In the Know

In the Know

Lauren Dartois

Durango High School

Class of 2010

Durango High School senior Lauren Dartois is a ready, set, go kinda girl. A busy body with a taste for a lifetime of success, Lauren is hard to keep up with, heading off to important appointments or racing to and through the pool at the big meet, along with the myriad other goals she’s set for herself. Through it all she finds balance between study, practice and play, coming out a better person for it with a smile and yet another achievement under her belt. Her time management skills, leadership, confidence and determination put her yards and meters beyond the competition, and for that, Lauren Dartois is – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 4.71

Sports/Activities:

• Sandpipers of Nevada Competitive Swim Team, 2001-Present
• Varsity Swimming, 2007-Present; Captain, 2009
• Advanced Orchestra, 2006-09
• National Honor Society, 2008-Present
• French Club, 2006-Present; Secretary, 2008
• Athletic Council, 2008-Present
• Invisible Children United, 2009-Present

Awards/Community Service:

• National Society of High School Scholars
• Nevada Girls State Delegate–City Councilwoman and State Assemblywoman, 2009
• Scholar Athlete, 2007-Present
• Athlete of the Month–Swimming, 2009
• Sunset Region Girls Second Team, 2008
• Sunset Regional Swim Top 16 Qualifier, 2007
• Sunset Regional Swim Top 8 Qualifier, 2008/09
• Nevada State Swimming Qualifier, 2009
• National Honor Society Tutor
• Canned Food Drive, 2007-Present
• Danny Gans Champions Run for Life Participant, 2008
• Durango Campus Beautification, 2008
• Las Vegas Marathon Volunteer, 2008

• Teens for Jeans, 2009/10
• JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes Participant, 2009

• Speedo Southern California Sectional Swim Meet Volunteer, 2009
• Candlelighters 5K Race for Our Kids Participant, 2009
• Alzheimer’s Memory Walk Volunteer, 2009
• Salvation Army Homeless Outreach, 2010                                                                                          

Goals & Aspirations: “I hope to graduate from high school as an AP scholar and continue my education as a pre-pharmacy student in college. I hope to obtain my doctorate of pharmacy degree in six to eight years and pursue a career in a field of research.”

Lauren is Successful Because: “I believe success is simply defined by working hard at something you love in order to reach a goal. My work ethic and determination to be the best I can be has helped me achieve this, and my success comes from accomplishing the goals I have set for myself.”

Lauren Looks Up To: “I was once told that it is not celebrities that you should idolize, because they are not any different than you or me. Instead, it is the people in your life that help you realize, set and accomplish your goals in order to reach success; and for that, I look up to my coaches, teachers, and my parents.”            

Lauren is Stronger and Wiser Because: “Just learning from mistakes has helped me become a much stronger person. I have come to realize it is okay to make mistakes, because when you do, there is always a valuable lesson to take away from it.”

Sydney Carey Spoon

Faith Lutheran High School

Class of 2010

Success is a family affair for Faith Lutheran High School senior Sydney Spoon, a bright, caring daughter and sister who shows that apples from the same tree don’t fall too far from one another. Though this is undoubtedly true in many ways, Sydney has her own achievements to be proud of, exemplifying that nothing compares to the singular commitment of a highly motivated individual. Driven not by selfish motivations or personal gain, she puts her ability and academia to the test on a daily basis, always aiming to do right by herself, her loved ones and faith, which makes Sydney Spoon – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 4.1

Sports/Activities/Clubs:

• Varsity Soccer, 2007-10
• Varsity Track & Field, 2007-08/2010
• Club Soccer, 2007-09
• Vocal Ensemble, 2010
• Choir, 2007-10
• Second Soprano Section Leader, 2007-08
• Applied Christianity, 2009-10
• Piano Lessons, 2007-10
• National Honor Society, 2008-10
• National Honor Society Historian, 2008-09; Secretary, 2009-10
• National Junior Honor Society, 2006-07
• Key Club, 2007-10
• Peer Ministry, 2007-10

