Let's just say I know the south suburbs of Chicago like the back of my hand and when nice p.r. people for California wineries offer to send me samples of Joseph Phelps Insignia, I don't say "Gawd, no." Twenty years ago, I was writing (and publishing! huzzah!) deeply serious things for Commentary, First Things, and American Heritage. Remember the article damning Dr. Seuss as the most overrated children's book author ev-ah? That was me.
Now I do food, wine, beer, and cocktails. And I publish myself. Huzzah.