Perfect Pairing: Blue Crab Dip and Vouvray

Stealing things from restaurants, like salt and pepper shakers (you know who you are) is wrong, so we're borrowing a recipe instead.  Did we mention it's from one of the hottest restaurants in Baltimore, Wit & Wisdom?

This creamy crab dip makes for a perfect party snack and can be made in under 1 hour! So much for slaving in the kitchen. Oh, and we scored the perfect wine pairing to boot.

Read my Wine Enthusiast article here:

http://www.winemag.com/Wine-Enthusiast-Magazine/Best-Of-Year-2012/Maryland-Jumbo-Crap-Dip-Pairs-With-Vouvray-Sec/

Art Basel, Meet Champagne...

In my story for Wine Enthusiast, "Form Meets Function", Hervé Van der Straeten talks about his new piece of artwork, "Miroir", designed to celebrate Ruinart Champagne. The piece will debut at Art Basel Miami Beach.
What is Miroir, you ask? You'll have to read the story to find out!

Aww Shucks! Best Oyster Bars in New Orleans

Everywhere you turn in New Orleans, someone's serving up briny bivalves. With so many killer seafood spots to explore, we thought it was time to round up New Orleans's best oyster bars for neworleans.com.

Read my story here...napkins not included.

http://www.neworleans.com/la/restaurants/articles/top-oyster-bars-in-new-orleans/

Mixologist of the Month: Marjan Simovics of B Bar SF

Marjan Simovics is a mixologist to watch.

Yes, he's got the de rigueur tight vest and nailed his cocktail shaking moves. But there's more: The San Fran-based bartender serves up unusual tipples, including a playful squid ink cocktail, at B Bar SF.

I profiled him recently for Wine Enthusiast as Mixologist of the Month, and scored his signature Bourbon & Berry recipe, which incorporates vinegar.

Feast your eyes here:

http://www.winemag.com/Wine-Enthusiast-Magazine/Web-2012/Bourbon-Berry/

How to: Make a Liqueur Foam

Ever wondered how bartenders and mixologists create pretty garnishes, set shots on fire and dream up other fancy finishes to your favorite cocktails? Each month Wine Enthusiast reveals a technique in our How To column.

This How To: Make a Liqueur Foam comes courtesy of Mr. Rain's Fun House in Baltimore, dreamed up by the talented mixologist Perez Klebahn.

In just 3 simple steps, you can create a liqueur-based foam to top a holiday cocktail. We'll drink to that. Read my story here:

http://www.winemag.com/Wine-Enthusiast-Magazine/Web-2012/How-to-Liquor-Foam/

Most Haunted Bars and Wineries in the US

This Halloween, it's natural to wonder about ghosts, goblins and...haunted places to grab drinks. Ever wondered where the most haunted bars and wineries in the US are located?

I searched high and low and found the spookiest places to score a sip this Halloween.

Read my story on the most haunted bars and wineries in the US for Wine Enthusiast Magazine here, including that of Hattie, who salts wine glasses at Restaurant 1833.

http://www.winemag.com/Wine-Enthusiast-Magazine/Web-2012/Old-Haunts/

Best Halloween Parties in New Orleans 2012

If you're in NOLA this weekend, I hope you've come armed with a costume. People here sure love dressing up, and partying, in case you didn't notice.

My roundup for neworleans.com takes a peek at the hottest Halloween parties in New Orleans for 2012. Insert maniacal laughter here.

http://www.neworleans.com/blog/2012/10/new-orleans-halloween-2012-parties/

Celebrity Spotting: New Orleans

Where can you find Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt and other Hollywood stars? Why..in New Orleans, of course!
We looked at some hot spots and under-the-radar places the stars come out when they come down South.
Since the film industry has blossomed in NOLA, celebrity sightings are an everyday occurrence in the Crescent City.

http://www.neworleans.com/blog/2012/10/hollywood-south-tours-new-orleans/

New Orleans's Best Hangover Cures

It may be called the Big Easy, but there's nothing easy about an epic hangover. (That's what all those go cups  tend to produce!)

Check out the article I wrote for neworleans.com, outlining the best hangover cures from New Orleans's top authorities: its bartenders.

Yes, one of them does involve that mysterious green concoction. (It's delicious, I swear!)

http://dining.neworleans.com/2012/07/best-hangover-cures-in-new-orleans/

Happy Healing.

Bizarre Places to Find Booze

Drive-thru liquor stores? Gas stations filling up growlers? Yep..there certainly are some strange places to find the sauce in the lower 48 states.

Check out the Daily Meal for my article on the Top 5 Most Bizarre Places to Find Booze. I also outline some outrageous liquor laws.

Cheers!

http://www.thedailymeal.com/top-5-most-bizarre-places-find-booze