By Ken Collura As 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 … [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 Collura Have 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 … [Read more...] about All About Wine and Food Pairings
Wine Paraphernalia – Corkscrews, Decanters, Glassware, Etc.
Food Dude Article #9 (Wine Paraphernalia) By Ken Collura I'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 … [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 … [Read more...] about Ramen Dreams in Vancouver BC
Reaffirmations – as a Sommelier, How Am I Doing?
Food Dude Article #10 By Ken Collura Every 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 … [Read more...] about Reaffirmations – as a Sommelier, How Am I Doing?
Restaurant Customer Etiquette
By Ken Collura Introduction: 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 … [Read more...] about Restaurant Customer Etiquette
Small Wines – Suggestions for Good, Everyday Drinking Wines
I have this memory from when I was a teenager. I had developed an insatiable appetite for Mandarin oranges. You know the kind, the ones that come in a can covered in sweet syrup. I would pop them open and devour one after the other. Then one day, after about four of these cans, I became quite ill, somewhat … [Read more...] about Small Wines – Suggestions for Good, Everyday Drinking Wines
So you’re a Sommelier?
Customers often say to me, “You must really love your job. But I’m not sure exactly that you do?” So with that in mind, I’ve decided to outline my perception of what a sommelier is, and what he/she should be expected to do. Basically, I dispense hedonism for a living. I bring wines, great and small, to thirsty … [Read more...] about So you’re a Sommelier?