Jacques Pépin asked me to tip my glass in his direction, and he poured me a glass of delicious sparkling wine, made in the Champagne style. When I tipped my glass a second time and asked what it was, he said, “Good, yes? It’s Gruet Blanc de Blanc.” Even more surprising, Gruet (pronounced Groo-ay) is […]
Faith's Favorites
Chef Chris Eddy Dazzles at Winvian Resort in Litchfield County
There is no need to travel to The French Laundry in Napa; chef Chris Eddy is creating remarkable and gorgeously subtle dishes at Winvian Resort, a Relais and Chateau property in Morris, Connecticut, near Litchfield, where anyone can enjoy lunch or dinner indoors or on the porch overlooking rolling farmland. Already, chef Eddy and staff […]
In Love with Jeff Runquist Wines
Jeff Runquist’s wine is sold now across Connecticut, cherished by a group of us who have the greatest respect for his skill. Runquist Vineyard is in the perfect spot near Lodi, California, but that’s not why I’m mad for his wine. Jeff stays close to his own originality; he lets his senses direct what he […]
A Secret Sauce to Make Everything Better
At the Greenport Farmer’s Market on The East End of Long Island (North Fork), my partner and I discovered a Moroccan sauce in a jar that staggered us; it still does, and that’s why we get it in multiples. This is a “charissa” sauce, normally too spicy for children and some adults, but this one […]
How To Buy Wine as a Host Gift
This is a problem for many — how to buy wine for the host when you’re the invited guest. A good rule of thumb is to buy according to the reputation of the importer/broker. (The person who discovers a vineyard and brings the wine to this country.) We’ll be telling you about importers we respect […]
French Red: Bila–Haut
Bila–Haut 2012 (Red) from the Languedoc region of France, around $15. (Tell your local wine store the distributor is Winebow) Our regular contributor Alex Province turned us on to this one. On the label you’ll see lots of French, as in… 2012 Cotes du Roussillon Villages Les Vignes de Bila Haut. Have no fear. This […]
