Linda Milks's Posts - Tripatini2024-03-29T13:14:23ZLinda Milkshttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/LindaMilkshttps://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/65772851?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1https://frugalnomads.ning.com/profiles/blog/feed?user=3p4datdgiao8s&xn_auth=noPalm Springs Preferred Small Hotels, the Perfect Girls’ Getawaytag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2018-08-03:3169359:BlogPost:6786892018-08-03T18:30:00.000ZLinda Milkshttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/LindaMilks
<p><br></br> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73913675?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" height="433" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73913675?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="454"></img></a></p>
<p><br></br> <br></br> Recently my girlfriend Sue Montgomery and I were off for a girls’ getaway to Palm Springs, the Southern-California city of luxurious, boutique hotels designed to pamper and emanate old world charm from those days of past Hollywood glamour and relaxation.</p>
<p><br></br> Palm Springs was a city of scandal and partying of some of the most well-known stars…</p>
<p><br/> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73913675?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="526" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73913675?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="454" class="align-center" height="433"/></a></p>
<p><br/> <br/> Recently my girlfriend Sue Montgomery and I were off for a girls’ getaway to Palm Springs, the Southern-California city of luxurious, boutique hotels designed to pamper and emanate old world charm from those days of past Hollywood glamour and relaxation.</p>
<p><br/> Palm Springs was a city of scandal and partying of some of the most well-known stars and producers of the late 1950s, including the Rat Pack, Elvis Presley, and Marilyn Monroe. Sue and I loaded our suitcases into our car, and we were off to experience several of these boutique hotels in the group of Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels comprised of approximately 70 hotels with 50 rooms or less. We were told many of these hotels have restaurants on the property, and no girls’ getaway would be complete without some delicious food and creative cocktails.</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73913698?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73913698?profile=original" width="241" class="align-left" height="321"/></a></p>
<p>Our first stop was the <span><a href="https://inglesideinn.com/">Ingleside Inn</a></span>, the home of <span><a href="https://inglesideinn.com/melvyns-restaurant/">Melvyn's Restaurant</a></span> and Lounge. We were seated in the outdoor enclosed patio at the table where many screenplays were written. We envisioned the likes of Clark Gable, Salvador Dali, and Elizabeth Taylor dining by the personal invitation of Ruth Hardy, the owner during the 30’s who ran the inn and restaurant as her personal club where guests could stay only by invitation.</p>
<p>The name Melvyn’s comes from the owner, Melvyn Haber, who purchased the inn and restaurant in 1975 after Ruth Hardy passed away. After Melvyn himself passed in 2016, the PlumpJack Group, a Northern California hospitality management company, purchased the place and restored it to its former glory.</p>
<p><br/> On previous occasions we enjoyed Steak Diane, flambeed by one of the waiters in a tux who has taken care of patrons for over 40 years. Melvyn’s is one of a very small number of restaurants in California that has been grandfathered to serve in this manner, and there is nothing like a flambée being prepared tableside. As part of the dinner, these waiters love to tell stories from bygone days and the clientele they have served at Melvyn’s. Part of the fun of this retro place is the Casablanca lounge with a piano bar and live entertainment nightly.</p>
<p><br/> For our lunch, restaurant manager Brook Ortiz welcomed us and invited us to enjoy a relaxing lunch of a traditional crab and shrimp Louie salad and sole piccata on the patio. Chef Jennifer Town prepares and presents American cuisine exactly as these dishes have been served for decades, and they were delicious.<br/></p>
<p>We later toured the lush grounds where weddings take place either poolside or in the intimate courtyard. The rooms are outfitted with luxury linens and comfort of a bygone era. We noticed a dial telephone on one nightstand and a round analog dial-faced clock on another; these completed the retro look. Complimentary cruiser bikes to be used to explore downtown Palm Springs await outside the rooms. (We noticed these bikes at each of the Preferred Small Hotels we visited, each hotel brandishing bikes in a color chosen by the hotel.)<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73913862?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73913862?profile=original" width="253" class="align-right" height="289"/><br/></a></p>
<p><br/> Part of the glamour of Palm Springs is the nightlife and the classic nightclubs. <span><a href="https://www.purpleroompalmsprings.com/">The Purple Room</a></span>, a premier supper club located at the Club Trinidad Hotel was our stop for the evening for dinner and live entertainment by Rose Mallett, a superb jazz singer. This supper club is set in an atmosphere of mid-century elegance and intimacy where classic cocktails with a modern twist await their guests. The menu offers everything from the traditional shrimp cocktail to an ahi-topped tostado and honey-mustard-glazed salmon. Dessert varies from chocolate molten cake to pineapple upside-down cake. This is the way to relish everything Palm Springs!</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73913872?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73913872?profile=original" width="316" class="align-left" height="421"/></a></p>
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<p>The <span><a href="http://www.desert-hills.com/">Desert Hills Boutique Hotel</a></span>, a classic Palm Springs mid-century tucked up against the spectacular San Jacinto Mountains, awaited us for the night. From here it is just a three block walk to the heart of downtown. Rooms overlooked the heated pool and jacuzzi. We learned of the complimentary guest pantry with coffee service, outdoor gas barbecues and luxurious Kashwére bedding and robes. Our room sported a very contemporary apartment-style kitchen along with a spacious sitting area and two bedrooms. Desert Hills Hotel offers 14 rooms, many of which are rented for a month by the same guests year after year. Tranquility and privacy await guests at Desert Hills with the perfect location of being close to everything. We could have stayed for a month.</p>
<p><br/> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73913836?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73913836?profile=original" width="500" class="align-right"/></a></p>
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<p>However, to truly experience the Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels, we were welcomed by gracious general manager Robert Hunt, where we spent the night at <a href="http://www.alcazarpalmsprings.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alcazar Palm Springs</a>. The Alcazar is a modern, clean-lined 34-room hotel ranging from a courtyard queen room to a one bedroom king suite with living room and spa tub. As soon as we walked through the wrought iron gates to the courtyard, pool, and our rooms, we experienced the zen feeling of this private oasis. Beside the salt water purified pool with cooling misters and Jacuzzi, we found a spacious poolside patio. Later in the day we relaxed in the tree-covered garden courtyard where we lounged with a glass of wine. We also noticed an outdoor firepit for relaxing on cooler evenings.</p>
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<p>There is no need to drive to a restaurant for breakfast or dinner because the Alcazar is home to two excellent restaurants, <span><a href="http://www.birbaps.com/new/birba-home.html">Birba</a></span> and <span><a href="http://www.cheekysps.com/new/cheekys-home.html">Cheeky's</a></span>. Birba (meaning scoundrel or rascal in Italian) offers a modern outdoor setting with romantic outdoor lighting. Chef Erik Dandee recommended Nonna’s Meatballs as one of his favorites from the Italian menu. The menu includes a wide variety of pizzas that can be made with a gluten-free crust of cauliflower. Cocktails are creative. I enjoyed The "Perfect Mission," made with fig-infused bourbon, aperol, dry vermouth, and orange bitters. It hit the spot! Our dessert of choice was a rich and decadent flourless chocolate cake.</p>
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<p>We found Cheeky’s covered patio to be a pleasant atmosphere for that first cappuccino of the day along with fresh orange juice. Chef José Ramirez explained that Cheeky’s menu changes frequently so every time you eat there you can try something new. I had the wild king salmon hash with poached egg and hollandaise sauce. A staple on the menu is the bacon flight consisting of five kinds of bacon. This is a hit! I loved this restaurant and would try it for lunch on my next trip.</p>
<p><br/> Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough nights to experience all of the 70 Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels. However, we were able to visit the grounds of <span><a href="http://laserenavillas.com/">La Serena Villas</a></span>, a luxurious resort in the heart of Palm Springs with the Whispers Spa, Sugar High Rooftop Lounge and <span><a href="http://azucarpalmsprings.com/">Azûcar</a></span> (sugar in Spanish) Restaurant. La Serena Villas was originally built in 1933 and redeveloped as a luxury hotel in 2016 with five-star amenities, including private patios, fire-pits and claw foot tubs.</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73913881?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73913881?profile=original" width="397" class="align-center" height="397"/></a></p>
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<p>We were lucky enough to have lunch at La Serena Villas restaurant, Azûcar. What a delight this was! Chef Joane Garcia Colson, originally a trial attorney, learned her skills at Arizona Culinary School and later worked at one of the top restaurants in the Scottsdale area prior to opening her own restaurant in Palm Springs. From there, she became the executive chef at Azûcar. Her creativity is exuded by the delightful menu. She offered us small bites from her extensive menu so that we could truly experience a wide variety. We sampled the house salad of spinach, dates, candied pecans, and gorgonzola as well as the brussel sprouts salad, consisting of shaved sprouts, goat cheese, and pomegranate seeds, and a chicken salad. The beautifully presented watermelon salad was a highlight. Watermelon cubes were topped with feta cheese crumbles, balsamic beads, candied pistachios, and honey lime mint drizzle. Next, we sampled the visually pleasing ahi bruschetta, a toast laden with edamame purée, seared ahi, tomatoes, and greens. Tacos of mesquite dusted escolar (a fish found in deep tropical waters), avocado cream, and pineapple jalapeno salsa delighted our taste buds as well as the creative Cauliflower Taco of cauliflower, yellow squash, chipotle cream, and pepita mango salsa. Among the signature cocktails, we loved the blood orange margarita. Azûcar is a restaurant not to be missed on any trip to Palm Springs.</p>
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<p>No girls’ getaway would be complete without shopping, and that we did! Some of the wonderful shops visited were <span><a href="https://www.trinaturk.com/">Trina Turk</a></span> clothing store, <span><a href="https://www.pelagopalmsprings.com/">Pelago</a></span> (offering a wide range of home and other well-designed items) and <span><a href="http://www.christopherkennedy.com/">Christopher Kennedy</a></span> (dubbed “the Ralph Lauren of the West Coast”) where his work and pieces are displayed —all right next door to each other. Surprisingly enough, I was also told to visit <span><a href="https://www.acehardwarepalmdesert.com/">Ace Hardware Palm Desert</a></span> to see some of the high-end outdoor furniture they sell. My advisor was right. This Ace Hardware is unlike any other in the country. After an afternoon of shopping, I came home with some wonderful gifts.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73913841?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73913841?profile=original" width="314" class="align-right" height="314"/></a></p>
<p><br/>We were indulged by <span><a href="https://www.palmspringscelebritytours.com/">Palm Springs Celebrity Tours</a></span> to jump on their shuttle to tour the homes of Hollywood well-knowns Bob Hope, Steve McQueen, William Holden, Carol Lombard, Ava Gardner, Joe DiMaggio, Marilyn Monroe, and Frank Sinatra. The list of homes we saw goes on and on. The styles of architecture were reminiscent of the mid-century. This tour is worth every penny you have to pay for it. It’s a wealth of information and visual delight.</p>
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<p>For more information on Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels, go to <span><a href="http://www.palmspringspreferredsmallhotels.com">www.palmspringspreferredsmallhotels.com</a></span>.</p>
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<p>As is customary in this industry, we were hosted at most of the places we experienced, but the comments express the great time we had. Try your own girls’ getaway soon!</p>
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<p></p>Memphis, Tennessee, a Rising Restaurant Meccatag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2018-06-26:3169359:BlogPost:6751372018-06-26T11:30:00.000ZLinda Milkshttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/LindaMilks
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<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73912540?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73912540?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="600"></img></a></p>
<p><br></br>Memphis, we were looking for what was happening in your restaurant scene, and we found it! Recently a fellow writer and myself were lucky enough to learn firsthand what the food vibe was like in this city.</p>
<p><br></br>Good restaurants abound in Memphis, and one of the finest is run by a pair of great chefs who have been nominated for…</p>
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<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73912540?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="600" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73912540?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="600" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><br/>Memphis, we were looking for what was happening in your restaurant scene, and we found it! Recently a fellow writer and myself were lucky enough to learn firsthand what the food vibe was like in this city.</p>
<p><br/>Good restaurants abound in Memphis, and one of the finest is run by a pair of great chefs who have been nominated for<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73912612?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="500" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73912612?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="319" class="align-right" height="346"/></a> the James Beard Best Chefs award, Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman. They opened <a href="https://catherineandmarys.com/" target="_self">Catherine & Mary's</a> in a renovated apartment building downtown Memphis two years ago. These two bring Tuscan and Sicilian recipes straight from their grandmothers’ cooking which is how they decided on the name. In addition, there are some Southern and more creative variations on these recipes to delight diners. The menus change frequently based on what is available in the area. We found the food to be both delicious and elegant. We highly recommend the Clamarata Pasta made of mushrooms, prosciutto, Calabrian chiles and gorgonzola. I enjoyed the Fish of the Day, which was an elegantly prepared piece of swordfish atop a cream sauce paired with a red sauce. A goat cheese cheesecake begged to be chosen as dessert, and we were not disappointed in this creamy delight topped with an apple strudel mixture.</p>
<p><br/>Memphis is known for its barbecue, which makes it difficult to choose which one to try. We were given a list of three or four but settled on one dear to my travel writer’s heart where she has come with her family in past years, <a href="http://thebar-b-qshop.com/" target="_self">The Bar-B-Que Shop</a>, “home of the dancing pigs” where we indulged in a slab of ribs and the special Bar-B-Q Spaghetti. This place hits the spot for authentic Bar-B-Q.</p>
<p><br/><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73912672?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="400" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73912672?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="215" class="align-center" height="287"/></a></p>
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<p>One of my favorites Memphis restaurants is <a href="https://www.thebroadliquorstore.com/" target="_self">The Liquor Store</a>, a diner and bar in the trendy Broad Street Arts District. This creative restaurant is housed in a former liquor store and offers home cooked Southern as well as Latin food. The interior is playful and bright, and the choices of menu items make it difficult to decide what to order. Every dish was perfectly prepared and the addition of a couple of tempting cocktails added to the fun of The Liquor Store.</p>
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<p><a href="http://bountyonbroad.com/" target="_self">Bounty on Broad</a> sits a few doors down from The Liquor Store in the same Broad Avenue Arts District. We found a <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73912620?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="400" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73912620?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="338" class="align-left" height="214"/></a>casual fine dining restaurant with a focus on fresh, farm-to-table dishes for dinner. The atmosphere is refurbished to be comfortable with exposed bricks and wood. The menu abounds with lots of seafood like the perfectly prepared cornmeal crusted fried oysters and Bounty Bouillabaisse. On that night, the braised pork shank with smoked gouda grits and greens spoke to us. It was succulent and satisfying. Not to be ignored was the cauliflower au gratin smothered with béchamel, white cheddar and crisp onions that we chose as a side dish. If you are looking for a special dinner, this place delivers.</p>
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<p>For a new area that is just being developed, wander inside the Crosstown Concourse which used to be a Sears distribution center and has recently been renovated for apartments, offices, exercise facilities, and restaurants. Much of the space is not complete, but the interior of the building is architecturally interesting with a sound use of rehabbing a deserted space. We ate at <a href="https://www.nextdooreatery.com/location/crosstown/" target="_self">Next Door</a>, an American eatery, with the motto “real food sourced from American farmers.” This Colorado originated restaurant group boasts of knowing where their food comes from and that it is dedicated to environmentally-friendly practices like composting and wind power. They partner with The Kitchen Community, a non-profit organization that builds outdoor learning gardens for schools. This is the restaurant where you can specify your dietary needs, whether you want gluten free, dairy free, vegan, or vegetarian. And I must say that their 50/50 Burger of cremini mushrooms and beef patty with Swiss and balsamic onions was flavorful and expertly prepared.</p>
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<p>I also urge you to head on over to the <a href="http://thebeautyshoprestaurant.com/" target="_self">Beauty Shop</a> restaurant, a refurbished beauty salon where aqua shampoo bowls from bygone days support the bar of the restaurant. You will also find some of the original overhead hair blow dryers mounted to the backs of seats where you can choose from an unusual selection of cocktails as well as Watermelon and Wings or Vegetarian Bahn Mi. We had to have the hushpuppies as an appetizer.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73912592?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="400" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73912592?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="261" class="align-center" height="287"/></a></p>
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<p>Chef Kelly English, named the 2009 Food & Wine magazine “Best New Chef” opened <a href="http://www.secondlinememphis.com/" target="_self">Second Line</a>, his second Memphis restaurant in 2013 located in Midtown. At Second Line we found a wide selection of New Orleans favorites like poboys, seafood plates, roasted meats, and unique cocktails. I had to try the Oyster PoBoy with a few shrimp added on top and the lightly breaded deep fried onion. Diets would have to wait until I got home! In case you wondered why this restaurant is called Second Line, the second line comes from New Orleans parades. The "main line" or "first line" is the main section of the parade and the brass band. Those who follow the band just to enjoy the music are called the "second line.”</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.thekitchenbistros.com/" target="_self">The Kitchen</a>, another restaurant founded by Hugo Matheson and Kimbal Musk, also the founders of Next Door, base their food on the same principles of food sourced from America’s farmers. The Kitchen is located on the grounds of the sprawling and beautiful Shelby Park consisting of 4,500 acres and one of the largest urban parks in the country. The Kitchen displays an urban chic comfortable interior with a large outdoor patio where you can dine and watch the sunset. We were there for appetizers, and we found some savory ones. We were delighted with Deviled Eggs with smoked salmon, capers, shallots and dill as well as a wonderful starter of Roasted Sunchokes and Burrata smothered with hazelnut gremolata and parsley.</p>
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<p>As you can see from the wide variety of restaurants we explored in just four days, Memphis is a culinary scene not to be overlooked.</p>
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<p>While you are in Memphis trying out the wide variety of food offerings, I would recommend a stay at the <a href="http://www.hotelnapoleonmemphis.com/" target="_self">Hotel Napoleon</a> located in downtown Memphis. This small boutique hotel offers up-to-date rooms with luxurious bedding and a very friendly and accommodating staff. The location is close to just about anything you may want to see in the city.</p>
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<p>As is customary in this industry, both my fellow writer and myself were hosted at most of these restaurants, but the delight I experienced in this fantastic city is evident in my writing.</p>
<p></p>Livermore, California a Must For Wine Loverstag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2018-03-28:3169359:BlogPost:6698032018-03-28T11:59:07.000ZLinda Milkshttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/LindaMilks
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73910380?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" height="355" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73910380?profile=original" width="445"></img></a></p>
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<p>Sunshine you can count on, an Ice Cream Trail, a brew trail, historic Old Towns, and the oldest wine-growing region in the U.S. (surviving Prohibition)—these are some of the special treats awaiting visitors to the Northern California Tri-Valley area comprised of Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, and Danville, on the east edge of the San Francisco Bay…</p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73910380?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73910380?profile=original" width="445" class="align-center" height="355"/></a></p>
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<p>Sunshine you can count on, an Ice Cream Trail, a brew trail, historic Old Towns, and the oldest wine-growing region in the U.S. (surviving Prohibition)—these are some of the special treats awaiting visitors to the Northern California Tri-Valley area comprised of Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, and Danville, on the east edge of the San Francisco Bay area. </p>
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<p>About 20 years ago our family was pondering a move to Livermore, California. That was back in the day before social media or much information existed about a region except from the Chamber of Commerce. All I knew is that it was in the East Bay of San Francisco and had good schools. This past November, while attending the Wine Bloggers Conference, I learned just how much this region has to offer when we were invited to explore Livermore Valley.</p>
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<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73910467?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73910467?profile=original" width="204" class="align-left" height="273"/></a></p>
<p>Our day started with lunch at the famed <a href="https://www.murrietaswell.com/">Murrieta's Well</a>, a relaxing oasis comprised of a rustic wood and rock winery set amid a park-like setting of grass, native plants, and roses. Murrieta’s Well was named for the artesian well where Joaquin Murrieta (the notorious Robin Hood of El Dorado) and his band of desperados purportedly watered their horses. It was first established in 1884 by Louis Mel. He built a gravity flow winery into the hillside and planted a vineyard of cuttings from famed Chateau d’Yquem and Chateau Margaux. In 1933, Ernest Wente purchased the winery and estate. As they say, the rest is history!</p>
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<p>We were so fortunate to experience a thoughtfully prepared lunch and wine tasting amid the rustic beauty of the barrel room at Murrieta’s Well. Livermore is known for its high quality Bordeaux wines of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. Two of my favorites that I couldn’t leave the winery without purchasing were the Dry Rosé comprised of 55% Grenache and 45% Counoise; and The Spur, a true Bordeaux blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Petite Sirah, 18% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, and 6% Cabernet Franc. If I could have, I would have purchased a bottle of each that we tried from the citrusy Sauvignon Blanc to the lush, rich Zarzuela (Tempranillo and Touriga.) The menu spoke to the California region with everything from a Black Bean Salad and Spicy Shrimp Tacos to Wild Mushroom Flatbread as well as Smoked Chicken Flatbread. Murrieta’s Well is a winery that is a “must” on any wine lover’s list.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73910571?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73910571?profile=original" width="230" class="align-right" height="315"/></a> </p>
<p>After lunch, a walk was in order, and we gathered at Ghielmetti Vineyards, a vineyard set on approximately 100 acres of rolling terrain situated on a sloped, alluvial bench providing panoramic views in all directions. With the debut release of “Lineage,” a brand comprised of a single wine made from the five classic Bordeaux varieties, Steven Kent Mirassou, a 6<sup>th</sup> generation winemaker for the <a href="http://www.stevenkent.com/">Steven Kent Winery</a>, welcomed us at the Ghielmetti Vineyards where they grow many of their grapes. Here they grow grapes to produce Bordeaux-style reds that rank among the New World’s greatest, most collectable wines. <br/><br/>This Bordeaux connection was brought about when pioneering Livermore winegrower Charles Wetmore visited Bordeaux and brought back cuttings from the Haut Médoc’s noble first growth, Chateau Margaux (with help from Wente’s original owner’s wife)– to propagate his own and neighboring Livermore Valley vineyards. You see, Wetmore knew that the climate and soils closely resemble those of Bordeaux’s famed Left Bank of the Gironde. At the 1889 Paris Exposition, two of three Gold Medal-awarded wines from America went to Livermore Valley properties, including Wetmore’s. It is not often that I am privy to tasting a wine over $100, but a sample of the Lineage Bordeaux blend was a testimony to the quality of the Lineage wine that Steven Kent Winery produces.</p>
