tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68475262704955061552024-03-21T06:08:00.411-07:00Strada del VinoFor all lovers of wine and food, who are always looking for new bottles or restaurants to try. It will be fun to share my experiences with all of you.Stradadelvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622976513031038846noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6847526270495506155.post-71799319914736370392013-01-08T05:52:00.000-08:002013-01-08T05:52:16.217-08:00Back from Japan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Finally back from Japan after an amazing trip. Definitely a foodie destination! My taste buds were incredibly stimulated for the entire duration of the trip. I missed my wines, but sake did his job pretty well. More will come soon, but for the moment a few pictures of the trip!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOXOUvNkeqznH0f8XzPpyua5vrrI7OFNTbn-lRyGjUbCGXsSt8BCUqetVyBScb6xozlmcq_VD9UYz3rlkvQ11fTRzedRzdzTeNZh6b_W_AsGx8MGrq3PrMd_CmJgLUY8hVFinGZogsU5g/s1600/IMG_8227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOXOUvNkeqznH0f8XzPpyua5vrrI7OFNTbn-lRyGjUbCGXsSt8BCUqetVyBScb6xozlmcq_VD9UYz3rlkvQ11fTRzedRzdzTeNZh6b_W_AsGx8MGrq3PrMd_CmJgLUY8hVFinGZogsU5g/s400/IMG_8227.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dumplings soup at local izakaya</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-rTI9Whrjmhrdves37c3dDaNxupA4N0AQwMAJqk4z8TTJNpMcg57UM3FIs3wI1ZTiakLGGXwea4oSCK5-Hi_GbnwkYcEk7lfzk6S4dh6l2yFzYwdrRVNjGa26h83T8SLWZwxQS8Ej9c/s1600/IMG_8228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-rTI9Whrjmhrdves37c3dDaNxupA4N0AQwMAJqk4z8TTJNpMcg57UM3FIs3wI1ZTiakLGGXwea4oSCK5-Hi_GbnwkYcEk7lfzk6S4dh6l2yFzYwdrRVNjGa26h83T8SLWZwxQS8Ej9c/s400/IMG_8228.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing pasta with uni (sea urchin, ricci) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpU-RKLNxIROY0uCAnOsf17NmVljqzQVzUjq_7bSsMVC8zFhRDS8W56epzUMcWasKCnG97xotMoWB9_m7nljEsZNB28pZn9AWZL_f0OtTI-A8jFfgDX9JP2V3_0pJY8zhDVTBfQkhbao/s1600/IMG_8250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpU-RKLNxIROY0uCAnOsf17NmVljqzQVzUjq_7bSsMVC8zFhRDS8W56epzUMcWasKCnG97xotMoWB9_m7nljEsZNB28pZn9AWZL_f0OtTI-A8jFfgDX9JP2V3_0pJY8zhDVTBfQkhbao/s320/IMG_8250.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bento box in the shinkansen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1RwRw3mTJJ71hCEL_bBFMy_Jwn0X66GoyhgplTnvtKteJY1Wd1tdgSuOyyMT3_wADaka2a4pSPQ8KHMDPKGk_SrvZ6CW4naBGAq1BSgiXBZeWBKQ1onaKVcy-vsdmksSntFZC_qWEfPg/s1600/IMG_8303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1RwRw3mTJJ71hCEL_bBFMy_Jwn0X66GoyhgplTnvtKteJY1Wd1tdgSuOyyMT3_wADaka2a4pSPQ8KHMDPKGk_SrvZ6CW4naBGAq1BSgiXBZeWBKQ1onaKVcy-vsdmksSntFZC_qWEfPg/s320/IMG_8303.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best crab dish of my life at Asaba</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGfQKtmeCW8wWvGyMY7fgH4SyoTUGFhaGUK-FamQrfxStLqzmeQzgIBNHbahnjoKo3XIiDhql3vx4X-NoyPAa7U6iaeix8D_kQryNUh5isN0Gy1w8ObizbCw3avykaN9m5kczcNkD_EUU/s1600/IMG_8321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGfQKtmeCW8wWvGyMY7fgH4SyoTUGFhaGUK-FamQrfxStLqzmeQzgIBNHbahnjoKo3XIiDhql3vx4X-NoyPAa7U6iaeix8D_kQryNUh5isN0Gy1w8ObizbCw3avykaN9m5kczcNkD_EUU/s320/IMG_8321.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unagi dish (eel, anguilla) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8D944IV0ysC6UApD-XBmv0KThITJX-X8C-43nJt4A9sWmUkVsXQUUZZ6AevvPlcVA7nYe8DIMA_vFs8V8HFrNLl_1KNztbNyMAwjxZPFe8Jn6qqJnXRz-hVIN1DqnwwMHsuxxplrV_6Y/s1600/IMG_8310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8D944IV0ysC6UApD-XBmv0KThITJX-X8C-43nJt4A9sWmUkVsXQUUZZ6AevvPlcVA7nYe8DIMA_vFs8V8HFrNLl_1KNztbNyMAwjxZPFe8Jn6qqJnXRz-hVIN1DqnwwMHsuxxplrV_6Y/s320/IMG_8310.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely little appetizer with a special mention to the wild boar (cinghiale) pancetta</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9efbXvY5OYWZu0oilaz2o-e6HgnUvD4uJYPW-OttL2depv-qEXIcJo2GwgNuexEzHQkbLFqF3D2BCBp2nGYlLeKR-XSBPpkja88p1UPhzXfS_66ptQrXDGG8ZKP9VMfJUGUOVuqv2nC8/s1600/IMG_8330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9efbXvY5OYWZu0oilaz2o-e6HgnUvD4uJYPW-OttL2depv-qEXIcJo2GwgNuexEzHQkbLFqF3D2BCBp2nGYlLeKR-XSBPpkja88p1UPhzXfS_66ptQrXDGG8ZKP9VMfJUGUOVuqv2nC8/s320/IMG_8330.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some very jelly dessert (did not like it much)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4KtRfd-Hj3cMZw4GuVW-FKwQeegj3wBGj_SGZIUxprNKlcMLEKK0FLQ8KL5jKXbEgqX8ioLVH2Mii9l2t9QPtaR7JNDVhOXSM58hqa1Q0sjqvYo_mEroW7QR8ZHIpw8b52v_gsimQnK0/s1600/IMG_8333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4KtRfd-Hj3cMZw4GuVW-FKwQeegj3wBGj_SGZIUxprNKlcMLEKK0FLQ8KL5jKXbEgqX8ioLVH2Mii9l2t9QPtaR7JNDVhOXSM58hqa1Q0sjqvYo_mEroW7QR8ZHIpw8b52v_gsimQnK0/s320/IMG_8333.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little fishes for breakfast</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTPBQSUy2QPoscyooT1Dtfev8bsRHf_Zc90QDvcZiGapCviNXsI2DOg_nn-0ppRSPPvgg5lKpwavR5st6EJYSEF7r822A0mgFt01QJ_w0Cb3SXjRqW4fW-BX9i1KolpHKXGMXivncdLA/s1600/IMG_8467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTPBQSUy2QPoscyooT1Dtfev8bsRHf_Zc90QDvcZiGapCviNXsI2DOg_nn-0ppRSPPvgg5lKpwavR5st6EJYSEF7r822A0mgFt01QJ_w0Cb3SXjRqW4fW-BX9i1KolpHKXGMXivncdLA/s320/IMG_8467.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast Japanese style</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsRAHhUWjzNutLkvOyDbClMrMKsmvSng6FUzwQ3mAnCkEoNlRLIs0YDwaDBPoPMlF1MTRBoWY7wHZ85P7vZ0JGFCsN7ge-EiEkcAXuBGuhrqZ5nlfMR8kjiMtQJSHTAXO3dKqzAVZ-5QM/s1600/IMG_8507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsRAHhUWjzNutLkvOyDbClMrMKsmvSng6FUzwQ3mAnCkEoNlRLIs0YDwaDBPoPMlF1MTRBoWY7wHZ85P7vZ0JGFCsN7ge-EiEkcAXuBGuhrqZ5nlfMR8kjiMtQJSHTAXO3dKqzAVZ-5QM/s320/IMG_8507.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sake luxury serving at Hoshinoya</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6VIwY4SPQrOEkZ7MKV7kivSS8PsK5osIyUatWL9h4uTf1QCCJHqhVXNK7Eo4341yHkvWtXnd4liOynsEnG55eXXrdf-ssxuGnXIA7gd-uNH7YPfOcQX7NjF5yNoZg1rQFdwbdObgC8k/s1600/IMG_8521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6VIwY4SPQrOEkZ7MKV7kivSS8PsK5osIyUatWL9h4uTf1QCCJHqhVXNK7Eo4341yHkvWtXnd4liOynsEnG55eXXrdf-ssxuGnXIA7gd-uNH7YPfOcQX7NjF5yNoZg1rQFdwbdObgC8k/s320/IMG_8521.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The smallest tomatos I have ever seen </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRjPsM9kG_c4XhIHxgapQF5sPvknW7_ZO5_weUg8s2-NZ3dasZUMLo8Zgaa_8f4LYoiK_vXZQmV5rZq7YySfSXk59jxPa5JausvKV-r_-6-SA65KIioDSJ-ex4-4sRjd-srG0VaxkYVQ/s1600/IMG_8706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRjPsM9kG_c4XhIHxgapQF5sPvknW7_ZO5_weUg8s2-NZ3dasZUMLo8Zgaa_8f4LYoiK_vXZQmV5rZq7YySfSXk59jxPa5JausvKV-r_-6-SA65KIioDSJ-ex4-4sRjd-srG0VaxkYVQ/s320/IMG_8706.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cappuccino bear at TVB in Kyoto</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwt1-xu1WMwqkeOTPQuoUD_2GT1feUN2syzlLpfygLQqH9cYOcmk7uuKdy7tqTZzL-QvcfiTvHYAT3w3RKYGgrZS3CMB5D1R3Ofgf0XYhgHOLqdrUxl0JeYZEj6kZ2_7IwtfhkBu3OBk/s1600/IMG_8701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwt1-xu1WMwqkeOTPQuoUD_2GT1feUN2syzlLpfygLQqH9cYOcmk7uuKdy7tqTZzL-QvcfiTvHYAT3w3RKYGgrZS3CMB5D1R3Ofgf0XYhgHOLqdrUxl0JeYZEj6kZ2_7IwtfhkBu3OBk/s320/IMG_8701.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overall quality of dessert was to die for .....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXqpk7N0OT53CC0yRN8uT0ccZFdP-nURp6zZReDkGwWlu2b5u11axKODB-NJi5MelSlBVrtfnmouvz2-HephlPsoGcG2DTqwpR7Bn5FIO1rQU-YaL-xz7D7Y6HvqWPrqSoslQQ0fd9xBA/s1600/IMG_8775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXqpk7N0OT53CC0yRN8uT0ccZFdP-nURp6zZReDkGwWlu2b5u11axKODB-NJi5MelSlBVrtfnmouvz2-HephlPsoGcG2DTqwpR7Bn5FIO1rQU-YaL-xz7D7Y6HvqWPrqSoslQQ0fd9xBA/s320/IMG_8775.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sushi counter at random supermarket ....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFY7THjo_lG4Qziawqz11fdbAf-i5p1IZfguNsID5_IqFZDNK9jBl0MCLEGMEAVXU2vXBwlp3qS21Kbl5O6MRL2cq1TUZZ-OQGE5NJlT32kfWjX1Qf-PMrzIQg9OZNL9NkQmRZf_FiSlw/s1600/IMG_8792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFY7THjo_lG4Qziawqz11fdbAf-i5p1IZfguNsID5_IqFZDNK9jBl0MCLEGMEAVXU2vXBwlp3qS21Kbl5O6MRL2cq1TUZZ-OQGE5NJlT32kfWjX1Qf-PMrzIQg9OZNL9NkQmRZf_FiSlw/s320/IMG_8792.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shabu Shabu</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbXX8Ei5G5MGtLlZ_UeOWPdvlypa7CYXM93tYF0gdr9xNTo6zccSN_0YOpbLvULA0EFVmqDXZiEN9siasoyU1UAP75Og_vGdovWL18FOVxwhusviBIgI-NzDqY-bPrn9IolzSiapcXL2k/s1600/IMG_8777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbXX8Ei5G5MGtLlZ_UeOWPdvlypa7CYXM93tYF0gdr9xNTo6zccSN_0YOpbLvULA0EFVmqDXZiEN9siasoyU1UAP75Og_vGdovWL18FOVxwhusviBIgI-NzDqY-bPrn9IolzSiapcXL2k/s320/IMG_8777.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh wasabi </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhI7g01wWI-o6O8VDdVOtYZ7ZOTNEhOI9h8c3y1D-Ln0LUik3pDguNO4xEpZGBxF2fTPyFQltpyvg5_XMhUCvVWgLe2DHTklNXP3KAYQMVcRtDrQZ08W61_dUfyEnRqV5aiToFrb8MR4/s1600/IMG_8830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhI7g01wWI-o6O8VDdVOtYZ7ZOTNEhOI9h8c3y1D-Ln0LUik3pDguNO4xEpZGBxF2fTPyFQltpyvg5_XMhUCvVWgLe2DHTklNXP3KAYQMVcRtDrQZ08W61_dUfyEnRqV5aiToFrb8MR4/s320/IMG_8830.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okonomiyaki, so yuuuummmyyyy!!!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9TZQnZJGf5olf0mvmpQ6eca416ijCEcpDxxqGK576UmYxsVMY6ibMRI8wBmLnLxFYYDb2sXksdX_fnY2DWeG2KuKYf3EPejSBZgWgN_oOH-RwiGT_Adeb7Wju1nJ4L9uYRsHn0CjYEs/s1600/IMG_8842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9TZQnZJGf5olf0mvmpQ6eca416ijCEcpDxxqGK576UmYxsVMY6ibMRI8wBmLnLxFYYDb2sXksdX_fnY2DWeG2KuKYf3EPejSBZgWgN_oOH-RwiGT_Adeb7Wju1nJ4L9uYRsHn0CjYEs/s320/IMG_8842.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kuwai - small delicious potato</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqMODO-NOsSXtlUAT3ZsrDZ9mI-Ewp-b04Yn8g5xj6YInlEWblVar5nmQ51hWE_aUDdKgLcRXEh07ExmT0d5HuZuyHEolrsm7bMBwwWffLYOsxAcRR3x_o1J7Nr-svyrP5uLderwBp9Y/s1600/IMG_9144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqMODO-NOsSXtlUAT3ZsrDZ9mI-Ewp-b04Yn8g5xj6YInlEWblVar5nmQ51hWE_aUDdKgLcRXEh07ExmT0d5HuZuyHEolrsm7bMBwwWffLYOsxAcRR3x_o1J7Nr-svyrP5uLderwBp9Y/s320/IMG_9144.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dodgy street food</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMxF03DE5xbTLdjsyhxQjyA7lVao0PEYlSosM0zDh9_yGbi31iS5pUo317c31jDhT2FPGzCDh_jM-UENVUVuzKMrgDXueEN9IVXreMwFTHrkbVyW0RxesnYk9H4mOih9PZxreTpteJpU/s1600/IMG_8891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMxF03DE5xbTLdjsyhxQjyA7lVao0PEYlSosM0zDh9_yGbi31iS5pUo317c31jDhT2FPGzCDh_jM-UENVUVuzKMrgDXueEN9IVXreMwFTHrkbVyW0RxesnYk9H4mOih9PZxreTpteJpU/s320/IMG_8891.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner with our Japanese family....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQWEdppasxiyVdvGnB9911PW6jBWNrk8AxaZx7i7TskUj2vOGE1sa5Z8wlORFNhYRwqoRbmnGeTJ4KQWRXdqlMzxSWyw_F4RLBawSp7mCTZWBSpfojt9gUj7YIMWkzBXwlLfvqrhYQbs/s1600/IMG_9194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQWEdppasxiyVdvGnB9911PW6jBWNrk8AxaZx7i7TskUj2vOGE1sa5Z8wlORFNhYRwqoRbmnGeTJ4KQWRXdqlMzxSWyw_F4RLBawSp7mCTZWBSpfojt9gUj7YIMWkzBXwlLfvqrhYQbs/s320/IMG_9194.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">King crab</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOE5_NP7-tHzW3LVyYkPpT55I71HbDs8YGmrN15Z23RywunL0B_6rB3Y5VdjwzXneP1yETE57yR2oXVqyVKTSo8asv1vvQHH7egTDONDqO9uNIs9YM21kmEoxOwlxVAASw3IHNYMrFRI/s1600/IMG_9287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOE5_NP7-tHzW3LVyYkPpT55I71HbDs8YGmrN15Z23RywunL0B_6rB3Y5VdjwzXneP1yETE57yR2oXVqyVKTSo8asv1vvQHH7egTDONDqO9uNIs9YM21kmEoxOwlxVAASw3IHNYMrFRI/s320/IMG_9287.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gyoza</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-AGUTfC4p-0hc9PXnAfhK5uU2cMStXtLrBAl60JxGrlMyzKUQgVHoM5SoxXBQ3NYVt8V665BRvbkJpPY3WB_7NnvNWMlg_iZhVAX6HlAm6RCCNlV-ZC3xswvLyXIUbftGfho_4TlXSo/s1600/IMG_9245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-AGUTfC4p-0hc9PXnAfhK5uU2cMStXtLrBAl60JxGrlMyzKUQgVHoM5SoxXBQ3NYVt8V665BRvbkJpPY3WB_7NnvNWMlg_iZhVAX6HlAm6RCCNlV-ZC3xswvLyXIUbftGfho_4TlXSo/s320/IMG_9245.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sake tasting with the amazing Yukari Sakamoto</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3V1fBvdPX8xApkUpYIMcx193RC1TwPQf00gJqTZyn_oLxWhRGptj4ie-WiBNNsL5ViEFY35aYajWLpXvjG-CMk7hcSkmih1DBPgPvtuwmwOPi7aJLE8T0z-tjq8of6BQHymChyqJkFpM/s1600/IMG_9304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3V1fBvdPX8xApkUpYIMcx193RC1TwPQf00gJqTZyn_oLxWhRGptj4ie-WiBNNsL5ViEFY35aYajWLpXvjG-CMk7hcSkmih1DBPgPvtuwmwOPi7aJLE8T0z-tjq8of6BQHymChyqJkFpM/s320/IMG_9304.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tonkatsu at Tonki .. tonkalicious!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrXoJD1qQGRkPrZhbCsPcsQX89ukVTDuxt96lg63Dvj-_Xx8KsAcYR1D01FYKJs91Pwkg5hS1vNZkVvYmLPpEr3tclEjEr6LZX_GHz-WSGavGcUkiLAsnykyrNksNgLiUIOpedU0GZpeg/s1600/IMG_8510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrXoJD1qQGRkPrZhbCsPcsQX89ukVTDuxt96lg63Dvj-_Xx8KsAcYR1D01FYKJs91Pwkg5hS1vNZkVvYmLPpEr3tclEjEr6LZX_GHz-WSGavGcUkiLAsnykyrNksNgLiUIOpedU0GZpeg/s320/IMG_8510.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FUGU ... but I survived ....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Stradadelvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622976513031038846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6847526270495506155.post-13016942272571807902012-12-10T13:00:00.003-08:002012-12-10T13:03:40.046-08:00Market in Divonne Les Bains<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeiey81J-rrBzPTJhbFLv7Nbr0YZkSO0NgezqkPiGoUdMefWsVuczvpgEt8CeYUmw6HX5ZYv8RQt8OmNJSFQkXKTb3ptoEgYNamiJSsLhP9YiCRv0zDcZeinN1w-WIEI13rCxjDffAV7w/s1600/Divonne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeiey81J-rrBzPTJhbFLv7Nbr0YZkSO0NgezqkPiGoUdMefWsVuczvpgEt8CeYUmw6HX5ZYv8RQt8OmNJSFQkXKTb3ptoEgYNamiJSsLhP9YiCRv0zDcZeinN1w-WIEI13rCxjDffAV7w/s320/Divonne.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even on a freezing cold December day it is always a nice experience to come to this fantastic Sunday market in the border town of Divonne Les Bains. Despite blue skies and a nice sun, the sun's rays were not warm enough to heat the snowy ground and make the temperature rise a bit.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And it is great to come to the seafood stand and enjoy a platter of amazingly fresh seafood. On this occasion we had oysters of two different kinds, crab legs, prawns and crevette grises with a lovely aioli sauce on the side. The quality of the seafood is amazing and despite the frozen fingers it is still a great pleasure to be here and enjoy the atmosphere of this hidden secret. We took with us a nice bottle of Alsatian Sylvaner from <a href="http://www.seppi-landmann.fr/">Seppi Landmann</a> - a charismatic vigneron of Alsace very famous for his incredibly age-worthy Gewurztraminer - that paired perfectly with our platter.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a lovely way to spend a Sunday morning. Especially if you arrive a bit earlier than lunch time it is so nice to have a stroll around the market looking at all the amazing food the different stalls are presenting: cheeses of all kinds, fresh vegetables, roasted chicken, all kind of salami, foie gras…if you are a foodie spending a morning at the Divonne market immersed in this typical French-village atmosphere is like being in heaven. </span></div>
</div>
Stradadelvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622976513031038846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6847526270495506155.post-64451984171859489952012-12-02T13:18:00.000-08:002012-12-02T13:18:35.341-08:00Back to my first love....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Yes....finally after so much time I was back to my first love, the place that more than any other place made my wine and food passion start...the Langhe region in Piedmont.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9ZbFABWZjMgbDEjQKDMrN74IaXNhH4fFoxUiD-UpKnvGy4w73ecYMBkhk9H9Y6X4_fflnKq7LwHbj97p-vMT0aK1Cu0Nd9b2OtaI52oGklrRrASpWvEb5HJENpIreqfhnxd0qWQViPQ/s1600/Rinaldi+cellar+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9ZbFABWZjMgbDEjQKDMrN74IaXNhH4fFoxUiD-UpKnvGy4w73ecYMBkhk9H9Y6X4_fflnKq7LwHbj97p-vMT0aK1Cu0Nd9b2OtaI52oGklrRrASpWvEb5HJENpIreqfhnxd0qWQViPQ/s320/Rinaldi+cellar+1.jpg" width="240" /></a>Every time I am back here I have a feeling of peace and happiness that is difficult to compare with any other place, maybe also because to this area I connect very happy moment back in the years and as I said it is where I moved my very first steps in the world of wine and fine food back in 2004.<br />
<br />
We arrived from Milano in the afternoon of Saturday and we left Sunday afternoon, less than 24 hours but enough to switch on once again my passion for this region.<br />
These 24 hours were in fact very intense...we arrived in the village of Barolo in a grey but not very cold afternoon of November directed to one of the most expected cellar visit I did...Giuseppe Rinaldi. It is from some years that the beautiful wines from Rinaldi (Barbera, Dolcetto, Freisa, Nebbiolo and Barolo) are irreplaceable in my cellar and also the fame that accompany Mister Rinaldi was a reason to make the excitement and the expectation of this visit really high.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjQd417_6gFVZQyD_RBIcDRKMm5IDTvYipC7FyFi8LcyMN49TOKua_fZtCZcMTdgiN3VJ94WTu6H8TsPajkQx14WeoMUjW3AvV9DG7b84A3VkHiUjR-mCY6_JbSC14q2Bdgqg1JNEWYs/s1600/RInaldi+Cellar+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjQd417_6gFVZQyD_RBIcDRKMm5IDTvYipC7FyFi8LcyMN49TOKua_fZtCZcMTdgiN3VJ94WTu6H8TsPajkQx14WeoMUjW3AvV9DG7b84A3VkHiUjR-mCY6_JbSC14q2Bdgqg1JNEWYs/s320/RInaldi+Cellar+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
And I must say, expectation were never so respected in full and even completely outdated. I think spending a couple of hours with Mister Rinaldi it is an experience that every wine lover should have at least once on his life. Don't expect to drink lots of wine here, this is not the main reason you are coming (even if we did that and we enjoyed a lot, especially a sample from the barrel of the Barolo Brunate 2009 already in amazing shape). The magic of this couple of hours is all in hearing all what this fantastic story-teller has to say, going from his love for Lambretta (an old kind of italian motorcycle for who does not know it) to his passion for music, arts and of course wine. What an amazing experience. Together with the recent visit to Mr. Selosse I can consider this as one of my top moment on my wine travel experiences. The pictures that I posted does not do justice to the fantastic atmosphere of this cellar. As you can see no barrique in the cellar, only big barrels. Mr. Rinaldi is a very traditionalist Barolo producer and does not want to hear the word barrique.<br />
<br />
After these two hours of pleasure with our hands full of cartons we moved to next stage of our mini-trip with before an intermediate stop in La Morra, beautiful village perched on a hills where you can enjoy one of the best view of the entire region in a clear day, and we had a nice bottle of Dolcetto from <a href="http://www.corderodimontezemolo.it/welcome_eng.lasso">Cordero di Montezemolo</a> in an enoteca in the main street of the village. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Vx4Rfj-IpCiPbQzBzfYkcHFi2DkEqdtExD77TXi7L0R0mB0pfSN_n0u3dYs4iTTZu_1hZN-5_A3_iRPLoFIfHWt_kciT3DGnBWFZhI0-JQAGJA6N2Db8HIrBGbW5qcPEYElTkHlG6j8/s1600/Vignaiolo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Vx4Rfj-IpCiPbQzBzfYkcHFi2DkEqdtExD77TXi7L0R0mB0pfSN_n0u3dYs4iTTZu_1hZN-5_A3_iRPLoFIfHWt_kciT3DGnBWFZhI0-JQAGJA6N2Db8HIrBGbW5qcPEYElTkHlG6j8/s320/Vignaiolo.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
But dinner time is almost there, so we drove to the place where we will have dinner and where we will pass our night, <a href="http://osteriadelvignaiolo.it/">L'Osteria del Vignaiolo</a> . This place was originally a very nice and simple osteria that now has as well a few rooms upstairs, ideal for people that wants to have a nice meal with some good wine without worrying to much about the driving afterwards.<br />
After taking possession of our rooms with a big appetite after all the excitement of the afternoon we are the first to sit at the restaurant that will be anyway full shortly after. I strongly suggest booking much in advance before coming here both for restaurant and the hotel, it is becoming a very popular destination. You can understand that from the amazing quality of the food proposed together with a very interesting wine list focused on barolo and the rest of the langhe wines with lots of amazing producers. There is a formula at 32 Euro (a steal!!!) that includes two appetizers, one primo, one secondo and one dessert and this is what we will all choose. I picked very classic dishes of the region, Carne Cruda battuta al coltello (a sort of tartare typical of the area with an AMAZING quality of the meat), Vitello Tonnato as starter, Ravioli del Plin sage and butter as primo and a Stracotto di vitello al Nebbiolo as a main. Every dish was pure delight, I think this place is one the restaurant with the best quality-price relation I have ever been. Not happy with what we had we decided to share as well a cheese plate before the dessert. We choose two different wines for our dinner. For starters and primo we had two bottle of a lovely Barbera d'Alba from <a href="http://www.renatoratti.com/">Renato Ratti</a> a producer that has his cellar a few kilometers away from the restaurant and for our secondo we had a bottle of Barbaresco Riserva Moccagatta from <a href="http://www.produttoridelbarbaresco.com/default_en.htm">Produttori del Barbaresco.</a> A truly amazing culinary experience that I really strongly recommend. We went to bed after more than 4 hours at our dinner table exhausted but very happy.<br />
<br />
Few hours later we were up again for a de-intoxicating run in the vineyards taking advantage of the unusual mild weather (more than 10 degrees already early in the morning), what a lovely start of the day! After that a short breakfast (included in the room rate) and on the road again to our new destination, Castiglione Tinella to visit the cellar of <a href="http://www.paolosaracco.it/">Paolo Saracco</a>. Saracco is known to be one of the best Moscato producer and especially is <a href="http://www.paolosaracco.it/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=54&Itemid=155&lang=it">Moscato d'Autunno</a> has always a place in my cellar. After driving for more than half an hour up and down the hills of the region we arrived in the lovely village of Castiglione Tinella, surrounded by vineyards and with very nice view. The cellar of Saracco is in the middle of the village and it definitely has a very different feeling compared to our visit of the day before. First of all Mr. Saracco was not there, so we were not able to have a full visit with the "creator" of these wines but it is clear that in this case we are more in an industrial reality that produce thousands of bottles compared to the "artisan" Rinaldi the day before. Despite this we had a nice visit of the cellar accompanied by one of the employee of the company and a lovely tasting in a very nice tasting room with beautiful view on the hills. At the end the mother of Mister Saracco, a nice old lady that was busy cooking her Sunday meal (the whole family lives there) offered us as a gift a nice bottle of their grappa, a very nice gesture that we really appreciate. On a note it is right to say that visit are normally not accepted and it is not possible to buy directly from the producer, for us it was an exception.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg12HHUXi6YubryJQEn37NAJ9WwO1y6aesBBy7VlNTKM4FGsdh_mJO7p-NUSVdNW-PvWLNHot1yWdZiuE-4HBjcJ47k0r7aycmcpe0jdbKp-fiGiBgHbFOncpqiujdHjApf1qjTfQukHnc/s1600/Maialino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg12HHUXi6YubryJQEn37NAJ9WwO1y6aesBBy7VlNTKM4FGsdh_mJO7p-NUSVdNW-PvWLNHot1yWdZiuE-4HBjcJ47k0r7aycmcpe0jdbKp-fiGiBgHbFOncpqiujdHjApf1qjTfQukHnc/s320/Maialino.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
After all these sweet wines our stomachs were ready to get filled again...so another half an hour drive and here we are in another of my very favorite place that I already mentioned in an old post: <a href="http://www.agriturismocascinaabate.it/">Cascina Abate</a>. It is from years now that I come here but every time the enjoyment and the pleasure to have a meal in this magic place is always the same. As it is the same the passion and the enthusiasm that Giorgio (the owner) and his family put on making you feel at home and cook amazing dishes. It is difficult to say what is my favorite dish of the menu but the slow cooked (26 hours!!!) Cosciotto di Maiale (pork leg) that you can see in the picture has always a special place in my all time favorite dish. And after another 4 hours lunch was already time to drive back home with the mind (and the stomach) full of great memories, great people and amazing food and wine.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Stradadelvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622976513031038846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6847526270495506155.post-1515806304421185202012-10-16T12:04:00.000-07:002012-10-16T12:04:12.382-07:00Champagne<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvw0RlL0WmevwJ7BDooLObsOrsGCGtKpKF6Rt3-vzZpx_H396BUPbzBGu-BUQDwTN6hFmIz2hxwcDWzmlSKKz4IOgSC8l83ilQgYpriHKqxi438B9J7qDY0WczOapeA93pMeISRJxVYFs/s1600/IMG_7954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvw0RlL0WmevwJ7BDooLObsOrsGCGtKpKF6Rt3-vzZpx_H396BUPbzBGu-BUQDwTN6hFmIz2hxwcDWzmlSKKz4IOgSC8l83ilQgYpriHKqxi438B9J7qDY0WczOapeA93pMeISRJxVYFs/s200/IMG_7954.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-GB">I let far too much time pass by before coming back to write on these pages. Lots of lovely things happened during these months and it was certainly a busy time. Many</span> great wines have been tasted together with some lovely meals. But what pushed me to find the time and start writing again was our trip to Champagne a few days ago.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-GB">Such an amazing experience and such an incredible discovery of a world that was completely unknown for me until now. For me, Champagne was not even considered a real wine. It was simply a nice companion for some small apero before passing to his bigger red or white brothers with the meal. Of course, until now I just drank the most commercial Champagne, correct products but not really able to transmit big emotions. What opened my mind for the first time on Champagne was a Champagne Vintage from Pierre Peters from 1999 that I drank during the Christmas holiday in Canada last year (it is mentioned in one of my previous posts). That bottle pushed me to deepen my knowledge of the region and, Oh My God, what a new universe has been opened to me.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1G2lIT_D-_PW_RFIIfp4eLifX0ytJQVIglkRyqBqHrNbYvNGit4qT2HjFW_uTWwzS4Dw0HGK4YCDIHEMWq9AjqRSSI0SDBRXc0K7lNmT4Y4-WNhJpRvhPxV6LYWE9tU3gjsqVnej1qg/s1600/IMG_7908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1G2lIT_D-_PW_RFIIfp4eLifX0ytJQVIglkRyqBqHrNbYvNGit4qT2HjFW_uTWwzS4Dw0HGK4YCDIHEMWq9AjqRSSI0SDBRXc0K7lNmT4Y4-WNhJpRvhPxV6LYWE9tU3gjsqVnej1qg/s200/IMG_7908.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-GB">But let’s go in order. First of all the place we stayed during our short trip in Champagne certainly had a big role in my illumination on this new world. In fact, we stayed in the boutique hotel of one of the most prized and sought after Champagne producers, Mr. Anselme Selosse of the <a href="http://www.selosse-lesavises.com/">Champagne Jacques Selosse in Avize</a>. It was never so true that we start from the best. The hotel is an enchanting nest where every detail is taken care at the utmost level of perfection. With only twelve rooms, the small size helps make you feel as though you are at home with friends. The restaurant is amazing and we immensely enjoyed every lunch and dinner we had there. The menu is fixed, but on all three occasions we ate there we would not have changed any of the plate, even if there would have been the choice to do so. The staff were all amazing and the young chef working there was also passing by the tables to make sure that the guests were happy. The wine list is amazing with very reasonable recharge on the wines and with an amazing choice of small producers who are generally not easy to find on most wine lists. And if you just want to have a snack go for the Sardines Ramon Pena, which at first glance seems not a noble food, but I can assure you that these incredible sardines paired with a Champagne Brut Nature from <a href="http://www.champagne-agrapart.com/">Agrapart</a> were one of the highlights of the trip. Eating at Les Avises is an unforgettable experience.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVXiYWJuipLHktzWnSb6memE5EmbH0_KTl_CjUY5MI9atfJMTLsRirvSk_LOVneaUlncgnD_-Z8d0pfFLnqG529nimxJjiZlx2bU0dOKZuk3ofixUVgzViciFtwlW_yTmLgU3kkZjxOw/s1600/IMG_7938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVXiYWJuipLHktzWnSb6memE5EmbH0_KTl_CjUY5MI9atfJMTLsRirvSk_LOVneaUlncgnD_-Z8d0pfFLnqG529nimxJjiZlx2bU0dOKZuk3ofixUVgzViciFtwlW_yTmLgU3kkZjxOw/s200/IMG_7938.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-GB">But as unforgettable as the food, also unforgettable were the tastings and wines we tried from Mr. Selosse. First of all you will be completely enchanted by the personality and the passion of Mr. Selosse. Anselme Selosse is considered to be one of the “guru” of the new generation of Champagne producers. This is particularly true due to his revolutionary ideas by which he has created a completely new perspective on how to produce Champagne. His basic principles are that to make a great Champagne you must start with a great wine for the base. Also his intervention are limited as much as possible because he believes that man should not have too much influence on the product of nature. His theory is that one of the most important thing on the production of the is the relationship between a healthy soil and the wines that comes from them. In the winery he minimises the use of sulphur and only uses indigenous yeasts for fermentation. Even with our poor French it was a pleasure to listen to his stories and his unique ways of explaining his wines. We had the chance to try his Version Original, one of his lieux dits (Ay) and the Brut Rose’. I will certainly remember this Champagne tasting as an incredible experience. We set a bar that will be difficult to surpass. Unfortunately the availability to purchase wines at the Domaine is very limited, and at the end I was able to leave with only three bottles, when in my desire I would have had at least three cases.