If Pink is the new Black, then Cheese is the new Wine, and Sommeliers will have to make room for Affineurs*. And if you don’t know what an Affineur is, then Sara Vivenzio’s The Cheese School of San Francisco will make the perfect alma mater. I don’t think I’ve ever taken more notes or learned…
Ever since Ferran Adrià from El Bulli hit the scene, Spanish Food & Wine has been HOT HOT HOT- without any signs of a cool-down in the near future. Which is why I was looking forward to attending a trade seminar and tasting “The Spanish Market Now: Trends and Opportunities” presented by Karen Macneil, one…
Here are the six wines that Karen Macneil felt best exhibited the new trends in Spanish Wines. 1. Vionta Albarino 2006, D.O. Rias Baixas This hot grape makes the perfect crossover white wine since it pairs beautifully with California cuisine, Italian food or most any fish dish. Bright, crisp and brimming with energy-a good pick…
Brooklyn Rocks! I know you think that’s a punchline for a joke, but really — the borough is loaded with trendy artists, designer boutiques and some sooper restaurants thrown into the mix. Just a short 30-minute train ride from Manhattan brings you to a myriad of Brooklyn hoods.. with great names like Willyburg, ( Williamsburg),…
Great Deal, So No Whining! If you’ve visited the Napa/Sonoma wine country lately, you’ve probably noticed that most of the wineries are now charging (sometimes hefty) tasting fees to try their wines, often standing elbow to elbow with a bus load of tourists, all jockeying for position. In scenic Healdsburg, the Mayo Family Winery has…
Is “Arkansas Upscale Travel” An Oxymoron? When I first found out that the North American Travel Journalists Association Convention was being held in Little Rock, Arkansas, I was less than thrilled — if I may write frankly. Since I cover “luxury” travel, I thought that there would be slim story pickings here. Which just goes…
Arkansas, Part 2: Deep-Fried Dill Pickles! This is a classic example of “Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it,” cuz these fatty lil’ suckers sure go great with a cold one! But if you’re looking for something a little more refined, then my favorite Little Rock dinner was at Cajun’s Wharf. It makes the perfect…