Wine

What’s on your travel bucket list?

We love to travel, so it’s no surprise that we also have a pretty extensive bucket list. That being said, we thought it’d be fun to update our list based on the latest “must see” places from our favorite outlets.

Although we could go on and on about the cities and countries that we’ve visited or want to visit, we decided to pick out top five — spoiler alert: we primarily travel for food and wine:

1. ) Alsace, France —

Situated on the border of Germany and Switzerland, the French region is a artful blend of these countries. With the Rhine River and the Vosges Mountains, get ready for vibrant colors, expansive vineyards, and a bit of inspiration from Hansel and Gretel. Alsace is home to one of the most exquisite wine regions featuring complex versions of German varietals like Riesling and Gewürztraminer along the Alsace’s Route du Vin (wine road); a true blend representation of the Franco-Germanic culture. Although this is still France, be prepared for a heavier food like spätzle and potatoes with meat, a nod to their time of German rule along side Michelin starred restaurants.

2. ) Jackson Hole, Wyoming —

A quintessential mountain town, Jackson Hole is home to an abundance of natural beauty and wildlife. Near the Grand Teton National Park, we can see why pioneers decided to say and settle in the area — it’s breathtaking. Besides skiing, mountain biking, white water rafting and horseback riding, there’s plenty to do indoors. The city houses many luxury resorts and boutique hotels along with the National Museum of Wildlife Art featuring pieces from Andy Warhol and Georgia O’Keeffe. Don’t forget your golf clubs and swimsuit — the golf and hot springs will be calling your name!

3. ) Auckland, New Zealand —

If you’re trying to figure out a place to go during the winter months to get away from the bitter cold, skip the Bahamas and head straight to where the Kiwis live — New Zealand. Auckland, the country’s largest city, is brimming with food and wine, music, art and culture. From the beaches to the nightlife, you’re bound to have a great time while overlooking the two harbors. If you’re wanting to do some wine tasting, head to Waiheke Island for the afternoon and you won’t regret it.

4. ) Montréal, Québec —

What if you could have a European experience without crossing the ocean? Well, we have good news for you — it’s time to book a trip to Montréal. Not only do they speak French, the city transports you with its cobblestone streets, architecture, and culinary scene. Besides the poutine, smoked meats, and bagels, oenophiles and gourmandes will be impressed with the plentiful and delicious restaurants, expansive markets, and inventive cocktails.

5. ) Etyek, Hungary —

Budapest has been on many lists for the past few years but outside of the city sits Hungary’s unbeknownst 22 wine regions. A hidden gem located in Eastern Europe, Etyek is 18 miles from the capital and a must-go destination for culinary and wine lovers. Creating some of the most acclaimed wines because of its terroir, the region boasts Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Blanc among many others. Visiting Etyek is truly a gastronomic experience.

FOR MORE INSPIRATION, CHECK OUT THESE SOURCES:

Travel & Leisure

Condé Nast Traveler

Thrillist

Vogue

CNN

Food for Thought: April Edition

Amuse-Bouche

“Apparently, it wasn’t a long-thought-out gesture, either.” 

–  the reaction to Duff Goldman, the Ace of Cakes, proposal to his girlfriend with a piece of butcher’s twine. Our reaction: chivalry is not dead! #truelove

Hors d’Oeuvres

Image from Impossible Foods
Image from Impossible Foods

Harold and Kumar’s favorite place just got a new burger. Last month, White Castle added The Impossible Burger to a 140 of stores. Deemed the veggie burger for meat lovers, the California start up can now be found in a few chains, including TGI Friday’s. So, what makes this news so big? A full-size impossible burger runs about $16, so $1.99 for a slider is a huge bargain. Sounds square to us!

Image from Refinery29
Image from Refinery29

When it comes to modern conveniences, one of our favorites is Grubhub. There’s nothing like scrolling through your phone and ordering food from your bed, am I right? Well, now your favorite food app takes Venmo. The new integration, not only, makes it easier use your Fantasy Football earnings to indulge but, also, let’s you split the bill. Win win.

