Jorge Posada: The Yankee Sipper
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All-Star catcher Jorge Posada has been on a roll this month and his stellar play has helped his New York Yankees remain near the top of the American League East. If the Yankees win another title this year, Posada will not only celebrate with champagne but with Cinco Anillos Sangria, which The Jorge Posada Foundation recently launched to raise funds for the non-profit organization and its programs.
Posada and his wife Laura created the foundation in honor of their 11-year-old son, Jorge Jr., and his successful struggle with craniosynostosis, a birth defect that causes an abnormally shaped skull. Translated from Spanish as Five Rings, the Cinco Anillos brand symbolizes the five World Series championships captured by the catcher as a member of the Yankees. The sangria, produced in Spain and priced at under $10, is a refreshing blend of red wine, citrus fruit flavors and a special spice extract.
First of all, how's Jorge Jr. doing after surgery earlier this month?
Jorge is doing very well. The operation and surgery went according to what we had expected. Thank you for asking.
Why did you want to get involved in the sangria business to raise money for your Foundation?
My wife Laura and I were thinking about doing a wine, but we realized everyone has a wine and we wanted to do something different. We both love sangria and it's always a party favorite and perfect for summer, so we went in that direction.
The name symbolizes your number of World Championship rings with the Yankees. What happens if you win another ring this season, do you change the name to Seis Anillos?
If we win a sixth World Champion, we'll do something else with that name.
Were you involved were you in the recipe for Cinco Anillos Sangria?
Yes, Laura and I tasted a lot of sangria when we met the team at Nicolas Wines and finally found the one that most resembled Laura's grandparents' sangria. It resonated a feeling of family and wanted to share it with others.
How do you prefer to drink your sangria?
On the rocks and adding in cut fresh fruit like apples, peaches, and pineapple.
Which foods pair well with sangria?
Small appetizers or tapas. When we have people over Laura cooks and creates the best tapas plates. I don't know the name of them, but they are really good.
What's in your wine cellar or rack right now?
I love Caymus, Opus One and Silver Oak.
What wine do you always have on hand?
I try to have the above wine on hand, but I like red — Cabernet.
How does your wine palate compare to your food palate?
I'm not a big foodie/wine expert, but I like food and wine.
What are your top three New York City restaurants and what are your favorite dishes at each one?
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Victor's Café – Ropa Vieja, Victor's house specialty. Shredded Black Angus skirt steak simmered in garlic, tomatoes, onions, and peppers nestled in a plantain basket -
Rosa Mexicano – Alambre à la Mexicana. Skewers of filet mignon, chorizo sausage, onions, tomatoes and serrano peppers. Served over house rice with tomatillo and tomato-chipotle sauce. The guacamole is also A MUST -
Nobu – All the sushi and sashimi
Obviously your mind is on the game when you're traveling but you have to eat. What are your favorite restaurants to dine at when you're away?
Since we're traveling to multiple cities each week, it's tough to pick a favorite, but before each game I like to eat some pasta and after the games to eat something lighter like fish.
You and Laura wrote Fit Home Team: The Posada Family Guide to Health, Exercise, and Nutrition the Inexpensive and Simple Way. Which advice do you always follow and what could you do a better job at?
We like to lead by example and showing the kids we eat healthy is a perfect example of, if we do it they will. I wish I could spend more time with our kids, but my schedule is so busy at times miss special dates for them.
Up until this month, it had been a tough season for you. What's the one meal that you can always count on to brighten your mood?
Whatever Laura cooks makes me happy.
Your contract is up after this season. How much longer do you plan on playing?
Very good question to ask me in November.
For more information about The Jorge Posada Foundation or to buy Cinco Anillos Sangria from its online store, visit www.jorgeposadafoundation.org.