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STOP THE MADNESS… When I woke up for the first time this morning, at about 2am, I thought about starting to write this, getting a jump on the deadline I’d be facing later on, knowing full well that by the time I went back to sleep, then reawoke (is that a word?), I’d really be up against it. Naturally, I opted for getting backed as far into the corner of time as possible before I pulled the trigger on this cannon…er, peashooter.

I’m glad I waited, because at 2am I was well into my second 24-hour stint with Rick James’ “Superfreak” banging away inside my head (I hope mentioning this doesn’t bring it back) so there was no telling what might have leaked onto this page…the kind you don’t take home to Mother.

At this moment, I’m experiencing one of those rare time segments when there is no song going in my mind, or wherever it is that those infernal internal songs play. There is almost never any rhyme or reason to which song at what time (uh oh, Rick’s sneaking back in). I’ve tried meditation a few times, but I keep getting caught up chasing one thought or another, then the next thing you know, I’m off doing the “Superfreak” somewhere in my mind’s disco, and Swami’s out back selling flowers to the folks lined up to get inside—know what I mean?

WINE KINGS… I ran into my man DOUG “EL GRANDE” AHLSTRAND the other day. He’s one of the poobahs at Frank-Lyn distributors. He was out showing my old pal ADAM LAZARRE’s new label, aptly named LaZarre. Adam just came out with a stunning Pinot from the Bien Nacido Vineyard that is catching the Pinot lovers by the short hairs (that’s for you Adam) and turning on everybody. The bad thing is he only made 300 cases, 200 of which are being sold out of state, so it’s hard to come by. It’s around here in a few places like Passionfish and maybe Rancho Cellars, but be on the lookout for this and other offerings from this hot new brand. Doug was telling me that Adam was chosen by the Chronicle as one of the five hottest winemakers in the country. Hey, dude, congrats big time.

While we’re on the subject, PETER “RODIN” HIERS was showing me his catalog (he’s got his own wine brokering business) of small producers and pointing out all the really cool local guys like FRANK JOYCE at Chateau Christina; ERIC LAUMANN of Cambiata; who’s doing stuff like Monterey County Albariño (Spanish varietal) and Tannat (usually found in Uruguay); MARK CHESEBRO with his Chesebro label—how about a Rousanne, Sauv Blanc, Vermentino blend; of course the great stuff coming from up on the Chalone Mountain by Graff Family Vineyards—DAN KARLSEN has been making those wines, plus expects his own label out shortly. Don’t forget the wonderful wines from Miura Vineyards, where Master Sommelier EMMANUEL KEMIJI, who has ties to this area via his girlfriend, Tomato Festival Queen TRACY GRIFFITH, step-daughter to the Lodge’s DARYL GRIFFITH (whew), has been knocking wine fans out for a number of years now. Oh yeah, the Pelerin Wines from CHRIS WEIDEMANN are rocking as well. Look for these local beauties wherever fine wines are sold.

BEST FOR LAST… Don’t delay. Only a few days left to get on whatever events aren’t sold out of what will be the last Masters of Food and Wine at Highlands Inn. This is the 21st year, it’s finally old enough to drink, and off it’s going for a world tour. Meanwhile, this last one is packed with amazing tastings, lunches, dinners and seminars and will go down as one of the best Masters ever assembled. Vertical tastings by Dal Forno Romano, Chateau Palmer, DRC La Tache, Penfolds Grange and elite wines, Chateau Haut-Brion Blanc (my personal favorite), Opus One. Add an insane rarities dinner, a few Michelin three-star chefs, plus other titans from around the culinary world and it all adds up to a 21-gun farewell salute to one of the top local events we assumed we’d always have with us. Thanks to all the folks from all the Masters past for all the energy and love that has gone into that event. We’re gonna miss you big.

SOMEBODY’S GOTTA DO IT… CHRIS NELSON, aka the Beer Geek, a local beer expert and Web site designer, is up for a great gig with Four Points by Sheraton. He applied for the newly created position of “Chief Beer Officer” (man, what a great title). He had to make a video essay on why he deserved to be the man and send it to New York, where they picked 15 finalists from thousands submitted. He is one. They will be determining a final four soon, so put some positive mojo out in the universe all you local beer lovers so our guy gets the gig. When they get to the four, people will be able to vote online. Check out his stuff at thebeergeek.com. Go Chris.