In The Spirit Archive

Over the past few decades, the restaurant industry has received increased attention; an industry once thought of as a part-time gig for college students or people that are between jobs has blossomed into a (for the most part) well-respected career.  Chefs’ got the first bit of attention with The Food Network’s glorification of celebrity chefs […]

Here we are again, in the middle of the Holiday Season… The shopping has begun and with it the search for the perfect gift for our loved ones and for those who made Santa’s nice list. He is also getting busy planning his route during Christmas Eve. Now, tradition has it, that we will leave […]

The holidays are certainly upon us and this usually means that a lot of family time is coming as well.  When my own and my wife’s families get together for the holidays you can bet there is a fair amount of food and maybe just a little libation.  Without guilt (because all the calories are […]

It never fails, the Halloween decorations seem to make their appearance in stores earlier and earlier every year. This is an eminent sign that Fall is right around the corner. I love Autumn, and everything that goes along with it, especially the cooler weather inspired cocktails. Using seasonal ingredients, whether it be in cooking or […]

During the heat of August many reach for a well-chilled glass of white wine or rosé, however always reaching for the same wines can be tiresome.  In your cellar or on the shelves at your local wine shop you can find wonderful reds to be enjoyed during the warm summer as well to give your […]

When you find yourself spending more time outside and floating around a pool, you know summer is here in Greenbrier Valley.  When you go to relax poolside the easiest thing to do grab is some basic domestic beer.  These inexpensive beers can be satisfying on a hot summer day, yet leave much to be desired […]

With the approach of Mother’s Day in May, I often think about wines my Mom would like and because my mother is pretty much like the typical American mom when it comes to drinking wine, I like to think about wines our moms would collectively like to drink. You see, my mother typically doesn’t like […]

In Greenbrier Valley, April is the time when we all begin to start thinking with our sweet tooth and head into downtown Lewisburg for the annual Chocolate Festival (see page 10!).  Just when you thought you’ve had your fill on all things chocolate and start to head for home, make sure you take a little […]

Spring is upon us and it’s harvest time!…..And you thought there was only one time each year to make wine from fresh grapes; in the Fall. But, surprise, there is another whole world south of the Equator. As it turns out, the four seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are shifted six months compared to the […]

With the holidays past us and everyone enjoying our happy new years full of goals and hopes for the coming year, we also tend to look back on the last year and see if we can figure out any trends that will continue or burgeon in the new year. This is true in our personal […]