Tiny Bubbles on the Walls

Last year because of the pandemic there was but a single virtual grand tasting for La Fête du Champagne, the annual extravaganza of tastings and dinners organized by Daniel Johnnes. This year from Saturday through Nov. 14 it has a fuller docket: a mix of Zoom tastings, gala dinners and a major new event —…

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An Uncommon Rise for Bread

The pandemic gave rise to a passion for sourdough among countless home bakers. But how many of them tackled the possibly more finicky salt-rising technique for bread, an American tradition that dates back to 18th century Appalachia? It’s not too late to learn. A Zoom event organized by the Culinary Historians of New York and…

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A Special Steak Dinner

Good morning. I had a lovely meal the other night at Balthazar, in the SoHo district of Manhattan, folded into a booth with an excellent view of scenesters and tourists, arts-adjacent money people, date-night couples and Gucci-clad birthday groups. Central to my enjoyment of the evening was a salad I think you might try to…

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The Accidental Wine Educator

While Mr. Zraly helped build a thriving network of sommeliers, thousands of ordinary people who took his classes — to become wine-buying customers in restaurants and shops — were the primary beneficiaries. He says his students at first were not that interested in wine. They were more interested in learning how not to feel embarrassed.…

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