Holy Trinity

Have you ever played the "deserted island" game? Of course you have. As devastating as it sounds to be stranded somewhere with only one choice of person, food, drink, and scenery I think I could make the best of it. Give me wine with bread and cheese and suddenly the gutters of a damp city alley can seem like paradise. Think of all of the wonders that have emerged from bread and cheese and wine...


Pizza with Chianti: mozzarella and provolone melted on crunchy, crusty dough (even if it is without the red sauce) with a glass of heavy Chianti could occupy my taste buds for hours.

Grilled cheese and Riesling: Gruyere my favorite in the swiss category. I'd stuff it between two pieces of sourdough and let the heat work its magic. The sweetness of the Riesling will make this creamy swiss cheese and bread combo come to life on your tongue. I would chose a fruity varietal to bring out undertones of fruit in the Gruyere.

Fondue: Melt any cheese (traditionally gruyere and emmental) and add white wine to the pot. Even on an island with limited utensils I could make this one work. I'll just find some twigs on the island and poke them into my crusty bread. Let the dipping begin.

A simple bread and cheese plate: I could go crazy here but I will just list my favorites. Parmiggiano Reggiano with Brunello. Prima Donna with a California Chardonnay. Triple creme brie with White Burgandy. Any chewy, crusty Italian loaf will do. Baguettes are also great. Maybe I'd spread the triple creme brie on a toast point.

Cream cheese on a bagel with a Mimosa: Mimosas are made with sparkling wine or pricier Champagnes for all of you who are reading this and alleging to yourselves that I don't know what I'm talking about. If there are no fresh oranges on the island to squeeze then I can just drink the wine. Oh, poor me. A toasted sesame seed bagel with whipped Philadelphia cream cheese will pair nicely.


Fried mozzarella: I'm not talking about some frozen, grocery store-bought atrocity. I'm talking about cutting fresh mozzarella, dipping in flour, egg, and golden brown, seasoned breadcrumbs and frying it myself. I think any wine is fine with this. I would probably opt for a light red.

I might just strand myself for the hell of it if it meant being alone with my Holy Trinity. Things don't seem so bleak when surrounded by wine, cheese, and bread. Do they?