Awards/Community Service:

• Scholar Athlete, 2009-10
• Wendy Heisman State Finalist, 2010
• League Offensive Player of the Year, 2009
• All-State Player of the Year, 2009
• First Team Southern League, 2008-10
• First Team All-State, 2009
• Regional Soccer Champions, 2007-10
• Soccer State Runner-Up, 2009
• Second Team Southern League, 2008
• New Student Guide, 2007-10
• Lip Sync Coordinator, 2007-10
• Student Senator, 2009
• Opportunity Village Volunteer
• Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
• Catholic Charities Volunteer
• Salvation Army Food Drive
• Operation Christmas Child
• Middle School Soccer Coach
• Peer Tutor

Goals & Aspirations: “I look forward to attending a university that will prepare me for my career in sports medicine/physical therapy and nutrition. Helping athletes strive to be all they can be will help fulfill my goal to serve others.”

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am most proud of being a state finalist for the high school Wendy Heisman Award. It feels good to be acknowledged for my success in sports, academics, leadership and community service.”

Sydney is Successful Because: “My faith in Christ and endless determination helps me to succeed along with the love and support from my family.”

Sydney Looks Up To: “My sister Jordan has been a great role model to me. She has a positive outlook on life and gives me endless support in all I do. My sister provides me with infinite laughs and smiles.”

Kylee Elexis Slee

Palo Verde High School

Class of 2010

In every way, Palo Verde High School valedictorian candidate Kylee Slee has found her voice. With all the cool sophistication and elegance of, say, a striking operatic performer, she devotes every aria and diaphragmatic exhale to the passion of her music. And yet, with every step Kylee takes toward stardom, she challenges herself to hit higher notes than ever before while still being an example and leader to her peers. For this, Kylee Slee is – A Step Above.

G.P.A.:  4.8

Sports/Music/Activities:

• Junior Varsity Soccer, 2006-07
• Swim Team, 2007-08
• PVHS Concert Choir, 2006-10
• PVHS Vocal Infinity Varsity Choir, 2008-10
• PVHS Madrigals, 2006-08; Alto Section Leader, 2007-08
• PVHS Production 100 Years of Broadway–Soloist and Chorus Member, 2008
• PVHS Production A Tribute to Gershwin–Soloist and Chorus Member, 2009
• PVHS Production A Night at the Opera–Guest Soloist with Orchestra, 2008
• Nevada Music Educators Association All-State Honor Choir, 2007-09
• CCSD High School Honor Choir–Soprano Section Leader, 2006-09
• CCSD High School Jazz Honor Choir–Soprano Section Leader, 2006-09
• Bear Valley Music Festival, L’Elisir d’Amore–Chorus Member, 2009
• Tennis Channel Open (ESPN)–National Anthem Soloist, 2008
• International House of Blues Foundation, Blues Schoolhouse–Guest Soloist, 2008

Scholarships/Awards/Community Service:

• National Merit Scholarship Competition–Finalist, 2009-10
• National Hispanic Recognition Program–Scholar, 2009
• National Society of High School Scholars–Ambassador, 2008-10
• Scholastic Art and Writing Competition–Silver Key, 2010
• Clark County Y-Write High School Poetry Contest–Third Place, 2008
• Nevada All-State Academic Team–Swimming, 2007-08
• PVHS English Student of the Month, 2008
• PVHS Spanish and Math Student of the Month, 2007
• UNLV Future Scholar Award, 2006-08
• UNLV Top Hispanic Scholar Award, 2008/09
• LV Music Teachers Nat’l Assoc (MTNA) Jazz Festival–Superior with Excellence Rating, 2009
• MTNA Senior Performance Voice Competition–Alternate Finalist, 2008
• CCSD Solo & Ensemble Festival–Superior Rating, 2006-10
• NATS High School Musical Theatre Division–2^nd Place, 2007-10
• NATS Classical Junior & Senior Division–1^st Place, 2009-10
• NATS Classical Freshman & Sophomore Division–2^nd Place, 2007
• Project TEAM Volunteer, 2009-10
• Toys for Tots & Homeless Veterans of America Volunteer, 2008-09
• Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Volunteer Performance, 2006-09
• Peer Tutoring, 2006-10

Goals & Aspirations: “After receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in vocal performance, I plan on applying to a Master’s program to get a degree in both vocal performance and pedagogy. I would like to retire at a ripe old age with my name being known around the world as an amazing performer and teacher.”

