30 years ago, a blind tasting was held comparing French and California wines. At that time, France was defeated after French judges decided the wines from California were superior. From the BBC News, "The result was seen as a blow to French national pride and shocked the country's wine industry."Now the contest has been recreated, and once again, California wines have come … [Read more...] about Wine Competition Pits France Versus USA
Archives for May 2006
Vote on the Portland Zagat Survey
Received this from the folks at Zagat:This year’s Portland and Seattle Restaurants survey is now underway. We’d like to include your readers among the knowledgeable reviewers whose witty, descriptive comments make Zagat Survey guides an indispensable resource for consumers.Complete our online survey by the June 18, 2006 deadline and we’ll mail you a FREE copy of the … [Read more...] about Vote on the Portland Zagat Survey
Interview: David Machado, Part II
[This is part two of an interview with David Machado of Vindalho and Lauro restaurants. You can find part one by clicking here.]So, a guy walks into a bar, and _________. While you can fill in the blank with any number of amnesiacs asking, "Do I come here often?" and baby seals ordering "anything but a Canadian Club," perhaps only once has the punch-line been, "walks out … [Read more...] about Interview: David Machado, Part II
Interview: Dave Machado
So, a guy walks into a bar, and _________. While you can fill in the blank with any number of amnesiacs asking, "Do I come here often?" and baby seals ordering "anything but a Canadian Club," perhaps only once has the punch-line been, "walks out with the bartender's job." Dave Machado gets to tell the joke. Beginning at the bottom more than twenty years and half as many … [Read more...] about Interview: Dave Machado
Restaurant Customer Etiquette
By Ken ColluraIntroduction: I work the floor as a sommelier/manager in a busy restaurant five nights a week and try to dine out on at least one of my days off, so I’ve written this piece from the perspective of someone who has been an active participant on both sides of the table for many years. There are ways a customer can assist a restaurant in making their evening out … [Read more...] about Restaurant Customer Etiquette