SueDenim & PurpleCat - of course, to each their own. I mean no disrespect. I just think how much my personal thoughts about this has changed.
No more than five years ago, I use to work with wine vendors to host "pairing nights" at a local, upscale eatery. I'd mingle with the diners at the bar, choosing who should sit with whom at outdoor, lakeside tables. Then the chef would describe each course, and I would describe the wine. It was all good clean fun. Lots of laughter. Absolutely nothing wrong with that
Still when I think back, there was an awful lot of bullsh*t too. kwim?
The chef was an alcoholic who had to steady his nerves with straight vodka in order to speak in public, and I was "paid" with cases of the wines featured . . . which I would immediately drink. Gwad . . . what was I thinking?!