Wine
Talkin’ Turkey, Drinkin’ Juice.
Poll 30 people about their Thanksgiving wine preferences, and you might find yourself in a bit of an algorithmic pickle— you’ll likely get 30 distinct responses. I know because I’ve tried it, and I spent better than a decade in wine sales trying to unravel this gastronomic mystery, drawing dozens of well-justified conclusions, and attempting…
Read MoreThe Experimental Herbalist: Diet and My Pursuit of Personal Energy
Living a life with Deborah equates to plenty of exciting culinary exploration, and this has now been my delight for nearly a decade! The “healthful hedonism” of consuming whole foods, with whole ingredients, prepared by someone with experience and a talent for creating flavor integration is not only welcomed by my palate and body, but…
Read MoreSomething’s Gotta Give: My Initiative For Fragrance-Neutral Dining
The restaurant business. I know it well, from both sides of the table. I’ve done my share of dining out, for business and for sport. I’ve proudly been part of the wait staff at several of NYC’s most elite dining establishments. I even took the plunge and launched my own restaurant Goldie’s By The Bridge…
Read MoreSavor The Season: DRIVEN’s Autumn Wine Roundup for 2015
Welcome, Autumn! And with it, welcome not just to the sense-worthy nuances that signal the change of seasons, like the crisp air, the colorful foliage and the sound of leaf blowers in the distance. I’m talking about autumn from a palate-centric vantage point. Welcome to Brussels sprouts, acorn squash and sweet potatoes. Welcome to heartier…
Read MoreEveryone’s Favorite Word: Flapjacks!
Sometimes we call them pancakes, but that word just seems way too conventional for the type we have in mind. Ours aren’t the kind you‘d slather in maple syrup at breakfast; these are the sort you’d serve alongside a steak or a salmon. Our newly-famous Black Bean & Sweet Potato Flapjacks were such a hit…
Read MoreHudson Redux: Why I Keep Returning to This Fascinating River Town
Back in the spring, I had posted an article titled A Place Called Hudson: A Must-Visit for New Yorkers, detailing my weekend getaway with Deborah to the city of Hudson, NY. Our new favorite nearby escape, Hudson is a treasure trove of antique shops, art galleries, funky boutiques, trendy cafés and fine restaurants, all nestled…
Read MoreSaugerties by Storm: Small-Town Charm Awaits at the Foot of The Catskills
Exploring historic Hudson Valley villages can become a New Yorker’s hobby. Deborah and I have done our share, and I periodically report upon all the worthwhile nooks and crannies that are just a Zipcar ride away from NYC. One special village that we’ve visited enough times now to finally call it a “home away from…
Read MoreSummer Sipping Wine Event: The Lost Recipes
There’s been quite a bit of animated conversation in the 5 weeks following our Spring & Summer Sipping wine and food pairing event. Most of it has been centered on the food part. I’ve been gradually posting my recipes for the evening’s scrumptious fare, and until now, only 3 have remained outstanding. Well, by popular…
Read More5 Restaurants, 3 Vermouths, & an Art Exhibit: The Other Side of Bridgehampton
Last month I raved on and on about the Channing Daughters Winery portion of the trip Deb and I took to the South Fork of Long Island. Having waxed so nostalgic about the week-old experience sampling Refosco and Lagrein, I made it seem as if we didn’t even eat. The truth is, there was a…
Read MoreThings That Make NY Great: T.Edward Wines
Wine tasting trade shows in NYC are always an adventure, but never so much as when the hosting distributor is one of the “Big Ten”, as I like to refer to them. T.Edward Wines, based in Tribeca, is one of those New York ten, qualified by being progressive in the trade, seeking out mainly small…
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