Wine and Spirits Travel

Relaxing in Maho Beach, St. Martin

2012-02-21T11:44:00.002-06:00

It is very rare that I am traveling and have a totally free day. Quite honestly, I woke up totally baffled about what to do. Then I remembered that I was on the Caribbean island of St. Martin and the fact that the internet wasn’t working very well and I had nothing scheduled might not be bad at all.

The weather seemed to be about the same each day of my trip – partly sunny in the 70s with a little bit of rain at some point. I went to the buffet at the Sonesta St.Maarten Ocean Terrace Restaurant for an egg white omelet filled with veggies, saving my calories for the scrumptious croissants. I then headed out to explore the large property before heading downtown.

The hotel is directly in the center of Maho, a small town filled with stores, restaurants, clubs, a market and even a Häagen-Dazs ice cream shop. I walked around a bit exploring, though nothing really caught my eye worth a stop. I went back to the Sonesta for lunch at the Palms Grill Restaurant. It’s set outside overlooking the beach. I enjoyed the peaceful setting (and a turkey club sandwich) before hitting a lounge chair for some reading.

I am not very good at sitting still for too long (unless I'm at a computer), so I walked along the beach a bit and enjoyed the sunshine and turquoise water. I spent a little time at the pool and had a drink at the swim-up bar, however, the water was just too cold to swim. (Note to all Caribbean hotels: adding cold water to the pool is great when it's 90, but not so great when it's 75.) There was only one thing left to do – take advantage of the invitation I received to go to the spa.

The Serenity Spa at the Sonesta Maho is just a few months old so everything is brand new. They carry a number of impressive beauty lines, including Sothy’s Paris nourishing body elixirs and moisturizers. I loved the selection, especially vanilla cinnamon, orange & cedar, cherry blossom. They also have a number of Aromatloria products for scrubs and body polishes that relieve muscle aches and stress.

My stress was non-existent as Spa Manager Jardin told me about the products and treatments here, all to get guests in the vacation mood and keep them in that frame of mind. I was already in the relaxation mood, but it went one step further after a perfect massage from Leo.

I couldn’t believe how late it was when I left the spa. (Where does the day go when you are basically doing nothing?) I quickly changed for dinner and walked down to The Point, Sonesta Maho's fine dining restaurant.

I was told there was a bit of a wait for the restaurant, so I sat at the bar and enjoyed a glass of wine and the live music that they have at the hotel each evening. Before I even finished my glass I was shown to my table. I was a bit worried that the menu was too filled with fish for me to find something to eat, but they were very accommodating and started me with an antipasto plate, made without anchovies just for me.

For a main course, I enjoyed the Gnocchi with a tomato eggplant sauce that was creamy without being too rich. I had a tasty Banana Flambe (actually mousse-like) for dessert with a latte and decided to head downtown to see what was going on at the clubs.

It was still a bit early for the clubs to get going so I started at the Casino across the street. I managed to keep $10 going on a slot machine for an hour before heading next door to Cheri’s Café. It was a karaoke night and the crowd was growing, but I was getting a bit bleary eyed and decided it was time to turn in. I had a really big day coming up as I was asked to come down to Island 92 Radio and speak on the air. It was something I was excited about and I was equally anxious to check out the area down at St. Martin’s Simpson Bay.

Leaving the Group for More St. Martin

2012-02-17T18:19:00.000-06:00

It was my final day at the Westin St. Maarten and my final day with my fellow journalists, but I still had time left on this beautiful island. I was just leaving Dawn Beach for Maho Beach.

I got up early to pack and I took one final walk along the beach at the Westin before joining my new friends for breakfast. The hotel’s executive chef, Robert Reed, came by to meet us all and we told him how much we had enjoyed our dinner at Aura Restaurant before dispersing to pick up our belongings and get ready to leave.

We all piled into the van for the last time and took the scenic road down the mountain to Maho Beach. It was there we met Marla of the St. Maarten Tourism Board (the Dutch side) at the Sunset Bar & Grill. This place is party central for St. Martin for a number of reasons. First, it is literally right on a beautiful white sand beach, with aqua water. Second, it is also at the beginning of an airport runway, which means the planes fly directly over your head just before they land!

They have a big menu, but we all decided on pizza. Our selection of pizzas were delicious and we washed them down with some Caribbean style drinks. I started with a Bahama Mama (Bacardi Light Rum, Bacardi Coco Rum, fruit punch and pineapple) and finished with a Pink Paradise (Bacardi Coco, Amaretto, cranberry juice and pineapple juice). We laughed and enjoyed each other’s company one final time, before they took off for the airport and I headed to the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort.

I was supposed to have a friend with me for the next few days, but it didn’t work out. I was on my own and I settled in my Sunset Suite, which included two balconies, a full kitchen, living room, separate bedroom and large bathroom with a Jacuzzi. It could have used a bit of remodeling, but it was more than spacious for me to enjoy for the rest of my St. Martin stay.

The Sonesta Maho Beach was also going through some management changes and I listened to the General Manager Armando Pizzuti tell me about plans to expand the all-inclusive service to include more activities, room service and restaurant options. The one thing they definitely didn’t need to approve was location. The hotel had this great beach on one side and the nightlife and shopping of Maho on the other.

I explored the grounds a bit, but it had been a long day after an extremely long week. I decided to have dinner at the Ocean Terrace Restaurant, where there was an Italian buffet. I only had a half a glass of wine and a small plate of dinner before finally succumbing to fatigue. I had a full day ahead of me to enjoy Maho Beach and there was no reason to rush to it.

Yachts, Fine Dining and a Luxury Farm in St. Martin

2012-02-14T14:12:00.000-06:00

I have been discovering that St. Martin has a lot of different faces. I got to see it all, from the budget to the luxurious, as we spent most of the day in Phillipsburg.

The first thing on the agenda was the 12 Meter Challenge. This yacht race had sounded really exciting, but my stomach was still a bit queasy and I was told that once I got on it would be four hours before I could get off. I bid the group goodbye and wished them luck, and decided to spend my free time exploring downtown Phillipsburg.

We had come into Phillipsburg the previous two days, but from the other side where all the stores and buildings were. This time I entered through the boardwalk, which had not yet been built on my last visit to St. Martin. In was an amazing array of market booths, shops and restaurants – all bordering on miles of beautiful beach.

I picked up a few bargain sundresses and bought a pair of silver earrings for my daughter, Sam. I also stopped for a while and admired the sea, with some of the bluest water I had ever seen. I was afraid to eat too much, but I found a cute bakery and enjoyed some tea and a croissant. I didn’t realize just how far I had walked until I saw the pier about 10 blocks away. It was a beautiful day and I enjoyed the walk back there where I was to meet the group for lunch at the Greenhouse Restaurant.

Everyone in the group was excited when they met me at the restaurant as they had won the yacht race. I made a mental note that it was definitely something I should do next time I was back here. I was feeling a bit better and enjoyed a grilled chicken sandwich while Marla from the St. Maarten Tourism Board told us about Johnny Cakes, the only food she felt was truly native to the country. We had a hard time figuring out just what it was so the Greenhouse kitchen made some for us. I felt it was a combination of a biscuit and a zeppole (without the sugar) and we all really enjoyed them.

After lunch we took a long ride up to Loterie Farm on the French side. I had no idea what to expect here as I knew they had a bar, restaurant, pool, hiking, ziplining, a bar and a restaurant, yet it was referred to as a “farm.” It turned out the term came from the fact that it used to be a sugar plantation and the current state was much more about luxury.

We wondered through the beautifully landscaped grounds and up into the treehouses that served as lounges and eateries. It was just magnificent and I think we all wished this had been a day long outing. The pool had a lovely stone floor and was surrounded by comfortable lounges and cabanas. It was tough to leave, but we only had enough time to get back to the Westin Dawn Beach St. Maarten and change for our very special final dinner.

The restaurant we went to is Rare and its Chef Dino Jagtiani also has the restaurant Temptation next door. Both have received accolades throughout the Caribbean. Personally, I preferred the menu from Temptation since I can’t eat fish and like to keep my meat consumption down, but we were lucky enough to be able to sample from both menus.

We started with some appetizers and while they were all good, the standouts were definitely the Warm Goat Cheese Bonbons with red wine, poached pears and pecans, and the Seared Foie Gras with Sauterne, poached with apricots. The Bruschetta sampler is also a treat, with combinations like chickpea-sweet potato and eggplant-Portobello.

I had the Homemade Spinach-Ricotta Ravioli. The ravioli were superb, but the cream sauce was a little heavy. Nothing, though, looked quite as heavy as Tricia’s Shrimp. They arrived hanging rather than on a plate, shocking us all!

Chef Dino visited with us for a while and told us how challenging it is to get fresh produce and herbs on the island compared to fish. He does his best to get good ingredients as locally as possible and it was certainly evident in the side dishes we devoured, from Spinach Au Gratin to Truffle Mashed Potatoes to a Macaroni & Cheese that someone referred to as the best they have ever had.

No one could decide which dessert to get so we got a punch and shared. The Crème Brulee with different toppings was smooth and just sweet enough and the Vanilla Panna Cotta with Churros was great. I wasn’t quite sure about the Lava Cake with Pop Rocks, but it seemed to be a hit.

We got back to the Westin around 1:00 am and I was asleep quickly. There was one more day left with the group and I wanted to be ready for it.

St. Martin Paradise Despite a Bit of Turbulence

2012-02-09T12:47:00.000-06:00

When I go on a press trip with other journalists, the details are usually planned out between the tourist board and public relations agency so the trip is smooth sailing. Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Even in paradise, the seas can be rough – soliterally and figuratively.

We met for an early breakfast at the Ocean Restaurant of the Westin St. Maarten hotel. It was looking a little cloudy out, but we didn’t expect any real rain for our snorkeling trip so we headed out in the van to the pier a few miles away.

The trip sounded like it would be an exciting one, four hours with stops at various small beaches. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it that far. The sea was extremely rough and as soon as we hit a swell that was about six feet coming over the boat, we were ready to head back.

Every cloud has a silver lining and the positive side to missing the boat ride was that we had a few hours with nothing scheduled. That meant a rarity in the press trip world – lying around by the pool and enjoying the free time. It was really nice to relax in the hot sun and I even got to do something I don’t do enough of, read a book (A Million Little Pieces).

