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Wine Wisdom From Ravenswood Founder Joel Peterson
At a tasting recently, I had the opportunity to get acquainted with California pioneer vintner, Joel Peterson. In 1976, he founded Ravenswood Winery, one of the country's preeminent Zinfandel producers. More than 30 years later, he remains Ravenswood's head winemaker.
Ming Tsai on Best Meals, Food Politics, and What's Next
If it hasn't become apparent over the last few days, I'm an enthusiastic fan of Ming Tsai's. Last week, the Simply Ming chef stopped into San Francisco to host a party for the Macy's Come Together campaign. While demonstrating how to make potstickers, Ming, an exceptional storyteller, made fun of his parents who were present in the audience, told tales of mischief in France's Michelin-starred restaurants, and recalled his win against Bobby Flay on Iron Chef America ("rumor has it that I may soon face off against Iron Chef Morimoto," he told the crowd).
Ming Tsai Talks Food, Cooking, and Top Chef Masters
I've been sold on Ming Tsai ever since he was a barrel of laughs in Aspen, so when I heard he was headed west, I knew I had to meet him. Ming was in town hosting a benefit for Macy's Come Together, a campaign to provide 10 million meals for families in need. I caught up with him in the green room before his demo, where he shared his thoughts on the importance of cooking for others, why you shouldn't buy a $4.99 skillet, and whether we're likely to see him on Top Chef Masters.
Julie & Julia's Julie Powell Sets the Record Straight
The highly-anticipated film Julie & Julia, set for release Aug. 7, has sparked a renewed curiosity about both protagonists portrayed in the film: The late Julia Child, as well as writer Julie Powell, author of the memoir Julie & Julia. Over drinks, the self-effacing Powell, who was in town promoting the film, discussed the movie, the extramarital affair that is the subject of her next book, and her response to less-than-kind feedback from both Julia's editor, Judith Jones — and Julia herself.
Kelsey Nixon's Still Cooking Up a Storm
When I first saw Kelsey Nixon compete on the Next Food Network Star last season, I knew there was something special about the perky blonde from Utah. Now, a year after she was kicked off the show, Kelsey is blazing a trail for herself in the food industry. Recently, I had the chance to chat with Kelsey and I was surprised to learn that while spirited, she's not overly hyper.
Catching Up With Chris Cosentino
Since he competed in the Next Iron Chef two Summers ago, San Francisco's acclaimed offal-chef, Chris Cosentino, has been a very busy guy. He's worked nights at his head-to-tail rustic Italian restaurant, Incanto, opened a salumeria, Boccalone, at the Ferry Building in SF, and filmed a new television show, Chef vs. City, for the Food Network.
What's Next For Top Chef's Stephanie Izard
In addition to shooting the breeze with Top Chef's latest winner, Hosea Rosenberg, PartySugar and I also had the opportunity to catch up with Hosea's close pal, previous TC champ Stephanie Izard.
When we spoke to Stephanie — who's even more spunky and sassy in person! — she unveiled additional details about her upcoming Chicago restaurant, The Drunken Goat, her unique bond with other cheftestants, and plans to do more TV.
Ray Isle on Rosé
Each month when Food & Wine magazine arrives at my desk, I look forward to reading Ray Isle's latest article. As the deputy wine editor for the glossy, Isle writes interesting wine-related stories, recommends affordable pours, and pairs each of the recipes with an excellent variety. In short, he's incredibly knowledge in the world of wine.
Hosea Talks About Life After Top Chef
While we spotted a bunch of star chefs in Aspen, we had a particularly titillating conversation with Hosea Rosenberg, the winner of last season's Top Chef. The latest TC champ, who was the picture of West Coast cool, talked to PartySugar and me about his immediate plans, what he intends to do with $100,000, and the one kind of food he's really sick of.
Hosea schmoozes with fellow winner Stephanie Izard after the jump
The Sweet Scoop On Dylan Lauren, Candy Connoisseur
Earlier this week, candy collector Dylan Lauren — the fashionable founder of Dylan's Candy Bar and daughter of designer Ralph Lauren — offered some of her favorite ideas for making weddings a sweet occasion. We caught up with Lauren in person while she was in town at Neiman Marcus promoting her Barbie 50th Anniversary candy line. The candy entrepreneur took some time out of la dolce vita to talk to us about her favorite guilty pleasure and offer more suggestions for bringing candy into the party mix.
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