Local Wine Events

August

“Vines + Reefs III:  Lovin’ La Playa” – 8/5/2010

Cooks of Crocus Hill – St Paul, MN

With all due respect to the Land of 10,000 Lakes, our beaches can’t quite compare to the white-sand wonders of la playa in Mexico.  Take a virtual trip south of the border with Sommelier Leslee and Chef Mike Shannon, who pair a variety of seafood fare with bright and lively wines.  Leslee ditches the white wine with fish and the red meat with red wine theory, and she shows you how easy it is.  Come and check out why we’re taking this on to a third encore!

Menu: Grilled Tilapia Tacos with Zesty Slaw; Sautéed Shrimp with Balsamic Onion Marmalade; Pan-Seared Halibut with Chipotle Pineapple Salsa; Salmon en Papillote; Chocolate-Orange Mousse

These classes at Cooks have become ridiculously hot (thanks to you!!), I urge you to sign up ASAP if you would like to attend.

Please call Cooks @ 651.228.1333 to reserve your seat today!

“Private Wine Event” – 8/13/2010

Minneapolis, MN

“Korta Katarina Winery Pouring at Byerlys” – 8/14/2010

Byerlys Wine Shop – Eagan, MN

Come join me as I pour through one of the most talked about Eastern European Wineries around, Korta Katarina!  Pouring from 3-6pm in the Byerly’s Wine Shop in Eagan, this tasting is FREE.  Come + see why everyone in the Twin Cities is talking about these wines!

“From Under the Tuscan Sun – Back by Popular Demand!” – 8/18/2010

Cooks of Crocus Hill – Edina, MN

Can’t tell the difference between Chianti, Super Tuscan and Montalcino?  Sommelier Leslee and her culinary cohort, Chef Mike, will show you the ropes in this fun-packed and easy intro to Tuscan food and wine.  You’ll start with wine-label basics, then sip and sample through some of the region’s best.  Tuscany made easy with this Superstar Culinary Duo!

Menu: Grilled Radicchio and White Bean Crostini; Classic Tomato Panzanella; Florentine Roast Pork with Fennel Milk Sauce; Beefsteak Maremma with Asparagus Tagliatelle; Citrus Tiramisù

These classes at Cooks have become ridiculously hot (thanks to you!!), I urge you to sign up ASAP if you would like to attend.

Please call Cooks @ 952.285.1903 to reserve your seat today!

“Private Event” – 8/19/2010

Minneapolis, MN

“Private Event” – 8/21/2010

St. Paul, MN

“Wheels of Italy” – 8/22/2010

Looking for something super fun, super cool and super exciting to do on a Sunday summer morning?  Come and see where all the cool kids hang out…  Don’t forget a great bottle of Italian Wine ~ Wimpy Wines Need Not Apply.
More info at:  www.wheelsofitaly.com

“Private Event” – 8/23/2010

Minneapolis, MN

“Korta Katarina Winery Pouring at Pairings” – 8/26/2010

Pairings Wine Shop – Minnetonka, MN

Come join me as I pour through one of the most talked about Eastern European Wineries around, Korta Katarina!  Pouring from 4-7pm at Pairings Food + Wine, this tasting is FREE.  Come + see why everyone in the Twin Cities is talking about these wines!

“Wines Around the World: 201” – 8/27/2010

Wayzata Country Club – Wayzata, MN

Are you a member to Wayzata Country Club and are looking to expand your wine vocab?  We’re already on Class 201!  If you missed 101, not to worry – we’ll catch you up quick.

Please call Wayzata CC @ 952.473.8846 to sign up – hurry, seats are limited!

“Maddens Resort – Food + Wine Classic” – 8/28-8/29/2010

Madden’s Resort – Brainerd, MN

This is going to be one Extravagant Food + Wine show down!  Let’s just call it the biggest event in the North Woods and one you won’t want to miss.  With a variety of wine tastings and classes to attend and over 100 wines to taste – I’ll be there teaching a full two hour class on Croatian Wine from Korta Katarina Winery along with pouring for the Chef Expo (both on Saturday).  Looking for a great way to wind up your summer, this is it!  Come and see us.

