North shore arts editor and freelance world travel writer, Charlene specializes in food, wine and spas. Bookmark this page for sights to see and things to do in Boston. E-mail boston.examiner@yahoo.com.
Following a trip to the olive oil farm/factory, my group heads back to The French House Party headquarters for a regional wine tasting of grapes grown in this Languedoc region known as “the bucket,” where...
On our fourth day of cookery lessons at The French House Party Carcassonne, in South West France, we are de-boning a rabbit (OK, I passed, as this is not the most appetizing procedure at 9:30 a.m...
Following a delightful dinner at The French House Party Carcassonne, in South West France, sleep beckoned. The next morning, after breakfast of croissants, cheeses, fruits and eggs, our group of 10 women and Chef Robert Abraham head to the 13th...
Lunch at The French House Party in Carcassonne, France is spread out on the dining room table, where a group of 10 women arrive from all over the world and get to know each other at the start...
Twenty-one hours of French cooking lessons over the course of six days, given by two famous French chefs and voila: I am confident in having mastered the art of French cooking. Unlike Julia Child, I will not spend a...
Like kids in a candy store, a crowd of oenophiles gather around table after table of wine regions around the world, sipping and spitting (to their chagrin), tasting the newest releases and meeting the winemakers personally from the best wine...
Winemaker Chris Munsell at MacMurray Ranch in Sonoma, California, knows what he's doing with his 2009 pinot noir. This silky and smooth wine is medium bodied and delicious to drink on it own or paired with just about...
Three works, all spectacular. You couldn't ask for more from the Boston Ballet Company, whose last program, "Fancy Free," ends the 2011/2012 season, and sets the barre quite high for the 2012/2013 season...
Seasonal ingredients. Great pickings. That’s what Summer Winter Restaurant has built its reputation on. The restaurant, run by chefs/owners Clark Frasier and Mark Gaier, is located in the Burlington Marriot and offers at least 40 percent...
Maria’s Pastry Shop is the first stop on the North End Tour. The aroma of baking ricotta pie permeates the air, and you can’t help but crave a cannoli --- or Maria's famous breakfast sfogliatelle...