Food

5 Comments Posted on africa, Food, Itinerary, Review, Surfing, Travel, Wine

Our Honeymoon: South Africa & Maldives – April 22-May 9, 2017

South Africa

mapSA

 

Fri, April 21, 2017
Drive up to LA 1p at the latest
Emirates EK 218
LAX 10:40p —> 1:30a DXB

 

Duration 15:50

 

Sat, Apr 22

 

In the air

 

Sun, Apr 23

 

DXB 3:50a —> 11:35a CPT
Duration 9:45

 

Thrifty Car Rental
Cape Town CPT
Datsun GO

 

***be careful of speeding tickets on Garden Route***

 

  • Address: Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town, South Africa
  • GPS Coordinates: 33º58’59.37” S ,  18º21’31.43” E
19:00 Reservation
Dress code: smart casual
Shop 153 / Victoria Wharf / V&A Waterfront / Cape Town

 

This was an epically long flight.  First there was the drive from SAN to LAX at 3pm, which means we didn’t get to Ross’ family’s place til about 6p.  After a quick meet and greet and dinner with his fam, they dropped us off at the international terminal.  We boarded the plane for our 11p departure on Emirates to Dubai.  That was 15 hours! Then, once in Dubai, we had a two hour layover where we grabbed a beer and stretched our legs a bit.  It was impressive to see so many people in the Dubai airport at 2am!  We then boarded our flight to Cape Town on Emirates to complete that 9 hour segment.  So in total, it was 34 hours of travel from when we left our home to get to Cape Town.  Emirates is an incredible airline and is worth every penny.  Their service is incredible!  Once we landed in Cape Town, we picked up our lil Datson from Thrifty car rental and got acquainted with our wheels.  First, it’s opposite to the way we normally drive in the US.  The driver is on the right and the passenger sits on the left.  Additionally, the manual stick shift is in the center console… so instead of doing US shifting with the right hand,….. it’s done with the left hand.  My 🐻 did such a fantastic job getting us from the airport to our hotel safely!  Once we checked in at 12 Apostles, they greeted us with some sparkling wine.  The view from the bar/patio area was fantastic.  You can see both Table Mountain and the ocean!  The weather here is perfect — more like a drier windier version of San Diego.  After a quick bite and bevie out on the terrace, we went for a quick dip in the pool that overlooked the ocean.  Dinner reservations at Belthazar were excellent.  South African game meats paired with terrific wines!  We tried ostrich, kudu, and eland!  Ostrich was surprisingly delicious and more beef-like than poultry.  Terrific evening out in the waterfront district.  We finished it off with an ice cream cone and a turn on the Cape Wheel.  And we highly recommend Uber in Cape Town as it’s more affordable than the taxis.

 

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Mon, Apr 24

 

Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa
Breakfast Included

 

8am hike to Lions Head

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Lunch:
Mon 24 April 2017, at 13:00
Silo Top Floor, The Old Biscuit Mill
373-375 Albert Road Woodstock, Cape Town

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Dinner:
La Colombe, Silvermist Wine Estate
Constantia Main Rd, Constantia, Cape Town, 7848

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We woke up at 7:30 am to meet Sial our hotel guide for the hike up to Lion’s Head.  This was a gorgeous peak that sits across Table Mountain with 360 degree views of Cape Town.  We definitely recommend this hike — but it does involve quite a bit of scrambling.  It’s basically 1.5 miles of straight up climbing.  It took us about 2 hours to complete the hike and that’s with 20 minutes at the top to enjoy breakfast and the view.  After the hike, we had lunch at The Pot Luck Club — which is located in a loft on the top level with an open airy and floor-to-ceiling window viewing area of the ocean and mountains.  It’s a fantastic tapas-style Asian fusion restaurant that I’d easily recommend to any foodie!  After that, we searched high and low for a place to rent SUPs and couldn’t find one anywhere.  It’s no longer the season for people to rent SUPs so all the places are gone from the beach.  There were such perfect conditions at Clifton beach for SUPs!  Since we were slightly let down, we opted to wander around the next beach (Maiden’s Beach) that had an ocean pool.  We stayed for a bit to explore then headed back to the hotel to catch the sunset.  Dinner tonight at La Colombo is currently No. 76 on the 2017 World’s Best Restaurants.

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Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa

 

Hike Table Mountain? India Venster Route – four hours, go if clear weather Hike Table Mtn Tripadvisor
  • Platteklip Gorge 1.5 hours – cable car back down
Cable car option: buy tickets in advance online, go weekday/early, long lines Cable Car Tripadvisor

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12:00 Round House –> The Rumbullion lawn (cancelled ressie as we ran out of time and preferred to explore Table Mountain)
 
*** Or Lion’s Head (3-4 hours) Lion’s Head Hike Tripadvisor
 
Emailed Test Kitchen, No. 22 for resie (closed Sun and Mon)
 
20:00 95 Keerom – Real Italian Quality

 

We woke up at 7am and headed to our hotel’s breakfast which was a massive spread of eggs, meats, made-to-order omelets, oysters, champagne, fruit, cheeses, cereals, yogurts, coffee.  Anything you could imagine for breakfast was on the menu.  Luckily, we needed to burn off breakfast so we headed to Table Mountain (definitely get your passes online for the cable car ahead of time).  There’s a full 360 degree view of Cape Town and surrounding towns.  After 2.5 hours at Table Mountain, we headed down to Cape Point, the southern most tip of South Africa — also where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Indian Ocean.  The day was perfect for viewing the coastline.  We saw ostrich, eland, dassie, black lizards! Tons of animals out!  I’d recommend getting to the Cape Point around 2 or 3p when the tour buses are leaving.  We checked out Buffels Bay beach within the Cape Point park.  The park closes at 5p in April, so we headed down to Boulder Bay to see the penguins.  It’s a gorgeous drive along the coast as it was such a wonderful sight to see these cute penguins at the beach!  We decided to head back home along a very scenic route back to our hotel and catch the sunset.
 
We didn’t make it to Keerom bc I was so tired.  But we got room service and enjoyed the eats in the comforts of our home.  Now that’s a honeymoon!!

 

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Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa
Check-out 11:00 am

 

Raats Family Wines (Jason recommendation)
Emailed for 10:30 am appointment

 

Jordan Restaurant 12:30 lunch — There was a delivery truck that broke down on the only dirt road leading to access to Jordan.  So we opted for lunch at Rust en Verde (wine tasting pairing with yummy steak!)

 

Franschhoek Pass
Franschhoek Wine Tram

 

Emailed Test Kitchen for resie – pending waitlist

 

Franschhoek/Le Quartier Francais/Tasting Room for 19:30 and one night stay in Auberge room
Check-in: 14:00
Auberge room

 

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We headed out to Muizenberg where we heard the surf is good! Well it was.  There was a great beginner sandy beach break for me and some nice chest to shoulder high waves for my bear!  The conditions were just perfect: chilly, rain/thunder/lightning, and they were sailing the black shark flag.  It was the first time we had surfed in a shark warning area.
 
Shark flag warnings:
  • blue flag = clear visibility, no shark sighting.
  • Black flag = water was cloudy/murky/poor visibility but no shark sightings.
  • Red flag = shark sighting recently, but ok to get back into the water after 2 hours.
  • White flag = shark sighting now; sirens will go off; everyone out of the water
 
Off to Stellenbosch — wine country!
 
We were headed to Jordan winery for lunch but a big ol cargo truck was having issues and blocked the road into Jordan.  So, we opted for DeMorgenzon and had a lovely wine tasting there!  We ended up picking up the Reserve chenin blanc as well as their Reserve Syrah.  After that, we felt hungry and opted for a quick bite at Rust En Verde — home of some exquisite reds and food!  Definitely check them out if you love nice medium to full-bodied quality reds.  One thing we’ve noticed is that South Africa has quite tannic reds — but we love that — esp since loving the tannic Barolos in Piedmont, Italy!
 
Checking into our hotel Le Quartier Francais!  This place is gorgeous!  We were upgraded to the House Suite and it was enormous!  It was located right by the pool with beautiful views all around us with the mountains.  The service was incredible.  Everything in the mini bar was complementary – two bottles of wine, 3 craft beers, gin, sherry, whiskey, and brandy.  We even had our own mini pool off the master bedroom.  There was another upstairs loft that had two beds and a bathroom that was decorated for kids.  Everything about this hotel was incredible!
 