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<p>We were also introduced to <a href="https://www.nottinghamcellars.com/">Nottingham Cellars</a>, a top-notch Micro-Lot Reserve Petit Verdot from the Ghielmetti Vineyard. Nottingham Petit Verdot had notes of smokey paprika with lots of body and hints of lavender and violet. Nottingham Cellars ships directly to the customer.</p>
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<p>Another small, boutique winery that participated in our tasting at Ghielmetti Vineyards was <a href="http://www.mcgrailvineyards.com/">McGrail Vineyards</a>. In 2008, Jim and Ginger McGrail, along with their daughter, Heather, opened their estate tasting room and winery. Cabernet Sauvignon has been the highlight of their wine production where in the past it has won the prestigious San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.</p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73910604?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73910604?profile=original" width="212" class="align-center" height="245"/></a></p>
<p>After our stroll through the vineyards and sampling of wines produced from the Ghielmetti Vineyards, we were off to one of the premiere wineries in Northern California, <a href="https://www.concannonvineyard.com/">Concannon Vineyard</a>. Concannon is America’s oldest ongoing winery under the same family name. An estimated 80% of all California Cabernet Sauvignon grapes come from Concannon Clones. In addition to that, Jim Concannon carries the name “Father of Petite Sirah” by introducing America’s first Petite Sirah as a standalone varietal. You might say a lot of wine history came from this fine vineyard.<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73910620?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73910620?profile=original" width="144" class="align-right" height="203"/></a></p>
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<p>When we first arrived at Concannon Vineyard, we noticed the massive Ellen Rowe Concannon Victorian House built in 1885. John Concannon, 4<sup>th</sup> generation vintner, welcomed us and guided us along the path among the grape vines and olive trees. We were able to sample the lush Cabernet Sauvignon wine in front of the historic “Mother Clone” from which so much Cabernet originated in California.</p>
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<p>The highlight of the evening was a tour through the Cask Room, a massive room full of 50-year-old French White Oak barrels and then dinner served in the Barrel Room amongst French and American oak barrels. This would be a most romantic setting for a very special celebration, and the dense chocolate truffle cake with a paired port ended our special evening.<br/> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73910668?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73910668?profile=original" width="209" class="align-center" height="283"/></a></p>
<p>The following day we shared the very unique experience of blending wine at the <a href="https://www.wentewinemakers.com/winemakers-blending-experience/">Winemakers Studio at Wente Vineyards</a>. Wente will be celebrating 135 years of winemaking next year from original cuttings brought from Europe in 1883.</p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73910630?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73910630?profile=original" width="180" class="align-left" height="241"/></a></p>
<p>I have done wine blending in the past, but wine educator Kevin Gott helped us hone our tasting and evaluating skills of some amazing wines. After sampling three Cabernets and a couple of Malbecs to determine the body, acidity, and complexity of each, we were off with our very own beaker to fill with whatever blend seemed most promising to us from the seven barrels on the wall. Above the barrels were the aptly lettered words “Uncork your Inner Winemaker.” We all came up with three formulas. After swirling and sampling, we each arrived at our perfect blend. With a funnel, we poured our special blend into our bottle, corked it with a manual corking machine, and created our own unique label. What a great time we had sampling and evaluating to make our creation.</p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73910634?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73910634?profile=original" width="253" class="align-center" height="162"/></a></p>
<p>The last stop on our tour was <a href="http://www.livermoredowntown.com/">Livermore Downtown</a> with a creative lunch at the historic and quaint <a href="http://www.thebanksvaultlivermore.com/">The Banks Vault</a>, named “Best of The East Bay” in 2017 by Diablo Magazine. Joe Banks, owner, has turned an old bank vault into a cellar for local and global wines. Some of the taste treats we enjoyed were Baked Brie, Hummus, Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts, and Stacked Poblano Eggs on a Boat. The Sparkling Mimosa Flight of the Week delighted all of us with mimosas of guava/passion/orange, guava/strawberry, blueberry/acai, and rosé.</p>
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<p>A trip to the lush green countryside replete with our country’s oldest vineyards and Livermore Downtown should be on your list of places to explore in the coming months.</p>
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<p>As is customary in the industry, my trip was sponsored by <a href="https://www.lvwine.org/">Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association</a>.</p>At Pascal’s in California's Orange County, the Best of French Cuisinetag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2018-03-11:3169359:BlogPost:6668802018-03-11T23:17:44.000ZLinda Milkshttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/LindaMilks
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73909111?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" height="450" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73909111?profile=original" width="377"></img></a></p>
<p><br></br> <br></br> If you're hankering for the rich and elegantly prepared food of France but don’t have a plane ticket, you're in luck, because Southern California's San Juan Capistrano, just over an hour south of Los Angeles, sports the perfect venue for that succulent meal and sophisticated atmosphere.</p>
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<p>Here <strong>Pascal’s Café</strong> is a café,…</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73909111?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73909111?profile=original" width="377" class="align-center" height="450"/></a></p>
<p><br/> <br/> If you're hankering for the rich and elegantly prepared food of France but don’t have a plane ticket, you're in luck, because Southern California's San Juan Capistrano, just over an hour south of Los Angeles, sports the perfect venue for that succulent meal and sophisticated atmosphere.</p>
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<p>Here <strong>Pascal’s Café</strong> is a café, bakery, and a fine dining establishment. Chef Pascal Olhats, a native of Normandy, started his career by interning in the top kitchens in his home town. Next, his training continued in Brussels at a hotel and restaurant college. From there, he worked in Lyon, gastronomy capital of France. After several years, he worked at prestigeous St. Tropez, and finally we were fortunate to have him work in Newport Beach. Since then he has opened four of his own establishments in Southern California. Pascal's has been rated the number-one restaurant in Orange County for 15 years by the Zagat Guide, as well as garnering numerous other awards.</p>
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<p>A group of Southern California members of International Food Wine & Travel Writers (IFWTWA) was fortunate to be invited to Pascal’s recently for one of his signature lunches.</p>
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<p>We were greeted by Chef Pascal and served an elegant plate of paté and duck salami, accompanied by Pascal’s homemade pickles and mustard. In addition, we sampled his pastry with both a tomato and basil topping and small tartlets with caramelized onion.</p>
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<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73909126?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73909126?profile=original" width="197" class="align-left" height="262"/></a>What could be more French than the signature dish from Pascal’s hometown of Lyon, <em>salade lyonnaise,</em> consisting of bacon, croutons, lettuce, and a softly poached egg atop the salad. So divine!</p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73909030?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73909030?profile=original" width="278" class="align-right" height="274"/></a></p>
<p>One of my favorites is sea bass, and today we were served the best I have ever experienced. The fish was topped with a mix of thyme, parsley, garlic and butter and served over a velvety sauce true to the best of French cooking composed of Chardonnay, cream, and broth from shrimp and mussels. The blended flavors let us know we were experiencing an elegant dish prepared by one of the best French chefs in the world.</p>
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<p>Pascal’s travel to Macau and his position working for the Macanese government of tourism to promote their cuisine was displayed by beautiful plating of our dessert of berries aside a Macanese egg custard tart. This dessert was exceptional, exuding a velvety and creamy custard wrapped in a flaky pastry.</p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73909206?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="192" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73909206?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="192" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><br/> For a truly special dining experience, Thursday through Saturday Chef Pascal does a 24-person seating at 6 pm. No need to rush through the gourmet experience, because he only does one seating a night for this elegant meal served in a beautifully appointed room at his café. Chef Pascal let us know that he can prepare a five-course vegan meal if guests prefer.</p>
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<p>Elegance and sophistication abounds at Pascal’s Café making it the perfect spot for a memorable lunch or dinner. I found I needed to take home a few pastries from the bakery for my breakfast the next day, too.</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.cafesanjuancapistranoca.com/">Pascal's Café</a> is located at 31451 Rancho Viejo Rd., #103, San Juan Capistrano, and can be reached for reservations at 949-488-0031.</p>
<p></p>Milwaukee's Delightful Kimpton Journeyman Hoteltag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2017-08-04:3169359:BlogPost:6567212017-08-04T15:18:30.000ZLinda Milkshttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/LindaMilks
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906011?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" height="278" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906011?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="495"></img></a></p>
<p><br></br> “Hip” is the best word to describe <a href="http://www.journeymanhotel.com/">The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel</a> in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. But this hotel also provides lots of luxury, as shown with a giant chandelier, beautiful art, and a fireplace with plenty of seating to visit or just relax.</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906011?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="650" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906011?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="495" class="align-center" height="278"/></a></p>
<p><br/> “Hip” is the best word to describe <a href="http://www.journeymanhotel.com/">The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel</a> in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. But this hotel also provides lots of luxury, as shown with a giant chandelier, beautiful art, and a fireplace with plenty of seating to visit or just relax.</p>
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<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906206?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906206?profile=original" width="226" class="align-left" height="261"/></a></p>
<p>Three of us had the pleasure of staying at this very special hotel during a recent trip to Milwaukee. Not only did we enjoy the spacious and <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906219?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="200" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906219?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="200" class="align-right"/></a>comfortable lobby, where coffee is served in the morning and a happy hour of wine and small treats like pizza invited us to linger in the afternoon, but we were delighted with our rooms. A touch of humor awaited us when we checked into our rooms. Since the Kimpton knows that many of us miss our pets while traveling, we each found a ceramic dog with a dog bowl displaying the dog’s name. Our room was large and contemporary and included a glass-enclosed oval soaking tub and shower. I want this bathroom in my home!</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906201?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="175" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906201?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="175" class="align-right"/></a></p>
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<p>Our dinner promised to be memorable thanks to <a href="http://www.trerivalirestaurant.com/?utm_source=googlebusiness&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gbreferral">Tre Rivali Restaurant</a>’s executive chef, Heather Terhune, whom most people know from season nine of <em>Top Chef</em>. Tre Rivali’s menu speaks of Mediterranean flavors applied to local fish, meat, and produce. The dishes are full of robust and hearty ingredients prepared in a wood-fired grill and oven.</p>
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<p>We were urged to try the olive-oil braised charred octopus with salsa verde and preserved lemon. It truly was the most tender and flavorful octopus I’ve eaten. While Tre Rivali is known for its small plates, we decided to share several of the large plates. I highly recommend the Moroccan spiced-lamb ragout with delectable additions of sweet potatoes, apricots, dates and pearl couscous. This dish is everything it should be and Mediterranean flavors radiate in every bite. Another large plate--a creamy corn flan, curry roasted carrots, and a sweet tomato jam - brought just the excitement needed to the swordfish served alongside it. We loved it.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906247?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="211" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906247?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="211" class="align-left"/></a></p>
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<p>What’s a meal without dessert? Deliciousness awaited us when the moist olive oil cake with sea-salt ice cream topped with candied orange and a second-dessert of butterscotch budino, served with rosemary shortbread were placed on our table. The blending of flavors could not have been more perfect and made for sweet dreams that night.</p>Nickelodeon Punta Cana: One Resort, Two Worldstag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2017-07-31:3169359:BlogPost:6588662017-07-31T10:30:00.000ZLinda Milkshttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/LindaMilks
<p align="center"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906863?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906863?profile=original" width="650"></img></a> </p>
<p>All-inclusive resorts provide a unique experience and are wonderful for families with younger children or for adults who just want to “hang out” and totally relax without planning each day. My daughter, her husband, and my two grandsons, ages 16 months and 4 years, accompanied me to a wonderful vacation spot that could accommodate all of our interests,…</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906863?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906863?profile=original" class="align-full" width="650"/></a> </p>
<p>All-inclusive resorts provide a unique experience and are wonderful for families with younger children or for adults who just want to “hang out” and totally relax without planning each day. My daughter, her husband, and my two grandsons, ages 16 months and 4 years, accompanied me to a wonderful vacation spot that could accommodate all of our interests, <strong>Nickelodeon Resort Punta Cana</strong>.</p>
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<p>Opened in June 2016 by <strong>Karisma Hotels & Resorts</strong> as their first international property and this resort still squeaks with newness. The rooms are deluxe, stylish and spotless as are the grounds, restaurants, and pools. You can choose from seven styles of suites that include either a balcony or a patio. In addition, there are four villas.<br/> <br/> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906975?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906975?profile=original" class="align-center" width="354" height="354"/></a></p>
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<p>One of the beauties of the design of this resort is that one side of the resort consists of low-buildings with beautiful swim-up pools along the sides of the buildings as well as lush palms. From these rooms, guests are within close proximity of the infinity pool and the beach full of cabanas and lounge chairs. Accessible by roaming golf carts (which appear continually for guests to be taken to the other side of the resort) is Nickelodeon Place, a land of Aqua </p>
<p><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906940?profile=original" class="align-right" width="399" height="180"/>Nick, a lazy river, and large water park as well as Just Kiddin’ kid’s club. This layout is perfect for both kids and adults. As a grandmother of two little boys, I loved the opportunity to see them play, but I could also return to the peaceful side of the resort to just relax. By the way, mom and dad appreciated being able to return so easily, too.</p>
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<p>We were greeted with a cool, refreshing face cloth and either a glass of sparkling wine or a slime drink. A lovely touch!</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73907056?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73907056?profile=original" class="align-left" width="189" height="258"/></a><strong>A Real Character</strong></p>
<p>One of the draws to this resort was the promise of Nickelodeon character appearances. Do not expect them to be onsite frequently; there may be four or five characters at the most each day for a brief time and that’s it. Be sure to sign up for the character breakfast <b>prior</b> to arriving at the resort to make sure you have the opportunity to take photos with the characters. This is your best means of letting your young travel partners see and interact with the characters.<br/> <br/> I had the opportunity to speak with the executive chef, José María Mejía Reyna, who brings a wealth of knowledge from his culinary experiences in Mexico City and the Karisma Playa del Carmen Resort. He started his career at the Mexican Culinary Institute in Mexico City. Chef José prepares the menus and sources the ingredients himself from local food. Vegetables arrive every day at 6 am; a driver brings everything to each kitchen. He insists that nothing be buffet-style but rather cooked at the moment, and believes in doing more “honest” food with less emphasis on garnish and more on the basic techniques. Because of his belief in getting back to honest food and not specializing in garnishes, I believe the terminology of gourmet is confusing to some of us. The food was definitely tasty and well prepared. Chef José told me that when he asks others who is the better chef, your mother or a professional chef, invariably people answer that it is their mother because she cooks from the heart. He tells his staff that they need to do the same and “cook from the heart.”</p>
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<p>As far as cleanliness, all restaurants are inspected continually to meet international standards by two different companies. In addition, all kitchen staff have a medical every six months. Chef José stressed how important it was for them to be cautious of germs in such a warm and humid environment.</p>
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<p>There are nine restaurants at Nickelodeon as well as a wonderful coffee shop called Doppio which offers pastries, chocolates, and a few sandwiches. In addition, there are several swim-up bars and a lounge for wine and music. Four of these restaurants require reservations—Verdello, Spacewalker, BRGRS.PH, and Wok Wok. Make reservations ahead of your visit because restaurants requiring reservations fill up quickly. If you do not do that, I would contact the concierge upon arrival. If they do not have space for a restaurant you might enjoy, I suggest you visit the restaurant itself and ask if there is room for your party. That worked for us on three occasions.<br/> <br/> <strong>The Machete Burger</strong></p>
<p>We enjoyed the BRGRS.PH restaurant for its kid-friendly atmosphere (reminiscent of a food truck) where the specialty was a Machete Burger, large enough for the whole family. If you have children in the group, I would highly recommend you visit the Spacewalker restaurant. It is out of this world! The restaurant is a space capsule where everything is orange, silver, and white. Even the servers wear silver outfits with purple hair. While the food itself isn’t a strong point, it’s an interstellar experience for the entire family.</p>
<p><img width="219" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73907106?profile=RESIZE_320x320" class="align-right" width="202" height="278"/></p>
<p> <br/> Sugarcane restaurant ended up being one of my favorites. You can actually see how fresh everything is because the chefs are continually cooking as you wonder around selecting from the myriad of choices. While I was choosing a chocolate croissant, the chef was replenishing other pastries fresh from his nearby oven. Juice machines abound with tropical smoothies as well as mimosa and bloody Mary stations. One of my favorite items was the croque madame, whose sunnyside-up eggs I witnessed being perfectly prepared as I briefly waited.</p>
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<p>If you look carefully, you will find dishes characteristic of the Dominican Republic such as honeyed sweet potatoes, plantains and mangu (mashed plantains), squash, paella, yucca, rice pudding, empanadas, eggplant, red beans, and sancocho (the national dish of the Dominican Republic, a meat stew.) Dominican cuisine is derived from the French, African, and pre-Columbian Taino Amerindian cultures as well as a heavy influence of Spanish cuisine.</p>
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<p>Doppio coffee shop became my regular stop in the morning prior to breakfast to pick up a perfectly made cappuccino (with an extra shot) to carry to Sugarcane for breakfast with the family. In the afternoon, I would stop by to get a cup of a frozen espresso and cream beverage. One afternoon I was delighted to walk inside Doppio and find an entire island covered with all kinds of chocolate delights. Ask the servers when you are there if they plan to do something like this during your visit. Who doesn’t love chocolate!</p>
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<p>A must for our stay was Kitchen 23 by Le Chique where culinary creations and originality abound. Both molecular and traditional dishes with interesting presentation techniques delighted us. Our welcoming cocktail was a champagne glass filled with a foamed mojito. You can find out all about Kitchen 23 in my article: <a href="http://life-uncorked.com/food/the-science-of-molecular-gastronomy-at-kitchen-23">http://life-uncorked.com/food/the-science-of-molecular-gastronomy-at-kitchen-23</a>. This restaurant does have a surcharge, and you definitely need to reserve a place early. If you are a “foodie”, this is the perfect restaurant for you.</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73907031?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="172" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73907031?profile=RESIZE_180x180" class="align-left" width="172"/></a></p>
<p><strong>One Hiccup</strong></p>
<p>While we didn’t have time to experience the 14,000-square-foot Vassa Spa , I would suggest taking a day to enjoy the herbal steam room, dry sauna, chromo therapy showers, bubble beds, whirlpool and arctic and warm water pools. Then choose a massage to finish off the day.</p>
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<p>I encourage my readers to decide ahead of time exactly what they want to do prior to a visit and make reservations ahead of time. Then, when asked in an email what services they can provide you, let them know specifically what you are hoping to enjoy such as the character breakfast or dinner reservations.</p>
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<p>The only other hiccup we had was that the resort states it's excellent at assisting their guests with food allergies. When you arrive, you are given a card that is to alert each restaurant that you have allergies. Unfortunately, most of the places where we ate didn’t understand what that meant or what ingredients were in items they purchased that were already prepared, such as hamburger buns. My daughter speaks Spanish, which helped, but you still need to monitor what they bring you and be cautious. We did find at Sugarcane restaurant, the largest, every dish was marked with a label for those with allergies, and we really appreciated it.</p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73907039?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73907039?profile=original" class="align-center" width="202" height="281"/></a></p>
<p><br/> Besides the beauty and variety at the resort, the staff was extremely friendly and engaging. They made a notable effort to make our vacation something special that we will remember.</p>
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<p>To learn more about this resort, you can view the website at: <a href="http://www.nickresortpuntacana.com/">http://www.nickresortpuntacana.com</a>.</p>Wisconsin's Door County Is Fish Boils, Supper Clubs, Creameries, & Cherry Bouncetag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2017-07-21:3169359:BlogPost:6584152017-07-21T11:14:09.000ZLinda Milkshttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/LindaMilks
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906314?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" height="377" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906314?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="377"></img></a></p>
<p><br></br><strong>Door County</strong> is the vacation spot for anyone loving small, intimate lodging; water and boating; cherries; local shops; cheese; great cocktails and wine; fish boils; a traditional fish fry; and artwork. All of this is available in a small town atmosphere on a peninsula about three hours north of <strong>Milwaukee</strong>. On a recenttrip,…</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906314?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="650" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906314?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="377" class="align-center" height="377"/></a></p>
