I'm already a believer in Long Island wine. Multiple mini-tastings at Vintage NY , a bottle here and there at home, and a visit to the North Fork last summer convinced me of the high quality of many Long Island wines, and of the potential of the region in general. already like them. They typically clock in between 12-13.5% alcohol. Excellent wine. MORE >>

A few wines of interest from the past few weeks that don't get their own post: Burgundy 2003 Marechal Savigny Les Beaune Vieille Vignes , $ unknown (restaurant purchase). have come to expect excellent wines from this producer, and I remember enjoying the '03s in general. We were not so impressed this time, though. Not likely - it's only 2007. Wrong. MORE >>

Scallops have always been difficult for me in the kitchen. never seem to brown them properly, as I am afraid of cooking them too much so I don't use high enough heat or cook them long enough. This time I asked the fish people for their biggest scallops in order to cook 'em on the highest heat for as long as I could. Light straw color. MORE >>

Brooklyn Uncorked was a lot of fun last week, tasting loads of Long Island wine, enjoying a nice outdoor lunch, and most of all, hangin' out with a couple of bloggers - Lenn of Lenndevours and Tyler of Dr. Vino , and Lenn's buddy Matt. How sometimes they just don't conform to any of your expectations? This was not the case with Lenn and Dr. Vino. MORE >>

It was breezy on Friday evening. There was a slight chill in the air, as if Mother Nature was breathing a sigh after working all week to keep the days nice and warm. But maybe that chill I felt on my deck was not so sweet after all. Sounds nice right? Adam arrives with two large bags of provisions and I set about making a couple of aperitifs. I ask. MORE >>