Wine FunkI Thought I Could Be a Food CriticPosted 03/24/2008 at 08:18 AM by ChrisBouchon Bistro in Yountville is often mentioned as one of the valley's top dining destinations, and with it's sister status to the French Laundry up the street, the mighty influence of Thomas Keller promises many wonderful delights. I visited on a beautiful August afternoon for a late lunch and was inspired by the energy of the packed house overflowing with a mix of visitors in Tommy Bahama shirts, shorts and sandals and the standout local winery brass decked out in suits and ties. Bouchon has the power to magically transport you directly to a typical Paris Bistro, as you imagine yourself sitting for hours with a Pernod and a steaming hot bowl of mussels and frites. The gleaming oyster counter beckons and the incredible zinc bar serves as the centerpiece of this simple, understated, yet lively dining room.0 comments More > Just Back From BurgundyPosted 03/24/2008 at 07:42 AM by ChrisGod, that's a long flight when you don't fly direct. Returned Monday night at 12:30am, after leaving my Latin Quarter hotel at 9:00am. Yes, so given the time difference, that's 24 hours of travel time door to door. Still laggin'.0 comments More > Discovering Oregon ChardonnayPosted 01/30/2008 at 11:11 AM by ChrisOregonian winemakers are always making comparisons between Burgundy and the Willamette Valley, particularly with Pinot Noir and the similarity in climate and location on the Northern equator longitude.0 comments More > String Tied in CampaniaPosted 01/29/2008 at 11:09 AM by ChrisA few years ago, I had the unbelievable luck to get a phone call from my boss asking if I would like go on a 10-day cruise through the Mediterranean to talk about wine. It would require me to give a one-hour lecture on two of the 'sea days' aboard the boat, traveling through regions in Spain, Italy, Greece and Croatia.0 comments More > Three Days in Walla WallaPosted 01/27/2008 at 11:04 AM by ChrisA while ago I was in Walla Walla, watching the sun setting from my window in the 80-year-old Marcus Whitman Hotel in the center of downtown. Up to this point, my only impression of this city was the funny name I remember from cartoons as a kid.0 comments More >
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About the Author
Chris Blanchard
Blanchard, who has since worked as a sommelier at various restaurants, including the renowned Auberge Du Soleil, is now wine director at Redd in Yountville, located in California's Napa Valley.
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