producers, and throw in a bottle of Krug with the savings from not buying all Veuve etc. That way they will have a really original and panoramic view of what Champagne has to offer, and develop their own tastes. FYI, a few of my...

vegetal notes, good length, finishes very dry. VERY GOOD minus 1996 Pierre Peters Champagne “Cuvee Speciale” Blanc de Blancs Brut Grand Cru Les Mesnil-Sur-Oger ($55, Vin Vino Wine, Palo Alto), 100% Chardonnay, cellared...

Krug and Salon are probably tops in my book. The Krug Clos du Mesnil and Salon are awesome blanc de blancs. The Salon gets a nod in being much lower priced. Pierre Peters puts out some fine BdB for even less, as does Ruinart, and...

(RIP), the Rhone, South to North (Chateau Gigognan '05 at all price points), modest yet delicious Macon villages, and, my love, Champagne: Pierre Peters NV, Camille Savés NV, Coutier NV, Agrapart all levels, 1998 Elisabeth...

I just bought a pair of Riedel Sommelier flutes for a wedding gift: me and my SO, who will be tying the knot this Sunday. Now, I’ve got 3 incredible possibilities for their maiden voyage: 1. Camille Savés NV Premier Cru 2....

I keep bringing up this article of Peter Hertzmann’s on this fantastic looking bouchon – going to have to get my own butt to Lyon (I always seem to be there to change trains – must stop and eat) and check it...

We are going to Paris at the end of May and need some help making a decision. We were only able to get lunch reservations for Guy Savoy and Pierre Gagnaire (which is fine). Michel Rostang came through for our big Saturday night...

We had a delightful meal at Lacroix this weekend, finding that we simply had enough food with each of us ordering the three course meal. Fluke over escargot...marvelous; halibut with white asparagus...marvelous; John Dory (St....

gras then we cooked for each other the rest of the day. I had a cooked lobe of foie gras hand-carried back from france that I served with warm brioche toast and two wines. First, 1995 Pierre Peters Blanc de blanc, which was...

. The Veuve yellow was dead last and behind both Moet White Star and Brut Imperial. The White Star actually beat the Brut Imperial. The best of the “big house” was Pol Roger. The Pol Roger was third behind Jean Milan...

sandwiches and grilled vegetables in eclectic atmos. Le Titanic on St-Pierre, 2 blocks south as well -Vietnamese Soupe tonkinoise try My Cahn on St-Laurent 2 blocks East -Chez Postel for sandwiches on Notre-Dame just south

Most the time it is either Agrapart Blanc de Blancs or Pierre Peters Blanc de Blancs but if I am feeling like being really decadent I get a large order, (the giant cup) and drink Camille Saves Carte d’Or and call it dinner!

) Grilled Portabella..coulda made a meal outta these!!!! Entrees Dover Sole Ok but nothing to write home about..how can ya mess up Dover Sole? St. Peters Fish..most excellent. Had never had this fish before, but I sure

Another top Chef in Lyon is Pierre Orsi. His “second” restaurant "Cazenove de Pierre Orsi" is fabulous. Next door to the main (Epynomous) restaurant, and a block from the famous Bernachon chocolate shop. It features a...

Go south on Sepulveda toward Manhattan Beach and take a right on Manhattan Beach Blvd. Within a couple of blocks of the beach are a couple of great little bistro cafe type places: One is Cafe Pierre: 317 Manhattan Beach Blvd....