22 Creative, interesting, useful? drinking glasses

Posted on May 10, 2012 by admin

I like the ones with the changeable base.  What about you?

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1. Hopside Down

For those who like to glug their beer right from the bottle. (buy)

2. The Moist And Marry Glasses

The “Moist and Marry” drinking glasses are sure to spark conversation at any dinner table as guests peer at the image of a dog urinating on a fire hydrant imprinted on their glass. If dogs don’t do it for you, the little boy option is a nice touch. Just beware of serving beer in these glasses. (Designer: Donkey Products)

3. Crinkled Glass

Something to remind you of your summer picnics with your friends.  Made from recycled glass. (Designer: Rob Brandt)

4. Butterfly And Spider Glass Set

All three glasses combined:

The set of 3 glasses consists of a butterfly, spider and spider webprinted on each glass. When put on top of each other each are connected. (Designer: Propaganda)

5. Mustache Glass

Get your stash on! Takes sipping on your favorite beverage to a whole new level. Great gift idea for young and old alike. (link)

6. Botanical Glass

Bombay Sapphire is pretty unique with a delicate botanical flavor. Of course the most luxe martini drink demands the same from accompanying glassware. Benjamin Hubert has designed a martini glass to reflect that aesthetic. Hand blown and shaped, this martini glass evokes the organic and botanical sensibility of Bombay Sapphire. (Designer: Benjamin Hubert)

7. Denture Glass

Drinking from this glass should feel similar to the way you’d feel if you accidentally drank from a glass where your grandpa keeps his denture. (link)

8. Half Full

Is your glass half full or half empty? If you’re like most people, you’re never quite sure. But this clever 7-ounce glass reminds you that Half Full is where you’ll always find refreshment. (buy)

9. “EvOlverre” One Glass For Every Drink

This glass uses the same head and a different base for 4 main glass-specific types of drink: water, cognac, wine, and champagne. (Designer: Utopik Design)

10. Swimmers Glasses

Pour some drink, and it will look as though these kids are diving in your beverage. (link)

11. This is [not]glass

“We’re glad that someone has finally caught on to our tendency to treat wine glasses like they’re soup ladles.” (Designer: Jeremy Brown)

12. </head> Tag Beer Glass

Don’t Lose your head! (link)

13. Crowd Glasses

If any one of the people walking around the rim of this glass was paying attention and not chatting on their cell phone, they may realize that when this glass is being used they are all upside down. (link)

14. Glass Tank

A device consists of a bulb shaped container with the glass below. When the amount in the glass decreases, a constant amount is poured from the tank into the glass. Never overflowing from the glass because of air pressure and water pressure. (Designer: kyouei design)

15. Martini Glass

Just like #8 Champagne Flute, this Martini Glass is from the same InsideOut series by Alissia Melka-Teichroew. Made out of hand-blown borosilicate glass, it has the advantage of double-walled glass, which provides insulation, thus keeping your drink colder for longer. (Designer: Alissia Melka-Teichroew)

16. Champagne Flute

Double-walled glass keeps your champagne cold for much longer. (Designer: Alissia Melka-Teichroew)

17. H2Eau

You could call this carafe-and-glass combo an optical illusion, but that reminds us too much of something tacky from Blackstone the Magician. The French “trompe l’oeil” sounds SO much cooler. Okay, back to the carafe — it looks like a stack of disposable plastic cups, but there’s just one cup sitting on top, and it’s all hand-blown from crystal clear borosilicate glass. Perfect for bed stand, desk, anywhere you need to keep hydrated! (buy)

18. O-Glass

Under normal circumstances a drinking glass with an extra hole in it is a messy proposition. Now you can use this magical hole to hold a napkin, pencil, spike etc. Plus, it creates an easy storing potential in bars. (Designer: Alvaro Lagos Vasquez)

19. BOULES Tumblers

Striking aesthetics and elegant timelessness with a touch of playfulness. Each tactile glass is skilfully mouth blown and hand finished with delicate lenses, which give a surprising visual element. BOULES’ curved and heavy bottoms allow the tumblers to rock, while the lens guarantees a stable position at a playful angle. (Designer: Absolute Appetite)

20. Cipher Drinking Glass

An empty glass resembles a meaningless colorful mosaic, until a liquid is poured into it, revealing its name. Each side of the glass is reserved for a specific drink. (Designer: Damjan Stankovic)

21. Winestein

You like sipping wine, but sometimes you’re just more comfortable with a mug in your mitt. Well this double-walled do-it-all lets you have it both ways. Elegant wine stem on the inside, manly beer stein on the outside, it’s a glass for all reasons. So pour yourself a nice measure of vino, grab it with gusto, thoughtfully inhale the bouquet, then toss it back. (buy)

22. Plastic Cup Wine Glass

It’s the perfect glass for wine lovers that like quality products, but don’t take themselves, or their wine hobby too seriously. (Designer: Maxim Velcovsky)

Thanks Bored Panda for these.

