After a number of drab days and equally grim postings on my blog, today I finally read two items that have returned me front and center to the subject of this blog – Wine. Dr. Vino’s Daily Dose had a nice interview with Charles Curtis, MW of Christie’s Auction House on his blog. Charles’ insight into the market and tips even for the small time collector were noteworthy. I don’t know Charles personally but did meet him at the Master of Wine Annual Champagne tasting last month. He seemed lovely and very approachable. The second article which I would highly recommend is in today’s New York Times Dining In Section. Frank Bruni has an piece Old Gender Roles With Your Dinner? about the different treatment people receive in restaurants is a nice overview of current trends. Just looking at the wine part of ordering a meal, one scenario which he didn’t include but which I always find interesting is what happens when six wine professionals or amateurs get together for dinner in a restaurant. Do you take turns ordering? Who makes the ultimate decision. I often am happy to have someone else order but then sometimes am disappointed in their wine choices. In my experience, the menu has always been given to the man at the table. Perhaps he will then pass it to me or will instruct the waiter to give it to me first. I guess it is all a mixed blessing because I confess I still like it when a man holds the door for me or once in a while stands up when I leave the table even if I don’t always agree with his wine choices…