Nothing says a New Year like some bubbly. Here are three I like that are inexpensive and tasty. Bring out the bubbles… Côté Mas Jean-Claude Cremant de Limoux Brut is a fruity sparkling from France which you can pick up for around $10. It has a bit of sweetness, mixed with citrus. I would not take too much notice of the “Brut” (dry) on the label. For something very different, the Côté Mas Crémant de Limoux Rosé (also a sparkling) is delicious. It’s very light and filled with strawberry and raspberry notes. Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio is a standard in restaurants. When people ask me about an easy to fine, inexpensive white wine in a restaurant, it’s a go-to. That’s why I was happy to try their sparkling, I quickly agreed. The Santa Margherita Prosecco Superiore is also one you can count on, whether it’s at home. It has a bit of apple sweetness, and floral notes, that make it easy drinking. Straight up or in cocktails… With the Santa Margherita Prose...

It’s time for holiday shopping and entertaining. Here’s a few things which have come across my door that I think you’ll enjoy. The perfect food basket… Last year, Murray’s Cheese NYC sent me their Most Valuable Player basket to check out. This year, I got La Dolce Vita and it was fantastic.  What a great selection of meats, cheeses, and accompaniments it is. There’s enough to serve at least eight, making it well worth the $120. I also love that the cheeses are each different, from spreadable to aged. Included in Murray’s Cheese NYC La Dolce Vita is: • Fontina Fontal Cheese (a favorite of everyone) • La Tur Creamy Cheese • Pecorino Calabrese Sheep Cheese • Gorgonzola • Murray's Sopressata Salami • Murray's Speck (similar to prosciutto) • Castelvetrano Olives • Sandimiri Crostini Bread On a personal note, it was the first time I’ve had a true (and delicious) Italian salami since leaving New York! Check these chips for a cause...