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjntmt-yq5RVORmwSd7WBqyoSbXoJK_Z9EMg1_vAcaCkuco2RaxpcKYlEJ8lXRJw2Nn_5iZjs9gidM05Gdfaw9UVp5w84d1Ug5pUvyyZErntdpZlKP_7jL1RmCEUV2otLnoLIE7g2RggCI/s1600/IMG_7931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjntmt-yq5RVORmwSd7WBqyoSbXoJK_Z9EMg1_vAcaCkuco2RaxpcKYlEJ8lXRJw2Nn_5iZjs9gidM05Gdfaw9UVp5w84d1Ug5pUvyyZErntdpZlKP_7jL1RmCEUV2otLnoLIE7g2RggCI/s400/IMG_7931.JPG" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-GB">During our days in the region we also spent time also wandering around the beautiful vineyards. Champagne is a “strange” region, the scenery is not as dramatic as other wine regions (I can think of Chianti, Langhe, Rhone, Valais) but it has as well a certain beauty. We were a bit disappointed about the villages, Epernay is not what I would define as a beautiful village. Avize is nice but not as charming as many other little French villages. We also went for some other wine tasting in the area. However, I would say that while there are plenty of opportunities, you really need to have your ideas clear before leaving. Also, it is important to take appointments in advance and ask the vigneron if wines are still available to purchase at their domaine. For many of them (especially the most famous) rupture of the stocks are frequent and you will be disappointed if your target of the trip was to stock up with wines and you find yourself left without a single bottle. We had a very good tasting at a small vigneron, <a href="http://www.champagne-laherte.com/">Laherte Frères</a>, very generous with the quantity to taste and with a large selection. We were less lucky with Agrapart & Fils, also in Avize. Fortunately I found a fantastic boutique in Epernay (<a href="http://www.le520.fr/">LE 520</a>) where I was able to find a wide selection of the main Champagne producers and was able to stock up well before our return home.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUpWno8VET9XZwvyH4jH38mut-KH83CR0oVLlEyQbI3xQkBwE7Jp0dmlHqOPlamKdC3rnQiChrX006eDBuadNPMxYqkbeVq83BFtr1xyqjpn_h334w_M1eJ922_CA9k-0CONqpO_REYc/s1600/IMG_7878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUpWno8VET9XZwvyH4jH38mut-KH83CR0oVLlEyQbI3xQkBwE7Jp0dmlHqOPlamKdC3rnQiChrX006eDBuadNPMxYqkbeVq83BFtr1xyqjpn_h334w_M1eJ922_CA9k-0CONqpO_REYc/s320/IMG_7878.JPG" width="320" /></a><span lang="EN-GB">Another great experience, and something I would suggest to everybody visiting the Champagne region, is a visit to Ruinart, one of the biggest and most well-known Champagne houses in Reims. In this case my interest was not only on the wines (that I anyway like and drink with extreme pleasure) but also on the visit of the Crayeres, the incredible underground world lying underneath Reims. It was an incredible and fascinating visit in this different dimension, full of thousands of bottles of amazing wines aging in their bottles and waiting their moment to hit the mark. It was a magical experience as well and I will let the pictures speak for themselves as it is difficult to describe with words.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSSayXzokq8ckbazvEkBo9memngDKtjt6FJ7DQxYLYLs_FGfo68KlnQpy4G6CigXfzHLfxzqMj4revkw_EWPtWvqPisrHjOS7oxcBPIAnBIrQy7pX_cfQ1hWXYWipsMaS5nHsjJjfAv8/s1600/IMG_7858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSSayXzokq8ckbazvEkBo9memngDKtjt6FJ7DQxYLYLs_FGfo68KlnQpy4G6CigXfzHLfxzqMj4revkw_EWPtWvqPisrHjOS7oxcBPIAnBIrQy7pX_cfQ1hWXYWipsMaS5nHsjJjfAv8/s320/IMG_7858.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rGs8UUVyzL4tCKVkphUJcmYAFpz2PID7rKHv-9Xo0S_YfDSZUQKwWPGEM3RxGRsvDHUzeYGK5WejaaaxmDfMAS-EIWkohrl4oa4N8YB1j41fB3NLdmbxdt63d1_hbKqFAviBc2N_IoQ/s1600/IMG_7852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rGs8UUVyzL4tCKVkphUJcmYAFpz2PID7rKHv-9Xo0S_YfDSZUQKwWPGEM3RxGRsvDHUzeYGK5WejaaaxmDfMAS-EIWkohrl4oa4N8YB1j41fB3NLdmbxdt63d1_hbKqFAviBc2N_IoQ/s320/IMG_7852.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Stradadelvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622976513031038846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6847526270495506155.post-1088284949076536872012-02-12T05:16:00.000-08:002012-02-12T05:16:02.431-08:00Two Winter Lovely Weekends - Part 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdx5x7jQcrecKcGTDKWpVxvlw7l7BgP_dYCUNJb5We_aNsg4-d1H0Y9HThnaUs7dZ4WvWA1zsfwtCdNaT9wrsjDDD4_O-QlDR5l9f1ug83dHqSOALtME0ahYV_17Pi7FBwqAXuxIAmI8/s1600/IMG_6867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdx5x7jQcrecKcGTDKWpVxvlw7l7BgP_dYCUNJb5We_aNsg4-d1H0Y9HThnaUs7dZ4WvWA1zsfwtCdNaT9wrsjDDD4_O-QlDR5l9f1ug83dHqSOALtME0ahYV_17Pi7FBwqAXuxIAmI8/s400/IMG_6867.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
It was really a lovely weekend we spent in Cogne. This little hidden gem on a side valley of Valle d'Aosta in the national park of Gran Paradiso that does not know yet the mass ski tourism that a lot of other villages in the area does. Cogne in fact is renowned more for his natural beauty and for his cross-country skiing than for being a big alpine ski resort. In fact, downhill skiing is limited and that contributes to keeping the area calmer and more untouched. In fact it was one of the most relaxing places we have been recently.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPbm3TZU7EsewhLkuejgndx5qqA9ONja5CwFziBJUqe8BGBM12hR4L4tS-cJqARxUpKvACvWUO8Y99JdAF0KApLdLrwIy7eTCK5q3siZuKf7iDRTYxOPSIIcPO-zMZ5lh3iVWusfk4NAk/s1600/IMG_6852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPbm3TZU7EsewhLkuejgndx5qqA9ONja5CwFziBJUqe8BGBM12hR4L4tS-cJqARxUpKvACvWUO8Y99JdAF0KApLdLrwIy7eTCK5q3siZuKf7iDRTYxOPSIIcPO-zMZ5lh3iVWusfk4NAk/s320/IMG_6852.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>This beautiful village has also some eno-gastronomic treasures to discover. We tried a few different places, but two of them has to definitely be reported. First of all, the restaurant where we had dinner on the Saturday evening, <a href="http://www.loubequet.it/">Lou Bequet</a>, is an exceptional place to taste the delightful dishes of this valley. I had as a starter a Beef Tartare (amazing quality of the meat) with a foam of Lardo and Thyme, really delicate and very pleasant. The real hit for me was my primo, Ravioli filled with Castelmagno (typical cheese from Piedmont) in a cream of purple potatoes and truffles. One of the best primi I have had in a long time; the combination of the flavors was just amazing and it was the perfect plate for the cold winter night outside (-18 from the car thermometer when we headed back to the hotel). I closed my feast with an exceptionally tender veal cheek braised in red wine, also here words will not give justice to the amazing taste. There was also a nice wine list with a lot of the local choice that normally paired well with a so earthy and tasteful food.<br />
<br />
Another lovely nice place we found in the middle of the village the day after is La Cave de Cogne. This is not really a restaurant but more a wine shop with some seats in the back where they normally serve 3 or 4 different dishes each day. We had a lovely lunch especially considering that the couple that owns the place, Sabrina and Jun are lovely hosts. He is Japanese and is the chef. It was fascinating as well to hear their story and how a young Japanese chef ended up living in this small Italian village. Wine selection is great especially considering the wide range of the local wines. To be considered also a nice selection of Genepy, the local liquor based on this mountain herb.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinHFUy4z4IiKv2srTgKHSIJ0BMxp01Ob57EZp4AcL0sKQL3NkiCArpKlyCqB8j8_6ewuu_YOczbz6Q5PjF1HM6Nyl9u2XvYAR25TXe7Ny75touiCpWF21IgVtmnRERtEY9CrYDZL2nwRE/s1600/photo-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinHFUy4z4IiKv2srTgKHSIJ0BMxp01Ob57EZp4AcL0sKQL3NkiCArpKlyCqB8j8_6ewuu_YOczbz6Q5PjF1HM6Nyl9u2XvYAR25TXe7Ny75touiCpWF21IgVtmnRERtEY9CrYDZL2nwRE/s320/photo-5.JPG" width="238" /></a></div>A bit about Valle d'Aosta wines now. Certainly Valle d'Aosta is not known to be one of the most famous Italian wine region but there are certainly some distinctive producers that are able to offer lovely mountain wines that pair fantastically with the local cuisine. We tried a Fumin 2007 from a producer called<a href="http://www.atoueyo.vievini.it/"> L'Atoueyo</a> that was really impressive for his complexity and drinkability. Fumin is a local grape that generates wine that could be really good to age for a long time and that will pair really well with game and aged cheese. Not easy to find considering also the limited production but definitely worth to look for.<br />
<br />
I also have another very interesting wine, Picotendro 2009 from <a href="http://www.lakiuva.it/">La Kiuva</a>. Picotendro is the name that locals are using to call the very famous Italian grape Nebbiolo. In fact this is the northern area of Italy where Nebbiolo grapes are grown. The result in this case was an extremely elegant wine that will pair fantastically with dishes not too structured and on my case it worked perfectly as a Sunday lunch treat.<br />
<br />
I left the region knowing that I will be back soon; there is plenty to discover in this area and his beauty will be a certain excuse to be back. </div>Stradadelvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622976513031038846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6847526270495506155.post-29846492079745031452012-02-05T13:44:00.000-08:002012-02-05T13:44:42.511-08:00Two Winter Lovely Weekends - Part 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Winter has definitely arrived in full strength here in Europe with temperatures that I do not remember experiencing since I was a little kid. So what better excuse to stay inside and enjoy a warm fireplace and some fantastic wine and food with good friends?<br />
Last weekend actually was not that cold yet, but the visit of some Italian friends in Lausanne gave me the excuse to take out from the cellar some good bottles to pair with some fine homemade food. It was a very "meaty" weekend with Beef en Croute on Saturday night and charcoal grilled BBQ burgers on Sunday as a main dish. So, we needed some powerful red wines to go together with all these meats and these are the great bottles we opened:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKUOL4YaWfwCfmEHmvXz7qkzxd1Ykun6XmozUen366JQIlrL7Lcwe3ohlq0_c9LhwPwCqLC0Ja61CMQG8DIrY5wSgBtNkC-sg-vQFzFD8pwSzg0GOjFd-Ag01EYteUyGf2svvqP7vsWw/s1600/Wine-Saturday+night+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKUOL4YaWfwCfmEHmvXz7qkzxd1Ykun6XmozUen366JQIlrL7Lcwe3ohlq0_c9LhwPwCqLC0Ja61CMQG8DIrY5wSgBtNkC-sg-vQFzFD8pwSzg0GOjFd-Ag01EYteUyGf2svvqP7vsWw/s320/Wine-Saturday+night+.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The first red was a curiosity that was sitting in my cellar from a while already. A Merlot del Ticino Vintage 1986 from an unknown producer that was given to me as a present from a friend, that I must admit likes good wine too. What to say, this wine left everybody speechless for his incredible integrity and amazing color; and after 26 years he was still not only drinkable but incredibly pleasant and the bottle was finished in an heartbeat. What a gem, would love to find many more surprises like this in my cellar. And definitely not expected from such an under-rated region as Ticino.<br />
<br />
After that we opened a bottle of one of the producer that I loved when I started getting close to the world of wine, Tenuta delle Terre Nere. I still remember when we first visited this producer in the amazing surrounding where they are based on the slopes of the Etna, one of the few active volcano left in Europe. I always loved these wines for their warmth and elegance. I must say also this Etna Rosso Calderara Sottana 2005 was a fine wine but he did not give me the same emotion I had in the past, maybe also because this bottle was in the middle of two absolutely fantastic ones.<br />
<br />
And here we are with the third wine of the night and for me the best as well: Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2000, <a href="http://www.emidiopepe.com/">Emidio Pepe</a>. Emidio is renowned to be one of the "sacred monster" of Montepulciano and this bottle confirmed that this is not only a legend but it is most likely the truth. Emidio is also famous for his extreme byodinamic and natural production approach with great respect of the "terroir" and maniacal attention to the quality of the grape (hand picking during the harvest and still pressing by feet) with minimal addiction of sulfur. And if this is the result I would love that all the wine will be produced like this one. Extremely complex with an amazing nose of cacao, cherries, and red fruit. In the mouth it is a bomb and paired fantastically with the beef. CHE BUONO.<br />
<br />
But in the evening we have also some space for sweetness. To go with some lovely French cheeses we opened a Merlino, from <a href="http://www.pojeresandri.it/">Pojer e Sandri</a>, so we passed from the center of Italy to the extreme north, close to the Dolomites. It is a "muted" wine, so a wine that has some alcohol added to stop the process of fermentation. The wine is originally from Lagrein, a local grape and it has some brandy added during the fermentation. The result is an amazing sweet wine that paired great with the cheese and could have still a long life ahead. Probably it could be an amazing wine to go with some dark chocolate as well.<br />
<br />
As a closure of the Saturday night feast we had with a pear and apple crumble the Moscato d'Asti d'Autunno from <a href="http://www.paolosaracco.it/">Saracco</a>. What I can say about this? I have had many Moscato in the past but never a wine that invites you to drink it as much as this one. The perfumes and the aromas are fantastic, typical from the Moscato grape but brought to a maximum expression from this producer that really know how to treat this grape creating such a magical wine.<br />
<br />
After all these wines nobody was thinking that we could have performed well also the day after, but we actually did. With the burgers we needed some powerful and full body wines so we opened:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0emU-aZRTT4TNhfKIAch70Y_1k4wnoujUupyjB9rI1g565bAAEPSPe9q4EztPlmCH64bbNi5mRrrEEY_lgGkvR_h87KjDNw1cQNBzPNIe5sceQj1JVhTJptSSUxcMJ9urW83Pn4Saa0/s1600/Sunday+wines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0emU-aZRTT4TNhfKIAch70Y_1k4wnoujUupyjB9rI1g565bAAEPSPe9q4EztPlmCH64bbNi5mRrrEEY_lgGkvR_h87KjDNw1cQNBzPNIe5sceQj1JVhTJptSSUxcMJ9urW83Pn4Saa0/s320/Sunday+wines.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Ribera del Duero Reserva 2004 - <a href="http://www.bodegasrodero.com/">Bodegas Carmelo Rodero</a><br />
I bought this bottle couple of years ago in Madrid, and the first thing that struck me on it was how big and heavy the bottle was for a standard format. But after having tried the wine I am sure what I will remember will be the content and not the shape of the bottle anymore. What an amazing and complex wine and how well went with the burgers. The smell was amazing with coffee and toasted notes and in the mouth was round and fleshy with elegant and smooth tannins. I loved wines from this area of Spain and this one was one of the top I have ever tried.<br />
<br />
After that it was not easy to keep up but I think that also the Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee' Exceptionelle 2003 from <a href="http://www.famillequiot.com/">Domaine du Vieux Lazaret</a> did his duty very well. This was a bottle that I bought at the Domaine when I was in the area and that was resting in the cellar from a few years. Also in this case really round and smooth and opened at a perfect maturity point. Exceptionelle as the name says.<br />
<br />
The last wine was a bit of a disappointment, probably we should have opened it as a first considering that after two bombs like the first two for any wine could have been a problem to keep up. Frappato 2008 from <a href="http://www.agricolaocchipinti.it/">Arianna Occhipinti</a>. I had big expectations from this young lady vigneron in a difficult place like Sicily. She produces in total respect of nature and with minimum intervention on her wine; I was really curious to try this wine from a local and quite obscure grape called Frappato. It was well done but probably it turned out to be a bit weak compared to the two monsters that arrived before him. I definitely would like to give another chance to Arianna and I would do it at the first occasion.<br />
<br />