Before heading up to change I took a little stroll by the beach. Dawn Beach, where the Westin is located, is quite beautiful. While it was quite nice to see the waves crashing on the shore as I walked by, I was glad I wasn’t back out on the boat experiencing them.

Lunch was nearby at Mr. Busby’s Beach Bar. The restaurant was literally on the beach, with a thatched roof and almost a Hawaiian feel. We were told that the place transforms at night into Daniel’s, an Italian restaurant complete with red and white tablecloths and low lighting.

There was something very relaxing about having the sand and turquoise water right next to you that made the day even more leisurely. I have spent most of my life allergic to seafood and used to it, but found myself a bit jealous here when I was the only one not eating the grilled shrimp.

After lunch, most of the group went back to the hotel, but Julia and I decided to head down to Phillipsburg to do a little shopping. It was a quick trip as I came down with a stomach bug and headed back to the hotel within the hour.

I was stilling feeling a bit queasy at dinner time and decided to skip the evening outing. I heard that dinner – and especially the drag show – at L’Escargot was great. I knew that I still had four more days to enjoy St. Martin and felt confident that the road would get a bit less bumpy than it had been on this day.

Touring and Tasting in St Martin

2012-02-05T13:39:00.000-06:00

It was my first full day in St. Martin and it was packed full of activity. The tourism board for the Dutch side wanted to make sure that we had a good look at all of the island.

I started with a good night’s sleep and a great healthy breakfast from the buffet at the Westin Dawn Beach. I sat outside at the Ocean Restaurant to get my first glimpse of the Caribbean Sea before the rest of the group of journalists came down and we piled into the van.

We took a scenic ride to Orient Beach on the French side. It was one of the most beautiful Caribbean beaches I have seen and also includes a nude side for those who are so inclined. We had about a half hour to gaze at the turquoise water and I enjoyed every moment of it (along with the near 80 degree weather).

We stayed on the French side for a while and got to walk around the town of Marigot, which included stores, French style cafes, and a great market. The market went for miles and sold jewelry, clothes and even a selection of native spices. Also in Marigot is the ferry that can take you right over to the islands of Anguilla and St. Barth for a day trip.

On the way back to the Dutch side – an easy transition since there is no patrolled border – we drove through the picturesque town of Grand Case, followed by a quick look at Porto Cupecoy. This new development houses the only Dior Spa in the Caribbean and will soon include a large mall filled with designer stores.

Lunch was in the Simpson Bay area at a local place called Clo’s Hot Spot. We had a choice of Honey Barbecue Chicken, Seafood or Goat. I enjoyed the chicken with some Passion Fruit Juice while Chef “Berdy” Charles told us about the island he has made home and how it differs from his native St. Lucia.

After lunch we went to the center city of St. Martin, Phillipsburg. The streets were lined with stores (mostly fine jewelry), but we only made one stop. It was the Guavaberry Emporium that I had been looking forward to all day. I had heard a lot about this spirit and how it had led to a variety of flavors that people came from all over to purchase.

I was able to taste the Guavaberry products, all of which are rum based. The distillery is actually in the back of the shop and uses fruit that comes mostly from Dominica. Deita, who came to the island from New Jersey 30 years ago, led us through the tasting.

The original Guavaberry rum is slightly sweet and very flavorful. It is often used on the island in a Guavaberry Colada, a delicious version of the Pina Colada. The Passion Fruit and Lime Flavors were alright, but the Mango, Orange and Almond were really great. Although I didn’t like the Vanilla that much on their own, Dieta pointed out how delicious it is for baking, with a truer flavor than vanilla extract.

The Guavaberry Emporium also makes Republic Rum in five year old and eight year old versions. It’s a much different taste from rum I am used to.

After the tour, one of the other journalists and I went to the Hibiscus Spa back at the Westin. I enjoyed the steam room before heading into one of the nicest relaxation rooms I have seen at a spa. It was huge and had plenty of teas, water and fruit. There was also a menu of light fare if you wanted to spend more time there. I had an excellent body massage with Donna and really appreciated the finish with a eucalyptus facial massage.

I had a little bit of time to relax before dinner at Westin’s Aura Restaurant. At first I was concerned that there wasn’t much for me to eat with the heavy seafood menu, but it turned out that I had more than enough. While the group devoured the Shrimp Cocktails, Tuna and Crab cakes, I enjoyed an Onion Soup Au Gratin (with a Bertrania Sauvignon Blanc-Pinot Grigio blend).

The Pork Chops were pretty good, but it was the side dishes that we all raved about. The Potatoes Au Gratin, Asparagus Hollandaise and Truffle Macaroni and Cheese were all so good that we ordered more. We were all so full that we hardly touched the desserts.

We ended the evening with a bottle of Prosecco as we met a group from New Jersey who had come down for the week. We couldn’t stay out late, though, because we had another busy day in St. Martin ahead of us.

Welcome to St Maarten, or is it Saint Martin?

2012-01-31T12:17:00.001-06:00

It has been many years since I stepped foot on the island of St. Martin (the common spelling I will be using to keep things simple). I spent the day here while on a cruise around the Caribbean. I vividly remember it being my favorite island on the trip.

From the colorful cobblestone streets on the Dutch side (St. Maarten) to the unique European-style buildings on the French half (Saint Martin), I had been impressed with the beauty of the towns and the beaches. I remember strolling the streets and doing some jewelry shopping, as well as relaxing on the soft sand with a cool drink.

A lot can change in twenty plus years and I was prepared for that when I decided to take this trip with the tourism board on the Dutch side. I actually hadn’t done any Caribbean trips since Punta Cana in 2010 and it seemed like the perfect island with lots of restaurants and home grown spirits.

It had been a long day of three flights and I was ready to get to the hotel, where Trish, our escort from KTC Public Relations, and my fellow journalists had already started dinner. As my driver took me in the van up the winding road to the Westin Dawn Beach St. Maarten, I noticed the change in the island since my last visit. Despite the downfall in the economy, it had submerged full of cars

It seemed as if everyone on the island and visiting the island now had a vehicle and the roads almost looked city like. On the other hand, there were positive signs from this transformation. New restaurants, shopping areas and hotels were everywhere, giving the island more variety for its visitors. While there was a small part of me that wanted to see the old St. Martin, I knew this one would be a lot more interesting.

The only hotel I was interested in at the end of this long day was the one I was staying in. The the Westin is basically on top of a hill, yet it boasts a spectacular beach. When we arrived I was anxious to go straight to the Ocean restaurant.

Everyone had already finished eating by the time I arrived. It was quite late and I understood that they were anxious to retire. Tricia stayed with me while I ordered a light meal of a goat cheese and tomato salad. I also had my first taste of guavaberry in a Guavaberry Colada. It was the spirit of the island and I was sure I would be tasting a lot more of it.

I was able to see that the Westin hotel (complete with a casino in the lobby) was very large and I was more than satisfied with my room -- and the view. It was the bed, however, I was really anxious to hit. I was ready to recover from the day of travel and get ready for my first chance to explore St. Martin in nearly three decades.

A Day Filled with Columbus Food and Spirits

2012-01-27T19:01:00.004-06:00

After my morning tasting and exploring the North Market, I met Amy Weirick, who works with Experience Columbus. She put together a full day and it started at The Candle Lab in the city’s Short North section. We had time to mix our favorite fragrances into a candle (I choose hot chocolate and marshmallow), and do a little downtown shopping before heading off to lunch.

We ate in the German Village, one of the many diverse neighborhoods in this Ohio city. Among the Cobblestone streets and brick houses was Lindey’s, a popular restaurant that was filled to the brim on this weekday. Amy ordered the Tuna Tartar, a favorite of hers, and I enjoyed a Spinach Quiche, that was very good with a hint of bacon.

We stayed in the area a bit longer to head over to Pistacia Vera, which means true pistachio in Latin. You will find some pistachio items here, but the focus is all French. Like my favorite stops in Paris, there are macaroons that melt in your mouth, airy croissants and a selection of tasty treats. (In a tribute to the neighborhood, they even have a German Chocolate Cake.)

Anne Fletcher, who owns the dessert boutique with baker husband Spencer, took us through the kitchen, where the smells of sweets permeated the air and we saw the fine ingredients from around the world.

I will definitely have to make a trip back there someday to also sample their brunch treats, such as Baked Eggs with cream and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese in a tomato fondue.

We left the Columbus food scene for a while to tour some of the top spirits made in city, beginning with Watershed Distillery. Greg Lehman, who started the distillery with partner Dave Rigo in 2010, took me through what goes into their vodka and gin.

As a gin drinker, I’m very familiar with the benefit of herbs in spirits, but the attention to that detail is one of the things that makes the Watershed Gin so good. It includes juniper, cinnamon, allspice, citrus peels, lemon, lime, orange and coriander, and all of those herbs are front and center for you to see before you taste.

The Watershed Vodka is made from only corn and distilled four times to 80 proof. I found it to be smooth and sweet, and I loved the unusual profile. I also love how they have utilized this space to delicately produce these spirits in small batches, keeping tight control on the quality.

The next stop was Middle West Spirits, where Ryan Lang was ready to tell us all about his spirits and how they built this fairly large facility “for production and to educate people.” Tours are encouraged as much as the tastings because the process is an important part of the Middle West products made by Ryan and partner Brady Konya.

A lot of detail goes into the making of the Oyo spirits with top-notch equipment, local ingredients, and lots of direction by this micro distillery’s owners. The Oyo Vodka is unfiltered and goes through 34 distillations.

The Honey Vanilla Bean is very light, with an opening mouthful of wildflower and a vanilla finish. While you don’t really taste the honey, Ryan says that’s what brings out the floral notes.

The can’t miss spirit here is the Oyo Stone Fruit Vodka, a start of cherries and apricot which bursts into just about every fruit you’ve ever tasted, and ends with a bit of a nutty flavor. The Whiskey is made from red winter wheat and is full of caramel and vanilla, without tasting as potent as its 80 proof.

Our final spirits stop was very different than the previous two. Brother’s Drake Meadery is more of a bar than a distillery with a tasting room, but it actually serves all those purposes. Mead is made from honey and is referred to as more wine than spirit. Since 2007, the brothers Drake have used hundreds of different honeys and local ingredients to put together a collection of meads that is rather impressive.

