Hiking in Altea
Some people think about visiting Paris. I, on the other hand, think about things like eating at Charlie Trotter’s in Chicago, drinking a glass of Chateau Yquem, or hiking along the Spanish coastal mountains. I opted for pizza, vino tinto and breathtaking scenery earlier last week on the Costa Blanca. Altea is a coastal town [...]
Quest For a Meal in Granada
In our quest for appetizing authentic food, we avoid establishments with pictures of dishes pasted around the entrance or with plastic menus. We’ve come to understand authentic doesn’t necessarily mean worthy; it’s a catch phrase. Throw in reasonably priced and it can be a chore to find that meal. We did find a few gems [...]
Tapas, A Taste of Spain in America
Tapas, and Spanish foods in general are filled with aromas, flavors and marvelously fresh ingredients. I first got hooked while living in Chicago where a plethora of ethnic food restaurants are available. After traveling in Catalonia and the Basque last year, I discovered José Andrés. Currently cooking a variety from my latest cookbook. Has anyone [...]
Navagating to Nekeas in the Navarra
So just what is Nekeas anyway? A winery making excellent wines in the Navarra region of Spain. Although I’m home now, not continuing to share more of my amazing adventures would be withholding great information. Who knows when one may decide to venture off to Northwest Spain! To give a quick overview of the Navarra, [...]
Navarra Wine, Historic Town: Bodegas Irache and Estella
Bodegas Irache is located in Ayegui, two kilometres from Estella. It was established in 1891 however it’s vineyards go back to the 12th century. The Monestary de Irache, also 12th century, is literally right next to the winery. The monestary was the first hospital for pilgrims on the Way to Compostela. Irache built a new [...]
Wine, Almonds and Hiking in Spain
Hiking in Spain is absolutely beautiful. In addition to our food and wine adventures this trip, we’ve gone on several hikes. Starting in Barcelona, you’ve got Montserrat, a short train ride from the city. From this monastery dating back a few hundred years, (who’s counting centuries!) you have magnificent views of the surrounding area. Depending [...]
Seafood in the Basque
What did we do today? A great three hour hike to the Basque town of Getaria on the coast where seafood is aplenty. As you walk the streets of this small port town, you see restaurants cooking fish outside on grills. We found a place for our typically later Spanish lunch. While waiting for our [...]
Traditional Wine in La Rioja
Established in 1877 and located in the town of Haro, Bodegas Lopez de Heredia is the third oldest bodega (winery) in Rioja, run by the family’s fourth generation, and make wine in a ‘tradional’ method. The visit was fascinating and oh so different from the typical California winery tour (not that I don’t like California [...]
Piquillo Peppers in Action
Where was I today? Driving down the street in Haro (pronounced ah-row), a small hub town in the northern La Rioja wine region. It was about 4:00 p.m. I look to my left and say to my husband, “Stop! Pull over, quick!” I jump out and walk over to an open garage. In it are [...]
