Just for Fun

A Note From The Cellarmaster

The other afternoon, one that was unique to my wife and I, we were confronted with not knowing what to do with ourselves. You see, we had taken the kids (Sara, 2 yrs. and Lisa 4 mos.) to grandma’s that morning and we expect­ed to be out all day. Lo and be­hold, we were back… read more »

The Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

Nestled into its own environ­ment off the main road through Sonoma (all two lanes of it), the Spa is a welcome destination for the person in need of self indul­gence. Encompassed by eight acres of eucalyptus shaded grounds, the Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa is situated right on top of sparkling mineral water springs (bottled… read more »

This Matter Of Aging Wine

For those of you who chose to practice the ageing of wine, here is a checklist of the important factors, and a review of the elements con­cerned. Look at the location where you are storing your wines. Measure it against the criteria described be­low. Temperature: The ideal temperature for age­ing wine is considered to be… read more »

Our Wine Tasting Process

Here is the gist of a typical conversation that has repeated it­self during the last year between Paul Jr. and myself (Sr.), since I moved to Julian (It is usually the following sequence of events). Paul Jr. goes to a trade tasting sponsored by a distributor, and does his thing of tasting every wine at… read more »

The Matter Of Letting The Bottle “Breathe”

I do not belong to the school that insists all wine must be allowed to breathe before serving. If the belief is rigid, I consider it a fetish. To really recognize the benefit that comes from “breathing” of wine, one must look at the chemistry of wine, and the physics of the breathing pro­cess. What… read more »

Adventures in Eating – Honey and Nut Glazed Brie

“Madam,” the ancient proverb says… “That one rich drop of honey sweet, As an alluring luscious treat, Is known to tempt more flies by far, Than a whole tun of vinegar.” St. Francis de Sales 1821 You guessed right. Honey is our subject this month. The quote was a favorite of King Henry IV, and… read more »

Santa Anita Uncorked!

Santa Anita Uncorked – Another Wonderful Adventure in Wine and Food This year, we held Santa Anita Uncorked on 6/11, and it was a great success.  With food vendors from all across San Gabriel Valley, and Wines like no tomorrow, this was one of the best events to date.  Those who attended indulged in unlimited… read more »

Adventures in Eating: Joan’s 1987 Bowl Dinner

It all began in 1919, when a hollow named Daisy Dell was purchased for religious plays. The owners lost faith and Daisy Dell was deeded to Los Angeles in 1924. Daisy Dell was revamped, given a thorough face lift, and a seating capacity of 17,619 people. Starlit concerts were started, and the Holly­wood Bowl emerged…. read more »

Adventures in Eating: Beef Fiesta Casserole

She was a bit of a tomboy with her dark hair, cut short in a dutch-boy bob, and with a smile and gaze that was bewitching. Slen­der as a young girl, she is now a grand­mother, beautiful, and still slender and be­witching. This is my cousin, Melina. We grew up living next door to each… read more »

Adventures in Eating: Almendrado

Here I am on the 33rd floor, in a suite, at the San Moritz Hotel in New York City. Daughter, baby Sammy, and I were treated to this stay by my son-in-law’s grandmother. Our patio overlooks Cen­tral Park. The majestic horses, as their hooves pound the pavement, pulling the hansom cabs, seem to type the… read more »

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