While I’m not usually a big fan of mead, I did find a few that I really enjoyed. The Bergamot Blue is blueberry and takes advantage of the fruit’s slightly tart flavor to keep the sweetness down. The Apple Pie is very cider-like and quite good. The Pillow Talk uses lavender for an interesting flavor that is rather smooth and not very sweet.

From the meadery we went to the eatery, and one of the most well-known in Columbus, Ohio. I had heard nothing but praise for Basi Italia and I couldn’t wait to taste the creations of Chef John Dornback. We got to hear all about the ingredients (and love) found in these walls by the chef’s wife and co-partner, Trish, who joined us for dinner.

Trish and John had met in Cleveland and were married in 2002. A year later they began Basi Italia and the raves just kept coming. I was impressed from the start with the Gorgonzola/Parmesan Biscotti. We then nibbled on a scrumptious Duck Flatbread with caramelized fig-onion jam, fresh spinach and fontina cheese, as well as a yummy Zucchini Pronto, with toasted almonds and pecorino cheese.

A La Massa Sangiovese was perfect to get me in the Italiano mood, and the Fennel & Root Vegetable Cream Soup was excellent. Everyone's food looked delicious, but I had no problem with what I ordered.

My main course of Sweet Potato Gnocchi with roasted mushrooms and arugula in pesto was a great mix of flavors and I barely had room for the chocolate filled dessert (but I was really glad I squeezed in a taste).

The dinner was my final experience in Columbus – at least for this trip. I was happily surprised to find out about all the interesting food and drinks this city has added in the years since I had been there. I’m sure it won’t be another four years until I go back.

Fergie Partners with Voli

2012-01-22T15:31:00.000-06:00

Voli has been an advertiser of Wine And Spirits Travel ever since I met CEO Adam Kamenstein and discovered his delicious vodkas at the Food Network's South Beach Wine & Food Festival in 2010. The Vanilla Espresso is my absolute favorite, but I'm always ready to sip on any of these low calorie, electrolyte-induced vodkas, which include Raspberry Cocoa, Orange Vanilla and Lemon.

I am far from alone in touting the taste of Voli as the brand has become rather popular and has picked up some rather high profile fans. First, Pitbull became a partner in Voli and now six-time Grammy winner Fergie is the latest part owner of the brand.

"I'm excited about my new partnership with Voli Light Vodka, a company that understands the modern girl on the go,” said Fergie. “A fit and active lifestyle can now happily co-exist with a sexy night on the town with your girlfriends or your man."

The wheat-based low calorie vodkas of Voli made in Cognac, France, are now available throughout the U.S., Asia and Latin America, with expansion expected in 2012. For more information, visit their website.

First Tastes of Columbus

2012-01-19T07:50:00.000-06:00

It had been a few years since I spent any time in Columbus, Ohio. I had come each November to cover a tennis tournament every year, but never got to spend much time downtown. Since then, I had heard the city had welcomed a new food and drink scene and I was anxious to check it out.

After I left Rockmill Brewery, I went straight to the Hampton Inn and Suites Downtown to check in. I was met there by Scott Peacock, Public Relations Manager for Experience Columbus. Scott took me to M at Miranova, one of Cameron Mitchell’s restaurants, which is known for its drinks as much as its food.

We started the evening at the bar trying out some of those famous cocktails made by Cris Dehlavi, a mixologist extraordinaire who has brought her award winning skills to this restaurant for nearly a decade. Scott and I were joined by another local celebrity, Angela An. The local morning news anchor has an interest in food and drinks that brought her and her husband to develop Food Hop, a series of culinary and beverage tours.

Cris did not let us down when it came to mixing it up behind the bar. Her creations were both tasty and beautiful and included Black Orchid, with Belvedere Black Raspberry, St. Germain Elderflower, white cranberry and lemon juice, served over a frozen black orchid.

There was also Marquee, with Belvedere Cytrus, Cointreau Noir, agave nectar, blood orange puree and lemon juice, and a citrus-free creation made just for me with hibisucus syrup, Plymouth Gin, ginger liqueur and Veuve Clicquot Champagne (so many of my favorite liquids!).

We talked about the big foodie movement in Columbus and how the distilleries have joined in as we sampled a few of the appetizers at M. Scott and Angela raved about the Butter Poached King Crab while I relished the Kobe Beef Mini Burgers with Monterey jack cheese, caramelized onions and sea salt fries. It was the first meat I had in weeks and I was starting to appreciate it even more know that I was eating mostly vegetarian.

Angela had to get home (morning anchors have early morning wake-ups) and Scott and I continued to talk about all there was to do, see and eat in Columbus, where Cameron Mitchell is just one of the restaurateurs bringing in interesting eateries. For dinner we shared the Beer Short Ribs with glazed carrots and celery root puree, and the Veal Mignon, a braised veal cheek with an asiago crepe and shitake mushroom sauce. Both were great, but the Macaroni & Cheese with Tillamook cheddar and black truffles was phenomenal.

The dessert menu looked as good as the main one and it took a while before we narrowed it down to the Root Beer Float with warm chocolate chip cookies, root beer granite and chocolate syrup, and the Apple Pie, with warm apples, almond crumble, Apple Jack ice cream and cider caramel. They were perfect choices and we were both stuffed when we left.

Scott dropped me off at the hotel and I got a good night’s sleep. After the wonderful meal the night before I was in no rush for breakfast and took my time walking over to the North Market, located just behind to Hampton Inn in the Short North area. I was quite impressed with the selection of cheese, meats, fish, poultry, chocolates, breads, kitchen items and more. I learned a bit about the evolution of markets throughout Columbus in the early 20^th century, leading to this one now.

I wandered for a while, trying to decide what to try. The scent of waffles at Taste of Belgium beckoned me and I watched them turn one of the balls of dough into a delectable treat. Then there was Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream, where treats like Goat Cheese with Cognac Figs have garnered them a reputation even out of the Midwest. Before I left I also tasted one of the Bavarian pretzels at Brezel, and picked up a loaf of Sourdough bread (my daughter’s favorite) to .bring to New York with me from Omega Artisan Baking

In addition to everything you find in the 35 stalls, there is a Farmer’s Market here outside in the spring and cooking classes upstairs. The Columbus Dispatch also films a weekly segment from here.

I had to leave North Market because I had a full day ahead of me with lots of eating and drinking. I was excited to be visiting some of Columbus’ distilleries, but first I was heading over to meet my organizer for this trip, Amy Weirick, to make some candles.

Enjoying My First Beer at Rockmill Brewery

2012-01-13T17:56:00.000-06:00

In the fall, I had a great trip to the Inn at Cedar Falls in Hocking Hills, Ohio. During that trip I met Matthew Barbee of Rockmill Brewery. He came to the inn’s restaurant to have dinner with my friend Lisa and me, and to introduce us to his beer. Lisa loved it, but I didn’t drink any. The fact is, I hadn’t had any beer in about 30 years. I had wiped the beverage from my vocabulary after a bad experience.

While Matt understood about the fact that I wouldn’t drink beer, I began to question my position. Honestly, I had never thought much about it before. After all, it’s not like there aren’t thousands of types of wines and spirits for me to drink. But as I listened to him describe his beer, everything that goes into the small batches and how he pairs it with food and cheese, I thought that maybe I should reconsider.

This may seem like a trivial revelation to most, but it wasn’t to me. I had been the only breathing sole at the Great American Beer Festival who had not taken a sip of brew. I had frequented my friend Michael Altman’s Iron Springs Pub without ever indulging. I’m always up to going to Destihl for the Batter Dipped Asparagus or Stuffed Poblano, but have not once sampled their beer This was different, though. These were beers in wine bottles, with champagne corks, poured into wine glasses and served with food, cheese and chocolate that complimented their taste.

My mind was made up. I was going to drink beer. My first beer would have to be an experience to remember. I consider hypnosis for a while, but then decided I would just let the brewmaster do what he does best, put together a tasting for me that would remind me of the wine I love, not the beer I hadn’t yet.

It had taken three months since I was first introduced to Rockmill beer for me to sit down to my tasting. Working out a schedule had not been easy. I had to admit I was really nervous about the beer tasting, but Matt Barbee was ready to prove that I could not only drink, but I could enjoy beer -- at least his.

I went to Rockmill Farm, which is also owned by Matt’s mother Judy and stepfather Dennis. The table was beautifully set with the wine glasses, a cheese platter, fresh bread and olive oil and chocolate. There was music in the background and the modernized country-quaint house on the Rockmill Farm alone was enough to relax me.

The cheese was from Katzinger’s Deli in Columbus and had been selected with the same attention detail that the hops from Germany are chosen for the Rockmill beer. We started with the Whitbier and a sheep’s milk cheese. Matt said it was the lightest. I twirled the glass as I did wine, sniffing it and sipping it slowly. I could taste the coriander and orange peel as he described it.

We stopped drinking for a bit and talked about the Dubbel and Tripel, and how the Trappist Monks in France used to make the beers and then take the spent grains and feed them to the cows, who would produce the best cheese. We sipped and nibbled and had a bit of the bread with the olive oil before we got to the Saison.

Saison is a more rustic beer, the typical farmhouse ale, a distinction that Rockmill is built on. We had it with a bit of the most incredible cheese in the world, an Italian cow’s milk creation that is sprinkled with truffles and called Sottocenere. The beer just blended in my mouth with each scrumptious bite, a perfect pairing as it brought out the pumpkin spices of the beer.

Matt, who has always been a foodie and worked in Chicago restaurants honing sommelier skills, told me about the next pairing he had chosen, Adrahan, to go with the Dubbel. It is a cow’s milk cheese and a bit salty, naturally occurring from the location it is made from, near the salt and air of the ocean. It went down well with the Dubbel, a bit more bitter than the other I had tasted. We then had a bit of the chocolate, which had a little salt and just a touch of bacon.

Our final beer was the Tripel, a dark beer with a significant hop profile that is bolder with toasted malt, citrus and a bit of apricot. We had a bit of Australian blue cheese before I got to sample some of the Cask Aged Tripel, which had sold out in a few days the last time it was bottled. It was a bit whisky like and picked up some of the butter of the oak it sat in for about two months.