Please call Julie Bolig at 218.829.2811 to make your reservation today!

September

“Labor Day Weekend” – 9/3-9/5/2010

Take the ‘labor’ out of what wine to choose for your holiday weekend.  Visit Amusée's CRUSH PAD for all your wine answers!  Leslee gives you her favorite end of the summer picks, reviews and holiday food & wine pairings!

“Private Event” – 9/14/2010

St. Paul, MN

“Dave Matthews Rocks the Twin Cities” – 9/15/2010

Xcel Energy Center – St Paul, MN

Is it a bird, is it a plane?!  No, it’s DMB.  Of course this is one Sommelier who will not miss a chance to see Dave Matthews.  I’m such a huge fan, I’m almost a stalker!  What wine will be paired with the anticipation of his arrival, his opening song, the middle, the end and of course, the encore?!  Tune into Amusée’s CRUSH PAD for more obsessive Dave Matthews wine pairings!

“The Original Vines + Reefs” – 9/16/2010

Cooks of Crocus Hill – Edina, MN

Let Sommelier Leslee and Chef Mike brighten your Minnesota holidays with a food and wine experience that connects the sea to the vineyard. Learn more about how to pair wine with seafood while you enjoy combinations that are light, easy, fresh and affordable.

Menu: Seared Scallops with Maple-Soy Reduction; Sautéed Shrimp with Pesto Pasta; Veracruz-Style Snapper with Olives and Tomatoes Served with Crunchy Green Bean Salad; White Fish with Fresh Cilantro Coconut Chutney; Classic Bananas Foster.

These classes at Cooks have become ridiculously hot (thanks to you!!), I urge you to sign up ASAP if you would like to attend.  As of August 5th, they were all mostly 50% sold out.

Please call Cooks @ 952.285.1903 to reserve your seat today! 
Don’t miss your chance to share some time with Twin Cities Favorite Food and Wine Pairing Duo ~ Sommelier Leslee + Chef Mike.  Giving you one wine education class, that will have you coming back for more.

“Wine Golf Night at Wayzata Country Club” – 9/17/2010

Wayzata Country Club – Wayzata, MN

“Private Event” – 9/18/2010

Edina, MN

“Private Event” – 9/22/2010

Wayzata, MN

“Private Event” – 9/23/2010

Minneapolis, MN

“Fall Harvest Dinner: Wine + Beer Pairing” – 9/28/2010

Cooks of Crocus Hill – St Paul, MN

With an abundance of late-summer vegetables comes time to enjoy the fruits of our labor. Join Chef Mike as he creates a menu from a fabulous array of fall finds, while Sommelier Leslee and Cicerone Michael provide perfect wine and beer pairings for a harvest feast.

Menu: Grilled Shrimp Salad with Goat Cheese Fritters; Beef Carpaccio Crostini with Caramelized Onions and Bleu Cheese; Sausage-Stuffed Portobellos; Pork Loin with Mango Chutney; Baked Stuffed Apples.

These classes at Cooks have become ridiculously hot (thanks to you!!), I urge you to sign up ASAP if you would like to attend. As of August 5th, this class was almost 100% sold out, if you'd like in, better call quick. Call Cooks @ 651.228.1333 to reserve your seat today!  Come see why The Twin Cities LOVE our Wine Education Classes. We take Twin Cities Wine to another level!

“Wines Around the World: 301” – 9/30/2010

Wayzata Country Club – Wayzata, MN

Are you a member to Wayzata Country Club and are looking to expand your wine vocab?  How did we get to 301 so fast?  If you missed 101 or 201, not to worry – we’ll catch you up quick, but you must be ready to drink great wine!

Please call Wayzata CC @ 952.473.8846 to sign up – hurry, seats are limited!

