Our 1,000th column! Daou Vineyards Chef’s Table at Catamaran Resort
Taste of Wine began with founder Frank “Franco” Mangio, whose passion for Italian wine grew after two immersive trips to Italy where he visited more...
Taste of Wine
Seasons Restaurant: A culinary destination delighting guests, locals
From our homes just two miles away, Frank and I have long admired the elegance of the Four Seasons Aviara, a landmark of Carlsbad sophistication...
Spotlight on Justin Wine Dinner, Storybook Ball
Founded in 1981 by former international banker Justin Baldwin, JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery, helped transform Paso Robles from a quiet ranching region into one of...
Burtech Family Vineyard: A North County jewel
Every so often, you visit a winery where the experience transcends the tasting notes, a place where passion, hospitality and family seamlessly converge. That was...
Del Mar Wine and Food Festival dazzles; Blue Angels soar
Now in its third year, the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival has quickly become one of San Diego’s signature culinary events, thanks to the...
Ruffino shines at Del Mar Wine and Food Festival, The Godfather
Ruffino made a strong showing at this year’s Del Mar Wine and Food Festival, pouring at two locations. In the general section, Ariana introduced guests...
Casa Cassoni pizza pilgrimage with Gianni Buonomo Vintners
Some traditions take root naturally, blending friendship, food and fine wine. For Mary and me, one of the highlights of summer is our annual pizza...
Taste tour of La Mesa
There’s something magic in the way La Mesa flavors your day. Our recent stroll through its village delivered just that. We began with a hoppy...
Sunshine, sauvignon and saving dogs
There’s something magical about pairing great wine with purpose. This edition of Taste of Wine & Food features two celebrations. The California Wine Festival returned...
Lucien sets a new standard for fine dining in La Jolla
In a town rich with culinary talent, Lucien immediately raises the bar. On July 16, I had the privilege of a sneak preview before the...
A toast to Urban Kitchen Group’s dazzling Cucina restaurants
Urban Kitchen Group (UKG), founded and led by visionary restaurateur Tracy Borkum, recently celebrated a milestone 16 years in the making: the Sweet 16 of...
A.R. Valentien’s grand return at The Lodge at Torrey Pines
With sweeping views of the Pacific and the iconic 18th hole of Torrey Pines Golf Course, A.R. Valentien at The Lodge at Torrey Pines has...
Coomber Craft Wines expands to downtown Vista
With my longtime wine partner Frank Mangio and his son Ron, visiting from Texas, looking for a place to celebrate Ron’s recent birthday, I knew...
Showcasing California excellence at Celebrate the Craft
Celebrate the Craft returned to The Lodge at Torrey Pines on April 27 with a showstopping display of California’s finest culinary and wine talent. Set...
Sojourn Cellars hosts spring release dinner at California English
With my wine partner Frank Mangio already committed elsewhere, I knew my visiting wine-and-food-loving friend Rhonda Karp from Washington state would be the perfect guest...