We got up from the table and I proposed a short hike through the property, which I had become enthralled with after seeing this video. Before we walked over the footbridge and watched the end of the Hocking River (which produces the beer as it has a similar profile to the water in Wallonia, Belgium), went past the lake and the scenic rolling hills, and went through the horse stable that is now the brewery itself, Matt turned to me and asked if I’d like to take a glass of beer with me. I said, “Thank you, I’d really love to have a glass of the Saison.” It was my first beer and certainly not my last.

Michelin Star Dining and Radisson Blu Exploring

2012-01-10T15:56:00.002-06:00

My stay at the brand new Radisson Blu Aqua in Chicago continued with a full tour of the property and a chance to experience two Michelin Star restaurants in one day.

The day started with a healthy fruit-filled breakfast in the Radisson Blu business center. The behind the scenes tour took us everywhere through this building, designed by Jim Hamilton down to the long, single piece fireplace and carpet that represents and aerial view of Chicago and sits in the lobby.

While the whole place is modern, warm and attractive, I was most impressed with the fitness facility. I have never seen anything like it at a hotel – 8,000 square feet of the latest exercise equipment; indoor and outdoor swimming pools; a spa area; an outdoor running track; and a basketball court. It fits in perfectly with the Magellan Complex neighborhood (also referred to as Lakeshore East), where a six acre park provides plenty of open space for walking.

Meghan Risch of the Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau came by again to give us another presentation on Chicago. Even though I’ve been living in Illinois for three years now, I don’t get into Chicago often (or stay long enough) so I really appreciate the information. I didn’t know, for example, that you can explore the cities attractions either free or cheaply by bus, trolley or water taxi. Or, that there are more James Beard winners at restaurants in Chicago than any other city in the country.

It was a short while later that we were at the restaurant of one of those, Naha. Carrie Nahabedian is the award-winning chef at this restaurant and she has been a pioneer in the female chef movement in Chicago. Together with her cousin Michael Nahabedian she runs this Mediterranean influenced eatery, which holds a Michelin Star and focuses on the contemporary. The duo also prides themselves on working with many local farmers to bring sustainable ingredients in season.

The wine selection at Naha is also unusual and I loved the Moschofilers, a Greek grape that is full of citrus, especially grapefruit. I started with a wonderful soup of Long Island Cheesecake Squash with crisp parsnip, mascarpone cheese and crushed pistachios. It was a good combination of slightly sweet and a bit salty.

Many in our group ordered the signature Naha BLT with homemade thick bacon. I chose the Braised Pork Shank after being fascinated by its description – off the bone with 3 Sisters Garden white corn polenta and Roasted Brussel sprouts with golden chanterelles. It was as flavorful as it sounds and I was quite satisfied with my choice.

The desserts were just as interesting, though I have to say I liked my choice the least (fortunately, we had a group the liked to pass things around for all to taste). It was a Bittersweet Chocolate Pave with a milk chocolate beignet and chocolate cream pinot noir ice cream and shaved French Autumn Perignord Truffles. It was really excellent, except for the truffles, which I happily enjoy in everything – except ice cream.

We had some free time to explore the hotel (which has a must-see art gallery) before we headed off to dinner at Sepia, which like Naha had received a renewal of their Michelin Star for 2011. We started off with cocktails and I was very pleased with the Sepia Mule, ginger infused Moon Mountain Organic Vodka with ginger beer.

Our menu had been chosen for us, starting with a flavorful salad of salt roasted pear, hazelnuts, Tilston Point blue cheese and baby arugula in a white balsamic dressing. There were two choices for dinner. The first was a Pan Roasted Cod with butternut squash caponata and sage-walnut pesto which I was told was quite good. I had the Ale Braised Short Ribs with red cabbage and spaetzle in a mustard crème fraiche. The sauce was a bit rich, but I enjoyed the way the ale in the short ribs balanced the red cabbage and the spaetzle was cooked perfectly.

A 2009 Diez-Caballero Tempranillo from Rioja was a bit buttery like chardonnay, but not suffering from a severe oaking. For dessert, a Malted Milk Chocolate Mousse on Peanut Butter Crunch satisfied everyone’s sweet tooth.

Before our Chicago trip officially ended, we went to Blue Chicago for some wonderful live blues and I realized just how much more Chicago nightlife I needed to check out. Maybe on the next trip…

Meeting Radisson Blu, Belugas and Boats in Chicago

2012-01-05T19:21:00.000-06:00

The first Radisson Blu in North America came to Chicago recently and I was invited to check it out with a group of fellow journalists. While I always enjoy visiting a new hotel, I was just as excited about the opportunity to play tourist in Chicago as I am still discovering the city.

My room was modern and, yes, blue. I had arrived late at night and didn’t really have time for dinner, so I was ready for a big breakfast. The room service spread certainly fit the bill, supplying a fresh selection that was more than I could finish.

I had a bit of time to relax and digest before the official luncheon when we were introduced to the Radisson executive team, as well as Meghan Risch of the Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau. We learned about the hotel brands of Carlson -- Hotel Missoni, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Park Plaza, Park Inn and Country Inn – while sipping champagne in the very comfortable viewing room of the new hotel.

The afternoon was filled with fun activities and we started at the Shedd Aquarium. We were given the option of working with the belugas or the penguins and I was excited about getting in the water with the whales. After we had our own training session, we got into our waders (basically a thick wetsuit with boots attached) and climbed into the 55 degree water.

There are six beluga whales in residence at the Shedd Aquarium and they all take part in these training sessions, which are available to the general public. My small group worked with Bella and Mauyak, both of which were friendly and very patient with us as we went through the training motions with them. It was an incredible experience that I’d love to repeat someday.

From the aquarium we headed down to the river for the Chicago Architecture Foundation Boat Tour. The unusually warm weather was welcome as the boat took us through the history and beauty of Chicago’s architecture. I had heard a lot about this tour and frankly hadn’t put it at the top of my “must do” list, but once on it my attitude changed. The combination of learning about the city through its buildings and appreciating the architectural wonders that only this city appears to have is something all visitors should experience.

Our day finished back at the Radisson Blu. We first enjoyed some wine at the Filini Bar, which has a nice selection of both wine and cocktails. We then went upstairs for dinner at this modern Italian restaurant, headed by Chef Christian Fantoni, formerly of the Windy City’s Bice).

The meal started with Zuppa Di Pomodoro, a tasty Tomato soup with parmesan cheese and roasted peppers. The appetizer was a combo of two amazing dishes: Aquarello carnaroli, porcini mushroom and parsley Risotto; and Butter Nut Squash Ravioli, with sage, amaretti and parmigiano.

While most of the other guests in our group feasted on a Char-grilled Tuna and Olive Oil Poached Halibut, I got my own fish-free dish of Eggplant Parmesan. It’s one of my favorite dishes and Chef Fantoni’s version lived up to some of the best, managing to remain light without tasting too fried, breaded or heavily loaded with cheese.

For dessert, we were brought an assortment of Italian style sweets: Filini Tiramisu; Cioccolatissimo; and Biscotti. We sampled small bites as we were all pretty full.

The night ended after dinner for us as we got ready for a second day of discovering the Radisson Blu and Chicago.

Leaving Santa Rosa for Michel-Schlumberger

2011-12-31T16:30:00.000-06:00

This trip to Sonoma was filled with great food, phenomenal wine and quality family time. It was the latter two I got to concentrate on my final day.

We all enjoyed every moment of the Mayacama house in Santa Rosa that Inspirato has available to its members. The hot tub was especially popular with the kids. I was happy just soaking up the views and I explored the community a bit before we left.

I loved to watch the deer frolicking through the wooded areas before I checked out the tennis courts and swimming pool. There was still time to head to the very large country club. It was quite impressive inside and out, complete with a gym, spa and restaurants. There was even a concierge available for those unlike me who didn’t have all of their plans made for the stay.

Unfortunately, our time in Santa Rosa was running out. We were heading to one of my favorite wineries and I was excited about taking the family there. Michel-Schlumberger offers something for everyone and I knew my brother and his family would be especially interested in their green practices.

The always welcoming Jim Morris, Michel-Schlumberger’s Vice President of Marketing, took us around on a private tour. We stopped first at the bee hives, where he talked about the importance of their pollination. Next to the hive is the stream where local fifth graders helped bring in fingerlings from the dam to help rebuild the dried out creek.

The kids were also fascinated hearing about the Monarch Butterfly Waystation and the importation of owls to help keep the gophers away. (The geese, ducks, chickens and bass in the lake are more than welcome to call this winery home, however.)

We went past the various pepper and onion plants in the “Salsa Garden” to the top of the vineyard. The rolling hills were even more beautiful than I had remembered as we looked out at the 100 acres of land, 87 of which are planted with 16 varieties of grapes.

After a tour of the winery, where we got to taste a bit of the grape juice before it is actually wine, we (at least the grownups) got to sample some of the latest Michel-Schlumberger offerings and were not disappointed. The 2010 Pinot Blanc is a perfect mix of lemon and grapefruit, light enough to complement any food. I loved the 2010 La Nue Unoaked Chardonnay, with enough butter and vanilla to make you feel like you were drinking pound cake.

In the reds, not to be missed at Michel-Schlumberger is the 2009 La Source Syrah, with a bit of viognier to keep it from being as dry and spicey as most, and the 2009 Zinfandel, a fruity blend with a hint of black pepper, yet retaining its light body. I also enjoyed the 2007 Le Sage Merlot, blended with malbec and cabernet franc, with fruit in the front and spice behind.

We chatted with Jim a bit longer before it was time to bid him and Sonoma farewell. I’m sure I won’t be gone for long.
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I’d like to take a moment to wish my readers a very happy new year. It’s been quite a year for me, from Australia to California, and many places in between. It looks like 2012 is going to be just as exciting. I’ll be starting my stories in the new year with a new hotel in Chicago, my first beer (you’ll have to keep reading to find out about that one), a trip to the island of St. Maarten and a visit to a ski resort in the Sierra Madre Mountains. I’m also planning a few overseas trips in the new year and, of course, lots of wine and spirits!

I leave you with my favorite photo of 2011, from Kangaroo Island, Australia, where I got to sit right next to these frolicking sea lions.

Luxuriating in Mayacama and Feasting At Coppola

2011-12-26T17:47:00.000-06:00

I don’t get to spend as much time with my family as I would like, so it worked out perfectly that they were able to join me in Mayacama, an incredible development in Santa Rosa. It’s within this community that Inspirato has a property for rent. This spacious villa is not available to members until the spring (and booking up fast), but I had a chance to check it out first hand.

