Chef Cristian Borchi would put the Energizer Bunny to shame. In addition to being the maestro-chef and instructor for the guests of my “Let’s Go Cook Italian” tours, he is the owner of Ristorante Locanda L’Antica Porta Levante in Vicchio, Tuscany and the Passaguai Cibo 3 Vino wine and snack bar in nearby Borgo San Lorenzo. He is also a caterer,...

After three years at the culinary helm of the Michelin-recommended restaurant and bar Goose & Gander, in St. Helena, chef Kelly McCown will be returning to Sacramento to join the corporate team at Selland Family Restaurants (SFR). McCown cites his excitement for the expanding dining scene in Sacramento and the desire to work again with the SFR...

A concert of Italian love songs and dinner by an Italian chef were the highlights of Serata d'Amore, a Festival Napa Valley event held Monday at V. Sattui Winery in St. Helena. Festival Napa Valley is a 10-day series of more than 60 musical, dance and theatrical events held at wineries and other venues throughout the valley.   Monday ni...

Tourists in the Napa Valley may visit their favorite exclusive wineries and fine dining restaurants, but locals love a more humble dish called malfatti. It's a little spinach and cheese dumpling, shaped like a pinky finger and smothered in sauce.   The most famous malfatti in the region is found in the back of a liquor store in the town of N...

by Laura Cavestri Parmesan cheese and start ups were the pillars of Emilia-Romagna region President, Stefano Bonaccini's economic mission to California earlier in November.    With the area's excellent portfolio of "made in" regional producers in mind (Barilla, Granarolo, Casale Spa, Conbio, Horta, Arete as well as various associations...

by Valentina Zannoni   The old world boasts some of the most famous and prolific wine regions spreading from the world renowned Champagne in France to the equally famous Chianti in Tuscany. It is however no surprise that the so called new world has caught onto wine making, with flare and inventiveness, producing a variety of exciting tipples...

Alex Italian restaurant, focused on authentic Italian cuisine, appointed Riccardo Bilotta as its new executive chef, in the hope that his culinary achievements will bring a new dimension to the already renowned restaurant. Originally from Trieste, Italy, Chef Riccardo Bilotta brings over 13 years of experience gained while cooking at some of Europ...

Since 2006, Napa Valley Festival del Sole has showcased more than 300 world-class artists and ensembles at some of the most breathtaking venues throughout Napa Valley.   The festival has partnered with over 200 wineries, hotels and local businesses, and has attracted nearly 10,000 guests each season. This year, Festival del Sole celebrates i...

by Paul Franson   One of the most influential people in the wine business was recently in Napa to visit with clients and friends as he retires after 35 years in the business. Leonardo LoCascio, the founder of Winebow, a national importer and distributor of fine wine and craft spirits from around the world, retires June 30.   A na...

Louise Sculatti celebrated her 104th birthday on Sunday with family in Napa. She enjoys going out anywhere, anytime, especially for lunch, visiting friends and family, watching the Food Network, "The Price is Right," and old movies.   Sculatti came from Italy in 1924, and lived in Petaluma for about 19 years. While there, she worked in a sil...