Denis Culinary Tours

Industry experts forecast 2012 trends: There’s no economic rebound to prosperity , but it will continue to be a better environment than it was in 2008, 2009 and 2010. Restaurants will benefit from pent-up demand. Two out of five American adults said in a recent survey that they are not using restaurants as often as they would like. More chains will return to the earth and emphasize real, fresh or local foods to the maximum extent that they can, given the constraints of their systems. “Premiumization” is now a basic diner expectation, given the proliferation of upgraded, enhanced, or higher-end products at modest prices. Examples: T.G.I. Friday's new Langostino Lobster-topped entrées or Arby's medium-rare Angus beef sandwiches.   “Miniaturization,” or the continued growth of small plates, snacks and downsized portion options, which have been driven by price sensitivity, consumer interest in sampling, grazing or sharing, and health concerns. Will the food...

Shafer Napa Valley Merlot 2007 - $40 Grape variety: Merlot Taste profile: 92 points Wine Spectator: "Dark and muscular, with blackberry and graphite aromas. Strong depth this wine displays for this early ripening variety aromas and a long, full finish. Delicious. Pairings: This wine has many opportunities: lamb chops, seasoned pork loin, and, my favorite, game birds such as duck or pheasant. Le Haut-Médoc de Giscours Haut-Médoc 2005 -  $20 Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot Taste profile: This is a second wine from Giscours and is drinking better than ever today. It's full of character, spices, dark tobacco and berries. Pairings: Perfect with a roast, or any other "earthy" dish. Montebuena Rioja 2009 - $12 Grape variety: 100% Tempranillo grapes Taste profile:   On the palate it is packed with ripe fruit, has outstanding concentration, and impeccable balance. 90 points Wine Advocate Pairings: Perfect with Brie cheese, small ta...

DON'T MISS OUT! PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS TO KC'S BIGGEST NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY 2012 LIVE! is Kansas City's BIGGEST and BEST New Year's Eve Party! For the first time, KC Live! is hosting a ticketed event, featuring an All-Inclusive General Admission Package plus, the best entertainment and a 'Times Square' atmosphere in the heart of Downtown KC! The entertainment lineup includes some of the biggest deejays in KC, including Highnoone, Mike Scott, Steve Serrano and Ashton Martin, spinning throughout KC Live! at four different locations, plus confetti cannons, laser shows and a 'Times Square' ball drop at Midnight! Tickets are just $85 and going fast! Your ticket includes: top shelf all inclusive beverages (featuring premium cocktails, import and domestic beers and wines), complimentary food buffets, party favors and all-access passes to: Angels Rock Bar, PBR Big Sky, Mosaic Lounge, Shark Bar, McFadden's Sports Saloon, John...

The Melting Pot NEW bar foods $8 small plates **NEW** Bar Foods at The Melting Pot. Now you can enjoy Small Plates! $8 Kobe Beef Sliders, Lobster Quesadilla, Seared Ahi Tuna, Mediterranean Flatbread, Smoked Salmon Bruschetta, Savory Satay Skewers and Garlic Dijon Shrimp The Melting Pot of Kansas City has been voted Ingram's Magazine's Bronze Medal Award Winner, 2007 and 2008 'Best Place to Dine with a Group.' Looking for something unique and interactive? We can help. The Melting Pot Private Dining offers an experience fit for any special event. Your reservation will include fabulous fondue, top notch service and the guidance of your own personal event coordinator. Our large private party room is available for up to 55 fondue guests and can accommodate groups for meeting, luncheons and dinner events. Dip into something different this time around and treat your guests to fondue! Please contact Karen Ledford at 816-260-7944 or meltingpotevents@aol.com for ...

Book your Holiday Events now at bluestem! bluestem is available for private luncheons, evening events, and cocktail parties. Chefs Colby and Megan Garrelts will create custom seasonal menus for that perfect occasion. Let bluestem help create memories this holiday season! During the month of December bluestem will offer 3-Courses for $30.00 for private lunch parties Tuesday – Saturday Menu selections include an appetizer, entrée choice, and dessert. Lunch parties must be a minimum of 15 guests with a maximum of 40 guests. Beverage selections, sales tax, and gratuity are not included in the special lunch pricing and there is no additional room charge during the day. Chefs Colby and Megan can also add additional courses to your lunch and/or reception possibilities to expand your December luncheon for an additional charge. contact our general manager Jeremy Lamb at jeremy@bluestemkc.com for event planning information.

  Tasso's Greek Restaurant & Catering 8411 Wornall Kansas City, MO 64114 816.363.4776 4 Bottles of Tasso’s Famous Greek Salad Dressing $24.95 Tasso’s Famous Greek Salad Dressing, Nemea Boutari(Greek Red Wine) & Boutari Moschofilero (Greek White) $44.95 Tasso’s Famous Greek Salad Dressing, Nemea Boutari, Boutari Moschofilero & Glaros Ouzo $69.95

December 16, 2011 Colleen Gerke owner & vintner of Jowler Creek vineyards will be at the store signing bottles at Ensminger Retail Liquor Store Great Holiday gifts! She will personalize them!! Great wines, local sustainable farming. Fun interesting lady who grew up in California wine country. 913.469.9006 Jowler Creek Vineyard & Winery 16905 Jowler Creek Road Platte City 816-858-5528 www.jowlercreek.com Tasting room hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday It’s not unusual for regional wineries to be launched by amateur winemakers, but it usually doesn’t work out as well as it has for Jason and Colleen Gerke. The path from wine lovers to amateur winemakers to successful winery owners would seem torturous for most, but for the Gerkes it seems like fate, even if they still carry a sense of amazed joy that it’s working out so well. “I grew up in the central coast of California,” Colleen Gerke says, “and everything around me was vines. I went to Cal Poly,...