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Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Section for Thursday, February 17, 2005 Perfect Partners Beer & Cheese, Janet Fletcher Bargain Wines, W. Blake Gray Lively white wines for spring (and not a single chardonnay), all priced $10 and under. Pairings, Lynne Char Bennett Chardonnay and butter. Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash Ravioli with Brown Butter The Chronicle’s Wine Selections: Napa Valley Chardonnay (2001, 2002, 2003) priced from $13 to $50. The Cheese Course, Janet Fletcher Bright orange Mimolette can pair with a spicy white such as Pinot Gris or a buttery Chardonnay. Wine Business Insider, Cyril Penn California’s white wine crush is down 7% for 2004 . . . packaging wine in aluminum . . reorganization at Stevenot . . and more. Spirits, Natalie Kennedy Featured cocktail: Bloody Mary Recipes: Bloody Mary Mix* Michelada Lemongrass & Thai Chile Infused Vodka *There has been a correction to this recipe for Bloody Mary Mix, the correct amount of tomato juice is 2 quarts. Beer of the Month, Linda Murphy New Feature: Fat Tire Amber Ale from New Belgium Brewing Letters to Wine

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, February 23, 2005 Choucroute, Georgeanne Brennan Recipes: Choucroute Tarte with Pork Belly & Bacon Choucroute Garni Sauerkraut & Linguica Open-Faced Sandwich Making Sauerkraut from Scratch Basic Recipe for Cooking Raw Sauerkraut The Chronicle Cooking School: Schedule for the new season. The Roving Feast, Marlena Spieler Pickles from New York Recipe: Pickle Soup What’s New: New cookbooks to shake winter boredom Deep Roots Urban Teahouse, organic tea in Oakland Mozzarella is the top cheese in California Chicago style pizza at Little Star on Divisadero Soy and flaxseed snacks Taster’s Choice, Carol Ness Canned hearts of palm, Organic Trading Co. from Trader Joe’s wins. The Chronicle Cooking School, Thy Tran How to use dried mushrooms. East to West, Linda Furiya Finger foods are fun to make and to eat. Recipes: Egg Rolls with Turkey & Shrimp Filling Spicy Apricot Dipping Sauce The Inside Scoop, GraceAnn Walden Dining while reclining, new concept club to open south of market . . . more SF restaurateurs venturing to Singapore . . . and more. Dining Out, Amanda Berne Taste of the Himalayas, a dining adventure, Nepalese, Tibetan and Indian food on Lombard.

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, February 16, 2005 Eating by the Numbers, Carol Ness Another look at the new U.S. dietary guidelines. How does that super burrito (or other local favorite dishes, like the Zuni Caesar Salad) fit into the new plan? Plus Chronicle food and wine writers do a two week trial. Seafood of the Season, Olivia Wu Farmed sea bass, branzino, from Greece is gaining popularity in local restaurants. The Roving Feast, Marlena Spieler Marlena finds herself invited to a Rabelaisian feast, served in a cave, in the Loire. Recipe: Rustic Beans with Pork What’s New: ”The First Jewish American Cookbook”, by Ester Levy is a reprint of the 1871 original Where to go for Cuban sandwiches Artichokes are great in the market right now, asparagus and strawberries need more time New restaurant “Kitchen” opens in Novato Taster’s Choice, Carol Ness Canned salmon is on trial is week and Costco’s Kirkland Atlantic brand is the winner followed by Trader Joe’s Red. The Baker, Flo Braker A comforting cold weather dessert combining bread and chocolate. Recipe: Hot Chocolate Bread Pudding The Working Cook, Tara Duggan Take a shortcut to dinner with ready-made frozen gyoza/potstickers, the fast & fresh approach makes use of radicchio and acorn squash. Recipes: Gyoza Soup with Kale & Toasted Nori Radicchio & Squash Ragout with Bulgur The Inside Scoop, GraceAnn Walden Chef Keith Luce will open “press” in Napa Valley . . . “Bridges” on Church Street changes hands . . . new chef for the Ventana Inn in Big Sur . . . local restaurateur branching out to Shanghai . . . and more. Letters to Food

