When my long term best friend & wine buddy calls me and says help; I need wine & food pairing help. I am at his mercy, regardless of how jealous I am of his wine stash.  I surrender to my friend in need, and jump to the task at hand.  Good food & wine pairings… lets see what we can create! Continue reading “Good Food & Wine Pairing: A call for help!” »

In Digging Deeper, Jeff's Blog, Tasting Wine, Wine & Food, World | Tagged with Dinners, Food Related, French Wine, recipes

I have been known to cram many social engagements into the longer days of summer. I can schedule al fresco dinners to start later, leaving a window after the hurried work day to enjoy the more European tradition of Apéro. Time is set aside to gather and sip an apéritif (from the Latin word aperire, meaning “to open”) to whet the appetite and mind. This deliberate sweet pause among friends to slow the rhythm of life unites, heals, and refreshes, especially in the lilting early evenings. Continue reading “Apéro:<br />A Moment for Rest and Community<br/>” »

In Guest Bloggers, Jeff's Blog, Wine & Food, World | Tagged with Beverly McKenzie, recipes

The weather’s warming up and it’s picnic time! What are your favorites to eat and drink?

From a wine point of view, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir are the first three varietals I run to. What’s nice about them is that they pair well with a variety of foods, often have lower alcohol levels (making them perfect for warm weather), and pair great with salty foods. Continue reading “Spice Up Your Summer Picnic” »

In Guest Bloggers, Jeff's Blog, Restaurants, Wine & Food | Tagged with new york, recipes

I confess, I crave (and sip) Rosé year round.  Yet, it is in the bleak gray hours of winter and damp spring that my heart twinges with anticipation for those first few sips of the new releases.  Seeing their pink gemstone hues beckoning the sun warms my spirit.  March is when I begin to sit on edge, cataloging daily the progress of the rhubarb shoots outside my bedroom window; dreaming of the scents of strawberries, star fruit, watermelon and river rock wafting from a glistening glass. Continue reading “Rosé & Rhubarb” »

In Basic Wine Enjoyment, Guest Bloggers, Jeff's Blog, Wine & Food | Tagged with Beverly McKenzie, recipes