Wine Pairings for Christmas Dinner

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Christmas dinner presents a time to try some new wines with your favorite recipes. If you're looking for a new wine to compliment this year's holiday meal, see below for some pairing suggestions:

Wines to serve with Ham: baked, smoked, or honeyed hams beg for wines with a dash of sweet
Red: Beajolais Nouveau, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Tempranillo
White: Riesling and Gewurztraminer
 
Wines to serve with Turkey: Turkey on its own presents a pretty straight forward pairing partner, its the side dishes one must take into account.
Red: Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Syrah/Shiraz, Beajolais Nouveau
White: Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Gewurztraminer
 
Wines to serve with Prime Rib: Red meats and red wines go hand in hand to bring out bold or subtle flavors
Red: Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Shiraz, Tempranillo
 
Wine to serve with Fish: Opposite from the above, white wines are favored for fish pairings.
White: Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc
Red: Pinot Noir can pair nicely with salmon 

Looking for something more specific? Wine Enthusiast Magazine put together a great 'Twelve Wines of Christmas' list featuring their favorit gift worthy bottles. So whether you are hosting dinner or heading to a loved ones, check out some of these suggestions of bottles to bring:

Excerpt from Wine Enthusiast Magazine:

Bottle: Alain Voge 2009 Vieilles Vignes (Cornas), $70
“When I think of wines I like to drink, share and gift during the holidays, I immediately go to wines that pull at my sensory heartstrings,” says Shelley Lindgren, co-owner and beverage director at A16, SPQR, and A16 Rockridge in San Francisco and Oakland. “Cornas has long been one of these special wines.”

Bottle: Robert Sinskey Vineyards 2010 Pinot Noir (Carneros), $38
“This Pinot Noir is incredibly versatile, and as Christmas parties can be a smorgasbord of dishes and flavors, a wine like this is necessary,” says Cappie Peete, beverage director at McCraddy’s Restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina. “Robert Sinskey believes in producing elegant wines with bright acidity so that they can age beautifully. This gives the recipient the freedom to decide whether to share the wine during the holidays or tuck it away for another special occasion."

Bottle: Grosjean 2005 Fumin (Vallée d’Aoste), $40
“Instead of defaulting to a cult Cabernet or—even though we love Champagne—a predictable bubble this holiday season, explore the wines of Vallée d'Aoste,” says Charlie Berg, assistant sommelier at Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Pocantico Hills, New York. “There is something about [the region’s] snow-covered Alpine slopes and the spicy varietals that evoke a wonderful sense of the yuletide.”  ...continue reading here!

 Share your favorite bottle with us on our Facebook page ~ Happy Holidays!

Tips for Hosting Christmas Dinner

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Pulling off a dinner party doesn't have to be daunting, nor do you need to be a gourmet chef to qualify. If you're hosting Christmas dinner this year, see below for some simple tips to prepare for the big day: 

1. Plan the menu around your kitchen - Why choose multiple oven baked dishes if you only have one? Use stove tops, portable burners, ovens, microwaves for a complete meal that works in and around your kitchen.
2. Choose recipes that can be made ahead of time - All you have to do on Christmas day is pop them in the oven to reheat. This will save you kitchen time and thus give you more relaxation time.
3. Keep the guest list doable - See how big your space is, how many chairs you have, how big the table is - over packing your apartment will cause more chaos than necessary. Have family coming in from out of town? Reserve them a room at Hotel Zero Degrees and get 10% off the best available rates with the promo code = Holiday (available 12/22 - 12/30)
4. Don't do it alone! - When family is around you (hopefully) will be getting offers to help, don't turn them away. Assign different tasks (cutting veggies, watching the stove) to different people, even if there is no cooking to be done having someone wash whatever dishes accumulate in the sink will be a huge help.

And finally, the food is not important. Christmas is a joyous occasion and gives you the chance to spend it with the people you love. So prepare the meal as best you can, don't stress, smile and enjoy yourself this year!

Big thanks to MasterChef Adam Liaw for some of the above tips! Are you a master host? Share your tips with us on our Facebook page!

Ring in the New Year in Stamford!

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December is flying by and though we haven't reached Christmas yet groups are already planning their New Years Eve celebrations! Have you and your group decided on a place to ring in the New Year? Why not try some of our favorite bars and restaurants in Stamford:

• Bar Rosso: Offering a delicious menu, complimentary champagne toast at midnight and DJ Matt until 3am. After 11pm there is a $30 cover charge, call 203.388.8640 to make your reservations
• Eos Greek Cuisine: Offering a $75 Prix-fixe 4 course menu, champagne toast at midnight and DJ entertainment. Call 203.569.6250 to make your reservations!
• Pinot's Palette: Paint in the New Year! Pinot's Palette is hosting a New Years party complete with nibbles and a champagne toast included in the painting package for $65 per painter
• BUtterfield 8: Offering gourmet passed hors d'oeuvres, full dinner buffet, top shelf bar, and champagne toast at midnight with a live DJ. Group rates, table reservations and private rooms are available, call Jessica at 203.504.8123 for more information
• Hudson Grille: Enjoy a four course New Year's Eve Menu for $65 per person or $85 per person including a wine pairing! Now accepting reservations!
• Dolce Cubano: Enjoy a waterfront New Year's Eve! 4 course dinner, champagne toast, DJ & dancing. Call 203.817.0700 for reservations!