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Section for Thursday, February 10, 2005 Spain Reigns, Leslie Sbrocco An overview of the regional wines of Spain. Pairings, Lynne Char Bennett Oysters and sparkling wine, a natural choice for Valentine's Day. Champagne for dessert too! Recipes: Oysters with Mignonette Champagne Sabayon with Rasberry Puree The Chronicle’s Wine Selections: Blanc de Noir and Brut Rose sparkling wines. Tasting notes for domestic and imported wines, one group under $40, another group over $40. The Cheese Course, Janet Fletcher Crottin de Cavignol pairs with Sancerre when young, red wine when older. The Cocktailian, Gary Regan Featured cocktail: Jamaica Farewell using rum and apricot brandy. Bargain Wines, Leslie Sbrocco An mix of unusual varietals, sparkling wine, and sweet sherry under $15. Letters to Wine

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, February 9, 2005 Mad for Meatballs, Amanda Gold Cross-cultural comfort food, the second article in the Cooking in Common series. Recipes: Nem Nuong (Vietnamese Pork Meatballs) Nuoc leo (Peanut Dipping Sauce) Table Salad & Rau A16's Italian Meatballs with Tomato & White Wine Braise Town Hall's Veal Meatballs with Green Peppercorn Sauce Sopa de Albondigas (Meatball Soup) Swedish Meatballs Soutzoukakia (Greek Meatballs) with Tomato & Green Olive Sauce Valentine Dinner for Two, Georgeanne Brennan Recipes: Blood Orange, Argula & Pine Nut Salad with Blood Orange Vinaigrette Dungeness Crab & Wild Mushroom Crepes with Gruyere Sauce Bite-Size Profiteroles with Chocolate Ice Cream & Whipped Cream Seasonal Cook, Karola Saekel Brought to California from China, the exact origin of the Meyer Lemon is not known, but it is thought to be a cross between a lemon and a mandarin orange. Recipes: Meyer Lemon Cheesecake Roulade What’s New: Claudia's Canine Cuisine, truffles for dogs Specialty chocolates from CocoaBella, Goldleaf Chocolatier and Bittersweet Watch out for inflated menu prices on Valentine's Day Gifts and gadgets at Someone's in the Kitchen Taster’s Choice, Carol Ness Trader Giotto's frozen meatballs are a clear winner. The Chronicle Cooking School, Thy Tran Tips for homemade cookies. Dining Out, Amanda Berne Rigolo offers a French country cafe experience in Laurel Village. The Inside Scoop, GraceAnn Walden Sonoma Saveurs foie gras shop closes . . . a second Home restaurant to open on Union Street . . . new decor at La Folie . . . and more.

It was quite a few years ago since I attended, but the California Culinary Academy has half-day Saturday classes on various topics. It is really cool to work in the professional classroom kitchens. When I took a few classes they were taught by the same instructors as the professional programs. SF Chronicle has a cooking school at the Ferry Building. I havn't been, but they feature their writers as the instructors, so if you like what you see in the newspaper you will probably like their class. In Nugget Market in Vacaville, is Shallots, it has a nice, small classroom with evening and weekend classes. I have not been to a hands-on class yet, but have attended other tasting events there and they were great.

I got Jacqueline Higuera McMahan's "Rancho Cooking" book a few years ago, when it was first published. I have been a fan of hers from her Chronicle column for some time. This thread reminded me of it and I have been re-reading the book. I would defintely recommend it to anyone interested in this topic, or anyone who loves cookbooks that tell a personal story as well as providing recipes. The author begins each chapter with a story from her own family's history (vintage photos as well). Her family goes back eight generations in California and they once owned one of the original Mexican land grant ranchos, located in the modern day San Jose area. If you are looking for someone for a disucssion panel I am sure you can contact Ms. Higuera McMahan through the SF Chronicle. Racho cooking seems to be an interesting combination of the tradtional Mediterranean items like olives and olive oil, wine, figs with new world ingredients like beans, chile, cactus, peppers, et al. Most of the rancho settlers were originally from Spain, spent some time in Mexico, and then headed north into the then uncharted land of "Alta California". Meat, beef especially, was important. After all, we are talking about Vaqueros/cowboys. In Rancho Cooking there is a chapter devoted to the elaborate pit barbeques that were prepared for important occasions. For those in SF or on the Peninsula, there is a county historic site in Pacifica (about 15 miles south of SF on Highway 1), The Sanchez Adobe. This is the restored house that General Sanchez built for his rancho in the 1840's. There are docents that describe what rancho life, including cooking, and the available foodstuffs. Every year in September Pacifica has a "Rancho Days" weekend that includes more elaborate demonstrations, with period costumes, etc. Sanchez Adobe

