Wine and Spirits Travel

Chicago Comfort Food and the Spa Life

2013-05-15T15:52:00.000-05:00

I was just getting over an illness, but itching to travel, so when the opportunity to go to Chicago and do nothing except eat, drink and spa came up, my bags were packed and I was ready to go.

My friend Cortney picked me up for our second adventure in Chicago together. Our first stop was The Local Chicago, just opened in December, 2012. Even though this restaurant is by the same owners as Chicago Cut Steakhouse, the two could not be more different.

The Local Chicago is all about a casual atmosphere and old fashioned American Comfort food, offering fare to the “locals” such as a Thanksgiving Dinner every Thursday. It is open from 6:30 am to 2:00 pm, offering one menu for lunch and dinner.

We started lunch with the unbelievable Blue Cheese Fondue Chips, which were soft and crispy. We also tasted the Jalapeño corn bread and it was easy to see why Oprah fell in love with it. Alongside the comfort food were comfort cocktails, with ingredients like house-made grenadine and hibiscus gin.

I was thrilled to hear they are very allergy conscious here and don’t share the same fryers or pans with different types of food so when Cortney was enjoying her scallops with butternut squash risotto, I didn’t need to worry that my Dr. Pepper Ribs (as good as it sounds) and fries were cooked anywhere near them.

We finished the meal with a sampling of a trio of their most popular desserts – chocolate mousse, warm chocolate chip cookies and Oreo mint ice cream pie and thanked our hardworking waitress, Linda.

Within a few minutes we were pulling up at the Trump International Hotel Chicago. This was my third visit, but I will never get tired of the first class treatment. It would be even more than usual as Cortney and I were spending the night in one of their Spa Rooms.

In addition to direct access to the spa without having to take an elevator, we had a room full of extras that come standard in these rooms, including thick robes; an oversized bathtub with salts, oils and scrubs; and a heater for our nightly eye and neck warmers. We also had a wonderful view.

We relaxed for a bit before meeting Michael Koury downstairs at Rebar to hear about the cocktail menu introduced for the spring and summer. He told us about his new ice program, which included large cubes infused with everything from smoke for whiskey to rosemary and thyme for herby cocktails. Even the new pastry chef was getting into the mix with ice pops.

He said the focus would be on citrus and champagne. We tried a few of the drinks, including the White Sangria (St. Germain, sauvignon blanc and vodka) which macerates with peaches and apples in a big glass jug at the bar.

In addition to the drinks, Rebar has mixed up their famous sushi for the summer by using soybean paper instead of seaweed so the outside doesn’t overpower the inside.

We had a Trump Ransom (Ransom Gin, Peach Ciroc Vodka, rosemary-infused simple syrup, Blood Orange San Pelligrino) for the road before grabbing a cab to City Tavern.

To be honest, I probably would have picked a different restaurant for dinner had I realized that City Tavern also specialized in comfort food, but that’s not to say I didn’t enjoy it.

The cocktail menu was a bit too eclectic for my taste (I learned I’m not a fan of Arrak), but the wine was interesting and diverse enough to make up for it. I really liked the Ship of Fools Pinot Blanc from Traverse City.

As at The Local Chicago we had a sampling of a number of things on the menu. The pork belly sliders were quite good and came with the best (house-made) potato chips I’ve ever had. The meatloaf was perfectly paired with a great mac and cheese, but the best at City Tavern is definitely the fried chicken, coated in maple and honey, then vinegar to give it the sweet and salty.

For dessert we only had room left for small bites of the apple pie with cheese and the chocolate pudding with homemade fig newtons. Kelin, who had been serving us all evening, suggested a prosecco to top off the night and it certainly did.

When we arrived back at the Trump Chicago, our beds were turned down, chocolates, water bottles, slippers and the warm neck and eye pillow were waiting. We drifted off to sleep, thinking that the only thing better than this was the day ahead at the spa.

Meeting Mackinac

2013-05-08T14:26:00.003-05:00

Ever since the first time I saw photos of Mackinac Island, I couldn’t wait to go there. It was one of those places that would require a long drive and the timing never seemed right. When I finally did commit to making the trip, there was nothing that was going to stop me.

My friend Lisa and I left early in the morning and drove through the day to make sure we would catch the last ferry in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula from Mackinaw City to Mackinac Island. It was a bit disappointing that it was raining when we boarded the Arnold Transit ferry, but they had indoor seating and it was a very short (less than a half hour) ride to the island.

Along the way we had a view of the Mackinac Bridge, which connects Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to Mackinaw City.

We were told that the “shuttle” would take us, as well as our luggage, to our hotel. What we didn’t realize until we arrived was that shuttle was synonymous with horse and buggy on this island!

We walked a bit in town before we found the ride and enjoyed the scenery as we went up the hill to the Mission Point Resort.

I made not of all the fudge stores and souvenir shops that I would have to check out. I also saw the many bed & breakfasts and event private houses that were along the water.

Bradley McCallum, the resort’s manager, greeted us in the lobby. It was quite a large and rustic building and it made up only part of this hotel. As a full service resort on 18 acres, it offers everything couples, families – and girls’ getaways – could want, with golf, available bicycles, a pool, hot tubs, tennis, croquet, a movie theater and a spa. There are also three restaurants to choose from.

We had an incredible three bedroom suite, one of about a dozen different suites the hotel has available for those looking for a little extra space. The view from our suite was even more magnificent than the suite itself. Had it been a little warmer and drier, it might have been hard to pry us away from the wrap around deck.

After the long drive we decided to keep it casual and headed down to the Round Island Bar & Grill for dinner. It was a comfortable atmosphere, complete with a fireplace and cozy booths.

It happened to be Mojito Monday at the Round Island and we were happy to imbibe. It was served with a whitefish dip with garlic and cream cheese, something popular on Mackinac Island. I can’t eat fish, but Lisa loved it.

For the main course, I kept it simple with a pulled pork sandwich, which was tender and sweet, while Lisa had the flatiron steak.

We had a few more drinks at the bar to unwind and chat with some locals about the island. Before heading to our room we also stopped at the Martini Bar. We didn’t stay long, but did enjoy some chocolate and martinis.

It had been a long day and we were looking forward to spending the next day exploring Mackinac Island. I fell into my four poster bed (turned down with chocolates on the pillows) and dreamed about the day to come with my opportunity to finally check out this quaint island.

A Day in Barcelona

2013-04-30T15:43:00.001-05:00

On the way to Roussillon, I flew through Paris, but I was excited to have the opportunity to fly back through Barcelona. I had been to Spain before. This was my first trip, though, to this vibrant city and I’m so glad I was able to squeeze it in.

It was a short one and a half hour train ride from Perpignan in Roussillon, France, to Barcelona, Spain. I enjoyed the scenery as we went by, but I was anxious to arrive at my destination. I only had until the next morning before I was flying home.

The train station was busy, but it didn’t take me long to find a cab to my hotel, the Catalonia Plaza Cataluna. I was pleased that Wines of Roussillon had chosen this location for me as it was central to the city. It even had two things I don’t get often in Europe, a bathtub and king size bed.

I quickly freshened up and asked the concierge for my best walking route to see the city. He pointed me to La Rambla, which was just a block away. From there I was able to head to the Gothic Quarter, the Cathedral and Museu Picasso. This museum was probably the most difficult for me not to spend time in as I am a very big Picasso fan.

The trip to Barcelona felt like a preview of future adventures, but I still enjoyed it while I was there. The architecture, mostly by Antonio Gaudi, is spectacular and can be seeing in buildings throughout the city so just walking around is a learning experience.

As much as I loved the vibrant inner city, I was drawn by the open area around the pier and my long walk down to the water was certainly scenic. I was struck by the statue of Christopher Columbus and then walked further down to the water where I could see the World Trade Center and Aquarium. I stayed just long enough to watch the sun set over the pier and then strolled through the market and back to the hotel.

I would have loved to walk for hours more, but I had an appointment to meet with Manel Casanovas of the Barcelona Tourism Board at a new wine bar inside Moritz. I had walked so much during the day and was running late, so I decided to get a cab to the newly opened wine bar at this unusual location.

I immediately loved the décor of Moritz, modern European with a bit of pop art. Manel and wine bar staff took me through the large wine menu, which included everything from Napa Valley Cabernet to Catalan Moscatal. What made this place even more unique was the fact that you could choose the size of the glass of wine you wanted to taste. With wines priced from $15 to $3,000 a bottle, you could have a choice of a small “taste” of an expensive wine for the same price as a bottle of something local regardless of your budget.

It was time to drink some wine with some food of Moritz. Manel showed me how to use a porro, a carafe that you use to “drop” wine into your mouth. We then started with some Tapas before a charcuterie plate filled with sausage and meats. The cheese platter was also quite appetizing.

I was pretty full, but everyone insisted I try the Spanish version of a French favorite (fitting when you are near the border of both places), Boeuf Bourguinon, and I really enjoyed it.

I toured the brewery and banquet areas downstairs before I bid my hosts farewell. I decided to forego the cab and take in a bit more of Barcelona while I had the chance.

I got a bit lost on my way back to the hotel and I was actually glad it happened. I had wondered through some alleyways filled with revelers going in and out of the small bars, clubs and restaurants.

Despite the fact that I was alone and there were some quieter areas, I felt safe. The only thing I didn’t feel was enough energy to continue partying into the night.

In the morning, I reluctantly left my hotel for Barcelona airport. Check in was easy and I was early for my flight. The airport gate was quite crowded and I chuckled at the site of a cervesa (beer) vending machine positioned just before passengers headed on the plane. I decided instead to settle into my seat (emergency row, but no upgrade from American) and have a glass of wine instead.

