Anticipation is an emotion I have always associated with traveling. My imagination runs wild when I begin to fantasize of adventures that may come about while exploring new city streets. My appetite grows when I wonder how other communities offer and enjoy hospitality. After all, good food, good wine and …
Read More »Chapel Down’s English Sparkling
If I had offered you a glass of English Sparkling five years ago, I’m sure you would have laughed at me. While Champagne and Spumante are considered the Pièce de Rèsistance in France and Italy, the English expertise of Chapel Down‘s Chief Executive Officer Frazer Thompson is quickly proving that …
Read More »Villanelle
There are a handful of restaurants in New York City that I refer to as hidden gems. These hidden gems you learn about through various ways. What you are unaware of, though, are the city’s precious gems. Some restaurants I enjoy so much, I tend to keep them as little …
Read More »Weekend in Bray: Waterside Inn
Culinary enthusiasts have been flocking to the 16th century village of Bray to dine at the Waterside Inn for over 40 years. Scenically located alongside the Thames River about an hour drive outside of central London, the unique heritage of Bray has continued to remain a hospitality haven for its …
Read More »River Coyote
In New York City’s Lower East Side, gentrification is nothing new. The Manhattan neighborhood is an anomaly made up of an ornate history once seen as a nuisance to some – and an inspiration to others. At 121 Ludlow street nestled between Rivington and Delancy is River Coyote. At …
Read More »Faro
With five cooks aligned in an open kitchen, the farm to table Italian restaurant Faro is creating intricately plated dishes that are approachable, mouthwatering, and simply delicious. Without a doubt, since the earning of their Michelin star this past fall, the restaurant which translates into Lighthouse in Italian has intrigued …
Read More »Birthplace of American Wine: Virginia
Just before Christmas in 1784, Thomas Jefferson wrote to his friend and wine contact John Bonfield, The American Consul in Bordeaux. He expressed a fear. He wrote to his friend, “I have written a letter to Monsieur d’Yquem for 250 bottles of his newest vintage, but I am afraid he …
Read More »How to #win your first day on the job
With day one of my internship in the bag, here are some tried and true tips: Give yourself time Like lots of time. You can’t risk making a bad impression on the first day. I live in constant fear of being tardy. But being chronically early is its own kind of …
Read More »Savouring Traditions: Sardinia
Tucked between Spain and Tunisia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean. An individualistic region of the Italian Republic, Sardinia is home to spectacular beauty, ancient history, and of course, mouth watering sips and savors. The Sardinians have defended themselves from the Phoenicians, Romans, Egyptians, and the Byzantine Empire. …
Read More »Restaurant Latour
As tourists soar into the city, New Yorkers are working hard for the weekend. Some flock east to the Hamptons, and some jet north to Cape Cod. While that weekend beach getaway is idyllic and offers a sense of romanticism, an escape to the rural countryside of Sussex County New …
Read More »Trademark Burger
New York is full of restaurants, bars, and diners that offer everyone’s favorite treat. Since 1884, we all have been enjoying the hamburger. But, ask yourself a serious question. Was it delicious, was it worth the price? Do you now have a “burger hangover?!” It amazes me so much how …
Read More »An Evening With…The Greenwich Project
The Greenwich Project is a very sexy restaurant. It illuminates and has a convivial air. I am certainly happy to have been introduced. My introduction would not have been possible, of course, if I had not received an invitation (a Facebook invitation, no less) to attend the first ‘Evening With…Chad …
Read More »Wine: Too complicated for young people to enjoy
For inexperienced wine drinkers, choosing a bottle of wine from the masses is plagued by far too many choices and complicated further by the dos and don’ts of wine culture. Wine buffs and experts turn wine drinking into a fine art, but elevating wine to such heights puts it out …
Read More »New York Restaurant Week
It’s that time of year again when many restaurants humble themselves, and when hospitality professionals cringe. Yes, I’m afraid to admit that I am referring to Restaurant Week. You either love it, or you hate it. Beginning January 18th and running through February 5th, 372 restaurants in New York City …
Read More »Wine One O One: Stefanie Schwartz
Stefanie Schwartz’s wine and restaurant experience has taken her up the eastern seaboard, from her hometown in Port St. John, Florida to culinary school in Charlotte, North Carolina and then eventually to the current city she calls home, New York, New York. After graduating with a BA in Culinary Arts …
Read More »Wine One ‘o One with Cole Parry
A graduate of the world-famous Culinary Institute of America, Cole Parry started his restaurant career dressed in kitchen whites at Greens Restaurant in San Francisco. His first job in the dining room was at then-three Michelin starred Restaurant Daniel in New York City. As a busser and food runner, Cole …
Read More »Wine for Thanksgiving
Thursday is the beginning of the Holiday Season in the United States as we celebrate Thanksgiving. A grand Thanksgiving feasts of brings us all comfort and joy as we gather with our friends and family, but don’t forget every great meal must have great wine. Enjoy the wines below and …
Read More »Wine One ‘O One: Jason Wagner
Jason Wagner is a jack of all trades and master of everything. These days, he spends most of his time at my favorite restaurant in the city, Fung Tu on Orchard Street where his wine list is a true work of art. His passion for wine began under the mentorship …
Read More »Wine One o One: John Francis Gran
John Francis Gran. That is a name that will ring in your head. Known as Johnny to his nearest and dearest has an infectious smile and is under the helm of Chef Thomas Lents Two Star Michelin restaurant Sixteen in the Trump Hotel of Chicago. Johnny is not new to …
Read More »Wine One o One: Julien Thomas
Julien Thomas is quite the bon vivant, but he can’t help it. He’s French. He spent a year pouring wine at Cafe Boulud NY, and now he’s gracing London with his charm and wit at Bar Boulud in The Mandarin Oriental in Hyde Park. Like the other JT we all …
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