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Posted on May 8, 2012 by admin

7 common traveler mistakes to avoid

by Ned Levi on May 7, 2012

Passport Card courtesy of the US Department of State

Here’s a short list of seven mistakes travelers make which can be avoided:

1. Many business trips and vacations start at the airport. At security, some travelers’ sense of humor gets the best of them. They’re too loquacious, and in jest, too often say the wrong thing. In the movie, “The Core,” FBI agents picking up scientist Dr. Joshua Keys for a trip to the Pentagon, when asked, tell Dr. Keys they have “no sense of humor.”

I assure you, TSA agents and security agents at other airports across the globe also have no sense of humor. If you want to get through airport security quickly and with as little hassle as possible, be pleasant if spoken to by agents, but don’t make jokes, whisper to others in line, or use keywords such as bomb, explosive, pistol, or terrorist. Too often that will cause you a major delay, and could result in missing your flight.

2. If you’re a US citizen taking a cruise from a US port, even though you might be able to use a Passport Card instead of a passport, don’t be tempted to do so. If you have an emergency and need to fly home, you’ll need a passport. If something happens to your ship (and that does occasionally happen) and the cruise is cut short, requiring you to fly home from a foreign port, you’ll need your passport.

Passport Cards are not acceptable for traveling internationally, by air.

If you’re traveling internationally, always use a passport, as they are accepted for all international travel, by land, sea and air.

3. Even if your passport is valid, but it’s expiring soon, some countries might not accept it. You could be denied boarding your flight to those countries with a valid passport. Getting an emergency passport renewal at that point would be expensive, especially considering you’d at least be likely to be forced to rebook and cancel part of your trip.

Thailand, India, Brazil, Ecuador, Indonesia, Israel, Paraguay, and Singapore, for example, require your passport doesn’t expire within 6 months of your date of arrival. Cambodia, Denmark, Switzerland, South Africa, and New Zealand have a 3-month requirement. Many other countries have similar rules.

You can check with the US State Department website country specific information to determine the requirements for the countries you’ll visit.

Renew your passport about 8 months prior to its expiration to avoid this problem.

4. If you’re a US “senior citizen” relying on Medicare when traveling internationally, be aware that Medicare normally doesn’t cover any medical expenses incurred outside the US. There are three exceptions to that, but virtually no one can take advantage of them while traveling.

Some Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans provide worldwide or emergency coverage for travelers outside the US, but you have to check with your carrier to be sure. If you’re a US senior citizen you can purchase travel medical insurance from us. You can also purchase trip insurance which includes medical coverage.

5. Getting prescription medication refills in some countries can be difficult, time consuming and expensive. If you take prescription medications, make sure you have enough to last for your entire trip, plus some extra, in case of emergency.

6. Many travelers utilize their electronic device such as cellphones, tablets, and digital cameras, all over the world. Virtually all these devices have the ability to be charged internationally, regardless of the electrical current, so they don’t need a voltage converter. Unfortunately, however, the plug supplied with these devices won’t work in every country. Make sure you have a plug adapter for each country you’re visiting, or you won’t be able to recharge your devices.

7. Using the safe in your hotel room or cruise ship stateroom is important to keep your valuables protected when you’re out. I can’t tell you how many travelers have told me they’ve forgotten valuables in their room safe, and called when they realized it, only to find their items were missing.

Put your room key in some place conspicuous, like in your shoe, to remind you to get your things out of the safe before you check out.

Have a safe, mistake-free trip.

