For a skier, having over 40 inches of snow in less than 48 hours is a dream. Powder, powder, powder!!!  I anxiously got up early and ready and headed out the hotel.  I even got more excited when I found out the road to Snowbird was closed!  No locals!!  The road closure turned out to be a logistical problem for Snowbird.  Most people who work in Snowbird actually live down the hill in Salt Lake City.  So there was a delay in opening and only about 25% of the mountain was open.

My first ride on the Tram was great.  You ride up with 124 other amped up skiers to the peak (11,000 feet) in about 15 mins.  The snow was not heavy but not the famously light powder of Utah.  With only limited lifts and terrain open, I will not make any judgements.

Better day tomorrow.

I have never skied in Utah so my first ski trip was scheduled with the nice people at Travel Authority.  They set me up a 5 night 4 day ski trip to Snowbird, Utah.  I chose the Cliff, a ski in and ski out resort.  I have been anxiously checking the snow report during the last couple of weeks and was delighted to see that Snowbird had about 30 inches of snow over the past two days with more snow in the forecast.

I flew to Salt Lake City and a short 45 min ride to Snowbird and the Cliff was great.  It was snowing when we got up to the mountain which is always a great sign.

The Cliff is a typical snow mountain resort with all comfort for the skier.  The skis and boots are stored at the skiing level in lockers.  The locker has a boot warmer that automatically turns on at night!

The rooms are clean and roomy.

First night, I ate at the Mexican restaurant in the resort.  It was average at best.

Skiing report to follow.

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to purchase a short vertical from a great producer Beringer.  The re-released their Private Reserve form 1995, 1996, and 1997.  My local wine store Party Mart had them at a great price.  Today, I tried the 1995 Beringer Private Reserve.

Note from Parker:

“Beringer’s Private Reserve has always been one of my favorite California Cabernets … They can be drunk young, but age exceptionally well, giving every indication of holding their fruit and evolving nicely for two decades.” 
–Robert Parker Jr. commenting on the 1995 vintage

When you’re on Robert Parker’s radar, you’ve made an impression; when you’re one of his favourites, you’re in an elite club. The “immensely talented winemaker, Ed Sbragia”, to borrow Parker’s words, is the reason Beringer is a benchmark among Napa’s top estates.

Recently made wine master emeritus, Ed Sbragia’s precious winemaking legacy at Beringer is vanishing fast. This may be your best chance to experience his wines. Whether you’re interested in a fabulous mini-vertical, an unforgettable gift or outstanding cellarables, this Beringer short list is full of possibilities.

Decanted for one hour.  Another example of a great California Napa Valley Cabernet.  Full bodied, deep red wine.

Thanksgivings Day is always a great day to uncork some special wine to share with family and friends.  This year, I decided to try a 1999 Opus One.  I purchased this wine when I went to Napa Valley in 2003 at the Opus One Winery.  The wine has been perfectly stored in a EuroCave.

I was late for dinner so only had about an hour to decant prior to pouring.  Excellent mature meritage. Completely balanced and delicious.  This wine opened up more with time.

Great wine from a great winery.

The newest of the Buffalo Trace experimental bourbon collection has been recently release. This is the 13th and 14th bottles of the collection released since 2006.  The latest release are the 1993 Double Barreled and the 1997 Double Barreled.  I was only able to obtain one complete set this time so I will wait to try these when I have some good friends over.

1997 Double Barreled: distilled on 11-18-97; 90 proof; age at bottling: 11 yrs. 10 months; Rebarreled on 12-12-01; Master distiller commentary: complex Barrel flavors. Deep carmel color make this a pleasure to the eye as well as the palatte.  Robust start and smooth finish.

1993 Double Barreled: distilled on 4-4-93; 90 proof; age at bottling: 16 yrs. and 5 months; rebarreled on 12-12-01; Master distiller commentary:  Deep rich flavor fully expresses oak character.  Re-Barreling has taken this bourbon far beyond its16 years.  Strong, powerful finish.

