A meal away from the holiday rush

**This can be also be found at Food & Wine Blog, where I am a contributing author.**

As the holidays approach there are many ways that people seek out to celebrate. There is nothing like trying something different or new among friends and in the spirit of holiday good will. If you enjoy fine dining, excellent wines, and have the time I may have found something that is of interest.

I tend to enjoy having sumptuous meals. I enjoy having the chance to taste various wines from here in the U.S. and abroad. And I truly enjoy the aura that spending time with good people provides. Often with the bustle of work, the need to meet deadlines, family issues and the pace of the world being able to sit back and just enjoy a meal is lost. To rejoice in friends and good company and a good wine is more akin to some old movies than modern life. But that does not have to be the case this December.

In a well decorated Victorian style mansion, on December 8th, you can have a traditional 19th century meal, replete with wines to satisfy any palette. Located in the Albany area, the 3 ½ star Saratoga Rose Inn & Restaurant will be providing a 4 course meal that would be the envy of most any you may have.

Rather than tell you all of the meal I feel that just tantalizing you a bit with the main course and some of the wines is sufficient. Sometimes a bit of the unknown adds to the spice of what you do know and expect.

The main course is Roast Goose with Sage & Apple Stuffing & Port Wine Sauce served with Rice Croquettes & Peas. This will be accompanied with a M. Chapoutier, Crozes Hermitage "Les Meysonniers" France - Northern Rhone wine. I’m sure this has the interest of many. The entire meal will feature several wines including 3 wines from here in the United States. Two are from Washington State and one from Oregon.

I’m sure you are interested in knowing what else might be had. For 3 hours a meal of this nature seems the perfect escape from the holiday gift buying season, or year end corporate reports. It’s the start of a weekend get-away that most of us can say we want to have. But don’t let me put ideas in your head.

All aspects of the meal are included in the limited seating for a cost of $75 per person. I for one find this to be a small price for a delectable meal. To find out details and to set reservations you can call 518-696-2861.