Let's ring in the holidays. Join me for a chat about Prosecco and learn how to use Prosecco in cocktails and in making dishes with Lorenzo Rispoli, the export manager of Val D'Oca, Amy Zavatto, Author of Prosecco Made Me Do it: 60 Seriously Sparkling Cocktails and Chef Silvia Baldini of Stawberry and Sage. We... Continue Reading →
Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Today is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. It is widely celebrated in Italy and is a public holiday. The day commemorates when Mary, the mother of Jesus, was graced by God to lead a life “free of sin” according to Catholic belief but yet gets pregnant with Baby Jesus on this day. Nowhere is... Continue Reading →
Vermentino Outside of Italy
Vermentino Grapes I wrote an article about Vermentino in the World outside of Italy for Civilta del Bere, an Italian wine magazine of long renown. It was published this week. It's in Italian and I am proud of it so I am putting it up here. They publish long issues around grape varieties and other... Continue Reading →
One Year Later – How Life Has Changed Since 2019 Happiness Dinner At Jing Fong
I hosted a dinner this evening at a well-known Chinese restaurant called Jing Fong in Chinatown last year on this day. I had help from a friend, Pinny Tam, who pens a blog called Chinese and Wine Pairings. It was an exquisite experience in all ways - wine, food and company. So much has changed in... Continue Reading →
Looking Forward to A Crodino
I am so looking forward to having a Crodino next week while in Italy. Crodino is a trademark brand owned by the Campari Group since the mid-1990s but it is often used as a generic term for an “analcolico” or a drink without alcohol. Crodino is named for the town of Crodo in Piedmont where... Continue Reading →
National Prosecco Week Is Here June 11-16th
Some years ago I had the good fortune to work with Prosecco DOC on a Super Bike event at Laguna Beach. Having never attended a super bike race, I found the event both scary and thrilling. I know the partnership continues to this day and recently saw pictures of the Prosecco DOC consortium President Stefano... Continue Reading →
Spirited Sundays: Mirto from Sardegna
Today's post is dedicated to Mirto, one of my favorite Italian digestivos. On Sundays I try to write about beverages that I like that aren't wine. Whenever I'm in an Italian restaurant and they offer Grappa, Limoncello or Amaro after dinner, I ask if they have Mirto. Many places do and many do not, I'm... Continue Reading →
Italian Aperitif : Crodino From Campari
I am so looking forward to having a Crodino later this week while in Italy. Crodino is a trademark brand owned by the Campari Group since the mid-1990s but it is often used as a generic term for an "analcolico" or a drink without alcohol. Crodino is named for the town of Crodo in Piedmont... Continue Reading →