With four bedrooms and a den with a large couch, we were able to spread out nicely throughout the house. My nephew Jake started my day out right by making me a very special (and chocolately) brea. He had a party to go to with my brother so it was a girls’ day and I had a very special one planned at one of my favorite places in Sonoma – the FrancisFord Coppola Winery.

You wouldn’t normally pick a winery to spend the afternoon with an 11 year old and a 13 year old, but the famed director built this place with the family in mind. I love to look at the movie memorabilia and am still in awe every time I go here and stand in front of those Oscars, the Godfather’s Desk or the war torn clothing from Apocalypse Now

Then there’s the swimming pool, the bocce ball courts and the Rustic Restaurant. The place is built just the way the owner wanted it, to share with the family.

My sister-in-law Claire joined myself and the girls as we climbed our way to what looks from the outside like a castle. This was my third visit to the Francis Ford Coppola Winery and I can’t imagine ever tiring of it (or their wine). I took them around to take a look at the movie gallery and store, where Francis and Eleanor Coppola also sell some of their favorite wine, food and decorative items from around the world.

It was a warm day and we had a perfect table at Rustic overlooking the vineyards. The menu is filled with Coppola’s favorites, mostly Italian, but all cooked with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The meal always starts with “Aunt Christine’s Pettole,” which to me are the zeppoles I would get in New York, even served the same way in a paper bag. It was tough for us to narrow down the choices, but we made some excellent ones in the end:

Short Ribs, Argentine Style

So tender and flavorful;

Moroccan Bastilla

A flaky, slightly sweet chicken pie that was both delicious and unusual;

Linguine alla Vongole (linguine and clam sauce)

Not on my plate, but everyone else enjoyed immensely;

Bumbola Con Broccoli E Salsiccia

A tasty bowl of pasta with Italian sausage, red wine, fontina cheese and just a dash of cream.

I had a perfect Coppola Diamond Collection Sauvignon Blanc with my lunch while Claire thought the Chardonnay (a Gold Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition) was wonderful. We decided to wait for dessert and take the tour first. It was my first time taking a formal tour at the Coppola Winery and I learned some things that I hadn’t before about the details of the property.

Bob was our tour guide and he first took us outside to see the vineyards. There are 24 acres of grapes on this property in Geyserville, but it’s not nearly enough to make the 45 wines Coppola produces. They use 135 growers in the county, but produce everything except the sparkling wine right here. We did some sampling here which included the fruit-filled 2009 Director’s Cut Cabernet Sauvignon. I know this wine well as it was the very first cabernet sauvignon I ever liked and you can count on this winery to consistently produce a good one.

We continued the sampling up at the tasting room, where I discovered some more standouts, including the 2009 Director’s Cut Zinfandel, fruit forward and white pepper back, the way zin should be, and the 2008 Director’s Cut Merlot, with ripe red fruit and just a hint of spice. I also got my first taste of the 2010 Francis Coppola Reserve Russian River Viognier, filled with citrus, especially lemon.

After the tour, we went back to the restaurant for dessert, sharing the Panna Cotta and the Italia's Cream Puffs, both of which can satisfy any sweet tooth quite nicely. We then headed back to the Inspirato house where the whole family enjoyed the beautiful night on the deck. I had never seen anything quite like this deck before, complete with lounge chairs, couches, a fireplace, a large barbecue and a hot tub. It was the perfect night to take advantage of that hot tub and we (at least the adults) poured some wine and watched the full moon over Sonoma.

Food, Wine and Family Fun in Santa Rosa

2011-12-23T08:07:00.001-06:00

It was my last day at Camellia Inn in Healdsburg, an adorable Bed & Breakfast in the heart of town. I had some time this morning so I was able to enjoy the breakfast spread – Chocolate Chip Scones, Egg Casserole, Mango Smoothies, Cereals, Breads – and chat a bit with owner Lucy Lewand. Soon it was time to hit the road for Santa Rosa to finish up my Sonoma adventure there.

I made a stop at D’Argenzio Winery to meet with owner Raymond D’Argenzio. We had met on my last trip here and I loved his Italian style wines. He’s also been instrumental in putting together Vintner’s Square in Santa Rosa, a terrific spot with wineries and shops that has food and wine events each week.

As usual, there was plenty to taste here. I had raved about their 2008 Sangiovese and the 2009 was just as good, full of fruit and very pasta friendly (a necessary food group in my household). The 2008 D’Amarone, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Petite Syrah, is also a great find, full of plum and dark fruits.

I bid Raymond farewell and headed into the mountains of Santa Rosa. I was set to spend the next few days up in the exclusive community of Mayacama, checking out the house that Inspirato will soon have available to its members.

The place is magnificent, 3600 square feet with four bedrooms, four and a half baths, a huge modern kitchen, living room, and den. The deck is unbelievable, complete with lounges, couches, a fireplace and hot tub, and it offers sweeping views of Sonoma Valley.

With such a large house it was only natural that I had room to share the space. While it is a wildly romantic setting, I thought it would also be a great place for the family so I invited my brother, sister-in-law, nieces and nephews to spend the weekend with me. Before they arrived, however, I was sure to claim the biggest bedroom, which had the best bathroom! The Jacuzzi was one of the largest I’ve seen and there was also a steam room.

Before I knew it, the place was alive with activity and I was excited to have an evening with the kids to myself. I knew immediately where I wanted to take them. I have done numerous stories on chef extraordinaire Guy Fieri (a Sonoma resident) and I knew his restaurant Johnny Garlic's had to be kid-friendly (Guy has two boys), interesting and a bit eclectic. It was a perfect mix for Moriah, Jake and Aleas they loved trying different foods.

Guy was out of town, but his general manager Art Robinson greeted us like we were long lost friends. Before I knew it the food was covering the table and it was all amazing.

We started with appetizers and the Brick Wings are dry rubbed and just amazing. I couldn’t eat the award-winning Sashimi Won Tacos with raw Ahi, mango jicama salsa and Wasabi Soy, but the kids raved about them.

For a main course, I had the delicious Penne Pesto with Vegetables and my oldest niece, Alea, went for the Cajun Chicken Fettuccine and loved the spice. Moriah and Jake had kids meals, with more than enough food to satisfy someone twice their size.

Just when I thought we were sufficiently stuff (and had bags of leftovers), Art came over with some desserts for us to try. We had to sample the Breath Mint Pie, with chocolate cookie crust and ice cream filled with Junior Mints; the Chocolate Lava Cake, a fudgy concoction topped with vanilla ice cream; and the New York Cheesecake with chocolate sauce. I quickly decided that I had to save more room for dessert next time I was here.

We went back to the house and I enjoyed a glass of wine with my brother and Claire, just back from their 15^th anniversary dinner celebration. As is usually the case, the kids outlasted me, but I would have plenty of time to spend with them the rest of the weekend.

Russian River Wining to Madrona Manor Dining

2011-12-19T14:33:00.000-06:00

I hadn’t had a chance to see Beth from Wine Road Northern Sonoma since my 2010 trip so I was excited that she would be taking me around for the day. It was a full itinerary of wine tasting so we needed to start with a big breakfast and we did that in downtown Healdsburg at Bovolo. I thoroughly enjoyed the baked eggs, with roasted potatoes, mushrooms and truffle oil.

Our first stop of the day was at Dutton Goldfield Winery in the Russian River Valley. We met with Dan Goldfield at their tasting room, which has only been at this location for about a year. This winery began in 1998 when Dan joined his friend Warren Dutton, a fifth generation farmer in this area. They do a lot of single vineyard wines at Dutton Goldfield. The standouts here are the 2009 Freestone Hill Pinot Noir, fruit forward with a light spice on the back; and the 2009 Zinfandel Stoetz Ridge, with soft tannins and light oak, with obvious red fruit.

Next, we walked over to Red Car Winery, which produces wines from grapes grown on the Sonoma Coast and bottles them under the Boxcar, Trolley and Reserve labels. Owners Mark Estrin and Carroll Kemp both worked in the movie business before starting the winery in 2000. Though their first vintage was just Syrah, there’s also Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Rose now, and even a Roussane. They still know how to do their specialty and I was really impressed with the 2007 Cuvee 22 Syrah, with a long finish of nutmeg and raspberry. I also had a barrel sample of the 2010 Ritchey Vineyard Chardonnay which was out of this world.

We headed to the scenic Russian River Vineyards for a tasting (their 2009 Sauvignon Blanc is a winner, full of banana and lemon) and lunch at their restaurant, Corks. It was a perfect fresh wine country meal of Squash Soup with purple potatoes and a Chicken Breast Sandwich with mushrooms and pesto.

The next stop on the list was Benovia Winery. This large property spans 58 acres (they also have two other properties producing grapes) and even includes olive trees in addition to the vines. They have a brand new, modern tasting room for events and tours by appointment. The concentration here is on making Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Grenache and Chardonnay in small lots for maximum quality. If you are looking for a top notch Pinot Noir, I’d recommend their 2009 Cohn Vineyard, heavy on cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg, with enough fruit to balance it out.

Old World Winery was like no other winery we had visited and their wines were just as unique. Winemaker Darek Trowbridge is the third generation in this business and he uses native yeast, little sulfite and winemaking skills just the way his grandpa did. The results include a Pinot Gris that’s got a honey sweetness and a Fulton Folderol blend of Zinfandel and Abouriou that is delicious. Also here is the Juggernat, a blend of six different wines that you can buy in a refillable jug. You also get a chance to guess the six wines (in order of percentage). I did pretty good on guessing what’s in this tasty wine, but I’m not giving away the secret.

We did a quick stop at Kendall Jackson because I was curious to see the grounds. They are beautiful and the Culinary Gardens are especially impressive. I hope to go back there at some point and check out their wine, but I was needed a break and time to get ready for a very special dinner.

Madrona Manor is an exquisite inn with a Michelin Star restaurant that the Wine Road graciously invited me to have dinner at. The dining room is intimate, yet formal, and the food of Executive Chef Jesse Mallgren is an experience as much as it is magnificent. In between the courses, we had tiny morels that were deliciously creative. I was impressed with how the chef started and finished the meal with a churro dish and a radish dish, savory at the beginning and sweet at the end.

