When you meet Elisa Venturi, within moments it will be 100% clear why she named her business Elisa Cuore (heart), Cucina (kitchen), and Chiacchiere (chat). Ten American women recently descended on Elisa’s home kitchen in Pesaro, Italy, for a cooking class. She was admittedly nervous. So were we! It was our first evening together as…
Category: Food & Wine
Come Fly With Me: France’s Rhône Valley
Dreaming of the day when you can resume international wine travel? Perhaps this story will inspire you to visit France’s Rhône Valley.
New Haven Pizza Wars
Forget Italy — if you have never had pizza from New Haven, CT, your life is not complete. Enjoy this sample of three pizzas and a wine pairing taste-off.
Cincinnati Chili & Wine?
Would you ever — for a New York minute — consider pairing wine with chili? Probably not. In a flavor game changer, Cincinnati’s unique chili is a perfect partner.
Book Review: Passion for Wine
Book review: Passion for Wine (The French Ideal and the American Dream) by Jean-Charles Boisset and Marnie Old.
Spanish Fiesta y Cata de Vinos
Learn how to make a simple paella and pair a Spanish meal with sparkling, white, red and sherry wines.
Tuscan Food and Wine Pairings
What to pair with the Sangiovese-based wines of Montalcino, Montepulciano (and don’t forget Chianti!).
Southwest France: Diverse by Design?
Southwest France (Sud Oest) is best known for what it isn’t. Frankly, and unfortunately, it’s not widely recognized at all. With an accompanying eye-roll, I must report that many people have asked me – quite genuinely – “where is Southwest France?”! Let’s get positioned on the map. Sud Oest is the deepest rural France, la…
A Spectacular Chaine Holiday
The Hilton Netherland’s Hall of Mirrors adds sparkle and festive vibes to any event. Monday’s holiday dinner for more than 100 members and guests of the Cincinnati chapter of Chaîne des Rôtisseurs was no exception. Greeted by glittering glasses of Roederer Estate Brut NV (Anderson Valley sparkling), canapes passed deftly by a charming staff among hugs and holiday…
Bolognese + Brunello
It’s Monday. You may be revving up for NFL. I’m swooning for the “Monday night special” at Nicola’s Ristorante Italiano flanking the northeast corner of OTR. Nicola’s Tagliatelle alla Bolognese is so popular among knowing neighbors and patrons that I hesitate to call even more attention to this fabulous experience. Every Monday night, the restaurant…