Drink deep, or taste not!
Well, hello! I’ve just deleted a long-winded bio that I had written here a few years ago, when I first launched this site. I had always hated it. As it is, I’m really not the bragging type, so thankfully, that stodgy list of credentials and accolades is now gone. I’ve deleted my name as well. Does a name even matter? Over the years, I’ve realized that “credentials” don’t really amount to much anyhow, at least when it comes to food blogging. Anyone can write a food blog — and it seems that almost everyone does.
But if you really want to know more about me, here’s the main detail at the moment: I’ve cooked at three different Michelin-star restaurants, all of them located right here in the Napa Valley. I’m a chef. My work can be stressful and time-consuming, at a level that most people, even my friends and family, could never comprehend. After work, if I’m not at Pancha’s mulling over the night’s dinner service, I’ll typically come home and read books about food until I finally fall asleep. Cooking is a lifestyle, more than a job. But it’s really not as depressing as I might make it sound, since I do love food.
On my days off, I usually try to go out to eat, even though I could just as easily cook something delicious here at home. It’s just one of those things — I don’t cook for myself as much as I could or even should. Even though I can cook pretty much whatever I want, I just don’t, at least not nearly as often as most people would assume. It’s just much more fun to go out, and so that’s my focus, along with wine.
And what does a cook know about wine, anyway? Well, most of those details are explained within my top 25 list. Anyhow, I bring it all together for you, the reader, right here in this blog. Thank you so much for reading, and I really do mean that.
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Contact the Accidental Wino: info@thirstyreader.com
There was a gentleman at my bar in downtown Dallas that suggested I check this blog out after we talked about wines for a while. His name was Ross if I’m not mistaken and was very knowledgeable about wines. I have read some excerpts from this website and I like the topics, and it seems intelligent and well put together. I look forward to more articles and am pleased I was informed of this site.
Hey there! Cool site, I found you from Chowhound. My BFF and I are heading up to Calistoga Ranch on Monday and were looking for a couple of extra “fill-in” places to eat. Based on your rec, we’re trying Farmdale. We are longtime Schramsberg nuts and plan our trips around the bubbly. Also, I am a French Laundry virgin, going Wednesday and SO excited.
Sam
Hello Thirstyreader.com,
I stumbled upon your site while researching and writing a review for the East Bay Chinese restaurant, China Village on Solano avenue in Albany. I enjoyed your review and included a mention of it in my review, with a link back here of course.
When time permits, I’ll return and take a look around. I hope this finds you well.
Oh, and if you’re interested in movie reviews, maybe you’d be interested in dropping by my blog listed below.
cheers->
Rory Dean
http://www.rorydean.wordpress.com
http://www.dissavepictures.com
I’m stunned by how robust the content offering is on this site — I’ve repeatedly referred friends visiting the Napa area to check out the blog. None have been disappointed, and all are amazed by the Wino’s nearly psychotic devotion to all things food and wine.
Fellow colleague from the CIA Hyde Park.
Thank you.
Mario
I write and publish the Opinionated About Dining Survey. http://www.opinionatedaboutdining.com. I would like to use your photo of the pizza at Tra Vigne for a slideshow I am putting together for the Top 100 artisanal cheap eats places in the U.S. You will get credit and a link to your blog on the frame, and a second credit and link at the end of the slideshow. If this is a problem, please let me know and I will use a different photo. Thanks.
Steve P
Feel free to use the picture!