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Amador – One of the wineries we’re visiting 4/21/12

Posted on April 8, 2012 by admin

GRAPPA, AN ITALIAN TRADITION, FLOURISHES AT VINO NOCETO WINERY

Posted on March 1, 2012 by Kirk, Gold Country Tours

Vino Noceto Winery

Everyone knows that Amador County’s Vino Noceto Winery produces excellent Sangiovese wines, a grape varietal owners Jim and Suzy Gullett first brought to Shenandoah Valley back in 1987. Check out Mike Dunne’s excellent Feb. 15, 2012 Sacramento Bee article in the Food & Wine Section entitled, “Vino Noceto the state’s go-to winery for sangiovese.” However, Jim and his wine maker, Rusty Folena, have also brought another Italian tradition to life offering the distilled Italian spirit called “Grappa” which historically is used as a “digestif” (to help with digestion after big Italian pasta dinners). Rusty explained, “Jim and I wanted to use everything we could from our vineyards, so we started making traditional Italian Grappa in 2001.” Grappa is made from left over skins, pulp, seeds, and stems (i.e., the pomace) after pressing the grapes and skins when making wine. “We learned early on that the quality of our Grappa significantly improved if we sacrificed a little of the grape juice so that our pomace was still moist when sent to be distilled rather than squeezing every last drop of grape juice out the grapes,” said Rusty. St. George Spirits at the old Alameda Naval Air Station does the actual re-hydrating and distilling of their pomace creating Vino Noceto’s 80 proof, 40% Alcohol Grappas.

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Winemaker, Rusty Folena holds special Grappa Glass.

To really enjoy everything Grappa has to offer, it is recommended that it be poured into a special Grappa glass, rather than using a wine glass or brandy snifters. This prevents you from being over powered by the high Alcohol content of this drink. Vino Noceto produces Grappa from four different grape varietals (Moscato Bianco, Barbera, Sangiovese & Zinfandel). Surprisingly, these Grappas actually do have different characteristics obtained for the type of grapes used. The Moscato is the softest of the four Grappas with a delicate flora/fruity taste. The Barbera Grappa is spicier than its Moscato cousin. The Sangiovese Grappa has hints of cherry/berry/licorice flavors. The Zinfandel Grappa is probably the closest to the traditional Italian Grappas which is smooth, while also being truly zesty with hints of black pepper.

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Close-up picture of Grappa Glass

So now that you know a little about Grappa, what are some of the ways to enjoy it? “I like to have a little Grappa in my coffee in the morning,” says Rusty. This is similar to Café Coretto which traditionally uses a shot of expresso with a shot of Grappa. “After I get home in the evening, I sometimes enjoy a little Grappa and of course, a little Grappa is great after large meals,” added Rusty. Vino Noceto also has a recipe on their website called “Tomato Grappa Sauce Over Penne Pasta.” I followed this recipe using their Sangiovese Grappa and I must say it was superb. It was also a big hit with Cathy, my taste tester. If you try this recipe, be sure to use fresh Basil, also I added a couple of diced Roma tomatoes to the recipe which I recommend. I also used the leftovers adding thinly cut chicken breast sauteed in olive oil, a delicious addition to this classic pasta dish. Here is the link to the recipe. http://alturl.com/npiyp   If you are interested taking Vino Noceto’s Grappa 101 class call ahead to their wine tasting room for availability. For more information on Vino Noceto Winery check out their website at http://www.noceto.com/ .

Categories: Fine Wine and Fine Food, Wine, Wine Tours, Wine Tours Home, Wineries | Leave a comment

In Celebration of Wine AMAWaterways Cruises

Posted on March 29, 2012 by admin

With $500 Savings & $300 Shipboard Credit

Must book by April 30 for Savings

.

Join AmaWaterways this fall for an exceptional wine cruise experience.  Our “In Celebration of Wine” Cruises will venture to Europe’s premier wine regions along the Danube, Rhine, Mosel and — new for 2012 — the Rhone.

Wine Cruises Hosted by Experts
Wine Cruises Hosted by Experts
Each seven-night cruise is led by expert wine hosts from some of California’s most renowned wineries, such as St. Francis Winery & Vineyards, Rodney Strong Vineyards and Trinchero Family Estates.  Each of these cruises will also be escorted by AmaWaterways Executives.
Excursions
Excursions in Europe’s Great Wine Regions
Enjoy Europe in its most picturesque fall hues, sampling wines from Austria’s Wachau Valley; the legendary wine regions of the Rhine; and celebrated Côtes du Rhône in France. Exclusive “In Celebration of Wine” excursions include visits to historic vineyards, wine cellars and wineries; meetings with wine-makers, and festivals laden with local food and drink.
Wine Culture
Distinctive On Board Wine Culture & Amenities
Our customized itineraries include onboard lectures, wine tastings and wine pairings with delicious regional cuisine prepared by our award-winning culinary staff. Also enjoy fine amenities such as luxurious staterooms with French balconies; complimentary in-stateroom Internet access and Wi-Fi; and a fleet of bicycles to explore on your own plus guided bike tours.