We closed the drinking extravaganza with a beer from <a href="http://www.baladin.it/">Baladin</a>, a small beer producer from north of Italy, the Noel. This is a special beer produced for Christmas festivities that paired well with a fantastic chocolate. The proper end of a fantastic weekend of lovely food and wines.<br />
<br />
</div>Stradadelvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622976513031038846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6847526270495506155.post-69849767087682163562012-01-22T04:25:00.000-08:002012-01-22T04:25:04.621-08:00A different kind of pizza<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">This short post is dedicated to a super pizza idea of V that delighted our Friday night. At the beginning I would not have bet a penny on it but at the end I think the result was fabulous.<br />
<br />
The topping was roasted pumpkin, caramelized onion, rocket salad, goat cheese and prosciutto crudo. A combination of flavors that worked really well. Very good. We accompany it with a Slovenia wine, Rebula 2010 from Muzic, nothing really to be remember but an honest white. In front of a roaring fire was a lovely friday night.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6I18P299-Rs_sOl2lLBtzjbQPvDgS44j60zF8HE38oRg8F4YLzyZMoavfuqQ4oIzqRZky6GSaHK1wOOf2wQOStztnSGbbu3CO8_rjHWH8Vp2j50nQdJk6YuaPdn-2wHheTTurA_Phq8/s1600/photo-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6I18P299-Rs_sOl2lLBtzjbQPvDgS44j60zF8HE38oRg8F4YLzyZMoavfuqQ4oIzqRZky6GSaHK1wOOf2wQOStztnSGbbu3CO8_rjHWH8Vp2j50nQdJk6YuaPdn-2wHheTTurA_Phq8/s400/photo-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
</div>Stradadelvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622976513031038846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6847526270495506155.post-40038159019887161492012-01-11T12:55:00.000-08:002012-01-11T12:55:36.790-08:00Canadian Christmas - Part Due<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">And as promised here I am with part two of my Christmas wine review after three days of complete cleaning with total wine de-toxing and eating only vegetable soup.<br />
<br />
So, Canadian wine....where to start? We had really some nice bottles and I think in Canada you can find some solid producer with good products. The most renowned area is the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, an area known for its sunny and dry climate and beautiful landscape.<br />
Here is a quick list of what we've tried:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bovwine.ca/">Burrowing Ow</a>l - Meritage 2008: these guys really know what to do and how to produce their wines. My experience with them is limited to red having only tried before this Meritage a Merlot that impressed me a lot. This Meritage is a blend of 5 different Bordeaux varieties (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot) and it is a lovely wine, really a great companion to food. Both of the wine I tried for them were impressive and I will not miss my occasion when in Canada to find some to take back with me in Europe.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blastedchurch.com/">Blasted Church</a> : Ok, I have to admit: the first thing that hit me about these wines was their funky label. I think you can just have a look at the website to understand what I mean. And I must say, the wine we tried, Hattfield's Fuse 2010 (blend of 6 different varieties with higher percentage of Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc) was really nice. A very spicy and aromatic with lots of floral notes, citrus and spices. As you can understand a perfect pairing for spicy dishes such as curry or thai food in general. And at a very good quality/price relation. Thanks to Sandy of the Fernie Liquor Store for the suggestion!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.nkmipcellars.com/">Nk'Mip Winery</a> : a fascinating story behind this producer considering it is the only winery in North America owned and operated by natives. Last year we had a Pinot Noir from them and during the holiday I had a chance to try a Chardonnay. Both of these were lovely and easy to drink wines. Definitely try a wine of this producer if you have a chance<br />
<br />
Other three canadian wineries I will suggest to try in case you will have a chance are <a href="http://www.lakebreeze.ca/">Lake Breeze</a>, <a href="http://www.laughingstock.ca/">Laughing Stock</a> and <a href="http://www.missionhillwinery.ca/">Mission Hill</a>. There is plenty more to try and I am sure I would visit the Okanagan Valley one day for more tasting and to enjoy its beautiful scenery.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmIL6qoqhnyxs6RczElrlOAslt9RKXM-cBNQ575uVbov73DO9PUNbfISrGCX42x5SBfsYRAWeA3NvvxaQ3bsRNz8eJ36LUifm7nZiDy_QM6wATdExgUYK6vTIdYMOZie7Z4KepO-ef0g/s1600/IMG_6320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmIL6qoqhnyxs6RczElrlOAslt9RKXM-cBNQ575uVbov73DO9PUNbfISrGCX42x5SBfsYRAWeA3NvvxaQ3bsRNz8eJ36LUifm7nZiDy_QM6wATdExgUYK6vTIdYMOZie7Z4KepO-ef0g/s400/IMG_6320.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Stradadelvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622976513031038846noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6847526270495506155.post-34068006708411793302012-01-09T12:47:00.000-08:002012-01-09T12:47:04.585-08:00Canadian Christmas - Part Uno<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEkRL7_MByo5F3vO-vf5x3RkffvOLktwebfi5QtJjscI9eJLDfFVyrAYsbDJSo0QaulZ8i530w60jit9jjOgiednoHyHSSOmPg-g5_6sz6z_ova-Jj9AIr9aJNt-yNZJmaD-puzEW9-UY/s1600/IMG_6699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEkRL7_MByo5F3vO-vf5x3RkffvOLktwebfi5QtJjscI9eJLDfFVyrAYsbDJSo0QaulZ8i530w60jit9jjOgiednoHyHSSOmPg-g5_6sz6z_ova-Jj9AIr9aJNt-yNZJmaD-puzEW9-UY/s400/IMG_6699.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
And here I am, still a bit jet-lagged, back after three and a half amazing weeks in Canada.<br />
Despite the lack of snow and a "real" Canadian winter, we had such a lovely time. It was a great period and of course we did not miss the occasion to open some lovely bottles together accompanying a big varieties of meals, including a sumptuous turkey on Christmas Eve and sailing from an enormous hot dog at Tubby Dog to foie gras, from truffled honey to Vietnamese sub and from lovely homemade gnocchi to cotechino with lentils.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyHs9KgxiEK_a0CsLf5h0Rf_Quztyc8mTJXtb1bphT9sdumK1Y5mJZstEOrcTr0q45Ph5crculp4oDewLCPr13gvgf1LZLiOewCQhdRgprqfoHxqldxxwE4tEEvnIw4kpT2NZ-qk0h-o/s1600/IMG_6661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyHs9KgxiEK_a0CsLf5h0Rf_Quztyc8mTJXtb1bphT9sdumK1Y5mJZstEOrcTr0q45Ph5crculp4oDewLCPr13gvgf1LZLiOewCQhdRgprqfoHxqldxxwE4tEEvnIw4kpT2NZ-qk0h-o/s320/IMG_6661.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJujH30cuC2aHtDu-hria8N6BE_Ymc1h0MZ1NrZHXKBf2r6chw8XCko2fZoTGsvrraNdwMcyejbREPtBSNr4XELldhNG7WhAFI6aG-1eqd_VQB4vcJKu0auFAbuEmoD1GSKZEBOhXQVI/s1600/Tubbie+dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJujH30cuC2aHtDu-hria8N6BE_Ymc1h0MZ1NrZHXKBf2r6chw8XCko2fZoTGsvrraNdwMcyejbREPtBSNr4XELldhNG7WhAFI6aG-1eqd_VQB4vcJKu0auFAbuEmoD1GSKZEBOhXQVI/s200/Tubbie+dog.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tubby Dog<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span>With such a variety of food also the range of wines was very extensive and it was a real hard job for the poor sommelier to make decent pairings, but here I will try to list the wines that hit more my palate:</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<a href="http://www.champagne-peters.com/">Champagne Blancs de Blancs Cuvee' Speciale Pierre Peters 1999</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamEXo0jOymjpIq6boaDiJ1d7TDnsQ0acz3C4qoP08v43P7AsGk-ktkF_t6YNfjWUMy7E7CMNDURCWUl9km1Cj5xZkz1Y2bSU1eEQMQ9OdS93VNP2GDNapc3-g702GkZV-25XJWkXuQcY/s1600/IMG_6243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamEXo0jOymjpIq6boaDiJ1d7TDnsQ0acz3C4qoP08v43P7AsGk-ktkF_t6YNfjWUMy7E7CMNDURCWUl9km1Cj5xZkz1Y2bSU1eEQMQ9OdS93VNP2GDNapc3-g702GkZV-25XJWkXuQcY/s320/IMG_6243.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>What an amazing Champagne, probably the best one I have drank. It paired absolutely fantasticly with an apero of crostini with truffle fondue and with some different salami. Not an easy bottle to find but definitely worth the effort.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.pewseyvale.com/">Riesling Eden Valley-Pewsey Vale 2009</a><br />
On a night dedicated to white wine this was the absolute surprise for me. It destroyed the competition for its balanced mixed of lovely flavors and probably for the surprise effect. I would have never expected to find such a lovely Riesling from Australia, a pity that it will be near to impossible to find in Europe.<br />
<br />
Christmas Day was dedicated to great wines, three especially were over the top:<br />
<a href="http://www.markusmolitor.com/">Markus Molitor - Riesling Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Spatlese 2006 </a>- When we go to Germany we are in another planet for Riesling. I cannot describe how perfect was the marriage with the foie gras!!!<br />
<a href="http://www.guigal.com/">Guigal-Cotes du Rhone 1994 </a>- Everybody knows that Guigal is the master of the Cote Rotie but when I have seen in front of me a bottle of a simple Cotes du Rhone almost adult (it would have been 18 years old only in a few day) I was giving mentally not many chance to it thinking he would have been gone from a long time. Such an amazing surprise it was when after having pulled out a cork in perfect conditions (good sign,) we pour the wine. It was a lovely and completely alive bottle and definitely a unique price-quality ratio.<br />
<a href="http://www.aalto.es/">Bodegas Aalto - Ribera del Duero 2004</a> (Magnum) - and here it is not a surprise, this is one of my favourite wines and he has never let me down. Maybe still a bit young but already very enjoyable. It was a great closure for a quality wine Christmas.<br />
<br />
Here follows a short list of some other lovely bottles were opened in the course of the rest of the holiday. Especially I will remember a Valpolicella Superiore 1998 from <a href="http://www.dalfornoromano.it/">Romano Dal Forno</a>, a <a href="http://www.tenutailpoggione.it/">Brunello di Montalcino 2004 Il Poggione 2004</a> and another 1998, a Vin Santo del Trentino from <a href="http://www.ginopedrotti.it/">Azienda Agricola Gino Pedrotti</a><br />
<br />
But now I am sure you will be wondering....and what about wines from the host country???<br />
<br />
I will dedicate a separate post to them later on.....I am too jet lagged to continue now!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Stradadelvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622976513031038846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6847526270495506155.post-55041885586376664802011-12-08T12:26:00.000-08:002011-12-08T12:26:09.450-08:00Small producers - Big surprises<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">That is the feeling I have in front of some of the bottles we had in the last few weeks. Really some amazing surprises from tiny producers not easy to find but able to give good emotions:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.vignaidaduline.com/">Vignai da Duline</a> - Chardonnay 2008 - Based close to Udine you find this small producer with only 6 hectares cultivated respecting the terroir and in a very natural way. The owner, Federica and Lorenzo are lovely and this Chardonnay was a fantastic pair with some mozzarella di bufala campana. I have in my cellar also one of their red, Morus Nigra, from the grape Refosco del Peduncolo rosso. Cannot wait to try it as well.<br />
<br />
Valter Mattoni - Trebbien 2010 and Arshura 2009 - Found these two wines that I was looking to try for a long time at Osteria IO Personale (see previous post) in Firenze. Two real garage wines coming from this tiny producer in the Marche. The Trebbien (100% trebbiano) is produced in only 1000 bottles went absolutely fantastic together with our antipasto, it was a real surprise. The Arshura (100% Montepulciano) was also a gem. It is really a well made wine at a very decent price. The only problem is to find it considering it is produced in only 3000 bottles. Buonissimo<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ivigneri.it/">I Vigneri di Salvo Foti</a> - Vinulidice 2008 - This was really a big surprise. First of all a bit of background on this wine. Coming from a 0,35 ha. vineyard planted at 1300 meters (YES, it is one of the highest in Europe) on the slopes of Etna, the most active italian Volcano. It is produced with local grape varieties (Alicante, Grecanico, Minnella and other smaller varieties). It is cultivated only by hand and by mule and no refrigeration, yeasts or filtration are used in the wine making process. It is bottled according to the phase of the moon. What to say?? First of all it was really sparkling, who knows if this is the way it is supposed to be or something funny happened in the bottle. But it smell and taste really well. It paired fantastically with a Dos de Cabillaud and everybody around the table loved it. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.fabiennecottagnoud.ch/">Cave des Tilleuls Fabienne Cottagnoud</a> - Amigne 2005 - Once again a show on how good could be a swiss wine. This 2005 Amigne from the village of Vetroz situated on the wine paradise that Valais is, was a great example of potential of aging of swiss white wine. It was so good with our little antipasto that I wanted to scream to have more when the bottle was over. Fantastico.<br />
<br />
This is all for tonight, I am sure more small producers with big surprises will follow.....stay tuned.</div>Stradadelvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622976513031038846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6847526270495506155.post-28603305561941950172011-11-30T13:44:00.000-08:002011-11-30T13:44:14.688-08:00In love with Tuscany<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Last post of November dedicated to some other amazing experience we had in this lovely region of Italy.<br />
<br />
Being in Chianti last weekend driving through this amazing hills with an enchanting view was just magical, all these colours mixing up like in a beautiful painting...it was just a fantastic experience<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTlmdwmFc4qHKSEtz6uhFajufWC5c3R6D5lymrGCZPjnTL390DGU_LatLMohI1sfxk-Igzpe8lBPwY64TR3Td2D1h0gk0B570hAzT3UdbKr-VaS2JXatgb-DXRtETc_M1bFJpwf9BED_E/s1600/DSCN5659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTlmdwmFc4qHKSEtz6uhFajufWC5c3R6D5lymrGCZPjnTL390DGU_LatLMohI1sfxk-Igzpe8lBPwY64TR3Td2D1h0gk0B570hAzT3UdbKr-VaS2JXatgb-DXRtETc_M1bFJpwf9BED_E/s400/DSCN5659.JPG" width="400" /></a>Our path leads us to the tiny and very typical village of Panzano in Chianti were we booked for lunch at Dario +.<br />
<a href="http://www.dariocecchini.it/">Dario Cecchini</a> is a butcher in this village that thanks to his smartness and definitely good marketing create a huge business around the famous and typical bistecca alla fiorentina. In the village there is his butcher shop plus three restaurant, Dario + opened only for lunch and where we had our meal, Solociccia opened only for dinner and l'Officina della Bistecca.<br />
<br />
