A few Sundays ago I poured Spanish wines and emceed the Fiesta de Artes fundraising event for the Gennesaret Clinics.

Ron Miller of Cork and Cracker was the featured retailer. He was one of many generous volunteers, artists, musicians, dancers and organizers who gave their time to create an entertaining and educational evening for those attending. Gennesaret offers free medical/dental/respite services to those who can't afford it. I poured 6 wines at my table. The lush, dry reds from Bodegas Muriel were the favorites. The 2013 Reserva was lively with an inviting nose of blackberry, mulberry, and anise. Herbs and dark fruit flavors lingered on the finish. The 2006 Gran Reserva was a knockout. The nose had that deliciously distinctive "old world" funk along with blackberry, licorice and a hint of sage. Guests also enjoyed the crisp, off dry, Poema Dulce Cava. Tiny bubbles and notes of stone fruit made this sparkling wine a real treat. White wine lovers also liked the Don Alegario Albarino. Silky smooth, with notes of lemongrass and minerals made it the perfect thirst quencher for a warm summer evening. Stop by Cork and Cracker and talk with Ron about these and other delicious wines poured that night.

This past weekend I emceed an event featuring Italian Chef/Restaurateur/Author and PBS TV personality, Lidia Bastianich. She has a new season of Lidia's Kitchen shows coming to PBS, a new cookbook featuring recipes from her award winning restaurant, Felidia and a memoir, My American Dream: a life of love, family and food. Lidia's family immigrated to the US from communist Isteria when she was a young girl. Her memoir recounts those challenging early years along with her life as a female chef working in the male dominated restaurant world and the importance of food and family in her life. Lidia is the real deal. She spent two hours with us taping TV Pledge breaks, then met with guests and signed books for an hour and THEN took part in an hour long interview session. Over 100 people attended and also enjoyed the reception sponsored by the Italian Heritage Society. Broad Ripple resident (and Italian expert) Carol Faenzi and her group of volunteers created a beautiful table of Italian foods including dishes from So-Bro's Nicole-Taylor. Guests sipped glasses of La Marca Prosecco and enjoyed an afternoon that reflected Lidia's signature phrase, "Tutti a tavola a mangiare" which means everyone to the table to eat.

I do my best to get to as many arts and culture events as I can. Follow me on INSTAGRAM@jaditmire for pictures and videos.