Epernay in Montclair – Non Merci

Epernay in Montclair – Non Merci

Four of my friends and me dined at Epernay last night after hearing good things about it in various restaurant reviews.  What a disappointment!  Can’t say anything positive about it – from the seating situation to the wait staff to the food – all mediocre. Had reservations and was told to go back to the […]

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When Life Hands you Meyer Lemons, Make…

When Life Hands you Meyer Lemons, Make…

I often find myself staring at some beautiful, fresh, short-seasoned ingredient at the food store that I simply must turn into a special dish.  This happened to me yesterday, when I did my weekly grocery shopping and saw fabulous, yolk-hued Meyer lemons that seem to say “buy me”. I’m now searching my recipe repertoire for […]

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2007 Pouilly Fuisse Les Souvelles Marnay Sorelles

2007 Pouilly Fuisse Les Souvelles Marnay Sorelles

This French Chardonnay is bright golden yellow in the glass and just pretty to look at.  The nose is floral with Meyer lemon notes.  In the mouth, this Pouilly Fuissé is nutty with ripe pear / golden apple and a pleasant level of minerality.  The finish lingers.  Paired this Chardonnay with grilled diver scallops over risotto […]

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2006 Chateau d’Arcins Haut Médoc

2006 Chateau d’Arcins Haut Médoc

Took a little while to stop staring at this deep purple-hued wine long enough to take a sniff, but was greeted by woodsy, spiced, ripe dark fruit aromas that gave a prelude to a tasty French beauty.  On the palate, this wine is full-bodied, powerful and showing notes of dark chocolate, dark cherries.  The finish […]

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2008 Mark West Pinot Noir

2008 Mark West Pinot Noir

Bought this Pinot Noir as my 3rd bottle at a recent dinner party and was relatively pleased with it, especially at this price point. It’s lighter than most California Pinots in the glass and offers a light nose of strawberries and under-ripe cherries.  In the mouth, this wine is also light with some mouth-puckering, a […]

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ARE YOU READY TO WINE DOWN?

ARE YOU READY TO WINE DOWN?

Wouldn’t you love to wow your friends with wine knowledge or have more confidence ordering off a wine menu? Then don’t miss the 4th Annual New York Wine Expo (www.NewYorkWineExpo.com) featuring wine tastings from around the world and educational seminars that can turn even the most inexperienced wine lover into a seasoned connoisseur. The New […]

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2006 Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva

2006 Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva

Made of three varietals, Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo, this Rioja is dark cherry ruby with a pale ring in the glass that reminds me of some of my favorite California Pinot Noirs.  On the nose are aromas of wet wood, stone fruits and vanilla.  On the palate, this lighter-bodied Spanish wine offers cherries, some rosy […]

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5 Recipes to Treat Your Valentine To

Need some inspiration for a romantic meal this Valentine’s Day (or any old day)?  Thought I’d share some of the recipes I’ve made recently that have earned me rave reviews. 5 recipes to treat your Valentine to: Gnocchi with Butternut Squash and Bacon in Sage and Danish Blue Cheese Sauce Porcini Mushroom and Lobster Macaroni […]

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Red Velvet Cake with Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

Red Velvet Cake with Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

There are many theories as to the true origin of the Red Velvet Cake.  Whether you believe it to be a southern traditional devil’s food cake tinted red with beet juice, a northern one dating back to the 1950s when Pillsbury Bake-Off contests were held at the Waldorf-Astoria and where the cake was possibly introduced […]

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Super Simple Cream Cheese Frosting

Super Simple Cream Cheese Frosting

This cream cheese frosting is simple to make and is perfect on a carrot cake or a red velvet cake. Ingredients: 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature 16 ounces (2 8-ounce packages) cream cheese, at room temperature 1 tsp pure vanilla extract 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted Directions: In the bowl of an […]

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