I started with the Fuyu Persimmon, with pomegranates, kabocha squash, pumpkin seeds, mascarpone and truffle. My next course was Foie Gras Terrine, with guava, ginger, cipollini onions, pistachios and brioche. Then it was White Truffle Risotto, with abalone mushrooms and alba truffles, followed by Roasted Duck Breast with crisped confit, apples, pine, matsukake mushrooms and beans.

Beth had the same as me except for one dish. She raved about the Yukon Gold Potato Gnocchi, with lobster, winter squash, lemon and parsley. We finished the meal with their famous ice cream, made right at the table. I was glad the portion was small.

Beth took me back to the Camellia Inn for my final night in Healdsburg. I had an exciting day ahead of me as I was going to Santa Rosa to check out Inspirato’s new property for their members, and my family was joining me for three more fun-filled days.

Sonoma Wining and Dining

2011-12-14T13:26:00.000-06:00

It was a full day around Sonoma with Tracy from Wine Road Northern Sonoma, as I made first time visits to some of the area’s great finds.

Our first stop was at Timber Crest Farms, which is now the home of a collection of tasting ro. It’s a great idea, putting together a selection of wineries you can check out in one place (and they even have a food truck if you get hungry in the middle).

We started the tasting at Papapietro Perry, which has some of Tracy’s favorite Pinot Noirs that have also garnered critical acclaim. Though it’s not one of my top varieties, I was impressed with the 2008 Elsbree Vineyards Pinot Noir, a complex mixture of pepper and fruit. It's no wonder this winery, owned by two couples, has come so far. Originally started out of a garage, they now produce 8,000 cases a year from small lots of single vineyards. They have made a name for themselves with their consistently acclaimed Pinots.

Next we made a stop at Family Wineries of Dry Creek. This is a combination store and tasting room, filled with food, kitchen and décor items from all around Sonoma. They sample wine from six different family wineries here and you can choose your flights based on the type of wines you like. I picked the light whites and found two standouts: 2009 Ca’Bella Moscato from Lago di Merlo Vineyards, sweet & fruity with lots of peach, pear and apricot; and 2008 Dashe Cellars Late Harvest Zinfandel, an interesting mix of ripe red fruit that was more flavorful than sweet.

I really enjoyed my stop at Kokomo Winery, not just because of their fascinating selection of wine, but for the Midwest ties. Kokomo is actually a reference to the Indiana city that Erik Miller grew up in. It’s not far from Purdue University, where he met current winemaker Josh Bartels. Josh told us all about the start of Kokomo in 2004 in partnership with long time Sonoma grower Randy Peters. He joined them in 2006 and together they’ve been producing everything from Sauvignon Blanc (the 2010 is a winner full of tropical fruit) to Sangiovese (a great take on this fruity Italian grape in the ‘07). Also of note here is the 2008 Cuvee 4791, a Bordeaux and Rhone blend full of dark fruit and cinnamon spice.

We left Timber Crest Farms for a short drive over to Mazzoco Winery, well-known for their award winning Zinfandels. David – who knows anything and everything about the winery and Zinfandel – led us through a selection of fine wine that included a 2009 Schuhlmuller Reserve Chardonnay, very buttery with just a hint of oak, and a 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon that was full of nutmeg and pepper spice. The winner here was without a doubt the 2009 Juan Rodrigues Zinfandel Reserve, and I had a glass of it during our wonderful picnic lunch in front of the vineyards. (The Roasted Eggplant sandwich from Jimtown Store goes perfectly with that Zin.)

Tracy and I were full from lunch and hit the road to visit the Raymond Burr Vineyards. The Emmy winning star of Perry Mason started this winery in 1986 with his partner, Robert Benevides, who still runs it. The tasting room is filled with memorabilia from Burr’s television career and the grounds are beautiful. They only make a few wines here – Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and an Estate Port. I favored the 2009 Chardonnay Barrel Select, which was a bit different than most, yet had a strong butter finish.

Our final winery of the day was Martorana Family Winery. We met with owner Gio Martoran, who is as passionate about organic farming practices as he is about his wine. I really enjoyed the wines, with a big shout out to the 2007 Merlot, bursting with red fruit, and the 2007 DCV Zinfandel, with a distinct light pepper to balance the berries.

We headed back to downtown Healdsburg for dinner at Mateo’s Cocina Latina. This restaurant, opened by Chef Mateo Granados, has only been open a short while and has been receiving a lot of attention. The menu pays homage to Granados' Yucatan roots, both in the food and drinks. There’s a huge selection of tequilas and mezcals, as well as killer Margaritas (I had a tasty Kiwi Pomegranate).

Tracy and I started off nibbling on the pumpkin seed crackers with olive oil guacamole, as well as the Trio de Calabazas Fritas, slow cooked caramelized squash mixed with raw milk feta. Both were fantastic, as was my Vegetarian Tamale, served in a tomato-habanero sauce.

It had been a long day full of lots of great finds. In addition to the wine, I also discovered a new Sonoma trend – wine shirts. It seemed like every winery I went into had a collection of interesting sayings on shirts. I found them quite charming and had to take a few souvenirs: “Balanced & Complex” from Papietro and “Peace, Love & Pinot” from Kokomo.

It wasn’t long before I drifted off to sleep at the Camellia Inn, getting ready for another day of wining and dining in Sonoma.

Figs, Food and Wine in Sonoma

2011-12-09T15:52:00.001-06:00

Sonoma is one of those places I can visit every few months and it is guaranteed that I will find things to taste and places to visit that I haven’t seen before. The planning of this trip was no different and I was really excited about the itinerary Wine Road Northern Sonoma had helped me plan that included new discoveries and reacquainting with some old friends.

I was excited to meet Sondra Bernstein, whose popular restaurants have made her well known even out of wine country. We were meeting at the girl & the fig and she was very gracious about the fact that I was running about an hour late. I enjoyed hearing all about Sondra’s trips through the South of France that led to her love of French food and wine, and a desire to bring it to California wine country.

I listened to how Sondra has educated her restaurant patrons and the winery community in the Rhone varietals and food, and judging by the fact that many of these wines are now being made in Sonoma (and many people are filling her restaurant), it’s a welcome addition to area. We also talked a bit about her new book, Plats Du Jour , which combines both recipes and antidotes.

The flights of wine here are a great option and I enjoyed my selection of whites. The quiche I had was light and delicious. I also tasted the Croques Monsieur, an absolutely incredible grilled ham and cheese sandwich that is worth a trip to Sonoma for alone, and some of the yummy Panisse Cake, made from butternut squash puree and covered in a pumpkin seed pesto. We finished by sampling two of her specialty desserts which were also heavenly, chocolate fig kisses and lavender crème brulee.

Before I left the girl & the fig, I took a quick look at the things you can takeout from there. Her cheese and charcuterie selection is available to go, as are her line of Fig Food, which includes items such as Apricot Fig Chutney and Fig & Pistachio Cake. (Some of these items are also for sale in specialty stores throughout the U.S., check the website for details.)

I made a quick visit to ESTATE, Sondra Bernstein’s Italian restaurant, where I saw a tantalizing menu and grappa cart that will need to be on the itinerary of my next Sonoma trip before I took off for the heart of Sonoma, Healdsburg. I only had one winery on the schedule for this day, but it was a good one.

Owner Peter Merriam greeted me at Merriam Vineyards and told me about their passion for both Sonoma and Maine. I was in love with their 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, filled with pineapple and kiwi, with a touch of citrus to make it reminiscent of the New Zealand ones, without the grassy taste. I was equally impressed with the 2006 Windacre Russian River Valley Merlot, which is full of ripe red fruit on the palate, with a bit of light wood and white pepper on the back. Also of note here was the 2007 Cab Franc, blended with a bit of petite verdot. I really enjoyed the blueberry notes on this one.

I arrived at the Camellia Inn just in time for the evening wine and cheese hour. I quickly settled into my very large and cozy room so I could enjoy a bit of it before dinner. This adorable Bed & Breakfast is in the heart of Healdsburg and was filled with people exchanging restaurant and winery notes while sipping some of the local fare.

My dinner plans were already made. I was off to the DryCreek Kitchen, Chef Charlie Palmer’s latest. It’s definitely not for those on a budget, but the raves for the food are warranted. The includes mostly fish and a bit of meat, but there were some vegetarian options that looked wonderful so I decided to go that way (they also have a tasting menu if you want to go with the chef’s selections for the day).

I ordered the Pumpkin Soup, prepared tableside with cream and seeds. It was excellent and I was glad I had ordered a light dinner after eating the entire bowl. That entree was Red Quinoa Pilaf with house made goat chevre beats and almond cream. The sauce had a bit of anise and it was just spectacular, something I would absolutely return for.

I walked the few blocks back to my room at the Camellia Inn and settled in for the night. It was going to be a long next day of winery hoping with my friend Tracy Logan of the Wine Road and I couldn’t wait to get started.

Previewing Indianapolis for Super Bowl

2011-12-06T14:46:00.001-06:00

I had a great trip to Indianapolis in September and discovered some of the plans the city was making to get ready for the 2012 Super Bowl. I couldn’t wait to return to the city and I had my opportunity when I received an assignment from American Way Magazine. Once I was there I had a chance to explore some more things to see, do and eat.

Evan of the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association met me in the lobby of the brand new (and largest in the world) J.W. Marriott to take me for lunch. We were heading to Goose The Market, where the owner has a passion for charcuterie, combined with a taste for interesting wines and beers.

Goose the Market is famous for their bacon, and even has a Bacon of the Month Club (Apple Cider and Brandy, anyone?). They offer a few different sandwiches each day and I settled on The Goose, made with Prosciutto di Parma, basil, fresh mozzarella and extra virgin olive oil. I only had a few bites of the delicious concoction when we were also given some fresh cheese and meat platters, with treats such as Midnight Run goat’s milk cheese, tomato preserves, Calibrese (100% pork with paprika) and a homemade Black Forest Ham. It all went down very well with a glass of Australian Semillon, one of nearly 100 types of wine they have in addition to at least 60 beer choices.