October

“Private Event” – 10/1/2010

Minneapolis, MN

“Auction Lot Dinner for Joyce Preschool” – 10/2/2010

St. Paul, MN

“Private Event” – 10/5/2010

Minneapolis, MN

“Private Event” – 10/9/2010

Minneapolis, MN

“ABC’s of Wine” – 10/11//2010

Cooks of Crocus Hill – St Paul, MN

Love wine but just not sure where to begin when it comes to sniffing, swirling and tasting? Join professional Sommelier Leslee Miller this fall as she shows you all the basics. Learn how to taste, select and care for your wines with a variety of helpful tips from Cooks of Crocus Hill's very own wine guru.

Menu: A fabulous selection of wines from around the globe, Seasonal Salad, + a sweet bite!

These classes at Cooks have become ridiculously hot (thanks to you!!), I urge you to sign up ASAP if you would like to attend. As of August 5th, this class was almost 50% sold out, if you'd like in, better call quick. Call Cooks @ 651.228.1333 to reserve your seat today!  Sommelier Leslee + Amusée, named Twin Cities Favorite Wine Classes, come see why. But look out, her love for food and wine is contagious!

“Korta Katarina Wine Dinner @ MN’s new Nectar Wine Bar” – 10/13//2010

Nectar Wine Bar – Osseo, MN

Been hearing all this talk on the street about Croatian wines?  Come and see what all the commotion is all about.  Enjoy a fabulous four-course menu paired perfectly to the portfolio of Croatian Winery, Korta Katarina. A dream of a local MN family, this new winery shares some of the same passions in life as owner Chef Kevin of Nectar Wine Bar ~ Great Food + Great Wine! Join us for a nite of fantastic food and allow yourself to travel Croatia with us as we show you just how spectacular this country's wines and culture are. Call 763.657.7231 to make your reservation today! 

“Private Event” – 10/14/2010

Golden Valley, MN

“Pinot Noir:  World Tour” – 10/15/2010

Cooks of Crocus Hill – Edina, MN

Sit back, strap in and prepare to embark on a world-class tour of our favorite grape. Chef Mike and Sommelier Leslee are back to help you explore the depth and complexity of Pinot Noir while noshing on an array of perfectly paired sweets and savories.

Menu: Warm Tomato Salad; Duck Confit Ravioli with Sour Cherry Sauce; Roasted Chicken with Mushrooms and Dijon Cream Sauce; Ginger-Crusted Salmon; Apple-Raspberry Crisp with Pecan Crunch.

These classes at Cooks have become ridiculously hot (thanks to you!!), I urge you to sign up ASAP if you would like to attend. As of August 5th, they were all mostly 50% sold out. Please call Cooks @ 952.285.1903 to reserve your seat today! 
We are rockin’ from Minneapolis to St Paul + sure to give you The Best Wine Education Class Experience in the Twin Cities. Come see why everyone falls in L-O-V-E with these two fabulous food and wine pairing experts.

“George Strait Takes on the Twin Cities” – 10/21/2010

Xcel Energy Center – St Paul, MN

How big is your belt buckle?  Come on down and join George’s Groupies when we boogie down to one of Country Western’s (still) Hottest Legends.  Always looking to pair wine to my music experience, tune into the CRUSH PAD for Mr. Strait’s Amusée Wine Pairing!

“Wayzata CC’s Wine Fair” – 10/22/2010

Wayzata Country Club – Wayzata, MN

Are you a member to Wayzata Country Club and are looking to indulge in the wine world?  Come and sample over 50 different wines from around the world with your host, Sommelier Leslee, accompanied by Wayzata CC’s fine hospitality team. Please call Wayzata CC @ 952.473.8846 to sign up – hurry, seats are limited!

“Maroon 5 Lights up the Twin Cities” – 10/28/2010

Target Center – Minneapolis, MN

Love the cool, sexy tones of singer Adam Levine?  Here’s your chance to have him all to yourself for one nite!  Head downtown for a romantic dinner and sweep her off her feet with a Maroon 5 Concert, you’ll surely be a hit!  While I’m sure the pairings will be sizzlin’ hot, don’t forget to check out the CRUSH PAD for Adam’s super secret Amusée Wine Pairing after the show!

