I know The Fleet has come and gone from the East coast, but now it has made it’s way to The City of Roses (Portland, OR- my city of residence) and when my friend informed me she had won tickets to this “non-denim” (yes, the tickets specified no denim) formal affair event, we had to go - it was our patriotic duty after all.

I should take a second here to clarify a few things before I really get into this story. I would like to start out by saying I fully support the troops, after all my brother is in the Navy, and when I told him I was heading out to the annual Meet the Fleet festivities his only response was a very brotherly “Don’t hook up with sailors.” Granted, I really had no intention of hooking up with these guys, I was more seeking some attractive company who would buy me drinks and could possibly turn into a pen-pal who sends me presents.

In order to maximize my odds with nabbing me a high ranking sailor I had my brother write me out a little guide on how to separate the men from the boys. With my criteria in place I was ready to meet and greet the ocean’s finest. Read More »

Wine can be intimidating. No doubt. With fancy names that are hard to pronounce, you’re often left to order the “house” wine out of fear of butchering some French name and sounding like a total beginner. Asking the waitress/waiter what their recommendation is will certainly give you a larger bill than expected, and the wine won’t taste like a glass of perfection but instead a glass of regret.

The key is learning how to figure out what you like on your own, knowing you prefer Sauvignon Blanc over Pinot Grigio, White over Red, “full-bodied” or “Crisp”….the list goes on an on, so if you can narrow it down to a few basic preferences, the next time you’re out ordering wine it’ll be a breeze rather than brain surgery.

Basic Whites:

Pinot Grigio: Typically more of a dry wine with medium body, not as sweet and lighter in color. Pairs well with lighter dishes i.e. Chicken, Rice, Salmon, etc. Aromas tend to be more flowery, citrus and light spice.

FACT: These aromas and flavors can often be smelled rather than tasted. That’s why so many fancy wine drinkers stick their face into their glass before taking a sip! Read More »