Only AmaWaterways can bring you this unique sampling of Europe’s wine heritage, culture and traditions.  And for a limited time, enjoy exciting savings as you “Celebrate Wine” with us this fall.

Exclusive from World Wine Safaris

November 15th Fall Harvest Cruise on the Rhone River

The Signature Collection – Exclusive Amenities

EXCLUSIVE AMENITIES (per double cabin):

$300 Shipboard Credit

PLUS  $500 OFF

PLUS  $100 per cabin shipboard credit from World Wine Safaris

* Rates reflect $250 per person savings, based on double occupancy, in Cat. E, for cruise only, and vary per departure. $300 shipboard credit is per stateroom. Offer is valid on new bookings only, made by April 30, 2012; not combinable with other promotions/discounts; limited to availability; capacity controlled and subject to change or discontinuation without notice. Offer is not valid on Provence & Spain, embarkation dates Mar. 29 and Nov. 8, 2012. Port charges of $147 per person and roundtrip airfare are additional. AmaWaterways is registered as a seller of travel in the State of California. CST#2065452-40

Categories: Fine Wine and Fine Food, Wine, Wine Tours, Wineries, World Wine | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

World’s Best Airports for a layover

Posted on March 28, 2012 by admin

By Suzanne Steinert

Getting stuck at the airport usually equates to mind-numbing boredom. With ever-looming potential for weather delays, flight cancellations, or back-to-back long-haul flights, it’s easy to land yourself in dreaded “layover” status. The good news: Many international jet-set hubs (naturally, big stopover points) are coming to flyers’ rescue, continuing to roll out mega-entertainment options and “top that!” amenities that transform their terminals into temporary tourist destinations in their own right. From golf courses and yoga rooms to sleep pods and swimming pools, these seven airports make waiting around so fun, you might want to skip your flight.

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1. Singapore Changi (SIN)

What to Do: Consistently ranked among the world’s best airports, Changi in Singapore has it all, including a bevy of award-winning, open-air gardens. We’re not sure which is cooler: the two-story butterfly grotto featuring a 27-foot waterfall, indigenous plants, and a thousand free-flying native butterflies (T3); the 40-species cacti garden (T1); or the rare orchid and sunflower gardens (T2). Added crowd-pleasers include T1’s Balinese rooftop pool ($13 nets you shower access, plus a free drink); the world’s tallest airport slide (T3); the Entertainment Deck (T2) with complimentary XBox and PlayStation consoles; and a trio of free movie theaters screening Hollywood flicks 24/7. Specially-designed reclining snooze chairs are plentiful, as are recharging kiosks and free Wi-Fi hotspots. Didn’t bring your laptop? Hunker down at one of the 550 free Internet kiosks. Visit T1’s Fish Spa for a 20-minute fish-nibbling pedi-session, ear candling, hot stone massage, or aroma-enhanced power nap. Lastly, ladies will love the fancy, salon-quality powder rooms (check out T3’s especially)—perhaps the world’s only airport restrooms that are so plush, comfy, and clean, you’ll be tempted to nap stall-side.

Where to Eat & Drink: Sample Singaporean specialties like laksa (a piquant noodle soup) and spicy pork rib soup at Prima Taste, or try Imperial Treasure for Cantonese roast goose and fresh fish. One of the city’s most popular watering holes, hit up Harry’s Bar outposts in Terminals 1 and 3 for live acoustic performances, good drinks, and light bites.

Where to Sleep: Ambassador Transit Hotels are located in each terminal. The best part? You can check-in and out without ever clearing immigration (rooms are available in six-hour blocks; from $28).

Nearby Attractions: Customers with layovers lasting more than five hours are eligible for a free guided two-hour city tour, given by airport authorities.