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am most proud of my candidacy for valedictorian, National Merit Semifinalist, National Hispanic Scholar, being named Soprano One Section Leader for two years at both the Regional and All-State Honor Choirs, and for my performance in a professional opera production.” 

Kylee is Stronger and Wiser Because: “The summer after my freshman year, I blew out my knee playing soccer. I decided to turn my attention to music.  With this newly-formed passion, my knowledge of the subject increased greatly, and I realized that I could not live without it. If I had never blown out my knee, I would have never found out what I was truly passionate about.”

Alyse Kurley

Durango High School

Class of 2010

To be or not to be isn’t a question for Durango High School senior Alyse Kurley. To be the best she can be, now that’s more like it. She’s proud of her accomplishments and rightly so; she’s made them by combining creativity, smarts and determination with a keen awareness of the daily struggles teens and adults must sometimes overcome. Theatrically and personally, she’s brightened by a spotlight all her own, not for fame or glory, but for the love of art and sharing with others. That’s just the kind of unique star quality that makes Alyse Kurley – A Step Above.

G.P.A.:  4.631

Sports/Activities/Clubs:

• Varsity Tennis, 2006-10
• JV Swimming, 2006-07
• Varsity Dance Divas, 2007-10
• DHS Theatre, 2006-10
• Cast Member–10 DHS Productions
• Starring Role–DHS Production of Cinderella ’89, 2007/08
• Starring Role–DHS Production of A Mid Summer Night’s Dream, 2008/09
• Starring Role–DHS Production of Alice in Wonderland, 2009/10
• Costume Design–3 DHS Productions
• Drama Club Vice President, 2009/10
• S.T.A.T.U.S. Club, 2006-09
• National Honor Society, 2008-10
• Principal’s Advisory Committee, 2007-09

Awards/Community Service:

• Athlete of the Month, 2009
• Student of the Month, 2007/09
• Scholar Athlete, 2006-10
• Theatre & Dance Letters, 2009
• Academic Letter, 2007
• 4-Year Varsity Tennis Letter, 2009
• Best Freshman–DHS Theatre, 2006/07
• Best Actress–DHS Theatre, 2008/09
• Best Couple on Stage–DHS Theatre, 2008/09
• Race for the Cure, 2006-08
• Aids Walk, 2006/07
• School Clean Up Service, 2009
• Nevada Reading Week Volunteer Reader, 2007
• Tennis Against Tobacco Use (T.A.T.U.) Volunteer, 2006-07

Goals & Aspirations: “My major goal is to graduate high school with high honors. In the future I hope to attend the University of Nevada Las Vegas and continue on to medical school. I would also like to continue dancing and acting in the future. I feel that the performing arts are extremely important, and I would like to inspire future generations to get involved in the arts as much as possible.”

Alyse is Successful Because: “I feel that my drive and passion for any goal that I set for myself make me successful.”

Alyse Looks Up To: “I most of all look up to my parents. Without them pushing me to do my best, I do not feel I would be the same person today. They have taught me to work hard, reach for my dreams, and to never give up when times get rough.”

11th Annual Make a Difference Day Food Drive

11^th Annual Make a Difference Day Food Drive

For over a decade and counting, the Annual Food Drive benefiting the Las Vegas Chapter Salvation Army Food Bank has been a source of hope, inspiration and, of course, nutrition, for those less fortunate in the community. This year, the 11^th annual event held at Smith’s Food and Drug, 2211 N. Rampart in Summerlin, was no exception.

