Two for Takeout
by Madison H. Brown
I was visiting with a friend who recently purchased her first home and has been remodeling it herself. It’s a bit of a fixer-upper, so with a workshop in the garage and a small arsenal of tools, she’s been knocking out walls, replumbing lines, laying tile, building cabinetry (from scratch, mind you, not even a kit)—now that’s some serious sweat equity! I asked her, How are you managing to do all of this yourself?! Her reply: “Takeout. Lots of takeout.” She’s barely made a meal in her kitchen since moving in—it’s practically a hard-hat area—so dinners have been a rotation of local delivery to the rescue. When I asked if she’s eager to get cooking again, she mused, “I’m looking forward to taking it easy on myself for a while—so more takeout, perhaps!”
In the spirit of taking it easy and giving ourselves a deserved break from kitchen duty, our values this month thread the needle between all manner of deliciously effortless grub.
2023 Graves Blanc
France | Bordeaux
Brimming with honeysuckle, lychee, and citrus, this Bordeaux blend is reliably harmonious with Eastern cuisine—sushi, dumplings, Szechuan dishes, light curries, and vermicelli bowls all jive. I sampled a glass or two with saag paneer, butter chicken, and naan and found the Graves’ acidity a refreshing foil to the meal’s garam-masala-scented richness.
2023 Côtes du Rhône Rouge
France | Southern Rhône
Sure, the price point here is hard to beat, but what’s in the glass outshines even its impeccable value. Dark-fruited, with stony acidity and balanced tannin, our house blend Côtes du Rhône is about as versatile as reds come from the south of France. No matter what’s on tonight’s takeout menu, this bottle delivers. Lamb shawarma, kebabs, and falafel? Certainly. Carne asada burritos with chips and guac? No doubt. Wood-fired pizza and Caesar salad? Yessiree! The pairing possibilities are endless, and it’s an inspired option when the mood strikes to try something new—low risk, high reward!
More from the June 2025 Newsletter