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Section for Thursday, February 3, 2005 MoueiX Files, Linda Murphy A profile of Christian Moueix, who has gone from famed Petrus in Bourdeaux to Dominus in Napa, after more than 20 years it is now known for its fine Cabernet Sauvignon. Bargain Wines, Leslie Sbrocco A world tour of reds and whites at $11 or less, from Washington, California, South Africa, Australia, Chile, Italy, Spain and France. Letters to Wine The Tasting Room, W. Blake Gray A taste of the Rhone Rangers and the wild west at McDowell Wine & Mercantile in Hopland, Mendocino County. The Cocktailian, Gary Regan Featured cocktail: Dog’s Nose using hot Guinness and gin Pairings, Lynne Char Bennett Turkey sausage and aromatic vegetables pair with Merlot. Recipes: Vegetables, Pasta & Sausage in Broth The Chronicle’s Wine Selections: Tasting notes on 10 Sonoma County Merlots (2000 – 2003) priced from $11 to $42. The Cheese Course, Janet Fletcher Raclette, with or without the traditional preparation, pairs well with Riesling or Pinot Gris.

I havn't been to the farmers' market lately, cause the one that is close to where I live now is only open seasonally. When I lived in Roseville I used to shop at the same one (Sunrise Mall parking lot, behind Sears) that Jensen shops at. The great thing about the year round market is watching the offerings change from week to week and wondering when the asparagus, peaches, corn, tomatoes, etc. are going to show up. Here's a link to the California Certified Farmers' Markets site, where you can search for markets and their schedules by city or zip code.

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, February 02, 2005 A Sociable Sunday, Amanda Berne The author shares the story of how her own tradition of Sunday dinner with friends has evolved. There is a complete Caribbean menu. This article is sub-titled “Sunday Diner - Part One”, looks like the start of a new series. Recipes: Ginger Sunrise cocktail Tostones Smoky Black Bean Dip Jerk Chicken Lettuce Wraps Ceviche de Palmitos Tropical Shrimp Cakes Lime Tartlets with Coconut Cream For some Super Bowl means cheesesteak, Traci Barr Here’s this year’s most important Super Bowl question, Lobster Roll vs. Cheesteak. Recipes: Lobster Roll Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich Seasonal Cook, Olivia Wu Specialties for Lunar New Year. The celebration begins on February 9th. The article includes a photo guide to aid in shopping for Asian ingredients. Recipes: New Year Cake with Winter Bamboo Chinese New Year Cake with Red Jujube Sauce The Inside Scoop, GraceAnn Walden Expansion plans for Biscuits & Blues . . . Blupointe raw bar opens in the Financial District . . . Antidote in Sausalito closes . . . and more. Taster’s Choice, Carol Ness Frozen Buffalo chicken wings are this week’s test subject. The winner is Manor-House from Safeway. Capsule Restaurant Reviews, Carol Ness Izzy’s Steak & Chop House in San Carlos Paradise Bay Restaurant & Bar in Sausalito Pizza Antica in Lafayette Correction: There was an error in last week's recipe for Baked Chile Relleno Puff.

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Section for Thursday, January 27, 2005 Over a Barrel, W. Blake Gray A profile of Germain-Robin, maker of high quality brandy in Mendocino County since 1982. Wine Business Insider, Cyril Penn A new study finds that cork taint is found in 8 percent of bottles . . . news on direct shipping legislation in New York . . . and more. The Tasting Room, W. Blake Gray Graziano Family of Wines, no frills wine tasting in Hopland, Mendocino County. Pairings, Lynne Char Bennett Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with delicate, lemon-tinged white fish. Recipe: Petrale Sole Rolls with Cauliflower Puree The Chronicle’s Wine Selections: 11 Sonoma County Sauvignon Blancs (2002-2003) from $11 to $20. The Cheese Course, Janet Fletcher Fiore Sardo, sheep’s milk cheese from Sardinia, goes well after dinner with vin santo, Malvasia or amontillado sherry. Bargain Wines, W. Blake Gray Easy drinking reds for cold weather comfort. Merlot and Syrah from California, Washington, Australia and Italy, priced at $12 or less.

