Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Sonsie x Red White Boston

Red White Boston is a new app available for the iPhone (it's free!) that allows users to identify a participating wine store closest to them and suggests wines for purchase as recommended by the store owner. Cathy Huyghe the apps creator held a launch party this past Tuesday evening at Sonsie to share the inner workings of Red White Boston, brainstorm ideas and answer questions. How can we as wine lovers in Boston personalize the application and get the most use out of it in our everyday lives?

Sonsie has a commanding presence on Newbury Street boasting large French doors exposing a sidewalk cafe with a European flair.
The app is based on the premise of such a scenario "You're on you're way to a party, you're in a new neighborhood, or maybe you're just on your way home, but either way, you need to pick up a bottle of wine. Where is the closest wine store? And how can you choose from their vast selection of wine bottles?"
Guests were lead downstairs to the wine room revealing an open floor plan with modern furniture including deep brown leather booth and chairs set amongst an old world backdrop of brick archways and intricate wall detailing. I've enjoyed a dinner upstairs at Sonsie as well a drink or two at the bar, but had yet to experience what the intriguing wine cellar had to offer.I sipped on a Spanish Rioja as I participated in a wine questionnaire in the form of Mad Libs.
The Rioja was minerally with notes of plum and blackberry. I enjoyed the light bodied flavors and drank two glasses of this. Guests were treated to an extensive cheese spread with hand cut chips as well as Sonsie's signature Brick Oven Pizzas.The first was a fantastic mushroom, caramelized onion, mozzarella and brie cheese combination.Then there was a mozzarella, fresh tomato, basil pesto and pecorino pie.And finally, one with goat cheese, sweet roasted pepper, Kalamata olives and flat parsley. The pizzas were equally tasty with a light crispy crust, but I'd have to say my favorite was the first one pictured. I've never experienced brie cheese on pizza and the thick melty slices were a welcome pairing with the mushrooms and caramelized onions. 
The girls and I had fun brainstorming wine stores in our respective neighborhoods and offered plenty of advice, ideas and feedback to Cathy as she explained to us what this brilliant app can already do! A list of participating Boston wine stores is ever growing. If you don't have an iPhone, you can navigate the web version on a Blackberry or Andriod or any smartphone that has a web browser. Happy Wine Shopping!

327 Newbury St
Boston, MA 02115

17 comments:

  1. Looks like a great event! I've never been to Sonsie, but have heard great things about their pizza.
    The app sounds cool and I'm glad Meghan had such a successful event.

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  2. What a cool party. The pizza looks delicious and I love the look of her restaurant!

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  3. I need to learn more about wine. Hopefully I'll pick something up here.

    Now, pizza I am a damn expert. Those look quite nice.

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  4. I loved the brie cheese pizza too. It was a great combo! Great post on all the app has to offer!

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  5. i dont have a fancy schmancy phone yet but that app is a clever idea

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  6. It looks like it was a great time...I'm sorry that I missed it!

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  7. Brie pizza? I didn't see that, but my pizza-making wheels are turning now!

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  8. Cool app! YUM I love Sonsie- the pizzas look sooo yummy.

    PS: Did i see your name on the Boston Blogtoberfest tomorrow? I am going too- we should definitely meet up! :)

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  9. What a great event and app! I have android, but I'm putting that link in my favs.

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  10. Hells yeah pizza! Delish! Love that app, does it have the "I'm an alcoholic and I just freakin' need a drink" setting, lol! XX!

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  11. I've been on a cheese kick lately... I've been experimenting with different kinds and figuring out which I like. That cheese spread looks so yummy!!

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  12. Now thats an app! I cannot believe its free! I wonder if they have it for the Ipad. I will check and make Matt download it :) Thanks dear

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  13. The pizza looks SO delicious!!! I have a Mac comp. but no IPhone :(

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  14. I love how that booth is built into the wall...I could sit there for hours (especially after this nasty week) sipping wine and eating pizza. Even if I had to bring my own crust.

    xoxo,
    Carrie
    weekend come quickly!

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  15. oh that food is just mouth-watering!

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  16. Your post made me wish I had an iPhone and that cheese plate :D

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  17. Hey!! Great to see this app launch party. Would love to have this app installed in my iphone too. It will help me to find my closest wine shop. Want to have tasty and expensive wines for my sister’s wedding at one of elegant Seattle venues. Will use this app for it.

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