Dinner at The Tasting Room was so delicious!  It was incredible.  Basically, we took a journey through South African foods and culture.  Each dish was meticulously executed, beautifully plated, and wonderfully described.  On one of our dishes, we even heard some clicks in the description of our dish.  I’m not sure what language or dialect that it was from, but we very much appreciated it!  Our chef was a lady from the Netherlands and she was incredible!  We enjoyed this restaurant so much we felt it should’ve easily been in the Top 50 restaurants in the world.  After dinner, we went back to the kitchen to meet our chef.  She was gracious and had plans for her future after leaving The Tasting Room (I was actually very sad to here that she would no longer be the chef at Tasting Room and that La Colombe would be overtaking her restaurant).  In reality, Ross and I both felt that she rated higher than La Colombe.  So far in our rankings here in South Africa, we loved The Tasting Room, followed by La Colombe, and very close was Pot Luck Club (only bc it didn’t come with wine pairings and it was definitely a more casual atmosphere).

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Le Quartier Francais
Check-out: 11:00

 

Potential options:
– Franschhoek Wine Tram
– Rust en Vrede (Jason recommendation)
     25 min from 43 on Sandstone
     Tasting room open 9:00 to 17:00
     Winemaker’s lunch, first come first service, 12:00 to 15:00
– Perdekop Hike, Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve
– Hermanus
     Hamilton Russell winery – pinot noir (Jason recommendation)
     Tasting Room open Mon-Fri 9 am to 5 pm, Sat 9 am to 1 pm
     Creation wines
– Pringle Bay, Betty’s Bay penguins
– Helderberg Nature Reserve

 

43 on Sandstone Guest House
43 Sandstone Drive, Boskloof Estate, Somerset West, 7130, South Africa – Show directions
Phone: +27827831048
Check-in: 2:00 pm
Breakfast included

 

After an incredible breakfast at Le Quartier Francais, we hit the road taking the Franchoek Pass through the mountains towards Gordon’s Bay.  It’s a beautiful drive with plenty of hairpin turns and breathtaking scenery.  Once we got to Gordon’s Bay — we headed to a place just west of GB called Strand and hit up Natural Energy surf shop just in time to catch some waves out here. It was such a fun beach break.  After the surf, we headed to our lodging which was a room at Boskloof Eco Reserve — 43 on Sandstone.  Gorgeous room with a view!  Dinner was at Waterkloof.  The food was beautifully presented and very rich.  The food was paired with only the wines from their winery.  It was a nice dining experience, but we still loved The Tasting Room and La Colombe and Pot Luck Club better.

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43 on Sandstone Guest House
Check-out: 11:00 a.m.

 

Creation Wines – 11:00 a.m., confirmed via email
Tapas and tasting

 

Hermanus/Hamilton Russell?
Stay in Arniston, Arniston Hotel?
Surf rec for Arniston
Arniston to Mossel Bay (2:40 min drive)

 

We headed out from our Guest House and skipped breakfast as we were still full from last night’s dining experience.  On the way now to Creation Wines!

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Mossel Bay
Mossel Bay to Plettenberg Bay (1:50 min drive)

 

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Plettenberg Bay
The Plettenberg Hotel?
Tsitsikamma National Park?
We stayed in Tsala Treetop Lodge which is basically a connection of treehouses overlooking the landscape!

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Plettenberg to Jeffrey’s Bay (1:37 min drive)
JBay

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Jbay
Safari

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Car Rental Drop Off – Thrifty
9:30 am, Port Elizabeth (PLZ)

 

Qatar Airways QR6325
10:30aPLZ —> 12:10P JNB
Duration 1:35

 

Qatar Airways QR1364
2:00P JNB —> 11:30P DOH
Duration 8:20

 

Qatar Airways QR672
2:15A DOH —> 9:00AMMLE
Duration 4:45

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Maldivian sea plane
11am –> 12pm

 

maldives

 

 

 

18:30p EDGE ressie

 

 

 

20:00 Dining destination – at the villa

 

 

Qatar Airways QR675
8:20P MLE —> 11:00P DOH
Duration 4:35

 

8 hour layover in Doha, Qatar

 

 

Qatar Airways QR739
7:30A DOH —> 1:30P LAX
Seats 23A and 23B
Duration 16:00

 

BRAINSTORMING:
Fly Emirates or British Airways to Capetown
To Maldives from Port Elizabeth or Durban

 

 

Garden Route

 

The otter trail
Tsitsikama trail
Whale trail
Mother City Hikers: Mother City Hikers Tripadvisor
Sample Itinerary drive from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth:

 

Recommendations for private driver hire:
Wine tastings around Cape Town:

 

Wine Country:
Stellenbosch (approx 40 min from Cape Town)
Jordan restaurant there, mentioned by Luke Dale-Roberts
Top ZA wines – Jordan, Creation, Fairview
Top 100 – Mullineux, Demorgenzon

 

Cape Town Breweries:
Devil’s Peak, The Taproom

 

Cape Town Restaurants:
Cape Town’s Best by Luke Dale-Roberts: Article by Luke Dale-Roberts Chef at Test Kitchen

 

Top 100:
No. 22 Test Kitchen, Cape Town
Dale-Roberts has two other ventures within the same Old Biscuit Mill complex in Cape Town: Pot Luck club is the Test Kitchen’s more relaxed sibling, serving global-inflected sharing plates, while the newly opened Naturalis, is focused, Ottolenghi-esque deli-style dining.

 

Local/African Food:
Mzoli’s grill/bbq/meats – good Tripadvisor reviews
The Diplomatic Bar & Restaurant – good Tripadvisor reviews
Mama Africa – been there long time
Amazink – food and performance/dance show, good reviews

 

Hermanus – town broken head hotel
Great if whale watching

 

Cape of good hope
Muizenberg warmer surf spot
Not Betty’s Bay — too windy
Wine country: close to hermanus
Valleys: hemelmenaarde (pinots)
Surf spot Victoria bay
Table mountain (in Cape Town) – restie on top then cable car down. Buy tix online first is easier
Tsitsikama Forrest – can stay in Tree Houses
Hotels: the 12 apostles – base of the mountains (this looks awesome babe!)
Cape View Clifton, some great reviews on Tripadvisor
-Constantia (green and amongst vineyards)
 The cellars (on other side of mt), winery
–  buitenverwachting winery and great restaurant (other side of mtn)
– steenberg hotel and super duper restie
– August cycle tour
Horseriding in J Bay:
J Bay surf school:
Kruger Park
Addo Elephant Park
Humans
Knysna
Maldives:
** TripAdvisor how-to-Maldives**
Which island to stay in Maldives?
Kris’ epic stays in no particular order:
Per Aquum Niyama: Central Atoll @ Dhaalu
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3 Comments Posted on Desserts, Food, Recipes

Paleo Chocolate chip banana bread — aka Black Bottom Banana Bread (paleo, gluten free, grain free, dairy free)

Yes, it’s paleo.  I was super excited and intrigued!  This came out so moist and delicious; I just had to share!

Recipe from Living Healthy with Chocolate

Black Bottom Banana Bread (paleo, gluten free, grain free, dairy free)

 Ingredients
  • 1½ cups blanched almond flour
  • 1½ teaspoons baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup raw cacao powder
  • 1½ cups ripe bananas*
  • 4 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon raw honey
  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
  1. in a medium bowl, mix together the almond flour, baking soda and salt
  2. add the bananas, coconut oil, vanilla, egg and honey to a food processor and pulse to combine ingredients
  3. mix together the wet and dry ingredients using a spoon to form a batter. Be careful not to over mix or the batter will become oily and dense.
  4. divide the batter in half. Add the cacao powder and chocolate chips to half and pour into the bottom of an 8½” x 4½”-inch medium loaf pan greased or lined with parchment paper
  5. spoon remaining batter on top and bake at 350°F until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, approximately 45 minutes.
Cook’s Notes

* To measure 1½ cups of bananas, chop the banana into small pieces and fill the measuring cup.

