Take a Break from Kale. No, Really.

Kale is like that obnoxious cheerleader who got all the hot guys in high school.

Seriously, can we mix it up people?

Try this cool ancient grain salad instead. I think it has more staying power.

Snag the recipe here:

http://www.winemag.com/Wine-Enthusiast-Magazine/May-2013/Recipe-of-the-Month-Nifty-Shades-of-Grain/

Would You or Wouldn't You: Boozy Spa Treatments

Ever played that game, Would You Rather?

Here's kind of an upscale version, involving Bourbon, beer and luxurious spa treatments...explored in this fun story for Wine Enthusiast. Yes, hopping in a bathtub filled with Bourbon is trending in the beauty world this summer.

Brewsage, anyone? (Yes. That's a real term.)

http://www.winemag.com/Wine-Enthusiast-Magazine/May-2013/Six-Spas-with-Booze-Based-Treatments/

The Tale of the Great Fried Chicken Quest

One of the most fun stories I wrote this year centered on one chef's borderline-crazy obsession with making the perfect fried chicken.

Some 75 variations later, he discovered the ideal recipe. You have no idea how many chickens he "utilized" in the process.

I throw you a (chicken) bone here, along with the winning recipe:

http://www.winemag.com/Wine-Enthusiast-Magazine/May-2013/Winner-Winner-Fried-Chicken-Dinner/

Wonders of the Wine World

Were you haunted by a strong desire to visit the Wonders of the World growing up, even if they were long lost to the sands of time? So was I!!

Behold, the 10 Wonders of the Wine World! Sure, they're not exactly the Mausoleum of Maussollos at Halicarnassus or the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, but you can actually visit--and drink wine--at these glorious temples to vino.

Read my story here:
http://www.winemag.com/Wine-Enthusiast-Magazine/April-2013/Architectural-Wine-World-Wonders/

Top Wine and Culinary Tours!

A top travel trend to emerge in 2013 is food tourism, and culinary tours in America's coolest cities have taken note.  Eat--and drink--your way through these cities on a delicious wine and food walking tour.

We threw in a few cocktail recipes, 'natch, in case you're not going far this summer.

http://www.winemag.com/Wine-Enthusiast-Magazine/April-2013/Walk-on-the-Wine-Side/

Feast Without the Beast: A Case for Meatless Monday

Back in the day (waaaay back, as in, Middle Ages), doctors thought sticking leeches to a patient's body was a brilliant idea. (!!!)

Today, people go on juice fasts, meat-based Paleo diets or just stuff themselves silly with antibiotic-laced McMeats. Not exactly genius.

But some chefs are making progress in a vegetarian direction, and it feels, well, modern. Consider the case for Meatless Monday, presented in this piece for Wine Enthusiast.

http://www.winemag.com/Wine-Enthusiast-Magazine/April-2013/Feast-Without-The-Beast/

You'll not only learn why Sir Paul McCartney, Oprah and other celebrities embrace giving up meat one day a week, but also how to pair wines with vegetarian cuisine.

How civilized, indeed.

Seven Celebrity Chef-Made Wines You May or May Not Want to Drink

Should chefs make wine? That question is kind of besides the point. The fact is, they do. And you can read about the good, the bad, and the ugly in this story for The Daily Meal here.

http://www.thedailymeal.com/7-wines-celebrity-chefs

Yes, Guy Fieri is slated to launch a wine. Consider yourself warned!

Peep This: Easter Recipe Revamp!

If you're like us, you just eat Peeps and chocolate on Easter, but some people have been making the same family recipes for generations.

There's nothing wrong with that, of course, but we thought it would be fun to see how chefs around the country are revamping Easter dishes in this piece for Wine Enthusiast.

http://www.winemag.com/Wine-Enthusiast-Magazine/April-2013/Easter-Recipe-Revamp/

We threw in cool cocktail pairings for good measure, since you're probably spending the holiday with family. You're welcome.

Honeymoons for the Wine and Food Obsessed

Remember that saying "if you like it so much, why don't you marry it?"

Turns out you can't marry a bottle of Bourbon. But whatever the object of your lust--be it wine or Wagyu--resorts around the world are designing honeymoons specifically for couples who hunger to eat and drink well.

In this story for Wine Enthusiast, we look at five honeymoon hot spots that cater to the culinary minded.

http://www.winemag.com/Wine-Enthusiast-Magazine/April-2013/Honeymoon-Hot-Spots/

Five Top Foodie Experiences: Amsterdam

What could be more glorious than cruising Amsterdam's storied canals with a Michelin-starred chef on board, cooking you a delicious dinner? Maybe you'd prefer dining submerged in the dark? (Watch those elbows, though!)

Whatever your preference, this story for Fodor's sums up Amsterdam's finest foodie experiences. Read it and eat.

http://www.fodors.com/news/5-awesome-foodie-experiences-in-amsterdam-6570.html