Jan 6th 2016
Pizzoccheri della Valtellina
During a cold January visit with winemaker Aldo Rainoldi a few years ago, I was first introduced to Pizzoccheri della Valtellina, a pasta dish second only to Macaroni and Cheese in gooey cheesiness.
…
Nov 30th 2015
Jura Wines, Comté, and the Definition of Success
Vincent Van Gogh believed that most of his 800 or so paintings were failures (an assessment shared by most of the art world at the time). Today, even “minor” Van Gogh pieces are prized by museums and
…
Oct 28th 2015
A Visit to the World's Oldest Known Winery - Areni, Armenia
The cave complex at Areni, Armenia houses the world's oldest known winery.
ARENI, ARMENIA. As caves go it isn't the sort to attract attention. There are no souvenir shops on the approach and no drama
…
Nov 15th 2013
Traditional Balsamic Vinegar in Reggio Emilia, Italy
Driving through the disorienting January fog along the narrow, winding roads of Reggio Emilia, we were grateful to have a guide. Andrea Bezzecchi had picked us up from the Reggio Emilia train station
…
Jul 11th 2013
Marcel Petite Comté: A Cheese with That Something Extra
Fromageries Marcel Petite's Fort Saint Antoine
What makes Comté so incredibly special? And, why is it a cheese I find myself drawn to time and again, lured in as if it had cast a spell on me? Of cour
…
Aug 30th 2012
Balsamico Tradizionale: True Balsamic Vinegar
Andrea Bezzechi of Acetaia San Giacomo produces Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Reggio Emilia.
One of the first questions we get about any of our balsamics is ';how old is it?' On the surface, this i
…