<p><br/><strong>Door County</strong> is the vacation spot for anyone loving small, intimate lodging; water and boating; cherries; local shops; cheese; great cocktails and wine; fish boils; a traditional fish fry; and artwork. All of this is available in a small town atmosphere on a peninsula about three hours north of <strong>Milwaukee</strong>. On a recenttrip, several friends and I headed to this area after spending three days in Milwaukee.</p>
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<p>There are many unincorporated small villages that make up Door County. The southernmost town is Sturgeon Bay, the largest Door County town and county seat, and is a drive of about a half hour from all the other unincorporated villages.</p>
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<p>Our lodging was in Bailey’s Harbor at <a href="https://www.therushes.com/" target="_blank">The Rushes</a> on Kangaroo Lake. (No, there are no kangaroos in Door County; someone just thought from an aerial shot that the lake was shaped like a kangaroo.) We found our unit spacious with two floors to it and a wonderful fireplace. None of the small towns are very far from each other so it was easy to get from Bailey’s Harbor on the Lake Michigan east side to the west side towns on Green Bay.</p>
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<p>We learned that roadhouses, supper clubs, fish frys, and fish boils are staples in this area. <br/><br/></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906321?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="324" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906321?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="324" class="align-left"/></a></p>
<p>Our first night we ate at the iconic <a href="http://coyote-roadhouse.com/" target="_blank">Coyote Roadhouse</a> in Bailey’s Harbor, where you sit at the bar for a drink and then order your fish fry. They offer over 30 different bottled beers plus around ten on tap. Martinis and Old Fashioneds abound, too. They are known for their “heaping loaf” of fried onions. We were there for their Friday Fish Fry of either grouper or perch with cole slaw and potatoes. The wood paneling added to the warm atmosphere of this place.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.aljohnsons.com/" target="_blank">Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant</a> in Sister Bay is a must for breakfast. Goats graze the sod roof atop this casual log-cabin restaurant serving traditional Swedish fare. We ordered the Swedish pancakes with lingonberries, and Swedish meatballs. Delicious!</p>
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<p><br/>There are lots of wineries in this part of the state, where wines are made from grapes unique to the area, such as the Marguette grape, that have been hybrid by the University of Minnesota. In addition, you will find some wineries that offer cherry wines since cherries are a huge crop in Door County. Some of the wineries we enjoyed were <a href="http://www.harborridgewinery.com/" target="_blank">Harbor Ridge Winery</a> in Egg Harbor, <a href="http://www.stonesthrowwinery.com/" target="_blank">Stone's Throw Winery</a> in Bailey's Harbor, <a href="https://store.dcwine.com/winery/" target="_blank">Door Peninsula Winery</a> in Sturgeon Bay, and <a href="http://www.44wineries.com/door-44" target="_blank">Door 44 Winery</a> in Sturgeon Bay.</p>
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<p>Fish Creek proved to be my favorite of the small towns because there were so many great little shops.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>A must see here is <a href="http://www.orchardcountry.com/" target="_blank">Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery and Market</a>, around since 1955. After sampling the unique <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906408?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="264" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906408?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="264" class="align-right"/></a></p>
<p>wines, go out back to see the Cherry Pit Spit area where contests are held every year to see who can spit a cherry pit the farthest.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In addition, some of the shops I enjoyed were <a href="http://www.jjeffreytaylor.com/" target="_blank">JJ Jeffrey Taylor Gallery</a>, a shop chock full of beautiful art pieces ranging from wooden tables to paintings, sculpture, and fine jewelry.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>After you have been to this gallery, head next door to <a href="https://www.hideside.com/" target="_blank">Hide Side Corner Store</a>, a completely unique shop with a little bit of everything ranging from shoes to motorcycles to antler light fixtures.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We were too early in the season, but <a href="https://www.doorcountyboats.com/" target="_blank">Fish Creek Scenic Boat Tours</a> offers boat rides and a chance to get out onto the water.</p>
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<p><img width="136" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906363?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="136" class="align-left"/></p>
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<p>Another quintessential spot is <a href="http://www.whitegullinn.com/" target="_blank">The White Gull Inn</a> in Fish Creek. For breakfast, try their Cherry French Toast consisting of two slices of egg bread with pockets of cream cheese and Door County cherries. This French Toast was winner of the “Best Breakfast in America</p>
<p>Challenge” by <i>Good Morning America</i>.</p>
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<p>We later came back to The White Gull Inn to witness a true Fish Boil, a must dining experience in Door County. <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906415?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="360" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906415?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="199" class="align-center" height="276"/></a></p>
<p>A fish boil features Lake Michigan whitefish cooked outside over an open fire as the Scandinavian settlers did hundreds of years ago. The fish pieces are placed in a large cauldron of boiling water with red potatoes. When the fish oils rise to the surface, the Master Boiler tosses kerosene on the flames, causing a boilover and spilling the fish oils over the side. This is very dramatic which is why you need to arrive early to observe the process. The fish and potatoes are served with lemon, melted butter, coleslaw, homemade breads and cherry pie.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Two spots we loved in Sister Bay were the Door County Creamery and Sister Bay Bowl.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Owners of Door County Creamery, Jesse and Rachael Johnson, began making their cheese in 2010 and opened the<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906371?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="169" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906371?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="169" class="align-left"/></a></p>
<p>creamery in 2013. They fell in love with fresh, local cheeses in France and wanted to offer Door County guests a chance to do the same with their local cheeses.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>At <a href="http://www.doorcountycreamery.com/" target="_blank">Door County Creamery</a> you can enjoy a walking tour of their goat farm where you meet the goats and see how they are raised as well as the making of the cheese. In addition, on this tour they offer homemade goat milk gelato, cheese tasting and lunch on the patio at the creamery. Transportation is provided, but you must sign up in advance because their tours do become full.</p>
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<p>Wisconsin consumes more brandy than any other part of the country which may have something to do with an Old Fashioned being made with brandy in this state. At <a href="http://www.sisterbaybowl.com/" target="_blank">Sister Bay Bowl</a>, bartender Penny Anschutrz makes a truly</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906374?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="198" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906374?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="198" class="align-right" height="217"/></a>fine Old Fashioned. The atmosphere at Sister Bay Bowl is funky, fun, and retro. We had to take advantage of the opportunity to bowl a game. They also offer a lake perch Fish Fry, complete with all the fixings and voted one of the best in the area.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Sister Bay Bowl is an authentic, family-owned supper club. These supper clubs are part of what makes Door County special. Originally, a supper club would be a place you would order a drink at the bar and while sitting there, order your dinner to be delivered to a table. In addition, there was live music and dancing. In 1958, Earl and Rita tore down the dance hall and built a six-lane bowling alley.</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906428?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="281" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906428?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="281" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.doorartisancheese.com/" target="_blank">Door Artisan Cheese</a> in Egg Harbor has recently opened their doors. At the cheese making facility, you can see cheese being made in large steel containers. Door Artisan Cheese is the dream of master cheesemaker, Mike Brennenstuhl. He wanted to provide a culinary experience with an on-site cheese factory offering tours to the lower level aging caves, a place to purchase cheeses from the deli, and a restaurant to enjoy elegant and creative dining, Glacier Ledge Restaurant. Cheese curds are a Wisconsin staple, and Mike let us sample cheese curds that were so fresh that they “squeaked” when you ate them. Glacier Ledge Restaurant features elegant dining either indoors near the hearth or on the outdoor patio. Chef Lawrence Hutchinson, formerly an instructor at the culinary school in St. Louis, offers his take on casual fine dining, inspired by seasonal, fresh ingredients. We were delighted with the creative salad of mixed greens, salmon and potato hash, Brussel sprouts, and grapefruit with a parsley bacon dressing. Dessert was a creamy panna cotta topped with a blueberry puree.</p>
<p><img width="175" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906340?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="175" class="align-right"/></p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906432?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="139" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906432?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="139" class="align-left"/></a></p>
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<p>The small taverns in Door County provide some of the most unique and warm atmospheres for dinner. One of the highlights of our trip was <a href="http://baysidetavern.com/" target="_blank">Bayside Tavern</a> in Fish Creek. In August of 1975, Bob and Elaine MacDonald bought the Bayside Tavern. Be sure to sit at the bar and meet one of the owners, Christie MacDonald. In addition to hearty food, including “Smilen” Bob’s Barroom Chili served with spaghetti noodles and beans, Christie shared with us her specialty that she makes for gifts which is called Cherry Bounce, “cherry pie in a glass.” Christie’s hospitality made our evening very special.</p>
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<p><i>Money Magazine</i> calls Door County County, Wisconsin "one of the top tourist destinations in the United States,” and we all agree. Many thanks to our hosts, Jon Jarosh and Jen Rogers, with the <a href="https://www.doorcounty.com/" target="_blank">Door County Visitor Bureau</a>, who helped us experience the charming and special place called Door County.</p>Getting the Inside Scoop on Foodie Milwaukeetag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2017-07-11:3169359:BlogPost:6565552017-07-11T13:40:24.000ZLinda Milkshttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/LindaMilks
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73905974?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73905974?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="415"></img></a></p>
<p><br></br> How do you find out about all the hidden neighborhoods and history of a city? Three of us writers had a short time in the city of Milwaukee and wanted to savor as much as we could of the ethnic neighborhoods, architecture, and history. We contacted Theresa Nemetz of <a href="http://www.milwaukeefoodtours.com/" target="_blank">Milwaukee Food and City…</a></p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73905974?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="415" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73905974?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="415" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><br/> How do you find out about all the hidden neighborhoods and history of a city? Three of us writers had a short time in the city of Milwaukee and wanted to savor as much as we could of the ethnic neighborhoods, architecture, and history. We contacted Theresa Nemetz of <a href="http://www.milwaukeefoodtours.com/" target="_blank">Milwaukee Food and City Tours</a>, who offered us a flavor of what one of their many tours showcased of the city.<br/></p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73905994?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73905994?profile=original" width="192" class="align-left" height="264"/></a></p>
<p>Since our time was so limited, she suggested a brief tour of Brady Street, one of the oldest neighborhoods, originally comprised of Polish immigrants (complete with a Polish squash club) and then settled by Sicilians. <a href="https://petersciortinosbakery.com/">Peter Sciortinos Bakery</a> was our first stop, a bakery that has been the heart of the Italian neighborhood for 60 years. This place exudes Old-World-bakery charm and the cookies don’t belie that charm. I would suggest a sample of three or four.</p>
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<p>Next, we took a quick trip through <a href="http://www.gloriosos.com/">Gloriosos Italian Market</a>, home to handmade sausages, aisles of cheese, wine and pasta since 1946. This market also features a vast array of olives, olive oils, imported meats and delectable sandwiches, along with pastries and cookies from their bakery and even gelato. The Glorioso family has continuously owned this amazing market at the same location. Some days you will find two of the brothers (in their 80’s) still working. When they needed more space, they refused to move from their landmark location and bought the building next door instead.</p>
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<p>Our last stop, <a href="http://www.zaffirospizza.com/">Zaffiro's Pizza</a>, was for a giant “loaded” salad and several pizzas where Liborio (“Bobby”) Zaffiro and his brother started making pizza in 1945 in the true Milwaukee style with a cracker-thin crust. You will still find the red and white checked tablecloths and red leather banquets reminiscent of classic Italian restaurants. What a perfect lunch!</p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906135?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="151" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906135?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="151" class="align-right"/></a></p>
<p>Theresa Nemetz, who owns the tour company with her husband, told us they have six buses and 15 tour guides to take visitors to hidden gems where guests will see small, unknown places. They also have smaller vans for more intimate tours.</p>
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<p>One of the upcoming tours will take guests to a new culinary school and will offer hands-on demonstrations filling cannoli. Another will provide facial rubs with the hops at Lakefront Brewery if tasting some of their brews is not your thing.</p>
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<p>Not only does Milwaukee Food & City Tours visit areas in Milwaukee, but they offer tours to Poland, Chicago, and Amish country and will be adding a culinary tour next year to Italy where they will deconstruct pizza by visiting an olive oil ranch, a mozzarella cheese factory, and then head to an International pizza festival.</p>
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<p>Milwaukee Food & City Tours offers many more fun tours with knowledgeable and personable guides. We were charmed by Theresa and would have loved to enjoy more tours with her. To find out about a tour that fits your interests, visit <a href="http://www.milwaukeefoodtours.com/">http://www.milwaukeefoodtours.com</a>. I promise you that you will learn about all the hidden treasures of the area.<a href="http://www.milwaukeefoodtours.com/" target="_blank"><br/></a></p>Puerto Vallarta: Beaches, Tropical Gardens, Catamarans & 'Raicilla'tag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2017-06-30:3169359:BlogPost:6544612017-06-30T14:06:16.000ZLinda Milkshttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/LindaMilks
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73904558?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73904558?profile=original" width="500"></img></a></span></p>
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<p style="text-align: left;"><span>As I unpacked my bags in my well-appointed room at the luxurious <strong>CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta & Spa</strong>, </span><span style="text-align: center;">my eyes wandered towards the view of lush landscape and rolling waves of the Pacific. My…</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73904558?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73904558?profile=original" width="500" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
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<p style="text-align: left;"><span>As I unpacked my bags in my well-appointed room at the luxurious <strong>CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta & Spa</strong>, </span><span style="text-align: center;">my eyes wandered towards the view of lush landscape and rolling waves of the Pacific. My thoughts were of all the experiences awaiting me for the next five days.</span></p>
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<p>My trip proved to be amazing, and I want to share some of the exciting adventures I had.</p>
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<p><b><u>Sites to Make You Love Puerto Vallarta</u></b></p>
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<p>To start your visit to Puerto Vallarta, <b>Malecón</b> <b>Boardwalk</b> in <strong>Old Vallarta</strong> will give you an immediate enrichment of the city. You can travel very easily to the boardwalk from the CasaMagna Marriott by bus, which takes you directly there, where you can meander along the boardwalk and take in all the amazing sculptures, many sculpted by Sergio Bustamante, Alejandro Colunga, and Ramiz Barquet. You will want to take photos with these fascinating, larger than life sculptures. The large seahorse sculpture washed away during a storm but washed back ashore. It should have sunk because it’s metal; the locals believe this is a sign that the tourists will always return. Shops and clubs border the street on the east side of the boardwalk to add to the festive atmosphere.<br/></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73904575?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73904575?profile=original" width="238" class="align-left"/></a></p>
<p>A gathering place for all ages is The <b>Plaza de Armas</b> which is just off the boardwalk. When you glance upward in this area, you can’t miss the spectacular <strong>Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe</strong>, showing off in all her glory the wrought iron crown hoisted by carved angels that was placed atop a tower in just 1965.</p>
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<p>Take a walk to the south end of the Malecón to <b>Mercado Isle Cuale</b> and <b>Mercado Municipal Cuale</b> along the banks of the Cuale River. The <b>Isla Cuale</b> (island in the center) has a number of souvenir vendor shops. I was lured onto the island to purchase a brightly colored tablecloth, large carryall bag, and an embroidered dress. Save time for a free tequila tasting at the west end of the Isla Cuale.</p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73904591?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="173" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73904591?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="173" class="align-right"/></a></p>
<p>One of the highlights of my trip was a bus ride south of Puerto Vallarta to <b>Rancho El Verano</b>, a ranch producing <strong>raicilla</strong>, a close cousin of tequila made from the agave plant.<br/></p>
<p>Tequila must be made from only blue agave but raicilla can be from either the green or blue agave plant. It takes eight to 12 years for the agave plant to grow and flower before it is ready for harvest. The original name, raicilla, was a name made up in the 1600’s to avoid paying taxes to Spain on tequila.</p>
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<p>Chopping the pineapple (the center) off the plant is the first step in the process of making raicilla. It is then further chopped into chunks. After that, the chunks may be put in a wood pit or in clay ovens. The next step after cooking is that the chunks are ground and distilled in crude, primitive stills from a fermented mash. The mash is slow cooked, the steam condenses on a copper cone and then it is cooled, traditionally, by spring water. To make a liter of raicilla takes 22 pounds of agave. The bottle tells the region where it <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73904645?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73904645?profile=original" width="294" class="align-left"/></a>was made, the alcohol content, and the brand name.</p>
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<p>Learning the correct way to drink tequila and raicilla should be part of your trip. The correct method is to take a deep breath in, then exhale, and swallow the shot in the next inhale; then exhale. I also learned a toast used in that region which is, “Up the hill, down the hill, we drink tequila, so who cares?”</p>
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<p>Down the road from Rancho El Verano is the <b>Jardin Botánico de Vallarta</b>, an 11-year old botanical garden in a jungle where it rains every night until November and then is dry for six months. This botanical garden sits on the <strong>Cabo Corrientes</strong> (Cape of Currents), a mountainous peninsula covered with rivers, waterfalls, pine-oak forests, and even jaguars and macaws.</p>
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<p>Strangely enough, the same rhododendron that grows in Hilo, Hawaii also can be found at the Daneri Vireya Rhododendron House. In addition, I visited the Vallarta Conservatory of Orchids and Native Plants, a conservatory full of 1,200 species of Mexican orchids and a wide variety of native Mexican plants, including bromeliads and magnolias.</p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73904689?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73904689?profile=original" width="227" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><br/>Don’t miss the <b>Hacienda de Oro Restaurante</b> located at the botanical gardens. I was greeted with refreshing hibiscus tea and a cool washcloth. The presentation at this open-air restaurant is spectacular — myriad colors and flavors await you at your table. Locally caught fish filled the taco shells, and the Mexican pizzas added an interesting twist to our traditional Mexican meal. I encourage you while admiring the mountain and river views to look below on the open side of the restaurant where baskets of fresh fruit are dropped to draw birds to the area. What a delight!</p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73904723?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73904723?profile=original" width="263" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><br/>You can spend an entire day enjoying the quiet and lushness of this tropical place during your visit to the botanical gardens. There are hiking trails, and you can swim in the river. I would recommend wearing long pants and a long-sleeved shirt with bug spray in hand. You will have a day of adventure to long remember.</p>
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<p>Boats provide a peaceful and different view of a city, and the best day of my trip was spent aboard the <em><b>Grand Canuwa</b></em>, a 62-foot, 120-passenger luxury catamaran. From the moment I boarded this new catamaran until the time I <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73904802?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73904802?profile=original" width="206" class="align-left"/></a>returned back to dock, I was treated to a very special day by Oscar Hildago, director of the catamaran as well as a very happy and attentive crew. This luxury yacht comes with a bartender extraordinaire, able to prepare anything your mind can create, and your glass will never be empty. For me, the opportunity to see Puerto Vallarta from the water was a great opportunity. As a passenger aboard the Grand Canuwa, you have the opportunity to snorkel (with new equipment and knowledgeable instructors) at <strong>Los Arcos National Marine Park</strong>, a gigantic rock formation where I snorkeled through the center and around it back to the boat. Most trips on this catamaran go to <strong>Mike’s Beach Club</strong>, a private beach where passengers can kayak, paddle board, zipline or simply relax in hammocks for a few hours.</p>
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<p>Because I was with a group of food writers, chefs were on our catamaran to delight the guests with as-fresh-as-you-can-get shrimp <strong>aquachile</strong> (meaning water chile, the spicy cousin of ceviche) as well as other delicious ceviches. I was lucky enough to have onboard Chef Diego from <strong>Tuna Azul</strong>, Chef Mauricio Verden of <strong>Mauricios</strong>, Chef Josué Arana of <strong>Lamara</strong>, as well as Conner Watts, master brewer from <strong>Los Muertos Brewing</strong>. All of these chefs participate in the local Ceviche and Aquachile Festival, an event in itself worthy of a trip to Puerto Vallarta.</p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73904735?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73904735?profile=original" width="206" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><br/>My trip back to Puerto Vallarta aboard the <em>Grand Canuwa</em> concluded with games and dancing aboard this pleasurable yacht. Guests aboard from ages 20 to 75 danced, played and made the most of a spectacular day.</p>
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<p>CasaMagna is home to a <b>Sea Turtle Release Program</b>, running from June to December. It has been held here since<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73904785?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73904785?profile=original" width="206" class="align-right"/></a> 2002. What a special treat! The nursery can hold up to 400 nests to protect the eggs, and guests were able to hold a newborn and release it at sunset. Whether you are a child or an adult, this is a wonderful opportunity to experience a very special connection with nature.</p>
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<p>Start planning your own adventures and checking out hotels and flights. I will be posting a second article on Puerto Vallarta to learn about some special places to eat, stay, and some upcoming special events you will want to attend.</p>
<p></p>For the Love of Milwaukeetag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2017-06-20:3169359:BlogPost:6566692017-06-20T17:35:22.000ZLinda Milkshttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/LindaMilks
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73905964?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73905964?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="650"></img></a></p>
