Let’s face it. Wine can be intimidating. While decent wine has become more accessible of late – particularly for those of us in the New World (my European friends, consider yourselves fortunate), the world of wine is vast. That fact became even more obvious as I began studying for my Introductory Sommelier Course and Exam…
Author: Theculinarydiplomat
‘Somm,’ Demystified: The Court of Master Sommeliers’ Introductory Sommelier Course
Step inside the first milestone on the elite and demanding road to Master Sommelier with The CD. My heart pounded as I took the microphone. I was about to do something absolutely terrifying: I had to identify a wine from a blind tasting in front of four Master Sommeliers and over 90 fellow students. If…
Aspiring “Somm:” Studying for the Introductory Sommelier Course
A few months ago, I did something that was either a little brave or a little daft: I registered for an introductory sommelier course and exam. Three months later, I walked into a hotel ballroom, joining ninety-some well-dressed beverage professionals and took my seat. I was instantly petrified. When the lead instructor, a Master Sommelier…
Impossibly rich, gluten-free lava brownies
Gluten-free or not, these brownies may be the richest you’ve ever tasted! You might have seen the “gluten-free” label in the post’s title and assumed that these brownies would somehow be deficient when compared to “normal” brownies made with wheat flour. These brownies are not your average brownie. Molten chocolate cake meets brownie. These brownies…
Mole triumphs at Salt Lake City’s Red Iguana
Who knew Salt Lake City was a destination for Mexican food, let alone the complex and elusive molé? The city known as the home of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (AKA Mormonism) and site of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games also happens to have a Mexican restaurant so known for its unique…
Cocoa Amaretto Ice Cream with Cowboy Bark
A subtle amaretto and brown sugar custard base gets a burst of chocolate from cocoa almond spread and chocolate bark. It’s sure to be a crowd pleaser! For my latest diabolical ice cream creation, I drew inspiration from my favorite nocciola (hazelnut) and amaretto Italian gelato flavors. As I’ve found home ice cream makers and…
An après ski happy hour at Park City’s High West
Join me for an après ski happy hour at the restaurant and saloon of Utah’s beloved distillery. It is one not to miss! Park City is one of America’s best ski towns and also home of the Sundance Film Festival each spring. With predictable influxes of visitors from around the world, investment, restaurant and retail…
Trading Ski Boots For Elegant, Organic Cuisine at Vail’s Terra Bistro
After a cold day on the slopes, pizza and beer are an obvious apres ski choice. But for those in search of fine dining in Vail, Colorado, look no further than Terra Bistro. It’s easy to be skeptical when one’s hotel recommends a restaurant, and you find that practically everyone in your hotel ends…
Unorthodox Moroccan spiced Sweet Potato Chicken Chili
Slow-cooked chicken, bright sweet potatoes, and jalapeños get a kiss of Near East spices. Moroccan tagine meets American chili. Whether you are thawing out from a snow-in, rain-in, or simply are looking for a great winter (or Super Bowl) recipe, this unorthodox chili is a great alternative to a standard chili con carne or white…
The Wine Drinker’s survival guide to Vail’s Big Beers Festival
Not a huge fan of beer? Love wine? Peer pressure to go to a beer festival? I recently survived – no, actually enjoyed! – Vail, Colorado’s 16th annual Big Beers, Belgians, and Barleywines Festival. Discover beers you might not expect to like! If you follow this blog, you know I’m a wine drinker. I enjoy…
The Culinary Diplomat 