Winemonger.com

We are excited to introduce Martin Barz, the very talented chef who will be sharing his recipes with us here on Winemonger.

Martin hails from Konstanz, a town in south-west Germany on the border of Switzerland, but is well versed in classic Austrian fair as well, for which we will suggest great wine pairings (of course). Martin also hosts his own wine and food blog, Berlin Kitchen, which is a fantastic source for recipes from all over the world.

But first, meet Martin in our ongoing series of Winemonger Interviews:

1. THE SEASONAL QUESTION
What is in season right now, and what are you cooking with it?
“Bärlauch” or wild garlic/ramsons is in season right now. Wild garlic has only a short season from March to April and I make risotto, pesto, soups, sauces, flavored butter etc. with this wild herb.

2. THE CHEF QUESTION
What is in your refrigerator at home?
Always a bottle of Champagne! I am honest, there is not so much in my fridge, as I buy almost all products fresh. But in addition I have always cheese, homemade
raspberry-marmalade, veal demi-glace from Williams-Sonoma and some basic stuff.

3. THE WINE AND FOOD QUESTION
What is the strangest pairing you have tried that worked?
A game dish with chocolate sauce.

4. THE TOPICAL QUESTION
Wine forums: great place for wine information and discussion, or just a place to boast about what you’ve tasted?
www.wein-plus.de
www.wineloverspage.com
www.wine-pages.com
www.erobertparker.com

[*winemonger note: we take from Martin's response that you will have to decide for yourself*]

5. THE DESERTED ISLAND QUESTION
You are on a deserted island. What two varietals do you plant?
Riesling and Pinot Noir