Handprint Merlot, Meeker Winery
“Blah, blah, blah.” When attending wine tasting and visiting wineries, that’s pretty much what I hear. “Blah, blah, blah.”
Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan of sampling wine and touring vineyards and wineries. I plan vacations around touring wineries. It’s just after about five years trying to learn about wine, I still don’t taste the “hint of pear” or “bold black cherry.”
With age comes wisdom and over the years I’ve come to accept there are people who come into our lives who are meant to be within our circle. They are in sync with our schedules, can pick up conversation with them after years of not seeing each other, and they bring peace and harmony in their own way. They are great traveling buddies, always remember to say a kind word, and seem to reach out at just the right moments in our lives.
And then there are those who create chaos and disruptions. These are the people who you need to force pleasantries and schedules never sync up. They are the ones who let you down. (more…)
Food Network's Chef Marcela Valladolid Prepares to Make Mango Margaritas
Yesterday was my whirlwind trip to Miami for the SoBe Wine & Food Festival and an opportunity to chat with Food Network’s Chef Marcela Valladolid of the TV show, Mexican Made Easy. Chef Marcela is a doll and I really enjoyed chatting with her. She has a contagious enthusiasm for creating authentic and fresh Mexican meals. (more…)
Once again, in the spirit of the Olympics, here are images from my business trip to Vancouver in Oct. 2006. It was my first and only visit and have to say, it’s one of the coolest cities I’ve visited. Enjoy. (more…)
I’m so excited, Food Network’s South Beach Wine & Food Festival kicks off this Thursday (Feb. 25) and I’ll be attending Saturday’s Whole Foods Market Grand Tasting Village to see celeb chefs as Bobby Flay, Rachel Ray,and Emeril Lagasse create super star dishes. Last year I attended Harrah’s Casino Night with Paula Deen (check out the video) and Barilla’s Interactive Cooking Event with Guy Fieri. (more…)
Flip Burger Boutique, Atlanta, Feb. 2010
I’d love to share a trip to Atlanta which included a visit to Flip Burger Boutique, animal print robes in a bar, and my “missed connection” at ATL. (more…)
Stayed at the Embassy Suites Birmingham last week during a business trip and had an unfortunate, gross situation. I stepped on a toenail clipping (not belonging to me) and it pierced my sock, jabbed my foot and drew blood! (more…)
Fried Green Tomatoes and Other Southern Foods, Irondale Cafe, Feb. 7, 2010
Yesterday I was in Birmingham, Ala., and rather than sinking my teeth into good ole’ barbecue, I ventured over to the Irondale Café in nearby Irondale for their world-famous fried green tomatoes. You can take the girl out of New York but can’t take the Yankee out of the girl. I love food in all shapes, forms, and tantalizing flavors and textures. I’m always up for tasting something new and rarely turn my nose at anything edible.That’s why it’s so hard for me to say I’m not a fan of fried green tomatoes. (more…)
Vacations and traveling are usually happy occasions but have you thought what would happy if you died while traveling? Making my connection at Chicago Midway for Buffalo last week I saw something unexpected: a man dying on the concourse.
Heading home knowing my father had bypass surgery the week prior and just receiving a text my mother was in the ER, the sight was even more disconcerting. That man on the ground was somebody’s son and possibly someone’s husband and/or father. (more…)
A decent camera or more muscle to pony-up to the stage would have been useful when I attended the Mid-Atlantic Inaugural Ball a year ago today. President and Mrs. Obama are pictured in this “abstract” image. (more…)
