Acasual survey of a local lady's associations with Valentine's Day narrowed the field to love, flowers, Champagne (aka sparkling wines) and chocolate.   READ MORE

So what's new? Glad you asked. For starters here are some recommendations for all you oenophiles out there. My recent notes include very positive comments on two Chalone Pinnacles appellation bottlings from Michaud Winery, which has yet to miss a beat in my book. Both were 2005s.   READ MORE

Now, I haven't got a drop of Sicilian blood in my veins that I know of (I'm told I'm a bit Welsh), but I do adore this richly flavored and concocted seafood stew, and so it has become a family holiday tradition.   READ MORE