After lunch, Evan took me through town and told me about the Sky Walks that connect the Convention Center, Circle Centre Mall and a dozen hotels to Lucas Oil Stadium so almost everywhere you go in Indy (including Lucas Oil Stadium) can be reached in climate control comfort. We also drove by a few of the murals being designed in the 46 for XLVI project done by the Arts Council of Indianapolis before I was dropped at Studio 2000 for a massage.

I enjoyed the massage, but I also liked the nostalgia of the place in the Circle Tower, which has great views of Monument Circle available to those getting their hair done. It’s full of nifty nostalgic pieces, such as remnants of the architectural firm it was in the 1920s and chairs from the barbershop it then became.

Cocktails were at a new establishment, The Libertine. Neal Brown, a well-known Indianapolis restaurateur, just opened this place with a focus on cocktails and small plates. (This is another meat lovers paradise, they have a Bacon Flight on the bar menu!) The bartenders are knowledgeable and make suggestions. I had a Dark & Stormy with Goslings Black Seal and Evan enjoyed The Vesper, a James Bond favorite made here with Billicoat Gin, Penin Vodka and Lillet Blanc.

We had a delicious dinner at the elegantly comfortable Meridian Restaurant. I was really impressed with the preparation of Chef Dan Dunville and it appears I’m not alone as Indianapolis Colts like Peyton Manning make this place a regular stop.

I settled in with a glass of the 2009 Babich New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and a dish of Potato Gnocchi with mushrooms, tomato, bacon, spinach, golden raisins and squash. It was absolutely delicious and hard to top when the Osso Bucco and the Wild Boar Parpadelle came, but we did manage to enjoy it all, even sampling a little of the unbelievable desserts, which included a Banana Tart with Macadamia Nuts & Caramel.

After a good night’s sleep, Morgan from the Visit Indy picked me up and we talked some more about the upcoming Super Bowl. I learned that this event will have more possible NFL competitors within a five hour drive than any in history. A Super Bowl Village will be created for 10 days for parties and activities, including zip lining through the streets. Madonna will be singing at halftime and a host of other celebrities will be attending and performing. In all, the city expects 150,000 people – and only half will be in the stadium.

I was rather excited about the prospect of heading into a private tour of Lucas Oil Stadium and was quite impressed. There’s something about standing in the middle of this huge empty place that just currently has a “Home of Super Bowl 2012” sign and will have the attention of millions from around the world in a few months.

We took a walk through White River Park, which is home to eight museums and lots of activities in the spring and summer, including gondola rides through the canal. I dedicated a good part of my career to writing fulltime about tennis so I loved a walk through the NCAA Hall of Fame. I was able to spot quite a few names recorded in there of players I know, including the dedication to the last school to sweep singles, doubles and team championships, my very own Fighting Illini (2003).

Before heading home, Morgan and I had a wonderful lunch just outside of town at Trader’s Point Creamery. It’s a great place to bring the kids (or be a kid with sleigh rides and caroling) through the farm, but it also has a phenomenal restaurant attached. I had some of their famous hot chocolate and a grilled cheese sandwich with avocado. Lindsay, the cheese maker, came by with some delicious samples of Gouda, raw milk cheese and feta, then we finished it up with a bit of their homemade ice cream (caramel and chocolate make a wonderful combo).

I’m not sure yet if I will make it to any of the festivities for Super Bowl 2012, but I will certainly be back. One of the reasons I moved to the Midwest was the fact that I would have the opportunity to visit so many places nearby without worrying about traffic and tolls. Indianapolis is definitely one of those cities and I have a feeling there’s a lot more to discover there.

Story of a Lifetime Takes You to New Zealand

2011-11-25T10:46:00.001-06:00

I'm interrupting my regularly scheduled postings (couldn't resist saying that!) to bring you something very special. I have been working with Tourism New Zealand on planning a trip there this winter. SInce they are in the middle of some very unusual promotions, they asked me to pass them along to my readers. New Zealand is a place that I can't wait to get to and I'm more than happy to help some readers have the same opportunity.

For the next 12 months, the tourism board in New Zealand is running a competition to give away trips. There's a catch, though. I go to places and write about them, but if you want this opportunity you need to do the writing first. It's called Stories Beat Stuff and the best stories win, but your stories need to be on a specific topic. They need to convince Tourism New Zealand that you really, really want this trip.

How far are you willing to go for an all expensive paid trip to New Zealand? The good part is that you don't actually have to do it, but you do have to explain what you would give up to go. Whether it's your favorite food, your dream car or even your significant other, if you want to win, you need to put it on the line in a video or a photo.

Six trips of a lifetime will be given away, one every few months. Each trip will include unique experiences, starting with the winners in December and January, when the Summer Rhythm (it's summer in New Zealand) trip is given away and the lucky winner gets a two-week roadtrip that goes along the East Coast of New Zealand and ends with the three day Rhythm and Vines festival (check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mp_9zF_MrUI).

The competition has begun and the opportunity for the Summer Rhythm prize ends on November 30th, with the additional contests to follow. It is open to everyone throughout the world who is 18 years of age or older. Check out the example video above and then enter at Stories Beat Stuff. Then, like New Zealand on Facebook and ready all about the country you may soon get to visit -- for free!

Exploring through Carmel and Pebble Beach

2011-11-21T12:05:00.001-06:00

My friend Tracy picked me up at L’Auberge Carmel after I finished the delicious breakfast delivered to my room (included for all guests). We had a final full day of fun ahead in Monterey County. We were actually remaining in Carmel by the Sea, but moving to an adorable inn a few blocks down.

The Lamp Lighter Inn is actually a group of adorable cottages and guest rooms just a few blocks walk from both town and the beach. While it is called a bed & breakfast, it’s a lot more than both, with cute gardens, flowing wine and a deluxe continental breakfast in the morning.

We stayed in the Bluebird Cottage which looked like it belonged in a fairy tale (there is also a Hansel & Gretel cottage, so I think I have the right theme). It has a king bed and bathroom downstairs with an electric fireplace, and twin beds upstairs (witha teddy bear on each). The upstairs became Tracy’s domain.

There wasn’t long to spend admiring the room as we were soon off for our full day. After watching some of the Carmel by the Sea Halloween Pet Parade, we headed over to Wrath Wines, which has a tasting room located right downtown. The title of this winery came from a Led Zeppelin song and it seems to fit right in with the wines, which are a bit different from the norm.

I loved their 2009 Wrath Syrah Doctor’s Vineyard and Syrah is far from my favorite wine. It was much more fruity and complex than most and I felt as if I was still tasting it five minutes after the sip. Their 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Late Harvest was like no other dessert wine I had tasted from this grape. It was a combination of sweet and spicy and actually smelled like asparagus!

We took a drive down to the water for lunch at the Stillwater Grill at The Lodge at Pebble Beach, It is the location of one of the most famous -- and most beautiful -- golf courses in the world. It runs along the Pacific and we got to see both the ocean and the course as we enjoyed a great lunch. The fries and burgers (about the only things I could find on a menu full of seafood) were great and the Peanut Butter Chocolate dessert Tracy and I split was just incredible!

From The Lodge, we took the famous 17 Mile Drive along the Pacific Ocean. It was as beautiful as I had remembered. As much as I’ve gotten used to living in the Midwest, there is just nothing like a drive along the beach to relax me and put me in a great mood.

We changed quickly for dinner at a place where the owner is known for her good mood. Though Doris Day doesn’t get out much these days, she is still the owner of the Cypress Inn in Carmel by the Sea. As much as the wall shows tributes to Day, so do the policies. She is a dog lover and they are welcome here, with a “Yappy Hour” every day and a spot in the cocktail lounge when the lounge singer plays.

The evening started from cocktails from a menu of classic drinks with the motto “The problem with the world is that everyone is a few drinks behind.” Each page was dedicated to a spirit and an actor, with drinks named (and explained) after others, such as the Mary Pickford:

Leblon, Bacardi Superior Rum, pineapple juice, Maraschino Liqueur and Grenadine-Created for Pickford in the 1920s by Fred Kauffman at Hotel Nacional de Cuba

After sipping a French 75, I sat down with Tracy for dinner. We started with the Roasted Vegetable Soup, which was just perfect on a night that was starting to get chilly. I then enjoyed the Penne Salsiccia, pasta with Italian sausage and onions in plum tomato sauce. Tracy really liked the Pan-Seared Scallops, with baby spinach and red truffled potatoes.

We retired early after a very long day and spent our final day slowly making our way through Monterey County toward San Francisco Airport. We started with a walk down at the Carmel by the Sea beach and continued with a drive along the ocean until I was at the same airport I would return to a week later for my Sonoma trip.

A word of caution…. Dogs rule Carmel by the Sea this town and they are welcome in nearly every hotel, restaurant and store. I happen to love dogs, but I was a bit overwhelmed by day three. I started to have dreams that I was the only human left on earth (especially after the Halloween Pet Parade)!

You will not find a better place in the world for pet lovers who can’t stand to leave their pooch home. However, if you are coming without a pet, stay in Carmel Valley and take a drive to Carmel by the Sea for a day trip -- it's definitely worth checking out.

Carmel From Valley to Sea

2011-11-17T16:06:00.001-06:00

There’s nothing like waking up to a fresh breakfast delivered in a comfy cottage on an estate full of horses. That’s exactly what I had to greet me at Stonepine Estate. It was another hard place to leave, but I had lots to do on my journey through Monterey, California, and it was going to continue in Carmel by the Sea.

Our first stop of the day was at Tor House. This property is right on the Pacific Ocean and once belonged to poet Robinson Jeffers. Koleen Hamlin, the public relations representative for Monterey County , and I toured the house, learning all about the rich history of both the literary time period he lived in and the Carmel by the Sea house itself.

From Tor House we headed to downtown for lunch at Dametra Café. I learned about Carmel by the Sea, it’s celebrities (Clint Eastwood and Doris Day both live here), quirks (no mailboxes or addresses on buildings are allowed) and rules (no high heels or chain stores, but dogs were more than welcome). I also enjoyed a delicious Mediterranean meal that included: Baba Ghanoug, roasted eggplant with yogurt, garlic and olive oil served on warm pitas; Spanakopita, a spinach pie with feta cheese in phyllo dough; and Baklava, a sweet pastry made with honey and nuts.

