Pretty In Pink

It may be pretty in pink but don't be fooled by appearances.

Sophisticated palates know that a good rosé is dryer, bigger and bolder than ever before. It has more depth than a white and can stand on its own with the big reds. A perfect accompaniment to many types of cuisine, rosé is equally at home with a hearty meat or a delicate fish.

In fact, rosé is fast becoming the drink of choice of stylish Americans who have taken a cue from their European, jet set counterparts. Domaine Ott, one of the trendier brands, has become a fashion staple during the summer months.

To help you navigate the new world of rosé, I reached out to Jennifer Ayre of Savvy Cellar Wines in San Francisco, a certified sommelier and specialist of wine, to give you some insider advice.

Rosé is best when it is young
Contrary to what you have been taught about wine, rosé is at its peak when it is young and fresh. Look for bottles that are less than a year or two old.

Get the temperature just right
Americans tend to over chill their white and rosé wine. Serving it icy cold kills the flavor. Take the wine out of the fridge 10-15 minutes before serving. On the other hand, if the bottle is too warm, the fastest way to cool it down is to place it in a small container filled with water and ice.

Freeze the bubbly
When its comes to sparkling wine and champagne, the colder the better. In this case, a few minutes in the freezer before serving does wonders for anything with bubbles.

Good wine does not have to be expensive
Jennifer started Savvy Cellar Wines, both a wine bar and shop, to provide consumers with high quality wines at affordable prices. Her team of sommeliers only seek out wines that are rated 90 points or higher by leading wine publications and that are $39 or less.

Some of her favorite rosé wines are:

from Australia . . .
06 The Colonial Estate "Enchanteur" - $24
06 Turkey Flat Rose - $18
06 Angove's Nine Vines South Australia - $12

from California . . .
05 Bonny Doon Vin Gris De Cigare - $14
06 Tablas Creek Rose - $25

from France . . .
06 Lucien Crochet Sancerre Pinot Rose - $30
06 Mas de la Dame Les Baux de Provence Rose du Mas - $13

And for bubbles . . .

Schramsberg Brut Rose Sparkling wine - $42
Piper-Heidsieck Brut Rose Champagne - $40
Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose Champagne NV - $55

If you are near downtown Redwood City near San Francisco, visit Jennifer at Savvy Cellar Wines (2048 Broadway, 650-363-8737) or go to their web site to inquire about out of state shipping.

For local New York readers needing a quick fix, bring Jennifer's coveted list to Union Square Wines. Until July 8th, the wine shop is offering 25% off a wide selection of their rosé wines!

A Night with Duran Duran

If you were a girl growing up in the 80's, you were most definitely a fan of Duran Duran. In my group of friends, you were either madly in love with lead singer Simon Le Bon or bassist John Taylor.

Given my longtime "appreciation" for the band, I could hardly pass up an invitation to meet them at a private party (organized by Epic Records, Magus Entertainment and my friend Karrie Goldberg of Kage Konsulting) at The Xchange (640 West 28th Street) on Monday night. Not only is the 5000 square foot space one of the coolest new industrial lofts in the city but it's outfitted with an incredible custom Funktion One sound system. It was a real shame Duran Duran did not perform.

Actually, they had played but on the night before at an intimate concert at Hammerstein Ballroom for members of their fan club. Their set included favorites including Hungry Like The Wolf, Come Undone, Girls on Film and Lonely in Your Nightmare. For an encore, a new song called , "Nite Runner," was introduced.

At least all four members of Duran Duran (Simon Le Bon, John Taylor, Nick Rhodes and Roger Taylor) were at the party to celebrate their upcoming album, Red Carpet Massacre, which will be released in October by Epic Records. Special guest producers and guest stars on the album include Justin Timberlake, Timbaland and Nat "Danja Handz" Hills.

DJ Eve Salvail kept the party hopping with upbeat tunes mixed in with the occasional new Duran Duran song such as "Skin Diver" and "Box Full of Honey." Chopin Vodka and 10 Cane Rum created specialty cocktails for each new track on the album. The crowd was a diverse group of fans, press, industry types and an eclectic list of VIPs including Moby, chef Rocco DiSpirito, artists John Currin and Rachel Feinstein as well as Mickey Dolenz from the Monkees.

