Hey Los Angeles Times you're looking thinner these days Los Angeles Times, it’s like I don’t even know you anymore. My hometown paper is going through yet another change. Pretty soon I won’t be able to recognize it I fear it won’t be long before it’s reduced to a Post-It stuck on to a stack of coupon circulars. In another move that can most likely be attributed to cost-cutting, the Los Angeles Times is closing its stand-alone Thursday Food section (which would be 50-years-old in a month), combining it with the Home and Health sections into a new “lifestyle” section that will be published on Saturdays. The name of the new section is ‘Saturday,’ which leads me to believe they’ve also fired the guy who names the new newspaper sections. Food section editor Russ Parsons told LA Weekly via email, “Of course we will miss having our stand-alone section. But this new Saturday section will incorporate the best of ou...[more »]

To summarize my Boulder dining experience at Arugula Bar e Ristorante – AMAZING. Chef/Proprietor Alec Schuler brings Northern Italian dining to Denver metro and adds a twist of tangy, leafy, yummy goodness; a welcome addition to the culinary options in Boulder. SEARED SEA SCALLOPS & ROMESCO at Arugula's in Boulder, Colorado Open since 2009, Arugula Bar e Ristorante is a hidden strip mall gem. Whether youre enjoying their frequent wine dinners, happy hours, or a night out on the town, Chef/Proprietor Alec Schuler will make your experience, well, an unforgettable experience in a zen-Boulder, but not-intimidating kind of way. The staff doesnt condescend when visiting your table. No, they step to the table ready to make your Arugula experience the very best. Dont know much about wines? No problem the staff will offer to pair your wines with your dinner, and they even are conscious of your budget. Guests can certainly enjoy their dining experience and be cons...[more »]

Wine with a view: The Napa Valley Wine Train I’m not sure if there’s anything better than a nice glass of wine and a lovely meal. Oh wait, there is having that wine and meal while on the Napa Valley Wine Train traveling through the gorgeous wine country. Better than that? Maybe having Ryan Gosling as your sommelier, but let’s not get carried away. Recently I was lucky enough to be a guest on the Napa Valley Wine Train. For any of you unfamiliar with this iconic attraction, it’s a three-hour trip via gorgeously restored vintage rail cars – through the beautiful Napa Valley. While traveling you’re served a gourmet lunch (or dinner) and wine from the local wineries. If you’re fortunate like we were, your wait person will have extensive knowledge of the surrounding region and can give you a quick education on the various vintages this was pretty helpful for a wine novice like me. You would think that with everything going on The tra...[more »]