Well, hello there.

Before I get down to the fun stuff, I thought I should post something about what QueenCity Wino is for...

I'm just a girl that loves good food and fine wine....and even more, loves to share my experiences with friends. I hesitate to use the term "foodie" because I think it sounds more than a little pretentious and even more than a little nerdy. It also implies a level of education that I don't have (well, at least in terms of my food/wine knowledge...).

Everything I know about food and wine, I've learned the good ol' fashioned way...by tasting! I grew up in the kitchen with my parents and before I was out of single digits, began taking matters into my own hands. As much as I've always enjoyed trying out recipes and exploring cookbooks, I have found coming up with a recipe for something I tasted and loved to be an even greater thrill. And don't get me started on my "kitchen cabinet recipes"...which is using whatever is on hand to create something new and delicious. After thirty some years in the kitchen, I'm the go-to-girl in my family for holiday meals, recipe advice, event planning...if it involves food, I'm the "expert".

And as I've grown up and my palate has matured, so has my taste in wines. My favorite game is to have friends over for a tasting and let them explore how different foods totally change the experience of the wines each are paired with. "Now try it with this cheese. Did you taste it with the olives? See how the heat lingers on your palate after you take a sip? And then see the difference after you eat the fruit." If food is love, then wine is joy and what could be more joyous than sharing your experiences with others?

So, that's what this page is for...sharing my food and wine experiences. I hope it is as fun for you as it is for me...

Cheers!