Hey you full-bodied Backers!

Pardon my French, but we're heavy under its influence these days, especially our appétits. Croquettes, little fried things stuffed with other things, aren't easy to ruin, but will Josh find a way? Or will it be a révolution de la cuisine?

Speaking of French influence, we're tipping our flutes to Kawakami Zenbei, not only the Father of Japanese wine, but a plucky horticulturist who designed Japan's first snow cellar (yukimuro) to keep his grapes cool in the blistering summers. His delicious creation, Muscat Bailey A, can be sampled (or guzzled) at his founding winery Iwanohara located in Joetsu.

Pop the cork on this one and call your favorite Uber driver!

À votre santé!

Josh