NYC – Best Food City In the World!

As a professional Food and Travel writer, who is also a regular contributor to Celebrating Act 2, John Mariani has logged millions of miles reporting on the best restaurants and cuisine in hundreds of cities around the world. But as a native New Yorker, he recognizes that NYC hosts not only a cornucopia of haute … Read more

Love & Pizza – The Book

Yes, we love food–including pizza–and yes, romance often revolves around subtle, sensual acts like eating….Which is one reason why John Mariani, the noted Food and Travel writer and contributor to Celebrating Act 2™, chose to do a romantic novel, entitled Love & Pizza. In this video he speaks with John and Art about the adventure … Read more

Americas Cuisine:The Gift of Immigrants

As America is a land of immigrants, so too our cuisine is as varied and diverse as our population’s origins. Who doesn’t eat pizza or Chinese take-out or enjoy a Greek salad (among other ethnic cuisines) now and then? Food and Travel writer John Mariani, Editor of The Virtual Gourmet newsletter, is a considerable food … Read more

How to Read A Wine Label

Like John Coleman, co-founder of Celebrating Act 2™, many of us wine drinkers may know what we like but don’t know how to navigate the information on the label of better wines–especially foreign wines. We often fly blind in choosing a new wine. Food and Travel critic, John Mariani, the editor of The Virtual Gourmet … Read more

The Future of Restaurants After COVID-19

While we all wonder what the ‘New Normal’ will look like after the COVID-19 Crisis ends, many have predicted the end of the small restaurant business as we have known it. Food Critic and Travel Writer John Mariani has observed and commented on the industry for 40 years. He’s also a student of history and … Read more

Menu Collection Reflects History & Culture

Food and Travel writer John Mariani has been collecting menus from great restaurants he has reviewed for over 40 years. He’s donated his historic collection to benefit culinary students and chefs of the future. Besides being works of art they are cultural landmarks and historical records of great gastronomy of the late 20th century. John … Read more

Great Restaurants Selling Great Wines at Discount!

Can you believe a famous restaurant which can normally sell a great wine from their cellar for well over $100 offering it at a discount of up to 50%? Food and travel writer, John Mariani of Virtual Gourmet, Tells Art and John it’s actually happening now! The Great Restaurants are reduced to doing only take-out … Read more

Are Small Restaurants Hurting The Most?

Food and Travel writer John Mariani knows the restaurant industry inside and out. Small, local ‘Mom & Pop’ restaurants are an important part of our economy and are particularly vulnerable in this time of shutdown because of the COVID-19 virus. He discusses with Art and John the unique situation these neighborhood entrepreneurs face, how they’re … Read more

Travel in the Age of COVID-19

What will we do when travel restrictions imposed because of COVID-19 pandemic are relaxed? John Mariani, noted Food and Travel writer and publisher of the popular weekly newsletter, Virtual Gourmet, is a regular contributor to Celebrating Act 2™ (the website for everyone over 50.) In this video he chats with Celebrating Act 2™’s Art Kirsch … Read more

Get Great Wines at Great Prices, NOW!

Celebrating Act 2™’s Food & Travel contributor, John Mariani, author of the popular weekly newsletter the Virtual Gourmet, explains why the world is experiencing a GLUT of wine. The conversation with founders Art Kirsch and John Coleman includes some history, some business and good advice. Some of the great wines of the world are included … Read more