2012 is coming in with a whimper, at least  here in food scene-ic Philadelphia.  It’s only a few days in, and we are bidding a great chef goodbye.  The days of Pif and Ansell are long over, but David Ansell was a great talent in the kitchen.  It doesn’t surprise us that...

Nothing quite like sitting back and popping open a delicious 12 ounce can of whiskey. WTF?  What will likely be a very bad day for substance abuse counselors, Scotch Whiskey will be sold in  cans come February 1st.   Each can  is about half the size of an average whiskey bottle, and is...

It’s a million dollar idea that’s cost $10 Million to achieve.  That’s typical logic for you in the wine trade. After years of hard work… you end up with less money than you began with. Fortunately, you get to drink your losses, so it’s not all bad. Don’t get me...

For a town that loves to eat, I am pretty sure no one knows how to cook in Philly. At least, that is my impression after discovering how many cooking classes are offered around the city these days. From the Walnut Restaurant School to Cook Philadelphia to the Wine School, there is at least...

Compared to Yellow Tail, this is the height of sophistication. Of course, that’s like saying Jessica Simpson is classier than Pam Anderson. This wine is pure silly fun, but its the best of it’s ilk by a mile. The Paris Hilton of cheapo shiraz?

Seven sparkling & dessert wines for your holiday splurges! Thanks to the Wine Spectator  for the descriptions, and the Wine School of Philly for the suggestions! Graham Beck Brut, Western Cape (South Africa) Pale copper-tinged gold. Tangerine, spicy oak and a hint of exotic fruits on the...

Sicily, Part II The Gambino winery sits in the shadows of Mount Etna near Linguaglossa, its terraced vineyards sloping toward the ring of towns that circle the still active volcano. The high altitude, tufarous soils are home to a range of indigenous varietals that thrive there and in other...

From the sweet-spot of Spain’s Albariño production in the northwest of the country comes this crisp, gently melon-y white that will work with anything from softshell crab to simple chicken dishes. And even after all these years, good Albariño is still astoundingly affordable.

Some may call this a Rhone blend, some may call it a GSM, but many will just call it wonderful. Yeah, that was way too corny. Onwards: this is a “must have” cheapie for many, many of the folks here at the school. Much more earth-driven and herbaceous than the other wines on this...

Alberto Vargas made a name for himself in the American art scene by illustrating and painting pin-up girls. What this has to do with a 22 tap system featuring all American craft beers and delicious pub food is beyond me, but who cares? The place is the bees knees. Anyone in the business knows...

Take everything you ever though about Beaujolais and put it aside. This Beaujolais Cru is a standout, with structure, fruit, and terroir to burn. $13.99, and a blockbuster for the price.

From the Inquirer: Philadelphians are buying more craft beer than ever, but the region’s brewmasters are bracing for the biggest name in beer to move into town. Anheuser-Busch InBev, maker of Budweiser products and the world’s largest brewer, trademarked the name “215″...

Apparently, wines taste better when sipped under red or blue lights. Green and white lights?  Not so good. Read it at The Daily...