Food

Oxtail ragù is a speciality dish of Rome and is frequently paired with semolina gnocchi, also a Roman speciality. Italians use the word “coda”, which simply means “tail,” to refer to oxtails.  When I traveled to Rome in October, this …

The 2014 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, biggest of its kind, saw some 6,000 entries from over 1,500 wineries from all over America gather for the massive task of choosing the best of the best in blind tasting with 65 judges …

The holidays are behind us, and gone too are the big feasts.  But you still have to eat.  If you are like me, and you want a quick meal, perhaps after a long day at work, for an impromptu get …

A leading wine publication, Wine Enthusiast, has revealed its Top 10 Wine Travel Destinations for this year, and many are real eye-openers.  It based the choices on international wine countries, extraordinary food and cultural points. Italian locations could have taken up …

I have a food blogger confession. Truth be told, I used to be terrified of the spaghetti squash. I would gracefully cast my eyes aside as I passed them in the market figuring if I didn’t see them, well then, …

RELM is an inviting, comfortable wine beer bar and bistro in the middle of the downtown district of Carlsbad.  RELM was one of the first in the market to offer a large retail wine shop within the comfortable bar and …

Brunch is one of my favorite meals. There is nothing more comforting than long, lazy mornings loafing around in your pajamas while whipping up a dish or two to be enjoyed over long conversation and a pot of coffee (or …

Since the beginning of my wine writing journey, I have been fascinated with the increasing number of wine blends released by creative winemakers. Such legendary stalwarts as Opus One, Insignia, Rubicon and Isosceles are but a few from respected wine …

In the wine tasting world, if you have a wine that starts with the letter A, you have a distinct advantage. Tasters have a “clean” palate and are starting fresh. J Vineyards starts and ends with one letter, J, and …

Nine years, but who’s counting.  This is column # 463 for TASTE OF WINE and it seems like yesterday only because there is so much yet to know about this vast wine world. Can’t wait to taste what’s around the corner. And …