It had been a great week exploring Roussillon that had been made even better with a Spanish ending.

Traveling Abroad: 5 Essential Safety Tips

2013-04-24T18:34:00.000-05:00

Travel Advice from our Sponsor...
You’ve finally booked that long-awaited trip overseas, but you’re not sure what steps you should take prior to departure. As you probably know, a vacation abroad is not something that can be thrown together overnight. It takes quite a bit of planning and preparation, especially when it comes to your safety. The following tips will help ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure abroad:
Pack with a plan
Many travelers tend to make the mistake of overpacking. It’s easy to catch yourself planning for every possibility – “What if the weather gets really cold?” What if I get a wine stain on my white dress shirt?” “What if I get sick of wearing sandals?” Before you know it, you’ll have stuffed your entire wardrobe in a massive suitcase.

In the end, though, you are best served by packing as light as possible – especially when it comes to your valuables. While most people are kind, law-abiding citizens, there are a few bad apples everywhere that target tourists for theft, scams and crimes of all descriptions. For that reason, it’s best to avoid wearing high-priced jewelry, expensive clothing or other apparel that could make you stick out as a wealthy traveler. Remember, the best way to protect your stuff overseas is not to bring them with you at all.

Conceal your money, passport and documentation
Obviously, there are a number of important/valuable items you have to take along, namely your passport, credit cards and cash. These things are your lifeblood overseas, so you need to be extra vigilant when it comes to protecting them. Your money and documentation are most secure locked inside a hotel safe. When you must carry them on you, it’s best to store them in a hidden waist wallet under your clothing. Avoid purses, handbags, fanny packs and outside pockets that could be easy targets for pickpockets. Lastly, avoid drinking alcohol excessively during your trip. When your judgment and mental acuity are impaired, you are significantly more vulnerable to crime. If you do choose to indulge in a few drinks, do so in the company of fellow travelers. There’s always safety in numbers.

Don’t forget to secure your home before you leave
It’s easy to overlook the safety of your humble abode amid the mad scramble to get things ready for your excursion. However, keep in mind that your home is least secure when you’re away for an extended amount of time. Ideally, you could solicit a trusted friend, family or neighbor to keep an eye on your property while you’re gone. But this isn’t always a practical scenario. At the very minimum, you should have someone collect your newspapers and mail while you’re gone. Nothing announces “I’m out of town!” like a growing pile of the daily gazette at the end of your driveway.

Additionally, a professionally monitored alarm system is always an effective home protection tool, particularly when you’re out of town. These systems are linked to a central monitoring station, where professionals keep an eye on your home 24/7, even when nobody is home. Consult ADT or another reputable home security provider if you’re looking for more information.

Exercise caution with social media
We live in a digitally connected culture. Nowadays, people feel compelled to share everyday experiences in real time through their social media accounts. While Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites are among the most influential innovations of our time, they – like any powerful tool – have the ability to be used for both good and evil.

Unfortunately, criminals have learned how to exploit social media to help them target homes for burglary. Consequently, it’s wise to avoid posting live updates about your vacation plans. An innocent tweet or status update could tip off a thief that you will be away. Instead, try to keep your vacation plans between you and a few trusted friends and family members.

Full Last Day of Tasting Roussillon

2013-04-13T10:44:00.001-05:00

Eric Aracil, Export Manager, Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins du Roussillon, was there to greet me first thing in the morning at Hotel Metropole in Perpignan. It was my last day in this wine region and we had lots of wine to taste.

It was another scenic drive as I once again saw the diversity in the soil of this area between the Pyrenees Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. We were actually heading closer to the mountains into the driest area in Roussillon.

Our first stop was at Domaine La Casenove in Trouillas, where the Montes family and winemaker Jean-Luc Colombo had managed to make wine from a land filled with clay and pebbles. They had a lot of practice in doing so as this family had been here for more than 400 years.

I liked the selection of wines at Domaine La Casenove, which included dry reds like syrah and the sweeter muscat. The Muscat de Rivesaltes is dessert wine perfected, with notes of honey, apricot and kiwi.

Our ride to Domaine de Nidoleres was as scenic as the previous. I could believe the beauty of the Pyrenees Mountains from every angle. The soil changed once again. In some areas it looked like there were vines coming straight out of rocks!

I fell for this place immediately, from the warm-hearted winemaker Pierre Escudié and his wife/partner/chef. They have Guest Houses (with hot tubs and a sauna) here as well as a restaurant, where we were to have lunch. It seemed like the perfect place for a romantic getaway – especially with the winery.Dom

The meal started with a perfect salad made with Small mushroom soufflés served with butternut squash and mashed potatoes was a great option, especially with the 2008 Domaine de Nidoleres Grenache Blanc, filled with lemon and green apple.

I enjoyed the selection of French cheeses at the end of the meal, served with a Domaine de Nidoleres Late Harvest Vinya Blanca. I wish I had more time to stay and chat with the Escudiés, as well as see more of the property, but we had yet another winery to go to, Domaine Montana in Banyuls des Aspres.

The winery was old and beautiful. From the ancient bricks to the newer stainless tanks and barrel room, they had it all covered. They also had a museum which explored French wine, especially in this area. It was fun to walk through it and see all the antiques explaining how wine (and winemaking) had changed.

Before we left, Eric and I did some tasting of the Chateau Montana wines. My favorite was La Rouge Eternal, a mix of syrah, carignan and grenache that produced a wine filled with fresh ripe fruit and a touch of cinnamon.

I had a short time to change for dinner when back at the hotel before Eric Aracil returned to pick me up for a very special final meal.

Le Clos des Lys had the understated elegance that I prefer in fine dining. We were meeting Georges Puig of Domaine Puig Parahy for dinner. I knew he was bringing wine, but I had no idea just how special this tasting would be.

It seems the wines of Puig Parahy include a rare collection of old wines. With our meal we would be tasting aged muscat wines that were more than 100 years old – and worth thousands of dollars.

Though we started with a light and citrusy 2009 Muscat Sec, we proceeded to the older wines as the meal moved along.

I really didn’t think there would be such a difference in these wines, but each bottle had its own individuality, though they all bore resemblance to that unique taste of chestnut barreling.

It’s hard to narrow down my favorites, but the 1977 had a fantastic combination of cocoa, fig, walnut and coffee, while the 1962 brought in a bit of sweet baked apple even though the nose was not as strong. In the 2001, I found a lighter taste, with a mix of raspberry and cinnamon. That wine had another notable component – it was harvested on September 11, 2001.

The wines got older as the evening went on, from a rich 1936 to a spectacular 1910, bringing in notes of nutty caramel and coffee. We stopped at the 1890 which was tasty and cognac-like.

The food at Le Clos des Les was as memorable as the wine. The plateful of hors d'oeuvres that started dinner was a meal in itself. I was glad the dishes were small since there were so many, such as the pumpkin mousse, served in a shot glass. I also thoroughly enjoyed the pork in cream sauce with artichoke and a hash brown cake.

The final dish was wild boar, served in a filet and cubed in a great sauce. I like the accompaniment of apples served with it for an added sugar and spice. Chef Jean-Claude Vila had prepared this meal just for us and he had certainly done quite a job.

The chocolate fudge cake was as delectable as it looked and the passion fruit glace was a good accompaniment.

On the way out, I couldn’t help but notice the beautifully decorated cakes and collection of macaroons. As appealing as they looked, I couldn’t possibly eat another bite. It was time for Eric to drop my off at my hotel for my final night’s sleep in Roussillon. I had discovered another wine region I hope to return to someday soon. In the meantime, I was off to Barcelona for a short visit before I head home.

Water and Wine in Roussillon, France

2013-03-31T10:55:00.000-05:00

It was a day full of beautiful surprises as I got to see incredible scenery while exploring the wine region of Roussillon.

I started the day with my favorite French breakfast of yogurt, fruit and pan au chocolat. I never eat the same thing for breakfast at home, but this seems to work well to start a day of wine tasting. Virginie Hurault from Vins du Roussillon picked me up at the Hotel Metropole in Perpignan for our trip to the mountains and the sea, further into the south of France.

The scene was like nothing I had scene. There were vineyards up mountains and in what looked like black dirt. The Mediterranean Sea was a glimmering turquoise and the houses on the hillside were unmistakably European.

Our first stop was at a small store in Banyuls sur Mer, where we met with Jean-Francois Deu, owner of Domaine du Traginer. The shop also sold other local wines and we tasted a few.

I was taken with the 2007 Domaine du Traginer Collioure Blanc, a buttery vanilla which didn’t taste as oaky as its 14 months in a barrel would normally indicate. I also liked his 2010 Banyuls Black Granache, a fruit-filled combination of dates and plum.

We drove with Jean-Francois up a winding dirt road to see the vineyards he works with his mule. He’s been doing this with his helpers – three donkeys and a mule. The views of the sea and Pyrenees Mountains and Mediterranean Sea were spectacular, but I never would believe someone could cultivate grapes (and make good wine from them) on this red clay if I hadn’t tasted it myself.

We took a drive back down to the town to Domaine de la Rectorie, where Marc Parce, president of the areas Cru Management Organization told us about the first white wines made here back in the 1990s and how they actually grew different grapes within the same vineyard instead of blending them later on!

My pick at Domaine de la Rectorie was definitely the 2011 L’Oriental, a mix of black grenache and carignan, but I didn’t get to have much as we had another drive to take before lunch.

I was still getting over the beauty of Banyuls sur Mer when I was captured by Collioure, from the ancient castle to the hills by the sea. Le Neptune Restaurant offered us incredible views into this seaside paradise – along with fantastic food and wine.