Our lunch was lovely not only for the very high quality of the food (for lunch two menus are proposed, one that includes a fantastic hamburger made with this high quality meat, and a second called accoglienza that includes a dish called "sushi del Chianti" and other top local delicacies) but also for the conviviality and the possibility you have to make new friends during the meal. Lunch is in fact served on a big table where everybody can make friendship with their neighbour, so that's what we did! A very nice experience extremely recommended. Also to mention, you can take your own wine and drink it with no additional charge!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7PPdPAuwofRVdLMJt3LjCvEAk8RkCcFyWc1a_GdnF5YGEai9MgSckkjpK4F6YfdAaFVJoeAbbGnnzc-uCEwShCw2AtCrrXSWZBG4D5Uk_iAThZY7c5SDXhYJvLxewRPgkpTYlSVy0YG4/s1600/PB013807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7PPdPAuwofRVdLMJt3LjCvEAk8RkCcFyWc1a_GdnF5YGEai9MgSckkjpK4F6YfdAaFVJoeAbbGnnzc-uCEwShCw2AtCrrXSWZBG4D5Uk_iAThZY7c5SDXhYJvLxewRPgkpTYlSVy0YG4/s320/PB013807.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinta senese</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After this lovely lunch we headed to a meat and salumi paradise, <a href="http://www.falorni.it/">Macelleria Falorni</a> in Greve In Chianti. In the beautiful main square of Greve under the arcades you find this place where you can really find all what a meat lover want including an incredible selection of all different and possible kind of salumi. We are looking forward to try some of the Cinta Senese specialities we bought there!!!!<br />
<br />
And to close these set of recommendation we cannot avoid to mention a place where you can find some good wines to pair with all these lovely flavours. The place to go when in Firenze is <a href="http://www.vinotecaalchianti.it/">Vinoteca al Chiant</a>i. Fantastic selection of sometime very small italian producer but also some fantastic stuff from Burgundy and an amazing selection of Champagne. At the end of my morning of purchase they offer me a little sip from a bottle that they had there open without telling me what it was. As soon as the liquid touch my lips it blows my mind....no wonder, it was an Yquem 1982!!! Only this was worth the trip to this fantastic enoteca. A must go for all wine lovers.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
</div>Stradadelvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622976513031038846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6847526270495506155.post-22925169035365890722011-11-13T13:50:00.000-08:002011-11-13T13:50:53.153-08:00MILANO<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Lovely weekend spent in my city that I am starting to love more and more now that I am not living there anymore. No restaurants to talk about considering that both nights we were there we had excellent dinner at friend's places where we shared some great food and a few amazing bottle of wines.<br />
What I want to briefly talk about are a few places in Milano that I absolutely love and one more recent discovery.<br />
<br />
First of all my favorite wine shop: <b>Cantine Isola </b>in Via Paolo Sarpi. In the middle of the Chinatown of Milano you can find this amazing little wine shop with one of the best and most interesting wine selection in town. You can feel the passion and the continuos research that the owners put to choose the labels they are presenting. Also, not to forget, this place is a great spot for "aperitivo" considering that they have an incredible number of wines that you can try by the glass together with an interesting selection of different kind of crostini that keep going out of the kitchen during the whole evening. Really a place not to miss in town.<br />
<br />
A few steps away from the enoteca you can find another little gem for gourmet fanatics: <b>La Baita del Formaggio. </b>As the name may suggest here the speciality is cheese, an incredible selection, but also their salumi and cotechino are good. If I would be living in this area would be so easy to organize a dinner with such amazing shops nearby!!!<br />
<br />
Another "must go" for me when I am in town is <b><a href="http://www.comptoirdefrance.it/">Comptoir de France</a></b> in the area of Porta Romana. First of all is a wine shop, with an amazing selection of wines from all region in France. But the real reason that took me here every time I am in town is to make a supply of terrine. They have a great variety of this amazing pate' coming from different french region. Our favorite is the most classic "Terrine de Campagne". Amazing paired with a glass of simple and easy red wine.<br />
<br />
And now the most recent discovery. Downtown Milano in one of the side gallery in Corso Vittorio Emanuele a new super-luxury mall opened:<a href="http://www.excelsiormilano.it/">Excelsior Milano</a>. What interests us (especially me!!!) is the heaven you will find on the floors underground. First of all a really interesting cellars with a beautiful wine selection plenty of interesting labels and producers. But then the food section....I can hardly imagine a better selection of delicacies all in one place than here. If you love food I think this place will become one of your hot spot not only in Milano but in the whole Italy. Try and judge it yourself!!<br />
<br />
And as I mentioned at the beginning let's talk a bit about the wines we had during the week end as well.<br />
First of all an amazing red coming from the North part of the Rhone Valley. Crozes Hermitage La Rouvre 2007 from <a href="http://www.yannchave.com/">Yann Chave</a>. An amazing and complex Syrah and definitely one of the best price-quality value I had recently. Normally wines from this denomination are less considered and easier but this one was really a hit. <br />
Another very different but also quite impressive red was the Grumello 2007 from <a href="http://www.mameteprevostini.com/">Mamete Prevostini</a>. I love these Nebbiolos coming from the mountain not only for their elegance and perfumes, but also because I love this area of Italy and I admire all the work that all the winegrowers of this area needs to do in order to produce these fantastic wines. Chapeau to all of them!<br />
Another mountain wine, a very different product. The "Vino da Uva Stramatura - Fletry Au Vent" from Grosjean. A passito (sweet style of wine) with grapes dried by the wind produced in Valle D'Aosta in a very limited number of bottles. Absolutely lovely it paired amazingly with our dessert.<br />
And from Italy to France again for the last wine. Coteaux de Layon Fleurs d'Erables 2010 from <a href="http://lessablonnettes.free.fr/">Domaine des Sablonnettes</a>. Chenin blanc from the Loire Valley produced by this really small Domaine. Not overly sweet was a fantastic companion for a cheese plate with a selection of Brie de Meaux, Vacherin Mont d'Or, Blue d'Auvergne and Langres. </div>Stradadelvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622976513031038846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6847526270495506155.post-33111701506311736682011-11-05T12:17:00.000-07:002011-11-05T12:17:31.010-07:00Around Europe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I am in the middle of another big period of travels. Greece, Turkey, Georgia, Rumania, Italy, and not much time to enjoy this autumn at home taking advantage of all the bottles lying in my cellar to drink in front of the roaring fire in one of this humid and chilly November night. But should I really complain? Of course not, I am living so many beautiful experiences, meeting a huge amount of interesting people with so many different cultures and of course, why not, trying and sampling some fantastic and interesting new dishes.<br />
<br />
In this moment I am in Firenze, where we are keeping finding unbelievable restaurant and trying the old ones that we already loved. Last night we went again at Osteria Io Personale (see my previous post) and experienced again a fantastic culinary delight. Today for lunch we found another hidden gem,<a href="http://www.edizioniteatrodelsalecibreofirenze.it/"> Il Teatro del Sale </a>close to the amazing mercato di Sant'Ambrogio where you can find amazing fruit and vegetables and what your foodie mind always dreamed about. Teatro del Sale is part of a group of restaurant all in this corner of the city and it is connected to the restaurant Cibreo one of the most renowned restaurant in Florence. It's a private circle (but is pretty easy to become a member) and it works as a restaurant but in the night there are all kind of events that you can enjoying while having dinner (music, theatre etc.) and it works as well as a gastronomy shop with some incredible quality products in offer. I found here a wine that I was looking for that I had almost no hope to find especially in Italy. It is produced by a guy from Florence that moved to France in the area of Banyuls, deep south of France, closed to the border with Spain. Check out the website : <a href="http://www.vinyerdelaruca.com/">http://www.vinyerdelaruca.com/</a><br />
This wine is produced in only 1000 bottles in a complete byodinamic environment with maniacal precision to details. Also the bottle shape is very different and fascinating and apparently all bottles are handmade by a friend of him leaving next to his vineyards. It is not cheap but I am so glad that now one bottle is going to be in the cellar. I can see this wine to be the best companion to an amazing chocolate dessert. <br />
Coming back to our lunch the concept in this restaurant is pretty casual but the quality of food is really top. There are a number of antipasti that you can take from a large buffet, all with seasonal vegetables and freshly made. We had some creamy and lovely polenta, a broccoli pure' , a lentils salad, some beets and potatoes salad and a few others. Also all the bread and focaccia that you can choose are handmade and so flavourful. From the open kitchen the chefs are screaming which plate will come out next and when the plate is out all the people go queue (shortly) for their portion. Today we also had some lovely paccheri with tomato sauce and an incredible grilled chicken with roasted potatoes. Really a simple but amazing lunch. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHocXmaPdflGROhVViN2XATKKezSqrrrLCOiMaWqJtZEAGw6sFCh-rkKS5tCSi0Q4z_gCy2A2M2qRw7S8wmJUXJ8VH4geejpwW1d7710RbaAYwMVv6Of6S5pwdpFKiKZ5Poj55RM4JYC4/s1600/DSC02136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHocXmaPdflGROhVViN2XATKKezSqrrrLCOiMaWqJtZEAGw6sFCh-rkKS5tCSi0Q4z_gCy2A2M2qRw7S8wmJUXJ8VH4geejpwW1d7710RbaAYwMVv6Of6S5pwdpFKiKZ5Poj55RM4JYC4/s320/DSC02136.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our restaurant in Georgia<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
Just coming back a few days ago, precisely to last Sunday I also want to spend a few words about my Georgian adventure. Considering I was with a colleague in Trabzon for work we decided to head to Georgia, that is only two hours away, precisely to the city of Batumi, a seaside resort on the black sea. Trip was lovely all along the coast and it is incredible to see how simply and poorly some people can leave. Once we pass the border you can still feel that we are in an ex Russian republic and some ruins of ex Russian Army camp can still be seen. The city is weird, mixing new and incredibly modern building to some ex Soviet Union style huge building almost falling apart. Foodwise the experience was interesting. We went to one of the nicer restaurant in town and food was, I would say, pretty good. Some differenf little fish as appetizer and a very nice Batumi Kebab as main dish, consisting in very tasting meat mixed with some beautiful yogurt. The thing I loved more of the whole lunch experience then was the bread. Just ouf from the oven, warm and absolutely delightful. This world is full of surprise and that's why is so exciting (even if a bit tiring) travelling so much. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlDXggr0L_XWizZf6l62xLlnKNlucW94_-_zD7XSKIvi8b7wFzja4pDbq7p5aVEn1x4pwWdwxaKDkNglZ8WtzfRo2V0xZa6Xx1HqMZWcqhEFNj0WALtvyMs3Lh9nDg21EadN8iup8EERc/s1600/DSC02137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlDXggr0L_XWizZf6l62xLlnKNlucW94_-_zD7XSKIvi8b7wFzja4pDbq7p5aVEn1x4pwWdwxaKDkNglZ8WtzfRo2V0xZa6Xx1HqMZWcqhEFNj0WALtvyMs3Lh9nDg21EadN8iup8EERc/s320/DSC02137.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely Georgian bread</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>Stradadelvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622976513031038846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6847526270495506155.post-64228859109258560892011-10-24T13:58:00.000-07:002011-10-24T13:58:37.120-07:00Osteria IO Personale - Firenze<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">It is with quite high expectations that we went to this lovely little restaurant discovered by V (yes, it is all to her credit this time) on a lovely October night in Firenze. The restaurant is in the area of Borgo San Frediano, in our favourite Oltrarno part of town. Here you are not overwhelmed by the crazy amount of tourists invading the city on the other side of the river and you can really enjoy a true Florentine experience. But don't expect to find traditional Florentine cuisine here...this is something different and we will discover it soon.<br />
<br />
The restaurant is quite small, so it is definitely better to book in advance. We will discover during the evening that the chef is a young talented 24 years old "kid" who already has a experience in a very important restaurant in San Sebastian, <a href="http://www.martinberasategui.com/">Martin Berasategui</a>. The atmosphere is quite modern and very elegant, you can have a quick peek on their <a href="http://www.io-osteriapersonale.it/">website here. </a><br />
<br />
After we were seated we received the menu and a lovely white wine as aperitivo (Bianco di Custoza, I dont remember the details only that was mainly made with Garganega grapes) to accompany a little snack of mini-mini "muffins" with olives. The first big surprise came from the menu. Forget the usual concept of primo, antipasto or secondo, here the menu is divided into "IL PESCE" (the fish), "LA CARNE" (the meat), "LE VERDURE" (the vegetables) with a proposal of cheese and dessert. And another huge surprise, especially for a restaurant in Tuscany: THERE IS NO PASTA!<br />
<br />
Ok, now that you have recovered from the shock I can keep going with the rest of the night.<br />
<br />
Considering we were very curious about the proposal we decided to go for a tasting menu with 4 different dishes. We picked two from the meat section and one from the vegetables also to keep a bit of consistency with our wine pairing. Touching quickly on the wine list, it is small but with some interesting proposals of very small producers. Forget the big names, here there are interesting things to discover. Our pick was a Bolgheri Rosso Poderi Ritorti 2008 from <a href="http://www.iluoghi.it/">Azienda Agricola I Luoghi</a>, a really nice and smooth wine, not too powerful as some of the wines of this area tend to be, but rather really elegant.<br />
<br />
But now let's go to our meal, we had:<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Tartare di Manzo con Gelato di Sedanorapa e Vinaigrette di Alici (beef tartare with kohlrabi ice cream and anchovy vinaigrette). Amazing the quality of the meat, interesting and really well done the combination with the ice cream of kohlrabi. Fantastico! </li>
<li>Gnudi di Ricotta e Pecorino con Crema di Melanzana Pomodoro Confit e Pesto (sort of gnocchi made from ricotta and pecorino in an aubergine cream, tomatoes confit and pesto). Very delicate plate, the gnudi are tender and they pair very well with the cream. Really nice but probably the plate that impressed me less. </li>
<li>La Cinta Senese. Three little taste of different part of this special black pig that is living only in Tuscany. A zucchini cream with a crumble of salsiccia from cinta senese, a little hamburger with porchetta of cinta senese and to finish the salami of cinta senese. The hamburger and the crumble of salsiccia were to die for, absolutely loved the strong flavours of this dish and it went soooooo well with the wine.....LOVELY!!!</li>
