Navagating to Nekeas in the Navarra
on Nov 18, 2009 in Travel Wine Navarra Spain travel wine 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...

The Jewish Julie and Julia?
on Nov 9, 2009 in Foodie events If you haven't seen the movie "Julie and Julia" by now, or read the book, then just know that it's the story of a love affair with a cookbook. Many of us have them: a little crush here, a...

Mushroom Maddness
on Nov 5, 2009 in Foodie events In the mood for something fun before the holidays? November 6th through the 15th brings the annual Mushroom Festival to Mendocino, highlighting everything mushroom. Choose from mushroom cooking classes, wine and mushroom tastings at several Anderson...

Navarra Wine, Historic Town: Bodegas Irache and Estella
on Oct 26, 2009 in Travel Wine artisan cheese markets Spain travel wine 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...

Wine, Almonds and Hiking in Spain
on Oct 19, 2009 in Travel Wine almonds fig Priorat Spain travel wine 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...

Scottish Woman Meets Cheese in Barcelona
on Oct 6, 2009 in Artisan Products Travel artisan Barcelona cheese goat cheese Spain travel wine Traveling Europe in search of the best cheese for her then job, Katherine McLaughlin particularly liked Spain and it’s cheese. About ten years ago, she decided to open her own shop devoted to Spanish-only farmhouse cheeses. She stocks a...

Seafood in the Basque
on Oct 1, 2009 in Travel 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...

Hoe Down Down Home
on Sep 30, 2009 in Foodie events While my co-conspirator, Lynn, is eating her way through Spain and tantalizing us with her reports, those of us still down home have to make do. Of course, the annual Hoes Down Festival at Full Belly Farm is a...

Traditional Wine in La Rioja
on Sep 30, 2009 in Have You Tried? Travel Wine 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...

Piquillo Peppers in Action
on Sep 25, 2009 in Artisan Products Travel 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!...