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2. London Heathrow (LHR)

What to Do: The Olympic host airport for 2012 garners first-class stopover status for many reasons, but fashion comes first. Gleaming flagship Terminal 5 accords a slew of luxury shops worthy of London‘s Oxford Street, like Burberry, Dior, Mulberry, Gucci, and a sprawling 11,000 square-foot Harrods. Sample testers at specialty Cocoon skincare and World of Whiskies (both in T1), or browse jewelry, Parisian macaroons, and trendy British clothing at various pop-up boutiques. Don’t forget to pick up an official 2012 Olympics souvenir from The London 2012 Shop (T3) and check www.heathrowairport.com daily for special offers at all airport stores, including eight World Duty Frees. Dive into a copy of Alain De Botton’s A Week At The Airport, which recounts the author’s weeklong stint as Heathrow’s writer-in-residence, or weasel your way into Virgin Atlantic’s 8,000-foot clubhouse. Tykes in tow? Gate agents will happily hand out coloring books, crayons, and stickers for the little ones’ amusement.

Where to Eat & Drink: Gordon Ramsay’s see-and-be-seen Plane Food (T5) has runway views, an open kitchen, and a respectable British menu (reservations recommended). Or, opt for quick and tasty noodles at Wagamama, Heathrow’s outpost of the globally trendy pan-Asian chain, in a bright and airy communal setting. For drinks, Three Bells above Virgin’s check-in desks (T3) presents plush Chesterfield sofas, an international collection of draft and bottled beers, and a choice cocktail list.

Where to Sleep: Catch some shut-eye or a shower in one of Yotel Heathrow’s 32 en suite pod rooms in T4 (from $10/hour; four-hour minimum).

Nearby Attractions: A mere 20 minutes’ drive, take in a polo match (summer weekends) at the Guards Polo Club, where you can also watch the world’s best players compete during July’s Cartier International. Windsor Castle, also under 20 minutes away, is the Queen’s official residence and the largest occupied castle in the world. Take the tube directly from the airport, as cabs will cost close to $50 each way.

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3. Seoul Incheon (ICN)

What to Do: What other airport doubles as a veritable cultural museum, where visitors can don traditional Korean garb, peruse 5,000-year-old UNESCO artifacts, or make their own hanji (Korean-style paper) handicrafts for free while watching a live arts performance? Or, has an ice-skating rink made of artificial “plastic” ice, so you stay dry if you fall? As if that weren’t enough, Seoul’s superlative Incheon airport boasts, among much else, a newly completed “golf town” with a 330-yard driving range, 18-hole putting course, and swing analysis center; fragrant pine and wildflower gardens; childcare lounges; and an adjacent foreigners-only casino (just two minutes by shuttle). Ubiquitous free Wi-Fi is a given, as are the two new complimentary movie zones courtesy of Korea’s ritzy CGV cinemas, broadcasting films and TV shows in seven languages. Browse shops from legendary brands like Louis Vuitton and Harley Davidson; book a Thai massage or private sleeping room ($18 includes shower and sauna) at the classy 24-hour Spa on Air (B1); or head to the pay-per-use Hub Lounge, which provides buffet meals, Wi-Fi, booze, and showers for $35.

Where to Eat & Drink: Hit up JaYeon for authentic yet modern Korean fare and a swank lounge vibe. Haneul’s is also a solid bet for Korean specialties like beef bone stew, bibimbap, and banchan.

Where to Sleep: The Incheon Airport Transit Hotel, located on the fourth floor of the international terminal, has day rooms available in six-hour blocks from $45.

Nearby Attractions: Swing by Freedom Travel Inbound in the passenger terminal to book a quick temple and market day visit, or a local kimchi-themed cooking class. They’ll hold your luggage for you and no visa is required.

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4. Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)

What to Do: Showcasing both the funky and refined sides of Dutch culture is Amsterdam’s Schiphol, with awesome airport amenities like a free branch of Amsterdam’s famous Rembrandt-filled Rijksmuseum art gallery; library featuring classic Dutch literature, music, and iPads; and even a casino. Grab your one hour’s worth of free Wi-Fi and some fresh air on the sunny terrace or in an ivy-upholstered designer chair at the new indoor/outdoor Airport Park, opened in 2011 smack dab in the middle of Schiphol and featuring a 130-year-old tree as a centerpiece, picnic tables, organic snacks, and fair-trade coffee. Images of butterflies are projected onto the walls, while recordings of birds chirping play in the background. Opt to recharge your gadgets (and yourself) by pedaling bicycles for energy, or, inhale aroma-infused air at the Back to Life oxygen bar (main terminal) and get a mani-pedi at Xpres, Europe’s first airport spa. Last year also saw the opening of a pre-security 6XD Theater, which offers five-minute film “rides” interspersed with tangible special effects, like simulated wind and lightening strikes.

