Have you ever been reading a book and dreading the ending? Not that you’re worried it’s going to turn out super corny or hackneyed, but because you never want to finish the novel due to its compelling nature. This is the case with The Idiot by Elif Batuman. I’m on page 370 of 423. Our [More]
I was fortunate to receive a sample bottle of Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon from the winery’s director of marketing and communications, Lisa Mattson. You should also know she’s the author of a wine-soaked dating memoir, The Exes in My Glass: How I Refined My Taste in Men & Alcohol. Perhaps I should take a stroll down the [More]
Look, the region is called Napa VALLEY. You’d expect there’s plenty of good stuff at low elevations. But I’ve always been excited by the uppermost regions, which I first explored at Cain and Smith-Madrone on Spring Mountain. So I was excited to be invited to a tasting of wines from Antica Napa Valley, located on Atlas Peak. [More]
Happy Anniversary to my blog! Fifteen years ago yesterday I published my first dang post. And almost five years ago, my legendary, fiery defense of the Champagne flute debuted. This blog has led to opportunities, adventures, and even money-paying jobs (!). And people along the way as well. Yes, blogging helped me interact with…other humans! And speaking [More]
I got two sample bottles of the 2017 Wölffer Estate Grandioso Rosé. It’s a Long Island wine. Pretty damn local for me to drink! This is the current release. Perhaps you noticed something in that first sentence? THE YEAR OF 2017. That’s right, this is not a “fresh” 2018 rosé. What the hell is going on?!? [More]
Things that seemed outlandish, nay, impossible, when I lived in Seattle are actually within my grasp on the East Coast. Case in point: I can get from New York City to Philadelphia on a bus in two hours! What?!? Jesus, I am ignorant. Anyway, I’ve been spending a fair bit of time in (mostly South) Philly [More]
I’ve been spending more time in Ridgewood now that a very good friend lives there. If you find yourself in this part of Queens and are thirsting for some natural (“natty”) bottles, check out Forêt Wines. Two visits in and its got all the things I like about a wine shop: small, charming, eclectic yet [More]
Ever stop in a neighborhood spot and be totally charmed, then pitch an article about that place to a publication? And the editor says, “YES, WE WILL PUBLISH THAT.” (Ok, the reply was not all-caps.) I was delighted to write a profile of Odd Fox Coffee, located right in my Greenpoint neighborhood, for Fresh Cup [More]
