Joel | May 28, 2009
Tasca d’Almerita Regaleali 2007, IGT
It’s said that the inspiration to complete the opera Parsifal came to composer Wagner under a giant banyan tree at the grand residential estate of the Tasca d’Almerita family. Who said there is no connection between wine and music!
Founded in 1830, the 1200 acre Tasca d’Almerita estate is owned by the [...]
Joel | May 25, 2009
My great grandmother came from Naples, Italy. Her cooking tradition included pasta dishes combined with incredibly fresh seafood. In fact, I can remember her sitting on the sand bars at low tide, eating razor fish right from the shell. She had 13 children, knew how to raise a family, and if you misbehaved, she’d be happy [...]
Joel | May 19, 2009
Gaja Ca’Marcanda Promis 2005
The end of all good music is to affect the soul.
—- Claudio Monteverdi, from his 8th Book of Madrigals
Like good music, good wine should stir the soul. As if inspired by that “Giver of delight”, Euterpe, Muse of Music, Angelo Gaja’s Ca’ Marcanda Promis 2005 reminds me of what Monteverdi was meaning [...]
Joel | May 15, 2009
Recipe: Mushroom Risotto
Risotto! Is there anything in all of Italian cooking with a more meditative cooking process?
The making of risotto has a way of bringing one’s attention to the here and now in a condition of effortless concentration.
Ingrediants are few, but technique and timing are important.
About 20 minutes.
Have at hand:
Plenty of hot chicken broth, preferably home made. [...]
