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  • The Chopping Blog

How to Host a Wine Tasting at Home

A wine tasting at home is a fun and unique way to entertain. It requires some organization and some ground rules, but you may be surprised by the benefits!

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Sweet and Savory Delight: How to Make Rosemary Shortbread Cookies

When you take one of The Chopping Block's culinary vacations with Onward Travel, you will be part of a small group of travelers who all enjoy food and wine. Each group is different, of course, but ...

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Not Too Sweet: Pairing Sweeter Wine with Food

‘Sweet’ or ‘sour’ was how customers ordered wine from my dad, when he sold his first bottle one minute after the Repeal of Prohibition.

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White Burgundy Added to Stellar Class and Wine List

You may hear it in the air: birds chirping, breeze in the trees, and wine pros everywhere slurping, spitting and scratching in their notebooks. Because if it’s Spring, it’s time for wine list ...

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Bubbles for Breakfast

Unless you drink for a living as do I, morning alcohol consumption may not be a recommended lifestyle choice. But in Chicagoland winters, when mornings-after don’t look much different than ...

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Questions Wine Lovers Want Answered

Most people go into hospitality because they love a good party! At The Chopping Block, we’re no exception and a good time was had by all during our recent party, a.k.a. the sold-out Lincoln ...

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It’s Gotta Be Fun: Mary's Motto for Wine Classes

“It’s gotta be fun!” is the best advice I received from my mentor Kevin Zraly, who, as founder of The Windows on the World Complete Wine Course, knows something about wine education. So, I feel as ...

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New Wines for Fall Classes at The Chopping Block

Way last century, the hip sommelier closed their out-going voicemail with “Leave your message at the tone. And in case of emergency, serve dry Rosè.” Back then, Rosè meant White Zinfandel, sugary ...

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That’s a Good Question

As every teacher knows, if one student has a question, then undoubtedly other students have the same question but are too embarrassed to ask. Here are questions from my recent How to Bluff Your Way ...

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How to Make the Most of Summer Without Dying of Heat Stroke

Now that we’ve arrived at high summer and the temperatures in much of the country are soaring past records, the time has come to rethink summer activities. Don’t get me wrong - swimming, grilling, ...

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