Wine Tasting in the Santa Ynez Valley: Blackjack Ranch

From Santa Barbara I headed northwest into the Santa Ynez Valley to kick off my first full day of wine tasting.  It’s about a 45 minute drive on a two lane road that winds up and down the mountains with gorgeous — and sometimes scary — views of the valley below. My first stop was [...]

Travels in Central California: Santa Barbara

This week I’m traveling through central California.  Starting just northwest of Los Angeles in Santa Barbara, I’ll be working my way up to Santa Cruz, visiting wineries, farm stands and other unique attractions along the way.  Check back over the next week as I share some of my adventures. Santa Barbara is a charming city [...]

Add Color to Your Meal with Locally-Grown Organic Veggies

Have you ever tried purple carrots, neon Swiss chard or candy-striped beets?  They sound like something straight out of a Dr. Seuss book.  But these unusual vegetables do exist – and they’re growing right here in South Florida. These veggies are much more than a way to add color to your meal.  Once you taste [...]

AG Pick Under $15: Finca La Linda Torrontes 2008

When you think about the characteristic grapes of Argentina, the first varietal that probably comes to mind is Malbec.  You may not be as familiar with Argentina’s characteristic white wine grape: Torrontés. The Torrontés grape produces fresh and aromatic wines that are meant to be enjoyed young.  Though Torrontés is related to the Malvasian group [...]

From Ayesha's Kitchen to Your Kitchen: Learn How to Cook Indian Cuisine

Love the exotic flavors and spices of Indian food?  You can learn how to make this delicious cuisine at intimate Indian cooking classes led by Ayesha D’Mello. Ayesha developed a passion for cooking quick, easy and healthy traditional meals while growing up in India.  She maintained this passion while earning undergraduate degrees in Computer Science [...]

Bodegas Farina Returns to the U.S.

For years the wines of Bodegas Fariña have been one of Spain’s best kept secrets.  But now the winery that put Toro on the map as an important wine making region is returning to the United States. Last month I had the opportunity to meet winemaker Manuel Fariña and taste several of the current releases.  [...]

Summertime Margaritas

Add more fun to your summer fiesta with a tasty twist on the traditional margarita.  For inspiration check out these margarita recipes from restaurants around the country, as compiled by Food & Wine Magazine.  Here are a couple of my favorites: Pear Cilantro Margarita from De Cero in Chicago, Illinois Ingredients: ice 1 oz reposado [...]

AG Pick Under $10: Pierre Rougon Cotes du Rhone 2007

Yes, it is possible to find a nice Côtes du Rhône for less than $10.  I recently discovered the 2007 Pierre Rougon Côtes du Rhône, an upbeat red blend that’s bursting with ripe red fruit flavors. If you like the light and fruit forward red wines of Beaujolais you will enjoy the Pierre Rougon Côtes [...]

Eos: A New Dawn for Old World Cuisine

You’d better visit Eos now because once word spreads about the great food you’ll need a reservation. Eos is the new Mediterranean-inspired restaurant from Chef Michael Psilakis (whose New York City restaurant Anthos is one of only two Greek restaurants in the world with a Michelin star), and restaurateur Donatella Arpaia.  It’s located on the [...]

AG Pick Under $15: 2005 Side Yard Reserve Malbec

Argentina may be best known for Malbec but its neighbor to the west offers some tasty competition.  If you love the bold spice of Malbec, try the 2005 Side Yard Reserve Malbec from Chile. This zesty wine from the Maipo Valley in central Chile is full of black fruit and pepper.  Juicy flavors of blackberries [...]