LYRA MAG.

R ed Wine made from the glorious Sangiovese grape- are sipping delights of any Tuscan trip. Benvenuto Brunello NYC 2019 And since the early 2000s, affordable and trophy bottles of this Italian  wine produced in an area 80 km south of Florence- are readily available here too. For consumers-the DOC (aged one year Rossi di Montalcino) and  DOCG designation (aged 2 years in oak- typically 5 years-with 6 years for Riserva)-appear on the bottle labels assure inhibiters of the origins of Brunello di Montalcino sold. WHAT TO EXPECT: With clay to rocky shale-limestone soils depending on elevation, southern/northern slopes, and weather that reflects sea and mountain breezes not too far way...the samples we tried had finishes ranging from bold-sometimes balsamic tastes to a more refined elegance (5-6 years aged in oak), notable tannins for all -some with balanced acidity (how aged) -and really there black berry flavors -that also varied, depending on age and vintage. ...

C runchy, snack worthy crackers-today's are worthy subs to quell  cravings  without as much fat or added sugar calories as the typical chips. Super Bowl Entertaining Alert ...up the game with these... Peter's Yard Crispbread-inspired by Sweden's signature wheel shaped cracker -these oversized crackers-are made from organic ingredients in the UK...and are worthy crunchy foundations for sharp -mild cheeses and spicy spreads. Widely available here in several flavors-like original (pictured). As addictive as bar nuts mixes...Red Barn Lavash Brewfest Crackers by Jaspar Hill Farms -are made from spent pressed grain from   Long Trail Brewery. ...and even has some of that's Vermont company's ale in the mix. SO SMART-and kudos for no food waste ethos! 2's Company super thin Australian made crispy wafers-"pairs perfectly with cheese..."scoop up dips and sauces with ease -and tastes great on their own. Gluten free wafers too-with mild cheese-y...

Drinking less beer  now-Americans more and more quench thirst with specialty red options like mineral water + functional beverages. Still a party atmosphere with choices - still expected -but the liquid selections lean more 'upscale'-matching the global-sophisticated eats...that go beyond fast food fare. TRY: A multi-tasking red wine: From Spain- Rioja is a well balanced, value priced (imo) red wine made from 100% Tempranillo grapes-that pairs well with everything from pizza, Buffalo chicken wings, tasty Middle Eastern spreads---- to South Asian or South of the border spicier snacks. we loved this Fernández De Pierola -deep bursts of ripe berries-stewed fruits, gorgeous dark cheery color, subtle tannins  and warmth of aged toasted wood-with elegant finish The perfect pairings....Fig Cake, mixed nuts, and an assortment of cheese. These samples are from  Mitica-via forevercheese.com-and available on AMAZON .   via GIPHY

HAIL all things 1990s   revered for 2019...Portuguese Port wines, like Sherry from neighbor Spain...are now newly appreciated by younger inhibiters enjoying their grandparents cherished after dinner libations Graham's 20 Year Tawny Porto =classic brandy worthy pour retails for around $53. Grapes from Portugal's mountainous northern Douro valley. Grapes are fermented with the addition of of a clear grape spirit that preserves a lot of the grapes natural sugars ...comes through in the flavor for sure. Matured in seasoned oak vats-its flavors include orange peel-mature fruits vs Ruby Port's berries. Has a  golden amber color and should be served slightly chilled. There are 10, 20, 30 and 40 Year Tawny Port versions available To sip-as an appetizer-or more appropriately (imo)-to pair with our snack culture's offerings...aged and ready to drink anytime Port-with its deep rich berry flavors or raisons-fig gold amber tones, add a level of liquid comfort to cold days. ...

A KA ...lie down and let the machines do all the work. A new shapely you-no gym hours need-just the bucks to pay for it WHAT: Fat melting devices and the latest technology-courtesy of Eastern Europe,  EMSculpt by BTL Aesthetics-that builds up targeted muscles like the most intense workout you'll never do. USING: Radio frequency, ultrasound and electromagnetic waves...bombard the targeted areas...somewhat reminding us of that college physics class taken. First off -what we actually tried for five minutes....the much hyped EMSculpt treatmen t. And yes we were impressed.

Off season travel-to the typical summer hot spots-are enjoyable NOW, especially mild winter destinations. Always popular Italy  is convenient to get to from this side of the Pond-via the country's signature airline, Alitalia . Direct flights from the USA East coast are frequent with this year's addition of flights from  Dulles/DC adding 5 weekly jaunts (to+fro') in May 2019. Currently attainable seasonal fares for the leisure travel sections and the awesome plush premium business class, are available to Rome or Milan area airports. BONUS: Getting to the city centers are hassle free too- via user friendly efficient trains connections- in addition to other flights/train connections-to many domestic + exotic intercontinental locales like  the holiday bucket list go to-the Maldives. And -no hassle meaningful stopovers are easy to arrange. CHECK OUT: Tuscany-off season doesn't mean off  -as the beautiful countryside near Florence-always beckons with scenic by...

Big Apple based day-or get outta town weeklong excursions- are value friendly . Under January's  blue(r) skies, enjoy sporty mountain endeavors-all within reach of one of the greatest cities on earth. BONUS: Upgrades and freebies abound. ADIRONDACKS ·       Gore Mountain   (North Creek, Essex County) anticipates biggest snowmaking season with its new new snowmaking machines-serving  14 lifts, 110 trails for beginning - expert skiers  In addition, new grooming machines will ensure a smooth experience on the nine sides of four peaks of alpine terrain. For those looking forward to après ski, the Tannery Pub and Restaurant will also double the size of its facilities. ·           West Mountain’s   (Queensbury, Warren County)  nearly $3 million investment includes treetop aerial adventure  includes new SMI snowmaking sticks and 49 snowmaking fans to create optimal ski conditions, a new chairlift for...