Great Steak Challenge

It's hard to find a better pairing than steak with red wine. The better prepared a steak is, the more you want a glass of red wine to go with it.

Beringer is taking advantage of people's love of steak and red wine to launch the Great Steak Challenge. If you have a steak recipe you are really proud of submit it and you could win $15,000!

What I really like about this contest is they are judging on three things: taste, wine pairing and simplicity. A good steak should not be complicated, a few spices to bring out the natural flavors is all it takes to make a great steak!

They will holding cook-offs all over the country, including the DC area. As soon as the location for the DC cook-off is announced I will let you all know.

Win 3 Nights at TorreBarolo

Megan, who owns the TorreBarolo, in the Piedmont region of Italy, let me know about a contest she is running. Details are here, but the contest is pretty simple: become a fan of the property on Facebook between now and January 31st. On February 1st, she'll pick someone to win a 3 night stay at the property.

The property is located in the Langhe Valley, which is famous for its Barolo and, based on the pictures, it is absolutely beautiful.

Note: According to the rules, the stay must occur between February 5th and March 31st.