<li>Dolce: for me Tiramisu' Personale and for V Souffle' al Cioccolato and extra virgin olive oil with a basil gelato and tomato confit. What to say, an amazing end of a really good dinner. Tiramisu' exceptionally light and in a version I had never see before, the souffle' one of the best desserts I have had in a long time. The combination of flavours between chocolate, basil and tomato was stunning.....</li>
</ul><div>So, definitely I suggest this restaurant and considering that the menu changes frequently we are already looking forward to being back and finding other creations of this young chef. Also the service was extremely nice and friendly. BRAVISSIMI!</div><div><br />
</div></div>Stradadelvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622976513031038846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6847526270495506155.post-70768590444343269502011-10-14T13:53:00.000-07:002011-10-14T13:53:54.085-07:00A delightful weekend<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Finally a weekend in our sweet Lausanne home....it is raining and cold, the perfect weather to find the excuse to stay in and spend the weekend cooking and enjoying the coziness of our apartment. And of course the perfect time to go down to my beloved cellar and pull out some nice bottles to go with what we are cooking.<br />
<br />
So starting with Friday....we began with an apero and a lovely prosecco from Casa Coste Piane Colfondo (prosecco with yeast at the bottom of the bottle and not filtered, as it was produced 30 years ago). Very different from normal prosecco and primarily for the lovers of new experiences, but generally everybody loves it.<br />
<br />
After that with a lovely risotto with peas and goat cheese we drank a fruity and incredibly easy to drink Pinot Noir from our area of Switzerland. The producer is Domaine Le Satyre from Begnins and the wine was a Pinot Noir Le Satyre 2010. Really lovely wine from this micro-producer and to top it off, a very cool bottle.<br />
<br />
To close our meal in style we had a pear tarte tatin with an amazing <a href="http://www.paolosaracco.it/">Moscato d'Asti d'Autunno 2010 from Saracco</a>. It was probably one of the best Moscato I have ever drunk, if not the best.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGY4smkNWHlFHvz6IUwBKHWIhimVpmYoTHRG6qq11TLk4uUzHW_nvaSXNYKimrfI0bPb1gqZv6Sa5ZALJgQBRAc6U_hEB8SCLxu-89zk01YQkR3-QBFoiKtNMvMuzYQ1IHogEI4Vn5sD0/s1600/IMG_5895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGY4smkNWHlFHvz6IUwBKHWIhimVpmYoTHRG6qq11TLk4uUzHW_nvaSXNYKimrfI0bPb1gqZv6Sa5ZALJgQBRAc6U_hEB8SCLxu-89zk01YQkR3-QBFoiKtNMvMuzYQ1IHogEI4Vn5sD0/s320/IMG_5895.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>And now let's pass to Saturday. Here from good that it was on Friday I will pass to amazing as an objective to describe our dinner. Considering we wanted to do something special and we are now in full hunting season we decide to go for some game. I prepared a fantastic stroganoff of venison with wild mushrooms. Quite simple to prepare but what a delight for the palate. To accompany such a treat we drank a Bandol Longue Garde Cuvee' Jeremy 1998 from Domaine Le Galantin. All of this in front of the fireplace....what could you desire more from life. The wine was complex and full of amazing flavours and smell, it paired incredibly well with the venison. I bought this wine this summer in Bandol for a ridiculous price.....such a fantastic find!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFk_HIcKDXuRmFF4ajdDQbd2n8gmQ4qd1WzXXDn243dlCwoZHNZA8V-0C6WBHaKkgejKnC65Y7sKU6Yft-r9zq_bRdGiTyuKZMmOjV9K0SSPi5hyphenhyphenBOpdgKLL9QQL1C85GAJhyphenhyphenBeAg7cyE/s1600/IMG_5908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFk_HIcKDXuRmFF4ajdDQbd2n8gmQ4qd1WzXXDn243dlCwoZHNZA8V-0C6WBHaKkgejKnC65Y7sKU6Yft-r9zq_bRdGiTyuKZMmOjV9K0SSPi5hyphenhyphenBOpdgKLL9QQL1C85GAJhyphenhyphenBeAg7cyE/s320/IMG_5908.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Can it get better than this??? Probably not but it can get closer.....on Sunday evening we made some lovely fishcakes....we mixed tuna, salmon and cod and we made this kind of fish patty...they were absolutely fantastic. Even better was the wine we open to accompany the fish cakes. A Cinqueterre 2005 from <a href="http://www.buranco.org/">Azienda Agricola Buranco. </a> This wine is produced in a very limited number of bottles in one of the most stunning areas of Italy: Cinqueterre. Here the viticulture is really heroic, super steep hills falling into the sea and the work of the farmer here is extreme. All is done by hands, no space for any help of mechanic tools. The result is a wine of fantastic pureness, with an incredible golden color that screamed that is coming from the sea. No need to say it was a great pair with our fishcakes.<br />
<br />
What a lovely gastro-weekend....and tomorrow heading back to Toscana for more adventures....we'll keep you posted.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Stradadelvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622976513031038846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6847526270495506155.post-28874243780390742712011-10-09T13:27:00.000-07:002011-10-09T13:27:23.673-07:00Ristoranti nr. 5 - Toscana<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">And now to probably one of the best dinners with no doubts in the best setting we have been in the last year, if not ever.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtoyVIamQtx1OKfOJNrgRCY98i9yTaG8ktl1H4Tj0h6SM5PWdRy0HsrGp3hEA8DVXN0caxaZE5ECwWbWjX7tVAkfhiX0SS2LdbJZ7pJIjs1qBoX9ouq8chr_ZB_LZkYDkGK14QoOqw3g/s1600/IMG_5744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtoyVIamQtx1OKfOJNrgRCY98i9yTaG8ktl1H4Tj0h6SM5PWdRy0HsrGp3hEA8DVXN0caxaZE5ECwWbWjX7tVAkfhiX0SS2LdbJZ7pJIjs1qBoX9ouq8chr_ZB_LZkYDkGK14QoOqw3g/s1600/IMG_5744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtoyVIamQtx1OKfOJNrgRCY98i9yTaG8ktl1H4Tj0h6SM5PWdRy0HsrGp3hEA8DVXN0caxaZE5ECwWbWjX7tVAkfhiX0SS2LdbJZ7pJIjs1qBoX9ouq8chr_ZB_LZkYDkGK14QoOqw3g/s320/IMG_5744.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>So first of all where this took place? In an amazing boutique hotel/country house called "<a href="http://www.lapetraia.com/">La Petraia</a>" close to the village of Radda in Chianti, but really difficult to reach. The road that arrives here is not paved and is windy and steep, so if you are going with your car be ready for some adventure. But when you arrive paradise is in front of you, pictures are clearly showing which unforgettable spot is this one. The estate is run by a Canadian couple who moved here a few years ago and completely felt in love with this place. Most of the products you can eat are farmed by them and also some of the meat comes from the animals that are grown on the farm (chicken, cinta senese etc.).<br />
<br />
The excuse to come here was given by one of the birthday present I made to V last year. The present was two tickets to take part to this event called "<a href="http://www.outstandinginthefield.com/">Outstanding in the Field</a>" an itinerant gastronomic tour that touches different places in the United States and Canada, and that this year includes some dinners in Europe including this one at La Petraia. You can look at the website for more information. What I can say is that we had really big expectations from this event and these have been surpassed greatly.<br />
<br />
The event started at 3 pm and we were greeted by the staff of Outstanding in the Field with a lovely glass of sparkling wine and with some crostini, prosciutto di cinta senese cut on the spot and some other lovely snacks. The apero continued for a couple of hour on which we also had a short tour of the farm before being transferred to the incredible and stunning setting in the middle of the vineyards where the dinner took place. Here are some pictures, I guess no further comments are needed as the beauty speaks for itself.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0PMlCUKmXlf39Qc9aJHYDk-Cjm_ddc7PNG-KdT_vgi8B3zBZe13hLW5PjpqYHKRAeIggBaZf2GRBmT6Cvnvsj3FqADQ-YtgSV5uEjtQk7Yg5YnoqRcwg-3aMM89eXDfnKLs1MqzJ4VwM/s1600/IMG_5766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0PMlCUKmXlf39Qc9aJHYDk-Cjm_ddc7PNG-KdT_vgi8B3zBZe13hLW5PjpqYHKRAeIggBaZf2GRBmT6Cvnvsj3FqADQ-YtgSV5uEjtQk7Yg5YnoqRcwg-3aMM89eXDfnKLs1MqzJ4VwM/s400/IMG_5766.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsKv3X6rHmEMahVzQzAhZUpyeZDcJA0y1ZyGEsLHfa_eIOW5R50TMzS7Z-4ls6M4O8ZTqv1-CsIReHJAiXdG0-7zU6SA-8DgohysQyC349P9vPA3AxBFZpbcuHljfnXnxXZD9qx-ACoQ/s1600/IMG_5840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsKv3X6rHmEMahVzQzAhZUpyeZDcJA0y1ZyGEsLHfa_eIOW5R50TMzS7Z-4ls6M4O8ZTqv1-CsIReHJAiXdG0-7zU6SA-8DgohysQyC349P9vPA3AxBFZpbcuHljfnXnxXZD9qx-ACoQ/s320/IMG_5840.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUB130N3VHQiBb_CyJaqrCrA-3gpHZ2XhHSqGZGAhiPEbx61dUy8nQsU9jQDRS27I2RERXvh8eXNUpZcJj0url3LB9HPNTheyXnwJGuBf4K-puqTbKVVBF1Z9YWiJCiRElwZPs-sSNbA/s1600/IMG_5773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUB130N3VHQiBb_CyJaqrCrA-3gpHZ2XhHSqGZGAhiPEbx61dUy8nQsU9jQDRS27I2RERXvh8eXNUpZcJj0url3LB9HPNTheyXnwJGuBf4K-puqTbKVVBF1Z9YWiJCiRElwZPs-sSNbA/s320/IMG_5773.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Here as well you can see the amazing menu we had during the event. A special mention to the meat coming from Dario Cecchini, the famous butcher of Panzano in Chianti and a kind of crazy gastro-star of the area and with foodies. He also served the so-called Sushi del Chianti - it was an absolutely amazing dish and so unexpected.<br />
<br />
The greatest thing of the whole event was the pleasure of sharing with lots of people coming from all over the world an amazing dining experience in one of the most incredible spot you can imagine. When the sun start to set the mix of colors that spread on the hills and painted the vineyard with yellow and pink was pure magic.<br />
<br />
It was a moment of perfect peace and it was a night of great fun. For sure we want to be back to La Petraia to experience this place in a normal period but as well for sure we want to experience again another event with Outstanding in the Field. If this is their standard of working the word outstanding fits absolutely with what they do and what they are organizing all around the globe....in one word: BRAVISSIMI!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8G6qHXF1TZkXFxeWfx_fQlQnjqHYc5W3iTG_H9_BHMCfe8_2XfHHXdHKk-XK1c2Xd3DOxFDCY9ZblQ9vs2ARvSbC1eNJF4UzTojQV_bQKV_R52e5H6v4-W__P9vYH6BOwncZvDWRkd4s/s1600/IMG_5822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8G6qHXF1TZkXFxeWfx_fQlQnjqHYc5W3iTG_H9_BHMCfe8_2XfHHXdHKk-XK1c2Xd3DOxFDCY9ZblQ9vs2ARvSbC1eNJF4UzTojQV_bQKV_R52e5H6v4-W__P9vYH6BOwncZvDWRkd4s/s640/IMG_5822.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiorentina Cooking </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4nUPimPQJVzesvUbL270AcUJ_ohbJoLNyCxtLrcySbqCc87STfN8FiyUt9ab3SaW_CEuOeDd-u2zkcF1c7Xr1aSk0Fg1uTvRMiGBPwZlKI3uyTgemBkDsw74JTdwe1DNv-kcYnNjGj0/s1600/IMG_5876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4nUPimPQJVzesvUbL270AcUJ_ohbJoLNyCxtLrcySbqCc87STfN8FiyUt9ab3SaW_CEuOeDd-u2zkcF1c7Xr1aSk0Fg1uTvRMiGBPwZlKI3uyTgemBkDsw74JTdwe1DNv-kcYnNjGj0/s640/IMG_5876.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset at La Petraia </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
</div>Stradadelvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622976513031038846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6847526270495506155.post-13048635925217619902011-10-09T09:49:00.000-07:002011-10-09T12:45:52.408-07:00Ristoranti nr. 4 - Langhe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">And now let's talk about one of our favorite areas in Italy, the Langhe.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihVxDnKHkuD6FF6xEIyLiXuHzth_c9qCF2axHbDlVA6kzEMVpuhe_3o89D6zqmVd7AGPwvLWk36GkDriHWOb1yXHE5xOBgMgM6tN3buz9UzgViGCTibkllVwZyc8MciHjMPd_6TlmI448/s1600/IMG_5564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihVxDnKHkuD6FF6xEIyLiXuHzth_c9qCF2axHbDlVA6kzEMVpuhe_3o89D6zqmVd7AGPwvLWk36GkDriHWOb1yXHE5xOBgMgM6tN3buz9UzgViGCTibkllVwZyc8MciHjMPd_6TlmI448/s320/IMG_5564.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wine cellar at Villa Tiboldi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This time we spent our weekend at <a href="http://www.villatiboldi.it/">Villa Tiboldi </a>a lovely house immersed in the vineyards above Canale d'Alba. Certainly an amazing place to stay, with one of the best pools and settings we have ever experienced. Great wine selection at very reasonable prices, not only from the producer that is part of Villa Tiboldi (<a href="http://www.malvira.com/">Malvira')</a> but also from other Piedmont producers. One downside was that the food was not exceptional especially compared to the options that you can find in this area. During our two dinners here we had the chance to drink an amazing Barolo Pajana 2000 from Domenico Clerico and two super Nebbiolo: one from the area (Produttori del Barbaresco Riserva Ovello 2004) and one from a less known region in the north of Piedmont called Gattinara (Gattinara San Francesco 2000 from Antoniolo). Really good and again super QPR.<br />
<br />
The two culinary highlights of the weekend were two very different places in style and offers: for Saturday lunch we headed to our all-time favorite agriturismo in Italy: <a href="http://www.agriturismocascinaabate.it/">Cascina Abate</a>. We love this place for his simplicity, for the passion that the owner and his family put on what he does and for the amazing and simple food you can have. A number of antipasti (including a Tartare of Fassone Beef and an Insalata Russa to die for), two primi (Tajarin con Ragu' and amazing Ravioli del Plin), a secondo (if you are lucky you can experience a 22 hours slow cooked pork (in a wooden oven) that melts in your mouth) and some desserts. It is just lovely to spend a few hours here and enjoy the food, the talk and the super relaxing atmosphere you can find here.<br />
<br />
And on Sunday again one of our preferred restaurant in the heart of Barbaresco just next door to Cantine Gaja one of the most famous and worldwide appreciated Italian wine producer: <a href="http://www.antine.it/">Antine'</a>. The food here is incredible, well presented and the atmosphere is formal but you can still feel very relaxed. Considering both of us will have a long drive ahead we were not able to indulge as much as we would like, but we were still able to have one antipasto and one primo each.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6fw7o8FR8m1TnQ-p4AdJ-_uN92LFoyel4EgfTjgM1pOmfeEFoIhnoY5piCrgHoDwqQGKfr0G1iFuA-7K3UWU0MSvfAUevqXzcPcWkzY7NXLq2fzMsyt7uTR5S1X4g_phi755zmZRzKg/s1600/IMG_5647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6fw7o8FR8m1TnQ-p4AdJ-_uN92LFoyel4EgfTjgM1pOmfeEFoIhnoY5piCrgHoDwqQGKfr0G1iFuA-7K3UWU0MSvfAUevqXzcPcWkzY7NXLq2fzMsyt7uTR5S1X4g_phi755zmZRzKg/s200/IMG_5647.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">tartare at Antine' </td></tr>
</tbody></table>For V, Girello di Vitello al Punto Rosa con Salsa Tonnata Tradizionale, a revised and modern version of the vitello tonnato and absolutely amazing; for me, a Battuta di Vitello Piemontese con Uovo di Quaglia Fritto, a tartare of exceptional quality with a fried quail egg on top.<br />
<br />
As primo we get for V some maccheroni handmade with a light carbonara sauce (fantastici) and for me agnolotti del plin filled with potato and porcini mushroom with thyme butter.<br />
<br />
The wine list in this restaurant is huge and you can choose between an enormous variety of Barolo and Barbaresco. For this time considering the drive ahead we had to go low profile choosing a lovely Barbera d'Alba Superiore Gallina 2006 from <a href="http://www.ugolequio.it/">Ugo Lequio</a> wine that accompanied greatly our meal.<br />
