Table For One
It has been quite some time since my last post. Some profound changes, both horrible and some surprisingly good, have conspired to create a drastic paradigm shift in my life.
Life can change in a heartbeat.
When the smoke cleared, I found that I was again, at a table for one.
Having grown up an only child, this was a situation I was accustomed to, but once coupled, never thought I would return to for any prolonged length of time.
There is a stigma attached to eating out, preparing a meal, going on vacation, or simply deciding whether to open a bottle of wine if one doesn’t intend to finish it within the 3-4 days it will last.
Cooking for oneself also presents a unique challenge.
Both socially, and practically, we are taught from an early age that meals are meant to be communal experiences.
Recipes and grocery portions available for purchase are parceled out with more than one person in mind.
It can be a daunting situation, especially if one doesn’t normally cook. It is another reminder that we are no longer at a table for two, especially if, due to a new living situation, one finds oneself without a full or even decent kitchen.
But one has to feed oneself. Developing this skill will help rebuild one’s self-esteem, brick by brick.
A separation can also lead one to reinforce connections with old friends.
So in the coming weeks, with the help of a childhood friend and celebrity chef, Chris Shea, we will be posting recipes and sharing easy shortcuts that will make cooking for yourself something to look forward to, as opposed to another reminder of solitude and a general pain point.
Speaking of splits, this is still a wine column, so here are my Top Ten Bottles For One (all are 375ml or 2 1/2 glasses):
Esporao Monte Velho Red Portugal $6
One of the best value reds ever. This blend of Portuguese varietals:
Trincadeira, Aragonez, Touriga Nacional, and some Syrah is full bodied, well structured, and has generous black fruit with chocolatey smooth tannins. Drinks like a wine 4X the price. Mind-bogglingly good value.
Fontodi Chianti Classico 2021 $36
BALLER Producer, at an affordable price. Full-bodied, bursting with high-toned red fruit, great acidity, and earthy tannins that lend structure and length. Perfect for red meat or red sauce.
Ca Del Bosco Franciacorta Cuvee Prestige $28
One of my absolute favs. Made in the traditional champagne method, and a similar blend: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but the addition of pinot bianco give it a softness and surprising quaffability. Translation: almost too easy to drink. This screams: “quiche”, “grilled chicken” or “freshwater fish.”
This Northern Italian white is for all the Sauvignon Blanc/ Sancerre loyalists. Clean, citrusy and minerally, just lighter and less acidic. Layer upon layer of nuance with value for days..
Chateau Bois Redon Bordeaux Superieur $8
A great everyday full-bodied red that is smooth, balanced, and dry finishing. Merlot dominant, and easier than a Sunday morning. Great for everything from a bag of chips to a burger or impromtu cheese plate. Reminds me of sitting in Paris at a table for one facing the Champs Élysées.
Ed Edmundo Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza 2023 $8
Cab Sauv can be over extracted, over oaked and generally a fruit bomb in this price point. Not so here. This wine is surprisingly well-balanced and easy to drink. Packed with dark fruit, chocolate and earthy sage-forward notes. Have it with Pizza, or just enjoy a glass after work.
Light-bodied, showing red cranberries and earthy notes. Classic Beaujolais. Ultimate picnic wine. Perfect with a rotisserie chicken, steamed tofu, or a fancy ham sandwich. Tired of Pinot? Try its less venerated cousin. Like Cousin Eddie to Clark Griswold in the best possible way.
Contessa Abruzzo Pecorino 2024 $14
Possibly the most undervalued region in Italy overall. This light-bodied, rustic white wine is great for Albariño, or Fiano lovers. Slightly aromatic, with white stone fruit and a minerally finish. Ideal if the thought of another night with Netflix and Pinot Grigio makes you sad. Watch Netflix (I recommend “Suits”) dump the Santa Margherita.
Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs 2023 $24
One of the rare big names from California I will drink. This is Zin the way the good Lord intended. Powerful, and big as a mountain, yet balanced on the head of a pin. Fantastic black and red fruit, impressive structure, and an effortlessly smooth finish. Think spicy fare here.
I love a good Tempranillo, and this is a good value. Yes, it is oaky and fruit forward, but the tannins more than balance it, and this wine is ideal with cold cuts like Jamon Iberico, or a nice chorizo omellette.
Christian and Chris…love it!