http://onmilwaukee.com/rss/rss_nathanielbauer.xml Milwaukee's Daily Magazine Nathaniel Bauer en-us Wed, 2 Dec 2009 05:15:06 CST http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss http://onmilwaukee.com/images/layout/omc_rssfeed_logo.gif http://onmilwaukee.com 204 67 What's so special about bartenders? They're just people cowering behind the safety of a 4-foot barrier who tip a bottle of liquid upside down and pour it into a glass. Your total interaction with them can be as little as a minute or two. How hard can it be? Well, with all the average or below-average bartenders you've experienced, apparently it's harder than it looks. What is it that differentiates good bartenders from bad? http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/uncorkedworstbartender.html http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/uncorkedworstbartender.html?20451 Sat, 10 Oct 2009 16:05:00 CST Sake is made from rice. It is a brewed alcoholic beverage. There are varying degrees of quality determined by production and the amount milled away from each grain of rice. There are more than 30,000 unique sake labels, almost all from Japan. The unique and distinctive flavors of sake rival the most complex wines. Before Nanakusa opened, there was very little decent sake to be had in the city. That isn't the case now. http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/sakenanakusa.html http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/sakenanakusa.html?20348 Sat, 3 Oct 2009 11:21:00 CST Hosting a group of people who really enjoy wine or want to learn more about wine can be an incredible time. There are, however, a lot of decisions that go into planning such an event. Will it be formal or casual? Will you cook yourself, hire a caterer or ask guests to pitch in by bringing dishes? Collaborating with your guests or keeping the menu smart and relatively easy are two strong options. http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/hostingawineparty.html http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/hostingawineparty.html?20273 Sat, 26 Sep 2009 14:54:00 CST Historically, the Bodegas (wineries) in Bierzo produced largely weak and unmemorable wines. But the last two decades have seen superstar winemakers focus on hillside plantings for better exposure and drainage. Some have said that the vineyards are some of the most beautiful in all of Spain with plantings arranged on steep slopes and terraces. http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/bierzowine.html http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/bierzowine.html?20221 Sat, 19 Sep 2009 11:52:00 CST Milwaukee didn't garner the moniker "Brew City" for just any old reason; the history and saturation of the beer market is a huge part of the city culture. But Wisconsin isn't just known for its mass produced brews, it has been host to a number of excellent micro-breweries whose number and quality are ever increasing. The best in the field -- in terms of quality and portfolio -- is Sprecher. http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/uncorkedsprecher.html http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/uncorkedsprecher.html?20166 Sat, 12 Sep 2009 15:08:00 CST OnMIlwaukee.com wine columnist Nathaniel Bauer will mingle with readers during a tasting event Sept. 16 at Park Lafayette Condominiums, 2025 N. Summit Ave. The format is simple: Come and hang out, see the new space, eat some food, taste some wine. You can tour of the facilities and sample fun wines. http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/uncorkedtastingevent.html http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/uncorkedtastingevent.html?20110 Sat, 5 Sep 2009 14:14:00 CST There is a stigma and aristocracy associated with Champagne that the spirit doesn't deserve. For the record, Champagne is sparkling wine, but sparkling wine is not Champagne unless it comes from the region Champagne, France. Although there are many beautiful examples and very well made sparkling wines from around the world, Champagne produces the best sparklers on the planet -- bar none. http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/uncorkedchampagne.html http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/uncorkedchampagne.html?19975 Thu, 20 Aug 2009 16:19:00 CST Thinking about going to Napa Valley this year for the harvest? Not unless you planned your trip months ago. This week's column covers the most popular tourist season, and the most hectic for wineries, known as the "crush." We'll discuss the pros and cons of braving the masses from September through October in Napa Valley. http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/napaharvest.html http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/napaharvest.html?19911 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:25:00 CST Sitting out on the patio with friends, enjoying some tasty brats, hamburgers, ribs and corn on the cob is a pastime that Wisconsinites have mastered as we have a considerably shorter time span in which to practice it. So what better libation to match up with your classic grill fair than ... wine, of course. http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/grillingandwine.html http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/grillingandwine.html?19865 Fri, 7 Aug 2009 11:23:00 CST How often have you walked into a restaurant, opened the wine list and stared wide-eyed at the seemingly ridiculous prices? You scan down the list, looking for one or two of your most recent favorites, find them and can't believe that the restaurant wants $125 for the bottle you paid $35 for last week. Uncorked explores the meaning of this markup, explains the rationale and talks about a world with reasonably-priced wines. http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/ripoffwines.html http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/ripoffwines.html?19792 Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:25:00 CST You already lean on your iPhone or Blackberry for help in all kinds of situations. What about when it comes to selecting a wine? An informative app could help you out of a jam. The major problems with these sites is that you have no way to balance the information you just looked up with what is staring you in the face on the retail shelf or in the monstrosity of a wine list open before you. http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/mobilewineapps.html http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/mobilewineapps.html?19747 Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:11:00 CST Many people have referred to Angelo Gaja, current owner of Gaja Vineyards, as the King of Piedmont. His eldest daughter, Gaia, is most definitely worthy of the hyperbolized title of Princess. She carries on the family name and tradition with pride and passion, while holding "court" with the perfectly blended air of confidence and grace. During a recent visit to town, she spoke to OnMilwaukee.com wine expert Nathaniel Bauer. http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/gaiagaja.html