Apple bananas enhances the flavor of this bread, so make sure to use it if you can find it for sale at your local stores.

1 Comment Posted on Cooking, Desserts, Food, Recipes, Recipes

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins

My Bear absolutely loves sweets.  I’m currently still in the transition of going paleo and eating clean, however, one can indulge every now and then, right?  Last Thanksgiving, we hosted both our families and I was stressing to figure out what to prepare.  I have minimal baking experience.  So I needed something easy and straightforward and most of all tasty!  I stumbled upon this recipe and it was a hit.  It’s one of my Bear’s fave fall recipes — and he loves cream cheese.  It was a great compromise for flavor (cheese cake is appalling to me, but it’s my Bear’s fave) and texture.  For all the new bakers out there, give this recipe a try (see link at the bottom: huge props to The Novice Chef for this outstanding recipe!).

PUMPKIN CREAM CHEESE SWIRL MUFFINS

yield: 18 MUFFINS

prep time: 12 MINUTES

cook time: 18 MINUTES

total time: 30 MINUTES

pumpkin-cream-cheese-swirl-muffins-1-sm

INGREDIENTS:

  • FOR THE MUFFINS
  • 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin (pure pumpkin puree)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • FOR THE FROSTING/SWIRL
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Place paper baking cups into muffin pan. Set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda and salt until well combined. Set aside.
  3. In large bowl, whisk together pumpkin, sugar and brown sugar.
  4. Beat in eggs, vegetable oil and vanilla extract. Slowly whisk in the flour mixture, until there are no lumps. Fill muffin tins 3/4 full.
  5. In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add in sugar, egg yolk and vanilla extract and beat until well combined.
  6. Top each muffin with about 1 tablespoon of cream cheese mixture and use a toothpick to swirl it into the batter. This will not look smooth, but it will bake up much prettier.
  7. Bake muffins for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Leave a comment Posted on Asia, Cooking, Food, Recipes, Recipes

Mimi’s Chinese Chicken

This was one of my childhood favorites. If I wasn’t feeling well, I would drink the broth. I loved the tenderness of the chicken after being boiled. There was a ton of flavor! And I used to love pouring the sauce over rice as I really disliked the texture and blandness of white rice.  Thank you Mimi for teaching me one of my faves!

INGREDIENTS

  • 5 drumsticks (may be frozen or thawed)
  • 5 star anise
  • 1/2 teaspoon Chinese 5 spice
  • One Thai Chile or red pepper flakes
  • One small dab of honey or agave (very small)
  • 1/2 to 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • One bag of Asian spice pouch (either brand found at the Asian market) — see pics below


DIRECTIONS:
1. In a 3 quart sauce pan, place drumsticks in water (just enough to cover the drumsticks). Cover pan and bring to boil (med-high heat). 

2. Once boiling, skim off fat before adding spices. 

3. Add all spices. Stir well to make sure all ingredients are mixed. Water should still be boiling at this point. Boil one minute longer after all ingredients mixed well. 


4. Decrease temperature to med-low for 30 minutes (if frozen or until chicken meat looks like it’s almost falling off the bone). Keep lid on (do not lift lid to check on meat). 

5. Turn off heat after 30 minutes. 

You may use liquid as broth. It’s great for soup, broth to drink, rice topper, seasoning of veggies, etc. 

THE FINAL PRODUCT

1 Comment Posted on Cooking, Food, Itinerary, South America, Surfing, Travel, Wine

Patagonia – December 2016

Best options:
Company
Cost pp
W Trek
Added activities
All inclusive?
tent?
$3345-3500
yes
kayak iceberg
walk glaciers
$3500 for porter, $300 for regional flights; can add rafting or horseback riding in Chilean Lakes District; wine country
Tent vs. backcountry refugees
Buses in Chile
Easter Island
THE REAL ITINERARY
Air Canada: KMS54I
AC1886 SAN 11:30a —> Toronto 7:14P
AC92 Toronto 11:45p —> Santiago 12:45p on Dec 24
 
Arrive 12:45p to SCL
Gorgeous flight over the mountains and coast! Looks kinda like the flyover Santa Barbara where the mountains abut the ocean.
Annoying guy in immigration keeps turning and his backpack keeps hitting mine. I want to punch him!  He’s invading my personal space.
Night in Santiago
José Victorino Lastarria 276, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile
Fantastic lunch spot! In a great area to walk around. Delicious wine and food pairings.
 
Confirmation Number: 310507392 
Lovely modern hotel in the middle of Bellas Artes district. Easily walkable to/from. Metro stop close by.
6am flight to Puerto Natales –> 9:30a
Stay Puerto Natales for the day:

Hotel IF Patagonia

Calle Magallanes 73, XII Región Puerto Natales, CHILE
Email: reservas@hotelifpatagonia.com
Phone: +5661 2410312, Fax: —

They have a sauna – super hip and modern!!

Swoop partnered with Chile Nativo in Puerto Natales to organize W trek.

11am – meet at Eberhard #230 office for group orientation. 

Day 1:

Starting from Puerto Natales at 12 PM or from Cerro Castillo at 1PM, we drive all the way to Torres del Paine National Park. We will drive through open pampas and huge ranches (estancias), and chances are we will be able to observe one of the most typical animals in this area, the nandu, (rare South American ostrich). We will follow an unpaved road heading to Refugio Las Torres to spend our first night. Upon entering the park we will have excellent photographic and bird-watching opportunities as we drive alongside lagoons frequented by Chilean flamencos and black-necked swans. Today’s hike is on a gentle trail following the border of the park and offers opportunities to see guanacos (Llama family) andthe Andean Condor.

2 hours private transfer to Torres del Paine

Hike duration: 3 hours 

Accommodation: Refugio Las Torres

Meals: Dinner 
It was freakin windy!!! Omg. Hard to stay upright!

Day 2:

We will start our first day trekking to the base of the Towers, following the Ascencio River to enter the Ascencio Valley. Our walk will be uphill for one hour before stopping to observe the first glimpses of the valley surrounded by unbelievable beech forests (Nothofagus family), glaciers and waterfalls. We’ll continue through the valley for another hour and a half before ascending a huge terminal moraine to a lookout (900m), excellent for picture taking. At this point, we will be surrounded by three giant granite towers (2850m) and a lagoon with slurry waters due to erosion produced by glaciers. This amazing view will be accompanied by lunch to add to the enjoyment. After being awed by the towers we’ll start our descent, following the same path back to the hut.

Hike duration: 7-8 hours 18 km

Accommodation: Refugio las Torres

Meals: Breakfast, Boxed Lunch, Dinner 

Day 3:

We will start early morning to enjoy, weather permitting, a magnificent dawn filled with orange-pink colors. As we leave the campground we will arrive at Inge lagoon. Chances are, on this path, we may see the flight of an Andean condor or eagles hunting hares or small rodents. We follow a well-marked trail ascending (around 200m) from the base of Almirante Nieto Mountain (2750m), crossing the Bader River to arrive at Refugio Los Cuernos where we will stay overnight.

Hike duration: 5 hours 11km (500m difference of level)

Accommodation: Refugio los Cuernos

Meals: Breakfast, boxed lunch, dinner

(You can upgrade to private cabins with two beds and sharing bathrooms in between the cabins only and a free Hot tub access for USD $80 per single occupancy or USD $40 per double occupancy)

Day 4:

We will start our day with a 2-hour walk going to an undulating path until reaching the French River for our first glimpses of the hanging glacier. Then we will ascend (300m,) for one hour through a surreal Japanese garden landscape, crossing beech forests, to reach the French Valley viewpoint gifting us with a magnificent view of both mountains and lakes. We will lunch here with good possibilities of seeing avalanches from the hanging glacier or simply observe the west side of the Cuernos (2600m), Espada (2400m) and Fortaleza (2800m). Our way back will be the same until we reach the entrance of the valley where we will continue on a different path around the South-West side of Paine Grande, the highest peak in the Park, through native forests of Chilean fire bush and evergreen beech (Nothofagus Bethuloides), up to the shore of the Pehoe Lake.

