Life Behind Bars
To paraphrase a line from "When Harry Met Sally," "Wine bars are to people in the ‘00s what restaurants were to people in the ‘90s." And why not? There is something inherently theatrical about the culture of wine.
November 15, 2006
Like any wine shop worth its pinot, a tour of the racks is a walk around the world. But what makes this shop so special is the depth and breadth of the journey in such an intimate space. The philosophy here is closer to the old adage, "The customer's always right." Most of the inventory's passed several taste tests, the most important being that of the Thursday congregation. Prices and bottles range from $7 for something like the Deakin Estate Shiraz to $134 for the likes of a 1999 Le Pigeonnier du Chateau LaGrezette from France.
September 18, 2006
It has been my experience that it is best to pack an indulgent approach when visiting a place soaked in the culture of the grape. Just accept the fact that you're going to indulge in a feat of bacchanalian hedonism to shame Nero and the experience will be sweeter, if not more memorable. And bring extra cash. Hedonism doesn't come cheap, not even in Walla Walla.
September 15, 2006
Convergence Zone
I love the change of seasons, particularly the fall color in the city -- not so much the leaves on the trees as those bright splashes of concert promotions plastered on every square inch of available space ...
September 13, 2006
Convergence Zone
The film reappears at an opportune time - it has a good chance of conjuring an audience that's weary of reptile-infested e-savers and lowbrow comedies. It's a lot like a magic act I once saw in Vegas - while most of it was pretty run-of-the-mill, there were some tricks so remarkable that I'm still mystified by them, years later. "The Illusionist" is far from perfect, but the film succeeds in more ways than it fails. In the end, it works as a fable steeped in our attraction to the intangible, darker parts of this and other worlds. That's what sticks with you after the lights go up.
August 24, 2006
Stuff & Junk
Choosing a fine writing instrument is a lot like buying a car: “You need to test drive a lot of them,” says Marshall. “Not all pens work for individual writing styles.” Since the size, shape and flexibility of the nib determines the flow of ink and impacts the writer’s personal style, it’s important to find the type which best suits you and your budget. Collectors drop thousands on a single pen. But since we’re talking pens for writers, we’ve capped our choices at $150.
August 23, 2006
Stuff & Junk
First off, let's get one thing straight about shopping for dear old Dad this Father's Day. No ties.
June 15, 2006
Convergence Zone
Every once in a while I stumble into a bar that leaves me completely befuddled in either a good way … or not. I call them "go-figures."
June 6, 2006
Convergence Zone
Shortly after the opening carnage of this Outback "Western," Ray Winstone's Capt. Stanley surveys the infinite desolation around him and mutters, "Ah, Australia. What fresh hell is this?"
May 25, 2006
It has been my experience that it is best to pack an indulgent approach when visiting a place soaked in the culture of the grape. Just accept the fact that you're going to indulge in a feat of bacchanalian hedonism to shame Nero and the experience will be sweeter, if not more memorable. And bring extra cash. Hedonism doesn't come cheap, not even in Walla Walla.
April 27, 2006
RSS for Mark Shaffer
