WineTasteTV.com - Wine Funk

I Thought I Could Be a Food Critic

Chris — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 08:18:00 PST

Bouchon Bistro in Yountville is often mentioned as one of the valley's top dining destinations, and with it's sister status to the French Laundry up the street, the mighty influence of Thomas Keller promises many wonderful delights. I visited on a beautiful August afternoon for a late lunch and was inspired by the energy of the packed house overflowing with a mix of visitors in Tommy Bahama shirts, shorts and sandals and the standout local winery brass decked out in suits and ties. Bouchon has the power to magically transport you directly to a typical Paris Bistro, as you imagine yourself sitting for hours with a Pernod and a steaming hot bowl of mussels and frites. The gleaming oyster counter beckons and the incredible zinc bar serves as the centerpiece of this simple, understated, yet lively dining room.

Just Back From Burgundy

Chris — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 07:42:00 PST

God, that's a long flight when you don't fly direct. Returned Monday night at 12:30am, after leaving my Latin Quarter hotel at 9:00am. Yes, so given the time difference, that's 24 hours of travel time door to door. Still laggin'.

Discovering Oregon Chardonnay

Chris — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:11:00 PST

Oregonian winemakers are always making comparisons between Burgundy and the Willamette Valley, particularly with Pinot Noir and the similarity in climate and location on the Northern equator longitude.

String Tied in Campania

Chris — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 11:09:00 PST

A few years ago, I had the unbelievable luck to get a phone call from my boss asking if I would like go on a 10-day cruise through the Mediterranean to talk about wine. It would require me to give a one-hour lecture on two of the 'sea days' aboard the boat, traveling through regions in Spain, Italy, Greece and Croatia.

Three Days in Walla Walla

Chris — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 11:04:00 PST

A while ago I was in Walla Walla, watching the sun setting from my window in the 80-year-old Marcus Whitman Hotel in the center of downtown. Up to this point, my only impression of this city was the funny name I remember from cartoons as a kid.