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Section for Thursday, January 20, 2005 Peasant Turns Prince, Steve Pitcher New DNA information about the origins of the Petite Sirah grape is helping to increase its popularity. Wine Business Insider, Cyril Penn Gallo acquires Barefoot Cellars . . layoffs at Mondavi . . . new USDA heath guidelines call wine “beneficial” . . and more. Spirits, Richard Carleton Hacker Vintage port that is ready drink now. Pairings, Lynne Char Bennett Lamb pairs well with Petite Sirah. Recipe: Lightly Spiced Lamb with Dried Figs The Chronicle’s Wine Selections: 14 California Petite Sirahs (2000 – 2003) priced from $10 to $50. The Cheese Course, Janet Fletcher l’Edel de Cleron, is a pasteurized version of the famous Vacherin raw milk cheese. Because the cheese is pasteurized it can legally be imported to the U.S. This soft-ripened cheese pairs well with Pinot Noir, or with a Riesling when it is fully ripened. Letters to Wine

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, January 26, 2005 Waves of grain, Janet Fletcher Recipes: Café Beaujolais’ Cornmeal Pancakes Cracked Wheat Cereal with Dates James Ormsby’s Whole-Wheat Carrot Cake Bulgur Pilaf with Chickpeas Lima Bean & Barley Soup Whole Wheat Pasta with Braised Cabbage & Fried Sage Don Link’s Rocket Fuel Bread What’s New: Products from the Fancy Foods Show Bottled water, teas and fruit water Mango in everything, juice, grilling sauce, tea and salsa Oils, olive, avocado and tea oil Chocolates! Local delicacies like fig syrup and pate Taster’s Choice, Carol Ness Whole wheat bread was sampled and the winner is Vital vittles. The Chronicle Cooking School, Thy Tran Tips on brining meat, poultry and fish. From South to North, Jacqueline Higuera McMahan Healthy, low fat Mexican food. Recipes: Baked Chile Relleno Puff Marinated Fish Fillets & Field Greens with Cilantro Vinaigrette Pounded chicken Breast Fillets Dining Out, Amanda Berne Koo sushi in the Inner Sunset. The Inside Scoop, GraceAnn Walden Changes at Azie . . . Vicolo Pizzeria to close . . . The General’s Daughter in Sonoma has been sold . . . new location in SSF for Hung To Seafood . . . dining in the dark . . . and more. The Exchange, Karola Saekel Joyce Goldstein submits a recipe for Duck Sauce (Sugo d’anatra) in response to an earlier request. There are new requests for help with apple pie and vegetable chips. Letters to Food

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, January 19, 2005 In Abuelita's Kitchen, Olivia Wu Another installment in the "rent-a-Grandma" series, featuring home-style Mexican food. Recipes: "Chile Verde" Two Ways Nopales with Eggs Grandma's Sopa (Spanish Rice) Grandma Julianna's Frijoles New food rules are thin on fun, Carol Ness The article includes examples of food portions and a sample daily menu that is in line with the new guidelines The Working Cook, Tara Duggan Recipes: Teriyaki Beef Mixed Plate Saffron Fennel Fish Stew with Couscous The Roving Feast, Marlena Spieler Marlena reminisces about learning to cook with “The Joy of Cooking”. Recipe: Marlena's "Joy" Beef Stroganoff What's New: Bad weather has affected the supply of California citrusfruit, but Dungeness crab is still going strong "You Say Tomato" is a new shop on California Street that specializes in delicacies from England Sources for fresh kaffir lime leaves Coffee purveyors who are donating to tsunami relief Cafe Divine opens in North Beach Taster's Choice, Carol Ness The tasting panel votes on vegetable broth, Knorr and Swanson winning. The Baker, Flo Braker Pate a choux dough can be used for sweet cream puffs or for a savory appetizer. Recipe: Mushroom Chive Puffs Capsule restaurant reviews: Maria Manso World Cuisine in San Rafael Danville Prime Rib and Steak Restaurant in Danville La Cheminée in Palo Alto

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Section for Thursday, January 13, 2005 Oakland to Auckland, Linda Murphy A profile of former Ravenswood assistant winemaker, John Kemble, who moved to New Zealand in 1992 to start his own winery. Farmers say extra ‘hang time’ for grapes costs them money, Dan Berger Wine Business Insider, Cyril Penn January 26 – 30 is Zinfandel Appreciation Week in San Francisco . . . DeLoach Winery is sold . . . the wine industry helps with tsunami relief . . . and more. World View, Jancis Robinson Are European wineries giving up geographic authenticity for “designer” labels and brand names? The Cocktailian, Gary Regan Featured cocktail: Pear Martini using Belle de Brillet liqueur Pairings, Lynne Char Bennett Duck can pair well with many different types of red wine. Recipe: Pomegranate & Tea-Braised Duck with Pasta The Chronicle’s Wine Selections: 22 New Zealand Red Wines $15 - $70 The Cheese Course, Janet Fletcher Grano Padano from Italy is very versatile and can pair with sparkling wine, fino sherry, full-bodied reds or even dessert wines. Bargain Wines, Leslie Sbrocco A selection of whites and reds from California, Australia and Argentina, all $10 or less.

