Local Pairings: Raise Your Glass

Monday, December 29, 2008

Raise Your Glass

We all know that it’s common etiquette to tip our glasses to each other and toast before taking that first sip. In fact, every country in the world has some type of drinking toast. The origin of clinking glasses to toast is said to come from medieval times when it was a sign from the host that the drink was good and not spoiled. In the United States, we say cheers. But there are many variations on this throughout the world. Here are a few of our favorites.

Prost = Germany
Chin = France
Kanpai = Japan
Kippis = Finland
Salute or Cin Cin = Italy
Salud = Spain or Mexico
Za Vas = Russia
Gia Mas = Greece
Saude = Portugal
Sawasdi = Thailand
Na Zdravi = Czechoslovakia
Kong Chien = Chinese
Kia-Ora = New Zealand

So raise your glass this New Year’s and toast to 2009…

Written by Linzi

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About Us

At Local Pairings, we feel that there are many pleasures in life that must be savored and enjoyed, like a good glass of wine, delicious food prepared from fresh, local produce, and sharing the flavors of life with loved ones and good friends. Both born and raised in the Napa Valley we are never far from the amazing food, wine and experiences that Northern California has to offer. With Karen’s hospitality and food background and Linzi’s marketing and wine background, we decided to write about our food and wine adventures around the Bay Area. The result…Local Pairings.

Emily Buller is our resident chef here at Local Pairings. Her experience in fine cuisine began years ago when she worked at a local St. Helena restaurant and found her calling to be a chef. After graduating from the Culinary Institute in Hyde Park, New York, Emily returned to her hometown to get her advanced certification in Pastries from The Culinary Institute at Greystone. From there, Emily worked at Napa Grill, Pinot Blanc, Martini House, and the acclaimed San Francisco restaurant, La Folie. Since then, she has started her own Napa Valley catering company and has become well known for the exquisite, high-end dining experience she provides. Many of the recipes that you will find at Local Pairings are provided by Emily and she is always ready to answer any question Karen and Linzi may have about wine and food pairing.