Hike duration: 7 hours 18 km

Accommodation: Refugio Paine Grande

Meals: Breakfast, boxed lunch, dinner 

Day 5:

We will begin early in the morning with our hike to the Grey Glacier. Initially ascending 200mts up a winding narrow path leading us to Laguna Negra, a place where we will observe the first glimpses of the South Patagonia Ice Field with its many unclimbed mountains. We will advance through forests and rivers, with possible sightings of spectacle and flying steamer ducks, up to the glacier viewpoint. We will have lunch at this place to and hopefully catch sight of ice calving from the huge glacier wall. Right after lunch we start an exciting adventure by boat. We will navigate for a while in front of the glacier in the hope of seeing icebergs calve. Our return journey offers views of Paine Grande with its impressive ice mushrooms and we sail through icebergs of different tones of blue. Then we will take a transfer back to Puerto Natales.

Hike duration: 4 hours 12 km

Boat trip duration: 2 hours

Transfer duration: 2 hours

Meals: Breakfast, boxed lunch 

Please note: Trip can start/end in El Calafate, Argentina. Arrival El Calafate around 2pm on Day 6. Please enquire for further details.
 
Done with trip around 6pm.
 
Massage/spa at Mandala Andino
301, 6160000, Manuel Bulnes, Puerto Natales, Natales, Región de Magallanes y de la Antártica Chilena, Chile
7p – Deep body or detox massage (Christy), Thai massage (Kris)
Find bus from Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas: BusSur
SALIDA LLEGADA SERVICIOS PRECIO
Puerto Natales
30.12.2016, 21:00
Terminal Rodoviario Puerto Natales		 Punta Arenas
31.12.2016, 00:15
Terminal Bus-Sur Punta Arenas
HOTEL ILAIA
Telefono / Telephone: +56 61 2723100, Dirección / Address: Ignacio Carrera Pinto #351, Punta Arenas – Patagonia – Chile.
E-mail: reservas@ilaiapatagoni

a.com

|   www.ilaiapatagonia.com

Fly out of Punta Arenas to Santiago: Sky NK5V6
Punta Arenas – Santiago de Chile
FLIGHT DATE CLASS CONNECTIONS DEPARTURE TIME ARRIVAL TIME
SKY 004 31/12/2016 L – 10:10 13:30
Must get rental car to drive from Santiago to Valparaiso: https://goo.gl/maps/ivFNiMfuBBp (1 hr and tolls)
 
Airport transfer from Santiago to bus terminal. Then another bus to Valparaiso. We found our our air bnb hostess can arrange for a driver for us to do Casablanca valley wineries!  
 
Uber to plaza de sotomayor
Ascensor el peral 
 
 
AirBNB
 
Check In

Sat, Dec 31

3PM – 9PM

Check Out

Mon, Jan 02

Flexible check out time

Address

Javiera Carrera 340 1604

Valparaíso, Región de Valparaíso

Chile

Get directionsView listing

 
 
Sun, Jan 1, 2016
Valparaiso
Mon, Jan 2, 2016
Morning in Concepcion and alegre
3:30p cooking class at Cafe Melbourne

Tues, Jan 3, 2016

Casablanca Valley (bt Santiago and valpo)
  • Fruity chards
  • Sauv blancs
  • Pinots
Rte 68
Emiliana (biodynamic), vina indomita (carmenere), vina veramonte (cab, chards);
Casas del bosque, Bodegas Re, Loma Larga, Matetic. 
 

?Mendoza (8 hrs away) — too far w border check
 
Maipo Valley (south of Santiago, 1.5 hrs)
Cab, merlot, carmenere, Syrah
  • Town of Pirque as central locale
Vina aquitania (santiago’s most interesting; high quality, small production), vina almaviva (partnership w baron philippe de Rothschild and concha y torro; sophisticated sis of concha y toro), vina Santa Rita (premium casa real cab );
Haras de Pirque, Perez Cruz, De Martino. Vina cousiño Macul, 
Stay @ Hotel Casa Pando
Cabello 421 (6 blocks north of Plaza de Armas)
Wed, Jan 4, 2016
Colchagua Valley
Use Santa Cruz as departure point
10:30a Lapostolle (sig red Clos de Apalta); 12pm Montes
2p Viu manent
Stay @ Hotel Casa Pando
Cabello 421 (6 blocks north of Plaza de Armas)
Thurs, Jan 5, 2016
Pichilemu
Bus: Terminal Santa Cruz
Hotel: Ruka Lobos
Rsv: 1373.041.090
Punta de Lobos
3220000 Pichilemu

Maule Valley (export wine)
Feb 2010 earthquake
Town of Talca as base camp
Via wines (sustainable, sauv Blanc, Syrah), vina gillmore (cab franc)
Fri, Jan 6, 2016
Back to Santiago
21:00 Borago Santiago, Chile: http://www.borago.cl
Nueva Costanera 3467, Vitacura, Región Metropolitana, Chile
 
Renaissance Santiago Hotel
Avenida Presidente Kennedy 4700, Vitacura . Santiago 7630454 Chile 
Reservation Confirmation: 84481467
For MS Christy Cosper
MARRIOTT REWARDS MEMBER
CHECK-IN DATE
Friday, January 6, 2017
CHECK-IN TIME
03:00 PM
CHECK-OUT DATE
Sunday, January 8, 2017
CHECK-OUT TIME
12:00 PM
Sat, Jan 7, 2016
Santiago during day
Air Canada: KMS54I
AC93 SCL 9:10P —> Toronto 5:40am (Jan 8)
 
Renaissance Santiago Hotel
Reservation Confirmation: 84481467
Sun, Jan 8, 2016
AC1887 Toronto 8:20am —> San Diego 10:34am
Leave a comment Posted on Cooking, Food, Recipes, Review

Best convenient meals that work for me

Everyone seems to be busy these days.  It doesn’t seem to matter whether you’re a student, professional, stay-at-home… everyone is running around in the rat race of life.  When I lived in Boston, I would have a delivery service called PeaPod deliver my groceries typically on my postcall day bc I knew that’s when I’d be home.  But today, delivery services have improved!  I’ll go through each of my favorites:




GOBBLE

For the person or couple or family who likes the idea of cooking and/or cooking together, Gobble makes it super easy to whip together a delicious meal that takes all the menu planning, grocery shopping, portion controlling out of it.  It’s my go-to date night meal.


————————————-

FRESHLY

Freshly is a more Paleo focused meal that offers single serving portions of breakfast, lunch, or dinner that is super quick and convenient!  Some of the best parts about this delivery service: high quality protein, no refined sugars or artificial sweeteners, always gluten free, low-glycemic carbohydrates, and nutrient-rich veggies.  Need I say more?


————————————-

FRESH AND FIT

Fresh and Fit meals are more a local delivery food service that is super convenient and served in single serving containers.  It’s all natural and organic, seasonal, and comes from local, sustainable farms.  It’s more veggie intensive and they taste delicious!


————————————-

DAILY HARVEST

Daily Harvest is a wonderful way to blend up healthy stuff that’s super convenient and perfect for that sweet tooth craving!  Usually I’ll whip one of these up in the morning — either with water or coconut water or almond milk.  The directions are on each cup.  Oftentimes I’ll add my own protein powder, chia seeds, flax seed, etc. to boost my nutrition.  These shakes taste delicious — almost like a decadent milkshake (but one that’s actually healthy and good for you!).  So go ahead and have one for dessert!

———————————-

*** UPDATE March 2017 ***

SUN BASKET

This is now our go-to meal planner for the week! We love the nutritious aspect of this quick throw together meal delivery kit. It’s faster to prep than Blue Apron, but slightly longer to make than Gobble. The sunbasket ingredients are organic and as expected have a longer shelf life in the fridge. The recipes are super delicious and diverse. I prefer a paleo delivery kit and this one delivers!! 

Leave a comment Posted on Europe, Food, Itinerary, Wine

Northern Italy, Southern France, and Northern Spain by car

We were looking for a wonderful two week vacation that was Zika virus-free.  In fact, we had to cancel our last vacation to Panama because it has become such a pandemic!  So, we researched and landed on a lovely European vacation via car!  A lot of it was based on the reservations we could land using the Top 50 Restaurants in the World.  It was an incredible way to see the countryside and try some wines as well as have some spontaneous adventures along the way!  This would be a fantastic honeymoon (in fact, it was our “pre” honeymoon!).

