Category Archives: Food

Tomatoes, Tomatoes and More Tomatoes

Posted on September 26, 2010 by Barb

Nothing gets the cook in me tingling like tomato season.  Since I don’t grow my own yet, I always depend on the kind donations of friends and colleagues, and this year is no exception.  Thanks to a few generous folks … Continue reading →

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Grape of the Month: Zinfandel

Posted on September 15, 2010 by Barb

I’m so sick of white wine I could puke. I’m sick of drinking them, talking about them, looking at them, and selling them. Enough! It’s time to get down and dirty, to break out the big hefty reds, to start … Continue reading →

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Cucina Paradiso

Posted on August 9, 2010 by Barb

An old friend and colleague of mine mentioned this Italian restaurant in Oak Park.  I’m in the neighborhood once a week, so last week I thought I’d check it out. Here are my general impressions: Food: 7/10 Wine: 5/10 Service: 4/10 Ambience: … Continue reading →

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Grape of the Month: Verdejo

Posted on July 7, 2010 by Barb

We’re going to think a little outside the box this month.  We’re well into summer now; it’s hot and sticky, stormy, and just plain gross.  Plus we’re in the heart of bikini season, which means salads are the dish of … Continue reading →

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Mediterranean Pork Chops

Posted on June 19, 2010 by Barb

Here’s one of my favorite dishes to cook.  It’s fairly quick & easy and I love to try new wines with this meal.  Try your own and tell me what you think! 2 8-10 oz American cut boneless pork chops … Continue reading →

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Grape of the Month: Sauvignon Blanc

Posted on June 6, 2010 by Barb

In Chicago, summer comes on very quickly.  One day it’s a lovely sixty-eight degrees with a little cloud coverage and a wonderful cool breeze at night.  The very next day, it’s a sticky eighty-five, with relentless sunshine and palpable humidity.  … Continue reading →

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Grape of the Month: Viognier

Posted on May 2, 2010 by Barb

First of all, it’s pronounced vee-ohn-yay.  Don’t say it wrong or your local wine pro will scowl at you and give you Fetzer or worse.  And it’s home is the Rhône Valley, one of my very favorite wine areas in … Continue reading →

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It’s Rosé Season!

Posted on April 20, 2010 by Barb

Unfortunately for American wine drinkers, pink wine has gotten a pretty bad rap in our country over the last couple decades.  Most of us blame the likes of Carlo Rossi, Franzia, and Sutter Home for creating inferior blush wines that … Continue reading →

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