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.
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?
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