Although I got to hang out with various members of Duran Duran who mingled with the crowd throughout the night, I was drawn to the far corner of the room. A staff photographer was stationed in front of life-size paper cut-outs of Simon, John, Nick and Roger for an ongoing photo shoot with the guests. It was a hilarious and entertaining element to the party.

I just had to get my photo taken. It's not every night a girl can say she's with the band.......

If you are reading this post in an email or reader, click here to view complete the slide show.

To book an event at The Xchange, contact Karrie Goldberg of Kage Konsulting at 646-873-4999.

GuS - Soda for Grown-Ups

Your vodka of choice is an ultra-luxury brand. It's made from glacier water and winter wheat that is freeze filtered for its clean, pure taste. Are you really going to mix it with Ocean Spray cranberry? I think not.

Remember, all mixers are not created equal. For discerning palettes, try stocking your bar with premium fruit juices like GuS Soda which comes in all sorts of grown-up flavors like Dry Crimson Grape, Star Ruby Grapefruit and Dry Valencia Orange. Foodies love this brand - it's even served at Thomas Keller's Per Se restaurant by a sommelier who will pair a complementary flavor to your order for those seeking a non-alcoholic alternative. Seriously.

All of GuS Sodas are 100% natural, pasteurized, kosher and made with real fruit juice and soda for a light taste. For a great summertime cocktail, mix chilled vodka (super premium, of course) with Dry Meyer Lemon soda and serve over crushed ice and mint in a tall, thin glass. At 90-98 calories per 12oz bottle and only lightly sweetened with natural cane sugar, you can imbibe with less guilt (and perhaps a smaller chance of a hangover in the morning).

GuS is available at Whole Foods, Citarella, Gourmet Garage and other upscale, specialty food shops such as Dean & Deluca and Murray's Cheese. If you want to order a few cases for a party, try Mitchell's New York (800-662-2275) who will deliver in Manhattan to your home or office.

The Lazy Hostess: Cocktails & Hors D'Oeuvres

As a hostess, I am self-admittedly a little on the lazy side. But, do you blame me for loving the party more than the prep?

I promise you that with some savvy planning your guests will never know the difference. So, what's my secret for stylish and simple entertaining? I think the Beatles said it best - I get by with a little help from my friends...

When it comes to cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, let me make a few introductions. Only a click away, these special "friends" have always been there for me in times of event planning need.

For the most delicious hors d'oeuvres, order from The Perfect Bite Co. Their Pastry Kisses are made by hand in small batches with fresh ingredients. The signature kiss is the Blueberry Lemon Cream, an all-butter puff pastry filled with cream cheese, fresh lemon zest, vanilla bean and whole blueberries. Other favorites include the Caramelized Onion and Feta (shown, above left) as well as the Basil Pesto Gorgonzola.

The genius part of these hors d'oeuvres is that they come frozen with a disposable baking pan. All you do is pop a few trays into the oven throughout the night. Trays of 12 kisses are $11.95 and there is a 3 tray minimum. Other appetizers include cocktail pizzas, mushroom caps and crostini by the dozen. Delivery is by DHL overnight with dry ice and/or ice packs to ensure frozen food stays cool.

For dessert, Black Hound New York has incredible chocolate, cookies and cakes. Order a selection of the miniature cakes and display them on a three tiered cake stand. I love their signature mini Busy Bee Cake which consists of layers of chocolate butter cake, almond butter cake, and bittersweet chocolate mousse covered in marzipan and chocolate and decorated with adorable, edible marzipan almond bees. An order of six miniature cakes is $45 and will feed up to 12 guests. Delivery is next day air. Those of you in NYC can visit their hip little chocolate shop on Second Avenue to preview all their delectable treats.

I'm a late night shopper and there is something about buying my booze online that gives me a whole new kind of retail rush. Astor Wines and Spirits is one of the best liquor stores in New York and their web site features an extensive selection of amazing wine bargains from around the world. Orders made by noon will be delivered the next business day. Delivery is free with orders over $75.

Don't fuss over a full bar unless you have a bartender. Serving white and red wine, champagne and one spirit is more than enough. A signature cocktail such as a margarita or mojito in a pitcher is a great way to have your guests serve themselves. Crate and Barrel has some beautiful and inexpensive pitchers and glasses. The Ona is only $24.95. Use a few of these together to create a sleek service bar to hold mixers such as soda, tonic and fruit juice.

With all the time and effort you saved, you can spend it on the only thing that might still need some prep....you!