A few weeks ago I was in New York staying at the Surrey Hotel on 76th Street between 5th Avenue and Madison right near Central Park. Before heading down to the meatpacking district for dinner and some fun with a business associate we stopped into CafÃ© Boulud next to the hotel for a drink. The restaurant is owned by famous French chef Daniel Boulud.

As we were sitting at a 4 top table in the bar area looking out over the simple and elegant dining room, we had a decision to make on this very hot August early evening in the cityâ€¦.what to drink?…a special cocktail?â€¦a glass of white wine? Neither seemed appropriateâ€¦.it must be a glass of Champagne.

The Maitre D’, John Winterman, suggested a glass of Pierre Peters Blanc de Blanc NV Champagne.

Honestly, I had never heard of the producer, however, I certainly was comfortable accepting the recommendation. Boy, it did not disappoint. Actually, it was fabulousâ€¦the setting did not hurt either. Blanc de Blanc is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes. The bubbles in the glass were incredibleâ€¦.1000’s and 1000’s that never stopped. This was perfection in a glassâ€¦smooth, flavorful, clean, refreshing, with just a hint of that wonderful yeastiness that is so unique to Champagneâ€¦so very balanced. It was not cheap at $25 a glass; however, it was worth every penny. You will probably pay around $45 a bottle at retail. Special time, special moment, special wineâ€¦this is what life is aboutâ€¦creating special memories. Go out there and try new thingsâ€¦many times you will be very pleasantly surprised. By the way, the meatpacking district was a blast. A story about that laterâ€¦

Tags: New York