The perfect wine for turkey
By guest blogger Benjamin Prelvukaj, founder of Benjamin Steakhouse
What is the perfect wine for turkey?
So Thanksgiving is around the corner again and everyone is looking forward to a delicious, home-cooked meal- unless, of course, you’ll be joining us at Benjamin Steakhouse for your Thanksgiving festivities! Sure we’ll have turkey and sweet potatoes, but what shall we drink? Why not wine? And if wine, then red, white or sparkling? What shall we choose that goes well with turkey? These are the questions… the answer? White is definitely the way to go.
For a lavish, Thanksgiving dinner experience, something toasty comes to mind- perhaps a good Chardonnay that has seen some oak aging. Or even a Chardonnay that has been unfined, like a Chalk Hill Estate from the Russian River Valley can be ideal. And if you are willing to splurge you should try their “Founder’s Block Estate” Chardonnay- absolutely delectable!
Also, the “Kistler” Chardonnay “Les Noistiers” is another excellent creamy and toasty California Chardonnay that would be a Thanksgiving treat. If you are willing to try something different from the old country you may want to consider the award-winning “Malvasia and Trebbiano” blend by La Stoppa for an incredibly rich and robust white, which drinks like a red wine, yet has a crisp and clean floral nose and a lot of tannins for a white wine.
Cheers, and have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!
What is the perfect wine for turkey?
So Thanksgiving is around the corner again and everyone is looking forward to a delicious, home-cooked meal- unless, of course, you’ll be joining us at Benjamin Steakhouse for your Thanksgiving festivities! Sure we’ll have turkey and sweet potatoes, but what shall we drink? Why not wine? And if wine, then red, white or sparkling? What shall we choose that goes well with turkey? These are the questions… the answer? White is definitely the way to go.
For a lavish, Thanksgiving dinner experience, something toasty comes to mind- perhaps a good Chardonnay that has seen some oak aging. Or even a Chardonnay that has been unfined, like a Chalk Hill Estate from the Russian River Valley can be ideal. And if you are willing to splurge you should try their “Founder’s Block Estate” Chardonnay- absolutely delectable!
Also, the “Kistler” Chardonnay “Les Noistiers” is another excellent creamy and toasty California Chardonnay that would be a Thanksgiving treat. If you are willing to try something different from the old country you may want to consider the award-winning “Malvasia and Trebbiano” blend by La Stoppa for an incredibly rich and robust white, which drinks like a red wine, yet has a crisp and clean floral nose and a lot of tannins for a white wine.
Cheers, and have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!
Editor's Note: About our guest blogger Benjamin Prelvukaj 
Benjamin Prelvukaj is the ambitious young entrepreneur who founded Benjamin Steak House. Benjamin, along with fellow Peter Luger alumni, Chef Arturo McLeod, started Benjamin Steak House in 2006. In two short years, Benjamin Steak House has established itself as one of New York’s premiere steak houses, attracting business professionals and celebrities alike.
At the humble age of 18, he moved to New York in pursuit of a better life for him and his family. After working at various New York restaurants, he began working full-time as a waiter at the famous Peter Luger steakhouse in Brooklyn while also attending school. Juggling school and a full-time job was no easy task, but Benjamin was determined to succeed.
While working at Peter Luger, Benjamin paid close attention to what made the restaurant so successful. He also took note of the areas he thought needed improvement. These assessments were the building blocks to the development of Benjamin Steak House. After assembling a group of investors, Benjamin began to search for a location for his dream restaurant. When he stumbled upon the Dylan Hotel, Benjamin knew he had found the right place. The elegant setting of the two-story space, located in the century-old Chemist Club building near Grand Central was exactly what he has envisioned. With its brass chandeliers, soaring ceilings, and 10-foot fireplace, the location felt like a Sinatra-esque throwback to the Big Band Era.
Many restaurants had failed in this location before- including the Chemist Club Grill and Britney Spears’ NYLA- but that did not deter Benjamin. The first 6 months after the opening, business was slow, but Mr. Prelvukaj refused to lose hope. He continued to refine his menu, hire the finest wait and kitchen staff, and promote Benjamin Steak House around the city. In time, his hard work paid off. Today it is rare to find an empty seat in Benjamin’s, even on weekdays, and celebrity clientele include world champion boxers Evander Holyfield and Wladimir Klitschko, movie stars Vin Diesel, Hillary Duff, Ewan McGregor, Christopher Meloni, and Reba McIntyre, and super models Naomi Campbell and Jessica Hart, among others. Benjamin Prelvukaj’s success story is truly inspirational, and a testament to the fact that, no matter where you come from, if you have the ambition and persistence, you too can live the American dream.
At the humble age of 18, he moved to New York in pursuit of a better life for him and his family. After working at various New York restaurants, he began working full-time as a waiter at the famous Peter Luger steakhouse in Brooklyn while also attending school. Juggling school and a full-time job was no easy task, but Benjamin was determined to succeed.
While working at Peter Luger, Benjamin paid close attention to what made the restaurant so successful. He also took note of the areas he thought needed improvement. These assessments were the building blocks to the development of Benjamin Steak House. After assembling a group of investors, Benjamin began to search for a location for his dream restaurant. When he stumbled upon the Dylan Hotel, Benjamin knew he had found the right place. The elegant setting of the two-story space, located in the century-old Chemist Club building near Grand Central was exactly what he has envisioned. With its brass chandeliers, soaring ceilings, and 10-foot fireplace, the location felt like a Sinatra-esque throwback to the Big Band Era.
Many restaurants had failed in this location before- including the Chemist Club Grill and Britney Spears’ NYLA- but that did not deter Benjamin. The first 6 months after the opening, business was slow, but Mr. Prelvukaj refused to lose hope. He continued to refine his menu, hire the finest wait and kitchen staff, and promote Benjamin Steak House around the city. In time, his hard work paid off. Today it is rare to find an empty seat in Benjamin’s, even on weekdays, and celebrity clientele include world champion boxers Evander Holyfield and Wladimir Klitschko, movie stars Vin Diesel, Hillary Duff, Ewan McGregor, Christopher Meloni, and Reba McIntyre, and super models Naomi Campbell and Jessica Hart, among others. Benjamin Prelvukaj’s success story is truly inspirational, and a testament to the fact that, no matter where you come from, if you have the ambition and persistence, you too can live the American dream.
Labels: Thanksgiving wine, The perfect wine for turkey
This entry was posted by Jacqui Pini, on Monday, November 23, 2009. You can
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