Countdown: Angel Fire Food & Wine Roundup

In fewer than three months, I plan to head to the idyllic forests of the San Moreno Valley in northern New Mexico for the food & wine festival at the Angel Fire Resort.

My festival itinerary includes spirits seminars, cooking demos focusing on regional specialties, and a Chuck Wagon breakfast. But given the hotel's location and other amenities, I might also have to work in some biking, hiking, and boating.

HIGHLIGHTS & UPCOMING: Tony Vallone's Regional Italian Cuisine Series

Last Thursday I was the guest of Ciao Bello for a dinner as part of their Regional Italian Cuisine Series hosted by the legendary Tony Vallone.

In the case of this dinner, the pictures are not only worth 1000 words, but also conjure roughly as many pleasant memories. We feasted on olives stuffed with ground beef, braised octopus, lamb shank, and one of the most tender, rich white sauce spinach lasagnas I have ever eaten in my life.

Complementing these well-curated culinary treasures was fantastic conversation and truly generous pairings of Garofoli varietals.

If you missed this dinner, stop your your regretful sobbing. Another dinner is scheduled for October 5th and tickets will be available soon.