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FOOD - DRINK - FUN

Mountain View News Saturday, December 28, 2024

THE TASTING ROOM


THE 10 COMMANDMENTS OF 
2025 FOR PETER DILLS

The List You’ve Been Waiting For!

1. I resolve to drink more water when I 
drink.

 Translation: Add more ice to my drinks.

2. I resolve to send back cold food, even 
if I’m starving.

 Translation: No Mr. Nice Guy.

3. I resolve to ask to be moved if there 
are screaming kids next to me.

 Translation: “Two things I can’t stand: crying 
women and crying babies.”

4. I resolve to send back my meat if it’s not cooked to my liking.

 Translation: I want more perfection in 2025.

5. I resolve to order a Grande at Starbucks instead of a Venti to save money.

 Translation: Watch out, Starbucks—a big dip in the stock in 2025.

6. I resolve to smoke more cigars this year.

 Translation: I always smoke with my friends.

7. I resolve to ask the dumb question: Is it really a Champagne Brunch or a Sparkling 
Wine Brunch?

 Translation: It is always a Sparkling Wine Brunch.

8. I resolve to ask, “Is it really World Famous?”

 Translation: Never World Famous—often, people in the neighborhood don’t even know the 
place.

9. I resolve to tip 10% if the service warrants it.

 Translation: Yeah right—I know I’m a coward when it comes to stiffing these waiters, even 
when they deserve it.

10. I resolve to cook one meal a week at home.

 Translation: One more than I am now!

Bonus

I resolve to have my order ready before getting on the phone when ordering to-go food.

 Translation: No more long pauses while the poor person on the other end waits for me to 
decide.*

NEW FOR 2025

I resolve to stop buying split bottles of Champagne, even for a toast.

• Translation: Let’s be real—splits are a total rip-off. For the price of a 187ml split, 
you could often get half a full bottle if not more. Splits are marketed as ‘cute’ or ‘convenient,’ 
but they’re overpriced for what you’re getting. Whether it’s for a toast or just sipping, a full 
bottle not only gives you better value, but you also get to enjoy the experience of popping the 
cork and pouring for everyone. In 2025, let’s go big or go home! Champagne should never 
be stingy—celebrations deserve the full treatment.*

HAPPY NEW YEAR! LET’S MAKE 2025 A GREAT ONE


CHAMPAGNE FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE!

I’m Gustavo Lira, Tasting Room Manager and Wine Buyer at The 
Bottle Shop in Sierra Madre with another wine and spirits selection. 

New Year’s Eve is right around the corner so let’s celebrate with 
Champagne! If you are thinking of going to Target or to the grocery 
store to pick up a mass-produced Champagne, please reconsider. 
I have a special Champagne for you that is delightful, delicious, 
and incredibly priced. 

I am talking about Champagne J. Lassalle Cachet Or Brut NV. 
Jules Lassalle established this family-owned Champagne house in 
1942. He passed away in 1982 and his wife, Olga, and their daughter, 
Chantal Decelle-Lassalle, took over management of the estate. 
In 2006 Chantal’s daughter, Angéline Templier, joined the estate as 
winemaker. I love the tradition of these hardworking women. Their 
slogan of “une femme, un esprit, un style” (one woman, 
one spirit, one style) is spot on, and they have been 
in the Kermit Lynch portfolio longer than anyone else. 
There are the magical words – Kermit Lynch – this is 
a Kermit Lynch imported wine, so you know it’s damn 
good.

This wine is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and 
Pinot Munier from sustainably farmed vines that are 
over 50 years old. It’s rich and luxurious with citrus 
and spicy notes. It’s creamy and elegant with fine bubbles. 
It is crisp with juicy acidity. The lingering finish 
is smooth and dry. The total annual production for 
Champagne Lassalle – not just this wine but the entire 
lineup – is 10,000 cases. Compare that to Veuve Clicquot 
which has an annual production of 1.5 million 
cases and you know that the quality of Champagne 
Lassalle is far superior to that of Veuve Clicquot. You 
can’t beat the price either. Why pay double for Veuve 
Clicquot when you can have this excellent Champagne 
from the hardworking women of Champagne Lassalle? 

Take this to your New Year’s Eve celebration and your 
friends will know you put thoughtful consideration 
into your choice. Happy New Year everyone. Celebrate 
the New Year with this gorgeous Champagne!

