LYRA MAG.

Today's casual lifestyles-and relaxed gatherings around kitchen islands -inspire hosts to ring in the holidays with different wines to pair with everything from one pot winter headliners-to small plate/grazing options,  and of course,  Instagram ready cheese boards. Last century's go to's Bordeaux/Burgundy Premier Cru+Grande Crus, Rhone wines, Brunellos California Cabs, oaky chardonnays ... like formal dining room decor and rigid 3 course meals-still satisfy-but in our experience- other countries' liquid palate pleasers-and snack like versatile  appetizers are now the preferred pairings. AND more fun. Another added plus- these global wines are remarkable $ values-often astonishingly so. Across the Pond: Remember the excitement of discovering  Spain's  Riojas, Argentina's Malbecs-or New Zealand Sauvignons-perhaps on travels abroad? This year's sensorial stunners just might come from the terrific DÀO region---even if one can't a...

T he Nebbiolo grapes that comprises collectible and more drink now variety of Barolos -in all of its chewy deliciousness---is made in the biodynamic-organic "slow wine" wineries in the Piedmont area of Italy. From the south east region -from the historic glorious single vineyards located in Monforte d'Alba-family owned Pecchenino produces a few Nebbiolo wines. Pictured above-the accessible + value priced medium bodied Barolo like Langhe Nebbiolo Briccco Ravera 2015 -fermented in stainless steel, aged in Austrian oak (2 years)-followed by 6 months in the bottle. Deep ruby color, ripe berry flavors, licorice, florals-roses+violets, and mint hints. Fresh balanced sip-pretty much ready now or next year-to drink. ($28) The Bussia Barolo DOCG 2013-back label pictured below---is worthy of seeking out and aged according to Barolo DOCG (38 months) requirements. ($75). Ruby red in color-and made in a traditional production style with a long fermentation with native yeasts ...

" SAVING THE WORLD ONE BOX AT A TIME" Part Two GIFT + PARTY CROWD ALERT: WINEBERRY BOX -with Château Tassin's Bordeaux-White, Red or Rosé doubles as a crowd pleasing drink-in eco packaging  THAT protects the wine from air and light ...ensconced in a collapsible sack-that keeps the wine fresh for 6-8 weeks . Bordeaux's Right Bank located  Château Tassin 's Bordeaux Blanc in a Wineberry Box (pictured)-PERC certified sustainably sourced wood holds 4 bottles worth...Sauvignon-Semilion blend -is a bright sip of citrus medium intensity+ acid--mineral balanced with lemon-grass  hints pairs well with goat +soft sheep milk cheeses, seafood-shellfish, non fiery Asian foods and  makes a nifty cocktail party statement at your next soireé. Found Online from Fresh Direct at bargain $31.49 -and elsewhere...p riced at $48 The Château Tassin Bordeaux style Red blend 2016-which we also tasted but out of an individual bottle  -delicious bargain too...

F or a crowd of humans forth coming...game day cooking-and Year of the Pig feasts can be fuss free-using ready made soups-and adding a few ingredients. Start with a high quality ones (OF COURSE). From Original Soupman (yup-that Seinfeld classic)...fav Lobster Bisque is a flavorful, filling perfection of a creamy soup base, spices and chunky tender hunts of lobster. To eat on its own-the Lobster Bisque is addictive awesome. Plus this best seller can be a hearty base for a whole pot of... added shelled shellfish-lobster hunks, crab meat and/or shrimp bits, sautéed onions/celery-till translucent -for added crunch, served with hunks of breads, crackers (try these creative crunches) ...or mixed in with some cooked rice. FYI: A timely 20% discount NOW AVAILABLE on online orders...delivered in handy 6 pack-12 oz sizes, And other tasty recipes =practically insta-gourmand. via GIPHY For Chinese Lunar New Year-and tail gating liquid warmth-a solid veggie or chicken broth ( Pa...