We started with a colorful salad and then a Cous Cous cake surrounded by hummus and vegetables. It was just the light meal I needed to offset the heavier wine of the day. The dessert, however, wasn’t quite as light, but I couldn’t resist the presentation filled with chocolate mousse and Bailey’s Irish Cream ice cream.

During lunch I tasted some wines whose vineyards we didn’t have time to visit and found the Abbe Rous Collioure Cuvee Rosé to be quite memorable.

After lunch, we walked around the town and along the sea. It was a windy and cool day, but I still wanted to check the area out and take some photos. Before we left Collioure, we stopped to see the factory of one of their most popular exports, anchovies. It was interesting to watch the workers fold them up to put into the cans. I almost wished I ate fish. I certainly could smell them!

Our next stop was at the bakery compound of Olivier Bajard, who is a award-winning master of sweets. My sweet tooth was definitely salivating as I looked at the cakes, cookies and, of course, chocolate.

The chocolate selection at Olivier Bajard appeared to be endless, from chocolate bars made from cocoa around the world to truffles in multiple flavors.

We walked through the kitchen, which was as busy and organized as that of a major restaurant. In a large room at the end, Olivier and his assistant Remy were waiting for us to do a wine pairing with some of their chocolates and French macaroons. I didn’t necessarily agree with all the pairings, but I did really enjoy all the offerings. If I had to narrow it down, I’d say I was most blown away by the macaroon with cassis and violet.

I went back to the hotel for a brief time to change and get ready for what would be a delightful dinner with Christine Campadieu of Domaine La Tour Vielle. She made the perfect choice in Le Grain de Folie restaurant in Perpignan. It was intimate for conversation and the food was some of the best I had thus far on my trip.

Christine told me about the wines she makes in Collioure, up on a sloping vineyard. She and her ex-husband (and current business partner) produce about 10 different wines that range from dry to sweet. I liked the ones I tried, especially the 2011 Collioure Puig Ambeille, a combination of grenache and mourvèdre. It was perfect with the mini ravioli in a cream sauce with asparagus and mushrooms, served after a delicious salad of artichokes, celery and garlic.

Dessert was a sampling and I was glad not to be faced with any big portions. The glace in a tiny cone, mini milkshake, chocolate pudding and mousse cake were definitely the way to finish a most incredible day. I couldn’t wait to see what else Roussillon had to offer.

Day One Wine Exploration in Roussillon

2013-03-26T18:08:00.000-05:00

The weather was not cooperating the way we wished, with clouds and rain most of the day. It didn’t put a damper on my day as I had waited a long time to get to this area and was excited to be in the South of France.

Eric Aracil, Export Manager, Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins du Roussillon, picked me up for a full day of wine tasting in the Roussillon region. He apologized for the weather and explained how unusual it was since this area actually gets 320 sunny days per year.

I listened to him talk with pride as I enjoyed the beautiful landscape changing in front of the mountains. There were areas of green, but also many spots where it looked like the vines were growing right out of black! These are just a few of the things that make Roussillon unique from other French wine areas.

Our first stop was at Domaine Piquemal, a family-owned winery that was now in the hands of the fifth generation, Marie Pierre Piquemal. She greeted us in the brand new building that now houses their tasting room and winery.

Marie Pierre explained how all the elements in her land, including black soil, clay, olive trees and wild herbs, influence the wines produced by Domaine Piquemal. It was here I had my first taste of Muscat Sec, or dry moscato. It is very popular in Roussillon for its tropical and fresh flavors.

My favorite wine at Domaine Piquemal, though, was the 2010 Les Terres Grilleés, a combination of syrah, grenache and carignan that exemplifies the herb influence in the vineyards.

Next was Maison Cazes, the largest vineyard in France to practice organic and biodynamic farming.

Lional Lavail, owner and general manager at Cazes, met with us and showed us the solar panels used in this area, which is known to be windy and sunny most of the year. Among the unusual techniques they use to avoid chemicals is a supply of bats to kill spiders and encourage the insects that will help with pollination.

Maison Cazes also has plans to lead the area in another respect – wine tourism. Lional Lavail believes that more should know that the best vineyards to visit are right in Roussillon. He’s already working on building accommodations at the winery to encourage more to visit.

We tasted the wines of Cazes wines during a delicious lunch in their restaurant, which has fresh food brought in everyday from local producers. A 2012 Le Canon du Maréchal. This blend of two types of muscat and viognier together made everything I enjoy in wine – a combination of tropical and citrus that’s fresh, light and just slightly sweet from the fruit.

I had a wonderful quinoa cake and some bread out of the oven in this rustic setting while we tasted some spicy red blends and finished with a most unusual 1999 Rivesaltes Ambré. This barrel-aged Grenache was orange in color and a very good combination of sweet and woody, though it was still hard to pull me away from the Apple-Caramel dessert!

Before I could say no more, Lional pulled out a 1978 White Grenache, which had most incredible notes of apricot, dates, ginger and cherries. It was sad to leave Maison Cazes (and its wines), but we had more places to go and bottles to taste.

Cases de Pene is actually a cooperative of 60 growers from the town with the same name. One winemaker works here to blend and then store the wine in large concrete tanks in the middle of this quaint town. The wines are then sold and exported under the Chateau de Penya name.

Chateau du Penya also produces a fantastic Muscat de Noel, a limited edition Christmas muscato made by many of the wineries in Roussillon that’s worth pre-ordering.

It was time to climb the mountain a bit for the coldest vineyards of Mas Amiel. François Trouquet took us around and showed us some of the unusual winemaking techniques here, including the largest wooden barrels I’ve seen and the smallest containers – which are kept outside.

We did a lot of tasting at Mas Amiel of quite a selection of grenache. My excitement went from one end of the spectrum to the other. I loved the 2009 Vintage Blanc, a grey grenache with tropical minerality (including strong pineapple notes), and a creamy, long lasting finish. I also relished the 2010 Vintage, a black grenache full of chocolate and back raspberry.

After a short break at the hotel, I had dinner with Gilles Jaubert of Château Planères at Le Café Vienne à Perpignan. Like many of the winery owners of Roussillon, he is fifth generation. We sipped a light 2011 Prestige, a mix of malvasia, vermentino, and white grenache and he told me how his family helped bring new varieties to the region. He also was proud of the fact that everything in his vineyard is done by hand.

My salad was good, but the cheese filled bilini and mushroom, potato, yam dish was just what I needed with the La Romania, an oaked malvasia/vermentino, which stood strong on its own. We ended the meal with a chocolate molten cake and Vin Doux Naturel AOC Rivesaltes Garnet, a black grenache that tasted of plums, black currant and a little bit of green pepper to finish my day with spice.

Reaching Roussillon

2013-03-19T20:11:00.001-05:00

It was an uneventful start to the long trip from home to the city of Perpignan in the wine region of Roussillon, France. I didn’t get upgraded on the American Airlines flight, but I did get a seat in the emergency row so I was able to spread out a little and get a bit of sleep.

I had plenty of time before my afternoon flight, which was a good thing since I had to change in Paris from Charles de Gaulle to Orly Airport. That trip wasn’t quite so uneventful as a disruly passenger on the bus held us up quite a bit. I’d like to tell you what it was about, but my limited French could not come close to translating that conversation!

From Orly, I took a short flight to the south of France, where Roussillon is located between the Pyrenees Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. It was my first visit to this region and I was excited about checking out another area of French wine. I would soon learn that this was much different than any other I had visited.

I had a chance to relax in my room at Hotel Mercure Perpignan Centree. It was right in the middle of town and would be my home for the next few days while I ventured out to explore the area. It was nice to stay put in one place.

Eric Aracil, Export Manager, Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins du Roussillon, met me in the hotel lobby to share some basic information with me about the region. He would be my main contact for the trip. He explained to me how this area represented the most diversity in land in all of France, with mountain slopes similar to Sonoma, salt air from the Mediterranean, terroirs that ranged from grass to dark soil and three rivers that ran through it. The wines – still, sparkling, sweet and dry – all varied by what came from the vineyards they were on.

Another intriguing piece of information I learned about Roussillon is that it was actually part of Catalonia at one time with a stronger Spanish culture than French one. Given the fact that Spain was just right on the other side of the mountains, a lot of that had remained in the wine, food, and even language.

I soon learned about the difference in the food as Karine Faucher from Les VignerionsCatalanas, the first wine cooperative to be formed in Pyrénées-Orientales, picked me up to take me for dinner at Le Tire Bouchon. It was just a short distance from the hotel in Perpignan and I loved the quaint, European décor.

The food was definitely lighter than I had ever experienced in France. I started with an amazing eggplant dish and continued with a mushroom omelet, both satisfying and not at all heavy. Even dessert was a flan type dish that didn’t leave me stuffed.

Karine told me a little about her area, which represents half of the wine sales volumes. We sipped the 2010 Les Village de Terroir Catalan Lesquerdes over dinner. The Croix Milhas Muscat de Rives was my first dabbling into the region’s most popular grape and it was a good one. I was excited to be able to sample more over the coming days, but it was getting late and I hadn’t slept much in two days. I went back to my hotel in preparation for my first outing into the vineyards of Roussillon.

Living the Disney World VIP Life

2013-03-08T18:38:00.000-06:00

It's hard to wake up anything but happy when you are at Disney World and the first view out your windows are the giraffes walking around Animal Kingdom. I was on a trip with a group of journalists to check out Disney's Golden Oak mansions, as well as what was new at the Magic Kingdom.

