Wine Pairing for Ahi Tuna Tacos

I truly love simple, “clean” dishes that have fresh tuna as the principal ingredient.  For this flavorful dish as penned by the hands of Chef Abitz, the density of the fish, the texture of the sesame seed, and the mild salty taste of the soy combine to create a canvas of flavors that need the compliment of a high acid wine.  As a reminder, acid is “Mother Nature’s” gift to cuisine.  Acid tapers sweet, lessens the perception of salt, “cools” heat from spice, adds a light “pop” to crispy textures, and “cuts” through rich sauces (yes, we should all give thanks … food would be so boring without the gift of acid in wine!).  Given the change in seasons, plus the warmer weather, my preference is for wines with moderate alcohol, no oak, super “clean” fruit flavors, and, as per the above, defined acid. 
As such, I suggest the following wines:

2010    P.J. Valckenberg    100% Riesling    “Undone”    Trocken    Rheinhessen, Germany  ($16)

*keep an open mind … trocken = German for “dry” … super “bright”-clean-lean-crisp … crisp green/red/yellow apple … pure juice!
Given the pronounced acid of Riesling, is a perfect match for the “crunch” of the tortilla and will balance the “sweet & sour” of the pickled ginger and soy sauce … as well, has great lime-apple-kiwi-nectarine flavors!

2010    Alain Jaume & Fils    dry rosé of Grenache    “Haut de Brun”    Côtes-du-Rhône AOP, Southern Rhône, France ($14)

*dry Rosé is sunshine, a child’s laughter, the “wag of a puppy’s tail”, and friendship trapped in a bottle … bright red fruits, dry, dazzling!
No need for “pink panic” as the above is dry (not sweet) and a perfect match for the seared texture of the tuna, plus the clean fresh fruits of strawberry-cranberry-raspberry will compliment the “bite” of the napa cabbage and red bell pepper … color my world rosé!

The above wines are available at GOOD2GO for purchase.  Please allow me to be your “Everyday Sommelier” and always, good wine tastes good, but good food paired with good wine tastes great!

Cheers!

We Now Offer Staging Assistance!

Once you make the decision to put your home on the market, your mindset needs to change from “this is my home” to “this is a product for sale”.  The next thing you should do is ask “How can I get the most potential buyers interested in purchasing this product”?

Robin Bond Interiors is proud to announce that we are partnering with iSearchDecor.com to provide Staging Assistance. As the exclusive staging firm for iSearchDecor in Austin, we provide network members with a one hour complimentary staging consultation of the first impression area.

iSearchDecor helps consumers find the right local merchants and service professionals for all of their home décor needs.  iSearchDecor provides a way for consumers to know exactly where to go before venturing out of their homes.

Individuals and Realtors can also contact our firm directly to find out about our affordable Staging Assistance Packages.

Did you know?

1. People form an opinion about your house in the first 5 to 15 seconds.  First impressions are everything.
2. Only 10% of prospective buyers can visualize anything other than what they see.
3. Effective packaging increases the perceived value of a property.
4. Today’s buyers want move in ready.
5. According to the real estate staging association, un-staged homes stay on the market much longer than staged properties.
6. The longer a house stays on the market, the lower the price will be. According to a National Association of Realtors’ survey, homes that sold after four weeks on the market sold for 6% less than ones that sold within the first four weeks.  Don’t be in a position to have to lower your price.  Stage your house first.
7. The average seller will spend between 1 – 3% to stage their property.  This will amount to between $5,000 and $15,000 for a home valued at $500,000.  A 6% price drop on that same $500,000 home will equal $30,000.  Staged homes typically will sell for 6.3% more than un-staged homes. 
8. 95% of home buyers will begin their search for a home on line.  Staged homes show better on line.
9. Only about 30% of the population own pets.  If you have a pet, avoid leaving behind any evidence that a pet currently resides in the home. 
10. Smells influence buyers tremendously.  Make sure your home is deep cleaned prior to putting the home on the market, and keep it spotless during the entire time it is on the market.  It is nice to keep a mild scented candle burning during showings.  Vanilla is one of the more popular scents. 

Asian Design Elements

Dramatic pops of bold color.Though some Asian inspired spaces are centered around nature and fairly serene and neutral, Chinese design in particular is known for beautiful hand painted screens, rich artwork and Chinese furniture.  It is not unusual to see pops of bold true red or a rich deep royal sapphire toned blue. 

Silk is the fabric of choice in Asian design.  Window treatments can range from the

very simple fabric shades seen a lot in Japanese design to more elaborate tasseled treatments in formal spaces.

Floor screens are often used as room dividers or to hide an ugly corner. Live bamboo plants and furnishings made with bamboo are prevalent. Water elements, aquariums and fountains are typical. Low lines are not uncommon with dining areas low to the ground with pillows for seating.

Throw in the unexpected with your Asian inspired space.  Use a wrap as a table runner or frame a kimono in a shadow box.  The details in some of the robes and other clothing are certainly works of art.