Among the many ways I think you can probably divide most people into two camps (Rome vs. Florence, love blue cheese or hate it, attracted to the whole vampire thing or don’t get it at all, etc.), what you want to do on Friday night when you’ve had a long, exhausting week is probably another good [...]
Read more →Here’s a round-up of Chardonnays I’ve tasted and enjoyed over the last few weeks — at a range of prices. Enjoy! Xanadu 2008 Chardonnay Margaret River Next of Kin ($14). Bright and lush, with ripe peach and pear aromas and flavors accented with lemon curd and spice notes. Medium-bodied, with a touch of cream on [...]
Read more →I recently tasted through an array of vineyard designate (and one “best of the best”) Pinot Noirs from California’s Byron winery. This Santa Maria-based winery produces small quantities of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from estate and carefully-chosen vineyards throughout the Santa Maria Valley — all exhibiting structured, cool climate character and excellent quality. Here are [...]
Read more →This rich dish is deceptively simple to prepare, and it makes a lovely pairing with seasonal wild mushrooms and a special Chardonnay. Recipe: Roasted Halibut with Browned Butter Serves 4 4 6-oz. halibut fillets, skin removed kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 2 tablespoons unsalted butter chopped chives or other favorite herb, to garnish [...]
Read more →The sauce on these chops packs a mouthful of flavors — fresh ginger, soy sauce, orange marmalade, sesame oil, red chile paste. I particularly like this on a cool fall night, maybe served alongside roasted root vegetables and a simple spinach salad. A big Cabernet Sauvignon completes the meal! Recipe: Ginger Soy Lamb Chops Serves [...]
Read more →It seemed to start with New York’s db Bistro and their signature burger filled with braised short ribs and other goodies (though the one time I had it, the word “dry” was the main descriptor — I understand that it was some kind of once-in-a-blue-moon aberration). But now, everywhere you look there’s some new combination [...]
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