The main theme of today's SF Chronicle Food Section was food awareness and healthy eating for kids. There were many books and other resources listed for forwarding this cause. I think the Chronicle staff did a great job on this issue. The item about 3-course tasting menus for kids was a small sidebar. The comment was made that by offering "courses" to the kids, it might help the pacing of a meal and allow the attendant adults to better enjoy their own dinners. If kids menu choices feature corn dogs, pizza, and mac 'n cheese, then I guess this is just the reflection of the kind of familiar food that small children prefer. I would trust that the restaurants that were profiled here provide a wholesome version that is up to the standards of the rest of their offerings. Since I don't have a toddler in the house, I'd like to hear from some current parents who have some experience with this.

Your friend may be a week early for the Crab & Wine Days festival (Jan 21-30) but should still be able to get some great Dungeness. Here is a Mendocino web site with lots of info. As to the Anderson Valley (nice article from the SF Chronicle), it's lovely and quiet, I think just about any winery your friends visit will be enjoyable. Anderson Valley is especially noted for Pinot Noir and sparkling wines. I like Handley, mostly because I attended a winemaker dinner last year that featured their wines and Milla Handley tells a very interesting story on how she has taken over the winery her father started. Their wines are subtle and charming.

Truly Mediterranen has a couple of locations in SF. I've been to the one on Haight Street. Amazing spices and very inexpensive.

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, January 12, 2005 Kids in the Kitchen, Tara Duggan Many kids seem to be taking an interest in food and cooking and lots of Bay Area companies are targeting that market with books, cooking classes, videos and even a kid’s cookware line. This trend is promising in that the next generation will have better knowledge about nutrition and cooking skills than their parents. Also accompanying this feature is a list of books and other resources for promoting healthy eating for kids and an article by Natalie Kennedy “Learning to taste and food preferences begin in the early years of childhood”. Recipes: Easiest Pasta & Cheese with Vegetables Saturday Pancake Smiley Pizza with Whole Wheat Oatmeal Crust Seasonal Cook, Karola Saekel “Long-cooked greens warm the heart” Chefs Sharon Anderson and Sherrie Sparks of the Oakland restaurant Purple Plum share some thoughts on updated soul food. Recipes: Stewed Mixed Greens The Inside Scoop, GraceAnn Walden Bay Area restaurants are helping out with tsunami relief with some special benefit dinners . . . changes at 500 Jackson, Merenda, Tonno Rosso . . . new restaurant Sauce on Gough . . . and more. What’s New: Heavy rain is impacting the local produce supply and raising prices Landmark Tower Market on Portola has been bought by Mollie Stone’s Restaurants that offer tasting menus for kids and other kid-friendly specials Taster’s Choice,Carol Ness Dried apricots: Mariani California Apricots is the winner followed by Trader Joe’s California Slab Apricots. East to West, Linda Furiya “Zesty soup tames a cold and warms a tummy” Recipe: Soothing Hot & Sour Soup Cook’s Books, Karola Saekel Cookbooks for kids “Rick & Lanie’s Excellent Kitchen Adventures”, by Rick Bayless and Lanie Bayless (his teenage daughter) and “The International Cookbook for Kids”, by Matthew Locricchio Recipe (from the Bayless book): Ham Salad from the Tapas Bar Letters to Food, feedback from readers on last week’s morning comfort food article.

Try La Tapatia Market on Grand Avenue in South San Francisco (right across the street from City Hall). They make tortillas on premises, both machine formed and also a small quantity of hand made. Have to get there early in the day if you want to get any of the hand made. This store is great for all kinds of Mexican indgredients and deli items too.

