Winter Chow 2005 What better way to chase away winter's damp chill than sharing fine food and wine with friends? Here in the Southern Willamette Valley we're surrounded by some of the finest grape growers in Oregon. Our local Pinot Noirs rival the best in the country and our Pinot Gris is making a name for itself nationwide as well. Aged wine enthusiasts will appreciate Lance Sparks' top local picks, while wine newcomers will laugh as our intern Christine Mathias tells of her journey deep into our valley's wine country. But hey, Chow! is supposed to be about food, and we haven't forgotten that. Editor Melissa Bearns went searching for the perfect slice of pizza and rated three of the best. Writer Vanessa Salvia visited Laughing Planet to find out how their fabulous food-on-the-go has grabbed Eugene by the tastebuds. And we visited Ta Ra Rin to give you the scoop on one of Eugene's yummy Thai restaurants. So get out there, pour a glass and have some fun. -MELISSA BEARNS