Year: 2013

Morel Mushroom Burger paired to what else…Pinot Noir

Cheers to my fabulous friend, Stephanie Meyer of Fresh Tart Steph!  Don’t miss her delicious MOREL BURGER recipe, after all it is the season.  Paired up next to the burger is a wine I recommended from the Willamette Valley of Oregon…yum! Happy National Burger Day! In celebration, I present a grassfed beef/pork combo, laced with ramps… Continue

The Vino Vault

Looking to build a Wine Cellar?   In my most recent column with Artful Living Magazine, I share tips on how to store, show off and share your wine collection.  Amusée’s cellar building partner, Foxwood Cellars, and I come together to show you some fabulous examples of transitions from closet to cellar in this informative piece. (Page… Continue

‘Bag in the Box’ Season is here!

I was reminded of all the reasons why I love wine in box this morning when I found a note in my ‘inbox’ from one of my favorite northern California producers, Peterson Winery, presenting their latest Box Wines of the Season. Fred and Jamie Peterson, who over the years have become more than ‘wine pals’… Continue

Another reason to drink Bubbles!

Champagne can ‘Help Improve Memory’ New research has suggested that three glasses of Champagne a week can help to improve your memory. Scientists at Reading University say that a regular dose of bubbles can help in the fight against brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. Jeremy Spencer, a biochemistry professor who led the research,… Continue

Wine Tasting ‘Not to do’s’

A great article by my friend, Bill Ward of the Star Tribune as to the ‘Do Not Do’s’ at your Next Wine Tasting Event A not-to-do list for wine tastings Article by: BILL WARD Star Tribune May 8, 2013 – 2:36 PM Not to put too fine a point on it — or encourage excess… Continue

Veuve Clicquot Dinner

Must Love Bubbles! Enjoy a fabulous night out, paired to one of life’s greatest pleasures, Champagne. Sommelier Leslee Miller of Amuse leads you through discussion of one of France’s most famous regions and history of exquisite Champagne house, Veuve Clicquot. Indulge in a wide range of Veuve’s finests bubbles as Urban Eatery’s Executive Chef Josh… Continue

Read. Drink. Listen.

In my monthly column with Edina Magazine, I list one of my favorite Pacific NW red blends for your March ‘wine drinking’ Madness… Read.Drink.Listen The monthly must-haves. FROM THE ISSUE: MARCH 2013 Read: Gretchen Rubin explores how a dwelling becomes a home in Happier at Home: Kiss More, Jump More, Abandon a Project, Read Samuel Johnson,… Continue

Need a Wine Gift? From $-$$$, we got ya covered!

A Sommelier’s Guide to Gift Wines The best wine gifts this winter. BY: MISA CHAPPELL | FROM THE ISSUE: FEBRUARY 2013 PHOTO: TATE CARLSON A bottle of wine is always a welcome gift, and ’tis the season to give gifts! We’ve commissioned two of our favorite local sommeliers, Kristin Codding and Leslee Miller, to suss out… Continue

Oscar Wine Picks

Best in Film, Best in Wine By: Johanna Puelston Posted: Feb. 22, 2013 Nine Pairings for the Best Picture Nominees The nine Best Picture contenders for the 85th Academy Awards are a fine representation of the best films of 2012. Most of us have probably seen at least one of them, a few aficionados may have… Continue

Annual Aphrodisiac Dinner @ Cafe Ena

Don’t miss our Annual Aphrodisiac Dinner at… Aphrodisiac menu 2013 ~ Tuesday February 12th With Restaurant Owners: Chef Hector Ruiz, Erin Ungerman & Sommelier Leslee Miller 1st course Cremant de Bourgogne served with fresh strawberries-honey drops. Wine:  De Perrière Cremant de Bourgogne NV ~ Burgundy, France 2nd course Oyster en Crudo Wine:  Casamaro Verdejo ~ Rueda,… Continue