Breakfast was at Jiko and it was a buffet like I had never seen. There was an omelet station that included treats like lobster and prepared dishes with delicacies such as ostrich eggs. The desserts were also delectable and we had a surprise guest – the big mouse himself came to greet us.

After breakfast we headed to Disney’s Golden Oak community. This is the first opportunity for people to live right on the Disney property, something your family could certainly treasure. The mansions come in a variety of models. They are all truly luxurious and are priced at $1.6 to $8 million.

While the properties aren’t large (who wants to spend their time worrying about their lawns when living at Disney?), the houses are custom-made with amenities such as in-ground pools, courtyards, backyard kitchens and magnificent bathrooms. I was especially impressed with the master bath that had two toilets!

You will also find the presence of Mickey Mouse in places you wouldn’t expect (maybe in a wall tile or light switch). Everyone who buys a home at Golden Oak also receives a plaque in front of their house that shows that they are a homeowner of Walt Disney World.

A clubhouse with a pool, gym and restaurant is available to Golden Oak residents. As the community fills up, they plan to increase the calendar of activities and clubhouse amenities.

The perks of being a Golden Oak homeowner does not end on the property. Homeowners will receive four passes that can be used at any of the Disney World parks – as much as they want, for whomever they want. They also have access to VIP service, something we had the chance to check out.

VIP guides at Disney can take you behind the scenes. You don’t have to worry about lines, parking worries or transportation to the park – you pull up right to the park of your choosing. The guides also take you wherever you want to go and can even get you into some areas that aren’t open to general guests.

Our guides took us right to a small parking lot behind Disney Studios and walked us right inside. We had lunch at The Brown Derby. (Be sure to leave yourself a ton of time if you decide to eat here as service was extremely slow and cut into our VIP park experience.)

Our first stop in the new Fantasyland was at the interactive “Enchanted Tales with Belle.” Players in Belle’s story came from the visitors (mostly kids) and all of the Beauty and the Beast characters were around to make sure it was done correctly.

Prince Eric now has a castle and just below it is Little Mermaid Ariel in the new “Under the Sea” ride. I thought it was a lot of fun and had plenty of moving, musical and bright characters to keep kids of all ages involved.

In the new Fantasyland there is also a new castle for Gaston and it contains the only restaurant in Fantasyland that serves alcohol. It is also booked for dinner months in advance so be sure you get your reservations in if you want to eat here.

I remember taking my then four year old to Disney World alone. She wanted to go straight onto the Dumbo ride, one of the most popular in the park. We waited an hour and a half and that was about it for both of us for the day! Disney has evidently heard this from more parents because Dumbo now has his own pavilion, with a second ride and a circus tent (in a whole Storybook Circus section) to hang out in while waiting for the time to head on the ride. Brilliant play, Disney.

After the Fantasyland exploration we got to spend some time in one of my favorite shopping places, Main Street in the Magic Kingdom. It was fun picking up a few surprises for my (now grown) daughter from the “happiest place on earth.”

We spent the evening at the Disney's Contemporary Resort where we enjoyed more of the Disney VIP experiences. We started with a Chef’s Table Dinner that was just amazing. Everything, including the soup and salad, was creative and paired with wine. Even the Surf and Turf included a large lobster tail for each person.

After dinner, we headed outside, where there was a scrumptious dessert buffet waiting for us to enjoy while we watched the fireworks over Cinderella’s Castle. It was a bit chilly, so I settled in with some pumpkin coffee with amaretto and did some sampling of Pumpkin Pecan Pie with Jack Daniels Panna Cotta, S’mores Macaroons, Carmel Corn Truffles and Deep Fried Brownie Pops.

It had been a trip unlike my others, but it was certainly a lot of fun. My only disappointment was that I never made it to the African Safari and a few other “grown-up” experiences I was hoping to catch. Then again, that gives me another reason to head back to Disney World soon.

Doing Disney with Grownups

2013-02-28T18:23:00.001-06:00

I always enjoy having fun with the younger generation – especially when it involves anything Disney. When a trip came up to go to Disney World and explore their Epcot Food & Wine Festival, I didn’t have to think twice.

I had never been to any of the Disney properties without kids, at least not since I was a kid. It turned out that I got to see a whole new world (pardon the pun).

The trip was put together by the Disney’s Golden Oak public relations team and we were checking out the many benefits owners of that property get, including VIP tours. I was flown to Orlando We were given rooms at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. It was my first time staying on any Disney property.

It seemed like a place with too many kids for a grownup Disney vacation, but once I saw the animals roaming outside my window, I was hooked on the experience.

The property was just beautiful, with ponds and flowers among the African motif. There was a large pool just outside the lobby area. I thought it was a bit cool to go swimming, but there were some diehards who insisted on enjoying sunny Florida.

I hadn’t eaten since an early breakfast so I went to The Mara, a cafeteria-like restaurant with a large selection of items to eat in or take out. I ordered a falafel sandwich and butternut squash soup and both were certainly better than any cafeteria fare I had eaten.

I walked around for awhile and then went back to the room before taking the shuttle bus over to the Kidani Village. It was another lodge in the Animal Kingdom which I was told had even better viewing of the animals. It also had another spectacular lobby, though slightly different in design.

I walked through to the back and asked around until I found the best place to watch the animals. The animals were basking in the sun and enjoyed their room to spread out and wander. I was also fascinated by the many species of birds on display. I stayed for a bit, but had to get back to the room and change for the evening plans.

We met in the lobby to take a bus to Epcot. It was quite an experience (reserved for VIPs) to be able to park the bus right behind the rides and just walk in through a back entrance. We were then told we had two hours to “sample” our way around Epcot before meeting for our own private lakeside viewing of the fireworks.

A lot of the international food outlets are available at Epcot all year round, but there are even more during the International Food and Wine Festival (the 2013 dates are September 27-November 10). Disney made it easy for me to try what I’d like by giving me a card I could use to pay at each booth.

Some good finds were the Griddled Greek Cheese with Pistachios and Honey from Greece, a Beef Empanada from Argentina, Spinach and Paneer Cheese Pocket from South Africa, and Swedish Meatballs with Lingonberries from the Scandinavian kiosk, my favorite dish. Portions were large enough to taste a few without feeling stuffed.

I couldn’t try everything and look forward to heading back to sample Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, Morocco, and New Zealand. There was also a Cheese booth which offered fondues and cheese samplings.

As soon as we saw the Champagne & Desserts booth we knew we had to stop. I sampled the Moet & Chandon Ice for the first time. It was wonderful “Ice cold,” as it’s meant to be served. I had also washed down some of my food with a great German Riesling, a Sigalas Assytiko from Santorini and Fairview Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa.

During the fireworks, we continued to get VIP treatment with an ice cream sundae bar. I made myself a small portion (with hot fudge, of course) and enjoyed the light show. I had almost forgotten just how uniquely Disney managed to do their displays.

I returned to my room and was not surprised to find that Disney does even chocolates on the pillow in their own special way. I couldn’t wait until another day of VIP surprises in “the happiest place on earth.”

Revisiting Michael Jordan at the Intercontinental Chicago

2013-02-26T16:55:00.000-06:00

My friend Cortney and I had a big night of eating (and drinking) around Chicago so we were more than satisfied for breakfast with just nibbling on the beautiful tray of fruit, nuts and cheese the hotel had left us. After all, we had quite a lunch a head of us.

I managed to work up an appetite with a little Michigan Avenue shopping. The Intercontinental Chicago is right on the Magnificent Mile so it was a stone’s throw from dozens of stores. Fortunately, I didn’t have too long to do any serious damage to my pocketbook, mostly picking up some interesting things at the Home Goods/Marshalls location.

I met Cortney back at the hotel and we went downstairs to the Michael Jordan Steakhouse. I hadn’t been there since the opening night and, quite honestly, there wasn’t a lot of food to be tasted then. I was really looking forward to the opportunity to see if the menu could stand up to the legend himself.

We were joined for lunch by Julie and Lauren from Isabelli Media Relations, the firm that represents the hotel and the steakhouse. We got to sit in Jordan’s favorite booth. (I knew it was the truth because it was the one I saw him sitting in the night of the opening.) It was great to have some recommendations because everything on the menu sounded so good!

Mixologist Peter Vestinos redesigned the restaurant’s cocktail menu and we had to, of course, check out what he accomplished. We chose The Danish Sangria (Block 9 Pinot Noir, Peruvian Pisco, Cherry Herring Saccharum and soda) and the Old Cuba (Bacardi 8 Rum, mint, lime, simple syrup, Argyle Brut and Angostura bitters). Cortney and I agreed that The Danish Sangria was the outstanding one, though the other was also very good.

While we sipped our cocktails, the waiter came over with the restaurant’s signature starter, garlic bread. This is no ordinary garlic bread. It starts with fresh baked bread on a plate put on the table. Then, the waiter pours a buttermilk blue cheese fondue directly on it. I’m sure you are salivating as you read this, and you should.

The garlic bread is worth a trip alone and I think someday I have to go back there and have a whole basket for myself as my whole lunch! I couldn’t do that on this day because we already had plenty of food coming. For me, it was a big plate full of house smoked, local brisket, smothered in barbecue sauce and served on a pretzel roll. It was definitely a two napkin meal, but worth every drip.

Cortney raved about the flaky crab cakes and we also enjoyed tastings of our tablemates’ orders, the grilled cheese with tomato soup and the cob salad.

Just when I didn’t think I could consume anymore, the waiter came over with a “selection” of some of the steakhouse’s best desserts. It looked too good not to check out and I’m glad I found room. The Maple-Mascarpone Cheesecake was creamy and flavorful and I found the 23 Layer Cake to be a chocolate lovers dream, but there was no doubt the Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie was the one I found to be incredible.

