Day: October 17, 2025

National Pad Thai Day —
November 7, 2025

Celebrate Pad Thai, Thailand’s famous stir‑fried rice noodle dish known for its balance of sweet, sour, salty, and umami.

Quick history
- Popularized in mid‑20th century Thailand as a national dish and street food; combines Chinese noodle‑stir techniques with Thai flavors (tamarind, fish sauce, palm sugar).

Typical components
- Rice noodles (wide, soaked), protein (shrimp, chicken, tofu), eggs, bean sprouts, scallions, crushed peanuts, lime, and a sauce of tamarind paste, fish sauce, palm sugar, and sometimes tamarind concentrate or vinegar.
- Garnishes: chopped roasted peanuts, lime wedges, cilantro, chili flakes, and sometimes pickled radish.

How to celebrate
- Order from a trusted Thai restaurant or make Pad Thai at home.
- Host a noodle‑bar night so guests pick proteins, spice level, and toppings.
- Try regional variations: vegetarian/vegan, with extra veggies, or using different proteins (duck, pork, squid).

Tips & substitutions
- Swap tamarind with 1 tbsp tamarind concentrate + water or use tamarind concentrate + lime for brightness; adjust sugar/acidity to taste.
- Make vegan: replace fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari and add a splash of mushroom or seaweed stock for umami.
- Do not overcook noodles — toss quickly in a very hot pan for a slightly chewy texture.

Allergy/food safety notes
- Contains peanuts and often fish sauce; check for shellfish if allergic. Use alternatives as needed.

Enjoy National Pad Thai Day by eating a good plate of Pad Thai, trying a home version, or sharing the dish with friends. #Alpharetta #JohnsCreek #CulinaryCollectiveATL #bestinatlanta #ElegantDining #PersonalChef #CulinaryExperience #ChefRob...

National Merlot Day —
November 7, 2025

Celebrate Merlot, a versatile red wine grape known for plush fruit, soft tannins, and approachability.

Quick background
- Merlot originated in Bordeaux, France, and is one of the primary grapes in Bordeaux blends; widely planted worldwide (France, USA, Chile, Italy, Australia).
- Style ranges from light and fruity to concentrated, oak‑influenced bottles and ageworthy examples from warmer climates.

Tasting profile
- Typical aromas/flavors: black cherry, plum, raspberry, chocolate, mocha, vanilla, cedar; softer tannins and medium body.
- Style cues: cooler climates = brighter red fruit and higher acidity; warmer climates = riper dark fruit, fuller body, riper tannins; oak aging adds vanilla/toasty notes.

How to celebrate
- Taste a mini flight: Old World (Bordeaux, Right Bank), New World (California, Chile), and a single‑vineyard or oak‑aged Merlot.
- Pair Merlot with food (see below) or use in wine‑based recipes (coq au vin, red‑wine braises).
- Visit a winery, attend a tasting, or host a Merlot tasting with friends.

Food pairings
- Roast chicken, pork, mushroom dishes, grilled vegetables, tomato‑based pasta, burgers, mild to medium cheeses (Brie, Gruyère).
- Riper/structured Merlots pair well with grilled red meats and richer sauces.

Serving & storage
- Serve slightly below room temperature: 60–65°F (15–18°C). Decant younger, fuller examples for 30–60 minutes.
- Enjoy younger, fruit‑forward bottles within a few years; higher‑quality or well‑structured Merlots can age 8–15+ years.

Fun facts
- Merlot gained wider mainstream attention in the late 1990s and early 2000s (including pop‑culture mentions).
- It’s often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc to add softness and fruit.

Enjoy National Merlot Day by opening a bottle you’ve been curious about and pairing it with a simple, satisfying meal....