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Cutchogue: Bedell Cellars First Crush
On a shockingly bitter cold Tuesday in November, Bedell Cellars of Cutchogue held an exciting launch party celebrating the release of Bedell First Crush Red 2013 and the winery’s collaboration with artist Mickalene Thomas; who’s art proudly decorates the bottle. The expected 200 guests stayed warm at the Four Seasons in NYC and indulged in a variety of Bedell wines in suitable honor of the winery.

Bedell Cellars’ owner and Hollywood film producer Michael Lynne, mingled with guests with a smile on his face that never faltered. Among those invited were several whom are well known in the art and entertainment community including Stacy Engman, a curator at the National Arts Club in New York; Mashonda Tefiere, previously married to musical artist Swizz Beats; and Will Cotton, a famous painter whose inspiration is sourced from Katy Perry.

The 2013 First Crush is an exquisite blend of 60% merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, from grapes picked from younger vines. Lettie Teague of The Wall Street Journal describes it as, “A light juicy blend, pretty, uncomplicated, marked by soft tannins and bright red berry fruit.” It is absolutely delicious and delightfully smooth. Among other wines poured were an oak barreled chardonnay, a stainless steel chardonnay, and the Musée, another red blend with heavy, velvety tannins and a long finish. 3-2

Accompanying the wine were elegant hor dourves of steak carpaccio with truffle oil, seared tuna with mango chutney, duck wontons, and fried oysters among several others. Guests reacted very positively grabbing bites just as quickly as wine was being poured. Each food passed was more delicious than the last and thankfully were not in short supply.

Some time into the evening, Michael Lynne addressed the attendees, announcing the release of First Crush and introducing Mickalene Thomas whom also spoke to the crowd of the wine and her artwork. She described First Crush as being very easy to drink and would also make for an excellent art piece after drinking! Both speakers radiated positive energy and the crowd gave a loud and long applause to honor the collaboration. 4-2

The evening was a lovely celebratory event of art, great food, and excellent wine. To name this newly launched Bedell wine First Crush is an understatement. It truly seems more appropriate to be titled “First Love.”

jitneyGreetings Hamptons Mouthpiece readers…Looks like Hampton Jitney has some competition going on in the Northfork. Did you know that a round-trip to NYC from the Northfork is $40, but from the Southfork it is $53.00…Seems a bit unfair to me, but then again everyone in the Hamptons is rich..right? We don’t watch our pennies and we all have money to burn. I guess that is why the gas prices are more expensive and the food as well.

I was a bit perturbed when I picked up the Hampton Jitney bus in Manorville and my round-trip was the same cost as if I boarded from Montauk, seems ridiculous wouldn’t you say. A woman sitting next to me on the bus told me about another bus service in the Riverhead area..BOLT BUS. Have you heard of them, they are the bus that sometimes has offers for $2 seats.bolt

classicI looked them up on the Internet and called the company, they have buses that leave from 3 areas in Long Island, Riverhead, Melville and Ronkonkoma. The prices vary from $12-$20 one way, a competitive price with both the LIRR and the Hampton Jitney. Hampton Luxury Liner a division of Classic coach based out of Bohemia, NY will operate as the Long Island licensee for BoltBus a division of Greyhound. The new bus concept has the support of Islip, Brookhaven and Riverhead towns. I am excited that it is another option for the East End and for areas like Melville and Ronkonkoma areas.

So my friends unfortunately Classic Coach & Luxury Liner are working with Bolt Bus & Greyhound don’t look for any deals to come to the Southfork since the Luxury Liner dominates the Southfork with the Jitney. Your best bet is to park in Riverhead and take either the Jitney or the Bolt if you want to save some extra dollars.

luxury

iconI am bummed, it makes sense for me to take the bus if it is just me, but add another person and it is just too expensive. If you do need to drive into the city, check out the ICON APP on the iPhone and Android…special discounts for parking throughout the city.