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<p>If you want to know what the best places are in a city, ask a native. Here's the list I recently gathered from a group of Milwaukeeans who love their city, the largest city of <strong>Wisconsin</strong>: the <strong>Milwaukee Art Museum</strong> (top); <strong>Pabst Brewery</strong>; <strong>Harley Davidson Museum</strong>; <strong>Skylight Opera…</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73905964?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="650" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73905964?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="650" class="align-center"/></a></p>
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<p>If you want to know what the best places are in a city, ask a native. Here's the list I recently gathered from a group of Milwaukeeans who love their city, the largest city of <strong>Wisconsin</strong>: the <strong>Milwaukee Art Museum</strong> (top); <strong>Pabst Brewery</strong>; <strong>Harley Davidson Museum</strong>; <strong>Skylight Opera Theater</strong>; <strong><a href="https://summerfest.com/">Summerfest</a></strong> (world’s largest music festival); ethnic neighborhoods, the USA's fifth largest film festival; a park system throughout the city with <strong>Lake Michigan</strong> access; the <strong><a href="http://www.doorsopenmilwaukee.org/">Doors Open Milwaukee</a></strong> festival; the <strong><a href="http://www.riverwest24.com/about">River West 24 Bike Ride</a></strong>; and glorious beer gardens complete with a firetruck that travels from spot to spot with beer kegs aboard.</p>
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<p>It was with all this in mind that three of us travel writers ventured to this special city. One of us had lived for years in <strong>Milwaukee</strong>; we had often heard about the delicious brat sausages and cheese curds. I had even donned the infamous <strong>cheesehead</strong> worn by fans of the <strong>Green Bay Packers</strong> (actually based a few miles north), but we were on a trek to experience all that this Midwestern U.S. city has to offer.<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906034?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="300" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906034?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="300" class="align-right"/></a></p>
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<p>After arriving, we were graciously greeted and checked in by Aza at the <strong><a href="https://www.paysbig.com/">Potawatomi Hotel & Casino</a></strong>, the first off-reservation casino and currently one of the largest tribally owned ones in the country. The casino is located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee and is Milwaukee’s most popular destination, with over six million visitors yearly. The hotel and casino is made up of 1.1 million square feet of space where guests can stay, dine, and see live performances in addition to gambling. We found our accommodations to be contemporary and beautifully decorated. Of course since we were staying at a casino, we made a late-night jaunt to the machines to try our luck.</p>
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<p>Before dinner, we stopped at <strong><a href="http://taylorsmilwaukee.com/">Taylor's Bar</a></strong> in the Third Ward, a place known as Milwaukee’s “Cheers” bar, to catch up with friends of our former Milwaukee travel buddy. That Midwest hospitality can be found throughout the city, but Taylor’s happy hour is a great way to start the evening.</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906160?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="250" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906160?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="250" class="align-left"/></a>The <strong><a href="http://www.oddduckrestaurant.com/">Odd Duck Restaurant</a></strong> drew us in for dinner because of its fantastic reviews (and of course we loved the name!). The atmosphere and décor are casual and comfortable, with rich wood walls. The cocktail list is inviting and shows off the bartender’s ability as a true mixologist. We all loved No. 28, consisting of gin, St. Germain, green Chartreuse, sage, and fresh lemon. The wine list is also excellent, offering a wide range of choices from the United States, France, Spain, Italy, and South Africa.</p>
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<p>We tried five small plates, and found all very creative, fresh, and delicious, displaying a variety of textures and flavors. Peruvian potato <em>causa</em>, consisting of poblano, caramelized onion, fried avocado, hardboiled egg and potato crisps, delighted us with its complexity. Another favorite was the smoked duck breast with mustard greens, duck confit ragu, sweet potato, and orange reduction. The other small plate is the spicy seafood hot pot made up of Dungeness crab, shrimp, mussels, cod, Thai chilis, Napa cabbage and daikon. On my next trip to Milwaukee, this restaurant will be at the top of my list.</p>
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<p>We checked in for the next two days at the <a href="http://www.tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/delightful-kimpton-journeyman-hotel-in-milwaukee?xg_source=msg_appr_blogpost"><strong>Kimpton Journeyman Hotel and its Tre Rivali Restaurant</strong></a> Please read about this new hotel in the Third Ward by clicking on the above link. This hotel is an excellent choice in Milwaukee.</p>
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<p>Our next day started at the <strong><a href="https://mam.org/">Milwaukee Art Museum</a></strong> (top), an architectural wonder not to be missed. As we arrived, we were awed by the stark white curves and arches reminiscent of waves or wings. The <strong>Quadracci Pavillion</strong> was designed by the Spanish starchitect <strong>Santiago Calatrava</strong> and was his first design built in the United States, in 2001. Besides its curves and arches, a highlight is the <strong>Burke Brise Soleil</strong>, a moveable sunscreen with a 217-foot wingspan that folds and unfolds to cover and protect the 90-foot-high glass ceiling several times a day. Make sure to be there when this folding takes place; it is breathtaking. Inside we found paintings, sculptures, and glasswork by well-known artists from America and Europe such as <strong>Renoir</strong>, <strong>Bonnard</strong>, <strong>Homer</strong>, and <strong>Chihuly</strong>, as well as decorative art from the 1800s. The white arches provided the perfect backdrop for these beautiful pieces.</p>
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<p>A quick stop at <strong><a href="https://www.kopps.com/">Kopp's Frozen Custard</a></strong>, a Milwaukee institution, was necessary after all we had heard about that creamy concoction. It more than lived up to its reputation, yum!</p>
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<p>Until my trip to Milwaukee, I had no idea that this city is the headquarters for Harley Davidson. Whether you are a<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906204?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="300" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906204?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="300" class="align-right"/></a> motorcycle fan or not, Harley Davidson is quintessential Americana, and I think anyone will find the <a href="http://www.harley-davidson.com/content/h-d/en_US/home/museum.html">Harley Davidson Museum</a> fascinating. The history of this iconic company, founded in 1903, echoes much of America’s history, including motorcycles being used to deliver mail, ridden by women as dispatchers during World War II, cycles with every inch covered in chrome and rhinestones, Evil Knievel’s bike, and even Elvis Presley’s iconic red, black, and chrome motorcycle.</p>
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<p>Back down to earth after all these high-flying motorcycles, it was time for a serene and sophisticated lunch at <strong><a href="http://www.lakeparkbistro.com/">Barlotta's Lake Park Bistro</a></strong> and a chance to meet our host, Claire Hanan from <strong>Visit Milwaukee</strong>. Upscale French food<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906214?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="300" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906214?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="300" class="align-left"/></a> with views of Lake Michigan and an interior invoking a lake house atmosphere whet our appetite for <em>croque madame</em>, French onion soup, <em>escargots</em>, and carrot cake topped with ice cream and a dried pineapple flower. Delicious!</p>
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<p>Milwaukee is home to Pabst Brewing Company, and its founder, Captain Frederick Pabst. Pabst and his wife Maria built the <strong><a href="http://www.pabstmansion.com/">Pabst Mansion</a></strong> in 1890 for $75,000. We had to explore this symbol of America’s <strong>Gilded Age</strong>. After the death of Captain Pabst, his descendants sold the mansion to the Roman Catholic archdiocese, which let it fall disrepair to the point where it was scheduled to be torn down. But in 1975 it was rescued and placed on the <strong>National Register of Historic Places</strong>. Both Pabst and his wife were accomplished art collectors, and much of their collection still remains in the home. The Pabst Mansion should definitely be on the list of places to see in Milwaukee. Of course we had to stop by the newly opened <strong><a href="http://www.bestplacemilwaukee.com/">The Best Place</a></strong>, home to the new Pabst new Milwaukee brewery, <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906229?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="300" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906229?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="300" class="align-right"/></a>taproom and restaurant located in Milwaukee's first German Methodist Church.</p>
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<p>We had one more morning in town, and Theresa Nemetz of <strong><a href="http://www.milwaukeefoodtours.com/">Milwaukee Food & City Tours</a></strong> offered us a small taste of what one of her company's many tours showcased of the city. Read what we experienced by clicking on the above link.</p>
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<p>The last stop in Milwaukee was the <strong><a href="http://www.skylightmusictheatre.org/">Skylight Music Theatre</a></strong> - because we all need some culture in our life. <strong>Broadway Theatre Center</strong> has been located in the Third Ward district<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906306?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="250" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73906306?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="250" class="align-left"/></a> since 1993. It rents space in the building to other arts organizations and offers set-building and other services to those organizations. One of Skylight's specialties has been the production of <strong>Gilbert and Sullivan</strong> operettas. You will also find baroque opera, operetta, musicals, and musical revues. The <strong>Cabot Theater</strong> seats 350 people and was designed after an intimate French theater. Founder Clair Richardson has ashes at the theater with a shot of whiskey sitting nearby.</p>
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<p><br/> <br/><br/> <span class="font-size-1"><em>Many, many thanks to our hosts <a href="http://www.visitmilwaukee.org/">Visit Milwaukee</a>, the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel, and Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, which all helped us see some of the most exciting spots in town</em> </span></p>
<p></p>California’s Santa Maria Valley Is BBQ & Winetag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2017-06-10:3169359:BlogPost:6544352017-06-10T15:29:33.000ZLinda Milkshttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/LindaMilks
<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73904500?profile=original" target="_self"><img height="279" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73904500?profile=original" width="521"></img></a></p>
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<p>We were off to explore the Santa Maria Valley along the central California coast, and as I hopped into the backseat of my friends’ car, I was shown all the preparation they had prepared for the trip. There was a tablecloth, a napkin, a bottle of Bellini and wine glass, the <em>New York Times</em>, and some snacks just in case I got…</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73904500?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73904500?profile=original" width="521" height="279"/></a></p>
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<p>We were off to explore the Santa Maria Valley along the central California coast, and as I hopped into the backseat of my friends’ car, I was shown all the preparation they had prepared for the trip. There was a tablecloth, a napkin, a bottle of Bellini and wine glass, the <em>New York Times</em>, and some snacks just in case I got hungry on the way. This was like limousine service!<br/> <br/> This time of the year is a magnificent time to drive from Southern California to the central valley area. The hills are still covered with an array of yellow flowers amid the vibrant green. Having never been to Santa Maria, I was excited because I had heard great things about the wineries, but I knew very little about the area.<br/> <br/> After our long drive, food was very much on our minds. The <b>Moxie Café</b> awaited our group. The Tri-Tip, Tuscan</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73904532?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73904532?profile=original" width="148" class="align-right" height="197"/></a>chicken and veggie sandwiches looked fresh, healthy, and delicious. This restaurant could be considered a health food restaurant because everything is antibiotic and hormone free with a motto of “Eat well, be well.” Each of us tried a cup of their famous chili as well as to-die-for mashed sweet potatoes and a bowl of fresh veggies. Caleb Granski, catering and special events manager, explained to us that Moxie Café was started by Hardy Diagnostics for their 250 employees. Company president Jay Hardy wanted a healthy place where both he and his employees could eat a healthy lunch. Today, Moxie Café is employee owned and after six years, employees are completely vested, something not offered very often to employees. Our meal was complete after we each took a trip to the gelato bar for a scoop of creamy and refreshing delight.</p>
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<p>We boarded the <b>Gold Coast Limousine</b> bus, a luxury line for touring which we very much appreciated. We were eagerly anticipating our first winery on this trip. After all, we are food and wine writers, and we had to see what all of the hubbub was about with these wines.</p>
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<p><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73904639?profile=original" width="173" class="align-left" height="292"/></p>
<p>It was Sunday afternoon, a time when wineries often have music for their guests. That’s what we found at <b>Riverbench Winery</b>, named after the Santa Maria Bench, the bank along the Sisquoc River where Pinot Noir and Chardonnay were first planted in 1973. Surrounded by mountains and meadows with trellises of wisteria and lots of sunshine, relaxing with tastes of wine could not have been more delightful. Winemaker Clarissa Nagy produces some of the finest wines in the valley.</p>
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<p>We had the opportunity to sample some other wines produced by Clarissa Nagy at <b>Nagy Wines</b> in Orcutt (a short distance from Santa Maria). Not only did we find Clarissa knowledgeable and welcoming, but we loved her small tasting room and were delighted by her elegant and sophisticated wine style. Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Viognier grapes are her focus right now.<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73904666?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73904666?profile=original" width="121" class="align-right" height="233"/></a></p>
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<p>Cherries and Chinese Five-Spice Pinot Noir filled our palate with a sip of the Pinot Noir and left us with a rounded mouth feel. The Viognier welcomed us with flavors of peach, pear, and orange zest, but there was a touch of crème brûlée, too. I am a Pinot Noir fan, so I had to take a few bottles back with me. Viognier is a varietal about which I am not always enthused, but Clarissa knocked it out of the ballpark with this one. That came home with me, too.</p>
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<p>On to <b>Ca’ Del Grevino EstateWinery</b>! We were in luck, because we were welcomed by Jon Karlo Macias, tasting room manager at the estate, located in Orcutt among rolling hills with mountains in the background and an amazing mansion complete with iron gates and an Italian fountain in front. This beautiful Tuscan-inspired estate is available for corporate events and weddings. On the grounds, summer concerts take place on the sloping lawn. As we toured the estate, I heard echoes of “aws” from our group. This place is truly a palace.</p>
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<p>Looking out from the home, you can see 100 acres of six varietals. We sampled a Syrah replete with flavors of cocoa, pepper, and berries; a Grenache with hints of raspberry jam which would be a summer delight, and an amazing Dolcetto with a full-mouth feel of white chocolate and mocha.</p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73904808?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73904808?profile=original" width="276" class="align-center" height="276"/></a></p>
<p><br/> Currently, Ca’Del Grevino has three tasting rooms—Orcutt, Santa Barbara and Los Olivia. Massive plans are underway (to be completed in 2018) of a 35,000 square foot, $25 million new winery and banquet hall with a glass floor so that you can look down into the production area. There will be 10 guest rooms on the property when it is finished. Keep an eye on this fine winery! This will be a place to enjoy both the beauty of the facility and fine wine.</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73904739?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73904739?profile=original" width="247" class="align-left" height="285"/></a>Just a couple of miles down the road from Ca’Del Grevino, another spectacular winery, <b>Presqu’ile Winery</b>, sits atop a hill showing off its contemporary clean lines and glass walls. After stepping inside, your eyes are drawn to the massive arched doors leading to the lengthy wine cave. Members of this winery also have access to a private outdoor lounge where you can see the ocean on a clear day. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Syrah grapes are raised on the property using sustainable practices. To create wines with complexity, the vineyard was designed as a mosaic of blocks of handpicked clones of each variety. You will find luscious Pinot Noirs here with all the flavors one expects—berries, rose petals, and earthiness with a silky-mouthed feel. We also loved the Rosé of Pinot Noir that reminded us of strawberries and summer. Both the beauty of the winery itself and memorable wines make this a must when in the area.</p>
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<p>Several of the restaurants besides the Moxie Café that we enjoyed on this trip were Rooney’s Irish Pub and Shaw’s Steakhouse.</p>
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<p>At <b>Rooney’s Irish Pub</b> we met the charming owner, Timothy Patrick Rooney. As he explained, the beer is brewed right there at the facility, and at least six varieties are available at all times. We had to try a flight which was fittingly served atop a tray shaped as a four-leaf clover. I highly recommend the Shepherd’s Pie with a short rib on top or the traditional corned beef and cabbage. Rooney’s has hearty and delicious food and oozes with charm and friendliness.</p>
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<p><b>Shaw’s Steakhouse & Tavern</b> offers some of the best of Santa Maria BBQ. As we entered the restaurant, that<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73904814?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73904814?profile=original" width="340" class="align-right" height="255"/></a> famous barbecue was on display behind a glass window. Tri-Tips, Filet mignons and baby back ribs are just some of the amazing cuts offered. Of course, since it is Santa Maria style BBQ, everything is served with a freshly made salsa and pinquinto beans, specialties of the area.</p>
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<p>We were graciously hosted by the <b>Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Santa Maria</b>. I will attest to amazingly comfortable beds and pillows, as well as attractive accommodations and a welcoming staff. The Holiday Inn is in a great location and perfect for a long weekend exploring the wineries and restaurants of Santa Maria.</p>
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<p>For further information in planning a trip, contact the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce at <a href="http://www.santamariavisitor.com/">www.SantaMariaVisitor.com</a>. </p>
<p></p>KOSHER WINES NOT TO BE PASSED OVER ON PASSOVERtag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2017-03-31:3169359:BlogPost:6528572017-03-31T19:09:52.000ZLinda Milkshttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/LindaMilks
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<p>By Linda Milks</p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73903713?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" height="376" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73903713?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="376"></img></a></p>
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<p>The lush and tropical backyard of Robin Dohrn-Simpson and her husband Marc in San Diego was the setting for a tasting of a group of Kosher…</p>
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<p>By Linda Milks</p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73903713?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="500" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73903713?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="376" class="align-center" height="376"/></a></p>
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<p>The lush and tropical backyard of Robin Dohrn-Simpson and her husband Marc in San Diego was the setting for a tasting of a group of Kosher wines imported from Galilee and Jerusalem along with foods that pair well with these wines. The food we sampled wasn’t kosher.</p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73903699?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73903699?profile=original" width="225" class="align-left" height="274"/></a></p>
<p>Because Passover is upon us shortly, we explored what foods might be eaten during Seder. Todd Montgomery, a member of our Wine Council, brought a Seder plate, the plate used during the Seder ceremony. This plate consists of six sections of food. These foods are very important to the practice of the Seder ceremony because of what they signify. On the prepared plate is found (1) a shank bone or chicken neck, (2) an egg, (3) bitter herbs, (4) a mixture of apple, pears, and nuts, (5) additional bitter herbs to eat as the matzoh-maror sandwich, and (6) a vegetable dipped in salt water.</p>
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<p>During the Seder ceremony, four glasses of wine are consumed. Kosher wine is a grape wine produced according to Judaism’s religious law. It must be supervised and handled through the process by Sabbath-observant Jews, and it must be kept free from contact with grain, bread, and dough. Usually the wine would have a seal of approval of a kosher certification agency.</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73903862?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73903862?profile=original" width="81" class="align-right" height="248"/></a></p>
<p>The first wine we sampled was a <b>2014 Flam Unoaked Blanc</b> from the Judean Hills, a blend of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc ($31) with a light, crispy taste of grapefruit and grass. We all enjoyed this wine very much and felt it would be a great summer wine. It is produced in the Judean hills and is one of Israel’s best. It was paired with a frittata of spinach, potatoes and leek. The creaminess of the dish balanced out the crisp and acidic flavor of the wine.</p>
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<p>The other wine paired with the frittata was the Israeli wine, <b>2014 Matar by Pelter Sauvignon Blanc Semillon</b> ($33.) We noticed a nose of peach and grapefruit followed on the mouth by flavors of lemon peel, pomegranate, and red grapefruit. This wine had a bigger mouth feel than the Flam. We thought a lemon or pomegranate sorbet would be nice with this wine.</p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73903867?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73903867?profile=original" width="294" class="align-left" height="158"/></a></p>
<p>The Chardonnay we tasted was a <b>2014 Teperberg Essence Chardonnay</b> ($36) from Israel and was well paired with a gluten-free apple, grape, salmon, Havarti dill cheese, and fennel flatbread. This wine proved to be complex with a definite golden hue and was true to what you expect from a Chardonnay with flavors of butter, nuts, and pineapple.</p>
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<p>The <b>2010 Carmel Winery Merlot Sha’al Vineyard</b> ($33) was also from Galilee. This wine was aged 10 months in French oak and comes from a producer who makes 15 million bottles a year. We found it to be representative of wines from the Bordeaux region and priced well. On our tongue we tasted minerals suggesting the rich volcanic soil of the region as well as fruit and a nice tannic balance. The beef rollups atop a tomato/plum bruschetta provided that great beef and merlot pairing, and the plum in the bruschetta brought out the plum flavor in the wine. This Merlot was our favorite wine of the day.<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73903907?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="500" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73903907?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="250" class="align-right" height="163"/></a></p>
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<p>The fifth Kosher wine of the day sampled was the <b>2012 Netofa Tinto Basse</b> ($24) comprised of 40% Tempranillo and 60% Tiouriga from Galilee. We immediately noticed the dark ruby color, and on the nose there was an immediate odor of tobacco and Asian cuisine spices. The taste was of blackberries, tart cherries, and intense tannins. The pairing was a paella of Tofurkey, smoked paprika, carrots, and rice. We like the smoked paprika with the wine. We found the wine could handle a bold and spicy dish like this.</p>
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<p>The final Kosher wine was the <b>2012 Tabor Adama Shiraz</b> ($18) from Galilee, a wine that has a deep purple color. There were aromas of blackberry and black pepper. On the palate were flavors of blackberry, raspberry, and violet. This wine had a well balanced and smooth full-bodied taste. It was paired with a tapenade and olive-toasted baguette. The saltiness of the tapenade and creaminess of olive oil coating the baguette countered the tannins found in the Shiraz.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73903882?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73903882?profile=original" width="311" class="align-center" height="210"/></a></p>
<p>Thanks to our supplier of these wines for our tasting, the <b>Royal Wine Corporation</b>, out of New Jersey. If you are unable to find these wines locally, most of them can be purchased online. Whether or not you are searching for a Kosher wine, these wines were a delight to drink.</p>Tasting Washington States Wines at California's Rancho Valencia Resorttag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2017-03-10:3169359:BlogPost:6513532017-03-10T13:31:39.000ZLinda Milkshttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/LindaMilks
