First of all, demystification is a word, I know cause I googled it. Isn't it great that google is now a verb? As I was saying. Wine. It has existed very nearly since the beginning of time it would seem. And yet for something that has been around the entire written history of man, and has played such a prominent role in history, It is still something that baffles many people. They ask questions like, "How do I pick a good bottle?", "Red or White?", and "What goes with fish?"
In recent years wine education has become much more prevalent however, especially among foodies. I'll confess to being one of these, who've received my education through trial and error, tasting room attendants, various articles, and my properly well educated family. I can say I have experienced truly award winning wine and pairings that would make your jaw drop.
Wine pairings done by professionals are something not to be missed. They can play tricks in your mouth and make you enjoy the experience more than you knew was possible. Certain wines pair with certain foods for a reason and they know what those are, and in the future we will be bringing you some of those pairings that hopefully you can try and enjoy the way we have.
In California we are fortunate to be in what is now one of the world's premier wine growing regions. This allows us access to world class wine makers and wineries. And as a result, world class wine. Ultimately, though, what appeals to your palate is entirely a personal matter. So in answer, you pick a good bottle by trying it out. Take notes of what you like. Look at rating scales. Speak to professionals and listen to their advice, but don't be tied down by it. LEARN what YOU like. Red or White? Up to you. What does go with fish? Whatever you feel like having with it. Take the time to learn some basics, learn from those who know, and don't be afraid to make a mistake.
http://www.endlesswine.com/
Enjoy!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Food and Our Emotions
What is it about food that can evoke such a strong emotional response in people? "Comfort" food is not just a figment of our imagination, it is something real. Admittedly, comfort food is generally not the healthiest food for us. But, when it comes down to it, when most people need to feel that comfort they won't care. This is because in that bite, be it salty, sweet, sour, tangy, savory; whatever it is, it does something for you inside.
It brings back a memory. Maybe, the first time you tried it, how you felt then, a simpler moment, the people you were surrounded with. Perhaps, it brings you back to childhood, to a time when you were loved unconditionally and special moments involved special treats. Or maybe, just maybe, it just feels right to have found something so delicious that you don't want to let it go.
Whatever the case may be for you, there is little point in denying that for most people even the simplest meal can touch our hearts in a way we can't fully understand. It's at that point that it becomes more than just fuel for our body. It becomes a part of us. It is for this reason that we cannot be fanatical in our approach to food either way.
If we completely give in to this emotional response we leave little room for the necessary fuel to keep us active and healthy. If we completely ignore it however, just think of the part of ourselves and our lives we are missing out on.
Enjoy!
It brings back a memory. Maybe, the first time you tried it, how you felt then, a simpler moment, the people you were surrounded with. Perhaps, it brings you back to childhood, to a time when you were loved unconditionally and special moments involved special treats. Or maybe, just maybe, it just feels right to have found something so delicious that you don't want to let it go.
Whatever the case may be for you, there is little point in denying that for most people even the simplest meal can touch our hearts in a way we can't fully understand. It's at that point that it becomes more than just fuel for our body. It becomes a part of us. It is for this reason that we cannot be fanatical in our approach to food either way.
If we completely give in to this emotional response we leave little room for the necessary fuel to keep us active and healthy. If we completely ignore it however, just think of the part of ourselves and our lives we are missing out on.
Enjoy!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Society and Our food
More than ever before in history, we as a society are disconnected with our environment. We go to the store and get whatever we need. We rarely have to work for it. And if what we need is not at one store we simply go to the next. This is so in the times we live in because it is the most practical, most efficient, and most profitable way of supplying our necessesities. But does that make it best for us?
We have, since early in our history become a consumer nation. Following in the western way of life laid out by Rome. And while the nation itself may produce a large quantity of the food consumed by it's citizens, that is only because it is a large country. And still we dont produce everything ourselves.
Reality is, we live now in a world economy. There is no escaping it. We cannot realistically all grow our own food, raise our own animals, churn our own butter, or make our own cheese. And most would have no desire to even if they could.
However, we've lost something in that. A connection with our sustinence, an understanding of where it comes from, What is involved in it's preperation; and as such, We've lost an appreciation for the ingredients of our livelyhood. For the food itself.
Food is life...life should be good. It only can be with the best possible ingredients. For most of us the only thing we can control in our food chain is what and where we buy. Regional, fresh produce, in season that hasn't lost its quality equals better choices, better ingredients, better health, and better food.
Enjoy!
We have, since early in our history become a consumer nation. Following in the western way of life laid out by Rome. And while the nation itself may produce a large quantity of the food consumed by it's citizens, that is only because it is a large country. And still we dont produce everything ourselves.
Reality is, we live now in a world economy. There is no escaping it. We cannot realistically all grow our own food, raise our own animals, churn our own butter, or make our own cheese. And most would have no desire to even if they could.
However, we've lost something in that. A connection with our sustinence, an understanding of where it comes from, What is involved in it's preperation; and as such, We've lost an appreciation for the ingredients of our livelyhood. For the food itself.
Food is life...life should be good. It only can be with the best possible ingredients. For most of us the only thing we can control in our food chain is what and where we buy. Regional, fresh produce, in season that hasn't lost its quality equals better choices, better ingredients, better health, and better food.
Enjoy!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Food is life, life should be good.
The purpose of this blog is going to be to explore all things food. Food is what fuels our life. It binds us, brings us together. Whether dinner time with your family, a special evening with the one you love, a meal with friends, or just wandering around your local farmer's market. Food is life and life should be good.
In California we have, (arguably to some), developed a style of our own when it comes to our food. We are fueled by our heritage. Our ancestors took chances, struck out in search of a dream, and weren't afraid to thumb their noses at convention. We appreciate tradition, but are not bound by it. This is clearly seen in the success of California wine. This is what we're going to be trying to get to the heart of. What makes our style? How does it come through in our life? How do we express it in our food?
Enjoy!
In California we have, (arguably to some), developed a style of our own when it comes to our food. We are fueled by our heritage. Our ancestors took chances, struck out in search of a dream, and weren't afraid to thumb their noses at convention. We appreciate tradition, but are not bound by it. This is clearly seen in the success of California wine. This is what we're going to be trying to get to the heart of. What makes our style? How does it come through in our life? How do we express it in our food?
Enjoy!
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