Beef Braised with Pears and Champagne

Name: Beef Braised with Pears and Champagne
Ingredients: 2 pounds chuck cut in one large chunk, tied; 3 tablespoons safflower oil; 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped; 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped; 2 stalks celery (the young, white part) finely chopped; 4 firm but ripe pears, peeled, cored and cut into chunks; a bouquet garni containing 1 bay leaf, 6 white peppercorns and 12 crushed cardamom pods; 3 cups champagne (Gruet Sparkling from New Mexico is tasty and inexpensive.); 1 cup concentrated brown stock; sea salt to taste