If you believe in the philosophy, “rosé all day” you’re in luck. Our favorite Amazon-owned grocery store will be featuring a rosé promotion through the month of May. Specially selected by Whole Foods’ Master Sommelier Devon , the sale features 12 wines priced from $9.99 to $39.99 which includes two magnum bottles. If you’re heard our Portugal post, you’ll be pleased to hear that one of our favorite varietals – Vinho Verde – is included in the list. So, it looks like we’ll be taking a break from rosé cider and seltzer and going back to basics.

The Main Course

When it comes to building hotels, it’s all about location, location, location. Well, that’s exactly what Orion Span had in mind. Their latest venture is out of this world and definitely a first of the industry. Projected to be open in 2022, here are the details on Aurora Station, the first luxury space hotel.

Image from Nasa Basecamp via Unsplash
Image from Nasa Basecamp via Unsplash
  • Luxury conditions: Located 200 miles above the Earth, the hotel will accommodate four guests and two crew members for 12 days. With all the traditional features of a Four Seasons or Ritz-Carlton, the hotel will also include a Star Trek-like Virtual Reality, a space plant souvenir, and a hero’s welcome upon return.
  • It’s not that new: The elite have had an opportunity to visit space – think Elon Musk – for awhile. The International Space Station (ISS) allows guest to visit following a rigorous two year training. This was only reserved for the rich and famous since it cost $20 to $40 million. Plus, don’t forget about SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic.
  • A cheaper alternative: With the ISS charges, the Aurora Station is considered a bargain at $792,000 per night. That’s $9.5 million for the duration of your stay. Luckily, that includes 384 sunrises and sunsets, so totally worth it. Plus, it only requires three months of training instead of two years. If this all sounds good to you, you can reserve your space today from chump change: $80,000.
  • Who’s Orion Span? This Houston-based start up is a one-stop-shop. Not only are they launching the hotel, they’re building it. Founder and CEO Frank Bunger has hired only the best; his engineers worked on the ISS. Technology will be built in the Bay Area while the hotel will be constructed in Texas. 

On the Side

Image from CNN Travel
Image from CNN Travel

What goes up must come down. With all the hype related to space travel, another hotel project may have gotten washed out. Located 16.4 feet under the Indian Ocean, the first underwater hotel residence is being built in the Maldives. The Muraka, which translates to coral in Dhivehi, is a two-story hotel villa that will feature a gym, infinite pool, bar, and butler’s quarters along with a bathroom and bedroom on the underground level. Boasting the best of both worlds, the second level provides guests with breathtaking views of sunsets over the ocean. The villa will be available at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island in November.

The wait is over. Marriott and Starwood have officially combined their rewards programs. The integrated program allows loyalists to keep their status and accrue new points at a higher rate. Compared to its competitors, Marriott has one of the largest rewards programs in the biz with more than 110 million members. The powerhouse duo will implement these changes in August.

Image from Seattle Times
Image from Seattle Times

Bummed that you never got to travel on the Queen Elizabeth 2? Then, you better book a trip to Dubai. The famed luxury vessel has been officially docked and the QE2 will now serve as a 600-800 room hotel. Built in 1969, the ship racked up more than 6 million miles in its 800 voyages back and forth across the Atlantic; it even served the British troops during the Falklands War in the ’80s. A $100 million project, rooms will cost visitors $150 to $15,000per night and is hoping to open its doors by October. 

Sweet Escape

If you love food and wine, you have new country to put on your list: Georgia. With a Mediterranean climate, you’ll love the fresh produce and endless meat, poultry, and fish. Signature dishes include Khachapuri – a bread filled with eggs and cheese – and Kinkali – a dumpling filled with spiced meats or a potato and mushroom mixture. But, that’s only the tip of the iceberg. Georgia is one of the oldest winemaking cultures in the world. Although you may not have heard of the varietals, you’ll love the family-owned vineyards. Plus, many of these vineyards practice organic farming.

The Pioneering Women of Food

To honor Women’s History Month, we are featuring six women that influenced the culinary world. From breaking glass ceilings to revitalizing the way we cook, these women paved the way for many of us working in the culinary and hospitality industries today.