It took some coffee and digesting before we were ready to head out of Chicago, but I’m sure it won’t be long until I’m back to check out some more great hotels, food, wine and spirits.

Another Chicago Food, Wine and Spirits Getaway

2013-02-19T16:54:00.000-06:00

It was time for another trip to Chicago and I had no problem finding new things to check out. This time I brought my friend Cortney along for the adventure, which started at the InterContinental Hotel on Michigan Avenue.

We had quite a welcome as the hotel manager left us a beautiful spread of fruit, cheese and wine. We nibbled a little as we dressed, but saved our appetites for our first stop of the night – Eno Wine Bar.

The Eno Wine Bar is located downstairs at the InterContinental Chicago. It’s not very large, which makes it a cozy spot for a quiet date, or catch up with girlfriends. There is a good size wine selection and wines are available by the glass, in flights or by the bottle. The waiter was quite knowledgeable and helped us make decisions on what to get.

Courtney and I enjoyed a start with the Jean-Louis Denois Brut Blanc de Blanc before switching to a wonderful house branded sauvignon blanc-riesling blend from Washington. Wine isn’t the only thing Eno has with their own label on it, there’s also a delectable set of chocolates, of which the Black Truffle Sea Salt was my favorite.

The chocolate, as well as cheeses, are paired with wines. You can also order a la carte and include some of their tasty flatbreads, which change seasonally.

After our aperitif at Eno, we hopped into a cab and headed to Zocalo Restaurant & Tequila Bar for dinner. Zocalo features flights of a different kind, either tequilas or cocktails. The tequila selection is like none I’ve ever seen and while I was tempted to start comparing, we both decided to stick with the cocktails.

I absolutely loved the Chile Mango Margarita, made with Agave Loco Pepper-cured Reposado Tequila, triple sec, mango passion juice and lime, then rimmed with chili. It was fruity and spicy, a combination that suits me.

The food at Zocalo also has a Yucatan influence, using more fruit and varied spices than most of the Mexican restaurants do. The Trio de Guacamole showed this off, especially in the Fruita, an excellent mix of avocado, mango, guava and habanero.

For a main course, I was more than satisfied with my Chile Relleno, fire roasted and stuffed with a blend of three cheeses and then baked in a puff pastry covered with ranchero sauce. Courtney went for the Carne Asada and said the tequila skirt steak was the best she’s ever had.

We had a tough time deciding on dessert, especially with a selection of dessert martinis and after dinner drinks available. We finally decided that we preferred to eat the sweets and shared samplings of the Pay de Queso, Crepas de Cajeta and Churros y Champurado. I’d have to say the crepes, filled with apple, topped with caramel sauce and served with dulce de leche ice cream, were my favorite.

After dinner we decided to walk off some food on our way back to the Intercontinental. We needed time to rest and digest before our big lunch the next day at Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse.

Traverse City and Grand Rapids for Michigan Finale

2013-01-31T17:19:00.000-06:00

It was time to head home after another adventure with my friend Lisa, but I wanted to squeeze a bit more into the Michigan experience.

We had an early breakfast with J. Michael DeAgostino, Public Relations Manager for Grand Traverse Resort. I wanted to hear about the seasonal activities available here that I might be able to check out on future visits.

He told me about the exciting winter he was looking forward to at the resort, with snowmobiling, snow shoeing, ice skating, cross country skiing and even dog sledding. All of these winter sports operate out of the golf pro shop, which is a busy spot in the spring, summer and fall as they have three award-winning courses and a golf school here.

We bid J. Michael farewell and made a stop at the Dylan’s Candy Store in the hotel’s lobby. I had never been to this outlet and I definitely felt like a “kid in a candy store” with all these options. I was overwhelmed , and had a long drive ahead of me, so I decided to escape quickly with just a few interesting lollipops while the candy buttons attempted to call me back to my youth.

The drive from Traverse City to home is a long one. Lisa and I decided to break it up by stopping in Grand Rapids. I had never been before and Janet Korn of the Grand Rapids Convention and Visitors Bureau invited us to lunch at one of the city’s popular restaurants.

The owners of Bistro Bella Vita are known in Grand Rapids as they also have two other eateries. I can’t speak for those, but I certainly enjoyed this one. The menu used a lot of fresh local food, including lots of vegetables. We started out with a yummy, house made Hummus Trio and some Mushroom Crostini.

Lisa and I couldn’t decide what to choose from the vast menu so we shared the Harvest Ravioli and Michigan Turkey Sandwich. The ravioli was stuffed with sweet potatoes and mushrooms in a roasted vegetable, honey-truffle sauce. It was unique and incredible. The sandwich – smoked Michigan turkey with cashew butter, red wine-cherry jam and goat cheese on sourdough – was equally satisfying.

We talked about Grand Rapids, which has its own Beer Trail, as well as five museums, antique galleries and high end boutiques, hotels and spas. We also discussed a visit to explore more of it on a return visit (hopefully this spring). It would have been nice to spend more time there, but it was time to go to my favorite place of all… home.

Wine, Beer & Pigs in Traverse City

2013-01-27T17:16:00.000-06:00

We had a full day of Traverse City exploring, eating and drinking that started with a delicious breakfast at the Sweetwater Bistro in the Grand Traverse Resort where we were enjoying our stay. My friend Lisa feasted on the Salmon Eggs Benedict, while I was enthralled with the Cornflake-Crusted French Toast.

It was a short meal as Michael Norton of the Traverse City Convention and Visitors Bureau was waiting to take us around town for the day. I had met Mike on my last trip here and was looking forward to catching up and seeing what he had scheduled for us for the day.

The first stop was at L. Mawby, known for their sparkling wines. I had visited them a few years ago, but was anxious to taste the latest. The winery had expanded their collection as well as opening a patio for tastings a year ago.

Larry Mawby took us through the selection, which includes: Blanc de Blanc, a very good 100% chardonnay sparkling with a long finish; Cremant Classic, made from vignoles grapes and aged for a bit of wood within the fruity taste; Wet, a pinot gris and Riesling blend filled with apple notes; and the 2011 Reserve Pinot Gris, my favorite, is a combination of peach and citrus.

Our next stop was a catch all as far as Traverse City is concerned. Black Star Farms refers to itself as an “agricultural destination.” Within this property you will find an inn, a cafe, a store/tasting room for wines and spirits made on the premises and a dairy that makes cheese.

We started at Black Star with the wine and I was again impressed with the pinot gris of this area, this time in the 2011 Arcturos. The Rieslings here are equally impressive, with my favorite being the medium dry. I’d also give a big shoutout to the 10 Year Old Apple Brandy as well as the 2008 Accapella, one of the best ice wines I’ve had in awhile.

Before we left Black Star Farms we made a quick visit to the shop next door to taste the Leelanau Raclette Cheese, which was quite good.

The Towne Plaza is a fairly new, rather unique restaurant as its focus is on pork, specifically from Mangalista Pigs. They are dedicated to fresh, local ingredients in the rather small menu and they got everything we tasted just right. For Lisa, it was a burger made from ground Angus (house smoked) and topped with pork belly and cheddar. Mike had a charcuterie plate and I went for the pasta choice at the time, orecchiete with house-made sausage, broccolini, tomato and spinach.

We saved dessert for Grand Traverse Pie Company where we shared slices that included one of the best ever -- the Grand Traverse Cherry Crumb. I’m still dreaming about that one!

We soon found out that even Traverse City’s Right Brain Brewery has gotten into the pig business, offering a Mangalista Pig Porter. This unique brew is blended with the thigh and head of a smoked pig.

I’m glad I was able to capture Lisa’s “priceless” face when she first tasted it, though she did decide she liked the smoky taste once the initial shock of what she was drinking wore off.

Mike took us back to the Grand Traverse Resort after Right Brain. We were pretty worn out from a day of tasting and decided to stay in for the night. In the morning we would be driving home, with a stopover in Grand Rapids for lunch.

Return to Traverse City

2013-01-18T11:29:00.001-06:00

I love to travel and there are so many places I’d have wanted to return to. Unfortunately, I don’t get to do it too often since new destinations are always presenting themselves.

Traverse City was one of the first places I visited as a wine and spirits travel writer and I fell in love with the food and wine, as well as the beauty of Lake Michigan. I vowed I would return someday. It took three years, but I finally got to make that trip.

My friend Lisa and I were staying at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa during this getaway. I had visited it briefly my last time here and was anxious to stay and check out this full service resort.

Our stay started in one of my favorite places – the spa – and it happened that the Grand Traverse Spa has been voted when of the top spas in America so it didn’t get much better than this.

We could see right away how this spa earned its honors. Within 7,000 square feet (on two floors) there were 23 treatment rooms as well as a relaxing area and a salon. There was also a separate area for the gym, tennis and a huge pool, which included a children’s area with slides.

After enjoying the pool, whirlpool and sauna, I settled in with a cup of tea and a book before my scrumptious 80 minute Cherry-Infused Massage.

Lisa hit the jackpot with the Spa Grand Traverse Body Renewal, a spa experience she couldn’t stop raving about. She had an aromatherapy soak, hot stone massage, massage oil application, warm linen wrap and neck, scalp and face massage. All of this was done using local ingredients, such as wild birch and wintergreen native to the area.

We didn’t have a lot of time before getting ready for dinner at Aerie Restaurant. I had eaten at this restaurant before, enjoying both the night views of Traverse City and the fantastic menu. I wasn’t disappointed on my return.