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

PART 2 Friendly food takes on savory flavors-have broad appeal-with just enough detectable/delicious zing for mild to fiery palates. via GIPHY Sabra hummus goes great with a lot-like crunchy chips, crackers, hunks of bread, and cut-up veggies-though perhaps  not pen caps. Hummus-a chickpea based dip- re-invented as an All-American staple from its Tahini--Mid-East heritage-IMO-courtesy of Sabra ...when their hummus landed in refrigerator aisles back in the first 21st century decade. Now part of the "Pepsi generation' -it's flavorful varieties are available in assorted sizes-including snack sizes with pretzels-practically everywhere food is sold.

Olympic viewing party gives way to the March Oscars' soirées -where the food bites get elevated ... right alongside those glam Red Carpet outfits. via GIPHY Suggestions for a fancy finger food feast? We were all set to conjure up appetizing eats that are more sophisticated than sporty pizza deliveries... Simply Salted have a buttery sunflower oil-lick your fingers worthy crispiness-salted with real deal Set Gris-French Velvet  Grey Sea Salt  -delicate yet sturdy enough toehold up creamy thickish dips like hummus. Honestly thoughts is our prime picks as potato chip slayer...  But then we finally opened up samples of new to us Primizie flavored flatbread crunchy snacks...and immediately 1) understood why they aren't packaged in resealable bags -cause each of the flavors tried----buttery crisp Simply Salt , grilled crunchy Green Harvest -fragrantly lightly spiced, and cracker like textured Rustic Beet ---are so delicious-worthy of swapping out for not only...

La Tourangelle ARTISAN OILS new Asian Oil Trio via GIPHY A new moon always greets Chinese New Year-and this go round-celebrating the Earth Dog.  Another reason to gather- and celebrate all things Asian---  binge watching  the fun South Korean Olympics=happy occasions.  beautifully packaged-just tie a ribbon on The perfect host gift for enthusiastic home chefs-or an easy way FOR YOU to speed dial the subtle to boldly fiery flavors of the cuisines from that part of the planet are the deliciously fresh, aromatic Asian Inspiration  trio  of 3 infused oils ($16.97) by the premier now California based oil mill -aka masters of,,.La Tourangelle.

Best Olympic/Bowl Options -Crowd Viewing Eats  Top Pick: via GIPHY THE fastest disappearing act won't be the defensive line of the team you're NOT rooting for ... Crowd pleasing-and IMO- ideal hostess gifts -right along with that six-pack or bottle of booze ( better even )... WONDERFUL Pistachio  (aka Get Crackin™) nuts -are addictive nutritious goodness,,, (for about half cup serving-6grams protein, 3 grams dietary fiber+ meaningful amounts of Thiamin, vitamin B6, Iron, Phosphorous, Magnesium, Maganese, Copper-only 160 calories). Widely available in game size 14oz-16oz bags...in fav flavors like Roasted +Salted, lightly or no salted-plu a tangy spiced up option - Sweet Chile. Hint-keep an empty bowl handy for the shells...AND keep a few shelf stable extra bags of pistachios around...for OT.  ...it' ll be a big bowl full of Wonderful Pistachio nuts -starting off the coin toss...and then long (and) gone before the 2 minute warning. Of the first hal...

Tips for feeding (and filling) a crowd-without time away from the big screen. Part One: The Main Event=Nachos Inspired. via GIPHY Swamp usual not so great for you  tortilla chips...(despite catchy ads)...opting for just as equally crunchy tasty - and widely available -  baked lentil bean chips (protein/high fiber) loaded versions- by Saffron Foods to pair with fav dips. Flavor options sea salt or cracked pepper-in particular...go great with any home made or store bought salsa, guacamole, or hummus.  Better + only a  tad more effort-use the contents of a 4oz bag-as a bottom layer for melt-in-your mouth nachos- underneath a layer(s) of shredded cheese-topped off with thinly sliced up fresh veggies (peppers, onions, eggplant)...or drained (patted/dried) corn, black beans, jalapeno-pimento slices ...place in pre-heated grill/oven (around 400º) ---till cheese gooey melted.  EASY+FASTER than waiting for pizza delivery+FILLING. FYI-also from ...