Image from Smithsonian Magazine
Image from Smithsonian Magazine

Julia Child

Bringing French cooking into American kitchens, Julia Child changed the way we look at food. In addition to authoring Mastering the Art of French Cooking with Louisette Bertholle and Simon Beck, Julia was America’s first celebrity chef. She graced TV screens for four decades with her iconic shows like The French Chef and Julia and Jacques Cooking at Home. Her carefree attitude, unique sing-song voice, and bigger than life personality made Julia the quintessential culinary icon, down to earth and relatable. Her legacy lives on through her Gastronomy Master’s program at Boston University that she developed with fellow chef and dear friend Jacques Pépin. Julia has a special place in our hearts since Priya is an alumnus of the program. 

Image from Pinterest
Image from Pinterest

M.F.K. Fisher

Considered one of the greatest food writers of all time (if not the greatest), Mary Frances Kennedy (MFK) Fisher used her gastronomic experiences from her time in France to depict the pleasures of eating through the written word. Her literary works transformed the American mentality about food from nourishment to enjoyment. Her first book, Serve It Forth, deviated from the traditional cooking that critics believed it impossible to be written by a woman. MFK Fisher’s books have inspired some of today’s best writers including Ruth Reichl, Leo Racicot, Krissy Clark, and many more.

Image from PBS.org
Image from PBS.org

Alice Waters

The philosopher behind the farm-to-table and slow food movements, Alice Waters wanted to change the status quo. Unable to find a restaurant to suit her sustainability needs, she created her own: Chez Panisse in Berkeley, CA. An author, chef, food advocate, and restaurant owner, she has used her voice to evoke change in the culinary world. Alice’s passion for sustainability and school lunch programs has earned her many honors including the National Humanities Medal by President Obama in 2015.

Image from Kinfolk
Image from Kinfolk

Edna Lewis

When it comes to Southern food, Edna Lewis is the one to thank for putting it on the culinary map. She was a champion for the cuisine and made it renowned worldwide. Edna’s philosophies revolved around elevating Southern food; she believed everything was seasonal, including chicken. Her coveted recipe for the fried bird takes three days and her cooking method is low and slow. Although Edna is revered in the gastronomy community and wrote The Taste of Country Cooking and won numerous accolades, she is relatively unknown. As Alice Waters states, “We weren’t ready for her then, now we are”.

Image from the Court of Master Sommeliers
Image from the Court of Master Sommeliers

Madeline Triffon

A woman in what was deemed a man’s world, Madeline Triffon was an instrumental influence in the wine world. Her journey into oenology wasn’t sought out, but she fell in love with wine.  The second woman to pass the Master Sommelier Exam (MSE), a rigorous exam of blind tastings, practical service, and theory over the course of three days with a less than 10 percent pass rating, she became part of an elite group of sommeliers in 1987. Her tenacity inspired other females to follow in her footsteps and work towards becoming Master Sommeliers. In 2016, of the 130 Master Sommeliers in the United States, more than 20 are women. 

Image from Edible Manhattan
Image from Edible Manhattan

Mimi Sheraton

Mimi Sheraton knows a thing or two about New York City’s restaurant scene. Mimi was the first female food critic for the New York Times and visited numerous restaurants during her tenure between 1975 and 1983. Adorned with wigs, hats, and other sophisticated disguises, she remained anonymous throughout her tenure to make sure her experience was synonymous with every other guest in the restaurant. Since working for the NYT, Mimi has written articles for Time, Harpers Bazaar, Condé Nast Traveler, and Vogue. She continues to share her expertise today as a food columnist for The Daily Beast. 

Passport to Portugal

From the historic buildings to the impeccable food to the welcoming people, it wasn’t hard to fall in love with this Iberian gem. When traveling to Portugal, it can be overwhelming to put together an itinerary.

To help, we’ve compiled a list of items you must eat, drink, and see.

What to eat.

These Portuguese egg tarts will add a few inches to your waistline. Once you have one, you'll be searching all over the country for your next fix.
These Portuguese egg tarts will add a few inches to your waistline. Once you have one, you’ll be searching all over the country for your next fix.
These pastéis de bacalhau were enjoyed on the roof top of the Fernando Pessoa Museum's restaurant. 
These pastéis de bacalhau were enjoyed on the roof top of the Fernando Pessoa Museum’s restaurant. 