Where to Eat & Drink: Grab a newspaper, pikketanissie (a traditional Dutch alcoholic drink), and a seat at cozy Café Amsterdam, or sip champagne and swallow caviar at Bubbles raw bar, set in front of a large saltwater aquarium.

Where to Sleep: Yotel Schiphol’s smartly designed sleep pods offer comfy beds, free Wi-Fi, and hot drinks (with food available to order). Rates start $11/hour; a four-hour minimum is required.

Nearby Attractions: It’s a quick hop by train directly to the heart of the city, set just 15 to 20 minutes away. In 2011, boat company Rederij Lovers launched Amsterdam’s Floating Dutchman, amphibious bus tours just for day-tripping layover-ers. Departing directly from Schiphol, the three-hour tours buzz by all the city’s main sights on land, before cruising the canals.

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5. Hong Kong International (HKG)

What to Do: Digital delight is the name of the game at Hong Kong International, where Asia’s largest 4-D cinema offers a multisensory experience for movie fanatics; flight simulators encourage interactive cockpit play at the Aviation Discovery Centre (reopening soon); and virtual gamers get the PlayStation Gateway, a free gaming area offering the latest PS3 games. In a few months, the world’s first 358-seat airport IMAX is set to debut in Terminal 2 (the entertainment-only wing), showing 2-D and 3-D films on a screen that’s likely bigger than your plane. Tee up at the 24/7 nine-hole golf course, set outside on an island in the middle of a big fake lake, or fit in a computer-simulated basketball or skiing session at the i-Sports gym.

Where to Eat & Drink: Tian Xia Dumplings offers a mix-and-match take on Chinese street food with a delicious modern twist. Seek out Ah Yee Leng Tong for dim sum and traditional soups (note that the eatery’s sign is in Chinese, so you might want to ask directions). Top-tier travelers can’t beat the self-serve buffet, chef-staffed noodle bar or Chinese-style Bao at Cathay Pacific’s chic members-only lounge, The Wing. For bargain beverages at a flat fee ($31 for three hours), the Travelers’ Lounge (T1) offers unlimited beer, plus hot showers and massage chairs.

Where to Sleep: Upgrade to private sleeping quarters at the above-mentioned Travelers’ Lounge, with single beds, hardwood floors, and baths, starting at $58 for three hours. Or, five minutes from Hong Kong International, the Novotel Citygate, located adjacent to a shopping area, has two restaurants, a bar, gym, and pool. Count on an easy check-in and free airport shuttle that leaves every 15 minutes; from $167/night.

Nearby Attractions: Convenient to reach by bus or train, though taxi is quickest, Hong Kong’s “miniature” Disneyland is just 15 minutes away. Purchase tickets ahead of time at Terminal 2.

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6. Dubai International Airport (DIA)

What to Do: The Middle East’s aviation hub, Dubai International Airport is a desert oasis that lives up to the glitz and glam of the city itself. Pay pocketbook homage to the world’s largest airport duty-free shop (all 58,000 square feet of it); test your Midas touch at one of the dazzling gold bullion “islands,” where gold bars are sold by the gram; or swim laps, shower, or enjoy a shiatsu massage at the round-the-clock G-Force Gym. Pick up a free Wi-Fi signal or just chill out and zone out at the airport’s open-air palm, pine, and fern Zen gardens, outfitted with refreshing hidden mist machines. Flying first or business class on Emirates? You’ll have access to all kinds of perks at its lavish T3 lounges, like free mini-spa treatments. If you really want to do it up, buy a $139 ticket for the Finest Surprise raffle and be in to win a luxury car (free shipping)—or throw down $278 on Dubai Duty Free’s newest ongoing raffle, the Millennium Millionaire, and enter to win $1 million.

Where to Eat & Drink: If you’re flying Emirates and your transit time is more than three hours, you’re entitled to a free buffet meal at the Safar Restaurant (main concourse). Otherwise (and for fancier fare), UK-based Caviar House & Prunier Seafood Bar wins top dining accolades. Colorful Wings Bar’s spacious, stainless-steel counter is open 24/7, starting off with coffee in the morning and finishing with evening cocktails. Finer palates should sneak a pre-flight tasting at Le Clos (T3), purveyor of some of the world’s rarest (and most outrageously expensive) vintages.