 

The Champagne Lassalle Cachet Or Premier Cru is available at The Bottle Shop for $39.99. Say you saw it in 
the Mountain Views News and get the MVN special price of $37.99. Special price good through December 31.

Until next time – Salud!

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PIGS IN SLEEPING BAGS

Perfect for New Year’s Eve


INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon unsalted butter 

1/4 cup minced shallot 

2 large garlic cloves, minced 

3 tablespoons panko (Japanese breadcrumbs) 

3 tablespoons whole milk 

3/4 cup drained sauerkraut 

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard plus more for serving 

3/4 teaspoon caraway seeds, toasted, lightly crushed 

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 

8 ounces ground pork 

1 14-ounce package Dufour Pastry Kitchens frozen puff pastry, thawed 

All-purpose flour (for dusting) 

1 large egg, beaten to blend 

DIRECTIONS

Melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add shallot and cook, stirring occasionally 
and reducing heat if needed to prevent burning, until soft, 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and 
cook, stirring occasionally, until aromatic, about 1 minute. Transfer shallot mixture to a 
large bowl and let cool. 

Combine panko and milk in a small bowl; let stand until milk is absorbed, 2-3 minutes. Add 
to bowl with shallot mixture. Squeeze any excess liquid from sauerkraut; coarsely chop and 
add to bowl. Stir in 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard and caraway seeds; season with salt and 
pepper. Mix well. Add pork; using a fork or your hands, gently mix until just combined (do 
not overmix). 

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out pastry on a lightly floured surface to 
a 14x10” rectangle. Cut lengthwise into three 14x3 1/3” strips. Transfer strips to prepared 
baking sheet. Using one-third of sausage filling and leaving a 1” border at each end, pat 
sausage to form a thin log of filling down the center of 1 pastry strip. Fold pastry over sausage 
mixture to enclose, then press pastry together to seal. Fold seam under to ensure that 
sausage is tightly wrapped. Repeat with remaining pastry and sausage mixture. 

Cut small diagonal slits at 1” intervals along top of pastries (to help release steam). Brush 
top and sides of pastry with beaten egg; chill in freezer for about 30 minutes. DO AHEAD: 
Pastries can be made 2 weeks ahead. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, then foil, and keep 
frozen. 

Preheat oven to 425°F. Bake pastries (if frozen, no need to thaw) until puffed and light 
brown, about 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350°F; continue baking until sausage is cooked 
through and pastry is golden and completely puffed, about 25 minutes. Let cool slightly. 
Cut sausage rolls crosswise into 1” pieces. Serve with a bowl of Dijon mustard for dipping. 

ALL THINGS By Jeff Brown 


NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS TAKES 

COMMITMENT. 

Health and Wellness:

"I promise to prioritize my physical health by exercising regularly 
and eating a balanced diet."

"I will get enough sleep each night to feel refreshed and 
energized."

"I will practice mindfulness and stress management 
techniques."

I will drink more water throughout the day."

“I will eat less sugar”

Personal Growth:

"I will learn a new skill this year."

"I will read more books."

"I will dedicate time to personal development activities."

"I will step outside my comfort zone and try new things."

Relationships:

"I will actively listen and be more present in my relationships."

"I will express gratitude to my loved ones more often."

"I will make quality time for my family and friends."

"I will work on improving communication with my partner."

Career:

"I will set clear career goals and work towards achieving them."

"I will improve my time management skills."

"I will take initiative on new projects at work."

"I will continue to learn and develop professionally."

Financial:

"I will create a budget and stick to it."

"I will save more money for the future."

"I will reduce unnecessary spending."

"I will pay off debt."

Environmental and Community Impact:

Do random acts of kindness

Reduce plastic usage by carrying reusable bags and bottles.

Volunteer for a cause you care about.

Donate items you no longer need.

Plant a tree or start a small garden.

 
SSiieerrrraa MMaaddrree WWoommaann’’ss CClluubb 
WWiisshheess YYoouu AA VVeerryy 
Since February 1907 – 117 Years of “Living the Volunteer Life” 
Member of General Federation of Women’s Clubs cfwc.org & gfwc.org 
SierraMadreWomansClub.org 
Facebook/SierraMadreWomansClub 355-4379 
Rent Our 1914 Historic Essick House 355-4379 . 
Wistaria Thrift Shop No Donations til 1/3/25. Please. 
Merry Christmas
Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com