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Melanie in front of a castle
Melanie & David
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Camp David
Melanie & David in a vinery
Melanie & David in a vineyard
Melanie & David with Robert Parker Jr.
Konstantin Frank Barrel

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Eat, Drink & Explore the World of Wine & Food with Melanie & David

“the Insatiably Curious Culinary Couple” – Industry insiders and co-hosts of The Connected Table LIVE radio show.

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What's Cooking? At @ayubakehousenola Owners Kelly Jacques and Samantha Weiss are taking plenty of orders for Thanksgiving. The two met in New York while attending culinary school and later worked together at Bread's Bakery (who doesn't swoon over that chocolate babka?) They brought their talents in New Orleans and in 2022 opened AYU Bakehouse on a corner of Frenchman Street in the Marigny. This little bake shop has become a "go-to" destination stop on the bread and pastry route, landing on several "Best of NOLA" lists locally and nationwide. AYU (pronounced like “bayou”) in an Indonesian term for joy. It is a nod to Kelly Jacques’ family heritage in Southeast Asia. The bake shops celebrates the flavors of New Orleans rolled into dough. Hits include the muffaletta breadsticks laced with olives and salami, “shroom boom,” a crusty pastry filled with mushrooms. and the Boudin Boy, a hand-held pastry filled with boudin sausage and hard-boiled egg. The two have refined their work making croissants, flakey pastries and savory and sweet breads. And then there are the chocolate babka knots. We’ve been told to reserve early for AYU Bakehouse’s Mardi Gras king cake which was voted one of the best in the city. There is also some creative whimsy such as the Thanksgiving “Challagator,” a centerpiece bread shaped like an alligator. Thanksgiving desserts include Citrus Pecan Pie, Apple Crumble Pie, Caramel Apple Cake and, of course, Pumpkin Pie. Yes! AYU Bakehouse will ship during the year. Just place your order by 8 a.m. CDT on Saturdays. This is year round including holidays. Meet Kelly and Samantha this Wednesday on The Connected Table Live, Wednesday, November 20, 2 p.m. EDT/1 p.m. CST on @W4CYRadio and be prepared for your mouth to start watering. Sharing a few images in this post. Listen to the permanent podcast on your favorite channel. We suggest @spotify @iheartradio @applepodcasts
In an era where it seems like venture capitalists and large corporations are are increasing their stakes in the wine business, it is nice to connect with wine companies that remain independent and family-owned. One example is Silver Oak Cellars, established in 1972, by Ray Twomey Duncan and Justin Meyer. Duncan was a Colorado entrepreneur who saw investment potential in Northern California land and the future of wine. Meyer was a winemaker and member of Christian Brothers. The two focused on producing only the finest Cabernet Sauvignon they could craft in both Alexander Valley and Napa Valley Their focus paid off. Silver Oak Cellars struck gold with their wines, which have been called "cult Cabernets." Frankly, we prefer the term "classic and timeless." Now, 50 years later, leadership is in the hands of brothers David and Tim Duncan, and Silver Oak remains firmly family-run. In addition to the wineries and Napa and Alexander Valley, the family has Twomey Cellars with vineyards in Healdsburg, Calistoga and Anderson Valley to produce Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. We sat down with David Duncan during our recent trip to New York to talk about Silver Oak Cellars 50+ year history. And we tasted both the 2019 @silveroakcellars Alexander Valley and Napa Cabernet Sauvignon side by side with a few mezze at @AvraEstiatorio David Duncan joins us on The Connected Table Live Wednesday, November 13, 2p.m. EST on W4CY Radio. Listen to the permanent podcast on demand on more than 65 channels including @spotify @iheart and @spreaker and streamed at theconnectedtable (dot) com. #wine #Californiawine #napa #alexandervalley #theconnectedtable #podcast
"Lagnaippe" - something given as a bonus or extra gift. At this tiny woman -owned bakery every bite is special. Kudos Kaitlin Guerin. @lagniappebakehouse #NOLA
However you feel today about the U.S. election results, may bubbles be carry your forward. And may all your pain be champagne.
Stewards of the land in Sicily since the 1600s and originally from Spain, the Planeta family's influence on the evolution of Sicilian wines is significant. Planeta is recognized worldwide for its wine estates located in five regions throughout Sicily: Menfi, Vittoria, Noto, Etna and Capo Milazzo. The family also produces award-winning olive oils from its 148 hectares of olive groves. We recently sat down for a conversation with Alessio Planeta, CEO, to discuss the family’s history in Sicily and role in the evolution of Sicily wines from a bulk production region making wine destined for other regions’ bottling lines, to commercial bottling in the 1900s and a global rediscovery and renaissance in the 21st century. @planetawinery U.S. importer @palmbayinternational Listen to our conversation on The Connected Table LIVE Wednesday, November 6, 2 p.m. EST/8 p.m. Italy on @W4CY Radio . This podcast can be heard on-demand permanently wherever you listen to your podcasts (e.g. @iheartradio @spotify ) #Sicily #Sicilywines #Etnawines #Italy #Italianwines
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