by Lori Pocock (new instructor at AWS; Vino Venue investor)

Freddie got me steaks for Mother’s Day.

Personally, I think it’s a little self-serving since Fred is an English springer spaniel and they were bone-in rib eyes. He was hoping for the bones when I was done. I had planned to grill them outside, but anyone who lives in Atlanta knows it rained most of Mother’s Day so they got grilled inside with a nice rub of Penzey’s Chicago Steak Seasoning, garlic powder and fresh ground pepper. To go with the steaks, I roasted fresh asparagus spears and baked sweet potatoes. But what really tied the meal together were the caramelized onions slow-simmered to perfection (recipe below). Despite the indoor sear, the steaks turned out mouth wateringly tender and juicy. To compliment the meal, the wine I chose was a 2007 “The Federalist Visionary” Zinfandel from Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma California.

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Wine on the Road
by Gregory D. McCluney

James Beard spotted in Woodstock (Georgia)?

Chef Michael Bologna of Vingenzo's in Woodstock, GA

Well, not exactly. Jim (as his close friends such as Julia Child called him), the famous author and chef, passed some time ago. But his famous townhouse, culinary education foundation and kitchens in the East Village of New York City were well represented recently in this Atlanta suburb at Vingenzo’s Neopolitan cuisine by Chef/Owner Michael Bologna.

Beard is considered by many food writers to be the father of American gastronomy. With his pioneering cook books and TV appearances, he introduced a new way of dining and entertaining to a post-war suburban America. His legacy, the James Beard Foundation and House in NYC remains the “Masters” of food and wine for America’s elite chefs and foodies. Being invited to cook as a guest chef is an honor coveted by all who cook professionally in America and beyond. This level of recognition can be the difference in many a chef’s professional career. more »