<p align="center"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73903177?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73903177?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="354"></img></a></p>
<p><br></br> As I meandered along the tree-covered hills and winding roads leading to <b>Rancho Valencia Resort</b> in <strong>Rancho Sante Fe</strong>, <strong>California</strong> (<em>U.S. News and World Report</em>’s number-one resort in California,) my anticipation grew. I was not disappointed to see this lavish resort, set on 45 acres of gardens and olive…</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73903177?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="354" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73903177?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="354" class="align-right"/></a></p>
<p><br/> As I meandered along the tree-covered hills and winding roads leading to <b>Rancho Valencia Resort</b> in <strong>Rancho Sante Fe</strong>, <strong>California</strong> (<em>U.S. News and World Report</em>’s number-one resort in California,) my anticipation grew. I was not disappointed to see this lavish resort, set on 45 acres of gardens and olive groves. Not only did I get to enjoy this beautiful resort and experience a glorious outdoor terrace breakfast, because on the agenda was a seminar with wine tasting about Washington State wines. How could a day be better!</p>
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<p>Our expert panel consisted of Maurice DeMarino of the Cohn Restaurant Group, Sarah Goedhart from Hedges Family Estate, and Bob Betz, Master Winemaker at Betz Family Winery.<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73903291?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="358" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73903291?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="358" class="align-left"/></a></p>
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Just to give you a little background, the United States produces about 8 percent of the global wine production. California, the largest producer in the United States, is followed by Washington State, producing 4 percent of the world’s wine. Planting began in the 1960s, and today there are over 900 wineries in the state, with over 40 varieties of grapes grown. The predominant ones grown are Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.</p>
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<p>So what makes Washington State wines so unique? While most of us think of Seattle and its abundance of rain, the Cascade Mountain chain running from north to south in the state creates a "rain shadow" effect. The impact on wines is a dry, consistently warm temperature during the growing season, bringing about consistency in the quality. Those warm days provide ripe fruit aromas and flavors. While the days are warm, the nights cool down rapidly, causing what is known as a diurnal shift of 30 to 40 degrees that helps to preserve natural acidity. In addition to the temperature, the basalt bedrock, loess silt and fine sand add to the minerality of the grapes and reduce the chance of phylloxera (the disease that has killed vines around the world.) Because there isn’t the risk of phylloxera, most everything is planted on its own roots, unique to Washington State. In addition, the array of wine growing regions in the state allows growth of numerous varietals.</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73903181?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73903181?profile=original" width="220" class="align-left" height="349"/></a>Nine glasses of wine sat in front of us to sample. The first was a Riesling from <b>Chateau Ste. Michelle</b> in the Columbia Valley. The Eroica Riesling comes across as very concentrated with layers of flavor. It speaks to minerality and fruitiness. I discovered this Riesling and many from Washington are not cloyingly sweet but on the drier side with high acidity and can be aged. There are flavors of lime and orange with crisp acidity. The Eroica Riesling sells for $20 and is well worth every drop.</p>
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<p>Wine number two was the <b>Avennia Winery</b> Oliane Sauvignon Blanc grown in the Yakima Valley ($28 retail.) The wine was barrel fermented in French Oak. We noticed acidity, minerality, and pink grapefruit with some Meyer lemon notes. There isn’t an overly grassy flavor often found in Sauvignon Blancs, but rather a straw flavor. The cooler nights in the Yakima Valley preserve the acidity and intensity of this wine. This wine can actually last for five to seven years in the cellar.</p>
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<p>The third wine sampled was the Celilo Chardonnay from <b>Woodward Canyon </b>($44 retail), a wine very much in the Burgundian style. The grapes were grown in Walla Walla and the Columbia Gorge. We learned that they're are often picked from a warm site and a cooler site and then blended to create more structure and a lasting flavor on the palate. I noticed flavors of pear and pineapple, as well as minerality and a smooth richness. There was only a slight oak flavor - exactly what the winemaker wanted.</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73903232?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73903232?profile=original" width="181" class="align-right" height="286"/></a></p>
<p>Wine number four, the 2013 <b>L’Ecole</b> Estate Merlot ($36), offers a lot of structure and purity without being too fruity. For this reason, this Merlot tastes more in the Bordeaux style rather than California. The Ferguson Vineyard, where half the grapes grow has a lot of basalt rock where the roots grow so that the roots don’t become too big and plush. The other 50 percent is grown in the Seven Hills Vineyard, adding elegance and old-world structure to the wine. I tasted dark fruit, clove, and plum and well as an earthiness. This is one of the best Merlots I have sampled.</p>
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<p>We were ready to sample the fifth wine, a 2013 Pére de Famille <b>Betz Family Winery</b> Cabernet Sauvignon ($75). 2013 was a year where the heat stayed constant through the summer months, a small amount of rainfall, and then a cooling trend right before harvest which brought about rich texture, complexity, and acidity. Because of this change in weather, there is a complexity with layers of fruit and a big mouthfeel. The nose is of red currant, herbs and leather. The taste is cassis, violets, and red plums, a truly delicious wine. You could drink this wine on a special occasion and know you were having a quality wine.</p>
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<p>The sixth, the 2009 <b>Côte Bonneville</b> Carriage House Bordeaux blend ($50) from the Yakima Valley, shows off flavors of black cherry, red currant, pepper, and chocolate. The blend is 62 percent Cabernet, 27 percent Merlot, and 11 percent Cab Franc. The diurnal shift in the 45 acres where the grapes are grown creates micro climates that give this wine diversity and more tannins. Again, this is an amazing wine.</p>
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<p>The 2014 <b>K Vintners</b> Motor City Kitty Syrah ($40 retail), Wine #7, has been awarded 96 points by Robert Parker. Sustainable farming practices are used where the grapes are grown in the old Walla Walla River bed, soil comprised of lots of rock providing good drainage. This Syrah is smooth and light with dry herbs and earthiness.</p>
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<p>We were asked to compare the Motor City Kitty Syrah with Wine number eight, a <b>Hedges Family Estate</b> Syrah ($30), grown in the Red Mountain region of the state. Sarah Hedges Goedhart is the winemaker for Hedges. Syrah is highly sensitive to its origin. Sarah focuses on creating a wine with balance by managing the tannins in an effort to not make such an overblown Syrah but one more in the Old-World style. The color of this wine is a very deep purple, and it has an earthy nose of dried herbs. The flavor is of blackberry, licorice, citrus, and herbs and has a long finish which I enjoy very much. This wine is ready to drink right now but can be shelved for up to 15 years.</p>
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<p>Number nine, 2014 <b>Syncline Winery</b> Mourvédre ($35) from the Columbia Valley, is comprised of grapes planted on the shoreline of the great Missoula Floods in Horse Heaven Hills, a steep and stony hillside with southern exposure. Grapes also came from the Red Mountain area, an area of deep bedrock formed by massive lava outflows. The largest floods ever recorded followed in this area, topping the sediment with sand and silt. These layers bring out grapes that produce wines of incredible structure and longevity. This Mourvédre is a lush and rich wine with flavors of plum, cassis, and minerality.</p>
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<p>Washington State wines are wines with layers of flavor, not cloyingly fruity, and taste more in the Old-World style. I foresee a trip to this beautiful part of our country and an opportunity to visit a variety of wineries in the near future.<br/> <br/>
</p>Washington State Wines - A Journey Along the Columbia Rivertag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2017-02-28:3169359:BlogPost:6514592017-02-28T15:18:11.000ZLinda Milkshttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/LindaMilks
<p align="center" style="text-align: left;"><br></br> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73903205?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73903205?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="298"></img></a> The state of Washington consists of many diverse microclimates--from the rainforest of the Olympic Peninsula to the eastern portion of the state averaging around eight inches of rain. The craggy Cascade Range separates the western and damper portion of the state from the eastern and drier side. All of these microclimates provide…</p>
<p align="center" style="text-align: left;"><br/> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73903205?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="298" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73903205?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="298" class="align-right"/></a>The state of Washington consists of many diverse microclimates--from the rainforest of the Olympic Peninsula to the eastern portion of the state averaging around eight inches of rain. The craggy Cascade Range separates the western and damper portion of the state from the eastern and drier side. All of these microclimates provide the 900 wineries unique areas to grow more than 40 different varietals of wine, making Washington State the second-largest premium grape-growing region in the nation.</p>
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<p>Recently, I was fortunate enough to participate in the Washington State Wine Trade & Media Tasting held at the stunning <b>Coasterra Restaurant</b> on Harbor Island in San Diego. With views of San Diego bay and sailboats elegantly gliding by, this was the perfect place to stand on the patio munching on appetizers and sipping lush Washington wines. An abundant antipasti tray and superbly crafted vegetable bowl wet our appetites and was followed by crab cakes, sliders, shrimp cocktails, and mini pizza slices.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73903205?profile=original" target="_self"><br/></a></p>
<p>All of this delicious food was the foundation for an afternoon of tasting critically acclaimed wines from 60 wineries of Washington State. Big red wines are my personal favorite, so when I was planning which wineries I should sample, I looked for those regions known red varietals. As I tell you about the wines I sampled, let me send you on an imaginary tour of these great wineries—a trip I plan to take in the future.</p>
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<p>One of the most spectacular parts of wine tasting in Washington is experiencing the variety of terrains in this state. With its mountains, lakes, rivers, and deserts, the setting is a visual candy shop of variety. This same variety provides 13 viticultural areas to be explored. The soil of glacial sediment from the Ice Age and basalt cast down by volcanic explosions influence the taste of the wine. On the eastern side of the Cascades, the sunny, hot days followed by cool nights lets the grapes ripen while retaining the right amount of acidity.</p>
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<p>As one who has spent a lot of time traveling the state of Washington, my favorite starting point is the Columbia River Gorge, a winding river surrounded by tall evergreens atop sharply rising mountains and gushing waterfalls. Starting your journey around White Salmon and Underwood Mountain, an area around 1,100 feet high, you can experience the cooler varietals like Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Gris. As you head east towards Lyle, sip on Primitivo, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Viognier, and Mourvedre.</p>
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<p>Enjoy the rustic beauty of <strong>Syn</strong><b>cline Winery</b>, located on a working farmstead, with a relaxed picnic area of tables, Adirondack chairs, and hammocks. I urge you to try the Mourvedre and Grenache, both earning high point from <em>Wine Enthusiast</em>.</p>
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<p>Heading still further east along the river, you experience grassy, rocky terrain and bluffs, where the grapes catch lots of sunshine and very little rainfall—a great place for Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Zinfandel. This area is the location of Maryhill Art Museum and <b>Maryhill Winery</b>, home to outdoor concerts in the summer overlooking the gorge.</p>
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<p>Meander from this area to the Yakima Valley, the state’s first growing region with more than 100 wineries. Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon reign supreme here, but more than 40 varieties flourish in this region.</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73903207?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="117" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73903207?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="153" class="align-left" height="295"/></a>The family of <b>Gilbert Cellars</b> has been growing fruit in this area since 1897 and now creates some spectacular wines showcased at Hackett Ranch. While I am a big red fan, their unoaked Chardonnay with lemon notes was one of the best I have ever tasted, and would be perfect with a Washington State Dungenous crab. Another wine I liked was the Left Bank Red Bordeaux Blend. This bold and structured wine is a great dinner wine and calls for a nice steak. Their Tempranillo Port was a perfect dessert wine--not cloyingly sweet—and begged for just one lovely truffle aside the glass.</p>
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<p><b>Côte Bonneville Winery’s</b> winemaker, Kerry Shiels, told me that the vineyard, DuBrul Vineyard was named after Napoleon DeBrul, a tobacco baron, in honor of her great, great grandfather. DuBrul Vineyard produces some of the most respected grapes, having received the designation twice of Washington State Vineyard of the Year. Côte Bonneville’s tasting room is located in the former historic Grandview Train Depot in downtown Sunnyside. One of my favorites, Carriage House Red Bordeaux Blend, received 94 points from the <em>Wine Enthusiast</em>.<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73903211?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="192" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73903211?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="192" class="align-right"/></a></p>
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<p>As you travel, head to Red Mountain, named after the red cheat grass that fills the slopes in spring, and Horse Heaven Hills near Benton City (and near the Columbia River) is the smallest AVA in Washington and also the warmest region. This AVA is known for 93 percent of all wines being big, structured red varietals with lots of minerality. Best known are the powerful Merlots, Syrahs, and Cabernet Sauvignons.</p>
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<p><b>Hightower Cellars</b>, located outside Benton City, works by the theory, “get the best grapes and don’t screw them up.” High on my list of delectable wines is their Reserve Red Bordeaux Blend, consisting of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Verdot. This wine packs a punch of full-bodied flavor with notes of pepper and violets.</p>
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<p>From the Red Mountain area, head east to the Walla Walla Valley. This high-desert valley has the largest number of wineries in the state. Known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Malbec, this area will truly delight those red wine taste buds. The Walla Walla Valley is unique in that it borders Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.</p>
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<p><b>Cougar Crest Estate Winery</b>, located in Walla Walla, has another outstanding winemaker and owner, Debbie Hansen. The Estate Viognier I tasted had a great mouthfeel with flavors of apricot and was very crisp. It has been awarded 90 points by <em>Wine Spectator</em>. Unfortunately, I ran out of tasting time, but their Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon have won high awards of excellence and worthy of sampling. This winery has earned the label of having some of the top 100 wines in the world.</p>
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<p><b>Tamarack Cellars</b> located in Walla Walla Valley, voted Winery of the Year in 2009 by Wine and Spirits, showcases some exceptional wines at a reasonable price. Try their 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon rated 92 Points Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast or their 2014 Merlot, with a 91-point rating by <em>Wine Enthusiast</em>.</p>
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<p>The contemporary <b>Tertulia Cellars</b>, also located in Walla Walla, gets its name from the Spanish word “tertulia” which means a social gathering of friends. Winemaker Ryan Raber introduced me to one of my favorites, the 2013 Carménere, a unique and powerful wine often used for blending. I loved the peppery, smoky, and chocolate taste. I also enjoyed the Great Schism Red Rhône Blend, with flavors of raspberries, currants, and vanilla—a light blend true to the Rhone region.<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73903217?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73903217?profile=original" width="256" class="align-center" height="307"/></a></p>
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<p><b>Woodward Canyon Winery</b>, in Walla Walla Valley, featured an amazing Merlot with more aromatics than found in the Napa Valley. Lush and concentrated with notes of black cherry and herbs, this wine will hold up for a decade. Big and <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73903219?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73903219?profile=original" width="165" class="align-left" height="263"/></a>bold with notes of blackberry and herbs, the Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon has earned 92 points from <em>Wine Enthusiast</em>. Woodward Canyon Winery is located in a restored 1870’s farmhouse.</p>
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<p>Another trip will take me to Woodinville, Washington, with more than 100 tasting rooms. There are some magnificent wineries showcasing grapes from Red Mountain, Yakima Valley, and Columbia Valley located in Woodinville, outside Redmond, Washington. These wineries are worthy of a trip on their own. I enjoyed <b>Januik <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73903222?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73903222?profile=original" width="210" class="align-right" height="277"/></a>Winery’s</b> Stone Cairn Cabernet Sauvignon with flavors of cherry, currants, and chocolate. <b>Lauren Ashton Cellars</b> Proprietor’s Cuvée Red Bordeaux Blend was given 95 points by Robert Parker and is luscious. <b>Mark Ryan Winery’s</b> Long Haul Red Bordeaux Blend shows earthiness with tastes of currants, plums, and spice.</p>
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<p>Washington State has so much to offer a visitor, and the wineries should certainly be a feature for any wine enthusiast.<br/><br/></p>The Lady by the Sea: San Diego's Hotel Coronadotag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2017-01-23:3169359:BlogPost:6497592017-01-23T07:29:29.000ZLinda Milkshttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/LindaMilks
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73902455?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" height="264" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73902455?profile=original" width="283"></img></a> </p>
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<p>The Hotel Del Coronado on Coronado Island, CA, opened its doors in February, 1888. It is known as the second largest wooden structure in the United States and it was at that time the largest resort hotel in the world. The Victorian resort has been listed as one of the Grand Old Hotels in our country. It showcases a beautiful beachfront with a storybook history.…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73902455?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73902455?profile=original" width="283" height="264" class="align-center"/></a> </p>
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<p>The Hotel Del Coronado on Coronado Island, CA, opened its doors in February, 1888. It is known as the second largest wooden structure in the United States and it was at that time the largest resort hotel in the world. The Victorian resort has been listed as one of the Grand Old Hotels in our country. It showcases a beautiful beachfront with a storybook history. It came of age during the “Gilded Era” when America’s rich traveled from resort to resort with servants in tow. Guests used to stay for months; women would sit at the balcony level watching the comings and goings of guests to comment on how well husbands were doing financially based on their wives’ clothing.</p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73902477?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73902477?profile=original" width="154" class="align-left" height="283"/></a></p>
<p>Guest rooms numbered 3327 and 3519 are quickly booked around Halloween when ghost fans hope to experience flickering lights, swaying curtains, cool blowing air and mysterious voices.</p>
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<p>The spirit of Kate Morgan is said to have roamed around the Del for more than 100 years where the TV has switched on and off, pipes rattled, and Kate’s face has even appeared to some on the black TV screen. Some of the staff has reported seeing a beautiful brunette wearing black 1800s garb in the corridor or standing by a window as if waiting for someone. Kate and her card shark estranged husband were traveling West on a train when Tom got off in Los Angeles and promised to meet Kate at the Hotel Del. Kate checked in as Lottie Bernard and Tom never arrived.</p>
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<p>The last time Kate was seen alive was in the evening when she was looking out at the ocean from a veranda. She was found the next day on steps leading outside with a bullet in her head. Through the years ghostbusters and parapsychologists have stayed in the room with infrared cameras to track the ghost of Kate.</p>
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<p>An employee working in the 1888 Shop in the hotel says that Marilyn Monroe's presence is also felt as well, usually in hallways. The movie, <i>Some Like It Hot</i> was partially filmed at the Hotel Del. Rumor has it that Marilyn and Kate have fought for space in the shop, causing merchandise relating to both to be placed far apart so that the merchandise didn’t mysteriously fall from the shelves.</p>
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<p>Whether or not ghost stories intrigue you or simply surrounding yourself with Victorian splendor is your pleasure, there is more to The Del that will delight you.</p>
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<p>Bike and boat rentals, a fitness center, boogie boards, volleyballs, wetsuits and surfboards are available. If you are looking for some pampering, those can be found at the full-service spa and services at Salon at The Del as well as the vanishing edge pool.</p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73902577?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="142" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73902577?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="142" class="align-left"/></a></p>
<p>On a recent visit, we were invited to try Eno Pizzeria & Wine Bar, the wood-fired artisan pizzeria and wine bar located both outdoors or just inside the building. We loved sitting outdoors because we could see the pizzas being baked in the outdoor oven while watching the Pacific sunset. As we sat down to the high-topped tables, trays of antipasti appeared in front of us to savor with a variety of boutique California wines.</p>
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<p>Executive Chef John Shelton and his team have come up with some of the best pizza in Southern California. In addition to trying the traditional Margherita pizza and Funghi (mushroom) Pizza, we tried what can only be a California original called the In-N-Out Pizza, comprised of all those delicious ingredients found in an In-N-Out burger. To accompany slices of pizza, we were brought plates of their Eno Salad—fresh mixed greens, roasted pear, crumbled bleu cheese, and served with an oregano vinaigrette dressing.</p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73902725?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73902725?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="176" class="align-right" height="205"/></a></p>
<p>Every good meal needs a dessert to complete it, and we were invited to try The Del’s famous S’mores on the Beach. In true Del fashion, these were not simply a couple of marshmallows between graham crackers. Containers of raspberry, vanilla, chocolate and mint marshmallows lined a table to be placed on ginger snaps, mint chocolate cookies, or graham crackers. Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, strawberries, carmelized bananas, raspberries, toasted nuts and toasted coconut made our mouths water as we tried to decide what to try first. Of course, work is involved to make the perfectly browned marshmallow, and we had to compare all of ours to see who had the magic touch.</p>
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<p>While eating my S’more, I wandered down the beach from the fire pit to enjoy the last glimpses of the sun as it set over the Pacific and couldn’t help but see the sand carving honoring Kate Morgan. Both her legend and The Lady by the Sea, The Del, will continue to delight and woo us.<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73902728?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="168" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73902728?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="168" class="align-left"/></a></p>Life at Historic Holman Guest Ranch in Carmel Valley, Californiatag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2016-11-06:3169359:BlogPost:6466712016-11-06T20:30:00.000ZLinda Milkshttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/LindaMilks
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73900869?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" height="246" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73900869?profile=original" width="374"></img></a></p>
