Ledson wins big at the Critics Challenge + under $25 winners

June 18, 2015

The annual Critics Challenge International Wine Competition has announced its 2015 winners. The competition features esteemed oenophiles serving as judges, such as the Bay Area's own Leslie Sbrocco and the legendary Mary Ewing-Mulligan (she co-write Wine for Dummies and is the first woman to be certified as... Continue

Worth the Drive: Pliny the Half Pint

June 18, 2015

For a limited time only, you can get quite possibly one of the most brilliant booze-laden desserts ever created: Pliny the Half Pint. Co-created by Russian River Brewing Company and Santa Rosa based Sift Dessert Bar, the dessert comprises five pieces of brown sugar cake soaked in... Continue

Sonoma Valley wins at LA International Wine Spirits Awards

June 11, 2015

Sonoma Valley wine lovers have more to be proud of as the award winners for the 2015 Los Angeles International Wine Spirits Awards are named. Sonoma Valley won big with Pinot Noir and Sparkling Wine this year. Here are Sonoma Valley local wineries that won... Continue

Delicious reads: The Gluten Lie

June 8, 2015

Dr. Alan Levinovitz examines the history and myth behind the most popular eating fads of the past century, including gluten, MSG, carbohydrates, and more. A professor of religion, Levinovitz connects ancient Chinese monk's dietary habits to the mythical concepts of contemporary eating habits and the... Continue

Sonoma hot spots: Where to watch the Warriors

June 8, 2015

It's old news by now: the Warriors are in the NBA Playoffs for the first time in 39 years. Whether you are a fanatical basketball fan or you're a "finals fan," it's an exciting time to live in the Bay Area. It is also a... Continue

Food obsessed: salmon tartare

June 8, 2015

[caption id="attachment_52741" align="aligncenter" width="420"] El Dorado Kitchen's salmon tartare (El Dorado Kitchen's Facebook)[/caption] For this month only, El Dorado Kitchen is replacing their delicious ahi tuna tartare with salmon tartare to celebrate the launch of California King Salmon season. Fresh, raw salmon is mixed with... Continue

Worth the Drive: Montesacro Pinseria

June 8, 2015

This past weekend I went down to San Francisco to see a matinee performance at the Orpheum Theatre. Anyone who has attended matinee performances at the Orpheum knows that it is often slim pickings regarding fine dining within walking distance that doesn't involve SF hipsters waiting in... Continue

Willie Bird & Sierra Sausage recall

June 7, 2015

Benedetti Farms, the folks who are known for Willie Bird Turkeys, have issued a recall for their Willie Bird Turkey and Sierra Sausage brands due to a mislabeling. While the health risk is low, the chicken and turkey sausages were wrapped in hog and sheep... Continue

Drink Negroni for animals

June 2, 2015

[caption id="attachment_52460" align="aligncenter" width="420"] A classic Negroni (Geoff Peters, CC BY 2.0)[/caption] This week is Negroni Week. The Negroni is an old school cocktail which is believed to have been invented in Florence, Italy in 1919. The cocktail comprises one part gin, one part red vermouth,... Continue

Olive Press wins big at California State Fair

May 26, 2015

[caption id="attachment_51989" align="aligncenter" width="420"] The Olive Press' blood orange olive oil won big at the first ever CA State Fair olive oil competition. (The Olive Press)[/caption] While the California State Fair doesn't take place in Sacramento until July, the winners are already being announced for their... Continue

Food & Wine