 Where are you planning to celebrate the New Year? Share with us on our Facebook page!

Attn: Residents! Festive Fancy Pants Holiday Party

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Attention Moderne Residents! In case you missed our announcement earlier last week - we'll be having a 'Festive Fancy Pants Holiday Party' on December 12th. Break out your Fanciest Festive pants and come enjoy an evening with us- prizes will be given to the Top 3 Fancy Pants, chosen by popular votes.

The party will be from 6pm - 8pm on Thursday the 12th with food from Quattro Pazzi Restaurant. Make sure to RSVP by TOMORROW December 6th to Mia@rms-companies.com.

Also be sure to LIKE us on Facebook to stay up to date with local happenings and resident events!

Holiday Shopping in Stamford!

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Thanksgiving sales, Black Friday Deals, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday - all in the next few days. If you are one of those with a black belt in Black Friday shopping, listen up! This year, some retailers are opening their doors even earlier - starting as early as 8pm on Thanksgiving Day!

See our list below for some places around Stamford to hit for all your holiday shopping needs:

The Stamford Town Center:

Shop at Stamford Town Center on Black Friday beginning at 7am. Select retailers will open as early as 8pm on Thanksgiving Day. For special deals click here and for hours see below:
Thanksgiving Day, 8pm Openings: Macy's, Armani Exchange, As Seen On TV, Charlotte Russe, Foot Locker, GAP, Great Wraps, Gusnova Gelato(8pm -12am), Journeys, Temptation, Victoria's Secret
Black Friday, 12am Openings: American Eagle, Claire's, Express, H&M, Starbucks, The Children's Place

Want to avoid the holiday shopping mega-crowds altogether? Look for Cyber Monday deals on December 2nd or visit your local mom and pop retailers on Small Business Saturday on November 30th!

Do you participate in any of these major shopping days? If so, where do you find the best deals? Share with us on our Facebook page!

The 20th Annual UBS Parade Spectacular This Sunday!

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Don't miss out - The UBS Parade Spectacular is happening THIS Sunday, November 24 at 12 noon - rain, wind, snow, or shine!

Last year the spectacle attracted roughly 200,000 attendees and is expecting even more this year. In addition to large helium balloons, there once again will be marching bands from the tri-state area, as well as dancers and actors.  The Chicago Boyz Acrobatic Team, featured on America's Got Talent, will also be performing!

The parade will begin at Summer and Hoyt Streets in Stamford at noon. There are public restrooms along the route. For more information visit CT Post.

Photo Sources: CT Post & Hey Stamford

Halloween in Stamford

 

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Halloween is just about here and if you're still on the look out for things to do, What's on the Menu has helped us roundup some parties around our city:

Halloween Night:

• Brick House:  Halloween Karaoke! Wear a costume and grab the mic because Best Costumed Performance will win the cash prize!
• The Fez: Costume party with the Thierry Arpino Project playing LIVE at 10pm!
• Hudson Grille:   Starting at 8pm, come in costume—prize given for BEST costume and other giveaways all night long!
• Lola’s Stamford:  Day of the Dead Bash—Costume contest at Midnight, DJ Chevy in the house PLUS, Sangria, Red Devils and Bloody Mary specials all night long!
• SBC Stamford:  Halloween Costume Party beginning at 10pm with a cash prize given out for Best Costume!
• Tiernans:  Nightmare on Main Street! Come in costume and you may win a cash prize for Best Costume! Giveaways all night and LIVE music by Spunk beginning at 9pm, plus $5 Jameson shots! 
• Tigin:  Halloween Costume Party beginning at 9pm (cash prizes for Best Costume!)

Still not ready to hang up your costume? Friday, Nov 1st - come by The Fez for a Halloween Costume Blowout with Live music or Rodizio for a Halloween After Party! Saturday, Nov 2nd at Casey's Tavern will continue the Halloween celebrations with a Costume Party complete with prizes and a DJ!

Make sure to LIKE us on Facebook to stay up to date with The Moderne! Have a Happy Halloween, Stamford style!

For additional information on restaurants to try, happy hour deals, or happenings on the weekends - check out What's on the Menu?

Spotlight On: The FITNESS CENTRE

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Be fit and stay well by taking advantage of The Moderne's Fitness Centre. The benefit of having a gym right at your fingertips not only will keep you in great shape - but gives you another place to unwind after a day of work. Or, for our early birds - start your day with a good morning workout.