<p><br></br>A long, curving driveway through the middle of ranch country led us to what was going to become a charming and serene couple of days full of natural beauty at Holman Ranch.<br></br><br></br>Each of us gathered our belongings and opened the door to our private rooms off the ranch-style patio complete with rocking chairs and artwork. Once inside, we found a hacienda-styled…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73900869?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73900869?profile=original" width="374" height="246" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><br/>A long, curving driveway through the middle of ranch country led us to what was going to become a charming and serene couple of days full of natural beauty at Holman Ranch.<br/><br/>Each of us gathered our belongings and opened the door to our private rooms off the ranch-style patio complete with rocking chairs and artwork. Once inside, we found a hacienda-styled room with leather chairs around the dining table. To add to the ambience, the Western-style comforters were topped with suede-covered pillows. Rustic luxury would be a good word to describe the room, but there was every amenity needed for today’s traveler. There is room for 38 guests to stay here. By the way, the cottages are dog friendly.</p>
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<p>Once we had unpacked, we learned from our gracious host, Nick Elliott, that Holman Ranch started when California was part of Mexico and with the founding of the Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo. In 1928, Gordon Armsby purchased 600 acres and hired an architect to create a home made from stone on the property and built with old-world charm. In the 1940’s, the Holmans purchased the property and created Holman’s Guest Ranch, a place where stars like Clark Gable, Marlon Brando and Joan Crawford came to visit.</p>
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<p>In 2006, Thomas and Jarman Lowder purchased the property and pursued their dream of planting vineyards and olive trees to make estate-grown wine and olive oil. The ranch is 400 acres with 20 acres of grapes that are certified organic and certified sustainable. In 2009, the Lowders carefully restored the property, including the hacienda to its original beauty, but added modern conveniences. Even the original tiles on the roof of the hacienda were carefully removed and replaced after a new subroof was added. Hunter Lowder, Thomas and Jarman’s daughter, and her husband, Nick Elliott, are now the managing partners of Holman Ranch and continue the warmth and hospitality of a gracious hacienda and ranch.</p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73900977?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73900977?profile=original" width="215" class="align-center" height="252"/></a></p>
<p><br/>Nick led us to the barrel room on the property, past the stables and swimming pool (which was the first in Carmel Valley in 1931) to let us sample wines directly from the barrel, some as young as a couple of months. The samples were cloudy because the yeast had not yet settled, and the experience was fun to learn what wine tastes like at its beginning. After a few of these samples, we tasted the finished product which was delightful. Holman Ranch produces 3500 cases of wine a year of Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. The climate, soil, and elevation are perfect for Burgundy varietals. We also drank a few more samples inside a barn that is now used for weddings and meetings. Such a lovely property!<br/><br/></p>
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<p><br/>We were then invited to carry our wine as we explored the immaculately restored hacienda. So much charm fills the main room with leather sofas, antique armoires and tables, sculptures and paintings evoking another era but providing comfort and luxury we enjoy today. Off the main room we found a game room with a pool table, perfect for entertaining all ages of guests staying on the property. </p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73901069?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73901069?profile=original" width="174" class="align-left" height="275"/></a> </p>
<p>We were off to Jarman Lounge and Patio in Carmel Valley to enjoy the special wines named after Hunter’s mother whose passion for fine wines was the impetus for winemaking by the family. All wines are made in the French winemaking techniques and aged in French oak. The Jarman wines are a little bigger and bolder and more round and meaty in the California style. All of the Jarman lots are 200 cases or less. In addition to selling the wines online, they sell to New Leaf and Whole Foods because they are organic wines.</p>
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<p>Dinner was served outside at Will’s Fargo Restaurant and Bar in Carmel Valley, also owned by the family. The name comes from Will Fay who established the restaurant in 1959 in a building that was constructed in the 1920’s to be a tea room and road house. (Fargo is a name given to a way station or road house.) It has what is known as a “dressed up saloon” interior full of antiques from the Victorian times as well as Western amenities.</p>
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<p><br/>Our dinner was served family-style on a long table in their beautifully lit patio area. I can attest to the quality of the food, in large part due to Nick’s culinary and hospitality background. The first appetizer of chicken and beef skewers was displayed atop a pineapple head. Then plates arrived of calamari and crab cakes. Salads were very fresh and crispy. Chickenmarsala, shrimp scampi, New Yorkstrip, ribeye, and filetmignon were our delicious main courses served with fresh asparagus, au gratin cauliflower, mixed seasonal vegetables, au gratin potatoes, and stuffed potatoes. Desserts were chocolatelava cake, cheesecake with raspberries, and crème brûlée. Of course, everything was offered with some of those perfect estate wines of Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs.</p>
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<p>The next morning it was time to say goodbye to Holman Ranch. Holman Ranch is used as the perfect wedding venue, but it is booked out for two years at this time on the weekends. It would also be the ideal location for a corporate event such as team building or possibly for a family reunion. Other programs available are: Summer Camp for Adults, with billiards, archery, and dance classes as well as s’mores; Ranch Experience with massages and nature hikes; Proposal Package with wine and food pairings and private picnics; and Fitness Camp with cooking demonstrations, hikes on the trails, yoga, and swimming.</p>
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<p style="text-align: left;">As we drove out along vistas of grapes and rolling hills filled with oaks, we tried to figure out what event we could book so we could return again.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"></p>Claremont CA, City of Trees and Ph.Ds, at a Bargaintag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2016-08-15:3169359:BlogPost:6433792016-08-15T22:26:32.000ZLinda Milkshttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/LindaMilks
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<p>Are you looking for a unique town with houses varying in architectural style, lots of trees, bike trails, academia that enriches an area with art and music as well as unique, one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants without a big road trip on congested freeways? The city of Claremont provides just that. And through the end of the year you can get all this at a bargain through the Claremont Chamber of Commerce.</p>
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<p>On a recent trip I traveled with some fellow writers to learn…</p>
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<p>Are you looking for a unique town with houses varying in architectural style, lots of trees, bike trails, academia that enriches an area with art and music as well as unique, one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants without a big road trip on congested freeways? The city of Claremont provides just that. And through the end of the year you can get all this at a bargain through the Claremont Chamber of Commerce.</p>
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<p>On a recent trip I traveled with some fellow writers to learn more about Claremont. The city is just a little over an hour from my home in Temecula as well as most of Orange County and parts of Los Angeles.<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73899355?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73899355?profile=original" width="140" class="align-right" height="198"/></a></p>
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<p>Our first stop was <b>Bua</b>, a Thai restaurant at the Packing House. We shared the Thai Fresh Rolls of tofu, glass noodles and green vegetables wrapped in a tapioca sheet. Fresh perfectly described these appetizers. Next was a delightful and mouth-watering Silver Noodle Salad of glass noodles, minced chicken and shrimp dressed with a spicy lime juice. We also shared the Crispy Duck with Orange Sauce as well as South Sea, a combination of seafood stir fried in a spicy herb sauce.</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73899569?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73899569?profile=original" width="309" class="align-left" height="216"/></a></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73899612?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="193" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73899612?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="193" class="align-right"/></a></p>
<p>After lunch, we checked in at <b>Casa 425</b>, a sophisticated little boutique hotel right in the heart of downtown. Casa 425 is directly across the street from the Packing House, home to a bevy of delicious restaurants as well as specialty shops. Bike rentals are also available there.</p>
<p>Our room was an extremely spacious double queen with a large sitting area. All rooms face an attractive courtyard to enjoy a cocktail or just to read a book and relax. The contemporary Lounge 425 offers Happy Hour from 4-7 pm which includes specialty drinks and interesting appetizers. </p>
<p>We started with cocktails named the Pale Rider, a whiskey and lemony drink; Sunset on the Beach, made of rum, apricot brandy, and mango puree; and Peachberry Martini, consisting of vodka, peach schnapps, and fresh berries. We loved them all.</p>
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<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73899710?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73899710?profile=original" width="301" class="align-left" height="261"/></a></p>
<p>The group consensus for dinner was <b>Tutti Mangia Italian Grill</b>. This was to be our luxury night out, and it turned out to be just that. The special appetizer salad consisted of an array of color provided by the Rainbow Canyon Ranch Tomatoes with grated Black Truffle, Prosciutto, Arugula, and a creamy Ricotta. We all sampled the delectable Coriander Tomato Bisque with smoky crumbled Blue Cheese and Parsley. The special main course for the evening, Halibut served over a Curried Risotto, was topped with an Arugula Citrus Salad and drizzled with Balsamic Vinaigrette. Since we were sharing, we also tried Linguini Fini—large Tiger Shrimp, fresh Sea Scallops, Carmelized Onions, Tomatoes, and Garlic Cream served with a fresh Linguini. As a group, we decided a lovely Pinot Noir would best accompany our variety of meals, and with some guidance we chose the Siduri 2012 from the Santa Lucia Highlands. We were all delighted by the voluptuous feel in our mouths and flavors of cherry and blackberry. We learned that this December Tutti Mangia will celebrate their 20<sup>th</sup> Anniversary with a Siduri Wine Dinner. Be on the lookout for that event. It will be memorable.</p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73899715?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73899715?profile=original" width="214" class="align-right" height="290"/></a></p>
<p>Wednesday morning we were up bright and early to try breakfast at <b>Walter’s Restaurant</b>, a place recommended to us by a fellow writer. A restaurant in Claremont since 1957, the new owners, the Ghafarshads, purchased Walter’s in 1973 and converted the adjoining apartment space into dining areas as well as updating the restaurant into a fine dining establishment. One of the fun things about the menu is that it includes several Afghan items such as an Afghan patty and Afghan fries, recipes the Ghafarshads brought from their home country.</p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73900107?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73900107?profile=original" width="199" class="align-left" height="266"/></a></p>
<p>After a hearty breakfast, we were off to explore the unique shops of Claremont; but first I had to stop at Shelton Park to snap a photo of the sculpture called “Simple Gifts” by John Fisher located on the edge of Pomona College. This sculpture of a couple with a musical instrument appropriately adorns the small park with a performance stage.</p>
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<p>Across the street is <b>Rio de Ojas</b> where your eyes are stimulated with colors <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73900051?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73900051?profile=original" width="170" class="align-right" height="204"/></a>galore, a shop of Dias de la Muerte sculpture and artwork, shawls , jewelry, and spices and chilies. They even offer cooking demonstrations.</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73900268?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="190" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73900268?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="190" class="align-left"/></a></p>
<p>The cow in the window of the <b>Cheese Cave</b> enticed us to meander inside to explore. Milan, our host, prepared an exquisite tray of prosciutto and three cheeses—Bishop’s Peak and Tomme Dolce from California and Nancy’s Camembert from New York. My favorite was the Bishop’s Peak. Cheeses from all over the world fill the cheese case bidding you to take home a few to enjoy with friends. The Cheese Cave also carries a variety of wines to accompany those delectable cheeses as well as mustards, caperberries, jams, and serving pieces for a beautiful charcuterie tray.</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73900288?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73900288?profile=original" width="340" class="align-left" height="326"/></a>It was time to check into our second hotel, the <b>Doubletree by Hilton</b>. The Doubletree’s charming lobby provides a welcoming entrance and is staffed by friendly employees trying to meet all your needs and plying you with those famous chocolate chip cookies. Our room was updated and spacious with comfortable beds. Outside our window, a tropical garden surrounded the pool, providing a relaxing setting. A fabric-covered patio area provides the perfect spot for your morning coffee or a reception or meeting.</p>
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<p>After checking into the Doubletree, we headed back to the<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73900304?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73900304?profile=original" width="231" class="align-right" height="289"/></a> Packing House. As we walked around, we couldn’t help but be curious about the cloud coming from a counter at <b>A la Minute</b>. When we wandered inside, we discovered the cloud was actually liquid nitrogen used to flash freeze ice cream to a negative 321 degrees. We had to try the Butternut Squash with Black Garlic topped with Burnt Sugar Syrup and the Strawberry Balsamic topped with a Strawberry Compote and Balsamic Reduction. The Squash ice cream was interesting but the Strawberry Balsamic was divine.</p>
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<p>Next we ambled around the exterior of the Packing House and discovered a clever display of a bike with a basket of Hydrangeas which drew us in to visit <b>Bottega 25</b>, a specialty shop of cards and clever gifts. I even found a gadget consisting of numerous small tools, a perfect stocking stuffer for those hard-to-buy-for men.<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73900357?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73900357?profile=original" width="218" class="align-center" height="175"/></a></p>
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<p>Another interesting shop near the Packing House is <b>Vom Fass</b>, a shop of vinegars, oils, and spirits housed in</p>
<p><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73900365?profile=original" width="220" class="align-right" height="203"/>kegs. At Vom Fass you can select by sampling whatever catches your eye (including the spirits). Then you choose a bottle to fill. It can be personalized as a gift, and they will even gift wrap it for you. Because you can sample before you purchase, you have a chance to distinguish from a variety of vinegars or a variety of spirits to choose which you prefer. The owners at Vom Fass are very knowledgeable and willing to share the fine points of all they have in stock. We even found a unique Absinthe glass beverage dispenser with crystal glasses to match it.</p>
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<p>It was a hot July day, and it seemed like a stop at <b>Pizza N Such</b> to try the local microbrews would hit the spot. Pizza N Such is a comfortable restaurant with a large selection of beers and pizza, but after the ice cream and other samplings, we ordered a large salad to share—light, and the perfect accompaniment to our beer.</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73900385?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73900385?profile=original" width="222" class="align-left" height="276"/></a>A fun stop in Claremont is the <b>Folk Music Center</b> owned by Ellen Chase-Verdries and her son, Ben Harper, a three-time Grammy Award winner and a singer-songwriter musician of blues, folk, soul, and reggae. The shop offers banjo and guitar lessons. It displays a wide variety of these instruments as well as everything from wazoos to maracas. I had to send my daughter of a three-year-old a photo of the train whistle with realistic train sound and promised it as a gift for her son.</p>
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<p>It was “wine time” and <b>Packing House Wines</b> delights wine lovers both visually and taste-wise. Ron Antonette, our host for Discover Claremont, and his daughter shared our fun tasting and evening with us. With wine selections from around the globe, owner, Sal Medina can suggest which tastings might most appeal to you. I tried the Big Six--a taste of Kabinett Riesling from Germany, a SauvBlanc from New Zealand, Chardonnay from the Santa Lucia Highlands, Pinot Noir from Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Daou Cabernet Sauvignon (one of my favorites) from Paso Robles, and Zinfandel from Sonoma County.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73900395?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73900395?profile=original" width="201" class="align-center" height="300"/></a></p>
<p>Of course food needs to accompany these superb wines, and Noah Lutz, chef at Packing House Wines,</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73900334?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73900334?profile=original" width="162" class="align-right" height="216"/></a></p>
<p>knows exactly how to prepare the perfect pairings. Since we were reaching the end of the tomato season for local gardens, we shared a tray of mouth-watering tomatoes topped with fresh basil and balsamic vinegar. After eyeing the neighboring table’s Charcuterie Board, we jumped at the chance to order our own consisting of a variety of salamis and cheeses and even some honeycomb to sweeten the deal. It was Taco Tuesday and at $1 for a taco, we couldn’t resist the Pork Tacos smothered in Salsa and topped with Arugula. We were told the Mac and Cheese served in its own small ramekin was very creamy and delicious with its blend of Irish Cheddar, Swiss Gruyere, Parmigiano Reggiano, Fontina and Pancetta. It was amazing.</p>
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<p>After a comfortable sleep at the <b>Doubletree</b>, we learned another benefit of the Doubletree was the prepared-to-order Omelette Station as well as the overflowing breakfast buffet which included an intriguing Peanut Butter, Apricot Jam, and Ham Monte Cristo.<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73900401?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73900401?profile=original" width="174" class="align-left" height="221"/></a></p>
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<p>Our last day before leaving town we had to make one more stop at the Packing House because we wanted to find out<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73900457?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73900457?profile=original" width="143" class="align-right" height="195"/></a> about bicycle rentals and trails in Claremont. On the second floor we found <b>Sunset Cycles</b>, a shop full of a wide variety of bicycles. We learned that this fall they will be renting bicycles. We had the opportunity to learn how an automatic bicycle works and were informed that Claremont has provided wide bicycle lanes to traverse downtown as well as a great trail on Mt. Baldy.</p>
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<p>As we walked out of Sunset Cycles, our eyes zoomed in on the storefront for <b>Flappers</b>, a comedy club. This place will be added to our list to explore on our next trip.</p>
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<p>Strolling out of the Packing House we saw <b>Augie’s</b>, a coffee shop where internet users abound. We had heard from our host’s daughter that Augie’s prepared an unusual drink, a Vanilla Lavender Latte. Made to perfection, it hit the spot.<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73900425?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73900425?profile=original" width="254" class="align-left" height="147"/></a></p>
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<p>Four hotels, including the two where we stayed, offer as a special enticement, $100 worth of coupons to use while shopping and dining in Claremont at approximately 140 places. We used these coupons throughout the city and found all merchants on the list open to our coupon use. This special promotion itself almost pays for your hotel room for the evening, a promotion well worth enjoying @Discover Claremont. Ask your hotel for these four $25 coupons so that you can discover Claremont.</p>
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<p>There are so many things to do in Claremont such as the interesting Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Garden with its butterfly garden, the Pomona College Museum of Art, Pomona College Bridges Hall of Music, and Pitzer College Art Galleries. In addition, a walking tour of Claremont affords you the chance to see hand painted murals on some of the city’s walls and architecture of a wide variety in the homes of the downtown area. Be sure to visit Claremont’s website at <a href="http://discoverclaremont.com/">http://discoverclaremont.com/</a></p>
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<p>As we said farewell to Claremont, we knew we would be back to this close getaway destination. I’m sure we will be using the Discover Claremont coupons as our enticement. </p>Tasting Affordable California White, Red and Rosé Winestag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2016-06-14:3169359:BlogPost:6362922016-06-14T18:16:03.000ZLinda Milkshttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/LindaMilks
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73897177?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73897177?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a></p>
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<p>A table full of good wines to sample along with creative food pairings isn’t a bad way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Luckily, I was part of the Occasional Wine Council blessed with this task.</p>
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<p>Four Chardonnays were on our list of wines to sample. I do like a good…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73897177?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73897177?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://undefined" target="_blank"> </a></p>
<p>A table full of good wines to sample along with creative food pairings isn’t a bad way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Luckily, I was part of the Occasional Wine Council blessed with this task.</p>
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<p>Four Chardonnays were on our list of wines to sample. I do like a good Chardonnay—sometimes one that is oaky and sometimes one that has been aged in only stainless steel. Three of these Chardonnays were from Wente Vineyards, located in Livermore, California, the country's oldest, continuously operated family-owned winery; and one from Shannon Ridge in Lake County in Northern California.</p>
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<p>Our first tasting was the <b>2014 Wente, “Eric’s Chardonnay”</b> ($28). This small lot wine comes from carefully selected estate grown blocks that are sustainably farmed. As a group we noticed the Asian pear nose with the flavor of lemon, pear and nectarine. This 2014 Chardonnay was given 92 points by Wine Enthusiast in December of 2015. Our food pairing were Pear, Havarti, and Almond Puff Pastry Bites, a nice fit for the pear and citrus flavors of the wine.</p>
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<p>The <b>2013 Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay</b> ($15) received 90 points from <strong><em>Wine Enthusiast</em></strong> in May of 2015. This Chardonnay consisted of 50 percent aged in new and used oak and 50 percent in stainless steel. We found it to have a tropical fruit nose and a taste of tropical fruit and vanilla. We loved this Chardonnay paired with a ranch dressing pizza. As a group, we chose this wine as the best value of everything we sampled and the best Chardonnay.</p>
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<p>Next we sampled the <b>2013</b> <b>Wente Riva Ranch Single Vineyard Chardonnay</b> ($22). This wine displayed classic Chardonnay aromas of apple and pear as well as stone fruits and vanilla. This is a California style of Chardonnay that has been aged in French and American oak for 10 months </p>
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<p>The last Chardonnay we sampled was the <b>2013 Shannon Ridge Chardonnay</b> ($12). Your palate is greeted with vanilla, oak, green apples, and citrus undertones. The blend is 98-percent Chardonnay and 2-percent Sauvignon Blanc. We noticed the creaminess of the wine but also some astringency.</p>
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<p>The food pairing for the last two Chardonnays was a beautifully plated appetizer of onion, thyme, and apple simmered in a maple vanilla syrup with a splash of apple vinegar served atop a crostini spread with blue cheese. Delightful, and a perfect pairing for both Chardonnays!</p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73897185?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73897185?profile=original" width="159" class="align-left" height="340"/></a></p>
<p>Next was the <b>2014 Villicana Liquid Hope Rose</b> from Paso Robles ($24), grown on 72 acres on the west side. The pinkish salmon color is delightful to the eye, and the nose full of luscious aromas of black cherries and a slight amount of smoke and minerality. The palate replicates the nose but also has the taste of watermelon and cranberries. Alex and Monica Villicana planted the 13-acre vineyard themselves and have dubbed their wine as “Bordeaux meets Rome.” This wine exudes the taste of a dry French rosé and is comprised of 72 percent Grenache as well as Mouvedre and Syrah. In honor of their mother, Tina, and other friends who have been touched by cancer, $1 of every crafted bottle goes to cancer support.</p>
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<p>To fit the mood of the Provence bistros, we sampled a superb tapenade made of kalamata olives, garlic, anchovies and capers—the perfect accompaniment, and for a brief moment I felt I had travel to the South of France.</p>