<br />
The quality of this restaurant leaves us always speechless, we would love to come back to Langhe all the time not only for the quality of the food and the wines you can have but also for the peaceful and lovely feeling you can experience when you are for a few days in these hills and vineyards.<br />
<br />
</div>Stradadelvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622976513031038846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6847526270495506155.post-67353545190990988882011-10-08T08:54:00.000-07:002011-10-08T08:54:33.302-07:00Ristoranti nr. 3 - Firenze<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">And now I want to dedicate this post to the city where we spent most of our time during late summer and early fall and that we learnt to love immensely: Firenze.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3U9e9UmPKvPGfP1tEl_xUrZShsjI6C61AdfAAw5itjRjzs4tGjW8TWg3x72VgLsXqC8wrvNR6Nbz7L5Tvs6lwUS_YQxsrc43LcKJy47vy2uoCnXAUqeMivAgx7I2N1AnIvcatPJ4m4pU/s1600/IMG_5663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3U9e9UmPKvPGfP1tEl_xUrZShsjI6C61AdfAAw5itjRjzs4tGjW8TWg3x72VgLsXqC8wrvNR6Nbz7L5Tvs6lwUS_YQxsrc43LcKJy47vy2uoCnXAUqeMivAgx7I2N1AnIvcatPJ4m4pU/s400/IMG_5663.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The excuse to come here so often is given from my half that she finally decided to learn the language of Leonardo. We arrived here in a deserted city on a suffocating hot August day: 40 degrees and everybody, except the hordes of tourists, already on the beaches. We will leave close to the end of September a much more alive city but still invaded by tourists. Still you do not miss the magic and the atmosphere that this city is able to give you despite the crowd.<br />
<br />
And now let's talk a bit about our eating experience:<br />
First of all a real jewel, a great and simple spot we found in the area of San Niccolo', just two steps from Ponte Vecchio: <a href="http://www.zebgastronomia.com/">Zeb Gastronomia</a>. It's an old gastronomia (deli shop) that still works like this but in which has been created a small restaurant. Few seats available and all on stools facing the big "bancone" (island) where some of the creation of the kitchen are ready to be taken. We ate here several times and every time was better than the last. Everything is "fatto in casa" by Alberto (the son) and Giuseppina (the mom) the two person that runs this place. Just to name a few plates we tried: amazing antipasto of mixed salumi and figs, mozzarella di bufala con tartufo, amazing handmade pasta (pici with pesto sauce ricotta and dried tomato, tagliolini al tartufo nero, ravioli filled with fiori di zucca in a burrata sauce, pici with thyme pesto) and then some incredible polpette (meatballs), melanzane alla parmigiana and of course desserts like homemade cheesecake .... and I could continue for a while but I dont want to spoil the surprise of those who want to go here. Not to forget a great selection of wines, lots of small production and biological wines from all over Italy. We had one night a lovely Fumin 2008 from <a href="http://www.grosjean.vievini.it/">Grosjean</a> a tiny producer from tiny Valle d'Aosta that was absolutely lovely even if my half considered it a bit too "wild".<br />
<br />
Another spot we loved was a little restaurant close to our apartment: "<a href="http://www.ilsantobevitore.com/">Il Santo Bevitore</a>".<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Fv75riMR2EJTjJCIzgZM0d-h9UgDjYf8mRRmK3XKCNaUP01NMBXTemfH_qDpb-BJv41kUnrp5t34gFOF_BgBDX4bkdNn2SGTjbfp-lQN8qpouQdwg3egLQ7AeTDxvKe_qllFiFxbYX4/s1600/IMG_5538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Fv75riMR2EJTjJCIzgZM0d-h9UgDjYf8mRRmK3XKCNaUP01NMBXTemfH_qDpb-BJv41kUnrp5t34gFOF_BgBDX4bkdNn2SGTjbfp-lQN8qpouQdwg3egLQ7AeTDxvKe_qllFiFxbYX4/s200/IMG_5538.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>Very nice atmosphere with some great dishes. The night we ate there I had a fantastic tartare di chianina that married really well with the excellent Chianti Classico Riserva Borro del Diavolo from <a href="http://www.ormanni.it/">Ormanni</a>. The wine list is not huge but it has some good choices as the wine I just mentioned. Close by the restaurant you can find "Il Santino" a bar ideal for apero with great selections of salumi and cheese and again some lovely wine by the glass.<br />
<br />
Other two places that are worth to mention are the restaurant "<a href="http://www.illatini.com/">Il Latini</a>" and the pizzeria "<a href="http://www.borgoanticofirenze.com/">Il Borgo Antico</a>". The first one for a genuine and lovely real Tuscan atmosphere with a very solid Tuscan food selection going from Ribollita to Pappa al Pomodoro and I have been told with one of the best fiorentina you can find in the city (I did not have one the night I was there because nobody wanted to share with me....). The second for the setting in the beautiful Santo Spirito square and especially for one of the best pizza I had in a long time. If you go there try the Pizza Borgo Antico, I am sure you will not regret it.<br />
<br />
Our intention is to be back soon and continue our Firenze culinary adventures.</div>Stradadelvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622976513031038846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6847526270495506155.post-80207830308156073682011-10-06T13:11:00.000-07:002011-10-06T13:11:48.602-07:00Ristoranti nr. 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://www.gattonerocernobbio.com/">IL GATTO NERO CERNOBBIO</a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEKpZU9JtbIvEWmPcAAyt7w6DMA1oEWj6q25zqjpLKADvrosOABq0_8gxUmL9oik8U1uZDLvAcksL5t_xS4HYq2EPSKc6uAIUdkJAQxk5Hi4iIz3U4w3IZ44psK-g5DTjxEnoop-knJs/s1600/IMG_5414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEKpZU9JtbIvEWmPcAAyt7w6DMA1oEWj6q25zqjpLKADvrosOABq0_8gxUmL9oik8U1uZDLvAcksL5t_xS4HYq2EPSKc6uAIUdkJAQxk5Hi4iIz3U4w3IZ44psK-g5DTjxEnoop-knJs/s320/IMG_5414.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
We have been here already a few times and despite the fact that the food is not the most memorable (good...but again not the reason for the trip), the wine list is pretty limited and not with special choices and that the restaurant is famous to be a hot spot for football player and accompanying "veline"we absolutely love this place.<br />
The view from this little corner of paradise a few kilometers from Milano and above Cernobbio is stunning. Eating here in a warm summer night enjoying the breeze and what your eyes have in front of you is an unforgettable experience. The service as well is ver intriguing, go here and you will see why. A few pictures will help you understand why we love so much this ristorante.<br />
Last suggestion: when you call to book ask for the table with the best view and try to pretend is a special occasion....maybe, but just maybe you will have some chances to get the table you can see in this picture.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9cI5E47WnRjsGSJB8uphwmwYisTCH3svAEJuHHVOODeaxAUjurlOixLjc-yLQClesk_uPTSt0yMNjPA15sBQrtGIuxYd_MCgLj5d3taDA4D7j4PqNGNm-tldnaJEFWaDhjFt_Ml8pSg/s1600/IMG_5446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9cI5E47WnRjsGSJB8uphwmwYisTCH3svAEJuHHVOODeaxAUjurlOixLjc-yLQClesk_uPTSt0yMNjPA15sBQrtGIuxYd_MCgLj5d3taDA4D7j4PqNGNm-tldnaJEFWaDhjFt_Ml8pSg/s400/IMG_5446.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
</div>Stradadelvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622976513031038846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6847526270495506155.post-16541341174177991112011-10-06T12:59:00.000-07:002011-10-06T13:00:17.466-07:00Ristoranti nr. 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_rOplv2npclsz3fnBPZOWrqIqVtO1j9lxODAWzhij9nRpWw_CEzcQd0DfojFvoTSknmnh7l91dDg1arj8778iwyX7Fcu1qv5wq38errU2iQgYoqBshInBhiEjJeBXdkQLtm1bDic5J2s/s1600/IMG_5459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_rOplv2npclsz3fnBPZOWrqIqVtO1j9lxODAWzhij9nRpWw_CEzcQd0DfojFvoTSknmnh7l91dDg1arj8778iwyX7Fcu1qv5wq38errU2iQgYoqBshInBhiEjJeBXdkQLtm1bDic5J2s/s320/IMG_5459.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>As promised in the coming days I will list some of the amazing restaurant we visited during these last couple of months. Tonight I will start with:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.lepanzanelle.it/">Osteria Le Panzanelle-Lucarelli</a> : fantastic osteria in the middle of the countryside close to Radda in Chianti. A small but super-nice wine list and food simple but amazing and reflecting the real soul of Tuscany.We had two primi to remember: some amazing Pici all'aglione and a plate of Gnudi, a kind of gnocchi that were absolutely unforgettable. Pasta are all "fatte in casa" (handmade) and you can clearly taste it! To accompany this robust food a great Chianti Classico Riserva from a very small producer called <a href="http://www.laportadivertine.it/">Porta di Vertine</a>, everything was absolutely amazing including the relaxing setting. A place worth the trip on the windy roads of Chianti.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht51mFGkMiuUPVppgLm3YdWjwPjUitohhX68e0tDllyi2szrSYVNNDE1OzNbQMLHAGuu4CV_L4lEqc6Kkuid-aF4KQx7cwPsopVg9kbcVcwYO0FEfzMjX8qJNX1r3BZ-IvkIx0RTBwsJs/s1600/IMG_5476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht51mFGkMiuUPVppgLm3YdWjwPjUitohhX68e0tDllyi2szrSYVNNDE1OzNbQMLHAGuu4CV_L4lEqc6Kkuid-aF4KQx7cwPsopVg9kbcVcwYO0FEfzMjX8qJNX1r3BZ-IvkIx0RTBwsJs/s320/IMG_5476.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pici all'aglione</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7c-U8ube9lsaAL_DLRkOkDY8I950y56SouVgtdJP7QDw0NuC77s1TQOpyPryyJgx66-OCi0j2BIdy53pITQwrrmux1MkjUG1WUb9uMJODKg64r0JTJ9In5XLKhW3aLTfEDWgI21zb9Bg/s1600/IMG_5474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7c-U8ube9lsaAL_DLRkOkDY8I950y56SouVgtdJP7QDw0NuC77s1TQOpyPryyJgx66-OCi0j2BIdy53pITQwrrmux1MkjUG1WUb9uMJODKg64r0JTJ9In5XLKhW3aLTfEDWgI21zb9Bg/s320/IMG_5474.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gnudi</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>Stradadelvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622976513031038846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6847526270495506155.post-78330822791647716982011-10-05T13:35:00.000-07:002011-10-05T13:35:00.468-07:00I AM BACK....I AM ALIVE!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Cannot believe that the last time I wrote here was more than a month ago. Time flies and especially during this last period. We spent our time traveling like crazy; in these last 50 days I have spent many days in Florence and a host of other locations: Alba, Udine, twice in Athens, twice in Trabzon and Bucharest....way too many planes, airports and kilometers by car.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgeshu9pMBHQSiRQs7qGWfhm1m5tOH-64frmy44fOOvlnMNgtebTAwl_lq4BqWYmwEa1wgJAKFUYxmwhtyjsV8uzzSAlwvM7x7muzQ08gnuS2sUbpqgfuca0f2YzR50pcxGvQfSk1eDF0/s1600/IMG_5685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgeshu9pMBHQSiRQs7qGWfhm1m5tOH-64frmy44fOOvlnMNgtebTAwl_lq4BqWYmwEa1wgJAKFUYxmwhtyjsV8uzzSAlwvM7x7muzQ08gnuS2sUbpqgfuca0f2YzR50pcxGvQfSk1eDF0/s200/IMG_5685.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panino Con Lampredotto<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIo5vX3u7By53mfalJ4ZcndC5MAL7x-usL5x-VHkfMKLPAKHUZTm0_1YVVkvWw9Orh1RtNAxmRsCWj3vRbL8mSi1GA7GtHhEcuha8wPHD76PESU043OVjWawh6B-PwP69fHWX3AU5v8G4/s1600/IMG_5821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIo5vX3u7By53mfalJ4ZcndC5MAL7x-usL5x-VHkfMKLPAKHUZTm0_1YVVkvWw9Orh1RtNAxmRsCWj3vRbL8mSi1GA7GtHhEcuha8wPHD76PESU043OVjWawh6B-PwP69fHWX3AU5v8G4/s200/IMG_5821.JPG" width="200" /></a>But the reality is that I also had the occasion for some fantastic dinners and eating some amazing meals. So, where to start? From the panino with Lampredotto I had in Florence or from the amazing fiorentina we had in Chianti? From the curious brain meatballs I just tried in Bucharest or from the Kofte, this lovely meat dish from Trabzon? Let's say that definitely the culinary highlight of this last period was Italy, the bella Italia. We discovered some amazing new restaurants in Firenze and the weekend we spent in Chianti was simply incredible....we love this area and it is amazing how peaceful and remote could be a spot that it is only a few kilometers away from Firenze. For tonight just a few pictures of this amazing time, more restaurant and wine suggestions to follow.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJakeMP1JWa28ZQin5dTHT_ymQZUh-lWd0DZax7b1GxBF93zCAneXZZQp6rf8s_XFq4qIBkZ02HPwvZkHB1EJhkT4DbqAboD2uVPF5XWn5AWsjeAVcrdLfPOTh2g3ifF8A2xI99RjSVSg/s1600/IMG_5850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJakeMP1JWa28ZQin5dTHT_ymQZUh-lWd0DZax7b1GxBF93zCAneXZZQp6rf8s_XFq4qIBkZ02HPwvZkHB1EJhkT4DbqAboD2uVPF5XWn5AWsjeAVcrdLfPOTh2g3ifF8A2xI99RjSVSg/s400/IMG_5850.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
</div>Stradadelvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622976513031038846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6847526270495506155.post-2521064990854240652011-08-15T09:58:00.000-07:002011-08-15T10:17:28.740-07:00Ferragosto<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">And already Ferragosto has arrived. The so-called "Ferragosto", the 15th of August, is one of the most sacred days of holiday in Italy, and the day when 99,99% of the population is on holiday, enjoying barbecues at the beach and throwing "gavettoni" (big container full of water) at one another. When growing up I did not even consider the possibility that somebody in the world would have to work on this day, and here I am in Switzerland where in some cantons today is a holiday and in others not .....strange country! But you may ask, why are some Swiss on holiday while others are in the office? That is because Ferragosto is a Catholic holiday and as Vaud (the canton in which Lausanne is situated) is Protestant, the Vaudois are working, while in Lucerne (the canton where Lucerne is located) is Catholic and so we are enjoying the day in the sun and free of work. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyG1qbZ7IDLVGQEf57XaKeKGsEM82xVcy1UxJV2hiliTSrDdlvZjHJMur5iEXXa7qcqf4yTIrw2PL6Z7ZzUZ14O2vzrk7dQRrl_NvhaoN0gqqhaHx4Oj0FU02_cXAbF353vST1pDX9K_o/s1600/Filet+de+Perche.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyG1qbZ7IDLVGQEf57XaKeKGsEM82xVcy1UxJV2hiliTSrDdlvZjHJMur5iEXXa7qcqf4yTIrw2PL6Z7ZzUZ14O2vzrk7dQRrl_NvhaoN0gqqhaHx4Oj0FU02_cXAbF353vST1pDX9K_o/s1600/Filet+de+Perche.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">But I digress, let's go back to the main theme of this blog...food and wine. I would say it was quite an exciting week gastronomically speaking. A few dinners out at some nice restaurants on Lake Leman and some good stuff at home as well. My highlight, foodwise, was on Thursday night at <a href="http://www.pullyport.ch/">Restaurant du Port in Pully</a> : a great Perch Filets Belle Meuniere. I love this fish coming from Lake Leman and in all the years I am living here it is only the second time I am ordering it. I love the texture, the taste and the way it is presented. Beautiful and super yummy, I could have eaten another full portion. This restaurant is a really good option in the area, lake-side table with amazing mountain views, a peaceful setting under the trees and prices that are reasonable (always considering that we are in Switzerland, so my reasonable is relative). Only downside was that the wine was a bit of a disappointment, a <a href="http://www.vins-fonjallaz.ch/popups/bl-calamin_epesses.htm">Calamin Grand Cru 2009 from Pierre Fonjallaz</a> from the Lavaux area. A bit too simple and flat; I was expecting more.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPsnTHDG3sCsdWskX6mqPWAme2WITKzdAe3qLuhumWXw7weBaw3VSMVeUTj201_PNzkW_BlIMXu7bScDaBmI9qGZd1YTCf-NgvKRYQBPj0GBSLJUql6O0SnQiF1NCahdbSyjYwagZPmY/s1600/Jalfrezi.