pebble beach

The state of the economy has devastated many industries but what about food. Can the restaurant business survive this recession?

At last weeks Pebble Beach Food and Wine Festival sponsored by American Express, French Chef and TV personality Jacques Pepin told me that while the food business is doing fine now it the time for more people to learn their way around a kitchen.

"I think the business of food is as great if not greater than it has ever been even with the recession. Actually it may be a catalyst for people to cook even their own stuff, or do a little gardening or cook at home and this is less expensive than any restuarant."

His daughter Claudine Pepin is also a chef and says one thing her father forgets is that business depends on talent.  read more »

Despite the bad economy there are some good deal to be found, is you are willing to take a taste.

This weekend more than six hundred and thirteen lots of fine wine are up for auction at Christie's Auction House in New York. Wine consultants everywhere are calling this the best time for collectors because of the deals available, and the lower prices are bringing out the buyers. Last Saturday's Sotheby's auction brought in $2.9 million dollars, way above the presale estimate of $1.8 million. Consultant Judy Beardsall says fine wine is a great long term investment. Beardsall says wine collecting is a lot like gardening and now is a great time to turn over the soil and lay down some stock.  read more »