The Architecture of World Class Restaurant Service
What is it that really defines exceptional service in a restaurant? The attitude? Knowledge of the food? Respect? In a
2001 Acorn Winery “Axiom” Syrah, Sonoma
When I get a chance to write about wines like this, I feel like I am really succeeding in what
How to Order in French: A Cheat Sheet
Oh, yes, I’m getting around to learning French (again). One of these days. But until I do manage to augment
The Best New Restaurants of The Year (U.S.A)
Thanks to Alaina over at A Full Belly for pointing us to John Mariani’s recently released annual list of the
2002 Falcor Sangiovese, Napa
As I uncorked this wine and let it aerate a while, as I do with all Sangiovese, something was nagging
Gourmet Releases Its 2004 Restaurant Guide
Epicurious (the thinly disguised online incarnation of Gourmet Magazine) has recently launched their 2004 restaurant guide, which covers 30 major
2002 Calera “Mount Harlan” Viognier, Central Coast, California
It’s worth noting, if only to give more weight to this review, that I’m really not much of a fan
2002 Frias Family Merlot, Spring Mountain, Napa
Steal this wine. Or at least get it while you can, because it won’t last long at this price. But
2002 Mojon’s Bench Cabernet Franc, Alexander Valley, Sonoma
I love the fact that small families who have been growing grapes for decades are now moving into the winemaking
The Legendary Year For Bordeaux: What Does 1982 Taste Like?
THE BACKGROUND Picture this: the young Robert M. Parker, Jr. has been selling his newsletter, The Wine Advocate for four
John Cleese and Wine: A Deadly Mix?
I’m not sure whether I’m proud or sad that I’ve never laughed so hard that wine came out my nose,
2001 Arrowood “Grand Archer” Chardonnay, Sonoma
Massive corporate wine property or small family run business? With Arrowood, you’re looking at both. Started as a family affair
WBW #3 Has Been Announced
Yes, that’s right, the increasingly popular and devastatingly hip online wine event called Wine Blogging Wednesday is into its third
NV Azienda Ag. Malvira “Birbet” Brachetto, Roero (Piemonte), Italy
Sparkling red wine? Sacre Bleu! Or in this case I guess you’d say Mizzica! or some other Italian equivalent. Yes,
2003 Jaffurs Viognier, Santa Barbara
I find myself drinking a lot of wines from Santa Barbara these days, partially because they’re new to me, and
October is The Month for Swanky Wine Events in San Francisco
Well, I never. Who knew there were so many high-priced, super-swanky wine events in San Francisco. Maybe I was just
2003 Domaine Tempier Bandol Rose, Bandol (Provence), France
It’s almost futile to really try and do justice to Domaine Tempier as a vintner from any perspective — historical,
Who Knew?: A Short Review of SF FallFest 2004
Normally when I hear about big marketing events where for fifty, seventy, one hundred bucks you get a ticket to
2001 Hitching Post Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara, California
My tastings recorded here tend to wander, and today I’ve found myself back in the heart of one of the