After the lunch, we went over to Caraccioli Cellars, where they have some terrific sparkling wines. My favorite was the 2006 Brut Cuvee, made with 60% chardonnay and 40% pinot noir. It was very buttery and lightly oaked. From there we did some tasting at Galante Vineyards, where the Sauvignon Blanc was smoky and not my style, but I really enjoyed the 2006 Blackjack Pasture Cabernet Sauvignon, with lots of fruit in the front and a bit of white pepper, cinnamon and allspice on the back.

Our next stop was an unusual one as it combined a beautiful art gallery and some interesting wines. The Winfield Art Gallery belongs to Chris Winfield and it’s filled with contemporary paintings, photographs and sculptures that I would love to acquire if they would fit in my budget. The wine by Figge Cellars was a perfect accompaniment to the art, with the 2009 Pelo Pinot Noir my favorite.

We checked into L’AubergeCarmel, a Relaix & Chateau accommodation, for the evening and I thought I had landed in France a few weeks early. I especially loved the courtyard between the rooms, where you would find guests enjoying a glass of wine as if they were in a Paris café. My room was more than comfortable and I enjoyed a short rest while Koleen went shopping in downtown Carmel.

Dinner was at L'Auberge Carmel's restaurant, Aubergine, and Chef Justin Cogley and Executive Pastry Chef Ron Mendoza prepared quite a Tasting Dinner, which was paired by Wine Director Thomas Perez.

The Foie Gras with huckleberry and a puree of upland cress was a decadent as it should be and served with a 2009 Charles Hours from France. It was followed by a tender Wagyu Ribeye with porcini mushrooms and marrow served with a 2008 Les Jumelles Pinot Noir from the Central Coast.

After the main course we had a typical French Cheese Platter, served with a great 2009 Leojami Grenache from Monterey, before finishing the meal with a Caramelized Brioche, with apples and celeriac ice cream. That came with a 1996 Grand Guilehm from Rivesaltes, France, which gave me a lot to look forward to when I head to that area in Roussillon in a few weeks.

It was a large meal and we decided to forego what sounded like it would be a great party at Caraccioli Cellars. I had two more days to go in Monterey and was looking forward to my friend Tracy joining me for them.

Exploring and Tasting Carmel Valley

2011-11-12T10:54:00.001-06:00

Carmel Valley is one of the warmest places in Monterey with accommodations of all kinds. Koleen, the Monterey County public relations representative, and I were staying at some of the top properties in the valley (no argument here), starting with Bernardus Lodge. I had such a great time there -- especially in the spa -- it was hard to leave, but I knew there was another great place at the end of an exciting day.

We were prepared to spend the day downtown after stopping to look at some great little hotels, like Tasa Hara Hot Springs Resort and Los LoralesLodge & Saloon. We then made a quick stop at the gallery of Jean De Luz, who collects everything from sculptures to Italian fountains from Europe to sell to homes around here. Then it was off to the wineries.

Our first stop was Parsonage, a family owned winery that only does 2,000 cases a year. I liked their 2009 Sonsrap Chardonnay. Which was done half in stainless and half in oak, giving it lots of butter, but not too much oak. I was surprised to see how much art there was in downtown Carmel Valley, even in the wineries. The pictures at Parsonage were especially interesting, as was their wine.

We went next door to Boekenoosen Vineyard and Winery, which has a big collection of wines, including a Dijon/Pommard Blend. The wines were a bit dry for my taste, but Koleen was a huge fan of the 2009

Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir.

I was really impressed with a number of the wines at Chock Rock, including the 2010 Chardonnay, which certainly didn’t taste like it was 100% barreled, and the 2009 Monterey County Pinot Noir, full of fruit with less pepper than most.

After all the rich meals, I was craving something simple and vegetable filled and I found it at Café Rustica. The pizzas, with a thin and flaky crust, were a perfect break from the wining tasting and quite large. It looked like we hadn’t even made a dent, but we were both quite full.

Our last winery stop was at Carmel Hills Winery, which had an interesting Unfiltered Chardonnay. Then it was off to the place we were staying for the night – Stonepine Estate.

We toured the estate and I could easily understand why this was such a popular place for weddings. The landscape was so immaculate and the grounds and chateau looked like they belonged in France. As lovely as it was, I was most drawn to the horse stables. This is the home to many retired thoroughbreds and I could have pet them all day, dreaming about my riding days.

The chateau at Stonepine Estate has some beautiful rooms, but we had our own little (ok, not so little) cottage. It is called Hermes and as if the perfectly appointed rooms weren’t enough on their own, I had a masseuse waiting in my bedroom! Sage gave me a relaxing massage and I got to relax a little while after.

Dinner was a quiet, but elegant, table for two as Koleen and I headed up to the main chateau on the estate. We started with champagne and hors d' oeuvres in the library (of course) and enjoyed some of the chef’s specialties. He had me at the start with an Eggplant and Fresh Mozzarella appetizer.

We got back to our little cottage at a reasonable hour and watched a little television in the very comfortable living room before I retired for the night. We had a much busier day ahead, as we were heading into Carmel by the Sea.

Re-Discovering Monterey in Carmel

2011-11-09T10:39:00.000-06:00

As a child, my family frequently traveled to California. I have fond memories of Monterey, especially the stop we always made at the Dennis the Menace Playground.

I had actually only been to the area twice as an adult, once with my friend Jaimee, when I discovered the first wine I would ever remember by name (Jekel Johannisberg Riesling) and a second time take my daughter to the Monterey Aquarium when it first opened. I knew this trip would be different than any other to Monterey County and I was excited to discover the first class hotels, fine dining, wineries and, of course, scenic coastline.

The trip didn’t quite start out the way I would have liked, with an hour and a half on the runway, followed by a bumpy four and a half hour flight and a bus ride, but things immediately started to feel better when I saw the Pacific Ocean.

Koleen, the public relations rep for the county, was waiting for me on the other side and ready to show me around Carmel. It was going to be a quiet day, which was fine with me since I had been going since 1:00 am Pacific Time. We quickly checked into Bernardus Lodge and I was handed one of the best Sauvignon Blancs I’ve ever had, made right at the Bernardus Winery.

My room was beautiful and had a big deck that showed not only the property, but the mountains in the background. I also had a the Bernardus welcome of three bottles of wine, popcorn and Purple Haze Goat Cheese and other goodies, which all guests receive upon check-in.

I continued my relaxing state by checking out the property and landing in the spa. All guests (whether or not they take advantage of purchasing from the array of treatments) have use of the spa at Bernardus. I alleviated all my travel stress in the Hot Plunge Pool, followed by sometime in the Eucalyptus Steam Room and a finish in the Sauna. (Bernardus also has an outdoor pool that is heated to 80 degrees and open all year round.)

I think I could have easily drifted off into eight hours of wonderful sleep after the spa, but we had dinner at the hotel’s restaurant scheduled and I didn’t want to miss Marinus, a restaurant known far and wide in these parts. We were joined by Sue Dryer, Director of Sales for the hotel, who helped guide us through some of the courses.

While I can’t have seafood, my tablemates could, and they loved the Lobster. I had the delicious Portobello Mushroom Soup with goat cheese, chive, white truffle oil. We then shared a serving of the Truffle Risotto, which was just absolutely incredible.

For a main course, I enjoyed the Colorado Lamb with Morel Mushroom, Summer Squash and Baby Carrot in roasted garlic jus. I hardly had any room for dessert, but sampled a tiny bit of everything that came to the table in our dessert extravaganza.

Soon it was time to head to bed. I was more than ready to get some rest before I headed out for a day of wine tasting in Carmel.

Re-Visiting Champaign with North Shore Distillery

2011-11-05T13:01:00.000-05:00

I’m so busy traveling around that I often don’t get to go to some of my favorite places in my hometown. When my friend Sonja Kassenbaum of North Shore Distillery told me she was coming to town to visit some of the bars and restaurants that house her products, I decided it was a perfect time to catch up with both Sonja and downtown Champaign.

We started the evening at Radio Maria, which I’m sorry to say I haven’t been to in a while. Sonja was pouring cocktails made with some North Shore Sol Vodka (which has a citrus infusion) for the guests while I enjoyed one of my all-time favorite drinks – North Shore No. 11 Gin and Tonic. I was surprised at how many people had never had her spirits before, but not surprised that they kept ordering them the rest of the night.

Radio Maria is in the heart of downtown Champaign and is known for not only a large selection of spirits, but their beer list. They had 27 beers on tap during my visit. The other thing Radio Maria is popular for is their tapas. Sonja and I sampled some wonderful ones which I had remembered from my last visit: Arancini, risotto balls with mozzarella, topped with tomato sauce; Queso de Cabra, fried goat cheese topped with honey; and Lamb Meatballs, stuffed with cheese and pine nuts, cooked in a tomato broth.

While we nibbled on the tapas, Sonja told me all about the expansion of North Shore with a new tour (that includes a visit with Ethel, their famous still) and tasting room. The only thing I couldn’t get her to tell me was what her special spirit would be this year. There have been some exciting ones, including the Mole Poblano, Medjool Date Infusion and last year’s Corpse Reviver, but she is very good at keeping a secret so we will have to wait until Ethel is ready to divulge it on her Facebook page.

Sonja had lots more places to visit in Champaign-Urbana that carry her products, such as Carmon’s Bistro (I haven’t tried it under the new ownership, but it was a favorite and I’m hoping it hasn’t changed much) and Black Dog (some of the best barbecue you will find this far north). Before she went back to Chicagoland, I also took her to check out Destihl, a brewery I love that she had not yet visited.

Executive Chef Manny Martinez joined us at Destihl for a fun sampling of his food (mainly the out of this world Beer Battered Asparagus and Stuffed Poblano) and her spirits. We managed to get through most of the North Shore Collection of vodkas and gins before making our way to their Sirène Absinthe Verte. North Shore was the first to bring this delicious spirit into the U.S. and I for one am certainly glad they did. If you haven’t tasted this high proof, less sweet Sambuca tasting liqueur, I urge you to head over to Lake Bluff (just outside of Chicago) and do it soon.

While I’m on the subject of Destihl, I’d like to pass along some information on their beer dinner this week (11/9) in their Normal location. It’s not only a great opportunity to check out some of their beers, but you can also sample some of Chef Martinez’s fabulous food. For more information on the dinner, contact the brewery, 309-862-2337. Unfortunately, I will be out of town (what else is new), but I’m sure I will find another excuse to go back for asparagus and poblanos!