOOD

by Andrew Chalk BAP (Best Aquaculture Practices) certification was created by the Global Seafood Alliance as one of the most...

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andychalk

Oct 24
1 min

Change of Pace: Pivon Vermouth

by Andrew Chalk La Pivón Vermouth blends distinctly Spanish flavor profiles in its two Blanco and Rojo variations, each made with...

11 views0 comments

andychalk

Oct 24
1 min

Check Out These Cocktails!

FROM THE WIRES October is Non-GMO Month, a great time to celebrate food system transparency, agriculture supporting biodiversity, and...

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andychalk

Oct 23
1 min

Aquavit Anyone?

by Andrew Chalk “For years I would reminisce about a spirit I had tried on a movie set in Eastern Europe in the late 1970s,” said actor...

16 views0 comments

andychalk

Oct 21
1 min

The Cocktails are Ready To Drink!

Picnic Brunch has Bellini, Bloody Mary, and Mimosa FROM THE WIRES Created in 2017 by brothers Josh and Matt Meyers and friend Chris...

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Scheid Family Wines 2020 VDR (Very Dark Red, SRP $25).

andychalk

Oct 20
1 min

Scheid Family Wines 2020 VDR (Very Dark Red, SRP $25).

FROM THE WIRES... Grilling is a quintessential American pastime, there are few things that sum up summer so classically as the smell of...

5 views0 comments

First Amendment Brewery Releases Uncancellable Winter Ale Ahead of Free Speech Week

andychalk

Oct 20
3 min

First Amendment Brewery Releases Uncancellable Winter Ale Ahead of Free Speech Week

FROM THE WIRES As temperatures drop, Freezin' Season Winter Ale returns to store shelves Frederick, Md. – As colder weather looms near,...

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Pair Central Texas' Oldest (and BEST) Barbecue Sauce with it's Award Winning Bloody Mary Mix

andychalk

Oct 19
1 min

Pair Central Texas' Oldest (and BEST) Barbecue Sauce with it's Award Winning Bloody Mary Mix

FROM THE WIRES... Tailgate season is upon us and we cannot overlook preparing the best barbecue and Bloody Marys for the occasion! 1934...

61 views0 comments

andychalk

Oct 19
1 min

Guinigi Prosecco Rosé (SRP $17)

FROM THE WIRES Offering a crisp, clean – and stylish – way to celebrate the occasion, Guinigi Prosecco (SRP $17) and the recently debuted...

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A 28-Year-Old Single Malt That Extolls The Unique Virtues of Scotch

andychalk

Oct 18
3 min

A 28-Year-Old Single Malt That Extolls The Unique Virtues of Scotch

by Andrew Chalk The GlenDronach Distillery announces the much-anticipated release of The GlenDronach Grandeur Batch 11, an exquisite...

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andychalk

Oct 17
2 min

National Mezcal Day is October 21st

by Andrew Chalk For National Mezcal Day on October 21, consider the spirits from Bozal Mezcal, a wildly refined label made from...

40 views0 comments

andychalk

Oct 16
1 min

Chêne Bleu Reveals New Wines in Houston

by Andrew Chalk Chêne Bleu, is one of the best wineries in the southern Rhône, producing wines of breed and character that stand with the...

15 views0 comments

andychalk

Oct 13
1 min

Fall is Cristalino Season

FROM THE WIRES... With summer winding down and Labor Day quickly approaching, cocktail drinkers will be on the lookout for interesting...

30 views1 comment

Chefs for Farmers: Get ready for DEVOUR on November 3rd

andychalk

Oct 12
1 min

Chefs for Farmers: Get ready for DEVOUR on November 3rd

FROM THE WIRES DEVOUR - billed as The Ultimate Bite Night at the Exchange is an elevated approach on our favorite street food eats. Join...

60 views0 comments

PRESS RELEASE: Symington Family Estates' School of Port Launches 'The Masters'

andychalk

Oct 11
3 min

PRESS RELEASE: Symington Family Estates' School of Port Launches 'The Masters'

FROM THE WIRES SCHOOL OF PORT LAUNCHES ‘THE MASTERS’ School of Port, the educational platform from historic Port producer, Symington...

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WINE REVIEW: Pedernales Cellars 2018 Graciano, Texas High Plains ($45)

andychalk

Oct 10
1 min

WINE REVIEW: Pedernales Cellars 2018 Graciano, Texas High Plains ($45)

by Andrew Chalk Graciano is the third grape of Rioja and often the unsung hero behind successful Reserva red wines. Pedernales Cellars...

18 views0 comments

HOTEL REVIEW: AT THE ROYAL SONESTA NEW ORLEANS YOU CAN HEAR THE GUY SNORING IN THE ROOM NEXT DOOR

andychalk

Oct 9
3 min

HOTEL REVIEW: AT THE ROYAL SONESTA NEW ORLEANS YOU CAN HEAR THE GUY SNORING IN THE ROOM NEXT DOOR

by Andrew Chalk I have always wanted to stay at The Royal Sonesta New Orleans but could never find a price that made it a good deal. The...

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