Author: Ann Bauer

It’s funny. Not too long ago, I was with a group of people who were bemoaning the lack of “real” delis in the Twin Cities. Then, as if magically, two contenders appeared. First, the New York Deli & Bar opened in June on the south side of downtown Minneapolis. And on Monday, September 10, former…

The name Côtes du Rhône is a regional appellation for wines coming out of France’s Southern Rhone Valley. The area is huge: about 171 villages, with more than 100,000 acres of vineyards in a space 60 miles long and 30 miles wide. What’s more, there are a number of varietals grown in the Côtes du…

Traveling by motorcycle has many advantages: open air, engagement with the environment, and gas mileage about one-third that of most mid-size cars. There is one downside, though. You’re at the mercy of small towns when it comes to things like coffee, wine, and food. My husband and I have toured most of the Midwest, and…

So, we’re riding through the Upper Peninsula last night and decided to stop in Hancock, Michigan. Walked into a little mom-and-pop liquor store called The Shottle Bop — I’m not kidding — and right up to a shelf with The King Cabernet Sauvignon 2003, third edition. The bottle features a photo of Elvis from his…

Looking for a late afternoon glass of wine that costs less your morning latté? Try Gigi’s Cafe. Be forewarned: this is not a place to visit when you’re in a businesslike mood. It doesn’t have air conditioning, wireless Internet, or table service. And the staff tend to shuffle in circles, stirring up homemade salads, brewing…