I sipped an Argentinian Sauvignon Blanc from Aerie’s huge wine list as Lisa savored about her Lump Crab Cakes. She continued on the seafood mode as I warmed up with the Gratin of Onion Soup. Our appetizers were served with Aerie’s signature unique breads with (locally made) olive oil and vinegar. On this night it was a Cherry Herb Asiago and a Raisin Bread with Chipotle Olive Oil and Peach Vinegar – a perfect combination.

Both our main courses were just incredible as Lisa had a “melt in your mouth” filet with blue cheese and I enjoyed a flavorful Osso Bucco with a Saffron Risotto. We managed to find a little room left for the Assorted Mini Cheesecakes, which included a tasty Mango with Raspberry as well as a coconut one.

After a nightcap in Jack’s Sports Bar, Lisa and I headed up to our rooms at the Grand Traverse to get some sleep before a full day of exploring Traverse City.

P.S. Thanks to my loyal readers for still being here after my long absence. I am sorry that it's been awhile since I have been producing fresh blogs. It is not a habit I plan on getting into. I faced major surgery in December that was surrounded by complications, but I’m back on the mend and ready to start writing away regularly!

Farewell 2012, Welcome 2013

2012-12-31T19:59:00.001-06:00

It was an exciting year as I was able to visit new places around the country and around the world. I learned how to make gin in London, party Aspen style, taste my way through South Beach, find the best Moscato selection on a small island (Pantelleria) in Italy, and luxuriate in spas from Arizona to Colorado.

My readership has grown quite a but over the last year and I appreciate the support. I'm looking forward to the adventures to come in 2013 and I look forward to taking you all along for the ride!

Happy New Year!
Marcia

Sicilian Finale

2012-12-09T17:18:00.000-06:00

It had been an incredible week of traveling around Sicily, seeing the countryside and tasting the wine and food, but it was about to come to an end. It was the final day for Tracy and I to enjoy this region and we were ready to take full advantage.

I had been told that the breakfast at Hotel Carmine was wonderful and we were not disappointed, There was quite a selection of cheese, fruit, breads, cakes (loved the Nutella cake), eggs and meat. We certainly filled up our plates.

After breakfast, we around the scenic downtown Marsala. The architecture was very European and the narrow alleyways led to a pedestrian mall filled with stores. I wandered around, picking up a bargain Italian leather pocketbook and a few gifts for family. We then walked back to the hotel and waited for Maria Elena from Donnafugata to pick us up.

The Donnafugata Winery in Marsala was not at all what I expected. It was modern and casual, reminding me of a neighborhood in Southern California. It even had palm trees. The underground cellar was brand new and looked so neat and organized. It is part of a new wing that was opened to the public in 2008.

After the tour, we met back up with Antonio and José for a tasting. I got to have a bit more of what had become one of my favorite wines of the trip, Anthilia, a blend of grillo, chardonnay and viognier which is filled with lemon and tropical flavors like kiwi. Apparently I’m far from the only one who loves it as it is Donnafugata’s number one seller.

I also had some of the Mille e una Notte, a blend of Nero d'Avola, with small amounts of various varieties that are unnamed. It was deep and dark with a fruit forward palate and a long finish of tobacco and spice.

We bid farewell to all the Donnafugata friends we had made during the week and took off with Maria Elena for a drive to another one of the company’s wineries.

We stopped for lunch in Menfi at a cute outdoor restaurant called Porto Palo. Tracy and Maria Elena enjoyed all the fish on the menu, including fried octopus and raw swordfish. I had some antipasto and pasta, and a wonderful fudge covered parfiato for dessert. It all went well with a bottle of Donnafugata’s Lighea.

From there we headed to the Donnafugata’s Contessa Entilla, which is actually in the back of a family home. When you come through the courtyard and into the front entrance, all you see is the house, but a door just past the dining room leads to this big winery!

Donnafugata processes their red wines from Marsala at this plant and it was an interesting production line. We walked through the vineyards a bit before heading to Palermo and our final hotel, Quintocanto Hotel & Spa, it was a very unusual place that looked like it had built different sections at different times so it took two different elevators and a number of stairs to get to our rooms.

By the time we made it to our rooms we decided we didn’t want to go back out for dinner. Instead we decided to finish our Sicilian adventure by ordering in pizza and calzone as only the Italians can make it.

Marca Peru

2012-12-05T09:45:00.001-06:00

It seems like every time I cross one destination off my bucket list I add another. I have to admit that Peru was not high on my priorities. That changed when I was asked to post this video. I sat down to watch it and was really surprised by what I saw.

I had heard Peru was a beautiful country, but I never imagined just how much there was to see, do and taste there. The scenery is just breathtaking and it appears there is a lot to discover.

Take a few moments out of your day to sit back, relax and enjoy this video. It will definitely be three minutes that will make you smile. I’ll bet it will also have you planning your next vacation sooner than you thought you would. And, it just may be too Peru. If not, I’m also sure Peru will move onto your bucket list too.

Happy Holidays,

Marcia

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Wine Exploration from Pantelleria to Marsala

2012-11-30T16:40:00.001-06:00

Tracy and I woke up in our little stone house on the property of the Donnafugata Winery on the island of Pantelleria. We would be traveling again this day, but first we were able to tour this beautiful property and see a bit more of this Sicilian Island.

Antonio Ralla, one of the owners of Donnafugata, and Marta, from the marketing department, met us at the cellar to talk about Moscato de Alexandria and the vineyard built on volcanic soil, with sand and light pumice stones. We also discussed the Arab influence on the island (Tunisia is only 20 miles away).

The vineyard was filled with Moscato grapes drying on the vines. Marta took us through and along the way we picked some to eat and they were juicy and sweet. She then showed us the Giardino Pantesco (a fortress for a tree) Donnafugata. It is one of the most unusual gardens in the world, with an orange tree growing inside a stone wall. The original concept goes back 3,000 years and the winery has kept it going.

We went to meet the grape pickers and watched them take the stems off for the tasty raisins that will go into the wine. The Moscato here goes through a soft press, maturation, fermentation and vinification three times – with the dried grapes added to one. No barrels are used in the process so the Moscato always retains the fruitiness.

Before lunch we took a drive up to a mountain which had capers growing up the slope. I had never seen anything like it, but apparently this system had worked so well over the years the island became famous for capers.

We then had lunch with the men in the dining hall where they had all their meals each day they worked.

Tracy and I sat with Antonio and Marta for eggplant, pasta, steak, melon and pastry, sipping the Nerodiablo, an excellent blend that includes a bit of cabernet sauvignon.

After lunch we went for another ride. We were able to get some more breathtaking views of the Mediterranean from on top of the mountain at one of the other Donnafugata vineyards.

Before we went to the airport we spent some time relaxing and wading our feet in the water at Cala Gadir Pier and also got to take a look (from the outside) at the Giorgio Armani compound here.

We took a short flight with Antonio and Marta to Trapani in mainland Sicily. We were soon at a wonderful hotel, Hotel Carmine, where we had just a short while to see the rooms and change for dinner with Antonio’s sister and the other owner of Donnafugata, José Rallo.

Jose, who manages to have it all, helps run the winery, spend time with her family and is even an accomplished singer! Most of all, she was great company and Tracy and I thoroughly enjoyed our dinner at Bucanieri, where the chef/owner created a meal just for us after we told him what we liked.

We chatted and sipped the lemony light Anthilipa with a grilled cheese in a sweet grape sauce. It was like nothing I had before – simple, yet very satisfying. It was followed by an eggplant appetizer, which the chef had cooked four hours to tender perfection. We had that with yet another Donnafugata wine, the buttery Chiaranda.

The arancini (rice ball) was just wonderful, as was the freshly made pasta served with salted (not too much) ricotta and a pommedora fresca sauce.

The meal finished with a scrumptious chocolate ricotta cake covered in fudge sauce, served with what had become one of my favorite wines, Kabir Moscato.

Jose took us back to the hotel for a good night sleep before we explored Marsala and more Donnafugata.

The Wonders of Pantelleria

2012-11-21T10:34:00.000-06:00

I don’t often see the words “free day” on my schedule, but that’s what Tracy and I had for our first full day in Pantelleria.

Unfortunately, a power failure the night before had us to bed very late and oversleeping, but once we got going we were ready to see what this magnificent island had to offer.

The original plan was to have lunch with the vineyard workers at the Donnafugata Winery where we were staying, but when we didn’t wake up until 12:30, we decided to head straight out to explore, enjoying some coffee and biscotti first.

We took off in our little yellow Fiat Panda to try to find Grotta di Benikula Sauna, a natural sauna within a cave. We drove for about an hour and couldn’t find it, but did manage to see some interesting vineyards, a monastery and ancient ruins. I couldn’t believe all this existed on the Mediterranean Sea, just 20 miles from the African nation of Tanzania.

From that area we drove down to Scauri to look for someplace to eat along the towns of the water. We couldn’t find anything open on Sunday afternoon, but we did find what we had wanted to be our next stop anyway – Lago Specchiod, Venere.

Venus Lake, as it is called, is a beautiful lake filled with aqua water that contains natural mud and spa-like baths. Tracy and I enjoyed frolicking in the mud like two school children before taking turns lying in the bubbly “baths.”

From there we headed to Cala Gadir and walked around taking pictures of the rock formations, including Aroo dell’elefante, Elephant Arc. We were both really hungry by then and remembered Mimma had told us the previous night about Le Calle in Cala Gadir. There we had some spumante and antipasto and watched the sea as the sun went down.

