Blog Archives

Taste Some of Michigan’s Best Wines in Chi-Town

Posted on August 12, 2016 by Robert Johnson

California. Oregon. Washington. Those are the states most commonly associated with fine wines. Then there’s a second tier. For me, those states would be, in no particular order, Texas, Virginia and New York. After that, quality can vary widely among…

Do Not Fear Tapas… or the Wines That Go With Them

Posted on July 25, 2016 by Robert Johnson

What is it about Spanish tapas that seem to intimidate people? Look around. Small plates are everywhere. Even restaurants not focused on small plates often offer an appetizer combo platter. But the cuisine that started it all — tapas —…

Tagged with: Barcelona, Chicago, El Soportal, Emilio’s Tapas, Pedraza, Spanish Wines, tapas, travel
Posted in Food and Wine Pairings/Recipes

Washington Wineries Feature Summer Concert Series

Posted on April 27, 2016 by Robert Johnson

Hosting live performances since 1984, the Chateau Ste. Michelle Summer Concert Series in Woodinville, Wash., has provided a stage to some of the best artists in jazz, rock, blues and contemporary music: James Taylor, The Beach Boys, Stevie Wonder, Earth,…

Tagged with: Chateau Ste Michelle, Chicago, live music, Mary Hill Winery, music, Paul Simon, Washington
Posted in Editor's Journal

Wine Bar Brunch: Give Ampersand an Exclamation Mark!

Posted on January 28, 2016 by Robert Johnson

Countless restaurants host weekly brunches — typically on the weekends, and often restricted to Sundays — when they offer extensive buffets or otherwise expand their menus with an array of creative dishes. Most of those brunches serve sparkling wine-based beverages…

Tagged with: Ampersand Wine Bar, brunch, Chicago, eating out, Illinois, restaurants
Posted in Wine Buzz