Fun and More at Tobin James Cellars What do you think of when you think about Tobin James Cellars? For me, it’s three things – quality, consistency, and yes, that F-word – fun. In Part 1, I wrote about Denner Vineyards. To me, Denner is one of the newer wineries in the area, although it…
I was pretty excited to review Fairytale Brownies – as everyone agrees that chocolate is a perfect pairing for red wine – so I shared them with my Brainstormers group for a collective tasting. Before we started I learned that the company began when the two partners, Eileen Spitalny and David Kravetz, met in a…
Treviso, 2015 – The governing bodies of the Friuli Venezia Giulia and Veneto regions, the official zones of Prosecco DOC production, have just approved the adoption of a 2015 “harvest reserve,” or surplus, thanks to this year’s optimal harvest conditions. The Prosecco DOC Consortium cited numerous reasons for which this year’s weather was so ideal….
From several LA-based bars and restauurants! Alley Lounge: Witch’s Brew Created by Ken Whang Dare to sip the Witch’s Brew! This vibrant red potion concocted by Bar Manager Ken Whang is a mouthwatering mixture of Absolut Peach Vodka, Svedka Citron Vodka, OR-G Liqueur and a dry ice finish that is sure to put a spell…
Instead of a Moscow Mule in that copper mug…here’s another thought, with a recipe from the 12-Bottle Bar book: The Bourbon Whiskey Buck. (Read the section on the Buck Bar to see what I’m talking about.) A simple move from flavorless vodka to a smoky bourbon, and changing out the lemon for orange or lime,…
In a land far, far away – well, actually, it’s just downtown Los Angeles – the classic award-winning French restaurant, Patina, knows the importance of having a sommelier on staff. Here, in Santa Clarita, two valleys away and with wine pursuits ranging from restaurants to wine bars, I have to wonder, why don’t we have…
Festival Welcomes Ventana Big Sur & Post Ranch Inn as Partners BIG SUR, Calif. – Big Sur Health Center, a non-profit organization offering affordable healthcare to the Big Sur community, announced January 15-17, 2016 as the dates of its annual Big Sur Foragers Festival. Held in Big Sur along California’s central coast, the festival is…
Ingredients 4 – Boneless chicken breasts 1 1/2 tablespoons – Butter 1 1/2 tablespoons – Extra virgin olive oil kosher salt and fresh ground pepper – to taste 1/4 cup Minced shallots (1 large 3 diced, fine – Garlic cloves 1 cup dry white wine 2 cups – Chicken broth 1 1/2 – Heavy cream…
We brought some family members with us on our last trip to Paso Robles. This trip wasn’t about breaking new ground or seeking out new discoveries. Instead, we purposely visited some old favorites to show them [and remind us] what makes Paso such a special place for my wife Karen and me. So much of…
This is the third vintage from winemaker Kevin Willenborg at Vina Robles in Paso Robles, and, as I was a fan of the last two, I couldn’t wait to taste them. We work our way up dear reader, whites to reds in a tasting of four wines that I don’t think you should pass up….