Before we went back to our little house at the Donnafugata Winery, we stopped at La Portella Pizzeria and picked up a pizza and a calzone, which we enjoyed on the patio with a few bottles of wine (who knew Moscato and pizza went so well together? J).

We had one more day to go on Pantelleria, exploring more vineyards, scenic stops, and learning more about the unique way they make one, as well as seeing where they grow the island’s other big import – capers -- before we would fly back to mainland Sicily and visit more of the wineries of Donnafugata.

Exploring Anna Lanza Cooking School and Tasca D’Almerita

2012-11-11T17:34:00.000-06:00

I woke up early in my room at the Tasca D’Almerita Winery. I could hear the workers coming in for the day and it was a good feeling to know I was no longer totally alone in this vast place.

After a little work and a quick shower, my ride to go back to the Anna Lanza Cooking School came to get me for breakfast.

I joined my friend Tracy, who had stayed at the school’s villa, for a breakfast that was as wonderful as I had been told it would be. There was homemade marmalade, created from the fruit in the garden; just baked sweet breads; freshly hatched scrambled eggs; and even homemade yogurt, which I enjoyed with a delectable fig tart.

Ragaleali is a picturesque Sicilian town up on a mountain and the area I was in consisted of acres and acres of land that included the winery and the cooking school. After breakfast, we walked around for awhile before our tour of the vineyards and winery. I relaxed in the courtyard too, talking with Jim, one of the cooking school guests. He showed me pictures of some of the things he made during the week he was there, including ricotta gnocchi, the fig tart and yogurt, and some very special sardines.

Beyond the garden are the vineyards and there are 1,200 acres that include 50 different varieties of grapes at Tasca D’Almerita. The most famous are grillo and moscato, but this was also the place that produced the first chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon in Sicily.

The large, modern equipment at the winery helps produce over three million bottles a year. They are using a natural filtration system and love to try new barrels to experiment with taste (Sicilian chestnut barrels are currently holding some perricone, a red varietal).

After the tour, we did some tasting. My favorite was the Sallier de la Tour Le Bianche, actually made at the Pernice Estate in Monreale. It contains three grapes that are among my favorites – viognier, semillion and sauvignon blanc – for a crispy and mineral-filled blend with lots of lemon, as well as tropical pineapple and kiwi.

We headed back to the cooking school for our final meal in Ragaleali and head chef, owner, and amazing cook Fabrizia Lanza made it a fantastic one. The pasta with ricotta was amazing, with the freshly produced cheese and round circles of macaroni. We also had a delicious sausage and potatoes dish, along with just picked broccoli.

For dessert we had a Moorish Head Cake, filled with light ricotta cream, as well as sesame cookies that reminded me of the way my aunt Mary used to make them.

There wasn’t much time to linger as we had a flight to make from Palermo airport. We barely made it on time to hop the airport boss to the small propeller plane to Pantelleria. The flight was a short half hour, which was good because the plane was rather hot.

We could see the beautiful turquoise water as we landed in this spot, just 20 miles from the African republic of Tanzania. Mimma of Donnafugata Wines, our host for the next few days, was waiting for us along with our Yellow Fiat Panda. Fortunately, Tracy knew how to drive a stick shift because that was our only option and I had only attempted it once when I was a teenager.

Mimma escorted us to our cute little stone house on the property of the Donnafugata winery and vineyards, just down the road from the Mediterranean Sea. After we showered and changed, she took us to La Nicchia, a beautiful restaurant on the other side of the island. It was quite a unique place, with what looked like a simple pizzeria in the front and an elegant dining room in the back, with no ceiling and trees growing among the tables!

We started with the Donnafugata Lighea, a semi-sweet blend of zibibbo (Moscato d'Alessandria). We got to know each other as we nibbled on warm focaccia and an outrageous caponata. For an appetizer, I had Ravioli with Ricotta and Mint, and island specialty, and then a beef filet for a main course. Mimma and Tracy feasted on Gambaroni, the largest crayfish I had ever seen

For dessert, we had a flaky and light cannoli and a glass of 2009 Ben Rye, also made from zibibbo, but sweetened from the addition of dried moscato grapes to the taste of apricot, fig and date.

We were exhausted by the time we got back to the house and did not expect the night and day ahead of us.

From Ragusa to Regaleali

2012-11-05T19:24:00.000-06:00

It had been a long time since I’d slept in a twin bed, but I had been so tired from the previous day of travel that it didn’t matter. With the shutters shut and the alarm off, my friend Tracy and I had even slept until 9:30 at Locanda Don Serafino.

We dressed and packed up quickly and headed downstairs for a great European breakfast of breads, muffins, yogurt and cheese. Unfortunately, we forgot we weren’t in Starbucks when it came to ordering coffee and just asked for “lattes,” forgetting to specify “café” before it. We enjoyed the glasses of warm milk before playing it safe and requesting cappuccinos!

We had a bit of time and went for a short walk in Ragusa Ibla before Francesco Ferreri picked us up and took us to the Valle Dell’Acate winery. The drive seemed a lot more interesting after a good night’s sleep and we identified the almond, orange and olive trees along the way, as well as the green houses filled with tomatoes.

It was starting to warm up and it was a beautiful scene as we walked around the winery and vineyards.

At Valle Dell’Acate we were able to see some of the original wine-making equipment from “back in the day,” including a crushing pit that reminded me of the I Love Lucy episode where Lucy and Ethel were crushing grapes in their bare feet!

In that same museum area was a picturesque window that looked out into the vineyards. This winery was well into the 21^st century, though, using solar panels for 50% of its energy.

After we learned about the variety in the soil and land at Valle Dell’Acate (which means valley to river to sea) that produces the difference in the wines, we were able to taste quite a few. The 2011 Zagra, a blend of 60% grillo and 40% insolia, was my favorite for its ripe peach and apricot notes.

We also did a vertical tasting of the Bidis (chardonnay and insolia) and could really taste the difference between the years and the aging.

Before we left Valle Dell’Acate we had a lunch of fresh cheeses, calzone, breads, olives and fruits. It was the kind of meal I could eat every day, especially with the wine.

Nunzio had come to pick us up to take us to Regaleali. It was a long trip up the mountain on bumpy dirt roads. There were times when I looked down and couldn’t believe the incredible views and other times I was afraid to look down. At one point we had to stop the car on a cliff and wait for a herd of sheep to cross!

When we finally arrived at the Anna Lanza Cooking School I realized it was worth it. The villa was just as I pictured small town Italy to be, with a courtyard filled with chickens heckling and laundry hanging, and the addition of vineyards and sweeping views of the valley below.

Visitors to this villa and cooking school have included celebrity chefs (like Mario Batali) and people from all walks of life. Joining us for the visit were Jim, a movie producer from Hollywood, and Rosalinda, a banker from New York. There was also a group of interns and visiting chefs joining in.

Fabrizia Lanza told us about the cooking school her mother started (in the land of her family’s winery) while she instructed all on how things should be prepared. We even got to take a long walk through her garden which had the most extensive collection of flowers, herbs, vegetables and fruits I have ever seen.

We had some delicious Pizzelle and chickpea fritters with Tasca d’Amerita Sparkling Rose as we sat in the courtyard and enjoyed the warm night.

Dinner was eggplant, rabbit, salad, pasta and fruit. All from this area and freshly made. We drank a 2007 Rosso del Conte with dinner, made from the local Nero d'Avola, which blends so well with the Sicilian cooking.

Dinner was just wonderful, as much for the food as for the company. We all sat around the big table and ate the freshest fruits and dishes as we shared stories about ourselves. My thoughts came back to the big dinners my Aunt Mary used to make, but the American-style version had left you more stuffed than satisfied.

We ended the meal with sweet and light cream puffs, and a glass of Diamante d'Almerita, a late harvest mixture of moscato and traminer aromatico that is heavenly.

Since there was a full house at Fabrizio Lanza’s villa and they only had a single room left, I volunteered to stay up at the winery about a mile away. I got a ride up to the property. It was almost identical to the other villa and my room was cozy. It was a bit strange when they said goodnight and I realized I was the only one left there, but I closed my eyes in the big four poster bed and reminded myself of the adventure that came to the lone woman in Under the Tuscan Sun!

Welcome to Sicily

2012-10-26T20:37:00.000-05:00

I have been lucky enough to travel around the world, but I never had the opportunity to visit any of the places my family came from. That list is longer than you may think since each of my grandparents was born in a different country. When the opportunity to visit Sicily came up, I was thrilled to be able to cross one of those places off my list.

The trip was organized by Rebecca Hopkins, whom I had met while at the Aspen Food & Wine Classic. She works for Folio Wines and put together a trip for me with three of Sicily’s top wine producers, Valledell’Acate, Tasca d’Almerita and Donnafugata. The itinerary had us on eight planes and in the car quite a bit, but the positive side of that was that I would get to see a lot of the land my grandfather’s family was from.

It was a rough start to the trip as the cab I ordered didn’t show up and I came as close as one could get (the plane door about to close) to missing my plane. Had I been at a larger airport, there probably would have been no way I would have made it, but I ran onto the plane and took the first flight, a quick 20 minutes from Champaign to Chicago.

I arrived at O’Hare before my friend Tracy, who was coming from San Francisco to take the flight to room with me. The flight was full and there wasn’t an upgrade – or two good seats together – so we separated for the nine hour flight. Thanks to my status on American Airlines I was able to snag an exit seat with extra legroom and I enjoyed a few glasses of chardonnay with a decent plate of cannelloni and watched Julia Roberts in Mirror, Mirror.

After a few hours of sleep, the flight attendant woke me with yogurt and a croissant before the plane landed in Rome. We only had an hour to go through security to the other side of the airport for our Alitalia flight to Palermo and we managed to make it. The flight itself was comfortable and a quick 45 minutes.

