Weekly wine: Chateauneuf-du-Pape offers lush taste, flavors

When I was a young reporter in the 1960s, editors on expense account would take me to dinner for steak and a bottle of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. American cabernet sauvignon made then was still a decade or two away ...

AKA open in St. Helena

AKA restaurant is in the space once held by Keller's Market in St. Helena. The Keller neon sign remains in front by order of the city, but the restaurant has nothing to do with chef Thomas Keller.

Open a bottle of Madeira and pour out a bit of history

I like to drink port after dinner, but when I can't afford it, a nice substitute is Madeira.

a Palate for Pies

Published: Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at 1:00 a.m. Last Modified: Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. If you aim to make the perfect pie, you've got time.

the chatterbox: October 14, 2008

So yesterday morning there was a small media get-together in the Macy's Cellar for the reveal of the ~2009 SAN FRANCISCO & WINE COUNTRY MICHELIN GUIDE~ winners.

letter from the tablehopper: October 14, 2008

I think I have recovered from my weekend of fests. To wit: what should have been called ChampagneFest on Thursday, WhiskyFest on Friday night, and then FallFest on Saturday.

Restaurants: Not Missing the Meat

FOR all their talk about the health benefits, eco-friendliness and karmic sensitivity of their leafy ways, I'm convinced that many vegans are antsy about what they're missing.

Plenty of food for thought at book fest

The rich smorgasbord of authors, books and conversation at the Wisconsin Book Festival always satisfies readers with diverse appetites.

Commander-in-Chef: Tory McPhail

Originally published at Paper Palate on October 7, 2008.Michelin stars are the goal of every European restaurant and of those select few good enough to earn them fewer still achieve the adjective ?important.? ...

Get Smart With Knitting and Wine in Santa Barbara

Add an educational element to your Santa Barbara vacation. Behind the doors of this seaside town's funky boutiques and upscale restaurants is a bevy of fun and affordable classes.