The Bubbly

I think champagne is the most overlooked and under rated beverage. I know that everyone loves champagne for the celebration effect, that's not what I mean. Of course, we all drink champagne on New Year's and to toast at a wedding, but what about in everyday life? It tastes just as good, makes you feel just as good, so why not have a glass on a random day? The only exceptions to this may be the sophisticated Europeans that make me so jealous and my friend Cristy, who appreciates a good mimosa on most weekends, no matter where she is.

(Side story...One summer Saturday morning, shortly after Cristy's wedding, the two of us headed down to the beach to sit and relax. We had a jug of OJ, a bottle of champagne and two beach chairs. The two beach chairs were wedding presents and one was monogrammed bride and the other groom. Let's just say that as we sat there side by side in those chairs and then popped the champagne cork twenty feet, we got some stares. We didn't care- we were looking at the ocean with a mimosa in hand...what's better than that?)

While in Europe, particularly Brest, France, I discovered how enjoyable a cool glass of champagne can be in the afternoon, or before a nice meal. For those I was visiting, it was an everyday routine, but for me, it was a new, fascinating luxury! I was determined to bring this sophisticated habit back to my life in the U.S. As a sophomore in college, in the land of frats and kegs, it's hard to be sophisticated and take the time out to enjoy something nice like a glass of champagne. Impossible even. If a bottle of champagne were to emerge (and it would have been the cheapest I could find) a guy would have inevitably grabbed it and chugged-that is the way of the college years.

Anyways...years later I have rediscovered my love and appreciation for a good glass of champagne. Of course, I frequently treat myself to a nice Pinot Noir or Cabernet, but this is lighter and nicer for the summer. I recently had a glass of Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin. It was perfect and, when sipped slowly, just set my palate right for a great meal to come. My only hang up would be the need to open a large bottle when i just want one glass and no one is joining me. Solution- Some stores sell very small, one glass portions! This may be common knowledge, but it's news to me and I'm stoked! Now my fine champagne flutes that were a wedding gift, can finally be put to more frequent use...well, at least one of them will.