Where to Sleep: T1’s new SnoozeCubes each contain a full-size bed, touch-screen TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, and flight info updates; from $16/hour. The 341-room full-service Dubai International Hotel (T1, T3) offers hourly rates starting from $18, as does the Emirates Airport Hotel (T3), whose natural stone and candlelit spa features treatments incorporating fresh dates and frankincense.

Nearby Attractions: Just three miles from your boarding gate, pop into Dubai‘s city center to behold the world’s tallest building and lavish mega-malls. Hit the slopes at the Mall of the Emirates’ indoor skiing facility, or arrange a half-day 4×4 sand dune jaunt or camel ride via outfits like Arabian Adventures.

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7. San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

What to Do: San Francisco International is a prime jumping-off point for Pacific long-haul flights—and a cushy one at that. Pass time perusing exciting new exhibits at the SFO and Aviation Museums; window shopping at the SFMOMA store; ogling the aquarium’s fauna from tropical rain forests and South Pacific coral reefs; or appreciating the 70 major, original works of art decorating the airport’s clean, airy terminals. Terminal 2, the hip new home to domestic flights from Virgin America and American Airlines, debuted in 2011 as the U.S.’s greenest terminal, featuring free Google-sponsored Wi-Fi, club-like gate seating, an Xpres spa, hydration stations for reusing water bottles, and paperless ticketing. In January 2012, T2 debuted the world’s first airport yoga room, open to any ticketed passenger (mats provided). Meanwhile, at the massive International Terminal (measuring some 35 football fields in length), Cathay Pacific and Emirates Airlines’ new top-notch lounges (unveiled December 2011) feature special Solus privacy chairs, showers, a noodle bar (Cathay), Rolex wall clocks, and a Mecca-facing prayer room (Emirates). Need a shower, but not a club member? Stop by the Freshen Up! Store, where they’re $15 a pop.

Where to Eat & Drink: SFO is chock-full of healthy, local, and organic fare. Try the juicy porchetta sandwich at Tyler Florence, inside Terminal 2’s Napa Farms Market, or wash down beet salad and quinoa with fresh juice at Plant Cafe (T2). Famed local haunt Anchor Brewing Company’s airport outpost stocks a full range of uniquely brewed craft beers (T3), plus panoramic views of the tarmac. Alternatively, grab a bottle of Sonoma chardonnay for an unbeatable price at the duty-free San Francisco Wine Gourmet.

Where to Sleep: Plans for in-airport sleep pods are on hold for now, so in terms of off-site overnighting, cozy boutique The Inn at Oyster Point (10 minutes away) is the best bet, with its complimentary breakfast, free airport shuttle and Wi-Fi, stylish lobby lounge, and bay views from every room; from $109/night.

Nearby Attractions: Take BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) from SFO to the doorstep of famous downtown San Francisco attractions like Fisherman’s Wharf, all just 20 to 30 minutes away. Head to Golden Gate Park (25 minutes) for 1,000-plus acres of botanical glory (including an arboretum and Japanese tea garden), primo bridge views, and 27 miles of footpaths to stretch your cramped legs.

Photo Credits: courtesy Changi Airport Group; Yotel; Gatsenko Alexander/iStockPhoto; jaap2/iStockPhoto; Hong Kong Tourism; Dubai Airports; and San Francisco International Airport

http://www.fodors.com/news/story_5342.html?ref=news_fd_032812

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AmaWaterways Luxury Wine Cruises on the Rhone River (France)

Posted on March 26, 2012 by admin

AmaWaterways is proud to announce a variety of luxury Rhone wine cruises onboard the AmaDagio

Beginning March 25, the new wine cruise will travel through captivating Provencal Wine Country on the Rhone River.

To celebrate the debut of the AmaDagio on its first cruise on the Rhone, AmaWaterways’ President and Co-Owner Rudi Schreiner and Executive Vice President and Co-Owner Kristin Karst will host a President’s Wine Cruise on the maiden wine cruise.

Schreiner was quoted, “The Rhone wine cruises feature the world’s most popular regions and wine makers in Europe. Guests have the opportunity to celebrate wine culture in a unique and enriching way.”

