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Koan – Copenhagen, Denmark
The deep entwining of Chef's personal journey and identity is palpable in nearly every bite of food. It's thoughtful, inventive, at once subtle and surprising, and without a single miss.

the_maestro
Jan 2814 min read


Tasting Wine in Barolo
Barolo and Barbaresco are the heart of nebbiolo production and some of the most famous geographies for wine on the planet.

the_maestro
Dec 16, 202512 min read


Two Dinners in Milano – Autem and Ratanà
A recent trip to northern Italy was bookended by two nights in Milan, and I got to sample two wonderful restaurants––one hidden gem and one icon.

the_maestro
Nov 29, 202512 min read


Reckoning and Resilience in Napa and Sonoma
California wine country is facing a moment of serious reckoning, but there is still an abundance of resilience, cautious optimism, and joy in the industry.

the_maestro
Nov 25, 202516 min read


Kiln – San Francisco, CA
Kiln lived up to and often exceeded nearly every expectation. Chef Wesley is crushing it with intensity, purposeful technique, creativity, and impeccable ingredient sourcing.

the_maestro
Nov 21, 202510 min read


Ichifuji – San Diego, CA
Even fine dining in San Diego feels like you just kicked off your sandals after a day at the beach. There’s an ineffable approachability, ease, and joy that pervades the atmosphere at Ichifuji.

the_maestro
Oct 24, 20256 min read


Owamni by the Sioux Chef – Minneapolis, MN
Owamni demonstrates the glory of the foodways of indigenous Americans, and point the way toward a gentler, slower system of food rooted in concepts held dear by the indigenous peoples of the Americas for generations––respect for the land, sustainability, and nourishment.

the_maestro
Oct 20, 20255 min read


César – New York, NY
Chef Ramírez and team are clearly on a mission to reclaim the third star he held at Chef's Table. Some of the smaller dishes belong firmly in the three-star column. The mains, meanwhile, while not boundary-pushing and generally classic in composition, make a strong case for a third star in the future.

the_maestro
Oct 18, 20257 min read


Smyth – Chicago, IL
I can't think of a reason Smyth isn't deserving of their third Michelin star. Indeed, many dishes were some of the most successful in recent memory. There is some exceptional work that was truly singular, an ode to American bounty.

the_maestro
Jul 26, 202512 min read


Chez Noir (and Sommelier Life) – Carmel, CA
One of these days I'll stop apologizing to both of my loyal readers for completely ignoring them for months on end. Life is wild, and...

the_maestro
May 31, 20257 min read


Becoming a Certified Sommelier
"What all did this involve?" is a question many curious family members, friends, and fellow wine professionals ask about certification.

the_maestro
Dec 21, 202418 min read


Sommelier Studies: Nebbiolo, a Hometown Hero
Here's the next update of my Sommelier Studies series, focusing on one of my absolute favorite grape varietals.

the_maestro
Oct 14, 202410 min read


Auro – Calistoga, CA
While still in the shadow of the legacy of the French Laundry, the food at Auro displays creativity, generosity, and heart.

the_maestro
Aug 28, 20248 min read


Sommelier Studies: Toscana
The Maestro has decided he can't quit his love of learning, and I'm going "back to school," as it were––toward the end of this year, I'll...

the_maestro
Aug 24, 20248 min read


The Best Bites at the Iowa State Fair
The standard fair fare of corn dogs and funnel cakes can be found at countless stands, but certain pioneering purveyors push the envelope!

the_maestro
Aug 18, 20244 min read


Double Chicken Please – New York, NY
My sister and I, ever pursuers of excellent mixology, are shameless followers of the "Top 50" list of the "best" bars in the world. Of...

the_maestro
Jul 21, 20245 min read


Clues for the Clueless: Wine FAQs, Part 1
For the next few installments of the Maestro's "Clues for the Clueless," allow me to answer some of your most pressing wine questions.

the_maestro
Apr 27, 20249 min read


Sonoma Restaurant Week: The Best Dining and Deals
When it comes to food, the residents of Northern California are spoiled. Some of the greatest produce you can find is grown on area farms...

the_maestro
Mar 22, 20248 min read


Three Wineries in La Rioja
Until this spring, I’d never done a wine tasting visit to Europe. In fact, until January, I’d never formally gone wine tasting outside of...

the_maestro
Mar 13, 202423 min read


Ahi – Auckland, New Zealand
I spent two weeks wandering around New Zealand finding myself gobsmacked not just by the natural beauty, but also the quality of the...

the_maestro
Mar 2, 20247 min read
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