Our Itinerary:

Friday, May 13

FLIGHT INFORMATION:

Day, Date Flight Class Departure City and Time Arrival City and Time Aircraft Meal
Fri, 13MAY16 UA370 X SAN DIEGO, CA 
(SAN) 3:20 PM		 SAN FRANCISCO, CA 
(SFO) 4:57 PM		 737-800
Fri, 13MAY16 UA926 X SAN FRANCISCO, CA 
(SFO) 7:00 PM		 FRANKFURT, GERMANY 
(FRA) 2:55 PM (14MAY)		 747-400 Dinner
Sat, 14MAY16 LH302 X FRANKFURT, GERMANY 
(FRA) 4:25 PM		 TURIN, ITALY 
(TRN) 5:40 PM		 ERJ 190
Flight operated by LUFTHANSA CITYLINE.
Saturday, May 14
5:40p arrive Turin, Italy
Pick-Up
HERTZ
May 14, 2016 – 18:30
TORINO CASELLE AIRPORT
DESK IN TERMINAL
MUST HAVE FLIGHT INFO – TORINO , IT
Tel: 39 011 5678166
No. 65, combal zero, rivoli Italy — http://www.combal.org/en/
Sat, May 14 8:30p

PIAZZA MAFALDA DI SAVOIA 10098 RIVOLI (TO)

TEL +39 011 9565225 – FAX +39 011 956524

Expedia:
Via Monsagnasco 10, Rivoli, TO 10098
39 (011) 2631523
Check in ends 8p – guaranteed late arrival
1 double bed, wifi, breakfast, parking
Tour at University of Gastronomical Science (Piedmont)
—————————-
Sun, May 15
48h confirmation for Piazza Duomo
Cinque Terra
3 hour drive from Rivoli
Hotel Carla, Levanto – May 15
Via Martiri della Libertà 28, Levanto, SP, 19015 Italy
Booked through Expedia
May 15, 2016 – May 16, 2016
Check-in time
12:30 PM
Check-out time
10:30 AM
Check-in policies
Check-in time starts at 12:30 PM
Check-in time ends at 9:30 PM
If a late check-in is planned, contact this hotel directly for their late check-in policy

Evernote Camera Roll 20160421 133833

Before you go watch Barolo Boys on iTunes to get context. Only 1 hr long! 
Barbaresco:
Gaja…..one of the absolute biggest names in wine period. Modern Classic. Go. Will email John Rielly.
All you need is the equivalent of 600€ charitable donation from charity you have already donated to (for Gaja):
From John: 
They don’t need to pay anybody and Gaja doesn’t touch the dough.  It’s all about philanthropy so if they’ve already donated to anther charity this year that would work or they could pick one of the Italian charities suggested by the winery.  Just need a receipt or invoice.

In Serralunga for hotels the Il Boscareto is decadent right in the amphitheater of vineyards.
In the same town Centro Storico is where I would go for a really authentic experience.
Wines from the owner’s friends that we’ve never heard of, tableside prosciutto carving,   and so reasonable $$.

In Barbaresco town, send them to Antica Torre at the top of the hill past the Gaja Winery.  Lunch or Dinner.
Order Tajarin, the famous egg yolk pasta or anything else and they’ll be stoked.  Once again, reasonable $$.

Over towards Bolgheri, Il Doretto is a killer low key restaurant in a person’s yard basically.  Lunch or Dinner.

In Montalcino, Il Giglio is great.  Dinner.

In Sant’Angelo en Colle near Il Poggione Il Pozzo is a great lunch spot.
Ruche wine: After tasting all Ferrari has to offer, consider a stop in the center of the small town Ferrari’s winery calls home, Castagnole Monferatto. There’s a quaint church, picturesque views and Restaurant Da Geppe, a humble place to have a delicious lunch and a few more glasses of wine.
☐ BOOK this hotel: http://www.barolomeriame.com/eng/agriturismo.html
☐ Book this dinner: http://www.trattoriadellaposta.it/indexeng.html
☐Book this winery: http://www.sobrerofrancesco.it/index.php?idLinguaSel=2
☐ Book dinner (request hillside): http://www.villatiboldi.com/en/ Can also choose to hotel here.
☐Winery, hotel: http://castellodiverduno.com/
Barolo:
☐Winery visit: (no ressie needed): http://www.cantinedamilano.it/en-eng/
—————————–
Mon, May 16
1 week email confirmation for Arzak
Antico Podere Tota Virginia
Località Baudana 69, Serralunga D’Alba, 12050, Italy – Show directions
Phone: +390173613026Serralunga D’Alba

Check-in Monday, May 16, 2016 (2:00 PM – 12:00 AM)

Check-out Wednesday, May 18, 2016 (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Free cancellation: Until May 11, 2016 11:59 PM
Cavallotto Tenuta Bricco Boschis – May 16 at 10:00 a.m.
Traditional:
Cavalotto: traditional, ageable (I think mandatory) wines to put away and drink on a far future anniversary if you cellar it PROPERLY. Tend to be a bit tannic and tight young but with age holy shit.
Cavallotto Tenuta Bricco Boschis
12060 Castiglione Falletto, Piemonte, Italia
tel. +39.0173.62814
fax.+39.0173.62914
info@cavallotto.com
http://www.cavallotto.com
Centro Storico
Also in Serralungo: Centro Storico is where I would go for a really authentic experience.
Wines from the owner’s friends that we’ve never heard of, tableside prosciutto carving, and so reasonable $$.
(Note – this is a 4 min drive from our hotel! But closed Mondays??)
We Must Go Here for lunch or dinner!!!
La Spinetta – May 16 at 3:00 pm
Giorgio Rivetti. Modern style Nebbiolo. Even affordable Barberas (Ca d Pian!) are very good in addition to the revered Barolos and Barbarescos. The moscato di Astis are prob some of the best made even though somms make fun of people who drink moscato.
http://www.la-spinetta.com (Note, Castagnole Lanze is located just northwest of Barbaresco)
We will be very happy to have you visit us and would like to suggest the  16th of May at 3 p.m. at our main Castagnole Lanze winery, outside the little town of Castagnole Lanze.

Please note that we only consider this appointment booked, if we receive an e-mail from you affirming the date and time.
You will then receive a PDF document with the directions to our winery. 
Please print this document and bring it along to your visit.

The tasting and tour, of course also depending on your interest, take about 90 minutes and can be held in English or Italian.

Since we take our time with you and since we always make sure one can taste the best (e.g. we will open a bottle also just for your visit), please understand that we have to charge 15,00 Euro a person to taste 4 different wines and 20,00 Euro a person to taste 6 different wines. However, if you purchase wine for more than 50,00 Euro a person, the tasting fee will be covered by us.

Trattoria della Posta – May 16 at 20:00, 8:00 p.m.
OK PRENOTAZIONE PER 2 PERSONE PER LUNEDI’ 16 MAGGIO ORE 20:00.
SALUTI.
RISTORANTE TRATTORIA DELLA POSTA

http://trattoriadellaposta.it/indexeng.html

E-mail: info@trattoriadellaposta.it
Tel.: +39/0173/78120 
Fax.: +39/0173/78120 
Indirizzo: Località Sant’Anna, 12065 Monforte d’Alba, Italy
Barbaresco:
Pickup food in Alba before exploring Barbaresco wineries.
☐Book
☐Winery visit: http://cigliuti.it/en/
☐Winery visit: Socre
☐WINERY visit: Gaja — most famous Barbaresco producer
In Barbaresco town, send them to Antica Torre at the top of the hill past the Gaja Winery.  Lunch or Dinner.
Order Tajarin, the famous egg yolk pasta or anything else and they’ll be stoked.  Once again, reasonable $$.
(Note, right next to Produtorri Barbaresco winery)
Over towards Bolgheri, Il Doretto is a killer low key restaurant in a person’s yard basically.  Lunch or Dinner.
    (Above looks south of Livorno, too far southeast)
In Montalcino, Il Giglio is great.  Dinner.
     (Above also far, south of Florence)
In Sant’Angelo en Colle near Il Poggione Il Pozzo is a great lunch spot.
    (Same)
OK to bring up to 12 bottles of wine in suitcase.
—————————-
Tues, May 17
Paolo Scavino: May 17 at 10:00 a.m.
Modern style Nebbiolo that drinks younger but great examples of the style. Silky. You might be parents sooner than you expect though 😳 (located just northwest of Barolo)
Az. Vit. Paolo Scavino • Castiglione Falletto (CN) • Tel. +39 0173 62850 • CF/PI 01799950041 •

It will be a pleasure to welcome you at Paolo Scavino. Our only availability is for Tuesday 17th at 10:00am together with some other guests. If it works for you, I kindly ask a phone number in case of any communications.

