The first time your doctor says those words-gluten free- can be a moment of panic and dismay. What all will you have to give up, how difficult will this be? The introduction to the gluten-free lifestyle is a challenge. Learning to read labels, foregoing so many favorite foods and restaurants, finding out just how prevalent gluten is in our everyday lives. Whether Celiac, gluten-intolerant or otherwise, this is a learning process. My own began about eight months ago, after five years of illness and near disability. As difficult as it seemed at times to make the transition, I can look at it now as one of the most wonderful transformative moments of my life.

“Of all the gin joints of all the towns, she.....!”

by Carolyn Scott, Twin Liquors Marketplace College Station

“Of all the gin joints of all the towns in the world, she walks into mine!”    -Humphrey Bogart, Casablanca, 1943

In 1862, the first bartender’s guide was published. Since then the world of cocktails has exploded! Mixology has become an art form and since the 80’s, cocktails have become more intricate and more lavish at times requiring more ingredients than the dinner with which it’s being served! Fortunately, since about 2000, classic and vintage cocktails have been making a comeback. Bartenders and mixologists have been focusing on quality drinks and using the best spirits, mixers and ingredients available. People are learning to enjoy cocktails and appreciate the art. Of course it hasn’t always been this way. Even when cocktails were in their heyday, they weren’t always the best. Many vintage cocktails were actually created in order to cover up the taste of low quality terrible spirits that were illicitly made at the time.  

Not a day goes by that a customer doesn’t ask me for some wine tips. Whether they are looking for something for a special occasion or just an “everyday drinker”, I almost always have the same general advice.
 
First and foremost-and this is critically important with wine drinking-wine is a beverage of pleasure! If you are not having fun, you’re not doing it right.
 
Secondly-this is one to which I personally try and adhere-there is too much great wine in the world to drink the same thing twice in one week. There are so many amazing new wines from every part of the world that weren't even imported into the US 10 years ago. Challenge your taste buds! You can find tremendous quality and value in places like Spain, Argentina, Portugal Southern Italy, and even Washington state!