This is my idea of fun (at least this month)

Todd’s Pineapple Salsa

I was inspired by a recent vacation to try to come up with a “Tropical Salsa”. We have had some great weather for the past couple of days, so Lisa and I decided to invite over some test subjects, fire up the barbecue, buy some Ono fillets and a pineapple and see what came out.

1/2 large pineapple, peeled, and cut into 1/2-cubes
3/4 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons chopped seeded jalapeño pepper
2 tablespoons of olive oil
2 tablespoons of lime juice

Place all of the ingredients in a glass bowl.
Season the salsa with salt and pepper.
Toss well to combine.
Cover and refrigerate for two to four hours.
Set the covered bowl on the counter 30 minutes prior to serving (keep it covered until serving).

Miura Vineyards, 2000 Pinot Noir (Pisoni Vineyard Grapes)

Miura Vineyards wants to appear to be one of Napa Valley’s hottest boutique brands. The winery is a partnership between Emmanuel Kemiji, a Master Sommelier, and Byron Kosuge, the award-winning winemaker at Saintsbury. The thing that is interesting (to me anyway) is that they are located on Post Street in San Francisco and none of the grapes come from Napa valley. They buy grapes from top vineyards, and produce some intense wines. The wines (mostly Pinot and Chardonnay) are on restaurant lists from San Francisco to Singapore, though very little seems to make it into the retail market. Enough about the winery, this wine is big, full bodied and lush, it is very fruit forward, with powerful flavors. The nose is very rich and loaded with berry scents. If you want to try a California boutique wine, this would be a good one, you can get it for a fraction the price of some of the other boutique Pinots.

Silver Oak, 1997 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

The winery tasting notes say that this wine has great intensity and balance. The balance is good, but it is not an intense wine, it is soft and supple. It has a dark ruby red color. The nose is cassis, and coffee. Nice fruit with lots of berry flavors, medium body and a long, fruity finish. Has softened up quite a bit since release, and will most likely be good for a few more years. We will be drinking this one down soon; I think it is at its peek.