February 2010

We know Valentine’s Day is a made-up holiday intended to guilt you (primarily men) into spending money. What’s worse, the marketers goad you (primarily women) into thinking you should expect something special this day—as if it’s your birthday or Christmas, or something.

January 2010

With the holidays over and still a long winter ahead, cold nights call for something warming and luxurious. Enter: Port, that fortified wine that seems to turn any evening into an Occasion, with a capital “O.”

December 2009 Issue

In honor of the Solstice, or Christmas (I haven't come across a Hanukkah brew locally yet, but I won't be surprised when I do), or just to keep the cold at bay, the winter seasonals beers are upon us. Brewers across the country know the days are getting shorter and colder and figure they'll take that as a good excuse to try a new batch recipe.

November 2009 Issue

As late fall chills the landscape and the holidays rear their collective head, jamming calendars with requests-sought and not, we often look for a good excuse to slow down and warm up. A cozy dinner with a warming glass of red wine is a great excuse to take a little downtime. Everyone's got to eat dinner, right? Well, crack that bottle while you're at it and turn rushed sustenance into a rejuvenating ritual.

At this time of year (OK, at every time of year), my thoughts of what's for dinner are inextricably linked with what wine I have or want to pour that night. But on these damp, chilly days, my thoughts veer to earthy reds. And I want to eat something that will appreciate the wine as much as I do, so to speak.