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<p>The red wines were not to be forgotten today, however. We sampled the <b>2012 Shannon Ridge Petite Sirah</b> ($23) grown in Lake County. The color of this wine was very rich, as a Petite Sirah should be. It abounds with aromas of black fruits, espresso and vanilla. A sip coats your mouth with flavors of cracked pepper, and blueberry. This bold and aromatic wine can hold up to almost any food. Today’s perfect accompaniment was carne asada with a spicy guacamole. We liked the pepperoni and fennel sausage very much with this big wine because the fennel paired so well. We also sampled the wine with a triple chocolate truffle espresso cake. Scrumptious!</p>
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<p>The last wine of the day was the <b>2011 Shannon Ridge Terre Vermielle Barbera (95% Barbera</b>, 5 percent Petite Syrah) ($30). We found this wine to be very earthy—too earthy to pair with the fennel pizza—but delicious with the chocolate truffle cake. The Barbera displayed aromas of cherries, strawberries, and spices. The flavors were of ripe cherry pie as well as berries and mocha. There was a good but not overpowering acidity it. The pairing provided for this Barbera was a colorful strawberry, spinach, red-onion and candy-coated pecan salad. The earthiness and boldness of the Barbera pairs well with this sweet and savory salad.<br/></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73897192?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73897192?profile=original" width="324" class="align-center" height="242"/></a></p>
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<p style="text-align: left;">As a group we always select our favorite wines of the day. This proved to be an exceptionally difficult task because of the wide variety of wines. We voted and split our votes between the <b>Shannon Ridge Petite Sirah</b> and the <b>Villicana Rose</b>. I suggest you start with a bottle of the rosé and finish with a bottle of the sirah. That would make for a good day!</p>
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<p style="text-align: left;"></p>Oh, Là Là! Bordeaux by River Cruisetag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2016-02-03:3169359:BlogPost:6267292016-02-03T16:12:38.000ZLinda Milkshttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/LindaMilks
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73894861?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73894861?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="281"></img></a> <br></br> <strong>Grand Cru</strong>, <strong>Medoc</strong>, <strong>St Émilion</strong>, <strong>Bordeaux Left and Right Banks</strong> - all terms of which I was aware, but wanted much more information. That’s the beauty of a river cruise with wine as its main topic (and the wine isn’t bad either, to put it mildly!). We were about to embark on an eight-day…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73894861?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="281" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73894861?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="281" class="align-center"/></a><br/> <strong>Grand Cru</strong>, <strong>Medoc</strong>, <strong>St Émilion</strong>, <strong>Bordeaux Left and Right Banks</strong> - all terms of which I was aware, but wanted much more information. That’s the beauty of a river cruise with wine as its main topic (and the wine isn’t bad either, to put it mildly!). We were about to embark on an eight-day <a href="http://uniworld.com/en/cruises/europe/bordeaux-vineyards-and-chateaux/2016" target="_blank"><strong>UniWorld</strong> boutique wine river cruise along the Garonne River</a> - an area settled by ancient Romans and once ruled by the English, but every bit a French region.<br/> <br/> <br/> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73894978?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="281" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73894978?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="281" class="align-left"/></a>Each evening of the cruise started by imbibing in the "cocktail of the day," followed by all 108 passengers choosing from several appetizers, main courses, and desserts, all spectacularly plated. We experienced gastronomic delights each meal of this cruise. Specialties of southwestern France such as duck confit, oysters, and caviar d’Aquitaine, were carefully prepared by <strong>Michelin</strong>-two-star chef <strong>Philippe Etchebest</strong>. Oh, did I mention that lunch and dinner were accompanied by both a red and a white local Bordeaux wine.</p>
<p><br/> Dinner was followed by music and dancing. Little did we know this evening of dancing (to music by Uniworld’s own traveling musician) and partying would set the stage for the rest of the trip. We met what we fondly referred to as the “Alabama contingency,” comprised of five couples who had cruised together before and who welcomed us into their group. As many of you know, those Southerners love to party and dance, and we were not to be outdone.<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73894978?profile=original" target="_self"><br/></a> <br/> <br/> <img width="222" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73895059?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="222" class="align-right"/>Each day after breakfast (including cheeses, pastries, cappuccinos, prepared-to-order omelets, and even two types of bacon—soft or crispy) we divided into three buses and set off for events designed to envelop us in the culture of the area.<br/> <br/> One of the highlights was an artisanal lunch and wine pairing at <strong>Château D’Arche</strong> near <strong>Cadillac</strong> in the <strong>Sauternes</strong> region where we learned the wine must have good levels of <strong>botrytis</strong>, the "noble rot" which causes the grapes to be partially raisined to bring out sweetness.<br/> <br/> Our lunch began with ribbons of smoked salmon with a creamy center, elegantly presented alongside a <strong>Château La Bouade 2010</strong>, a pale golden wine with acidity and flavors of honey and peach.<br/> <br/> Caramelized hen with mushroom pastry and asparagus tips arrived with <strong>Château Filhot Sauternes</strong>. Its concentrated flavor and nicely balanced acidity enhanced the musty and gamey flavors of this course.<br/> <br/> Most Americans think of Sauternes as paired just with desserts, but this tasting provided much conversation about how well they pair with all courses.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73895071?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="216" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73895071?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="216" class="align-left"/></a>The following day, our trip found us in one of the prettiest of Bordeaux's wine towns, <strong>Libourne</strong>, perched atop the steep limestone slopes where many of the region's finest vineyards are situated. First stop was <strong>Saint-Émilion Church</strong>, the underground hermitage and monolithic church (carved out of one piece of stone in the hillside<br/> <br/> Down steps from the market square lies the hermitage. This is the cave where teenage Émilion fled the notoriety that accompanied miracles he had performed in Brittany.</p>
<p>Our next stop was the Premier Grand Cru estate, Chateau Franc Mayne. We sampled the Grand Cru Classe 2011. The predominant grape varietal here is Merlot. This wine displayed medium tannins and was soft and rich on our palates.<br/> <br/> The Saint-Emilion area is on the Right Bank of the Gironde River and known for <strong>Merlots</strong>. The limestone and clay soil adds to the wine’s minerality and soft tannins.<br/> <br/> On another picturesque trip, we ventured to <strong>Bergerac</strong> (yes, as in <em><strong>Cyrano de Bergerac</strong></em>). As we walked the cobbled streets and admired the square displaying a sculpture of Bergerac, we noticed the picture-perfect bed and breakfasts surrounding the square. Bergerac’s love story sets the perfect location for these inns. </p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73895159?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="170" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73895159?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="170" class="align-right"/></a></p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73895134?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="183" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73895134?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="183" class="align-left"/></a>We wandered the cobblestone streets amongst the wine and foie gras shops, ending up at a farmers' market replete with seasonal vegetables, fish, and - to our delight - a stand where we were treated to duck pate and foie gras. What a fun experience!<br/> <br/> Next stop: <strong>Château de Monbazillac</strong>, built in 1550, with turrets, a moat, and battlements. Rows of the “liquid gold,” Monbazillac’s famous sweet wine, reside at this château. The views from outside stimulate imagination of days gone by when those in the château could gaze across the miles to protect themselves from invaders.<br/> <br/> Dinner that evening was served in the <strong>Blue Fox Café</strong> - such a treat! Our appetizer was a visually enticing array of tapas (below): an oyster, a pungent cheese with jam, tomatoes, and prosciutto with pickle. This was followed by succulent <strong>Beef Wellington</strong> cooked to perfection. Our dessert was four small taste treats—a chocolate tart, a chocolate-covered strawberry, a cream puff, and a Mai Tai shake. <em>Magnifique!<br/> <br/> <br/> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73895143?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="345" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73895143?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="345" class="align-center"/></a><br/></em></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73895204?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="175" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73895204?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="175" class="align-left"/></a></p>
<p>After we boarded our bus the next day, we journeyed to the famed Médoc region. In 1855, when Napoleon III asked for a classification of the best wines of France to be labeled Grand Cru, 60 of the 61 total wines chosen were from the Medoc region (and my taste buds agreed.) As our bus took us along this storied road, we saw the châteaux of <strong>Margaux</strong>, <strong>Latour</strong>, and <strong>Mouton Rothschild</strong>. <br/> <br/> Fortune provided us an opportunity to visit the Grand Cru winery <strong>Château Lagrange</strong> of Médoc. We learned this region is known for its <strong>Cabernet Sauvignon</strong> because the rocky soil is perfect for this grape. <br/> <br/> As we arrived, the splendor of the château (below) amazed us - a swan on the front lawn, a garden of roses, and a lake out front. We knew we were in for a treat.<br/> <br/> Of course our visit wasn’t complete until we sampled a Grand Cru 2008 as well as a 2014 Bordeaux. These wines ooze aromas of plum and taste of dark fruits. Luscious! As our guide, Polène, would say, “<em>oh, là là!</em>" <br/></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73895192?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="378" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73895192?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="378" class="align-center"/></a></p>
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<p>That evening, we embarked on a panoramic bus tour of Bordeaux. The city was awash with lights of many colors, displaying the intricate architecture of buildings, arches, cathedrals, Ferris wheels, and shopping alleys, as well as the <strong>Pont de Pierre</strong> bridge. Beautiful!<br/> <br/> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73895259?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="352" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73895259?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="352" class="align-center"/></a><br/> <br/> Our last day was spent exploring <strong>UNESCO World Heritage Site</strong> Bordeaux, “<em>La Perle d’Aquitaine</em>.” We hopped on a tram headed to the heart of Bordeaux’s "Golden Triangle." Our first stop was the <strong>Church of St. Louis</strong>, its Gothic spires looming over the area. <br/> <br/> All of this sightseeing made us excited about our next stop at <strong>Pâtissier David</strong>. At this pastry shop we witnessed beautiful handmade chocolates - however, the highlight was when we sampled the lightest cream puffs imaginable.<br/> <br/> The next stop was <strong>Chocolaterie Saunion</strong>, home of chocolate decadence. The colors of the fruit glacee under domed stands visually wowed us, while the whimsical light fixtures amused us and the owner (below) charmed us so much that one of our group wanted to take him home.</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73895199?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="170" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73895199?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="170" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><br/> Bordeaux, a truly elegant city, reminds me of a smaller and more easily accessible Paris. No wonder Bordeaux was chosen as the number-one destination by <em>European Best Destination 2015</em>.<br/> <br/> Our last night at the captain’s dinner was bittersweet. Our journey was coming to an end, but we reveled in the knowledge that we had the opportunity to explore the world-renowned Bordeaux wine region in all its glory aboard a first-class operation.<br/> <br/> However, the night was still young, and after yet another impressive dinner, we had time for some brandy, dancing, and the chance to talk to newly made friends about where we were going to travel on our next Uniworld cruise.<br/> <br/> Uniworld, we will be back!</p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73895215?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73895215?profile=original" class="align-center" width="381" height="214"/></a></p>
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<p><br/> <em>If you go: <a href="http://uniworld.com/en/cruises/europe/bordeaux-vineyards-and-chateaux/2016" target="_blank">http://uniworld.com/en/cruises/europe/bordeaux-vineyards-and-chateaux/2016</a> <a href="http://uniworld.com/en/cruises/europe/Bordeaux-Vineyards-and-Chateaux/2015"><br/></a></em></p>
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<p></p>Grand Pinot Noirs on a Small Scale From Oregon's Formaglini Vineyardstag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2016-01-12:3169359:BlogPost:6255452016-01-12T17:10:26.000ZLinda Milkshttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/LindaMilks
<p align="center"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73894902?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" height="474" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73894902?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="356"></img></a> </p>
<p>Who would have thought when I moved from Portland, Oregon, (home of amazing Pinot Noirs) to Southern California, I would be sitting in the backyard of a Cape Cod next to a pool at a long, umbrella-covered table in the quaint Floral Park neighborhood of Orange County's Santa Ana at the beginning of December sampling Oregon Pinot Noirs. Life couldn’t get…</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73894902?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="500" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73894902?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="356" class="align-center" height="474"/></a> </p>
<p>Who would have thought when I moved from Portland, Oregon, (home of amazing Pinot Noirs) to Southern California, I would be sitting in the backyard of a Cape Cod next to a pool at a long, umbrella-covered table in the quaint Floral Park neighborhood of Orange County's Santa Ana at the beginning of December sampling Oregon Pinot Noirs. Life couldn’t get much better.<br/> <br/> A group of writers with IFWTWA (International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association) were guests at the Southern California home of David and Anya de Lancellotti to sample the Formaglini Vineyards estate wine inspired by his Italian heritage. David is proud of his Italian roots, which are the true soul behind his wines - a pride he wishes to pass on to his children. In fact, the name Formaglini was his paternal grandmother’s maiden name. The family is from a village called LaQuercia just south of Bologna, which explains the oak leaf as Formaglini Vineyard’s logo, the literal translation of Formaglini in English.</p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73895078?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="500" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73895078?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="273" class="align-center" height="205"/></a></p>
<p><br/> As a special treat before we started our Pinot Noir wine tasting, David shared an interesting bottle of Rosata, Raffaele Palma Salicerchi 2011, from the Amalfi Coast. This is a wine very few of us have tasted, and its steely, clean, dry rustic flavor made partially from the Aglianico grape, a grape cultivated by the Phoenicians and having the longest consumer history provided that stylistically different taste that intrigues David as it did us.</p>
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<p>Our glasses were filled with another delicious and unusual wine, Quintodecimo Via Del Campo 2013, a wine from the Amalfi coast known for its lemons. This wine possessed an aroma of lemon on the nose and a wonderful lemon curd palate. This wine would be a delightful summer sipping wine, and we all enjoyed the opportunity to try another unique wine.</p>
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<p>The next wine we sampled was <b>Formaglini Vineyards Pinot Noir, La Quercia Block, 2012</b>, a big, rich, lush wine which was the inaugural vintage for Formaglini. 2012 was an amazing wine year in Oregon. David’s vineyard produced 100 cases of wine in 2012 and sold out in 90 days. The bright garnet color in our glass led us to great olfactory senses of plum, black currant, spicy herbs and earthiness. The taste is round and silky with flavors of berry compote and herbs. The finish is long and elegant. It sells for around $42 per bottle.</p>
<p><br/> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73895094?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="500" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73895094?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="232" class="align-left" height="194"/></a></p>
<p>I found David de Lancellotti to be a humble vineyard owner who calls himself a wine grower. He lets the soil do the work; planting of rye in between the rows is overturned and adds to the richness of his five acres on Chehalem Mountain in the Willamette Valley. He likes the fruit to tell the story and not be covered up with oak flavor. David told us he has used only Biodynamic and organic techniques since its planting in 2007. Grapes are planted by the Biodynamic calendar, and pointed out that wine tastes differently depending on what is the Biodynamic sign of the moon. Those days deemed “fruit days” reward the wine drinker with a better taste than on “leaf days.” David was first introduced to Biodynamics from Italian winegrowing friends and became involved in following this method of growing.</p>
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<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73895262?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="500" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73895262?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="355" class="align-right" height="305"/></a></p>
<p>Our next tasting was a barrel sample of the <b>Formaglini Vineyards Pinot Noir, La Quercia Block, 2014</b>. David is very excited about this year. The wine is much cleaner with very little sulfur and very little yeast because it hasn’t been prepared in the cross flow process (without chemicals) It will be 18 months in the barrel before it is bottled and will be released in the fall of 2016. David described this wine as a very feminine wine, delicate and full of black fruit flavor and notes of bright cherry and raspberry. Perfection is what David wants from his wines, as shown by the fact that he dumped two barrels that were a little “bready” rather than blending them with the other eight barrels.</p>
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<p><br/> To enhance our wine tasting event, Anya prepared trays of fruits, nuts and cheeses, including a delicious triple crème cheese that David had transported from Paris just 24 hours before our visit. What a treat!</p>
<p><br/> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73895307?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="500" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73895307?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="268" class="align-left" height="224"/></a>Next David poured us another barrel tasting of <b>Formaglini Vineyards Insieme Cuvee, La Quercia and Verrazano Blocks, 2013</b>. This unique blend is 25% Lagrein and 75% Pinot Noir. It is smooth and elegant and pairs well with chocolate. There are only 40 cases left of this fantastic blend so you will need to order this online as soon as possible.</p>
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<p>Lastly, we sampled <b>Formaglini Vineyards Pinot Noir, La Quercia Block, 2013</b>, a beautiful ruby-purple, Rainier cherry-colored wine. The nose is of black cherry with strawberries, rose petals and Marionberries. It has a long finish of herbs and spice as well as cherry pie with a great balance. You can buy it now for $45 per bottle.</p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73895219?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="500" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73895219?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="242" class="align-right" height="281"/></a></p>
<p>All Formaglini wines are hand numbered and tell a story. David points out that farming is like playing craps because each year is different. He chose a vineyard in Oregon because it reminds him of his favorite Italian wine-growing region of Friuli, northeast of Venice. Formaglini wines speak “Oregon” Pinot Noir but intermingles the Old World style from de Lancellotti’s roots.</p>
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<p>For more information about these distinctive and charming wines, go to <a href="http://formaglinivineyards.com/">http://formaglinivineyards.com</a>.</p>SoCal Restaurant Show at Home at Angel Stadiumtag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2015-08-31:3169359:BlogPost:6162682015-08-31T18:30:00.000ZLinda Milkshttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/LindaMilks
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73891088?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" height="263" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73891088?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="398"></img></a></p>
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<p>Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA, is the home of another great, Andy Harris, who runs his own successful radio show called SoCal Restaurant Show on 830 am KLAA radio.</p>
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<p>A group of IFWTWA members (International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association) traveled to Andy’s studio because he…</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73891088?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="500" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73891088?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="398" class="align-center" height="263"/></a></p>
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<p>Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA, is the home of another great, Andy Harris, who runs his own successful radio show called SoCal Restaurant Show on 830 am KLAA radio.</p>
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<p>A group of IFWTWA members (International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association) traveled to Andy’s studio because he had been nominated for the <i>Golden Foodies Award</i>, the equivalent of the culinary Academy Awards and the most distinguished foodie award in Orange County. The Angel team owns 830 am radio and the Angel’s Program Director is also the director for 830 am radio.</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73891362?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73891362?profile=original" width="375" class="align-left" height="259"/></a></p>
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<p>As we climbed the steps to the second floor where the broadcast was to take place, we were dazzled with brightly covered walls of memorabilia from the Angels team.</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73891383?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73891383?profile=original" width="307" class="align-left" height="409"/></a>Once we saw Andy on the radio, we knew why he had been nominated for this prestigious award. He exudes a passion for food and for the variety of food-related guests he invites on air. His positive and enthusiastic demeanor affords listeners the ability to relate and enjoy all that his guests have to offer.</p>
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<p>On this particular day, Andy Harris interviewed a variety of food industry guests. The co-host of the show during our visit was Executive Chef Andrew Gruel from <b>Slapfish</b> Restaurant with locations in Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, LAX and at the University of California-Irvine.</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73891389?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73891389?profile=original" width="282" class="align-right" height="353"/></a>Andrew grew his empire by starting with a food truck in 2011. The name, Slapfish, comes from the saying that the fish is so fresh it will slap you, something that actually happened to him when a friend tossed him a fish.</p>
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<p><u>Slapfish</u> tries to have fresh fish from the U.S. but they do bring in some from Canada. They purchase directly from the fisherman when possible, eliminating any delay in arrival to their restaurants. Many times they buy fish on Futures from the fisherman and order the amount they believe can be used at all his restaurants.</p>
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<p>Andrew says flash frozen fish are the freshest because from the pole the fish goes directly into an ice slurry of 32 degrees. He also encouraged us to look for the BAP label on shrimp bags, a certification started by the World Wildlife Foundation to promote responsible practices across the aquaculture industry.</p>
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<p>As guests of Andrew and Slapfish, we were served a creamy clam chowder with corn and bacon and one of my food favorites, a delicious crab and lobster roll spiced with Slapfish’s own tasty hot sauce.</p>
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<p>The next guest on the air was M.J. Hong. She left the corporate world in 2009 after 15 years as the director of human resources to pursue a career doing what she loves—hosting events involving entertainment and wine at <b>The Wine Artist</b> located in Irvine, CA.</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73891422?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73891422?profile=original" width="500" class="align-center"/></a></p>
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<p>M.J.’s emphasis is often teambuilding. I was fortunate enough to participate in a teambuilding event at The Wine Artist and thoroughly enjoyed it.</p>
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<p>Another fun activity involves bottling, sealing and labeling the musk (grape juice) that M.J. purchases. Many times groups do this for a bachelorette or wedding party.</p>
