SIV calls the 2004 Philippe Alliet Chinon from the Loire Valley "spicy and delicious, weaving together ripe, juicy fruit with smooth tannins and a lively acidity/" It retails for about $17.
The Chilean wine industry is putting all its Carmenère grapes in one basket. Carmenère is an obscure French grape that only grows in Chile.
In the kitchen, Russ Parsons looks at the simplicity of risotto, Charles Perry throws a dinner party inspired by the poet Rumi, complete with sweet and sour version of spinach and hassaten pilaf. If ever you've tried the chickpea fritter at the Auberge at Ojai or the bean appetizer at the Chase Restaurant and Lounge in Santa Barbara, now you can make both at home.
SIV visits Petros for Greek food in Manhattan Beach and gives it 21/2 stars (**1/2)! There's also a short story on the Scarlet Tea Room, and a look at the mini restaurant boom in Eagle Rock.
A fraking amazing Battlestar Galactica cake
Iced Tea 101
Pierogies + cheese + onions + kraut = Parmageddon!
