by Jennifer Raines | Aug 27, 2015 | Food, Food blog
The sweet scent of freshly grated coconut, the sizzle of chilis in a hot wok, a face full of fragrant steam from a bowl of pho — in Asia, food is a complete sensory experience. There are few more accessible or enjoyable ways to immerse yourself in a destination than...
by Lisa Richardson | Aug 23, 2015 | Food, Food blog
“I was supposed to be a brain surgeon,” Chef offered, grinning ear to ear. His presence is as bold as his red chef coat. The Persian/ Mediterranean/Californian menu is brilliant. At The Fly Trap, Hoss Zaré builds upon lessons from his mother’s...
by Susanna Gaertner | Aug 19, 2015 | Wine & Spirits, Wine & Spirits blog
Fifteen northern California wineries recently showcased their Rhône style wines for aficionados in—where else—Oakland! Syrah, Petite Sirah, Mourvèdre, Grenache, Carignane, Roussane, Counoise in red varietals and Viognier, the prime Rhône white, strutted their...
by Laurel-Ann Dooley | Aug 16, 2015 | Travel, Travel blog
You’ve wanted to go to Italy your whole life, and now the dream is coming true. You can already taste the fresh mozzarella in Rome and hear the soft, rhythmic splash of the gondolier’s oar as it slowly propels you through the quiet, moonlit canals of...
by Susanna Gaertner | Aug 12, 2015 | Food, Food blog
Lovers of hot chocolate and mocha should run, not walk, to Mutari Chocolate House & Factory, located in downtown Santa Cruz, CA. This is melted—molten better conveys the unctuousness—dark chocolate in a cup: no cocoa powder or lecithin. According to the...
by Scott W. Clemens | Aug 11, 2015 | Wine & Spirits, Wine & Spirits blog, Wine Reviews
Rosés are pretty, but they’re not the most complex wines; they’re not powerful or full-flavored. In fact, they’re delicate, light, uncomplicated and easy to drink without much contemplation. Perhaps that’s why rosé consumption is on the rise. In France, where...
by Jan Ross | Aug 9, 2015 | Food, Food blog
Beautiful Door County, Wisconsin, located on a peninsula of land which extends into clear and gorgeous Lake Michigan on one side and several lovely bays on the other, has plenty of great dining choices. Locally caught whitefish, along with fried cheese curds, and the...
by Lisa Richardson | Aug 2, 2015 | Food, Food blog
From the Bay area to the Mexican border, feed your mind at 10 AM Saturday mornings on AM 830. Co-hosted by Andrew Harris and Executive Chef Andrew Gruel, the SoCal Restaurant Show is a two hour broadcast on clear radio, its menu chock-full of zesty food,...
by Scott W. Clemens | Aug 1, 2015 | Wine & Spirits, Wine & Spirits blog, Wine Reviews
Dry Creek Vineyard, 2014, Wilson Ranch, Clarksburg Chenin Blanc: Though technically at the threshold of off-dry (.6 residual sugar) it strikes my palate as completely dry with a silky texture and firm acidity. Consistent year after year, the flavors call to mind fresh...