Local philanthropist Mary Vail, OSG established the annual drive as part of Make a Difference Day, a nationwide charity event. Over the years, the food drive has collected well over 34,000 pounds of non-perishable food and personal hygiene items. A staggering 4,680 pounds of non-perishable food was collected this year alone! With guest appearances and donations from NBC-KVBC TV-3 News Anchor Maria Silva, Frankie Scinta of The Scintas, ABC-KTNV TV-13 News Anchor Casey Smith, KVVU Fox-5 News Anchors Dave Hall & Heidi Hayes, KVVU Fox-5 Meteorologist Ted Pretty and Author Joe Vassallo of Paragon Pools, the day was a memorable one garnering much support from the community.

Even better, the event encouraged families to work together and experience the joy of giving, as Vail noted, “Our celebrities, sponsors and volunteers brought their kids, and more shoppers encouraged their children to get involved by having them select the food items donated.” Is there a better way to spend “the largest day of volunteering?” We think not.

Faith Lutheran Jr/Sr High School

Faith Lutheran Jr/Sr High School has been crusading for a higher purpose for 31 years: to provide a quality and balanced education in a Christ-centered environment. Making this kind of education accessible to those who cannot afford it takes the help of many generous donors, and, as Executive Director Kevin Dunning says, “When a student is eager to learn and grow in their faith, cost should not deter their purpose.”

From this noble cause came the Scholarship Endowment Gala, an annual tradition for the past nine years. Since its inception, the gala has raised almost $1.6 million. With Pro Football Hall of Famer and NFL coach Mike Ditka in attendance, this year’s event on November 17, 2009 raised over $100,000. This endowment will help support over $75,000 in tuition assistance to families who would otherwise not be able to afford a private Christian education for their child at Faith Lutheran Jr/Sr High School.

“All scholarships at Faith Lutheran are need-based and have helped contribute to the school’s extraordinarily high graduation rate,” says Dunning. “Many of these students will continue on to receive additional scholarships to prestigious universities across the nation.”

The largest non-public school in Nevada, Faith Lutheran Jr/Sr High School, has a record enrollment of 1,320 students. To learn more about the school, visit www.faithlutheranlv.org.

Touchdown Tailgating…

Fan Food for Football Fun

The pigskin has arrived!  It’s time to kick off a party that will have your friends and family cheering not only for the home team, but some good eats as well. Although we have few opportunities for traditional, parking lot celebrations, that doesn’t mean you can’t tailgate in your own backyard.  It’s all about gathering your biggest fans for fun, food and a little pre-game cheer, regardless of where you set up camp.

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Whether you plan a get-together at Sam Boyd Stadium or keep your party closer to home, thinking out the details ahead of time will make for a relaxed event that even the host or hostess can enjoy.  Mix and marinate meats in a single zip lock bag that won’t take up valuable space in the cooler or refrigerator. Save room in your ice chest by freezing water in recycled water bottles.  They’ll keep items fresh and cold without the mess of melting ice that can make things soggy. Precook side dishes and appetizers, placing them in aluminum foil pouches that work perfectly for grill top reheating. Prepare chili or hot dips and keep them warm in the Crockpot. Consider purchasing a propane version like the one manufactured by Coleman and available at REI.com for around $80. It works just like a normal slow cooker, but without the need for electricity. Finally, round up all the comforts of home, including utensils, plates, paper towels, moist towelettes, trash bags, a radio or battery operated TV, decorative flags and decorations and more, packing them into a single, portable plastic bin.  You’ll know you have everything you need, and it won’t take an army to transport it.

