From Hungary to Milan and Tokyo, discover the fascinating journey of the humble schnitzel, its shared culinary history, and why a rare volcanic Chardonnay 809 from France's Auvergne is the perfect pairing for crispy breaded cutlets and braised sauerkraut.

In Rome, I arrived expecting carbonara but discovered tripe, quinto quarto, and the rich traditions behind cucina povera. A story of Roman food, forgotten cuts, and the Verdicchio wine that brought it all together.

Gödöllő-style chicken is a beloved Hungarian classic, featuring juicy roasted chicken filled with a rich stuffing of mushrooms, chicken liver, bacon, herbs, and bread. We paired ours with a Premier Cru Pouilly-Fuissé from Burgundy, whose freshness, minerality, and elegant Chardonnay character beautifully complemented the dish's rich, savoury flavours.

I've always been drawn to France's Jura region, so this piece explores its distinctive wines through a Jura-inspired menu featuring Morel Chicken with oxidative white wine, Trousseau with cheese, and dessert wine pairing ideas. Part travel story, part wine guide, and part mushroom obsession.

Discover the origins of sparkling wine in Limoux, where bubbles were bottled long before Champagne. This story explores Blanquette de Limoux's history and pairs it with classic Tarragon Chicken to bring France's oldest sparkling tradition to the table.

No family recipes or formal training, just curiosity and a love of Korean flavours. These four favourite dishes, from kimchi sundubu jjigae to bulgogi with japchae, are paired with wines and shared through the perspective of a home cook inspired by cooking, reading, and eating across the city.

Celebrate Easter with the flavours of the Loire Valley, where pâté berrichon and French goat's cheese pair beautifully with crisp Sancerre Blanc. Discover how these fresh, mineral-driven wines bring balance and elegance to the Easter table.

Mangalica pork and morel mushrooms are a natural match—rich, earthy, and full of character. Paired with a light, spicy Szekszárd Kadarka, the dish comes together with the perfect balance of depth, freshness, and Hungarian tradition.

Coq au Vin is French comfort food at its best: slow-cooked chicken, bacon, mushrooms, and pearl onions in a rich, savoury sauce. Paired with Château-Fuissé Juliénas, the lively Gamay brings bright fruit and freshness that keeps the dish feeling rustic yet refined.

A pot of lentils so good it deserves its own headline. Earthy, comforting, and endlessly adaptable, these heroic lentils play beautifully with crisp-skinned salmon or rich, savoury pork. Add a glass of Canadian wine - bright Riesling or a confident Cabernet Franc - and suddenly dinner feels intentional, cozy, and a little bit celebratory. Proof that simple food, done well, is never boring.

Our anniversary falls on December 29, caught between Christmas leftovers and New Year’s chaos. So we turned it into a spaghetti-western night: wild boar burgers, smoked Gouda, Cognac mushrooms, costumes, Morricone, and a bottle of Barolo playing sheriff at the table. Dinner became a little bit of theatre and exactly the celebration we needed.

Jambon persillé in aspic is one of Burgundy’s understated gems, rustic, rich, and surprisingly elegant. Chablis brings the perfect contrast, with crisp acidity, citrus, and saline minerality cutting through the pork while lifting its fresh herbal notes.

Paprika isn’t just a spice. It’s the heart of Hungarian cooking. From traditional stews to unexpected twists, this three-course menu explores how one red powder can build depth, cross borders, and bring a whole meal together.

Margarita first, then the real star: duck breast with a glossy Cointreau glaze, balanced by bright citrus and caramelized winter vegetables. Rich, cosy, and just the right excuse to linger over a drink.

Unicum is Hungary’s most iconic herbal liqueur. For this recipe, I’ll be using Unicum Szilva, the plum-infused version that, brings a deep, velvety note to this winter dish. Roasted duck legs with red wine, plum compote, and parsnip purée create a rich, earthy pairing where Hungarian tradition meets a little kitchen drama.

Péter Wetzer’s Kékfrankos from Sopron tells a story of wind-swept vineyards, organic farming, and a cellar rich with its own wild yeast culture. His Spern Steiner Kékfrankos, crafted from 60-year-old vines on slate and quartzite, bursts with dark berries, spice, and deep minerality. Paired with a hearty Hungarian lamb stew, it becomes a vibrant expression of West Hungary’s winemaking legacy.

Tokaji is Hungary’s magical wine region where grapes get politely zapped by “noble rot” and somehow turn into liquid dessert with subtle acidity. From the renowned Aszú to the quietly brilliant Fordítás, these wines balance sweetness and brightness with effortless poise. When paired with rich duck rillettes or pâtés, their layered flavours seem to greet one another with a refined, joyful flourish.

The Reynolds Grande Reserva 2012 is an excellent wine with deep flavors and enjoyable fruit notes. It pairs well with miso-glazed pork belly, lion's mane mushrooms, and braised red cabbage. The dish’s umami elements work well with the wine’s earthy tones, creating a pleasing mix of flavours.

From the Dolomites’ crisp mountain air to the smoky depth of Speck and the dark-berry richness of Lagrein, Alto Adige is a region where every flavour tells a story. This post brings together its food, wine, and Alpine spirit - along with a simple, delicious pork tenderloin recipe inspired by the landscape itself.