Discover Madagascar’s hidden food treasures from vanilla to caviar to unique spices—a food explorer’s guide across the Red Island. What’s hiding in Madagascar’s lush forests, vibrant coasts, and fertile soil that beckons culinary explorers worldwide?Emmanuel Laroche
Award-winning author, born in Versailles, France, close to the famous chateau of King Louis XIV, Emmanuel Laroche grew up savoring the best food and drink that France offers, eventually earning him the American nickname: “Champagne Charlie.” His mother taught him to cook when he was six, starting with a simple yogurt cake, and moving on to Lorraine quiche, from the region his mother grew up. He married a woman who also loved to cook, and during the first four years of their marriage, they never ate the same dish twice!
In 2002 he moved to the United States for his role as VP of Marketing with Symrise North America—a global manufacturer of flavors for the food and beverage industry. He now has more than twenty years of experience in the food and beverage industry, both in Europe and in the US. Through his job, Emmanuel has access to a variety of acclaimed people in the food industry.
Since 2008, he has attended the yearly StarChefs Congress in New York City. In 2015, Emmanuel developed an exclusive partnership with StarChefs for Symrise and began moderating panel discussions with successful chefs, pastry chefs, and mixologists. In 2018, Emmanuel launched a personal podcast called Flavors Unknown, featuring a series of conversations with trending and award-winning chefs, pastry chefs, and mixologists from around the United States. Emmanuel currently resides in New Jersey, which acts as a home base for his travels around the country, conducting tastings, lectures and presentations on food and consumer trends. Follow Emmanuel on Facebook & X
In the second half I’ll be talking to NASCAR great Kyle Petty about the 30th Anniversary “Kyle Petty Ride Across American “ a coast to coast motorcyle ride featuring numerous NASCAR drivers, leadership personalities and celebraties. The 3,400 mile multi-stop charity ride starts at Sonoma Speedway May 1, and ends at the Charlotte Motor Speedway May 9. Wichita is one of the overnight stops (May5th) in this great fund raising event and provides an opportunity to meet the participants, donate and learn more about this charity that has received more than $23 million. The festivities in Wichita will be at the Downtown Hyatt. For more info go to www.kylepettycharityride.com Follow Kyle on Facebook!
Good Life Guy’s Wine of the Week:
2023 Reputation, Napa Valley CA
The 2023 vintage is a bold, young Napa red featuring aromas of black cherry, blackberry jam, cocoa, cedar, cassis and black currant, flavors of plum preserve, espresso with a hint of minty eucalyptus with a peppery, mineral finish. ABV14.5%
On Sale at Jacob Liquor Exchange $24!
This is no doubt one of the finest Napa Cabernet values I have seen in a long time. So much to offer in the nose and then the fist sip through the lengthy finish, it’s a winner.
This fine Cabertnet from Napa Valley is a highly sought-after “private label” wine that has gained significant attention for its high Quality-to-Price Ratio (QPR).
But wait…that’s not all! While I love the above edition, thought we should try this one as well. It’s little more pricey $ but comes with even more rave reviews.
2023 Reputation Stags Leap District, Napa Cabernet
A polished wine that’s typical for this appellation. Blackberry, black cherry, chocolate and hazelnut aromas. Medium-bodied with a creamy texture and a long, deliciously fragrant and polished finish. Tastes like Stags Leap Wine Cellars. Drinkable now but better in three years. ABV15% JS96
You’ll find this beauty at Jacob Liquor on N. Rock Road as well
Get some NOW