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<p>Carla Hall from ABC’s “<b>The Chew</b>” was interviewed that day on air while she was in D.C. promoting American cooking and regional styles for the James Beard Foundation. Carla’s emphasis is on ingredients and techniques for seasonal food and vegetables that are not as rich as gourmet foods of the past. She also participated in Expo Milano as part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s delegation where the group discussed feeding the enormous number of people in the world in the future.</p>
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<p>A wonderful cold brewed coffee awaited us prepared by Martin Dietrick of <b>Kean Coffee</b> with locations in Newport Beach and Tustin. This cold brewed coffee isn’t made by simply putting ice cubes in coffee but by a 24-hour brewing and steeping process whereby he arrives at a rich, deep, creamy flavor </p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73891428?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73891428?profile=original" width="130" class="align-right"/></a></p>
<p>Kean Coffee is a local family business. He explained on the air to Andy that the craft of roasting is like the craft of the vintner. Martin is fourth generation in the coffee industry. His family became involved when his grandmother inherited a coffee farm in Costa Rica. His passion and love of his craft shows when he explains the process he uses to craft the best coffee possible. We all agreed it was the most flavorful iced coffee we had ever tasted.</p>
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<p>Orange County’s Bobbie Navarro of <b>100 Eats</b> was the next guest on SoCal Restaurant Week. Bobby left a decade of work in the hospitality industry to fully commit to his own event planning and culinary promotions company, 100eats.com. The name comes from the concept in 2010 when he traveled to 100 restaurants in 100 days.</p>
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<p>In addition to event planning, Bobby is very involved in non-profit work, especially the organization called Inspire Artistic Minds, a national organization that provides scholarships in the culinary industry for schooling. </p>
<p>Finally, Simon Majumber of Food Network’s “<b>Cutthroat Kitchen</b>” spoke about his newest book entitled <i>Fed, White and Blue--Finding America with my Fork</i>. This book their food experiences. He has been</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73891505?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73891505?profile=original" width="170" class="align-right" height="230"/></a> known to travel around the country with his knives as he cooks for people and breaks bread with a crowd. Simon has been selected to serve as the Master of Ceremonies at the 2015 Golden Foodie Awards.</p>
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<p>We finished our day sitting in the Angel’s conference room eating the delectable lobster roll and sharing several bottles of wine while the Angel’s Program Director, Bob Agnew, shared stories of the Angel’s baseball team. What an experience to witness SoCal Restaurant Week being broadcast and then to have the opportunity to sit in the Angel’s conference room and enjoy viewing all the trophies and memorabilia of the team.<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73891514?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="278" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73891514?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="278" class="align-left"/></a></p>
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<p>Websites for all the guests are listed below so that you can find out specific information and locations:</p>
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<p><a href="http://socalrestaurantshow.com/">http://socalrestaurantshow.com/</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.slapfishrestaurant.com/">http://www.slapfishrestaurant.com</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.thewineartist.com/">http://www.thewineartist.com/</a></p>
<p><a href="http://abc.go.com/shows/the-chew">http://abc.go.com/shows/the-chew</a></p>
<p><a href="http://keancoffee.com/">http://keancoffee.com</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.100eats.com/">http://www.100eats.com/</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.simonmajumdar.com/">http://www.simonmajumdar.com/</a></p>
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<p>For more broadcasts of SoCal Restaurant Week, tune in every Saturday to 830 am KLAA radio from 10 am until noon or listen to the podcasts.</p>
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<p> </p>Summertime Living Is Easy in California Wine Countrytag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2015-07-08:3169359:BlogPost:6127612015-07-08T12:53:01.000ZLinda Milkshttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/LindaMilks
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73889708?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73889708?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="369"></img></a></p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73889723?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73889723?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="300"></img></a></p>
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<p>It was a warm, balmy early summer evening as I was sitting outside among the flowers and palms near the pool. What could be better? Toss in some Wine Council friends, some very special wines served with delectable food…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73889708?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="369" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73889708?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="369" class="align-center"/></a></p>
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<p>It was a warm, balmy early summer evening as I was sitting outside among the flowers and palms near the pool. What could be better? Toss in some Wine Council friends, some very special wines served with delectable food pairings along with a couple of creamy cheeses, and you have the recipe for a magical evening.</p>
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<p>The first wine our group sampled was a dry white from Spain called <b>Cal y Canto Dry White 2012</b> ($18). This wine is a great summertime wine that engaged us with its crispness along with good acidity and a clean, lasting finish. Tapas-style appetizers of ham and sweetly roasted tomatoes on a crusty bread balanced the acidity of the wine perfectly.</p>
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<p>The Cal y Canto Dry White provided a perfect yin and yang for two amazingly creamy and flavorful cheeses from <b>Fromagerie Guilloteau</b> (in the Rhone-Alpes region of France), <b>Saint Angel and Saint Geric</b> (sister cheeses). The Saint Angel appears to have a hint of mushroom flavor in the rind, covering a rich and buttery center with a hint of tang. The Saint Geric is the perfect marriage of a triple crème and blue cheese—rich and creamy with a subtle blue flavor. These cheeses are sold at Whole Foods, as well as many grocers and specialty cheese shops.<br/></p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73889780?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="300" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73889780?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="300" class="align-left"/></a></p>
<p><b>Notturno dei Calanchi Pinto Nero 2011</b> ($67) perked up our taste buds with the smooth and rich taste of dark fruits typical of what one expects from a fine pinot noir. The Calanchi region lies on the border between Tuscany, Lazio and Umbria and is the birthplace of the pre-Roman Etruscan culture. Volcanic soil composed of deep valleys with cliffs and rock walls provide the perfect soil for a wine comparable to the best in Burgundy. A Marsala mushroom soup "shooter" accompanied the wine, delivering an earthiness that enhanced the dark fruit flavor of the wine. The Notturno dei Calanchi Pinto Nero proved to be one of our favorites.</p>
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<p><b>Carlin de Paolo Grignolino Vendemmia 2012</b> ($15-$17) displayed a beautiful ruby color and a complex fruity nose of grapes and cherry. Grignolino is a red-wine grape of the Italy's Piedmont region. The palate of this particular Grignolino wine is dry, lively, and quite intense. This wine can also be served as an aperitif when served at a cooler temperature. Mozzarella and prosciutto roll-ups brought out the fruitiness of this wine.</p>
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<p>We found the <b>Cal y Canto 2011</b>, a Tempranillo, Merlot, and Syrah blend, ($16) to be a pleasant wine with rich, sweet and intense aromas of raspberry and black cherry, along with cedar chips and violet notes and hints of vanilla and caramel. The wine filled our mouths with a smooth, ripe, silky fullness followed by a juicy finish. What could be more perfect to serve with this wine than a Spanish pastry of chorizo and Manchego cheese.</p>
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<p>A surprise for all of us was the value of the next wine, <b>Siciliana Nero d’avola 2013</b> ($11.99), grown on the hills of Alcamo, Sicily, facing south by southwest. The ruby-red color is accompanied by a nose of black cherries, blackberries, and black pepper. On the palate appears abundant flavors of ripe fruit and exotic spices. The wine has well-balanced flavors that complemented the pairing of our grilled London broil. Pizza, pasta, or barbecue could also be served with this wine.</p>
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<p>Earning 93 points from <em>Wine Spectator</em>, <b>Perlita 2013 Malbec-Syrah</b> ($11.95) from Argentina was a real crowd-pleaser. The Perlita is beautifully layered with dark chocolate, berry, and light vanilla character. We discovered this wine to be full-bodied with ultra-fine tannins and a long, flavorful finish. All this richness paired well with the scrumptious Philly cheese steak sandwiches.</p>
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<p><b>Sweet Cheeks 2012 Pinot Noir</b> from Oregon’s Willamette Valley ($65) proved to be the favorite of the evening. “Yum!” is the best description we all gave it. This youthful wine exhibits a full body and a deep color with a hint of cherry and plum, followed with a long-lasting finish of sweet, toasted hazelnuts. Sweet Cheeks Pinot Noir is both elegant and aromatic. Pomegranate-marinated pork roll-ups counterpoised the richness of this elegant wine.</p>
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<p>All in all, the Wine Council was blessed with the opportunity to discover amazing wines that we will all be eagerly on task to find either in our local markets or online. </p>
<p></p>Melissa's Produce/World Variety Producetag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2015-03-23:3169359:BlogPost:6048612015-03-23T15:13:11.000ZLinda Milkshttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/LindaMilks
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<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-6"><em><strong>Melissa's</strong></em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-4"><em><strong>"A Celebration of Spring"</strong></em></span></p>
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<p>Have you ever wondered where all those new vegetables and fruits come from that you see in your grocery store such as Dragon Fruit, Cactus Pears, Limequats, Quince, and Purple Asparagus? This…</p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-6"><em><strong>Melissa's</strong></em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font-size-4"><em><strong>"A Celebration of Spring"</strong></em></span></p>
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<p>Have you ever wondered where all those new vegetables and fruits come from that you see in your grocery store such as Dragon Fruit, Cactus Pears, Limequats, Quince, and Purple Asparagus? This is something about which I often wonder, and I was going to get that information along with fellow IFWTWA (International Food, Wine, Travel Writers</p>
<p>Association) members by taking a tour of Melissa’s /World Variety Produce at 5325 Soto St. in Vernon (the southeastern part of Los Angeles. </p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73885899?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73885899?profile=original" width="250" class="align-left"/></a></p>
<p>Awestruck would be the best word to describe me when I first saw Melissa’s Produce. I expected a small produce stand full of unusual fruits and vegetables and what my eyes witnessed was a 280,000 square foot warehouse. Later we were told 10,001+ employees work for Melissa’s, and that it is the largest distributor of specialty produce in the U.S. It imports and distributes exotic fruits and veggies from around the globe. At any one time, Melissa’s has 1,000 specialty items available and specializes in Latin and Asian produce. In addition, Melissa’s is a certified organic produce distributor. All this came from Joe and Sharon Hernandez starting the company in 1984 in a produce warehouse lunchroom. </p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73886073?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73886073?profile=original" width="135" class="align-left"/></a>When we arrived, we were greeted by Robert Schueller, Director of Public Relations, and were taken to the test kitchen and meeting room. Today’s emphasis was to be on fresh and colorful spring produce. </p>
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<p><span>Displayed on the first table we witnessed was <b>kale</b> of every variety and color. We </span></p>
<p><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73886083?profile=original" width="150" class="align-right"/></p>
<p><span>saw the green kale we often see in our grocery as well as a darker kale called Tuscan or Black Kale and Kale Sprouts that looked like purplish-green flowerets. Melissa’s was the first to market the Kale Sprouts. In addition, on the table were three very large bowls full of kale chips (easily prepared by tossing chopped kale or the Kale Sprouts with olive oil and seasoning and then roasted). We did a taste test and could tell a difference in the sharpness of a couple of batches and more of a chewy texture in one batch. </span></p>
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<p>Next we saw <b>artichokes</b>. But, these were not ordinary artichokes. Each was wrapped in a plastic with a plastic pop-up timer on the bottom (much like you see on some turkeys) to let you know when the artichoke was done cooking in your microwave. We learned that 99% of artichokes that are grown commercially come from California. Artichokes are actually a thistle flower and not a vegetable. As well as the wrapped large artichokes, baby artichokes were displayed on the table. We were told the baby artichokes contain no chokes. </p>
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<p>Next item in our spring vegetable exploration was the <b>leek</b>. Much to our surprise, we were told that leeks are not part of the onion family and are very different than onions. Atop the leek table were two main varieties of this vegetable, the standard leek and the Belgian style of leek. The Belgian-style leeks are mainly white (the only edible part of a leek). This variety will eliminate the more common variety in the next 10 years.</p>
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<p>To properly clean a leek (because often they are very sandy and they layers are tightly connected), you should wash the exterior of the leek and then cut off the root and top, then chop it, and rewash it thoroughly. </p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73886154?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73886154?profile=original" width="154" class="align-left"/></a>Luckily for us, Melissa’s employees Chef Tom Faker who studied at Le Cordon Bleu and now manages Melissa’s Corporate Kitchen. He prepared for us an eye-appealing appetizer with a base for a bruschetta of gold beets and then topped with avocado pieces, slivered leek, and kumquat slices. Beautiful and delicious with a creaminess as well as a tartness in flavor. What a nice spring appetizer this makes! </p>
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<p>There is nothing more spring than <b>Fava Beans</b>. Fava Beans come in a shell<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73886179?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73886179?profile=original" width="143" class="align-right"/></a></p>
<p>that must be unzipped like a pea. However, these goodies are labor intensive. Once the bean is removed from the shell, you must blanch the bean and then take off the outside husk. It is a two-step process. Luckily for all of us who want to enjoy fava beans but don’t want to do all that work,</p>
<p>Melissa’s has packaged fava beans in a small, vacuum-sealed bag containing beans in ready-to-eat form.</p>
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<p><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73886188?profile=original" width="200" class="align-left"/></p>
<p>A healthy and tempting salad of arugula, parsnips, fava beans, and shrimp on a small skewer awaited us to sample the complexity of flavors this dish contained. My mouth exploded with flavors that were sweet, bitter, creamy, and salty all at once. On top of that, the texture and color added to my enjoyment.</p>
<p><b>Beets</b> awaited us on part of the next table. Beets come in six major varieties. The gold beets are more difficult to find than the red variety. Chef Tom cut a new variety in half for us to witness the striped coloring of the Baby Candy Cane Beets. For ease of preparation, foil wrap the beets with a little moisture and bake at 400 degrees for an hour. Then you can easily peel the skin (but be sure to wear gloves unless you want red hands). <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73886146?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73886146?profile=original" width="157" class="align-right"/></a></p>
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<p>Beets come in a similar vacuum-sealed bag like the fava beans to provide ease of preparation if you don’t want to take the time to cook them. (I was curious about preservatives in these packaged products because the package has a very long refrigeration life but was happy to see no preservatives or additives and many are marked with non-GMO on the box). </p>
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<p><b>Parsnips</b> join the rest of what is fresh for spring that we were going to taste. We learned that sautéing them brings out the sweetness and that the smaller ones are the best. After being inspired by Chef Tom, I recently boiled parsnips along with potatoes, mashed them and added butter, chives, and some white truffle oil. Delicious!</p>
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<p><b><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73886151?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73886151?profile=original" width="200" class="align-left"/></a>Rhubarb</b> tops my list of spring produce, and I was to learn of an excellent and easy way to prepare it. We were told that if we removed both ends of the stalk, chopped it into 1-2 inch pieces and then placed it in a non-stick pan and stirred it, rhubarb would actually melt down to a soft spread to be used on toast or ice cream. Be sure to add lots of sugar because rhubarb will make you pucker otherwise! </p>
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<p>Look for one of the newer items of produce in your store called <b>Ojai Pixie Tangerines</b>. As the name implies, these tangerines are grown in the valleys along the mountain ranges in Ojai. Because the mountain range runs east to west in that area, these tangerines receive sunlight all day. This seedless, easyto-peel, juicy fruit can be found from March through June at your grocery. Chef Tom passed around a plate of delicious muffins full of rhubarb and tangerines and topped with a creamy tangerine icing with a slice of the tangerine atop the muffin. These two spring fruits offer a wealth of ways to enjoy them as well as great nutritional benefits.<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73886302?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73886302?profile=original" width="200" class="align-right"/></a></p>
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<p>Once I was loaded down with fresh produce and had vowed I would make an effort to eat healthier, I headed home to check out Melissa’s/World Variety Produce online. I invite</p>
<p>you to look up all the ideas for using produce on this website at <a href="http://www.melissas.com/">www.Melissas.com</a> <a href="http://www.melissas.com/"></a>and tab to the menu section which is my favorite area full of ideas grouped by the month and then by holidays. With this kind of inspiration, we should all be eating more nutritiously and enjoying each bite. </p>
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<p></p>Franciacorta, the Champagne of Italytag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2014-11-23:3169359:BlogPost:5906872014-11-23T18:00:00.000ZLinda Milkshttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/LindaMilks
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<p><em><strong>“Come quickly! I’m tasting stars!” Dom Pierre Perignon, when he first tasted his newly created Champagne.</strong></em></p>
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<p><em><strong>(Champagne)”…it gives you the impression that every day is Sunday.” Marlena Dietrich</strong></em></p>
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<p>The word “Champagne” has long conjured up images of luxury and pleasure as attested by these two quotes. Even the color of champagne is associated with richness and luxury. Can…</p>
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<p><em><strong>“Come quickly! I’m tasting stars!” Dom Pierre Perignon, when he first tasted his newly created Champagne.</strong></em></p>
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<p><em><strong>(Champagne)”…it gives you the impression that every day is Sunday.” Marlena Dietrich</strong></em></p>
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<p>The word “Champagne” has long conjured up images of luxury and pleasure as attested by these two quotes. Even the color of champagne is associated with richness and luxury. Can other countries produce a sparkling wine that will delight us as much as Champagne? Seven of us met at Dorland Mountain Arts Colony in Temecula to embark on a taste test of Italy’s finest sparkling wine region to taste the Franciacorta wines from the Lombardia region (where Milan is the leading city).</p>
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<p>However, to truly compare Franciacorta wines with the most common Italian wine, Prosecco, our first taste was the <b>Nino Franco Prosecco Rustico</b> ($20) from the Valdobbiadene area of the Veneto region. This wine is rated a 90 by Robert Parker, Jr. of <i>The Wine Advocate.</i> All Prosecco is made from the Glera grape and fermentation is completed in a large stainless steel vat instead of the bottle. Owner/winemaker Primo Franco states, “Never approach Prosecco in the way you would Champagne. Other than bubbles, they are completely different. They are for everyday and best from a white glass (no flute).They are fruity, fresh, fun and will elevate your everyday!” We found this Prosecco to have flavors of peach and pear with a minerality that provided a clean and gripping finish. It makes a good aperitif. The food pairing was a Smoked Salmon Mini Bagel because the Prosecco counter balances the richness of the cream cheese and the saltiness of the salmon and capers.</p>
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<p>After our test taste of a quality Prosecco, we were on our journey to compare the Prosecco with four Franciacorta sparkling wines.</p>
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<p>The first poured was <b>Ricci Franciacorta Saten Brut</b> ($42) The term “Saten” comes from “silk” because the wine looks like silk (soft) and from “with cloth” (large or full-bodied). The Ricci Franciacorta Saten Brut is 100% Chardonnay and remains in the pile for at least 48 months after harvest. We found this sparkling wine to be minerally and acidic with a nose of vanilla, fruit, and yeast and a taste of almond and tangerine peel at the finish. Ham, Manchego and Fig Puff Pastry Twists provided the perfect accompaniment.</p>
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<p><b>La Montina Franciacorta Brut DOCG</b> ($29) consists of 95% Chardonnay and 5% Pinot Nero (Italian for Pinot Noir). This is a cuvee blend (non-vintage) made of the two grape varieties planted in seven locations and two different vintages. The wine is elegant with finesse as well as structure and body. The mousse (size of the bubbles) is soft, persistent, and long. The olfactory notes we found were stone fruits and lemon zest with a taste of gingerbread. We enjoyed the bigger, full bodied feeling in the mouth with a nice acid balance. La Montina Brut was one of our favorites. A Lemon Tart with Pinon Crust accompanied the sparkling wine. However, we found the seafood appetizers balanced the La Montina Brut and enhanced the lemon zest flavor better than the lemon tart which fought with the acidity of the wine.</p>
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<p><b>Monte Rossa Cabochon 2008</b> ($55) composition is 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Nero. The wine displays a bright golden yellow color. The mousse appears very fine in the glass. The Monte Rossa Cabochon tastes of hazelnuts and coffee with a spicy mineral closure. It speaks of elegance, personality, and a powerful persistence. The pairing consisted of Marscapane Cheese with Fig Preserves on Toast. The creaminess of the cheese and the sweetness of the preserves paired well with the minerality and nuttiness of the wine. This sparkling was a hit with our group.</p>
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<li><img width="269" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73882783?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="269" class="align-left"/><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73882845?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="250" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73882845?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="276" class="align-right" height="268"/></a></li>
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<p><b>Bellavista Gran Cuvee Operee 2006</b> ($47) won hands down as our favorite sparkling wine of Franciacorta and receives much praise by wine connoisseurs.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73883019?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="120" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73883019?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="120" class="align-left"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73883023?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="125" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/73882933?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="215" class="align-right" height="215"/></a></p>
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<p>Upon pouring this wine, we noticed the golden hue and the fine and persistent bubbles. The taste is of yellow fruit and lemongrass as well as ginger wrapped with notes of toasted almond and yeasty bread. Our thoughts were that this sparkling is full and dry, providing a sophisticated, delicate and creamy taste affording the perfect balance.</p>
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<p>The Dungeness Crab and Mango Bruschetta paired extremely well, lending a delicately sweet and nutty flavor from the crab as well as the fruitiness of the mango.</p>
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<p>The seven of us were thankful for the opportunity to explore the wonderful sparkling wines of the Franciacorta area and look forward to serving some of these to guests on special occasions. Dom Pierre Perignon truly conveyed it best when he described sparkling wine tasting like stars!</p>
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