After tasting Johan’s amazing “Paella” Risotto the other night, my son requested that I try to replicate it for dinner yesterday. The results met with the ultimate seal of approval: “Dad, this is awesome”…. So here is the newly crowned…
Continue readingHad a rare relaxing night with virtually nothing on the calendar and since it was #Wine Wednesday, I decided to open a new release and match it to some appropriate food. The 2009 Chappellet “Signature” Cabernet is in the simplest…
Continue readingLast night a few of us gathered at a Cafe Piazza, a local Trattoria, for some excellent southern Italian cuisine and some fine vino. Chef Antonio Ruffa, from Calabria Italy, left us in the hands of his capable second, Johan. We…
Continue readingCastello Banfi sits upon rolling Tuscan hills, and has almost 2,400 acres under vine. A famed Brunello producer, they also produce several notable Super Tuscans, including Summus. Summus, Latin for Summit or Highest Excellence, is a majestic, almost regal Super Tuscan. …
Continue readingMost people are fully aware of the Italian culture of gathering around the kitchen table for meals. Through the antipasti, primi, and secondi, vino is passed and shared. What many don’t realize is that Italians will extend their stay at…
Continue readingYesterday evening, during one of my frequent stops at my local Italian specialty shop, I happened upon a cheese whose description sounded so interesting, that I decided to buy some. Even though I had ordered a nice chunk, Antonio sliced me…
Continue readingLast week I began a series of tastings on the 2007 Brunello. Part I, is located here: 2007 Brunello, Part I. My initial impression of the vintage was that it would be an early charmer and not quite have the…
Continue readingAs I sit here and write this, I’m trying to come up with some sort of analogy or description for the reader that will crystallize exactly how special this wine is. It’s not an easy task. In fact, it’s almost…
Continue readingRemember those old commercials, “I could have had a V8!” The protagonist, after downing a soda, or a glass of sugary juice pretending to have something to do with fruits of the forest, laments not choosing the equally delicious but…
Continue readingWith two kids active in various sports, you need a recipe that can pull together a healthy, delicious meal in a short amount of time. This is precisely what the chef ordered. Penne con Pollo e Spinaci (Penne with Chicken…
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