The Pebble Beach Food and Wine Weekend is only in its seventh year yet remarkably it seems like it should be much older than that. In such a short time it has become the West Coast's premier food and wine event. It is an intriguing pairing - matching some of the world's best wine with top chefs in a location that is visually stunning. The inspirational rugged coastline and natural beauty is the backdrop for a long weekend of decadence and at … [Read more...]
Culinary Highlights at Sweden’s only Floating Hotel
Both my Napa Valley winemaker friend, Emil and I were looking forward all trip to a visit and stay at Sweden's only floating hotel - along with a visit to the adjoining restaurant (Salt & Sill) - in the small ocean-side town of Klädesholmen on Tjörn Island in Western Sweden. This was one of the restaurants on our itinerary we had planned to wear the finest clothes we brought along! However, it was not to be - we barely arrived before closing … [Read more...]
Enjoying Lake Garda
One of the advantages of living in Verona (besides the obvious history and being a picturesque town) is the fact that it is located fairly close to the mountains. We headed out this morning (I would say early but after a late night of walking the streets of Verona we didn't rise until many hours after sunrise)! I had heard about the charms of Lake Garda for a number of years (more frequently now that my brother is living in the area). Lake … [Read more...]
Tedeschi Winery, Verona Italy
I've known Emil Tedeschi for a number of years, owner of Napa Valley's tiny Tedeschi Family Winery, not to be confused with the Tedeschi Winery, Maui - which Emil also co-founded. He has mentioned the Tedeschi Winery in Verona Italy more than a few times. So with my brother living in Verona and describing my upcoming trip to visit him, Emil jumped at the opportunity to come along. Emil has co-piloted a single engine plane - 16 hours from San … [Read more...]
Exploring Lisbon Portugal
Headed out to Lisbon this week to catch up with my brother who is living in Verona, Italy - it was a good chance to deliver his mail from California as well as spend some time sightseeing in a city neither one of us have been to before. The airport is a small one and easily navigable. Oh and the metro connects right to the arrivals hall. I quickly jumped on the metro - found the hotel, buzzed up to the hotel room and we headed out. My brother … [Read more...]
Antiquing & Wine Tasting in Shenyang
Today was another fun filled day in Shenyang. The group that is hosting us owns a number of incredible antique stores - featuring some of China's finest wood furniture from the Ming and Qing dynasties. A couple of pieces certainly stand out: the largest ancient sandalwood closet in all of China, an amazing large piece of amber with a million year old scorpion preserved perfectly inside, and a huge quartz crystal rock with a number of partially … [Read more...]
Hanging out in North Eastern China
I am currently in North Eastern China for some wine and tourism related fun. I'm with Sandi and John, the owners of Arns Winery and Bob and Nancy of Montagana Estate (both premium Napa wineries). We spent the day shopping around Beijing and trying to stay indoors out of the frigid cold. Headed up to Shenyang in the evening - where the temperatures are even colder than Beijing! Today we walked around Shenyang's version of Beijing's Forbidden City … [Read more...]
What a night, “Appellation Tasting” – Flavor Napa Valley
The Napa Valley is the only region in the world where I can go to an event and feel right at home because I know so many people and instantly recognize so many faces - and that feels good. Flavor Napa valley is the latest in a number of world-class food and wine events to come to Napa. This is only its 2nd year; the event features five days of incredible food, wine, and education. Tonight was the "Appellation" tasting at the CIA (Culinary … [Read more...]
Enjoying downtown Napa
We spent the evening enjoying two fine Napa restaurants. Usually I'm perfectly satisfied with one meal but on this one evening we opted for two full course dinners at two different restaurants! First we popped into the new restaurant Charlie Palmer Steak at the Archer hotel but didn't eat anything. We then hit up Eiko's on 1st Street, downtown Napa. This is a restaurant that specializes in authentic Japanese cuisine including seasonal dishes … [Read more...]
Time Flies – Hanging in LA, upcoming trips
Ooops another month just went by - and haven't updated the blog. Was in Los Angeles again last week enjoying a plethora of activities, very warm weather and very clear skies. See video below taking from Mulholland overlooking the valley. Have a press trip up in Napa starting this weekend - first press trip where I'm actually an expert on the destination - and could easily lead a few of the tours! Then back to town for a week and off on our … [Read more...]