Think of this as your last hurrah before resolutions come knocking. Do it up big, with a fondue and wine party to satisfy a crowd. Warm gooey cheese and melted, fragrant chocolate wrap up a season of indulgence with a big red bow. Fondue is my love language, especially if I have on ski boots…
Wine
Wine Pick: Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
Bubbles are always refreshing, especially when it’s prosecco instead of my usual La Croix. And with summer about to swing into full gear, this is one of those bottles that should be locked and loaded for out-of-town weekends and pre-dinner aperitifs. It’s also perfect in an Aperol spritz, and if you haven’t had one of those classic Italian aperitivos,…
Wine Pick: Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc + Viognier
Finally, a go-to white wine from Trader Joe’s. Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc + Viognier pairs well with my spatchcocked chicken and whole chicken in the crock pot, and it’s a crisp and slightly sweet white that you can grab and go when you’re shopping at Traders. For several years after moving to Houston from San Francisco, I found…
Wine Pick: Broadbent Vinho Verde
Summer, summer, summer wine. Refreshing, a little effervescent, spritzy and crisp. Something you’ll want to order by the case and keep cool for impromptu barbecues and neighborhood swim parties. Broadbent Vinho Verde, developed by British wine author, Michael Broadbent, and his son Batholomew, a wine lecturer, is a reliable people pleaser that can be found for…
Wine Pick: Chateau Graville-Lacoste
I'm not super comfortable talking about French or European wine picks. Or really any wine except the California favorites I know and love. But I do know who to trust to source those European bottles, and that will always be Kermit Lynch. A distributor and retailer, Kermit Lynch imports wine from small, artisan French and Italian producers. He's...
Wine Pick: Pedras 2016 Rosé
It’s Friday! That means we made it through another week of work deadlines, carpool lines, errands, workouts, sports practices and homework. That’s right, it’s time to treat yourself! Today is the kick-off of an exciting new endeavor for Smart In The Kitchen. And lucky for you, it happens to involve something crisp and refreshing to sip….