the plan

My weakness is Sauternes. I have been known to order only a side salad for a main course, just so I can ensure I will have enough...

bird + poo

This is how I feel right now.(P.S. The swallows have returned to the winery. So far, I've been lucky -- no poo bombs yet.)...

the secret ingredient

We almost lost the Meeper this weekend. He fell out of the window, and we live on the third story.He's fine -- he didn't break...

sparkle

Finally, there is sun. And finally, I can think straight again. There is so much catching up to do.We had this Shiraz -- my first...

you do what you can

Today I got an e-mail from a writer, and the subject was "interminable rain."Everyone is talking about how the rain will affect...

build me an ark

We will board it, two by two. Each of us carrying a bottle of wine.Because at this rate, it's anyone's guess when the rain will...

convert

I think if you eat a certain flavor a number of times, you'll eventually end up liking it, even if you originally thought you...

thank you, Brian

Potato and leek stew topped with asparagus, shiitake mushrooms and chives.(Is there anything more fun than a dinner party? Especially...

first course

I am proud to say this time, I did not fall asleep on the couch.And the tomato, basil and mozzarella salad? I made that.And the...

waiting

The refrigerator repairman said he would be here between 1 and 4 p.m. It's almost 3:30. No sign of him.Meanwhile, the mold continues...

some people search for the perfect wine

But I go to Napa five days a week, and search for the perfect burrito.True, my search is somewhat limited; I've stayed mainly...

juicy finish

My brother was in town for less than 24 hours. He is a med student. He was here for a conference at the Moscone Center. He was...

dim sum and then some

I used to date a guy who found dim sum frightening. The crowds, the noise, the sometimes unidentifiable food -- he hated the experience....

it pours.

The man on the radio this morning said: "There's a fatal car crash on Highway 121 near Viansa Winery. A head-on collision that...