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Food and Wine
Fortune Cookie Chronicles, Chinese Food and China taking the lead in wine?
You know how sometimes you start focus on a subject (new word, new song etc.) and then you start to see it everywhere. As I was putting this piece together, the tragic earthquake in China happened. So, to begin on a very sober and serious note, my heart and prayers to go out to the families who have been impacted with the recent events (and in my mind, the ongoing travesty).Meeting an Italian Winemaker - Under Elisabetta’s Spell
Alex and I were invited to have lunch at the home of Sergio and Elisabetta of Sono Montenidoli. We are greeted outside by Sergio with a refreshing rosato with fried zucchini blossom flowers. OMG!
Small Wine Producers Can Be Great Artists
Florence, the home of many of the world’s greatest art, is where I was inspired by the philosophy of Michelangelo. He saw a soul in the block of marble, and felt that it was his duty to liberate it for the world to see. My 11-year-old daughter, Alex, a gifted artist in her own right, understood this artistic sense of duty.How important does "Organic" figure in your wine buying decision?
I recently was at a San Francisco Food Society networking event which was held at Yield. Yield is a new wine bar here in San Francisco that only carries wines that are made organically. It made we wonder how important this was to people in their buying decision or is this just a San Francisco whim.2004 I Favati Aglianico "Cretarossa"
2004 I Favati Aglianico "Cretarossa" The return of the Sopranos required a nice Italian wine. From K&L Wines: The I Favati winery is located today in Cesinale, a town and surrounding hilly area in the heart of Irpinia (east of Naples, in the region of Campania), a land with a profound calling to the creation of quality wines. Irpinia's unique, indigenous grape varieties make up all of I Favati's vineyards, which benefit from a perfect exposition to the sun.Pinots are Boring?
http://www.chow.com/stories/11408 Down with Boring Pinots Genetic diversity makes for better wine By Jordan Mackay I‘m a sucker for fall foliage, but San Francisco, where I live, doesn’t get much of a show. So, taking Amtrak from Seattle down to Portland the other day, I was transfixed by the swaths of red, gold, yellow, and orange streaking by the window. As we sped down the line, I wondered why the leaves of one maple turn red while the oak right next to it is a lovely bronze.Wine Event in Baltimore
For a great cause, to boot! A gala wine tasting event with gourmet food, live music and silent auction to support St. Vincent de Paul.Wine Event in Baltimore
For a great cause, to boot! A gala wine tasting event with gourmet food, live music and silent auction to support St. Vincent de Paul.How to Decipher an Intimidating Wine List
Keep this cheat sheet from Matt Lilien, founder of Wine Wala advising company, in your purse.
Chardonnay
Tastes like: Tropical fruits, with a buttery finish
Pair it with: Pork, chicken, seafood, strong cheeses
Pinot Grigio (Gris)
Tastes like: Lemons, green apples, pears
Pair it with: Salads, light fish, light cheeses, white pizza
Sauvignon Blanc
Tastes like: Citrus, tropical fruits, herbs, gooseberries
Pair it with: Salads, vegetables, fish
Riesling
Tastes like: Apples, pears, flowers, minerals
Pair it with: Fish, cheeses, chicken, light appetizers, desserts (for sweet Riesling)
Gewürztraminer
Tastes like: Lychees, spices, flowers
Pair it with: Asian foods, spicy foods, strong cheeses
Cabernet Sauvignon
Tastes like: Cassis, black currants, herbs, cedar
Pair it with: Beef, lamb, stews
Merlot
Tastes like: Black cherries, plums, spices
Pair it with: Lamb shank, duck, sausage
Pinot Noir
Tastes like: Cherries, strawberries, spices, flowers
Pair it with: Salmon, tuna, pork
Syrah/Shiraz
Tastes like: Blackberries, black pepper, spices
Pair it with: Chicken, BBQ, curries, stews
Reception tips and ideas
Henry Hager And Jenna Bush Wedding
Your wedding will no doubt be the most romantic day of your lives, it's a celebration of love and commitment. But it's also the biggest party you'll probably ever throw. So pull out all the stops and make it a night to remember. We've researched the top wedding experts to find their best ideas for throwing a fun and unique reception, while maximizing the romance and tugging at the heartstrings of your guests. Whether you use one or 10 of them, we hope you will find at least a few new and creative ideas to make your reception even more fabulous.
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