Fluffy Quinoa 101

Fluffy Quinoa 101

My bestie, Gloriann, has been a fan of Quinoa for a long time and kept telling me what a fab kitchen staple is it. Once I tried it, I was hooked. It’s great as a simply side dish served like one would serve rice but is versatile enough for a salad or other mainstays like […]

[Continue reading...]
Talenti Sea Salt Caramel Gelato Sandwich

Talenti Sea Salt Caramel Gelato Sandwich

I know this isn’t much of a “recipe” since the gelato is store-bought, BUT, this is by far the BEST commercial gelato I’ve had, so I thought I’d share the wealth (no, I’m not being compensated by Talenti, it’s just a great product). Ingredients: One pint Talenti Sea Salt Caramel gelato Eight cookies from a […]

[Continue reading...]
Easy Valentine’s Day Menu and Wine Pairings

Easy Valentine’s Day Menu and Wine Pairings

From experience, we all know Valentine’s Day at a restaurant can be hectic and restricted to fixed menus. For those of you who prefer to stay home and cook up a romantic meal, here is some inspirational recipes with affordable wine recommendations.  Coquilles St Jacques paired with  2012 Les Vignobles Gueissard Bandol Rosé ($18) Sweet Potato […]

[Continue reading...]

2015 NJ Wine & Food Festival at Crystal Springs Resort

Tickets are on sale for the seventh annual New Jersey Wine & Food Festival taking place March 20–22. This year, the Guest of Honor is David Kinch of Michelin 2-star Manresa in Los Gatos, California.  Chef David Kinch will bring a taste of his acclaimed Manresa to New Jersey to kick-off the Festival with a dinner in Restaurant Latour on Friday, March 20. […]

[Continue reading...]
Sugar and Spice Candied Nuts

Sugar and Spice Candied Nuts

This candied nuts recipe post was updated 1/4/21. On New Year’s Eve, we met some friends for a celebratory meal and to my joy, my friend Diane had brought me a jar of homemade candied pecans. I’m not much of a cinnamon fan, so I don’t typically like these types of spiced and candied nuts, […]

[Continue reading...]
1991 Château Montus Madiran Cuvée Prestige

1991 Château Montus Madiran Cuvée Prestige

On a recent visit to Quebec, my dad dug deep in his cellar for this purely wonderful bottle. While I’ve read this wine should have drunk before 2011, its perfect storing condition extended its life. In the glass, it’s a beautiful brick color with the type of barnyard funk I absolutely love. In the mouth, […]

[Continue reading...]
Escape Charity Dinner Featuring Chef David Viana

Escape Charity Dinner Featuring Chef David Viana

Escape Montclair Chef Bryan Gregg Holds a Charity Dining Experience with Acclaimed Chef David Viana of The Kitchen at Grove Station in Jersey City. When: Wednesday, January 28, 2015 at 7PM.  Cost: $68 per person plus taxes and gratuity. What: The Charity Dinner Featuring Chef David Viana, of The Kitchen at Grove Station, menu will […]

[Continue reading...]
Braised Beef Short Ribs

Braised Beef Short Ribs

It’s winter and on cold days like these, I crave slow braises and roasts. Today, I saw nice looking short ribs at the store so opted for this flavorful, slow and low braised dish for supper. Serve these beauties with mashed potatoes and a couple vegetables and please your guests like there’s no tomorrow. Ingredients: […]

[Continue reading...]
2012 Esporao Reserve Red

2012 Esporao Reserve Red

Dark fruit, spicy nose with a bit of smokiness. Lots of ripe dark berry and plum flavors. Firm tannins on a dry finish. Like this wine a lot at this pricepoint. Will improve with some time in the bottle and with decanting. Pairings: Burger, pasta with tomato sauce, grilled meat. Style: Red Wine Grape Type(s): […]

[Continue reading...]
Cakebread Wine Dinner at Agricola

Cakebread Wine Dinner at Agricola

Agricola Executive Chef, Josh Thomsen, is joined by legendary Dennis Cakebread, of famed Napa Valley Cakebread Cellars, on February 10, 2015 at 6:30pm for an exceptional evening of food and wine. Menu and pairings: Reception Wine – 2012 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, CA Cape May Day Boat Scallop – celery root puree, Terhune Orchards’ apples, chestnuts […]

[Continue reading...]