Blog

Minneapolis Crows apparently LOVE Great Rosé!

Not kidding, these are some crazy crows!  Travelocity Gnome joins us on shoot while Minneapolis Sommelier Leslee Miller of Amusée (www.amuseewine.com) is attacked by wild city crows while talking about one her favorite rosés of the season from A to Z Winery out of the Willamette Valley of Oregon. In HD!

Smoked, Grilled and Sauced Class ~ Smokes!

Sizzzzzzleeeee…is all you heard last nite in a room chucked full of almost 40 people for a very fun  Smoked, Grilled and Sauced Class @ Cooks of Crocus Hill in St Paul  with Minneapolis Culinary Superstars:  Chef Mike Shannon, Sommelier Leslee Miller and Cicerone Michael Agnew.  First thing you ask is…what’s a Cicerone and what’s he… Continue

Looking for a Fun Pink Event?

If you didn’t get a chance to head over to my very good friend, Chuck Kanski’s Rosé Tent Tasting last year at Solo Vino – you missed out!  Here’s your chance again.  With over a hundred rosés to taste and buy, you’ll have a chance to dip into every corner of the world with these… Continue

Certified Again!

After weeks of losing my mind over piles of books, grocery bags with stacks of flash cards and reading more than 2,000 pages of ‘review information’ from such books as The World Atlas Book of Wine, I’ve done it. I’ve certifiably driven everyone in my group of family and friends crazy, made myself a bit loonier… Continue

What makes a Sommelier?

Today, as I sat in a ten hour lecture with four Master Sommeliers thru the Court of Master Sommeliers preparing for what seems like the hardest tests known to man of ANY subject, this question came up.  And its answer…HUMILITY. Humility, here’s what Dictionary.com has to say: hu·mil·i·ty:  the quality or condition of being humble;… Continue

Seattle and The Purple Cafe

So I’m in Seattle.  And, I have to tell you, there is truly nothing like Seattle.  It’s such a great city.  Really.  If you’re looking for fun, colorful, lively, fresh and open to anything – try Seattle.  Not only are the steep-inclining city streets fun to walk up, but the peeps that you meet on… Continue

Spring has Sprung – another Rosé Recommendation!

With the smell of fresh spring blossoms in the air, the season could not be more delightful here in Minnesota’s Twin Cities!  I L-O-V-E this time of year when the season is just right.  Today with all the gorgeous fresh smells and just the right temperature, I was suddenly in the mood to drink rosé… Continue

Where there are Roller Skates + Gals, there are Bubbles!

Thursday night, days after my birthday, I got together with girl friends to celebrate my ‘wonder years of the 80’s’ in real rockin’ style.  Ever wonder how a sommelier spends her birthday?  Some years it’s spent drinking those crazy spendy bottles from the cellar that are only allowed to be touched just a couple times a year, some… Continue

A Moment with Chappellet Winery

If you’re looking for one smokin’ hot winery out of Napa, California…here it is – Chappellet Winery!  Such an amazing portfolio along with just ‘salt of the earth’ winery folks.  While they are particularly known for their big, meaty Cabernets – I personally,  love their soft and sumptuous Chardonnay as well. Here is a moment with… Continue

It’s always Rosé season where I live!

There is never NOT a season that I don’t drink rosé, BUT with the beautiful spring weather upon us, and ALL the new vintages of rosé on the shelf, now is probably one of THE most exciting times for rosé. I have a very good pal (also an avid CRUSH PAD reader) that sent his recommendations along to… Continue

The Perfect Pairing begins with Great Company

There are many things that make a ‘great pairing’ or a ‘great bottle of wine’, but none really better (in my opinion) than the company of great friends or family to enjoy it with. Last nite, at one of my many Cooks of Crocus Hill Classes – undoubtedly Twin Cities Best Wine Classes – I… Continue

Are ya ever too old to see Bon Jovi?

Apparently not! Last nite as Bon Jovi and his team of five hit the stage at the Xcel Center in St Paul, the lights honed in and the crowd jumped to their feet. With a full house, a truly packed 18,000 strong, the Twin Cities came to get a little Bad Medicine from one guy… Continue