“Halloween!” – 10/31/2010

Take all the scary parts out of choosing wine for this spooky holiday.  Why not greet those Trick or Treaters with a fat glass of wine? Make this Halloween fun with a visit to Amusée's CRUSH PAD for all your wine answers. Leslee gives you her favorite fall whites, her stinky favorites (stinky good!) and her bloody red picks along with a bucket of fun food & wine pairings!

November

“Steak and Cabernet:  Re-Sliced + Re-Poured” – 11/12/2010

Cooks of Crocus Hill – Edina, MN

Partake in Steak and Cabernet, part trois. Enjoy a variety of creative and easy steaks (as in, more than just beef) paired with a masterful mix of bold and hearty Cabernets. Chef Mike and Sommelier Leslee return to pair their passion for these tongue-tempting flavors.

Menu:  Marinated Eggplant Steak with Parmesan Crust; Portobello Steaks with Blue Cheese; Horseradish-Encrusted Salmon Steaks; Steak au Poivre with Mustard Sauce and Garlic Potatoes; Cabernet- and Honey-Poached Pear with Mascarpone.

These classes at Cooks have become ridiculously hot (thanks to you!!), I urge you to sign up ASAP if you would like to attend.  As of August 5th, they were all mostly 50% sold out. Please call Cooks @ 952.285.1903 to reserve your seat today! 
This Steak + Cab Class is what started it all, named Twin Cities Favorite Wine + Food Pairing Class.  Come check us out, and bring a few favorite pals!

“Holiday Entertaining with Wine + Cheese” – 11/22/2010

Cooks of Crocus Hill – Edina, MN

Salt and pepper. Bert and Ernie. PB&J. All great things that go great together -- and wine and cheese are no exception. Join Sommelier Leslee and cheesemonger Song Lee of France 44 as they share with you their love for this dynamic duo. Get expert pairing tips and tricks and take away some easy entertaining ideas for the holidays.

Menu:  A Festive Selection of World Class Wine + Artisanal Cheese to Pair.

These classes at Cooks have become ridiculously hot (thanks to you!!), I urge you to sign up ASAP if you would like to attend.  As of August 5th, they were all mostly 50% sold out. Please call Cooks @ 952.285.1903 to reserve your seat today! 
Looking a fabulous Twin Cities Wine Experience, look no farther – these wine classes with Amusée have been voted some of Minneapolis and St Paul’s favorite Wine Education Classes. 

“Best of the Best:  Part II” – 11/30/2010

Cooks of Crocus Hill – Edina, MN

Ring the dinner bell -- it's time for round two. If you thought you already had the best of the best, think again. The best just keeps getting better when the delicious duo of Chef Mike and Sommelier Leslee are around. They're back with another full menu of food and wine pairings from their favorite menus and classes.

Menu:  Romaine with Smoked Trout and Duck Vinaigrette; Penne with Gorgonzola Tomato Sauce; Lemongrass Mussels; New York Strip with Creamy Crab Sauce; Berry Bread Pudding.

These classes at Cooks have become ridiculously hot (thanks to you!!), I urge you to sign up ASAP if you would like to attend.  As of August 5th, they were all mostly 50% sold out.

Please call Cooks @ 952.285.1903 to reserve your seat today! 
The best doesn’t get any better than this. Come see why the Twin Cities LOVES these Wine Education Classes. Giving you a first class wine experience with Amusée + Cooks of Crocus Hill – with two experts who will passionately share their craft with you.

December

Holiday Parties with Amusée!

Do not forget to reserve your date for your Holiday Party with Amusée early!  Last year, I was out of dates before November 1st for the month of December.

Amusée not only brings the entire wine party to you, but don’t forget we can cater your party from top to bottom, too!

How bout a Tapas Party, a Bubbly Party for the New Year, or a full dinner party with Amusée’s Chef? While the foods are all prepped, prepared and served fresh, Sommelier Leslee pairs to every aspect of your menu – making your holiday season one to remember with friends and family!