Wine and Food
What could be more delightful than sparkling wine, charcuterie, sunshine, and a fabulous vineyard view?
Wine
My appreciation for good wine has been a long-standing part of my life, but it truly blossomed after 2008 when I moved to the Midwest. During this time, I began reviewing restaurants for a Chicago-based website, which sparked a desire to deepen my knowledge of wine and the art of wine/food pairing.
To further my understanding, I began studying with the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET). Their curriculum is divided into four levels:
- Level 1 Award in Wines: This introductory course covers the basics of wine, including different types, tasting methods, and food pairings.
- Level 2 Award in Wines: This course delves deeper into wine regions, grape varieties, and production techniques, perfect for those with some prior knowledge.
- Level 3 Award in Wines: An advanced course providing a thorough understanding of viticulture, winemaking, and wine tasting, ideal for those looking to expand their expertise.
- Level 4 Diploma in Wines: The most advanced level, offering an extensive study of the global wine industry, designed for those pursuing a professional career in wine.
I have taken my studies with the American Wine School (based in Chicago) and am certified at Level 3 and am currently studying for the Level 4 Diploma. This journey has been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to explore the intricate flavors and nuances that make each wine unique. Whether it’s discovering a new favorite vintage or perfecting a pairing for a special meal, my passion for wine continues to enrich my life and culinary experiences.
Food
When I first moved to the Midwest in 2008, I discovered the amazing culinary scene in Chicago. I began to explore the exciting restaurant options in both Chicago and the various suburbs, generally dining alone. This led me to create a brand and a website called Table For One, Please. I soon started an Instagram account and Facebook page with the same focus – all about solo dining.
Along the way, I was hired by a local website called Your Chicago Guide to write restaurant reviews and cover culinary events in and around Chicago. Although the pandemic sadly ended that amazing gig, I still continue to post about solo dining on my website, Instagram, and Facebook. I love to explore the joys and occasional challenges of solo dining. To be honest, however, it’s almost entirely “joys” and not “challenges.”
As a corollary to solo dining, I also travel alone and love to write, post, and talk about the fascination and intense freedom that come from the act of traveling on your own.