We’ve all seen a high-end restaurant with the name of a famous chef emblazoned upon it, knowing it is one of many in a chain. When a famous chef opens up a corporate restaurant group to create a chain of restaurants under his name, does the quality suffer? Or does corporate structure guarantee the hallmark … Read more
Whether you want to be pretentious or erudite or just entertaining, it’s always fun to have a famous quote about wine or food ready before a toast or a meal. Who better then expert food and wine writer, John Mariani of the Virtual Gourmet, to share some of the most famous quotes from literature, the … Read more
New Orleans is the home to two great regional cuisines: Cajun and Creole …Or is it? What’s the difference between the two ? John Mariani, contributing expert to Celebrating Act 2™ and a noted food and travel writer answers the question (and gives some fascinating background on the two) when John Coleman asks about Jambalaya. … Read more
As a food & restaurant writer and publisher of The Virtual Gourmet, John Mariani would of course have an opinion on movies that prominently feature food. But he’s also been an entertainment writer and critic and just LOVES movies! Put those two topics together and you’ve got an expert conversation about greatest FOOD movies with … Read more
On holidays many folks will opt to celebrate with Champagne…and certainly it’s considered the standard at weddings and other events. But true Champagne can be very expensive and there’s an alternative called Sparkling Wine. What is it and what’s the difference? Expert Food and Travel writer, John Mariani, of the Virtual Gourmet, explains it all … Read more
Join this freewheeling discussion about both the wines and movies of celebrated director, Francis Ford Coppola. Lots of interesting facts and history about his dual careers in film and vintner. If you like his movies you’ll certainly appreciate his success as a winemaker as well. It’s a great story–worthy of a movie! Enjoy, and please … Read more
What’s the difference between Whiskey, Bourbon and Scotch? Food and travel writer John Mariani, respected publisher of The VIrtual Gourmet newsletter, explains it all to the Celebrating Act 2™ founders, Art Kirsch and John Coleman. Some fun stories, some history of distilled spirits and some good information for anyone who loves a good cocktail are … Read more
Celebrating Act 2™’s founders, Art Kirsch and John Coleman, ask regular contributor John Mariani, (food and travel writer and editor of The Virtual Gourmet newsletter) for an update on the ultimate tourist destination, Las Vegas. As expected, Mariani shares his knowledge of the restaurant industry, master chefs and great food as well as recommendations off … Read more
We ask our favorite wine and food critic about ‘seasonal’ wines. Are they just marketing hype? And especially about Beaujolais Nouveau. What’s the deal every November? John Mariani, The Virtual Gourmet, and a regular contributor to Celebrating Act 2™ answers with a little history, some fun facts and valuable opinion based on his expertise and … Read more
Covid-19 has affected the whole world, especially travel. Europe in many ways has fared better than the US, but that doesn’t mean they’re welcoming American tourists and business people without restrictions! Whether you are planning a trip to Europe any time soon or not, you’ll be interested to hear this timely report from world traveler … Read more