Happy Hour: Here Comes the Freak!

But I’m a creep, I’m a weirdo.
What the hell am I doing here?
I don’t belong here.
~ Radiohead, lyrics to Creep

I live by the motto that “normal” is nothing but a setting on the dryer. I dance to my own tune, am irreverently opinionated and wear clothes that make people go “Hmmmmmm…” One of these things is not like the others, one of these things just doesn’t belong describes me to a fault. So, if ever there was a bubbly with my name on it, it would be Freak of Nature. Lucky for me, I am not the only weirdo around.

The Freak is Born! (Photo by Gourmet Rambler)

My friend chef Cleetus Friedman, the one I call Jewish Santa, is definitely one of a kind. His food is creative and sometimes risky. The risks he takes usually pay off big time in flavor. Cleetus’ larger-than-life personality is splayed across the plate anytime you eat at City Provisions, his one of a kind Chicago deli. Needless to say, he brings a dose of that certain something unusual to any collaboration that he enters.

Freak, Meet Your Makers! (Photo by Gourmet Rambler)

When I heard that Cleetus was working on a sparkling wine with Illinois Sparkling Co., I was intrigued. What will this bubbly be like? Any bottle coming from this one year old local company is already unusual. “Traditional method, un-traditional wines” is the name of the game. I have been a huge advocate of Illinois Sparkling Co. wines from the very first sip. That’s how unusually wonderful they are, in my humble opinion. Who better to help create the bubbly Freak of Nature?

So here he is, the lovely Freak of Nature. Grapes, tea and traditional method. A first ever sparkling wine with a touch of very special Oolong tea in it. Sounds just crazy enough to work. With the help from Rare Tea Cellar, the Freak was brought forth and I couldn’t be happier. This unusual bottle is only sold at City Provisions and with only 120 bottles produced, it is in very short supply.

Gorgeous Golden Hued Freak (Photo by Gourmet Rambler)

Illinois Sparkling Co. gurus suggest you pair this gorgeous golden hued Freak with smoked meats, peach pie or a bowl of cornflakes. Cleetus served it with his smoked hummus, roasted tomatoes and grilled pita. I paired it with a new episode of Grey’s Anatomy and braised rabbit. Suggested music pairing: “Twin Earth” by Monster Magnet… and an air guitar. However, for me Radiohead says it best. “You’re so f*cking special!”

Read more about Illinois Sparkling Co. in my previous articles: FOOD FRIDAY : Make Your Holidaze Sparkle!,FOOD FRIDAY : The Hill That Sparkles, FOOD FRIDAY : Crashing Crush.

Written by Food Editor ~ Gourmet Rambler

Tatiana is better known by her twitter handle, Gourmet Rambler. She is a bon vivant and a connoisseur of all things delectable ~ whether a gorgeous bottle of wine, an exquisitely elaborate meal, fresh farmer’s market produce or unique and unusual ingredients. Tatiana is an adamant advocate for the artistry of a chef, local and seasonal products. A chef once said: “There is a way that everyone else eats. And then there is this whole other world of how Gourmet Rambler eats.” Lover of Chicago, experienced diner, wine maven and home chef. Sassy and stubborn. That is why we love having Gourmet Rambler as our Food Editor!

Tatiana is a contributor to FOOD FRIDAY on theBrideScoop where she writes about her dining adventures.

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