We have been a bit disappointed by meals at several well-regarded and pricey restaurants in the past few months (Grammercy Tavern, The Tasting Room, Stone Park, to name a few). Everyone who works there, it seems, just came from yoga class. The dining room is small and tastefully decorated. At reasonable prices too. Sue me. MORE >>

Savennieres is one of the great Loire Valley appellations, producing amazing white wines made from the chenin blanc grape. BrooklynLady and I were well into our Loire Valley trip at this point, and she was nearing the end of her well documented patience for wine traveling and tasting. Tasted back in March, 2006. MORE >>

I bet all of you read Eric Asimov's column on Wednesday where he talks about learning about wine at home by having your local wine salesperson pick out a case, taste through it, etc. So for all of you who want to poke your toe in the waters of the Loire, here is my case. 2005 Chidaine Montlouis sur Loire Clos Habert , $26. MORE >>

Anyway, here are a few interesting wines from the past month or so that did not get their own post: BrooklynLady and I learned our lesson, and went to dinner last weekend on our date (no more cooking classes for now). bet this would have done well in our recent blind tasting. went with a Gamay from the Loire Valley, a glass of 2006 O. MORE >>

BrooklynLady and BrooklynBaby, a few good friends, a little something tasty to eat, 6 bottles of wine, young red wine from the Loire Valley.you cannot really do much better than that on a Thursday night, or any night, I daresay. There are many appellations in the Loire Valley and several grapes are used to make red wine. MORE >>