Be prepared to say goodbye to your diet. Portuguese food is rich and delicious. What will be your downfall? Pastéis de Nata. These egg custard tarts are so simple – eggs, cream, and sugar in a pastry shell – yet so complex. Topped with cinnamon and icing sugar, they’re perfect with an espresso. Created in the monasteries in Belém, the most popular bakery to get the tarts is Pastéis de Belém. But, like with cannolis in Boston, everyone has their opinion, so ask the locals for recommendations.

Besides just eating tarts (no judgments), you’ll be enamored by the seafood. Mussels, lobster, clams, octopus, there’s no shortage. These fruits of the sea are best-served à bulhão pato, a Portuguese-style made with lots of garlic, white wine. and cilantro. If fish is more your scene, try bacalhau. A staple of the Portuguese diet, there are more than 1001 different culinary methods using this dried, salted cod. Our favorite preparations: bacalhau à brás (salted co, eggs, and potatoes)  and pastéis de bacalhau (salted cod fritters).

Layered with chocolate meringue, ganache and mousse, you can see why it's self-proclaimed the
Layered with chocolate meringue, ganache and mousse, you can see why it’s self-proclaimed the “best chocolate cake in the world”.

Want to a taste of Lisbon in one day? Take a food tour. Taste of Lisboa, a Portuguese tourism company, provides a few options in the city. We recommend the Tram 28-Campo de Ourique Food & Cultural Walk which combines the Lisbon’s rich history with some traditional and modern culinary delights, including the Best Chocolate Cake of the World. 

What to drink.

A beautiful view of the Douro River from the valley. 
A beautiful view of the Douro River from the valley. 

If you love drinking wine, Portugal will not disappoint. The birthplace of Port, a fortified wine, the average alcohol content is much higher than a standard wine, 20 percent. Luckily Porto, the country’s second-largest city, has its Port houses all within walking distance. Common brands like Taylor Fladgate, Sandeman, and Graham’s have beautiful lodges and are worth the visit, but our favorites were the smaller companies like Ramos Pintos and  Kopke. In addition to the houses, we took a day trip into the Douro Valley to visit the wineries and witness the remarkable vineyards. If you have time, make sure to add an extra day for the visit; it’s worth it.

Since almost every meal we enjoyed in Portugal included seafood, a local wine, called Vinho Verde usually accompanied. Translating to “green wine” not because of the color but its youth, Vinho Verde is citrusy, acidic, and slightly effervescent. For our meat dishes, we opted for something bolder from the Dão region, Touriga Nacional. A jammy wine, the notes of chocolate and coffee complemented and elevated our meals.

In the heart of Porto is the Douro River. Most of the Port houses are on the river's edge since it was easy to transport the barrels from the boats.
In the heart of Porto is the Douro River. Most of the Port houses are on the river’s edge since it was easy to transport the barrels from the boats.
An example of the intricate sidewalks that can be found all over Lisbon.
An example of the intricate sidewalks that can be found all over Lisbon.

What to see.

With its elaborate, lengthy history, there is so much to see in Portugal. From medieval castles and Roman ruins to Moorish palaces and decorative embellishments from the Age of Discovery, any excursions are filled with photo ops.

Walking around the streets of Lisbon, the first thing that will catch your eye are the azueljo tiles. Ornate with hand-painted designs, these can be found on almost every building façade. Below your feet lies even more beauty. The piazzas and sidewalks are sprinkled with cobblestone mosaics. In contrast with the historic buildings are modern masterpieces. One of the most remarkable, the train station at Orient. 

One place that cannot be missed is Sintra: a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in the foothills of the Sintra Mountain. A quick day trip from Lisbon, the area is home to Castelo dos Mouros, the Palacio Nacional de Pena, and the National Palace of Sintra as well as the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. If you’re not too keen on hiking, Portugal has an abundance of beaches. A road trip down the coast highlights the country’s beautiful cliffs and natural sand coves. Want to relax with sun and sand? Head south to Algarve region and visit Albufeira, the idyllic backdrop for a seaside holiday. 

The Castelo dos Mouros sits above the city of Sintra. 
The Castelo dos Mouros sits above the city of Sintra. 

Can’t get enough? Neither can we!

This gallery shows SOME ADDITIONAL sights and tastes we enjoyed throughout our trip.

Food for Thought: August Edition

Amuse-Bouche

“As a long-time Cheetos fan, I’m thrilled to join forces with a snack brand that is truly an iconic American staple.”

