Nashville Dames Welcome 2016 and New Members with Wine & Chocolate

Thanks to Beth Sachan at Goo Goo for her hospitality at our recent meeting. We loved hearing the history of the old Nashville brand and how it was reinvented to compete in today's specialty food world. And we sampled upscale Goo Goos, even a Goo Goo inspired by Trey Cioccia of the Farmhouse restaurant containing smoked cocoa nibs and dark chocolate. With wines selected by Dame Billie Joyce Helmkay and appetizers provided by the Farmhouse--the best smoked pimento cheese, green olive and fennel marinated salad, homemade flatbread crackers--it was a festive way to welcome the new year and introduce our new members.

Welcome to Our New Members!

We welcomed, from left, Melissa Corbin, Maneet Chauhan, Erin Murray, and Melinda Knight into the Nashville chapter and heard their fascinating stories. Our chapter is a great group of professionals, and we are getting to know each other a little better meeting by meeting. Stay tuned to a February newsletter where we will share the programs for the rest of the year so you can join us.The Wine CornerBillie Joyce Helmkay brought three wines to our Goo Goo event for sampling with appetizers and chocolate:Prince Estivac Brut Traditional Method ( Sparkling) Blend of Pinot Blanc/Pinot Noir and Colombard from France. This sparkler sees 18 months on the lees and tastes of crisp bright apples with a nutty finish. Perfect with everything from hot chicken to hors d'oeuvres, from PBJ sandwich to sushi. You can find it at locally at West Meade Wine & Liquor, Red, The Bottle Shop, HSC (next to Costco in Franklin), Main Street, and Wine Shoppe Green Hills. $15.Domaine Ste Mitre Papillon Blanc from the Varois region in Provence, France. 100% Vermentino. This easy drinking wine is round, crisp and clean with white fruits prevalent. Great with chicken salad, grilled Mahi and other white fish, or for just sipping with some cheese. HSC (Costco West). $14.Deneufbourg Cotes du Rousillon from the Basque region of France. Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre. Certified organically grown grapes, from a small mom and pop ( and son!) producer in the south of France. Full bodied, and quite complex with dark berries, pepper with a bit of smoke. Great with lamb, burgers, roasted portabellas, and any black bean dishes, that aren't too spicy! This one is hard to find at the moment around town. $15.The wines were courtesy of BonusBev Wine Distributor. If you want any of the wines, and you can't find them at your local shop; please ask your retailer to order you a couple of bottles. We are happy to add it to any of their orders. For more info, contact Billie Joyce 615-410-6454.