Click below to download and print the recipes:

Hula Sliders
Linebacker Crunch
Mac ‘n’ Cheese Poppers
MooOink Balls

Frothy, Sudsy and Full of Hops

Microbrews that Hit the Spot

By Lisha Ross

Ah yes, the festivities of football season are afoot and gaining momentum as Super Bowl XLIV draws near. I dared to ask, is there anything that goes better with an action-packed nail biter than a bottle of brew? After a few brew-ha-has around town with a friend, both of us self-proclaimed beer connoisseurs, I found the answer is yes. There is something better, and it’s a frosty mug that over-floweth with an accomplished brewmaster’s special. Golden and sudsy spoils from the city’s premium microbreweries, serving all-American eats and fresh-brewed beer to wash it down. Your first time around, I recommend investing in a sampler, then you can narrow the selection down to your all-star and order a tall one–always remembering to drink responsibly, of course.

A Bolder Dam Beer

This may be a trek for some, but Boulder Dam Brewing Co. (243-2739; www.boulderdambrewing.com) is well worth the extra mileage to grab a dam delicious beer. A family venture with exceptional brewing finesse, BDBC has a unique method of brewing. Rather than swimming through several different tanks before getting to keg, Boulder’s beer is fermented, brewed, chilled, conditioned and served direct from the tanks that line the wall behind the bar. To a layman, that means no additives, no preservatives and a fresher pour that is 100% au naturale.

Funky Powder Monkey Pilsner, Hell’s Hole Hefeweizen, Reclamation Amber, Black Canyon Stout and the crowd pleasing High Scaler I.P.A. are usually on tap. Along with these regular attractions is a seasonal sensation, like the wintery Blueberry Bach; a comfort beer, if you will. Mix up your selection with a specialty beverage like the Shandy (pilsner & lemonade), the tart and malty Irish Rattler (hard cider & stout) or the Golden Cream (pint of stout & scoop of vanilla ice cream). All these beers are complemented by a simple menu of greasy spoon apps and some lighter, home-style wraps and sandwiches.

You can catch four games at a time on their flatscreen TVs, but when the Cowboys take to the field, the Boulder Dam brewers show their true blue colors. On weekends, you can take your beer and brauts to the outdoor beer garden and jam out to live rock, blues, country, jazz and folk tunes. Love the beer, hate the drive? Take some home in a half-gallon growler.

Happy Hour: 3-5 p.m. daily. Beers are $1 off.

Sippin’ on Tenaya Creek

Tenaya Creek Brewery (362-7335; www.tenayacreekbrewery.com), off Cheyenne on Tenaya, is a simple, quintessential local’s place with refreshingly complex brews. Eat first! They recently stopped serving food to focus on what they do best: brewing Hefeweizen, Pilsner, Ringtail Ale, Nut Brown Ale and seasonals like Belgian White and Barley Wine, adding even more variety by featuring a guest tap. If you wanna see where the magic happens, stop by during the day for a personal tour of the brewing facility.

Regularly televised games might be playing on the big screen TV, but don’t expect a rowdy crowd of super fans donning any particular color. This is a low-key joint where you can listen to music and converse with the friendly bartender without much ado. If you get bored at the bar you can challenge your friends to a duel at three pool tables, arcade games and pinball machines. Get it to go in a 64 oz. growler, a full or 5 gallon keg.

Happy Hour: 4-7 p.m. and 10 p.m-2 a.m. daily. Buy a pitcher of any beer for $9 or a pint for $4.

A Taste of Chicago

Nearly 10 years of serving World Beer Cup-winning brews has earmarked this brewery, bar and non-smoking restaurant as a consistent crowd pleaser. With four towering tanks and a quick turn-over rate, Chicago Brewery churns out nine varieties at a time. This includes seven standards, from the light All Night to the nutty Old Town Brown to a biting Black Star stout, and two seasonal flavors. We clinked our glasses and nodded to Maibauch Lager and a soft and fruity Springfest brew with hints of orange peel and coriander. Heck, try them all for just $8.99. As seasonal brews change, favorites make comebacks. We’re looking forward to the legendary Hawaiian Honey, a stiff pour (12.8%) that’s earned some bragging rights as winner of the Great American Beer Festival.