– Anne Burrell in response to her Cheetos pop-up restaurant in NYC

Hors d’Oeuvres

Photo courtesy of Pixabay

Fast-food innovation wars continue; this time, it’s all about breakfast. From Taco Bell’s Naked Egg Taco to Jack In The Box’s Hangry Chicken Hash, outrageous food is in. We’re living in an age of trying to go above and beyond. Unfortunately, sometimes it just a big flop.

Move over New York City, the Windy City is the new culinary capital. The Midwest hub was named Restaurant City of the Year based on its innovation and concentration of up-and-coming talent. What can we say, Chicago really blew away the magazine’s editor?

Foodies, it’s time to book your flights to Italy: Eataly is opening a 20-acre food theme park in Bologna. Get ready to nosh on authentic meats, cheese and pasta at one of the 40 restaurants and refreshment stands . Want a hands-on experience? Fico EatalyWorld will also feature classes and events in its 10 classrooms and two-miles of educational paths.

Photo from Electric Rose Wine Co.

Juice boxes just got an adult spin. Meet Electric Rose, a pouch of wine that is perfect for a picnic on the beach, backyard barbecues or a stroll around the neighborhood.  Available in a six-pack (1.5 bottles of wine), it’s all about the age of convenience.

Stressed when you see rows and rows of wine at the store? Don’t worry – the Vivino app. is here to help. Basically, a pocket sommelier; the seven-year-old app features closely 425 million labels with 72 million ratings and a newly launched marketplace.

The Main Course

Hopefully, by now, everyone knows that Amazon bought Whole Foods Market. The $13.7 Billion deal became official on Monday, August 28, with some items dropping in price by 43 percent. This is good news for anyone that has lovingly used the nickname “Whole Paycheck” to refer to the upscale grocery chain. Whether you’re an Amazon Prime member that has never stepped foot in a Whole Foods store or a religious Whole Foods shopper that lives off of the hot bar, here are a few things you’ll see in the coming months:

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  • Special Discounts for Prime Members: Amazon is not forgetting about its loyal Prime Members (and is rolling out a customer rewards program just for you. These discounts could include special savings and in-store benefits as well as access to Whole Food’s private label products through Prime Pantry and Prime Now with extra incentives for delivery. Amazon Lockers will also be available for customers that order online and want to pick-up or return products.
  • Hello Alexa: Probably not a big of a surprise, products like Amazon Echos and Amazon Echo Dots will be available for purchase and displayed throughout the store.
  • Upping Their Game: Competitors like Walmart are not too keen on this merger and gearing up for a fight. In Dallas and Orlando markets, the discount giant expanded its online grocery delivery service by partnering with Uber. The company has rolled out the service in four additional markets: Denver, San Jose, Calif., Tampa and Phoenix.
  • Even Google is Getting In On the Action: On August 23, Google and Walmart announced a partnership with Google Express. The goal is for Walmart customers to utilize online services like Google Assistant for easy shopping and predictive ordering. This is the first time that Walmart is having its product available for purchase on a third party website.

On the Side

Ever look at a West Elm catalog and think, “I’d love to sleep in that bed?” Well, now you can! The retailer announced plans for its sixth boutique hotel location– this time, in Portland, Maine. The hotel’s goal, projected to open in 2020, is not to sell West Elm products, but share the “local design elements, culture, and cuisine” of each city.

If you’re a barre believer and yoga fanatic, don’t worry – Hyatt Hotel Corporation has your back. The hotel group acquired Exhale, a fitness and spa concept, late last month shortly after buying Tucson’s Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa. The company plans to expand the fitness and spa brand with more freestanding locations with some integration in Hyatt Hotel locations.

From Home Alone 2: Lost In New York to Sleepless in Seattle, The Plaza Hotel has been the backdrop to some pretty iconic movies. Now, the Big Apple gem is up for sale; but it will cost you a pretty penny. The sale has been deemed the to be “one of the most expensive hotel sales on a per-room basis”.

Sweet Escape

Beloved travel guide, Lonely Planet, is planning to debut its newest project – an iPhone app called Trips. It’s basically Instagram from those that love to travel. It has its glitches but it’s a great place to look for pictures to decide where to go on your next adventure.