Fresh Ideas
Bringing
the 'fresh' lifestyle into
your home and kitchen is
all a matter of making connections
between wine, food, and people.
The farmers' market is a
great place to start. I'm
always inspired by my local
market, where I walk meet
farmers selling the season's
most colorful produce - bright
orange carrots, ruby red
raspberries, chard in many
colors. The market offers
a chance to learn the story
behind the food. You can
find out who the farmer is,
how the food was grown, and
why a particular artichoke
or avocado is special. Later,
when I serve the meal, I
share these stories.
Photo: Alan Bartl
The
farmers' market is only one
of many places to discover
the 'fresh' lifestyle. Remember,
it's all about creating connections,
and that begins with the people
right there in your kitchen
and around your dining table.
In our home, there is always
room for one more. Rose and
I pay as much attention to
the ambiance as we do to the
food and wine. We dim the lights
and then brighten up the table
with the soft light of votive
candles. We sit at a round
table, so everyone can see each
other, encouraging conversation.
We use cloth napkins, which
saves paper, and gives the
nightly
dinner a warmer feel. Each
of us has a personal napkin
ring, which serves as a little
reminder that we all have a
place here, night after night.
These simple details make the
experience of dining fun, comfortable,
and connected. Learn more in Tips
from the Table.
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