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPsnTHDG3sCsdWskX6mqPWAme2WITKzdAe3qLuhumWXw7weBaw3VSMVeUTj201_PNzkW_BlIMXu7bScDaBmI9qGZd1YTCf-NgvKRYQBPj0GBSLJUql6O0SnQiF1NCahdbSyjYwagZPmY/s1600/Jalfrezi.jpeg" /></a></div>Great things happened at home as well when on a Wednesday night my lovely half prepared for me a great Chicken Jalfrezi. Jalfrezi is a ‘hot’ dish given additional heat by being cooked with fresh green chillis. It usually also contains visible onion, tomato and capsicum. It is the addition of the green chillis and probably the addition of extra chilli powder that sets this dish apart from other typical curries. And it was really really hot. I enjoyed it even if I suffered a bit. To wash down all this chilli we opened a bottle of one of our favourite whites, that would pair perfectly with this spicy Indian food. Gewurztraminer Vignoble d'E from Domaine Ostertag in Alsace. This Domaine is run in byodinamic style since 1998 and their wines are pure, simple and brilliant. The sweetness present in this wine, and typical in Gewurztraminer from Alsace, pairs incredibly well with the spices and the heat of this dish. The only pity was that the bottle finished too quickly. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuDA20QOJ2Vf_aLxCxGLVIf5OqEpNC_MU29pB8I27V6u24aLwxcdt4jS406L8zcHDn3n1Lb0yJvbtMQCnVAElhWqpVjdI_iP68-UX_7HbN_61TjBLWcOZ8hp8bmbRrw6G-iWVl8eJ2GU/s1600/Cake.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuDA20QOJ2Vf_aLxCxGLVIf5OqEpNC_MU29pB8I27V6u24aLwxcdt4jS406L8zcHDn3n1Lb0yJvbtMQCnVAElhWqpVjdI_iP68-UX_7HbN_61TjBLWcOZ8hp8bmbRrw6G-iWVl8eJ2GU/s200/Cake.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The other highlight of the night was the luxurious Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Buttercream Icing that my lovely wife prepared ....I will let the picture speak for it! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWbDz3T-ePzRbT4oeP_IETv4LMlJ-m3TN5ikxt1lvIcfJQqRr04HoFf6yQkQokjEjCPcT59fkAWlnGAysdzZZlV1h4WZLlgfSuLxhpx60CZqDVekI5GPoTD2k0dVGBZ6NecDeYyHDSsK4/s1600/Miage.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWbDz3T-ePzRbT4oeP_IETv4LMlJ-m3TN5ikxt1lvIcfJQqRr04HoFf6yQkQokjEjCPcT59fkAWlnGAysdzZZlV1h4WZLlgfSuLxhpx60CZqDVekI5GPoTD2k0dVGBZ6NecDeYyHDSsK4/s1600/Miage.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">After all this food we needed to be a bit active as well and so we went for the weekend to one of our favourite hiking destinations in the French mountains. It is a tiny refuge in a remote valley above <a href="http://www.saintgervais.com/">Saint Gervais Les Bains </a>called Refuge de Miage. We arrived there late Friday evening, but the magic of this place consists also on the fact that 10 minutes after arrival all your troubles and working related stress are gone and will not return during your stay. The place is run by a lovely French family and all the food is all homemade. Their omelette with potato and lardon is fantastic and on the Saturday night we decided to indulge over a Fondue Savoyarde with Cepes. Eating at the table outside watching the sun go down on the Dome the Miage is amazing; eating a fondue at the same time is even better. The wine was also lovely, a <a href="http://www.jeanvullien.com/vins-de-savoie/index.htm">Chignin Bergeron from Domaine Jean Vullien</a>. Wine produced from this Savoie domaine is made of 100% Roussanne. Really drinkable and went so well with the fondue. But the real treat comes with dessert. A luxurious "Tarte aux Myrtilles" with a fair amount of cream is the best end of a fantastic meal in the mountains.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQzRe_aGLWrOy5mGBmbcHCybio0y8ZJh5ePhyphenhyphendzYK5PGdGylx2mi-BmSvEkrp4QMNGuYb2yXGIcpWFjOKuB7znzrnGKDf1IbU_JLjVlLdKluy539vGNq-UWkm9rT3TqjYrm1skg-_RtE/s1600/Myrtilles.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQzRe_aGLWrOy5mGBmbcHCybio0y8ZJh5ePhyphenhyphendzYK5PGdGylx2mi-BmSvEkrp4QMNGuYb2yXGIcpWFjOKuB7znzrnGKDf1IbU_JLjVlLdKluy539vGNq-UWkm9rT3TqjYrm1skg-_RtE/s200/Myrtilles.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">And what about the day of Ferragosto??? Well, we decided to celebrate it in style going back to our beloved neighbour, France! V (my lovely half) decided to swim a non competitive 2,5 km race in Lac d'Annecy and it was up to me to arrange the eno-gastronomical side apres the race. The weather was awful on our way to Annecy but as soon as we parked the car all the clouds open up and a warm sun started to shine. It was the best start of a gorgeous day. The swim was great and after that we drove to a restaurant in Duingt (20 minutes from Annecy), <a href="http://www.closmarcel.fr/">Clos Marcel</a>. This restaurant is part of a beautifully renovated hotel on the shore of the lake at an amazing spot at the end of the Lac d'Annecy. The design is very modern, but still very cozy and welcoming. We sat down at a table close to the lake and we made our order. For me </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbqBZogJlilEC9bevEtDF-CIKJ2Ibdc_vVXSbbtesG-qpId8AVbEXnj1Cu5TIP0whIsdhoM2plMD3c2yVMiLKhtZx6D6JTYy54kDRPndOs-7Quw8fGYITn7To5zjoOawfgokxxROQ8RK8/s1600/Arbois+Pupillin.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbqBZogJlilEC9bevEtDF-CIKJ2Ibdc_vVXSbbtesG-qpId8AVbEXnj1Cu5TIP0whIsdhoM2plMD3c2yVMiLKhtZx6D6JTYy54kDRPndOs-7Quw8fGYITn7To5zjoOawfgokxxROQ8RK8/s1600/Arbois+Pupillin.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #412422;">L</span>e<strong><span style="color: #412422;"> </span></strong>Bœuf en Carpaccio, Mariné au<strong><span style="color: #412422;"> </span></strong>Soja, Gingembre et Citron Vert Copeaux de Légumes et Petites Pousses as starter followed by a beautiful lapin with girolle and polenta fritters. V ordered tuna in two different versions as starter and daurade royale as a main course. I have to say that the rabbit was one of the most amazing dishes I have in a long time in the restaurant. The meat was super tender and the combination with the chanterelles and the polenta fritters worked together in an amazing way. We paired this great meal with a very interesting wine from a micro winery from the often underestimated area of Jura. An Arbois Pupillin Ploussard 2009 from <a href="http://www.hughesbeguet.com/hbx/">Domaine Hughes Beguet</a>. This wine is produced in only 2400 bottles and is very different than most of the wines you probably tried. It is quite light and it has a very funky nose with lots of pepper and a bit of smoke. It went fantastically with the food. It will be nice to find more of this wine even if it is not probably an easy task. It was a great way to celebrate the FERRAGOSTO!!!</div>Stradadelvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622976513031038846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6847526270495506155.post-36059070564412630982011-08-08T13:23:00.000-07:002011-08-08T13:23:58.356-07:00A lovely surprise from Santorini<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFL2Lo3K9M9MLqv_5LhKRquXy6M5PtI-J-BvsQZClC3L7q2EjDT1PXoFtMK0CIDD4hccait-p5Ds3Rpb6j-f1QUYc3V6sec4u0N-jIvGQ6LetatTCs3eO2t3XF3JI7ERoMK38rvahLczE/s1600/Santorini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFL2Lo3K9M9MLqv_5LhKRquXy6M5PtI-J-BvsQZClC3L7q2EjDT1PXoFtMK0CIDD4hccait-p5Ds3Rpb6j-f1QUYc3V6sec4u0N-jIvGQ6LetatTCs3eO2t3XF3JI7ERoMK38rvahLczE/s320/Santorini.jpg" width="320" /></a>When I think about Santorini my first thoughts goes to the most beautiful sunsets I have seen in my life, it is such an amazing island. The white of the house mix magically with the deep blue of the sea and the dark colour of the volcano soil. It is one of the most incredible place I have ever been. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">And now another thought will come to my mind when thinking about Santorini......WINE! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We had last night an amazing bottle of white wine coming from this island: Assyrtiko Thalassatis 2009 from <a href="http://www.gaia-wines.gr/">Gaia Estate Wines </a>. The wine has a fantastic smell of grapefruit, orange but you can also feel his minerality. In the mouth is full with a great long finish. Another confirmation of how wide is the world of wine and how many great surprises it can reserve. Next time I am in Athens I will look for more! </div>Stradadelvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622976513031038846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6847526270495506155.post-1519494750323689082011-08-07T07:38:00.000-07:002011-08-07T07:38:52.020-07:00Fete de Suisse and a busy week<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGvN3ezXZeAis_OkjBJqGEjZbWuNT-8DZNLlgURLvFXBG95ICy907G217VuhLwsach3mmlo2KxkWXUg7vQHZaJ2GjlNfU0E3a1yFaBjv4xdpoma1nZutGgEYOiJijhfmCmS-U_w0pp31Y/s1600/IMG_5143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGvN3ezXZeAis_OkjBJqGEjZbWuNT-8DZNLlgURLvFXBG95ICy907G217VuhLwsach3mmlo2KxkWXUg7vQHZaJ2GjlNfU0E3a1yFaBjv4xdpoma1nZutGgEYOiJijhfmCmS-U_w0pp31Y/s320/IMG_5143.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLrb-rxvYV74wZcsGFH2GjM3P6uayvKLMHaVd8pdpxQOQj93cJosXiErUixtJBW_nwDpY_8BFuy5a-2ZGdLgM4zUNIQzzMdnOb-Tw6r_Sh0agkc3UG9bA7JE1pO1V6qFTrDiW8f5wBpDA/s1600/IMG_5152.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLrb-rxvYV74wZcsGFH2GjM3P6uayvKLMHaVd8pdpxQOQj93cJosXiErUixtJBW_nwDpY_8BFuy5a-2ZGdLgM4zUNIQzzMdnOb-Tw6r_Sh0agkc3UG9bA7JE1pO1V6qFTrDiW8f5wBpDA/s1600/IMG_5152.jpeg" t$="true" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Monday 1st August, La Fete de Suisse. Everybody is wearing clothes with the national colours, everybody is out partying, the shores of the lake are busy like they rarely are, everybody is out enjoying a barbecue and waiting for the big fireworks on the lake in the evening. Of course we need also to celebrate and we decide to do it in pure Swiss Style: with a great fondue and some lovely Swiss white wine. We decide to go to a small, typical cafe - <a href="http://www.cafedepaudex.ch/">Cafe' de Paudex</a>. For the occasion they have a piano player accompanying our perfectly Swiss dinner under vine trellises. The weather, during this weird summer, is for at least one night on our side, nice and warm enough to be able to dine outside with just a polo shirt. The fondue is deliciously cheesy and the best meal to celebrate this special day. We enjoy our fondue with a nice Savagnin Blanc from <a href="http://www.gaillard-vins.ch/default.aspx?pId=185&">Domaine Gallard from Lavaux</a>. Savagnin Blanc is a grape mostly known in France for the incredible Vin Jaune from the area of Jura, here in Switzerland, we have a dry version that accompanys perfectly the pot of melted cheese. We finished our evening enjoying the beautiful fireworks on the lake - spectacular and not to be missed! </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The rest of the week was a lot of work but some interesting new wines have been drunk on the last couple of days. On Friday night with friends we opened an interesting Bandol Rose from Domaine J.P. Gaussen for apero. We bought this bottle at the Domaine, definitely a place that if you are in the area is worth to see. It is a very small familiar Domaine and Mr. Gaussen is a typical old style French Vigneron that immediately struck us with his eccentric personality. His Bandol Reds are quite well know and can age forever. His Rose has everything a rose needs and is a nice accompaniment with our little apero. After that we opened a bottle of Ilatraia 2005 from <a href="http://www.brancaia.com/">La Brancaia</a>. This estate, owned by a Swiss couple who moved to Tuscany long ago, has property in the Chianti area but as well in Maremma and the latter is where the Ilatraia is made. The wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Petit Verdot with a very international style. I bought this bottle a few years ago when I was making my first steps in the wine world. We really enjoyed it with our chargrilled steaks. However, I am not sure if I would buy it again, as I said the style is really international, and while the wine was really good I think it lacked a distinct character. And on top of this it is not that cheap!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4l7geoxCby6zBxj6CnPiS2bsjSJ2DKbsqu5N4oXGtl3yvVPBiHoborKF6l_2AoONnWEGtySZMHBsHvXMbwhph2WdsWFDsD_nu4a3VxnuNZdFcO9vEuQjVDIMw7xQqpfFu4Xkf7n3D2E/s1600/IMG_5203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4l7geoxCby6zBxj6CnPiS2bsjSJ2DKbsqu5N4oXGtl3yvVPBiHoborKF6l_2AoONnWEGtySZMHBsHvXMbwhph2WdsWFDsD_nu4a3VxnuNZdFcO9vEuQjVDIMw7xQqpfFu4Xkf7n3D2E/s320/IMG_5203.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div>And then, last night I had a first in my life. I am a bit ashamed to say this, especially because I am such a food lover, but last nigth was the first time in my life I prepared my own pesto. Pesto is normally something I buy at the supermarket and simply throw on my pasta on nights that I am in a hurry and have no time to cook. Of course I try to buy the smaller artisinal products as opposed to the cheap supermarket brands but nevertheless ..... But last night I have to say it was another story. I decide to do the pasta al pesto on the way that is done in Liguria and that I ate when I was last there. With the fresh basil we picked up at the market in the morning, I prepared this fantastic little pesto sauce and together with the pasta I cooked some diced potatoes and french beans. The result was stunning, the perfect plate for a summer night. BUONISSSSSIMO! Of course, we needed a bit of wine to go with our homemade pesto and so we opened a bottle of white from a very small producer from Liguria in the Colli di Luni area, GIUNCARO 2009 from Santa Caterina di Andrea Kihlgren. The wine is a blend of Tocai and Sauvignon Blanc and only 4600 bottles are produced. It was the perfect regional pairing with the pasta.Stradadelvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622976513031038846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6847526270495506155.post-35679918936250005742011-08-01T09:55:00.000-07:002011-08-01T09:55:24.854-07:00A lovely mix of flavours<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLP4bCxjHT7MvT9MxsIJudaZyp06vusTD4y97XoLnaPZWZVGNhxkY6kjMhWpp2ww53dC6MKvtWIv5g4OXoUEiaYRYz80G4wXT7uNEvEiOdTNer1EQPYOyWN9CUQxOL5aYM5qXrRC_HIho/s1600/IMG_5134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLP4bCxjHT7MvT9MxsIJudaZyp06vusTD4y97XoLnaPZWZVGNhxkY6kjMhWpp2ww53dC6MKvtWIv5g4OXoUEiaYRYz80G4wXT7uNEvEiOdTNer1EQPYOyWN9CUQxOL5aYM5qXrRC_HIho/s320/IMG_5134.jpg" t$="true" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Being a good Italian, I am not a big fan of mixing too many flavours especially when the combination seems odd to a traditionalist like me. But when my lovely wife proposed that we barbecue rib-eye steaks rubbed with coffee and cocoa I thought.....risky, but why not, let's give it a chance.<br />
<br />
And oh my gosh, the result was amazing! The flavour was intense but the rub did not kill the flavour of the meat and the combination of flavours was an absolute winner. Smoky, crunchy, juicy and with this subtle flavour of cocoa and coffee on the back of your palate, is an absolute success.<br />
<br />
It was difficult to find a wine able to keep up with these lovely and very strong flavours. From the cellar I decided to pick up something from the South of France, a Cotes du Luberon 2004 from <a href="http://www.chateau-la-verrerie.fr/">Chateau La Verrerie</a> . A 50% Syrah and 50% Grenache, we bought the bottle directly at the estate, a beautiful property that is absolutely worth a visit if you are in the area. The wine is quite strong and very rich with a powerful palate and it will do his honest job paired with these beautiful steaks. Yummy!!!!Stradadelvinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622976513031038846noreply@blogger.com0