By Ken ColluraAs a professional wine buyer and an active consumer, I'm inundated with ratings. Each major wine publication has seemingly hundreds of them each month. If that wasn't enough, they're encountered in big, bold numerals everywhere wines are sold. You'll see them in newspaper ads, on shelf-talkers, and neck-hangers on the bottles themselves.I admit I'm … [Read more...] about I’m Rated Out! Do Wine Ratings Mean Anything?
All About Wine and Food Pairings
Another popular article from the past, by Ken ColluraHave you ever tried Coca-Cola with a steak? Or coffee? How about a margarita?Each of these beverages can be seen accompanying steaks around town on a nightly basis. I know that everyone has different taste buds, but the thought of something sweet and effervescent mingling with a medium-rare New York Strip? … [Read more...] about All About Wine and Food Pairings
Wine Paraphernalia – Corkscrews, Decanters, Glassware, Etc.
Food Dude Article #9 (Wine Paraphernalia) By Ken ColluraI've never cared for the term "Wine Collector." To my way of thinking, a collection is something that has been passionately assembled, shined up and cataloged, then put out on display. I'm not so sure this expression should apply to wine, per se. Bottles of wine should never be put on pedestals like Giacometti … [Read more...] about Wine Paraphernalia – Corkscrews, Decanters, Glassware, Etc.
Ramen Dreams in Vancouver BC
Have you ever dreamt about a certain kind of food? Not necessarily a dream while sleeping, but more of a daydream that repeatedly encompasses your thoughts. I've recently had such a recurring dream about Japanese ramen, and the dreams were about the real deal: Shio, Shoyu, Miso and Tonkotsu.I first fell in love with ramen while living in New York City, where I was born and … [Read more...] about Ramen Dreams in Vancouver BC
Reaffirmations – as a Sommelier, How Am I Doing?
Food Dude Article #10 By Ken ColluraEvery year, I try to assess the goals I've set for myself as a sommelier and whether they are being achieved. I know most people do this around New Year's Day, but August is just as good.So now is the time to reaffirm a couple of these resolutions, my raison d'etre, so to speak. So, here's what I came up with, and how I feel I'm … [Read more...] about Reaffirmations – as a Sommelier, How Am I Doing?