Today the farm to table dinner concept is the culinary mission for many restaurants throughout the country. Chefs and foodies are always taking the idea a step further by practicing sustainability in the kitchen as well as utilizing every portion of a food staple. Carrying the notion of using local ingredients, further wineries are joining

Capturing the Magic of Chilean Wines: Thoughtful Food Pairings
The iconic Different Pointe of View Restaurant sits on the Tapatio Cliffs above downtown Phoenix, Arizona. Besides offering spectacular sunset dinners, an acclaimed wine list, and birds-eye views of the city lights, the Executive Chef combines all three into a monthly chef-led dinner with guest winemakers from around the world. Recently I was invited to

New Zealand Loveblock Wines Meets West Hollywood Wolf Restaurant
It is interesting to discover a winery and restaurant that have the similar philosophies and approaches to their craft. Such was the case when I was invited to the New Zealand winery, Loveblock Wines luncheon at Wolf, West Hollywood. What is even more fascinating is the commonality that exists even though you could consider the

What is in this Cuisine: Dining with Dietary Restrictions
The definition of cuisine is a style of cooking that is specific to a country or region. It can be cultural or geographic but for each individual, the cuisine can take on a different perspective. What one person appreciates in a particular cuisine may not be to the liking of another and vice versa. For

Osteria Trattoria Da Burde meets Castello Di Meleto
In Italy, the Osteria is a mainstay for regional Italian cooking. Often locals frequent the Osteria. These restaurants are informal yet traditional. One such dining establishment is Trattoria Da Burde in Florence. Here not only did we get to sample the marvelous food but also it was paired with the wines from Castello Di Meleto.

Behind the scenes on Celebrity Reflection
Wining and dining is an integral part of any cruise. Such was the case aboard the Celebrity Reflection. Bending over backward to indulge the needs of all 3000 passengers is a feat in itself, but Celebrity Cruises does it in style. Celebrity Cruises Restaurants Onboard the Celebrity Reflection there are seven specialty restaurants, the main

Bless The Chefs: Paying homage to the chefs of Cafe Del Rey
When six chefs come together in one kitchen, you have to wonder what it would be like working in a small space together. Such was the case when Café del Rey in Marina Del Rey put together Bless the Chefs Dinner. Marina Del Rey Cafe Del Rey The chefs were from both Café del Rey,

Ribera Y Rueda: Exploring Tempranillo and Verdejo wines
Spain has many different wine regions. For many of us in the United States, some of the regions we might say are off the beaten path. Two not as well-known areas in northern Spain are Rueda, recognized for its white varietals, especially Verdejo and Ribera del Duero, where Tempranillo is predominately grown. Although these regions