After some thought, I wanted to think how we could best appreciate a beautiful weekend in NYC. My roommate Francois and I were discussing over brunch with some friends that we should partake in an American sport. 

What is the best sport ever practiced every summer in the US? The barbecue. Hehehe. It is a national sport and a wonderful tradition!

I had 2 beautiful fresh trout that I purchased at the market–what better way to enjoy than to GRILL it! There is a saying ”Simple is better” which is true. I prepared the barbecue on our terrace, sliced an onion and sprinkled the cavities with salt, pepper and rubbed the outside of each fish with olive oil.

When the grill was ready, I did not put the trout directly on it. I made a bed of bay leaves on which I laid each trout . By that way, the leaves give a wonderful flavor! When the fish is cooked, the bed of leaves will make it easier to remove the trout from the grill. I grilled them 10 minutes on each side.

My roommate Francois sliced some fresh tomatoes and one lemon. Our dinner was easy simple but sooo great. My friends at St. Supery will be very happy, because I paired my trout with the wonderful St. Supery Sauvignon Blanc 2008.  The freshness, acidity and exoticism of the Sauvignon Blanc paired very well with the grilled trout and onions. Fresh and healthy dinner!!!

Find 4 differences:

• hat
• pipe
• sailor tie
• the painting on the back

Well now what is our biggest similarity?

Let me tell you: the cheek The right cheek for Popeye and the left one for me. I am sure you already found it!!! It actually gave me the occasion to go to the emergency room on Saturday morning; first time in the US and I hope last time. Everything was fine, they gave me some pain killers. I am actually doing better but it is still painful.

The bad part is I will not be able to eat any kind of good dinner this weekend. I wanted to barbecue and have a few glasses of wine with my friends. Nothing!!!! I have to eat soup, smashed potatoes and apple sauce! No chewing. :(

I can tell you something though, when the swelling does down, I will grill a big steak on my barbecue, just with salt and pepper!! And enjoy a glass of Robert Skalli Cotes de Provence Rose, which just got a nice recommendation on the internet’s WineSkinny.com! Bon weekend!

 On my side I continue discovering america, however I have a coworker, Patrick, who does exactly the same job as me but in Asia.

I wanted to share with you a picture he sent to me. Look at these beautiful bottles of St Supery and Robert Skalli on the Great Wall.

Actually, I was in China 2 years agao, I stayed 6 months in Shanghai, China, working for a wine import company. I had the opportunity to walk on the Great Wall and, what’s even better, I slept on it. Ok it is not really legal, but not totally forbidden ;) It was one of the best experiences in my life!!!!

Do you know what? Patrick did not tell me what he ended up doing with these bottles of wine. What do you think? He definitely drunk it with his friends. I know him, I am quite sure about that.

We are far away from each other, but we both share our same passion for the wine in our respectives areas.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Labor Day weekend? What is Labor Day anyway?