Our driver Nunzio was waiting for us in Palermo airport for the three and a half hour wild ride through the winding roads of Sicily. We went past mountains, vineyards, farms and the Mediterranean Sea along the way. We also stopped for lunch at a gas station/restaurant, where Tracy and on mistakenly ordered a “cutlet” that we learned was not eggplant as we had thought (we didn’t learn what it was, and decided we were better off not knowing).

As we got closer to Ragusa, we could see more vineyards as well as green houses, goat, sheep and olive trees. Our hotel was in Ragusa Ibla (the older section of Ragusa) and we were staying at the Locanda Don Serafina Hotel. It reminded me a bit of some of the places I had stayed in Burgundy. It had that Medieval field, including a very steep staircase in the stone walls that we needed to take up to our room.

It had been a long 24 hours of travel and we took a little nap before Francesco Ferreri, owner of Valle dell’Acate Winery, picked us up and took us downtown for a tour of the city before dinner.

I loved the cobblestone streets and piazza in Ragusa Ibla. I watched the families and couples strolling and the men conversing on the street the way I heard my grandfather still did with his family once they were in Brooklyn.

Francesco took us into a Gelateria where they had made gelato with wine. I tried the rose and the moscato and enjoyed sampling as we walked around admiring the buildings and the churches (there 53 Catholic churches in Ragusa). Then we sat down for some Asti Spumante and a table full of cheese, olives and other “nibbles.”

Dinner was at Locanda Don Serafino Restaurant, which actually wasn’t at the hotel since the owners wanted the restaurant in its own unique location. It was a beautiful building with similar stone construction, but also had modern touches, like clear Lucite chairs.

Before dinner we went down to see the extensive wine cellar. I was quite impressed with the selection the restaurant had, but for this night we were trying Valle dell’Acate wines. We started with Bidis, a blend of Chardonnay and Insolia. It was buttery and smooth, tasting a bit like vanilla gelato. It went well with the exclusive extra-virgin olive oil the restaurant had for its bread, as well as the cherry tomato, goat cheese and buffalo ricotta appetizer.

The next course was rabbit and between my allergy to rabbit fur and my aversion to eating anything I pet, I passed, but Tracy said it was very good and worked well with the Il Frappato, a red wine that held the fruit nose in the flavor, along with just a bit of pepper.

My next course was just superb, a ravioli filled with apple and Aubergine cream, in a sauce made from raw tomatoes, basil and buffalo mozzarella. With that I enjoyed the Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico, a blend of Nero d'Avola and Frappato. After a tender pork sausage stuffed quail, we had a cheese course, followed by “pre-desserts” (including a buffalo yogurt ad saffron cream), followed by Carob Crème Brulee and a pistachio semi freddo.

Francesco dropped as back at the hotel about midnight and I was asleep before my head hit the pillow and I dreamed of day two in Sicily.

Finishing Tales with Pig, Punch & Gin

2012-10-14T17:56:00.001-05:00

I woke up early, had a quick yoga workout and then went up to the Reincarnation Room at the Hotel Monteleone for breakfast. The sponsor of the day was cognac (the spirit) and samples of cocktails and the straight stuff were everywhere. I decided to pass, opting instead for a croissant, fruit and tea.

Before I headed upstairs to get organized for the day, I stopped at the pool, where they were sampling some tea cocktails. Somehow a chocolate tea smoothie – even if it was spiked – seemed more logical at 8:00 am.

My first event of the day was the I Love/Hate Cocktails Seminar. It was being led by Belvedere Mixologist Claire Smith, whom I had gotten to know a bit at the Aspen Food & Wine Classic. Claire was monitoring a panel of six mixologists/liquor representatives who were divided between loving and hating cocktails. It was by far the most fun seminar I had ever been to and I was really glad it I had chosen it for my schedule.

I had some time so I did a bit more walking around Bourbon Street and definitely got an intro to just how wild and crazy it could get down here. From strip clubs to bars with drinks larger than I could consume in an entire day (for less than one drink anywhere else), New Orleans is certainly a place like no other.

Between it all I could also see the remnants of poverty that were pushed to the limit by Hurricane Katrina. I had family affected in this area and a visit many years later I’m sure just gave me a small glimpse into what happened then.

I actually walked about two miles in downtown New Orleans

and was surprised by the one thing I really wanted and couldn’t find – beignets. Despite the thought that they are so popular in New Orleans, the only place I could find them at was Café du Mont, and the line was literally a block long.

I decided to forego the beignet and joined some of the Brugal Rum reps at Pigs & Punch. It was actually a free event in the park. There were snow cones and interesting gelatos (I loved the Dark Chocolate Ginger), as well as tons of food. I had a full plate of shredded pork, cole slaw, potato salad and beans that made me really feel like I was in the south.

We decided to walk the 10 blocks back to the hotel and I was surprised when I was told we were taking a detour – to Francis Ford Coppola’s house. The director owns a modest townhouse across the street from his nephew, actor Nicholas Cage. Though Coppola was not in town, he had allowed a few of his partner brands to showcase in the home.

I sipped Krug Champagne and Ingelnook Cabernet Sauvignon. I also had a chance to pick out and order a complimentary pair of designer glasses from the reasonably priced Warby Parker, which I have since gotten and loved.

After I left Coppola’s house, I went to the Royal Sonesta for a tasting of Dancing Pine. It was packed as they passed out hors d'oeuvres and some unusual treats, such as snow cones (they are a popular choice in the heat of New Orleans) with their Cherry Tart and Brulee Liqueurs and even s’mores made right in front of us.

I made my way back to Hotel Monteleone where their famous Carousel Bar was hosting a Tanqueray Party. They served some very strong gin and tonics, in addition to French 75 and Manhattans. After the tasting I went back for a nap, but ended up sleeping through the Juniperlooza party!

The next morning I went to the Mr. & Mrs. Cocktail Brunch to say farewell to my first Tales of the Cocktail. There were quite a few members of the press there, some enjoying cocktails, but most sipping coffee. They had a nice spread that included Jambalaya, an omelet station (had a great goat cheese and mushroom omelet), salads and desserts (there’s nothing quite like Praline Chocolate Cheesecake).

I was more than ready to go home when the cab arrived, though I’m so glad I finally experienced Tales, the ultimate week-long party.

The Tales Balancing Act in New Orleans

2012-10-11T18:03:00.000-05:00

I was quickly thrown into the fire on my first day of Tales of the Cocktail and I was determined to act like less of a (Tales) virgin on day two. It's all about balancing the fun with the rest, or so I'd been told.

I started with a healthy breakfast in the Reincarnation Room at the Hotel Monteleone, also known as the place many journalists went between all night partying and all day drinking. I happen to like my sleep too much for that. With about six hours under my belt, I was the most rested in the room as I had yogurt, fruit, a muffin and a few cups of coffee and water (alternating the two works best) to get ready for the day.

The Hotel Monteleone was filled with tasting rooms and I wandered through them for awhile. Lilett had a popular one, with a nice spread of fruit and cheese that included a delicious baked brie in crust. They also had some interesting cocktails to taste.

Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao also had a tasting room where they were promoting Curacao Orange in cocktails. They weren’t bad, but couldn’t compete with the Marie Brizard room where the Chocolate Royal Liqueur Crepe had people getting back online for seconds.

I headed down to the Royal Sonesta Hotel for a seminar called “Drinking the Panama Canal.” I thought it would be about the wine and spirits of the area, but it turned out to be mostly a history lesson on the actual Panama Canal. Fortunately, I had sat in the back so I was able to sneak out for something a bit more lively.

Since it was my first trip to New Orleans, I decided a little exploring was in order. I walked up and down Bourbon Street for awhile taking in one of the most unusual cities I'd ever seen. I could certainly understand how this was the place to have an event all about cocktails!

The Make A Splash Belvedere Pool Party was on the rooftop of the Omni Hotel. I stayed long enough to have a Belvedere Lemon Tea and tonic and mingle a bit with the large crowd. It was very humid and it was more an “around the pool” than “in the pool” party. I decided the time I had until my next obligation would be best spent napping so I went back to my room at the Hotel Monteleone.

My catnap lasted a few hours more than I expected and I grabbed a quick slice of pizza before heading onto the Brugal Extra Dry Bus at 10:30 pm. This party bus went out every hour each night during Tales, taking revelers to some of the local hotspots while introducing them to Brugal Rum cocktails.

I sampled Brugal straight first and found it to be very smooth and not at all sweet like rum. Too me it was more like gin (without the juniper) or vodka, something neutral that would make a great cocktail.

I loved the bus as much as the spirit and hung out with Liza, a fellow writer from Boston who writes for Whiskey Advocate. We got to sign the barrel tops on the bus and really enjoyed the Dehumidifier, a Mojito-like concoction. We also got to meet Brugal’s Master Distiller Gustav Ortega.

I only got off at one stop, Cure, a bar known for its cocktails. I have to admit I wasn’t overly impressed with Cure. It was an average looking cocktail lounge with some interesting drinks. I did enjoy my Blue Note (blueberry and cucumber shrub, sparkling wine and mint), but I expected more on the menu. It wasn’t until I got back on the bus that I was told the great part about Cure was what wasn’t on the menu. It seems that they make their own bitters and mixers, and the bartenders pride themselves on creating a drink on the spot after you tell them a bit about what you want.

By the time I got back to the hotel it was 2:00 am. I was glad I didn’t have an early wake-up call, but I knew I did have another big day ahead of me so I took full advantage of the chance to sleep.