Feastivals

05/23/2026

In honor of the 50th anniversary of The Judgment of Paris, Eric Asimov - one of my favorite wine writers - gives his assessment of the wines now being made in the USA. An excellent read.

In 1976, American winemakers bested their French counterparts at the Judgment of Paris. It’s truly remarkable how much progress American wine has made since then.

05/11/2026

Roses for Mothers Day dinner, but these are made from sun-dried tomato pasta and filled with a premium Italian cheese blend by my dear friend Suzanne Molley of Savage Daughter Pasta LLC. Sauced with pesto cream. Chilled Pinot Noir from Summer Somewhere. 🍷

05/03/2026

Chilly weather begs for soup, and this vegetable soup from Chef Raymond Blanc’s maman is a favorite. I tossed in a few errant shrimp and the last of Savage Daughter Pasta LLC’s quadretti. Added a glass of my favorite little Chablis.

04/29/2026

One of my favorite quickie dinners: wilted dandelions with sautéed shrimp. The bitter greens compliment the sweetness of the shrimp and the whole dish cooks in one pan in less than 10 minutes. 😋👍🥰 A little Chablis is the perfect accompaniment.

04/14/2026

I made Robin Asbell’s Asparagus Tart on Sunday. 😋 So easy and SO delicious! I used cheeses I had on hand, subbing Point Reyes Original Blue for the feta, and my all-time favorite, Comté for the Gruyère. I’ll be making this again before asparagus season is over - and may also try it with broccoli.

03/15/2026

I made Chicken Pot Pie for Pi Day. I hope you celebrated with something yummy. Sad/sweet pairing with long-time favorite Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards Russian River Ranches Chardonnay. (I’ve been a fan since very early in my wine journey - 1985 - but it won’t be long before it vanishes forever.)

02/21/2026

Pollo Ajillo - Chicken Ajillo (the cover recipe on my book). Why haven’t I been making this more often? 🤔 Basically just chicken thighs, white wine and garlic, it’s ready to serve in under half an hour. Here with thyme-steamed potatoes and sautéed spinach. Audrey chardonnay from Iron Horse Vineyards in Sonoma County for the perfect pairing.