For the past eleven years we had the “Best Derby Day Gala Ever” right here in the Star City of the South, Roanoke Virginia. Sadly, the Covid-19 caused the cancellation of the 2020 Derby Day Gala at Rockledge, but we still have lots of very happy memories. I had the honor of serving on our Derby…
Roanoke Virginia
Bordeaux Tasting ~ Domaines Barons de Rothschild
In preparation for holiday celebrations, we shared a very special evening with friends who had just returned from a trip to France. With so many holiday parties to attend and gifts to buy, we will all be on the search for wonderful pairing wines to toast the happy holiday occasions. It was in this spirit…
Making My Brand Sparkle With Professional Photography
I love photographs of food! The more colorful and animated the better. When I was just a tiny tot I would sit in my Mom’s kitchen looking at all of the photographs in her cookbooks even before I could read the recipes. I still choose books not by the cover so much as the number…
A Taste Of Naples ~ Margherita Pizza And Negroni di Fortunato
“People who love to eat are always the best people”… Julia Child knew that food brings people together in the best way possible. Now we have a new fun and delicious way to bring people together in Roanoke, Virginia. Tour Roanoke recently announced that they will add A Taste Of Naples at Fortunato in Roanoke,…
Holiday Appetizer Recipes + Fried Deviled Eggs!
Last week my bubbly friend and I attended a spectacular cooking class at the Shenandoah Club in Roanoke, Virginia. Chef Roger Light shared his favorite holiday appetizer recipes with us. Crawfish Cornbread This cornbread is a fabulous appetizer and would also be a delicious stuffing to serve beside your Thanksgiving turkey. 1 onion, diced…
Bartender My Drink Is On Fire! Fun Facts About Vodka
Shane Lumpp, Bar Manager, River and Rail Restaurant, Roanoke, VA, presented “Cocktails 101” on Sunday evening. One of my favorite parts of the class was when Shane set the citrus peel garnish for the Cosmopolitan on fire. He explained that he always has a purpose for the garnish, it is not just for looks. Lighting…
River And Rail's Spanish Wine Dinner Featuring Pares Balta Winery And CAVA!
Spanish Dinner…Deliciousa! HOME A very nice gentleman let me take a photo of his Veuve Clicquot Champagne Shirt! We began our lovely Spanish dinner experience with a glass of Parés Baltà Cava Blanca Cusiné. https://paresbalta.com/ Parés Baltà is a family owned traditional winery that goes back to 1790. We produce high quality wines and cavas with…
Celebrating The Holidays With Champagne Tasting!
The place: River and Rail Restaurant, Roanoke, Virginia HOME The event: Champagne and Sparkling Wine Tasting presented with Mr. Bill’s Wine Cellar http://mrbillswinecellar.com I always love going to River and Rail Restaurant in Roanoke, Virginia when Bill and Kristen from Mr. Bill’s Wine Cellar present wine tastings. The Champagne and Sparkling Wine Tasting on Monday evening…
Fun and Frolic In Your Own Backyard ~ Food Tours!
If you want an excuse to visit a city close by or far away… or you would like to entertain out-of-town guests with little fuss… or just looking forward to slowing down and relaxing while you are served fabulous food all afternoon… my recommendation is to take a food tour and have a bunch of…
Cocktail School At River and Rail Restaurant!
Sunday evening my bubbly friend and I attended Cocktail School at River and Rail Restaurant in Roanoke, Virginia. Our talented “Cocktail Professors” were Devon Steiner, Manager and Sous Chef John Diaz (pictured above) of River and Rail. We started the evening with Veuve Ambal Blanc de Blancs Brut sparkling wine. A lovely apéritif, crisp, dry, with notes of fresh…