(Confirmed via email with Roberto)

Roberto Boggione  
Azienda Vitivinicola Paolo Scavino
Via Alba-Barolo, 157 – 12060 Castiglione Falletto (CN)
Phone  +39 017362850 | Fax  +39 0173 462042
roberto@paoloscavino.com  www.paoloscavino.com

Piazza Duomo: May 17 at 12:30 pm
No. 27,

piazza duomo, Alba, Italy —
Tues, May 17 12:30p

Ristorante Piazza Duomo 
P.za Risorgimento 4, 12051 Alba (CN)
Tel. 0173- 366167 
Les Grandes Tables du Monde - Le Soste


Dress code:smart casual




Socre – May 17 at 15:30


Perfetto!!!
At 15,30 May 17th.
Ciao,
Marco


Marco Piacentino


Socré
> Strada Terzolo, 7
> Barbaresco
> mobile +39 348 7121685







Cigliuti – May 17 at 6 p.m.


Confirmed with Claudia via email


AZ. AGR. F.LLI CIGLIUTI
Via Serraboella, 17    I-12052 NEIVE (CN)
Tel +39/0173/677185   Fax +39/0173/67142
E-mail   info@cigliuti.it    www.cigliuti.it






Produttori di Barbareso – No Res Needed, see Hours Below


Uber traditional style barbaresco.  Ageable. Good value for wines that can go the distance. A favorite for classic style that is well made and you can even buy it at Costco.



Hello,


you are more than welcome to come and taste our wines.


We have a tasting room open every days from 10 to 13 and from 14 to 18, also Saturdays and Sundays


You can come when do you prefer, no reservation needed, and the tasting will be free of charge.


Sorry but we don’t give tour of the winery but just tastings.


Thank you so much


See you here in Barbaresco


Best regards


Luca Cravanzola


Produttori del Barbaresco


Via Torino 54


12050 Barbaresco (cn)


tel:   +39 0173 635139


fax:  +39 0173 635130


luca@produttoridelbarbaresco.com


www.produttoridelbarbaresco.com


———–




Villa Tiboldi – May 17, 7:30 pm






We are very glad to inform you that we have reserved for you a table for 2 people at our restaurant for dinner on 17 May 2016.


The service starts at 7.30 pm.


ATTENTION!


The correct address for you GPS device is:


Via Santo Stefano Roero, 75 – 12043 Canale (CN) – Italy (this is not  our address: drive about 40 meters  on and you will see our sign) (please note that in the area there are 2 villages with the name Canale. The correct one is located 15 km far from Alba, while the other one – the wrong one – is located a 80 km far from us!!)


GPS/Navigator coordinates


E   7° 58’ 32. 79”


N 44° 47’ 44. 62”








VILLA TIBOLDI


Case Sparse Tiboldi, 127


12043 CANALE – Piemonte – Italia


tel: +39 0173 970388  – fax: +39 0173 959233


www.villatiboldi.it


GPS:  N 44° 47’ 44. 62”  –   E 07° 58’ 32. 79”




Centro Storico – May 17, dinner (7:30 or 8:00)


Alessio confirmed available for dinner


















—————————-




 


Wed, May 18




 


Verduno Pelaverga DOC…I do recommend these wines for delicious factor…might be nice to taste something lighter after all of these tannic nebbiolos below


Producer: Burlotto. Importer Estelle imports http://www.burlotto.com/it/


Producer: Castello di verduno http://www.cantinecastellodiverduno.it




Castello di Verduno – May 18, 9:00 a.m. (awaiting final confirmation)




The winery is open for visit and tasting from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 1 pm and from 2pm from 5pm. Sunday only in the morning from 9am to 1pm. Visit at the cellar and tasting of 3/4 wines is free of charge.


Please to tell me when you would prefer to come.


Cordialmente


Marcella Bianco


Via Umberto I, 9






12060 Verduno – CN


Tel + Fax    +39 0172 470284


E-mail:info@cantinecastellodiverduno.it


www.cantinecastellodiverduno.it




Italian Riveria


San Remo?? Best spots between Piedmont and Menton??














 








 




No. 11 Mirazur, Menton, France —


May 18 8:15p


 








Best Western Prince de Galles




4, avenue du Général de Gaulle, Menton, 06500, France – Show directions




Phone: +33493282121












Your reservation
1 night, 1 room Change




Check-in


Wednesday, May 18, 2016


(from 4:00 PM)





Check-out


Thursday, May 19, 2016


(until 12:00 PM)













$139 euro








Cancellation policy


If canceled or modified up to 7 days before date of arrival, no fee will be charged. If canceled or modified later or in case of no-show, 100 percent of the first night will be charged.


Any cancellation or modification fees are determined by the property. Additional costs will be paid to the property.






Cancellation cost


    

  • Until May 10, 2016 11:59 PM [Menton]: € 0
    • 

  • From May 11, 2016 12:00 AM [Menton]: € 139
    • 















—————————-




Thurs, May 19






French Riviera – leave Menton – Nice, Cannes, Others??




Email Mugaritz to confirm ressie




































Hôtel Provençal




25 rue des Écoles, Bandol, 83150, France – Show directions




Phone: +33494295211





























Make changes to your booking























































Your reservation
2 night, 1 room Change




Check-in
Thursday, May 19, 2016 (3:00 PM – 9:00 PM)




Check-out
Saturday, May 21, 2016 (7:00 AM – 11:00 AM)


















Parking included: 9 eur/night — we have 1 space reserved for 2 nights.






—————————-




Fri, May 20




 


french-wine_50a4057b5bca7_w1266.png




Bandol: just go hang out on the wont and drink rose and eat flan and octopus for lunch. 


 


Domaine Tempier: May 20 at 10:00 a.m. (awaiting final confirmation)




Bandol: domaine Tempier. Best dry rosè in the world.


Enough said. Also Funky meaty reds to drink with funky cheese.  Do it.


Importer: Kermit Lynch







 










Domaine de Terrebrune: May 20 at 17:00


Bandol: Domaine de terrebrune. Second best dry rose in the world. Guzzle it.


Importer Kermit Lynch





Our domaine is open from 9h30 to 12h30 for the visit and from 14h30 to 18h.


Thank you to come one hour before we close.














See you on the 20 th May.


Thank you for the interest in  our wine.


Best regards














Camille












Domaine de Terrebrune










DOMAINE DE TERREBRUNE










724 Chemin de la Tourelle
83190 Ollioules
France
Tél. : +33 (0)4 94 74 01 30
http://www.terrebrune.fr










Coordonnées GPS 43°14N 5°83E










 


















Hôtel Provençal




25 rue des Écoles, Bandol, 83150, France – Show directions




Phone: +33494295211







































































Your reservation
2 night, 1 room Change




Check-in
Thursday, May 19, 2016 (3:00 PM – 9:00 PM)




Check-out
Friday, May 21, 2016 (7:00 AM – 11:00 AM)






















Property Details








Property name
Hôtel Provençal




Address
25 rue des Écoles
Bandol, 83150
France		




Phone
+33494295211




Fax
+33494296757




Email
541239187-znau.tqcb.sgk4.qvku@


property.booking.com






Travel information
Show directions 






Your reservation details








Check-in
Thursday, May 19, 2016 , check-in 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM




Check-out
Saturday, May 21, 2016 , check-out 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM




Your reservation
2 nights, 1 room





€ 224 Please note: additional supplements (e.g. extra bed) are not added to this total. 
VAT (10%) included 
City tax (€ 0.99 per person per night) not included		








———————————————————




Sat, May 21






Dave Phinney winemaker, in Maury??






