Blog 

Bar Xuntos: A Taste of Spain in the Heart of Santa Monica

You do not need a passport or a plane ticket to escape to Spain (although that would be nice!). Instead, head to Santa Monica's Bar...

28 July, 2026

Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Kanpai Wines Hi No Tori 2023 Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon, Meadowbrook Farm Estate, Napa Valley

As much as I love introducing my friends to new wines, I also love when they, especially those who are not in the wine industry,...

22 July, 2026

The Habit Burger & Grill Launches Habit & Co. with Chef Jet Tila’s Korean Street Food Menu

For more than 50 years, The Habit Burger & Grill has been known for one thing: fresh, made-to-order chargrilled burgers. While those burgers remain at...

21 July, 2026

Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Right Turn Wine Co 2022 Santa Barbara Pinot Noir

With so many wine brands in the world, there are always new ones to discover. I had never heard of Right Turn Wine Co. until...

15 July, 2026

Grab a Burger, Support Children’s Hospital Los Angeles: Habit Burger’s One-Night Fundraiser on July 16

As someone who grew up in a Dodgers family, any excuse to combine baseball, good food, and giving back is one I can get behind....

14 July, 2026

Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Lyons Vineyard 2023 Syrah, Los Olivos District, Santa Barbara County

A classic Fourth of July celebration means hamburgers on the grill. And while there are plenty of red wines that pair beautifully with a burger,...

08 July, 2026

Please The Palate July 2026 Newsletter

I can’t believe another year has passed, but I’m ready to turn the page. 2025 was a challenging year on many levels. With continued shifts...

07 July, 2026

Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Marbeso 2023 Williams Ranch Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains

I eat sushi for dinner at least once a week. Sometimes I go out, but more often I order in. One of the advantages of...

01 July, 2026

The Art of Quiet Luxury: Three Women-Led Vineyard Retreats in Italy

Life can be hectic. Whether it is the news or work or family, it can be hard to slow down and stop. And even when...

30 June, 2026

Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Armay Vineyard 2025 Cabernet Franc Blanc

A perfect summer activity in Los Angeles is attending a concert at the Hollywood Bowl. This past weekend, I went to the opening-night concert, an...

24 June, 2026

Andreola: Valdobbiadene DOCG Wines That Speak of Place

Prosecco is typically thought of by style - fresh, fruity, and easy to enjoy. But in the hills of Valdobbiadene in northern Italy, it can...

23 June, 2026

Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Cairjn Wine Cellars 2024 Assyrtiko, Paso Robles Geneseo District

I remember the first time I discovered Assyrtiko while traveling in Santorini. I was fascinated by how compelling the grape could be. So, with the...

17 June, 2026

Finally, a Solution for My Spotty Wine Glasses: the Clear360 Glassware Polisher

If you know me, you know I have A LOT of wine in my home. But with all of the wine bottles, I also have...

16 June, 2026

Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Taboadella Villae White 2023, Dão, Portugal

Encruzado is one of my favorite white grapes. Grown in Portugal’s Dão region, it produces wines that are fresh, mineral-driven, and structured, often reminding me...

10 June, 2026

A Rare Tasting with Sea Smoke Winery and the Return of Botella

In the world of California Pinot Noir, few names carry the same cult-like reputation as Sea Smoke Winery. While collectors can get their hands on...

09 June, 2026

Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Post & Vine 2019 Carignane, Sandy Lane Vineyard, Contra Costa County

Post & Vine produces Carignane from three different vineyards, each with its own personality and sense of place. This week, I chose the Contra Costa...

03 June, 2026

Nizza in a Glass: The Story of Frasca La Guaragna

In Piemonte, Italy, the three best-known red grapes are Barbera, Dolcetto, and Nebbiolo. Of course, of those three, Nebbiolo is "king" and Barbera has long...

02 June, 2026

Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Langhart & Hill 2023 Ka-Le Malvasia Bianca, Dry Creek Valley

Malvasia is not a single grape but a large family of ancient varieties with a long and storied history in Europe. Within the diverse Malvasia...

27 May, 2026

The Future of Wine Is Changing. The Community Around It Is Not.

I have spent more than two decades in the wine industry. And while wine is a product, a commodity, I have never thought of it...

26 May, 2026

Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Steven Kent 2024 Rock Cabernet Franc, Morgensen Family Vineyard, Livermore Valley

Cabernet Franc has long had a champion in the Livermore Valley, and that champion is Steven Mirassou. I’ve written about his dedication to this grape...

20 May, 2026