Previously, she had produced and hosted the television show A Taste of Luxury (1995 – 2003) in which she interviewed the late Robert Mondavi and Julia Child, Daniel Boulud, Adam Tihany, Charlie Palmer, Todd English, and similar guests from 1995 to the present. Her two books on storytelling are published and available at bookstores and Amazon. MORE >>

Mr. Burke has no experience owning restaurants in a down economy; he launched his empire during restaurant boom times, starting in 2003. Burke reports overall growth, some of his restaurants are booked to capacity on some evenings, and restaurant-industry analysts say he is one of the few high-end players with the right idea for the times. MORE >>

Upon arriving I was initially disappointed with the tasting book.  But given my industry status & interest in truly evaluating as many wines as possible I would have liked to see a tasting book that provided more room for tasting notes (hint: for next year maybe provide a tasting book with more room for journalists).  MORE >>

The organizers of Today's Bordeaux provide a tasting book that is really great. The 2003 Chateau Lamourette Sauternes made from 90% semillon, 6% Muscadelle & 4% Sauvignon Blanc was quite pleasant. One such wine was the 2003 Chateau Clarke Listrac-medoc. It was the 2003 Chateau Fourcas Dupre from Listrac-Medoc. MORE >>

According to Hugh Johnson's Pocket Wine Book, there hasn't been an excellent vintage in Tuscany since 1999. The 2003 Pian del Ciampolo was also quite nice, but it didn't hook me like the 2002. This wine doesn't have the grace of the 2002, or the leathery earth of the 2003. First: give credit where credit is due. Baking spices? MORE >>