Blog

Chef Mike’s Drunkin’ Punkin’ Pie Recipe w/ wine pairing

A class that has now become one of our Cooks of Crocus Hill staples, Holiday Pairings, was taught last night for the 4th year in a row by Chef Mike Shannon & myself.  With a wait list over a mile long, we squeezed in as many ‘Holiday Pairing’ fanatics as possible for this three hour… Continue

Congratulations, Douro Valley!

It’s happened!   The top ten wines of the world list has finally been unveiled & fully announced by The Wine Spectator! Congratulations to Dow’s with their 2011Vintage Port making it to the #1 spot!   Truly, a spectacular wine as I did have the opportunity to taste this wine when I was in Portugal this past… Continue

November Wine Pick

This month in my column for Edina Magazine, I recommend one of my favorite ‘everyday drinking’ whites that I almost ALWAYS have on tap at my house!  A perfect sipper for light bites, or better yet–a perfect pairing for your Thanksgiving Table.  And, if you’re into pairing your vino with a read or a listen,… Continue

Have you had a new Malibu Coast AVA labeled wine yet?

Great new piece out by Bottlenotes about the new Malibu Coast AVA Nov 4, 2014 The Campaign for Malibu Coast AVA The politics of American wineIt’s that time of year where tensions run high as Americans partake in their greatest democratic right: voting. After months of following your favorite candidates on the campaign trail, and… Continue

Wine Lingo Cheat Sheet!

Wine Lingo Cheat Sheet! Wine, vinho, vin, wein. No matter how you say it, or which region of the world it comes from, we all know it, and we all LOVE it! Wine is the perfect beverage for any occasion…at least we think so, however this sumptuous drink we all love can be quite daunting… Continue

Chef/Sommelier Fall Recipes & Wine Pairings

Looking to spruce up your fall menus? Chef Mike Shannon and I teamed up this past month for Edina Magazine to give you a variety of delicious savory recipes with wine pairings. Wine and Dine Brussels sprout hash with bacon and shallots paired with a smoky Shiraz from South Africa is just one of many food and… Continue

Read, Drink, Listen

In my monthly column for Edina Magazine, I share a delicious bubble for your late summer/early fall season.  Check it as it comes equipped with a ‘read’ and a ‘listen’ to accompany it! Read, Drink, Listen OPENING PHOTO BY: PHOTO COURTESY OF EVELIN   In September 1982, 20-year-old Nina Stibbe leaves Leicestershire to work as a… Continue

Fall Sangria Recipe!

These yummy days of fall tickle my senses with the fresh aromas of baking spices, freshly picked apples and warm honey!  With that said, I thought I’d pull out this recipe that my lovely (and fabulously talented) friend, Stephanie Meyer of Fresh Tart posted for Minnesota Monthly a while back using my Autumn Sangria Recipe blended… Continue

Women Rock MN 2014

Cheers to another very successful year with the Women Rock Race held by Team Ortho on August 30th! For the second year in a row, Amusée has had the pleasure of selecting and pouring the sparkling wine for the finishers of the Women Rock race held by Team Ortho in St Paul.  Pouring for over… Continue

Congratulations Cold Climate Competition 2014 Winners!

Congratulations to my friends and colleagues in MN Wine Industry!  I was exceptionally proud to be one of the judges for yesterday’s event.   Minnesota, you did us proud – way to go! And hey!  All you Minnesotans that still haven’t been out to visit these fabulous wineries in your own backyard…here’s just another reason… Continue

A Glass of Wine Keeps the Doctor Away

Lovin’ this article by my good friend, Bill Ward of my local paper, the Star Tribune.  He explains that red wine really is worth drinking daily.  Yes!! Is wine really good for you?   Wine does have health benefits, especially as we age and largely because of a surprising factor. Article by: BILL WARD ,… Continue

Beet it!

Cleansing.   It’s no secret.  By now, most of friends and clients know I’m currently taking a break from the gluteness rituals of summer…steaks on the grill, wine in the backyard, ice cold martinis on the deck, after dinner ice cream treats, and yes – my favorite summer morning bliss, ice coffees.  I know, I… Continue