Recent Posts

2009 Henri Bourgeois Pouilly-Fume La Demoiselle de Bourgeois

October 30, 2014September 9, 2016

Sauvignon Blanc is an easy grape to love, and when it is grown in the Loire Valley of France, it's even better. I'm a big fan of Sancerre (another region in the Loire) and in general, Pouilly-Fume (not to be confused with Pouilly-Fuisse which is Chardonnay from Burgundy) doesn't disappoint.... Read More

Recipe Soups and Stews

Tomato Soup

October 28, 2014September 1, 2016 soup, tomatoes

I have a confession. I really like Campbell's tomato soup. I always have and I suspect I always will. Heat up a can of that tomato goodness and serve it alongside a wonder bread grilled cheese sandwich (of course using American cheese singles, you know, the ones in plastic) and... Read More

Chardonnay Tasting USA Wine

2012 Gary Farrell Chardonnay Rochioli-Allen

October 28, 2014September 9, 2016

Chardonnay, especially when made in the United States, was a tough sell for me. I found the overly oaky, buttery styles heavy handed, clumsy, and really out of balance. It's not that I hate oak in white wine, or that I dislike the flavor profile of Chardonnay. I was having... Read More

Orlando Restaurants

The Coop

October 21, 2014July 29, 2016

With the success of Cask & Larder, Orlando seemed ready for more Southern cuisine. Enter the folks of 4 Rivers Smokehouse (the BBQ joint that is an obsession for some Orlando residents) and you have The Coop, a casual take on classic Southern comfort food in Winter Park. Like 4R,... Read More

Tasting USA Wine Zinfandel

2011 Frei Brothers Zinfandel Reserve

October 19, 2014September 9, 2016

I was a latecomer to the Zinfandel fan club. There are so many unbalanced, hot, jammy, fruit bombs out there that I didn't feel much love for the grape. Then I started drinking Ridge wines, and my world turned upside down. Finally, Zinfandel that held onto the luscious fruit, but... Read More

Orlando Restaurants

Cask & Larder

October 18, 2014September 1, 2016

When Cask & Larder opened in the fall of 2012, I was beyond excited. Sister restaurant to my favorite, The Ravenous Pig, my expectations were high and I was eager to try out their take on a Southern Public House. I was not disappointed. Yes, there were hits and misses, but... Read More

France Pinot Noir Tasting Wine

2010 Alain Corcia Les Avaux Beanue 1er Cru Pinot Noir

October 6, 2014September 9, 2016

Burgundy is tricky. As I've written before, some of my favorite wines are Pinot Noir from this prestigious region in France, but every time I try a new producer, I know it's a gamble. I'm not going to say I lost that bet with today's wine, I just didn't win.... Read More

Miami Restaurants

Michael’s Genuine

October 4, 2014July 29, 2016

I hadn't read about Michael's Genuine. It was only after I visited that I found out it had been featured on Food Network. It wasn't on my original list of places to eat in Miami, but friends of mine gave it such a glowing recommendation that I changed my plans... Read More

Chenin Blanc Misc. South Africa Tasting Wine

2013 Valley Vineyards, The Royal Chenin Blanc

September 27, 2014September 9, 2016

I've been drinking a lot of Chenin Blanc recently, mostly Vouvray from the Loire region of France. So when I saw The Royal at Total Wine, I was curious to see what South African Chenin Blanc (also called Steen in South Africa) tasted like. For less than $10, I've got... Read More

Cocktails

The Caprice Cocktail

September 25, 2014October 2, 2016 Benedictine, dry vermouth, Gin

I was so excited when I heard about this cocktail. I've been playing with Bénédictine recently, mostly tinkering with the proportions of the Vieux Carré, and the idea of combining this spicy and sweet liqueur with clean and aromatic gin, made me giddy. This recipe comes directly from The PDT Cocktail... Read More