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 —…

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…

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…

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.…

Shopping for Alarm Clocks

With clocks being set back Sunday, at the end of daylight saving time, it will be hard to deny that winter is on the way, and many of us may feel temporarily out of sorts. Maybe it’s time for a new alarm clock — especially if you’re using your cellphone to get yourself out of…