Holiday Markets in Europe: Zurich, Switzerland
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In wonderful Zurich Switzerland, there is a Christmas market to suit every taste in holiday spirit, festive foods, mulled wines, pretty gifts, and Christmas entertainment.
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Wine Tasting Bordeaux Style, Part One
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When I first made my way to Bordeaux in Southwestern France, I drove in from Barcelona, Spain. I sped west toward along the fantastic superhighway that stretches across southern France. My little Citroën soon entered the Bordeaux region via small roads cutting through the wine fields of Saint-Émilion.
Grapes!
I was enveloped immediately by ripe grape aromas and an earthy smell that hinted at dark soil, freshly mowed grass, and fermenting juices. As I passed by wine château (estates) and the local rivers that bring a palpable moistness to the area, it felt like ripe molecules were practically seeping into my pores. This is one of the most famous wine regions in the world to visit. And it does not disappoint, especially when you get to sample the liquid delights of a region that produces some of the most famous wines on the planet.
Read MoreEnchanting Bordeaux: The Paris of Southwestern France
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The lush Bordeaux region sits regally on the edge of the Atlantic in southwestern France. The city of Bordeaux (same name) has a rich history and an even richer present as the gateway to one of the most fabled wine regions of France.
This area, known as the Aquitaine. was a medieval political focal point as one of the largest regions of France helmed not by a king, but a powerful woman: Eleanor of Aquitaine. Bordeaux city served as her power seat when she married young Henry II. Soon the two reined over a French/English kingdom famed as much for courtly love, as cruelty and bloodshed (see The Lion in Winter movie, a real-life royal struggle that paved the way for the likes of Game of Thrones).
Read MoreSaint-Cirq-Lapopie: A Medieval Gem in the French Dordogne
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Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is a tiny village, population 220, in the Lot Department in southern France. This tiny hamlet is perched 400’ above the River Lot on a broad promontory overlooking a picturesque valley. Some years ago it was voted the #1 Most Beautiful Village in France. Consequently it sees a lot of tourists—so arrive early in the morning if you want to avoid the crowds!
Read MoreSonoma Wine Country Offers Some Gems
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Just 45 minutes north of San Francisco lies Sonoma Wine country, one of the trendiest grape-growing enclaves in Northern California. Many know Napa with its famed vintners and Micheline-starred restaurants. But Sonoma is its more rustic—and more accessible—cousin over the hill, home to more than 425 wineries ranging from rustic to regal.
Read MoreJuicy Food Photography--Does it Make you Want to Take a Big, Delectable Bite?
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Photographing food can be a tricky process, although certainly a delicious one. The shot above was taken in real time, in a real dining setting where no special lighting was used. At times like this, we feel a shot from above helps focus on the food, rather than the surroundings. (Sometimes an I-Phone’s special settings help with focusing. But if your real-deal camera is available with high-powered settings, it could even be more dramatic.) Our Moto: if you can’t resist it, shoot it!
Read MoreIn Praise of Fondue
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The Swiss are famous for fondue. While fondue is an apparently simple dish of melted cheese, there is much more to this gooey, chewy, melt-in-your mouth concoction that, when dripping off a bit of crusty bread or a delicate new potato, can bring tears of joy to your eyes—and fireworks to your mouth.
Read MoreRestaurant review: Great Maple 👍👍👍👍
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Fashion Island in Orange County California has a great variety of restaurants and eateries. One of our recommendations however is Great Maple. For fun cuisine, mind-blowing desserts, and all-around amazing beverages, it’s one of our favs—especially after an arduous day of shopping.
Read MoreChampagne: How to Add More Bubbles to Your Life→
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Did you know the heart of bubbly France is less than two hours from Paris by train or car? Arrive at the airport in the morning and you could be sipping a glass of Taittinger champagne for lunch along with your lobster salad or brie en croute.
Read MoreThe Dordogne Valley
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There’s a fertile, ancient enclave in Southern France brimming with medieval castles, pretty vineyards, and a prehistoric history that offers some of the first glimpses of man. It’s called the Dordogne Valley. It lies in central France just east of Bordeaux at the western coast. The Dordogne River flows west toward the sea from Dordogne Valley. It’s carved a marvelous broad valley of rich farmland that produces some the best vegetables, fruits, nuts, seafood and goose-based products like foie gras and pâté on the planet.
Read MoreCalifornia Wine Tasting
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It’s a proven fact—at least according to our taste buds—that wine tasted at the vineyard source seems richer than the same wine consumed at home or in a restaurant. This is probably a situational prejudice that has to do with vineyard eye candy, wine bouquet aromas, and conviviality of the experience. If we admit it, we love to taste most ANY wine at the source because it makes such a delicious memory.
Read MoreMouth-Watering Desserts
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Dessert-crafting is an art practiced throughout much of the world. And we never turn down the opportunity to sample these delicacies no matter where we land! Herein are some of our favorite treats.
Read MoreWorld-Class Cuisine
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We’ve eaten high…and low…in our travels around the planet. Most expensive meal? La Tour D’Argent in Paris, where Louis XIV dined. Cost: more than a typical house payment. Least expensive meal? Also in Paris at a sidewalk Crepe vendor who make us dinner for xx euros a piece. Here are some of our most memorable dishes.
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