If you need some grease to hold that buzz at bay, you just can’t go wrong with an uber cheesy, build-your-own Chicago-style deep dish pizza. They also serve up mean thin crust specialty pies, calzones and bar food galore. Bears fans unite! It’s always happy hour while the bears get their game on. Head to the 2^nd floor to revel with the rabble rousers, where the couches will be set up stadium style for games.

Happy Hour: 5-7 p.m. daily. Select appetizers and 10” cheese pizzas for half price, as well as $7 pitchers.

Whether you’re in it for the team revelry or just for the love of beer, pass on the ho-hum selections and belly up to the bar for a one-of-a-kind microbrew. Your beer belly probably won’t thank you for it, but your flavor saver will, I promise.

Not Just for Take-Out

Archi’s Thai Bistro

By Aly Wagonseller

Aside from power lunching, I’ve traditionally associated Thai cuisine with take-out cartons and movie night.  It could be that, for the most part, the décor at truly exceptional neighborhood Thai restaurants is rarely date night appropriate. Truthfully, a more likely explanation is my complete inability to stop eating this country’s wonderfully flavorful (and spicy) concoctions. An addiction that inevitably results in the dreaded button pop…not something I’d proudly like to display in public. Still, Archi’s Thai Bistro, located at 6345 So. Rainbow, has given me reason to rethink my traditional homeward bound Thai-fest, providing an attractive and comfy place to dine and a friendly staff that’s happy to wrap up the leftovers…even if they’re destined to be devoured on the car ride home.

More upscale than most neighborhood restaurants, Archi’s is a nice sized space that affords a calm, casual and somewhat private dining experience devoid of kitchen clatter or annoying traffic from the take-out crowd.  With wood-style floors, a neutral, earth-toned color palette and antique armoires and cabinets, the atmosphere is anything but Asian influenced. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but merely surprising considering the authenticity of the Archi family’s cuisine.  Zagat and Michelin rated, you’ll be hard pressed to find better Thai fare in the city.

This stuff is spicy, so it’s up to you to order the spice level of your liking, in this case from one to ten. This translates as follows:  Do NOT order every dish on the top of your spice tolerance level, even if you’re competing for top-spice bragging rights over your dining companion. Not only will you miss out on the many subtle, yet complex flavors indicative of this cuisine, but you’ll inevitably pay later. That being said, the rating system at Archi’s was a bit inconsistent, making it tough to figure out just what the spice intensity was on any given dish we ordered. Pad Thai, ordered at a level 4, was relatively mild, while the Papaya Salad, ordered at a level two, was bordering on noxious. I’m not complaining, as the food was impeccable, I’m just suggesting that you ask your server for his expertise in the matter, considering some ingredients take on spice more aggressively than do others.

We started with the Moo Dadd Deaw (5.95), Tom Yum (6.95) and Papaya Salad (6.95). The Moo’s (a.k.a. Thai sticks) were yummy, caramelized meat morsels served with a tangy hot and sour sauce.  The ample bowl of Tom Yum could have easily been a meal in itself.  They certainly didn’t skimp on the tender chicken and fresh mushrooms in this tart and fiery broth-based soup–a true bargain on any menu. And the Papaya Salad? Let’s just say this was the first time I’ve had this crunchy, tangy and refreshing salad filled with green papaya matchsticks, crushed peanuts and crunchy green beans all bathed in a dry shrimp, spicy lime dressing.  After getting over the confusion of not recognizing papaya that wasn’t orange (hey, I said it was the first time I’d tried this), this was one of my favorite dishes, although next time I’ll order it spice free, a great way to cleanse the palate between other, spiced-up selections.