Anyone who missed the Breeder’s Cup Classic this past weekend missed one of the most memorable races of the year.  Zenyatta an undefeated filly went against the boys for the first time and became the first filly/mare to win the Breeder’s Cup Classic.

The race started auspiciously as all the horses had to be reset in the gate after Quality Road had to be scratched.  Zenyatta started slow and was “dead last, Zenyatta last, got to be giving them about 10-11 lengths start” as called by Trevor Denman.  She continued to be last most of the way until she passed the Derby winner Mine That Bird along the back stretch.  She still had a lot of ground to make up but came flying down the stretch to pass Gio Ponti for the win.

Zenyatta is no doubt the Horse of the Year.

My first experience at Ruth Chris Steak House was when I was still a medical student at Tulane University in New Orleans in the early 1990’s.  The restaurant was actually located in the suburbs in a place called Meterie.  It was a smoky but family friendly restaurant with great steak along with Cajun favorites like gumbo.  I never new back then that Ruth Chris would become a successful steakhouse chain.

When Ruth Chris opened here in Louisville, I was vey excited.  Located in the Kaden Building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright’s son-in-law.  The building is supposed look like a Japanese Lantern (too cool).

Take the glass elevator when you go so you can see the Louisville skyline.  Stop at the bar and get a drink first.  I had a Manhattan.  They have a great selection of appetizers including oysters, onion rings, and tuna.  I had the seared tuna.  They also have great salads and soup.  I love the Ruth Chris Salad.

For the main course, I had the filet with mashed potatoes.  I am still thinking about it.

For desert, the banana cream pie.

What can I say, simply the best.

****1/2

El Mundo is still the best Mexican restaurant in Louisville.  I had dinner there this past week and was not disappointed.  El Mundo is about their food and drinks (margaritas).  This by far not an upscale restaurant and maybe some what pricy for the decor.  But decor is not what I usually have so it never bothers me.  The layout also may confuse new visitors as the first floor is more self service while upstairs is the sit down traditional restaurant.  The service is great especially once you become a regular.

They have lunch and dinner menus with specials.  My favorite is the fish tacos.  Try them at lunch and dinner because they are made slightly different.  The aioli sauce is delicious.  My other favorite are the spicy bean tacos.

This week, I ventures away from my usual and went with one of their specials.  It was the seafood enchilada.  It was something so different then what I usually have that I was blown away by how great it was.  It was full of shrimp, scallops, and fish in a rich creamy sauce.  I hope they will make that a regular on their menu.

As for the margaritas, try the $12 real ones.  You will not be disappointed.

El Mundo is located on 2345 Frankfort Ave.

*****

I had dinner last night at Jack Fry’s which continues to be one of Louisville’s finest restaurant.  I started at the bar with a few friends with a  Bookers Manhattan Up made just perfectly.  We then moved to our table where I started the dinner with my favorite corn bread lightly buttered.

For appetizers, I had my usual spicy fried oysters with Kentucky ham, green onions and creamy grits.  This is my favorite appetizer at Jack’s.  I skipped the salad but my favorite salad is the warm brie salad.  The goat cheese salad and the stilton salad are also a great choice.

I usually have the lamb chops but instead I went with on of their dinner special.  It was a veal with mushrooms and pasta.  It was delicious.  For desert, I had the apple fruit cobbler.  I love any desert with apple so that was a no brainer.

Great atmosphere with great food.

****

I had lunch at Shiraz a Mediterranean grill in Louisville, KY.  They first started as a small local food joint but now has several locations.  I went to the one in Holiday Manor.

I had the Joojeh Kabob which is a marinated all natural chicken breast cooked on a wood char grill.  For the sides, I chose the lentil rice and Shiraz salad.  Along with the drink and a side of Tzatiziki sauce (cumcumber based), a must have, the cost was $10.

The grilled chicken is amazingly tender and juicy.  Dip it in the Tzatiziki sauce and you will want to come back again.  The lentil rice is the perfect side.

Will go again often.