New England International Auto Show

From January 17 through the 21st, the New England International Auto Show sent the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center (BCEC) into high gear. Featuring everything that classic car enthusiasts could have asked for alongside contemporary models of every shape, size, and color, the Auto Show wowed car fans of all ages.

Cars, vans, crossovers, hybrids, light trucks, and sports utility vehicles were all featured in the Seaport's BCEC. Participants had the opportunity to sit behind the wear, open the trunk, inspect the rims and tires, and pop the hood to experience all aspects of each vehicle. The expo had that "new car smell" as soon as you entered the door! The opportunity to compare prices and vehicle features was everywhere and participants had the chance to get answers to their questions in a no pressure environment right on the expo floor.

Photo highlights from the 2019 Auto Show:

ATK Eats: Boston

The 2nd Annual ATK Eats Boston brought with it culinary confections of every kind for a two day event. Whether you were looking for something sweet, salty, or savory, ATK Eats had it covered. Live music, book signings, and wine, beer, and spirits accompanied all of the delectable treats.

Cooking demonstrations took place throughout the day on an array of topics including: All Time Best Breakfast and Brunch, Food-Lover's Atlas of Italy, and Cook's Illustrated Revolutionary Recipes. On Sunday, ATK Eats hosted Kids Fest. The Innovation and Design Building was the venue for the event down in Boston's trendy Seaport district. Feast your eyes on photos from the 2018 ATK Eats Boston:

 

Cheers to Boston!

Boston Wine Expo 2017

The wondrous Wine Expo Grand Tasting was filled with the sweet sounds and scents of superb wine. The expo celebrated its 26th anniversary this past week on February 18th and 19th. Inside Boston's Seaport World Trade Center there was plenty of sparkling concoctions worthy of toasting.

This year's Grand Tasting highlighted over 1,800 wine varieties from around the globe. The Celebrity Chef Stages featured appearances by Andy Husbands as well as David Becker to name a few. Seminars on over 35 topics including, "One Hour Wine Experts" and "Why You Like the Wines You Like" took place for those looking for a more formal education in wine.

The Red Balloon had the privilege of meeting and discussing wine with Marzia Ferraris Arizzi at the Expo. Marzia is the proprietor of Arizziwine. This family owned winery produces Sangiovese and Merlot wines from the soil to maximum the taste. Marzia stressed the importance of quality when producing all of her wine. She ensures that within each bottle she creates, that the grapes and the very essence of life are contained. Her philosophy of quality is clear in her devotion to her winery. For Marizia, the wine process from start to finish is clearly a labor of love. Marzia is pictured on the far right of the photo below:

New this year, participants at the Grand Tasting could take part in mini-paint sessions to get a feel for Paint Night. With aprons on, participants took to their canvases and got in touch with their inner Picasso.

Participants also had the option of creating mini-terrariums, getting their hands dirty and a sense of what is involved in Plant Night.

More photos from the expo:

                           

                         

                                                                                                                                           

As always, the expo is for a worthy cause.Proceeds from the Boston Wine Expo support the Tufts Medical Center's Summer Camp Program for Children with disabilities.

Cheers to 2017!

Boston Wine Expo 2016

The Boston Wine Expo 2016 Grand Tasting took place on Sunday, February 14th and love was in the air. Love for the effervescent favorite: wine. There was no shortage of both food and drink at the affair. The Red Balloon was there at the 25th celebration of the Boston Wine Expo (BWE) at the Seaport World Trade Center. Scenes from the BWE can be seen below:

From Australia to Lebanon, Israel to France, Italy to the United States, the Red Balloon floated (everyone else needed to walk!) The wine was poured from pretty much every corner of the world and every country on the map. As an added bonus: no passport was needed.

From Portugal, there was Vinho Verde. A fun fact is that the wine itself is not actually green, it instead tends to be white. The word "verde" refers not to the color of the wine but to the fact that the grapes are picked typically within the first three months. Although the name translates literally to "green wine" it is actually called a "young wine." The Red Balloon thought it to be a perfect match!

If you have been searching for a dessert wine, you've come to the right place (see it in the BWE glass above.) The Red Balloon conducted extensive research while at the Boston Wine Expo, tasting numerous wines to find just the right dessert wine. Bartenura's Malvasia Di Casorzo, from Italy, is THE dessert wine. It is sweet and an absolute delight on the palate. Once you taste this wine, you won't even want dessert!

Speaking of dessert, there was no shortage of sweets at the BWE. That was thanks to Montilio's Baking Company which provided an assortment of cupcakes, tiramisu, cheesecake, fruit tarts, and a made to order cannoli station (a favorite of The Red Balloon.) (Okay so perhaps one can make room for dessert after all!)

Photos from the BWE 2016 can be seen below:

 

Happy Saturday!