Provence Chateau Pibarnon – May 20 OR May 21 (can fit at 2:00 pm on May 20)


Wine nerds love this shit as well. Google pics of this joint



Per website, open Sat and res not needed






Hi,


Thank you for your mail.


We will receive you during your trip in Bandol on May 20 or 21.


It’s not necessary to have a reservation if you are only 2 persons.


We are open Morning : 9 – 12h / afternoon : 14 – 18h


Best regards




Benoît RICHET


Responsable Commercial


Tél : +33 (0)4 94 90 12 73 / Fax : +33 (0) 4 94 90 12 98


www.pibarnon.com


logo pibarnon pour signature






Chateaux Pradeaux




Provence: saint cyr


Chateaux Pradeaux


Just google for hours and contact info. Wine nerds love this shit.



(Per email, no availability May 20 or 21 (possibly an event, Le Salon Du Vin but ref Paris??)




Marseille





https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187253-d2630035-Reviews-Stade_Velodrome-Marseille_Bouches_du_Rhone_Provence.html?m=19904


Hotel du Parc


Check in: May 21

Check out: May 22


Address: Hotel du Parc

8, rue Achille Bege

34090

France


Classic Double Room – Non-refundable

2 adults








—————————-




Sun, May 22




Lac de Bouillouses


Foix












Inter-Hôtel du Lac




Le Couloumié, lieu-dit Labarre, Foix, 09000, France – Show directions




Phone: +33561651717
















Can't see this map? Click here to view location and directions.
Hotel info






















Your reservation
1 night, 1 room




Check-in
Sunday, May 22, 2016 (4:00 PM – 11:00 PM)




Check-out
Monday, May 23, 2016 (until 11:30 AM)


























—————————–


Mon, May 23


Cirque du gavarnie


Sanctuary and grotto of Lourdes






Lourdes






Your reservation is confirmed.




Your hotel reservation at Hotel Atlantic is confirmed.










partner_logo

































Hotel Atlantic











224 Reviews 










2 Boulevard de la Grotte





+33 5 62 94 02 33






















—————————-




Tues, May 24




 




13:30p – Lunch at No. 17 Arzak!


Rerservation Number: 242907


Restaurante Arzak


Avda. Alcalde José Elosegui, 273


Tel: 943 278465


Fax: 943 272753




20015 – San Sebastian


Call or email 1 week before ressie.






Walk around San Sebastián.














NH Collection San Sebastián Aranzazu




Vitoria-Gasteiz, 1, Antiguo, San Sebastián, 20018, Spain – Show directions




Phone: +34943219077





















































Make changes to your booking























































Your reservation
1 night, 1 room Change




Check-in
Tuesday, May 24, 2016 (from 3:00 PM)




Check-out
Wednesday, May 25, 2016 (until 12:00 PM)
























—————————-




Wed, May 25






Day in San Sebastián. Tapas on the famous street!


Bike ride. Minimal surf. Shops closed from 2-4p




 


8p No. 6 Mugaritz dinner




     Date:        25th May 2016   Hour   : 20:00
     People  :    2




We finally ask you to confirm your visit 5 days in advance by calling +34 943 522 455 or by email at reservas@mugaritz.com.


Please remember our cancellation policy; rest assured that no charges will be made to your card even if you cancel your reservation up to 3 days in advance.  If the reservation is cancelled in the last 48 hours, a fee of 117€ per person will be charged to the card.  If the reservation is cancelled on the booked date, or if the guest does not arrive, a fee of 185€ per person will be charged to the card.


How to get here http://bit.ly/1x1BhOL


 








Añarre Zarra




Carretera Gi 2132 KM 12- 13, Rentería, 20100, Spain – Show directions




Phone: +34943523751












our reservation
1 night, 1 room Change




Check-in


Wednesday, May 25, 2016


(from 1:00 PM)





Check-out


Thursday, May 26, 2016


(until 12:00 PM)













$48 euro








Cancellation policy


If canceled or modified up to 30 days before date of arrival, no fee will be charged. If canceled or modified up to 15 days before date of arrival, 40 percent of the total price of the reservation will be charged. If canceled or modified up to 7 days before date of arrival, 60 percent of the total price of the reservation will be charged. If canceled or modified later or in case of no-show, the total price of the reservation will be charged.


Any cancellation or modification fees are determined by the property. Additional costs will be paid to the property.






Cancellation cost


    

  • Until April 24, 2016 11:59 PM [Rentería]: € 0
    • 

  • From April 25, 2016 12:00 AM [Rentería]: € 19.20
    • 

  • From May 10, 2016 12:00 AM [Rentería]: € 28.80
    • 

  • From May 18, 2016 12:00 AM [Rentería]: € 48
    • 















—————————-




Thurs, May 26






Email Extebarri for 48h confirmation








Basque Country


Ameztoi


Lugar Barrio Eitzaga, 10, 20808 Eitzaga, Gipuzkoa, Spain


High acid seafood friendly whites reds and rose.





(Emailed, no availability)




Day in St Jean de luz: day hike


Surf in Biarritz








—————————-




Fri, May 27






San Sebastián walked around. Had more pintxos. Tried keler beer.


 




No. 18, azurmendi, larrabetzu, Spain —


May 27 8:30p


The restaurant is at the EXIT Nº 25 of the Txorierri motorway. E70/N8. Once you get to the first roundabout you should turn to your right, then after 300 meters you would find a bridge on your right were you should pass through and just at the end of the bridge take the first one to the right.


CANCELLATION POLICY With the purpose of improving our services, and in case you cannot attend the day of reservation, we beg you to contact us by e-mail to reservas@azurmendi.biz, otherwise by telephone to +34 94 455 88 66, as soon as possible. In case that the cancellation takes place 24 hours prior to the reservation time, or you do not attend to the restaurant, we will charge you 100€, plus the 10% by way of VAT per person, to the credit card or debit card provided for its case.


 





















Get the print version













Paperless confirmation






















Casa Rural Miamendi




Barrio Legina, 1, Larrabetzu, 48195, Spain – Show directions




Phone: +34944557084












Your reservation
1 night, 1 room Change




Check-in



(4:00 PM – 9:00 PM)





Check-out


Saturday, May 28, 2016


(until 12:00 PM)
























Cancellation policy


If canceled or modified up to 3 days before date of arrival, no fee will be charged. If canceled or modified later or in case of no-show, 100 percent of the first night will be charged.


Any cancellation or modification fees are determined by the property. Additional costs will be paid to the property.






Cancellation cost


    

  • Until May 23, 2016 11:59 PM [Larrabetzu]: € 0
    • 

  • From May 24, 2016 12:00 AM [Larrabetzu]: € 68.75
    • 


































—————————-




Sat, May 28








Walked around Bilbao. Saw Guggenheim. More pintxos.






No. 13


Asador Etxebarri, Atxondo, Bizkaia, Spain — May 28, 8:30p (email confirmation 48 h prior to ressie)














Gran Hotel Durango











74 Reviews










Bolshaya Yushunskaya str., 1 A, bldg. 2


































Check in: 5/28/2016




Check out: 5/29/2016





1 night





1 room





2 guests










Total Price: 107.33 USD




Cancellation Policy: We understand that sometimes your travel plans change. We do not charge a change or cancel fee. However, this property (Gran Hotel Durango) imposes the following penalty to its customers that we are required to pass on: Cancellations or changes made after 6:00 PM ((GMT+01:00) Brussels, Copenhagen, Madrid, Paris) on May 27, 2016, or no-shows, are subject to a 1 Night Room & Tax penalty.






















