Recent Posts

Fresher Beans = Better Espresso

July 31, 2013September 25, 2016 coffee, espresso

I am proud to say that I have finally gotten the hang of both my new espresso machine and coffee grinder. It took a little bit of time to get the hang of all the features, but I now have a much better understanding of all the components involved in... Read More

Italy Sangiovese Tasting Wine

2009 Ruffino Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale

July 30, 2013September 9, 2016

Sometimes you want to drink a wine that you know will be good. Maybe not great, not special, but reliable. For me, Ruffino Chianti is that wine. In general, I drink Ruffino at all their price points, but tonight's Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale hits the spot and meets all... Read More

How To Snacks

Boozy Frozen Pops

July 20, 2013September 1, 2016 frozen, fruit, liquor, pops, snacks

Ever since I was a kid, I loved frozen popsicles. Who doesn't remember slurping these frozen treats during hot summers? As an adult, I make my own summer treats. I get to choose whatever flavors I want, they cost pennies to make, and I get to add, um, well, booze.... Read More

Wine Info

Wine Regions – Old World vs New World

July 17, 2013July 22, 2016

When you start getting into wine, one of the first style concepts you need to understand is "Old World" vs "New World." In general, wine is made from just one species of grape vine, Vitis Vinifera. Vitis vinifera has grown wildly and been cultivated for thousands of years and the... Read More

Carignan/Cariñena Grenache/Garnacha Spain Tasting Wine

2008 Celler Malondra Montsant Besllum

July 17, 2013September 9, 2016

I've said it before, but it amazes me how much influence Robert Parker has on wine sales. Recently at Costco, I've been surprised to see labels highlighting their Parker scores. The 2009 Punto y Seguido proudly listed the 91 score, and the Besllum prominently shows off the 93. I was... Read More

How To Side Dishes Veggies and Salads

Easy Summer Side: Broccoli Slaw

July 16, 2013September 1, 2016 sides, slaw, vegetables

People don't eat enough vegetables. In some ways I understand why. There's not much worse than overcooked vegetables, soft and slimy, or a wilted, overdressed salad, but still, there is so much pleasure to be had eating vegetables prepared simply that I don't understand why some people have such negativity.... Read More

✷ Mains Recipe

Porchetta Sandwiches

July 6, 2013September 1, 2016 Italian, Mains, pork, sandwiches

For many years, I had absolutely no interest in making porchetta at home. I had it in my head that "authentic" porchetta required a whole hog, tied and roasted, much too much work (and meat) for me to attempt in my own kitchen. I had eaten porchetta out at restaurants,... Read More

Mains Recipe

Easy Fish Tacos

July 4, 2013September 1, 2016 easy, fish, healthy, Mains, tacos

I wanted something simple and tasty for lunch today, it's the 4th of July after all and I've got a big meal ahead of me tonight, so easy fish tacos sounded perfect! Technically, I made both fish and chicken tacos, my husband prefers chicken breast, so feel free to follow... Read More

Italy Pinot Gris/Grigio Tasting Wine

2011 Banfi Pinot Grigio San Angelo

July 4, 2013September 9, 2016

I'm not usually a huge fan of Pinot Grigio, I find many to be bland and boring. My husband, on the other hand, finds the simplicity refreshing. The Banfi San Angelo was a nice surprise with bright acidity and medium body that pleased us both. The color is pale straw... Read More

Argentina Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot Malbec Misc. Tasting Wine

2011 Tilia Cabernet Sauvignon and 2011 Tilia Malbec

June 30, 2013September 9, 2016

While out and about, I came across two recommended "Best Value" bottles of wine made by Tilia, a producer in the famous Mendoza region of Argentina. At $10 a bottle, I figured it was time to check out these wines and see if they delivered real bang for the... Read More