http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/gaiagaja.html?19696 Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:22:00 CST After five generations, this famed Italian producer has captured the hearts, souls and palates of anyone fortunate enough to experience their amazing wines. Be a part of the magic this week in the first installment of a two-part series on the family history and the wines of Gaja. http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/gajawines.html http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/gajawines.html?19636 Thu, 9 Jul 2009 16:16:00 CST With Independence Day weekend approaching, it seems appropriate to highlight the alcoholic beverage so distinctly American -- the cocktail. We list some of the perennial classics, possible origins and their corresponding original recipes. If you are looking for some inspiration this weekend, try one of these libertarian libations. http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/americancocktails.html http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/americancocktails.html?19592 Fri, 3 Jul 2009 16:08:00 CST With tens of thousands of producers worldwide, crazy foreign labels and huge differences in vintages, it's hard for the average consumer to figure out what wine to buy. The rating system changed the face of retail wine purchasing forever, empowering consumers. As much as this power has been a savior, it has become such a bastardized, corrupt and inconsistent system that the numbers assigned to wine often are meaningless. http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/winescores.html http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/winescores.html?19508 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:01:00 CST It's a common question. "I really like wine and want to learn more ... where do I start?" In this column, we talk to Katie Espinosa, sommelier and a manager at Mr. B's Bartolotta Steakhouse in Brookfield. In the span of a few years, she's gone from server to manager to sommelier and is on the brink of taking the advanced exam from the Court of Master Sommeliers. http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/uncorked062009.html http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/uncorked062009.html?19441 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 16:14:00 CST Decanters have been around for centuries. Interestingly enough, the reasons for using a decanter haven't changed much at all since their invention during the Roman Empire. Some shapes are more conducive to oxygenation, others more practical for serving. Whatever style you choose or prefer, the reasons for pouring wine from a bottle into a decanter remain pretty straightforward. http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/uncorked061309.html http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/uncorked061309.html?19386 Sat, 13 Jun 2009 15:57:00 CST Even though it may seem like summer doesn't want to quite get here, inevitably it will, and we will turn our complaining from "It's too cold" to "It's too hot." With the warm sunny days ahead, it's time to head out on the town to see who is serving up some great summertime cocktails. Whether you prefer Mai Tais, mojitos, Moscow mules, margaritas or tasty beers, you can find a place to cool off in Milwaukee. http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/uncorked060509.html http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/uncorked060509.html?19311 Fri, 5 Jun 2009 11:27:00 CST One of the more common misconceptions about the wine world has to do with sulfites and sulfite allergies. Lots of people claim to be allergic to red wine and blame sulfites as the cause, but there are other factors at work. In this week's "Uncorked" column, OnMilwaukee.com wine expert Nathaniel Bauer explores the myths and mystery of sulfites in wine and offers some hints for people who want to enjoy a glass of red without the headache. http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/uncorked052909.html http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/uncorked052909.html?19239 Fri, 29 May 2009 16:07:00 CST Every year at about this time, ardent and passionate wine professionals shake their heads, lament and plot to see how they can make this year different than the last. The goal: see how many people they can convert to the wonders of Rosé wine. It's unclear why Rosé gets a bad rap. The best naturally possess the combined characteristics of red and white wine -- the body and fruit qualities of red, mixed with the acidity and vibrancy of whites http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/uncorked052109.html http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/uncorked052109.html?19179 Thu, 21 May 2009 16:24:00 CST The question pops up all the time in wine seminars and classes, between friends and colleagues. Someone mentions a dusty bottle of wine in the basement they saved from their wedding night. Or perhaps someone else bought a bottle to commemorate the birth of their child, who turns 21 next week and wants to know if they should even bother opening it. Are they still good? http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/uncorked051309.html http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/uncorked051309.html?19034 Wed, 13 May 2009 08:18:00 CST Wine dinners are the coup de grace for any fine restaurant. More time and energy is devoted to these special events than for any other kind of service at a great restaurant. As much as the staff takes pride in treating every guest as well as possible every day, it is the wine dinner format that really gives them a chance to shine. http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/uncorked050809.html http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/uncorked050809.html?19050 Fri, 8 May 2009 16:13:00 CST When it comes to etiquette at wine tastings, you don't need to worry about raised pinky fingers or dainty, thin-lipped sips from a glass, designed to give the perfect impression. We're trying to eliminate snobbery from wine, remember? Here are some tips to help you navigate the large-scale tastings. (For starters, don't wear white!) http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/uncorked043009.html http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/uncorked043009.html?18903 Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:12:00 CST OnMilwaukee.com is proud to introduce Nathaniel Bauer to our readers. Bauer, the marketing director for a local software company, spent most of the last 10 years as a wine buyer for some of Milwaukee's finest restaurants and is eager to share his knowledge with readers in an engaging, interactive weekly column about wine that promises to be informative, but not intimidating. As Nate says, "If you can't relax and enjoy wine, why bother?" http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/uncorked042309.html http://onmilwaukee.com/bars/articles/uncorked042309.html?18842 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 18:26:00 CST