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Section for Thursday, January 6, 2005 Chilly Dreams, Dan Berger Joseph Phelps Vineyard takes a chance on Pinot Noir at Freestone, in a cold-weather region of western Sonoma County. Also, a sidebar article on some of the biodynamic farming practices that are being used at Freestone. Spirits, Doug Frost A look at the history of rum. Pairings, Lynne Char Bennett Mushrooms and eggplant present two options for pairing full-bodied Cabernets with something other than the expected meat dishes. Recipe: Vegetable-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms The Chronicle’s Wine Selections: 27 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons over $50 The Cheese Course, Janet Fletcher Soumaintrain is a washed rind cheese from Burgundy that pairs well with marc de Bourgogne or, for a lighter option, an Alsatian-style Pinot Gris. Bargain Wines, Carol Emert More bag-in-box wines, 3 liters from $10 - $32/ The Tasting Room, W. Blake Gray Martinelli Vineyards and Winery in Windsor, Sonoma County A rustic exterior and causal tasting room hide the elegant wines of well-known winemaker Helen Turley.

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Section for Thursday, December 30, 2004 A ‘Sideways’ glance at 2004, W. Blake Gray An “interview” with Jack and Miles about the major wine trends of 2004. Domaine de la Romanee-Conti declares 2002 a fine vintage,special to the Chronicle by Gerald D. Boyd Includes notes on DRC wines from 2002 Pairings, Lynne Char Bennett California brut sparkling wines are paired with appetizers. Recipe: Pâté & Pear Crostini The Chronicle’s Wine Selections: 31 vintage and nonvintage California brut sparkling wines from $14 - $50 The Cheese Course, Janet Fletcher Stilton pairs with nuts and port, or an Amontillado sherry. Low yield and good quality characterize California’s 2004 harvest, W. Blake Gray The Cocktailian, Gary Regan Featured cocktail: Organized Chaos using Elisir M.P. Roux liqueur. Bargain Wines, Carol Emert Premium bag-in-box wines, 3 liters, $15 - $25

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Section for Thursday, December 23, 2004 Silky smooth with a floral bouquet, the charm of older Napa Cabernet, special to the Chronicle by Thom Elkjer The article also includes notes on vertical tastings of some well known Napa Cabs and tips for buying and drinking the wine. The Chronicle’s Wine Selections: 31 Napa Valley Cabernets from 2000 and 2001 over $50. Bargain Wines, special to the Chronicle by Leslie Sbrocco Sparkling wines from around the world for $8 - $12. Wine Business Insider, Cyril Penn Chalone Wine Group is sold . . . as is Byron Winery . . . Congress approves agricultural funds for fighting Pierce’s disease . . . and more Pairings, Lynne Char Bennett Garlicky standing rib roast matches with Napa Cabernet. Recipes: Best Way Standing Rib Roast (Prime Rib) Roasted Garlic Pan Sauce The Cheese Course, Janet Fletcher Pecorino Toscano pairs well with pears or fennel and Chianti Classico, or a California Sangiovese. Uncorked, Carol Emert Interview with Boz Scaggs, who has owned property in the Mayacamas Mountains for several years and will launch a wine brand next year. Carol Emert also announces that she is changing careers and will be leaving the Chronicle.

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Section for Thursday, December 16, 2004 Clink to a fine Drink, special to the Chronicle by Steve Pitcher Grower-made Champagnes are an attractive, and affordable, alternative to the big names. The Chronicle’s Wine Selections: 27 vintage and nonvintage Brut Grower Champagnes Disgorgement date fesses up to a wine’s age, Linda Murphy Books, Linda Murphy “The Home Wine Cellar: A Complete Guide to Design and Construction”, by Perry Sims The Cocktailian, Gary Regan Featured cocktail: The Kew Club using Orangerie whisky. Pairings, Lynne Char Bennett Crab paired with sparkling wine Recipe: Crab, Avocado & Blood Orange Salad The Cheese Course, Janet Fletcher Rogue River Blue matches with pears, dried fruit, nuts and dessert wines. Bring on the bling – rappers give Cristal and Hennessy street cred, special to the Chronicle by Natalie MacLean Wine Business Insider, Cyril Penn The Wine Institute petitions for a change in vintage labeling requirements . . . St. Helena Vinicultural Society is re-forming . . . and more. Bargain Wines, Leslie Sbrocco Party wines $6 - $10

Hello All, After consulting with Marlene and JAZ, it we decided to also post a digest of the SF Chronicle's Thursday Wine section. The wine section includes feature articles on California wineries, wine industry news and trends, tasting notes, and tasting room reviews. Crossing over from the Food section, there is a weekly column on wine and food pairing, with recipes, and a weekly cheese column. Enjoy!