Food & Wine — Chardonnay

Chardonnay from California has definitely gained a specific style for the pass few decades. However one winery continues to consistently make great Chardonnay without adapting to the mass commercial style that dominates store shelves. Mount Eden Vineyards is considered one of California’s original boutique wineries that was founded in 1945. Focusing on small lots of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, the winery is perched at 2000 feet overlooking Silicon Valley in the Santa Cruz Mountain Appellation. Planted in infertile Franciscan shale, exposed on the mountain top, these low –yielding estate vineyards have produced world class wines for over half-century....

Oysters have come a long way in food history. There are hundreds of preparations and heated debates on how to cook and eat them properly. They served as as a gateway to the wonderful world of gastronomy. Just ask any esteemed foodie, chef and culinary enthusiast about their first oyster experience.                     Image from back Appetites. Photo Credit: Bobby Fisher From Anthony Bourdain's book Kitchen Confidential, he recalled a detailed childhood trip to France where he experienced oysters for the first time by a fisherman named Monsieur Saint-Jour. "I took it in my hand,...

                      It is artichoke season and there's nothing quite like the ritual of devouring them leaf by leaf while drowning each petal in butter or aoli. While a few squirts of fresh lemon juice with melted butter is the usual choice, there are also so many other delicious dipping options. Here we explore a couple more savory condiments as well as going through the steps of preparing and cooking the artichoke. There are many ways to cook an artichoke, however roasting is our favorite since it accentuates their nutty flavor....