Sharing Travel Experiences

Going Around the World with a Different “Approach”

Pardon the terrible pun (as you’ll soon see), but I’m delighted to introduce today’s guests, who offer up their view of world travel with a different ‘approach.’ It’s Jennifer & David Raezer, who are very active in the Sharing Travel Experiences community and I’ve known them virtually for some time. I look forward to seeing them this summer when I visit their hometown of New York City, but meanwhile I’m satisfied reading about their world adventures – both those related to their love of wine as well as those related to their love of drawing connections.

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The World’s Most Beautiful Vineyards

There are few things that bridge gaps between cultures more than a good glass of wine.  And vineyards are a featured highlight in many countries – they’re always on my travel itineraries.  Here are a few of the best choices for some of the world’s most beautiful vineyards.

Chateau Potelle, Napa Valley, California

Napa Valley isn’t my favourite wine region really, but the most beautiful vineyard in the world (in my opinion) can be found here.   The vineyard, Chateau Potelle, is tucked away hidden on a hill away from the main road.  The winery produces a number of different types of wines and in fact is probably the most delicious wine in Napa as well.  This is a must-see in vineyard: friendly owners, a beautiful picnic spot, and amazing wine.  What’s not to like?

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Darlene and Thomas Talk about Life after 40

Do you think you’re too old to travel? Worried your travel lifestyle will have to end in your golden years? Well, drop those misconceptions right now. Today’s guests are straight-talking about what it means to travel and live life after 40.

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Interview with Jennifer Gaines – Cowboys, Couture, and New World Wonders

Today’s interview is chock full of interesting tidbits, anecdotes, and other crazy wonderful thoughts. I’d like to welcome Jennifer Gaines from The Window Seat, Travelocity’s blog and one of the better ones out there on the ‘net. They have some fantastic travel guides and insightful content. Anyway, I’m sure you’re itching to hear what we discussed this week, so without further delay….

Great Wine & Sunshine: California’s Livermore Valley

It is no surprise that I love a good glass of vino. And combined with a passion for travel, for me nothing beats a day spent scouting out new territory for good wine. While I love the casual and relaxed atmosphere of Hunter Valley, or even the cosmopolitan chic of Napa, there is one place in the world that has some of the best wine in the most charming atmosphere: Livermore Valley

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3 Best Restaurants in the World

Anyone who knows me will know that I am a HUGE foodie. I’ll travel weird and wonderful places just to have the food – and believe me, I’ll try anything. Spaghetti Ice Cream in Germany? Done. Churros fried in a unsanitary barrel in an alley in Tijuana? That too. So I was having a coffee the other day and thinking: what would I say if someone asked me what my favourite restaurant in the world was?. Well, I thought about it and realised I could actually narrow it down to three! Yes, three of the best restaurants in the world. I’m sure I am probably missing a few other goodies out there, and of course by calling this a list of ‘restaurants’ that leaves out a lot of street vendors who dole out the good stuff on a regular basis.

In anycase, drumroll please – here’s the hitlist:

Number 1 of the best restaurants in the world: Louis XVI Restaurant in Patchogue, New York

Tucked away on the Long Island shore a good hour or two from Manhattan, Louis XVI is a stunning French restaurant that is in the sleepy town of Patchogue (pronounced “patch” + “ogg” for those of you unfamiliar with the odd place names in this part of the world). The small, intimate dining area is luxurious without being pretentious and the open windows to the ocean are a nice touch. They call it Versailles by the Sea and I couldn’t think of a more appropriate title. You must order the full three courses, although I’d more call it a six course meal as lovely free tasters arrive in between each serving. The wine list is to die for – even my friend Nat Maclean would likely agree – and there is one thing that they do better than anyone else in the world. Souflee. Wow. I had a grand marnier souflee that was simply the most esquisite baked good I have witnessed in my entire life.

Patchogue is near Fire Island and the Hamptons, so its possible to combine a visit to these more popular destinations with a meal at Louis XVI.

Number 2 of the best restaurants in the world: Awaroa Lodge, Able Tasman National Park, New Zealand

I suppose one could say that the food would taste food at any restaurant that requires marathon-like endurance to get to. The Awaroa lodge certainly qualifies – it’s in the depths of the Able Tasman National Park and has no roads leading up to it. Your options are to fly in via the hotel’s airstrip or walk. (I walked.) The coastal trail in the park is one of New Zealand’s loveliest, with crystal blue waters and desolate beaches. Because of its remoteness, the Awaroa serves up many items grown in the neighbouring garden – and as a nice touch each course is delivered with a wildflower accompaniment. Fresh Kiwi beers are on tap, as well as Kiwi wine of course. Their speciality, of course, is seafood, and they do it very, very well. The dining area feels a bit like a ski lodge, with wooden beams and a nice clean look.

If you’re walking to the Awaroa, be sure to research your trip before you go. There are tidal crossings that you will need to navigate, and you’ll want to book all your accommodation well in advance. More information is available from the Department of Conservation website.

Number 3 best restaurants in the world: Restaurant Salzamt, Vienna, Austria

If you look up gemütlich in the dictionary, this is what you should find. Vienna has some of the best cuisine of any capital city I’ve been to in recent memory, and Salzamt offers a wonderful blend of both the old world and modern Viennese kitchen. The interior is a cavernous, vaulted space but the best seats are outside, in an old cobblestone courtyard next to one of Vienna’s oldest churches. The atmosphere is almost electric as violins in the distance fill the area. Although every course is fantastic, this is no time to skip dessert as the pastry chef really makes miracles come true.

If you had to choose, what would be your favourite restaurant in the world?

Touring Rioja with a Wine Amateur

When friends and I won 200 euros in Spain’s Christmas lottery we decided to do something special with it, so we booked a Rioja travel tour and a lunch at one of La Rioja’s wineries (viñedos). And what a treat it was!

Granja de Nuestra Señora de Remelluri is located in the Basque region of Spain’s famous LaRioja wine district. The site’s been producing wine since the Roman era and in the 10th century was the location of a medieval village (the carved-grave necropolis still exists). It also operated for long time as the farm for the Monastery of Tolño, at the top of the local mountain ridge.

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Tour France with Julia Child

One of my favourite books from last year was a little number by Alex Prud’homme about the trials and tribulations of his mother. Titled My Life in France by Julia Child, Alex’s poignant memoir is a wonderful trip down memory lane and would inspire even the worst cooks to pack their backs and head to France. I had a few questions for Alex and he was kind enough to give us a fresh perspective on both Julia and the book:

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Pour a Glass of Vino with Nat

For some time now I’ve been friends with Natalie Maclean, whom I dare say is the world’s most fantastic and down to earth wine drinker and writer. Her website, Nat Decants is a fabulous array of resources for both the serious wine professional as well as those just looking to get their feet wet (although I hope not literally). Nat’s book, Red, White, and Drunk All Over: A Wine-Soaked Journey from Grape to Glass is a best seller and for good reason. After her most recent holiday, I caught up with Nat to talk about her worldwide exploration for another great glass of wine.

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