2013 Vincent Girardin Bourgogne Blanc Cuvee Saint Vincent

Floral, citrus nose on this French Chardonnay. The palate of this medium-bodied wine is rich with peach, ripe apple and Meyer lemon flavors. Creamy texture with nice minerality. This is the entry-level Chardonnay by this prestigious wine house and at $16, it’s not only a nice example of French white Burgundy, it’s a very good […]

[Continue reading...]
Linguine with Clams and Confit Garlic Sauce

Linguine with Clams and Confit Garlic Sauce

I was watching an old episode of The Best Thing I Ever Ate – SAUCED last weekend where Chef Michael Psilakis talked about the linguine and clam sauce at Don Peppe in Queens, NY (watch the mouth-watering episode here). That’s basically all I could think of this whole past week so I decided to try […]

[Continue reading...]
Baked Pepperoni Pizza Dip

Baked Pepperoni Pizza Dip

We were just going to order pizza while watching the “big game” since it was just the two of us, but then I decided to make the next best thing – pepperoni pizza dip!! The dip would be great with potato chips but I served it with toasted baguette slices. You’ll want a sturdy vessel […]

[Continue reading...]
2013 Ken Wright Cellars Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

2013 Ken Wright Cellars Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

Fruity, spiced nose, bright red in the glass. The palate of this medium-bodied wine is rich with cherry/tart berry flavors and some peppery notes. Smooth, silky texture and a slightly-peppery finish. This wine is a blend of grapes from blocks of Ken Wright’s best single vineyard sites. Pairings: Roasted poultry, grilled salmon, mushroom risotto. Style: […]

[Continue reading...]
Baked Feta Cheese Dip

Baked Feta Cheese Dip

I love any type of baked cheese dip. I’d been fortunate enough to find Dodoni brand Feta cheese at my local grocery store a couple weeks ago and really enjoyed it as part of a Greek salad, but I had a lot left that I wanted to be sure to use. Since the “big game” […]

[Continue reading...]

9th Annual Crystal Springs New Jersey Wine & Food Festival

Tickets are now on sale for the 9th annual New Jersey Wine & Food Festival at Crystal Springs Resort, taking place March 31 – April 2. This year, we are excited to announce that one of the most celebrated chefs in the world, Daniel Boulud, will be the Guest of Honor. Proceeds benefit Ment’or, a leading nonprofit organization devoted to inspiring culinary […]

[Continue reading...]
The Alchemist Focal Banger

The Alchemist Focal Banger

I attended a charity dinner last night where I was fortunate enough to taste the fabulous Focal Banger by the popular Vermont brewery, The Alchemist. The brewery doesn’t sell outside its immediate market so it was a treat to be able to taste it in my home state of New Jersey. Hazy and medium golden […]

[Continue reading...]
Buffalo Shrimp – Hooters Copycat

Buffalo Shrimp – Hooters Copycat

The “big game” is next weekend and I’ve been trying to come up with a couple appetizers to make while we watch the game. Chicken wings are always a winner, but my all-time favorite Buffalo anything is by far Buffalo shrimp. I know I’m not supposed to like chain restaurants as a discerning foodie, but […]

[Continue reading...]
SkinnyPop Popcorn and Wine Pairing Guide

SkinnyPop Popcorn and Wine Pairing Guide

The fine folks at SkinnyPop have sent me this neat infographics that I think is pretty great. I’ve been a big fan of SkinnyPop ever since a friend recommended the very addictive treats, and at 39 calories/cup, it’s not only tasty, it’s guilt-free!!! I like several of these popcorn/wine pairings depicted, but think my favorite […]

[Continue reading...]
National Irish Coffee Day

National Irish Coffee Day

Today’s #NationalIrishCoffeeDay and this delicious-sounding recipe was provided to me courtesy of The Shannon Rose Irish Pub. This drink is a mainstay that guests can enjoy year-round at the Clifton and Ramsey locations of the popular pub. You can now enjoy this comforting drink at The Shannon Rose Irish Pub or in the comfort of […]

[Continue reading...]