Entrees include a number of curry, noodle, rice and Thai specialty items. We chose the Chicken Pad Thai (6.95), Spicy Basil Fried Rice with Shrimp (8.95), Panang Curry (6.95), and Pad Kapow (6.95).  All entrees were served in rather ample, family style portions, with an impressive amount of meat and exceptionally fresh vegetables that still had their snap. Faves for me included the Panang Curry, a delicate, yet complex coconut milk-based version that whispered (not roared) an earthy spiciness; a humble Pad Kapow which transformed simple hamburger meat into a savory, sweet and spicy comfort food that paired very well with the nutty, sticky rice served alongside; and the Spicy Basil Rice, made with large, tender and perfectly cooked shrimp, and spiked with impossibly crisp veggies and fried, spicy basil leaves–so delish.

Eating Thai food in an actual restaurant has its drawbacks, considering you can’t eat ‘til you drop if you’re to avoid the “roll of shame” out the doorway. But Archi’s makes a good case to get off the couch and savor some truly fabulous Thai cuisine in an upscale, yet decidedly casual eatery in the neighborhood.  I’ll just have to keep a fork in the car for the ride home.

Resplendent Rhône Style Reds

If in pursuit of wines that are amiable, possess complex aromas, and dance with every red meat and grilled dish in the room, run to the Rhône Valley and New World “Rhône Style Blends” department of your local wine emporium. Syrah reigns king in Northern Rhône, and Grenache holds court in the south, while “New World” cousins in California, Washington and Australia are emphasizing ripe fruit and toned down tannins to create a luscious, youthful drink.  It’s easy to be keen on the French classics; a reverence to signature varietal flavors and a growing availability of drinkable great wine values are appreciated.  Happily, “more modern” styles are also evolving, and the wines to covet are the ones from producers that reflect origin through pure flavors while conveying its connection to the soil.

On the subject of great wine values, consider Perrin Côtes-du-Rhône AOC Réserve ($10.00/btl.), a composition of Grenache plus equal parts Syrah and Mourvédre from the venerable Châteauneuf-du-Pape house of Château de Beaucastel. Juicy blackberry and cherry fruit are balanced with hints of herb and black pepper; overall, a smooth and nimble wine.

Another plum French selection is Féraud-Brunel Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages AOC ($15.00/btl.), a medium bodied blend of primarily Grenache and Syrah that exudes an exotic range of wild berries, black cherries and earthiness.  Again, historic pedigree prevails with this joint venture between vignerons Laurence Féraud of Domaine de Pegau and André Brunel of Domaine les Cailloux.  Enjoy now with slightly more robust country fare.

Lately, Syrah has surged in popularity among California growers, and in the hands of

thoughtful winemakers, fine examples are entering the market.  Cline “Cashmere” California Red ($14.00/btl.), a silky combination of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvédre reveals big raspberry, cherry and chocolate notes with undertones of plum and black pepper.  And, thanks to irrepressible winemaker Randall Graham, adventurous Rhône style wines have had a loyal following for years.  Bonny Doon “Le Pousseur” Central Coast Syrah Blend ($22.00/btl.), Syrah with a splash of Grenache elicits poetry in a glass and is perfect with roasted meats, wild salmon and foraged mushrooms.  Vibrant complexity of bramble berries, game and spice rounds out this unaffected expression of varietals and place. Qupé also produces exceptional wines in the $17.00-40.00 range.

For avid Rhône style wine lovers, consider boutique wines from Edmunds St. John (www.edmundsstjohn.com; $15.00-30.00/btl.) purchased via California merchants. Husband and wife team Steve Edmunds and Cornelia St. John have been devoted to creating first rate wines in California since 1985.  Edmunds St. John “That Old Black Magic” California Red ($20.00/btl.) is handcrafted from three cuvées of Syrah and Grenache from vineyards in Mendocino and El Dorado Counties.  This beauty resonates with berries, dried florals, pepper, sage and licorice on the nose and palate.  Delight in this wine over an evening or several days; it is well worth the effort to track down these gems.

Embrace the character, complexity and richness of Rhône wines and welcome true interpretations of these remarkable varietals produced outside of France.  May we all discover wines that are thrilling to smell and unforgettable to taste.