What’s the Deal with Pinotage?

Whether you love to hate it, hate to love it, or have never tried it, Pinotage is one of the most divisive grapes among wine drinkers.  It is treasured in its native South Africa and trashed elsewhere around the world.  It is not on the wine list at many restaurants, and is one of just [...]

A Bottle of Bubbly on a Weeknight? Why Not?

There’s something about sparkling wine that always puts you in a good mood. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or at a party, it’s impossible to be sad when you hear the pop of the cork. Think about it — have you ever seen someone drinking Champagne and frowning? You don’t have to save a [...]

AG Pick Under $10: 2005 Lazy Lizard Merlot

Looks can be very deceiving when it comes to wine labels.  I discovered the 2005 Lazy Lizard Merlot at a blind tasting and am glad I did — I don’t think I would have picked out this bottle if I saw it at a wine shop.  The name and the label don’t exactly give off [...]

Miami Spice Restaurant Month

Miami Spice Restaurant Month returns this August, giving residents and visitors the best way to check out many of the area’s restaurants without spending a fortune. From August 1st through September 30th more than 80 restaurants in the greater Miami area will be offering discounted three-course lunch and dinner menus.  An appetizer, entrée and dessert [...]

Not Your Average Cup of Joe

I consider myself pretty adventurous when it comes to trying unusual food or beverages, but there’s one drink I would think twice about before sipping: a type of coffee called Kopi Luwak.  It’s made with coffee beans that have passed through the digestive system of an Asian Palm Civet. That’s right, the coffee goes in [...]

Posh Pies at Ecco Pizzateca + Lounge

If you’re in the mood for a slice of pizza, consider getting a whole pie instead at Ecco Pizzateca + Lounge.  It’s the latest trendy dining spot to open in Miami’s central business district, adding to the flourishing downtown dining scene. Ecco is located on the ground floor of the Huntington Building, on the corner [...]

AG Pick Under $10: 2007 Chateau de Nages Reserve Red

Celebrate Bastille Day with a French wine! I’ll be celebrating le 14 juillet by drinking the 2007 Château de Nages Costières de Nîmes Réserve Red, a red Rhône wine that’s a steal at $9.99. Lush and full bodied, this wine is surprisingly complex for such a low price tag. The Réserve Red is a blend [...]

Banana, Pecan & Chocolate Chip Muffins

Banana muffins are a tasty way to make sure those overripe bananas don’t go to waste.  Once I started making banana, pecan and chocolate chip muffins I found myself buying extra bananas, just so I had an excuse to make them. This muffin recipe is an easy treat for weekend mornings.  There are no milk [...]

Organic Wines at Heller Estate Vineyards

It used to be that the word “organic” was associated with wines that didn’t taste so great.  But at Heller Vineyards, organic and delicious are not contradictory terms. Heller Estate Organic Vineyards was one of the last wineries I visited during my trip to California’s Central Coast.  It’s located in the Cachagua region of Carmel [...]

Whalebone: A Great Find in Paso Robles

The highlight of my day in Paso Robles was discovering the wines of Whalebone Vineyard. Never heard of it?  Neither had I before I came across their tasting barn.  But after trying their delicious red wines I’m a huge fan. When I arrived at Whalebone I met Jan Simpson who, along with her husband Bob, [...]