Particularly in warmer weather we often enjoy an after dinner drink of a sweet dessert wine. What is a dessert wine, anyway? In this video John Mariani, the publisher of The Virtual Gourmet newsletter (free), discusses sweet wines, fortified wines and more dessert wines, even cognac and brandy. As he is known for, John includes … Read more
With the proliferation of Celebrity-Chef-named restaurants, often part of a large multi-city chain or group, the question arises about how many is too many to maintain the Chef’s signature touch and quality! John Mariani, noted food and travel writer and publisher of the The Virtual Gourmet newsletter (free) tackles this question from both a practical … Read more
Even if you don’t subscribe to “Talk Like A Pirate Day” you may wonder what the Pirate’s legendary drink, GROG was all about. As The VIrtual Gourmet, John Mariani, answers Celebrating Act 2’s Art Kirsch’s query he takes us on a journey of rum drinks and their history…even making the connection to “Punch” and modern … Read more
As a Food and Travel writer, John Mariani does more than just review restaurants. In this video he shares his recent experience visiting Yale University. He was astonished at the high quality of food service offered as well as the variety of food. He also discusses how the University can afford to operate in this … Read more
The trend toward ‘Sustainability’ is gaining ground in the Food and Hospitality sector according to renowned Travel & Food Critic John Mariani, publisher of the free weekly newsletter, The Virtual Gourmet. In this video he discusses how prevalent it has become and what you can expect as a result. For more on John Mariani go … Read more
Food and travel writer, John Mariani, publisher of the weekly newsletter, The Virtual Gourmet, never holds back on his opinion about food or service. When it comes to his favorite cocktails he’s easily frustrated by bartenders who can’t make the classics –or anything other than pour beer! He acknowledges not all venues cater to the … Read more
Will slipping the maitre d a tip get you a better table? Is it myth or is there any truth to this urban legend? World traveler, restaurant critic and publisher of The Virtual Gourmet newsletter, John Mariani delves into the issue and reveals the actual facts–which you may not like! Get ready! He tells it … Read more
Besides running his free weekly newsletter, The Virtual Gourmet, and writing books, John Mariani also does a weekly radio show. He discusses how it has changed to become more eclectic and yet keep all the fun and intellectual inquisitiveness he has been know for. For more on John Mariani go to www.JohnMariani.com And Listen to … Read more
Not only the publisher of the weekly (Free) newsletter, The Virtual Gourmet, John Mariani is the author of more than a dozen books. One of his most important (now in its 5th printing) is the impressive Encyclopedia Of American Food & Drink. Art and John of Celebrating Act 2 help point out the wide variety … Read more
With changes in the oceans, pollution, over fishing and climate change among other issues, the question arises about just how sustainable our seafood sources really are. Food and Travel writer and publisher of The Virtual Gourmet Newsletter, John Mariani, updates John and Art of Celebrating Act 2 and discusses world and industry influences including farming … Read more