Highlights: 

Treadmill • Elliptical • Recumbent Bike • Full-body Trainer • Cybex Ab Trainer • Physio Exercise Balls

 

For leasing information and additional information, please contact us online or give us a call at: 203.348.8300. Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook and stay up to date with The Moderne!  

What's Happening This Weekend in Stamford

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Looking for plans this weekend? Tickets are still available for tonight's Oktoberfest On The Meadow at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center!

Bring a friend for a casual night out and celebrate the fall season! Enjoy seasonal Oktoberfest brews, dine on Oktoberfest favorites from Old Heidelberg, participate in some Oktoberfest competitions, and enjoy live music from The Bavarian Boys. (SMNC)

Feel free to continue the weekend with the Stamford Museum & Nature Center at their annual Harvest Festival on Saturday & Sunday from 11am - 3pm. Then why not participate in a little Sunday Funday action?

Thanks to What's On The Menu, we have a pretty complete list of all the Sunday deals happening around Stamford:

1. Bar Q:  Pre-Game Sundays include…BBQ breakfast burrito and brunch menu, bottomless mimosas from 11am-1pm and DJ Chris Yantz every week spinning starting at 11:30am and going through the commercial breaks of the games!  Also, $15 buckets of 5 Bud or Bud Lights, $20 table kegs of Bud Light, $3 Bud Light Drafts and $4 Fireball Shots!  
2. Black Bear Stamford: FREE order of wings when you buy a $20 bucket of Bud or Bud Light!
3. Bradford's Stamford: Some highlights include: Buckets – 6 Bottles $21 Domestic/$25 Premium, First Pint & 10 Wings – $10, Bud Light Pitchers $10, 50 cent wings ALL day and more!
4. Brick House: 3 for 1 Miller Lite bottles, $3 Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s, 50 cent wings, $5 sliders and pizzas (pizza topping extra) all day from 11am–close! 
5. BUtterfield 8 Stamford:  25 Cent Wings, $3 Bud Light Drafts, $5 Jameson Shots and $6 Bar Menu. Casey’s: Karaoke w/ Paulie C and Chris Jack of Kings of Entertainment every Sunday night! Music starts at 9pm, karaoke at 9:30pm.
6. Fiddlers Green:  $1 hot dogs, $3 clam roll, plus, $5 all you can eat pancakes from 11am-1pm!  Also, Sunday Karaoke at 8pm!
7. Monster B’s:  $2  Bud & Bud Lights & Narragansett Light drafts.  $4 ShockTop  pints, $3 Fireball shots, $4 Jameson shots plus $.50 wings and $1  sliders.
   Murphy’s Townhouse:  $2.00 Narragansett Drafts, $10.00 Pitchers, $4.00 Craft beers, FREE Hamburgers and dogs 12:30-3:30pm.
   SBC Stamford:  1/2 priced apps and happy hour drink specials all day, all night, all season long on Sundays & Mondays during football season!!  Also, Relax Sundays continue every week with the Swing Kids DJ’s carrying on the Sunday tradition!  NO cover and NO dress code. Late night pizza menu, regular menu til 9:30pm–PLUS, $3 house beers after 10pm. 21+ must have ID.
8. Seaside Tavern:  NFL Sunday Ticket, food and drink specials all season long! 
   Tiernans: $3 Bud Lights, $4 Heinekens and 50 cent wings. 
9. Tigin:  Sunday NFL Ticket + Soccer all LIVE every Sunday! 
10. Vinny’s Backyard:  Large wings plus a pitcher of Bud Light for $16. Plus $5 slider specials including: meatball, chicken parm, cheeseburger, pulled pork, buffalo chicken, French dip and even veggie!  

Enjoy this beautiful Fall weekend! Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook and stay up to date with The Moderne! 

The Moderne Stamford Featured in Westfair Online!

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Excerpt from Westfair Online:

 The building is RMS’s third luxury apartment building to open in Stamford in the last three years. The company also built The BLVD and Parallel 41 in Stamford, plus other properties in Norwalk and two Hotel Zero Degrees.

“Downtown Stamford has become a great place to live,” said RMS owner Randall Salvatore. The company’s units mostly appeal to the young, upwardly mobile demographic that previously would likely have rented in Manhattan. 

“Now Stamford has everything they’re looking for,” Salvatore added. “That’s why we’re having so much success. There’s an influx of people moving into Stamford, whereas you used to have to go to Manhattan for the same downtown experience. Now you can go to Stamford.” 

Located a couple blocks north of the hustle and bustle of downtown, the building includes a total of 58 one-, two- and three-bedroom units. Stacked with amenities such as a gym, entertainment areas and a theater, rent starts about $2,000 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. Some 31 units had been leased even before the ribbon cutting.

For leasing information and additional information, please contact us online or give us a call at: 203.348.8300. Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook and stay up to date with The Moderne!