—————————






Sun, May 29








Durango to Bilbao airport: https://goo.gl/maps/8WHPp19nrp62


30 minutes with tolls










Car Rental Drop-Off










HERTZ




May 29, 2016 – 06:00




BILBAO AIRPORT
AEROPUERTO DE LOIU
*** MUST HAVE FLIGHT INFO *** – BILBAO , ES		




Tel: 34 944 530 931




OPEN Mondays-Fridays 07:00 AM-midnight
OPEN Saturdays-Sundays 07:30 AM-11:30 PM		




















FLIGHT INFORMATION:








Day, Date
Flight
Class
Departure City and Time
Arrival City and Time
Aircraft
Meal




Sun, 29MAY16
LH1147
X
BILBAO INTERNATIONAL, SPAIN 
(BIO) 6:50 AM		
FRANKFURT, GERMANY 
(FRA) 9:00 AM		
A-321





Flight operated by LUFTHANSA.









Sun, 29MAY16
UA961
X
FRANKFURT, GERMANY 
(FRA) 11:20 AM		
NEWARK, NJ 
(EWR – LIBERTY) 1:55 PM		
777-200
Lunch














Sun, 29MAY16
UA513
X
NEWARK, NJ 
(EWR – LIBERTY) 6:01 PM		
SAN DIEGO, CA 
(SAN) 9:09 PM		
737-900
Purchase
















—————————–


Mon, May 30

					

	
					



			
				



	
	


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Restaurants tackled on the World’s Top 50 restaurants
	


			

			
World’s Top 50 resties — 2014



It took me about 5 years to build up this list.  The amount of work and attention to detail that these restaurants perform is incredible.  In the same trip, I ate at Geranium and Noma.  At the time, Geranium was #50 and Noma was #1.  The two were almost indistinguishable.  2 fave restaurant in the US: Per Se and Alinea.  Bravo to the chefs and staff.  My culinary journey was nothing short of a blessing.


The 2016 World’s Best Restaurants list and with my updated dining list from 2015-2016:


    

  • (6) Mirazur
    • 

  • (7) Mugaritz
    • 

  • (10) Asador Extebarri
    • 

  • (12) Quintonil
    • 

  • (16) Azurmendi
    • 

  • (17) Piazza Duomo
    • 

  • (21) Arzak
    • 

  • (25) Pujol
    • 

  • (31) Nihonryori RyuGin
    • 

  • (46) Combal Zero
    • 


					

	
					



			
				



	
	


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San Francisco – May 2015
	


			

			











Staircases:
















Best new restaurant: The Progress, Lazy Bear

Restaurants: State Bird Provisions, Benu, SPQR, Quince

Bars: TrickDog, Bar Agricole

Bakers: B Patisserie, Craftsman and Wolves

Wine: a16

Swan Oyster Depot: http://www.sfswanoysterdepot.com

Breakfast @ Mama’s: http://www.mamas-sf.com/

Smitten ice cream… so so ice cream at best but the beer garden next to it was perfect!

Kokkari Greek restaurant (don’t forget the lamb riblets)

Twin Peaks summit hike


Masa’s (French)


Brenda’s French soul food: breakfast = bananas foster french toast


Kappa Japanese restaurant

No. 75: Coi


Cigar bar


Barbacco


Zarzuela


Commonwealth






http://www.10best.com/destinations/california/san-francisco/mission-district/

Chinatown: http://www.hiddensf.com/103-chinatown-san-francisco-california.html




Main Attractions:

http://www.hiddensf.com/400-san-francisco-attractions.html

http://www.hiddensf.com/410-san-francisco-tourism.html




Presidio Park:

http://www.hiddensf.com/430-things-to-do-presidio-sf.html

Batteries to Bluffs walking trail (view of GGBridge): http://www.hiddensf.com/batterys-bluffs-walking-trail.html

















San Francisco Carnaval, Mission District, San Francisco

Festival, Saturday-Sunday, 5/23/15 – 5/24/15, Free.  Harrison St. between 16th & 24th Streets.

Parade, Sunday 5/24/14, 9:30 am, Free.  Proceeds west on 24th St. then north on Mission St.

A big, crowded Latin American/Caribbean Street festival and parade in the Mission District.




Caledonia Street Festival, Caledonia Street/Johnson Street, Sausalito

Saturday, 5/24/15, 11 am-5 pm,  Free.

A party for the people of Sausalito, very much like the old Sausalito Art Fair, featuring local art and music.  7000 people attended last year.



					

	
					



			
				



	
	


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Sunday, May 24: The Mission and Presidio #SF
	


			

			
After a bit of a later start this morning (actually rolled outta bed around 9a), I decided it’s time to tackle The Mission.  Why’s everyone always talking about this area?  I had to find out.  So, I hopped the BART and headed for the Mission 16th St stop.  The area was pretty crowded…and here’s why: The Mission St. Carnaval! 




The energy and vibe were up! People lined the streets dancing, singing, eating, etc. Eventually, a gal builds up an appetite and Mission Chinese has been on my foodie radar.  I ordered the tea-smoked eel as an appetizer and the ma po tofu entree.  The app was a wonderful assortment of flavors and textures.  Perhaps the hoisin sauce was a bit overpowering, but kudos on combining a delicious flavor and texture-rich app.  The entree was massive!  Perfect amount of spice (probably a medium spice on my rating) for good heat without suffering through the tears and sweat of a super spicy dish.  Excellent flavor.  A side of steamed rice is welcomed to soften the salt load.




While waiting for my order to arrive, a gal was seated behind me and ordered the rice bowl.  I happened to overhear her conversation with the waitstaff about maybe ordering the same tea-smoked eel as I had ordered.  So, when my order arrived, I offered her a sample of mine to share.  Food, friends, and sharing all go hand in hand — this is why people congregate around food.  A familiar comfort with great company.  I find out her name is Cristina Soltesz and she does event planning.  We were conversing through lunch and before ya know it, she sees a friend of hers walking down the street.  Alex came in and ordered some food.  Then, more of her friends showed up — Sean and Emma.  And then another one of her friends (I forget his name) showed up.  In the end, 6 of us decided to roam the Mission.  Actually, it was more like Cristina and her friends being super amazing hosts and graciously showing me the sights and sounds of The Mission.


After lunch, we opted to walk and find some yummy coffee.  One of her friends suggested Four Barrel coffee.  I ordered a pour over: La Cabana from Colombia. Mild, hints of sweet,…no sugar needed.  Perhaps I am starting to understand what makes a great coffee…and it seems to be in the beans and the process.  The barista (or is it baristo for the male version?) placed a coffee filter into a cone that was atop what looked like an erlenmyer flask (yeah, flashback to chemistry, right?). He poured hot water into the filter then weighed out some coffee beans and then had then ground freshly for my one cup.  Once the grind was in the cone with moistened filter, he lightly poured some hot water over it until it started to show more packing and less liquid.  Then he poured more hot water over it and set the timer for 30 seconds.  After 30 seconds, another round of hot water.  I think that was repeated one more time and that was it.




The perfect minimalist approach to a flavorful (no additives) cup of coffee.  Hipster? Maybe.  Delicious? Yes.


After coffee, we headed down a graffiti walled alleyway.  Interesting and ever-changing according to our Mission expert, Alex.




From 6 friends walking –> to 4.  Then 3.  We packed up into Cristina’s car and headed out to check out Dolores Park.  It’s a beautiful open space but they were doing construction on it so most of it was closed off.  After that, we headed out to the Presidio area and dropped off her friend Sean.  We then headed back to her place and I met her husband and mother and father-in-law.  They’re from Italy and were a delight!  She speaks Italian as well — what can’t this gal do?  After a brief meet and greet and tour of her place, we then headed out to see Presidio National Park which looks like a gorgeous forest.




We stopped to check out Inspiration Point and then took in the atmosphere at Off the Grid in Presidio.  What a great gathering! Food trucks, open grass, music, and a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge.  Sounds like a great way to spend a Sunday!  After that, we headed out to Baker Beach for a different shot of the GGB.




Despite the fog, it was still a beautiful scene.  A quick jaunt and history of Sutro Baths and Cliff House.




Then onto a quick drive through Golden Gate Park.  It was such a delightful tour of San Francisco. Without Cristina, I definitely wouldn’t have had the opportunity to see so many things in the city.  She’s a real gem.  How often will you quickly connect with a stranger? We seem to be like-minded and she’s got a great head on her shoulders.  If you stumble across this, THANK YOU Cristina!!!