READ:
When 75-year-old Betty Weissmann’s husband Joseph announces that he is leaving her after almost 50 years of marriage for what he calls “irreconcilable differences” (or what other people call another woman), Betty’s life is turned upside down. Joseph’s conniving and much younger lover, Felicity, moves into the Weissmanns’ beautiful Manhattan apartment. Betty takes up residence in a shabby beach cottage in Westport, Conn., along with her two adult daughters, Miranda and Annie, who are also in severe financial straits. The Three Weissmanns of Westport by Cathleen Schine is a novel of manners and of love stories that is perfect for weekend reading, the beach or a book club looking for a beautifully written novel that reads quickly.
-Maureen Millea Smith is a librarian at Edina Library and a Minnesota Book Award-winning novelist.
--Available at Edina Library, 5280 Grandview Sq.; 952.847.5425
DRINK:
Spring has sprung, and the long months of Minnesota’s harsh winter months seem to finally be behind us. While I love snuggling in with those cozy winter wines, one of my favorite seasons for drinking fun vino is spring. These are the wines in my world that remind me of the fresh lively colors of our blossoming fruit trees and the melting moisture that will soon reveal summer. The smells and tastes of the two combined make my palate water for the bright and crisp inviting flavors that remind us of the most celebrated color in March—green! With that in mind, here are a few of my favorite “green” wines—great for the season and committed to sustainable organic practices.
-Jorge Ordonez Botani Dry Moscatel ($20) from Malaga, Spain, is floral with delicious notes of mandarin oranges and candied lemon rind. It’s dry on the palate and perfectly delightful.
--Available at France 44; 612.925.3252
Whether you’re thinking about firing up the “barbey” or just want a nice, easy-drinking wine this spring, Banrock Station Shiraz ($8) from South Australia is your answer to wonderfully affordable delicious vino. Made also in the varietals of cabernet, merlot, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc, this environmentally conscious winery puts the “green” into everyday drinking.
-Available at all municipal Edina Liquor locations
--Leslee Miller is a certified sommelier, owner of Twin Cities-based wine consulting firm Amusée and everyone’s favorite “go to” wine gal.
LISTEN:
Saxophonist Dave Koz has been the poster boy for smooth jazz for a number of years now. On this release, Hello Tomorrow, he enlists the help of some heavyweights like Jeff Lorber, Lee Ritenour, Sheila E and Marcus Miller, just to name a few. Koz is truly a great player, but he sounds his best on the ballad “It’s Always Been You.”
-Paul Peterson is a local musician, producer and composer. Learn more about Paul and check out his new “Best Of St. Paul” album, Straight to the Funk.
--Available on iTunes.