Each wine cruise features:
· Excursions to historic vineyards and cellars to learn firsthand about the “Old World” wine traditions of each region
· Complimentary wine lectures with renowned host(s)
· Wine tastings and the opportunity to sample award-winning vintages both onboard and on shore
· Fine dining with special wine pairings

This 7-night “In Celebration of Wine” cruise is part of AmaWaterways’ 15-day Provence and Spain itinerary.  Begin with 3 nights in Paris, prior to embarking your cruise in Lyon.  The excursions include the Beaujolais wine region; tours of Roman ruins and stops at UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Avignon and Arles, where many artists spent much of their life, including Vincent Van Gogh.  After the 7-night cruise, guests will visit the medieval town of Perpignan, France before ending their voyage in Barcelona.

The “In Celebration of Wine” program selected dates and itineraries are as follows:
· PROVENCE AND SPAIN – 3 nights in Paris, 7-night cruise & 3 nights in Barcelona (or reverse.) USA/CANADA departs: Mar. 25, Nov. 4 & 11, 2012

To take advantage of one of these great wine themed voyages or receive additional information about AmaWaterways, go to

http://www.worldwinesafaris.com/upcoming_travel/rhone-river-fall-harvest-wine-cruise/

Contact:

World Wine Safaris

Value Travel Without Losing Any of the Flavor!

contact@worldwinesafaris.com
Tel: (425) – 329 – 3500
Tel: (925) – 639 – 2447
Tel: (530) – 876 — 4998

Categories: Wine Tours, Wine Tours Home, Wineries | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

God grant me a vacation……. (a prayer)

Posted on March 17, 2012 by admin

Categories: Foodie Tours, Travel Tips, Uncategorized | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

Join us for the Napa Alternative – Amador County. April 21-22, 2012

Posted on March 14, 2012 by admin

Visiting Amador wineries amidst the area’s rolling hills and seeming perfectly shaped oak trees is a unique and unpretentious experience. It’s what Napa was in the 50′s.  With views across peaceful valleys, views of winding river canyons, and views of the awesome Sierra, there is no such thing as a bad seat at an Amador winery.

Amador County is renowned for its Zinfandel, but you will find excellent wines of many other varietals as well including Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Grenache, Merlot, Mission, Orange Muscat, Petite Sirah, Primitivo, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Tempranillo, Viognier, Pinotage, and White Muscat plus a few lesser-known ones, such as Vnarac and Tannat.

Thanks to early settlers, some of California’s oldest vineyards, planted more than 150 years ago, are in Amador County.  Amador’s production of intensely flavored red wines can be attributed to its high percentage of old vines.  Wineries reflect the simple and humble character of Amador County, a character rooted deep in history. No elitism here, just a laid back and relaxing approach that enables visitors to enjoy the wine, history, and hospitality of some of the finest wineries in America.  Which is why we can offer you the following:

AMADOR WINE COUNTRY “MEET THE WINEMAKERS” 

.

SATURDAY April 21, 2012

10:50 A.M          PICK-UP FROM THE TRANSIT CENTER IN SUTTER CREEK

11:00 A.M.         CONVERGENCE VINEYARD IN PLYMOUTH – http://www.convergencevineyards.com/story.htm         Meet with Owner/Winemaker for tour, tasting and discussion

12:30 P.M.         HELWIG WINERY IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY – Scott Helwig, Winemaker

 

 (Supplemental $15/pp for private tour of wine caves), production, wine tasting

GOURMET PICNIC LUNCH in the caves, provided

http://www.helwigwinery.com/scripts/historyPg.cfm

2:15 P.M.            AMADOR FOOTHILL WINERY IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY – Meet with                                                           Owner/Winemaker and enjoy private tastings.

3:15 P.M.           VINO NOCETO VINEYARDS IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY – Meet & Talk with the owner,                  Jim Gulle and taste not only their wines, but their Grappa.

A pioneer in the renaissance of this noble Tuscan varietal, we now produce eight different Sangiovese wines (Chianti, Brunello, and Super Tuscan styles) and have 25 acres of estate-grown grapes. We also produce a Barbera, a Zinfandel and a wonderful, floral Moscato called “Frivolo.”

4:15+ P.M.         RETURN TO AMADOR TRANSIT CENTER

Cost for wine tour Day One $99.00/person, prepaid

(includes private transportation with a local guide, gourmet picnic lunch and souvenir wine glass)

OPTIONAL EVENING EVENTS AND SUNDAY

Optional Dinner choices:

Dillian Winery

http://www.dillianwines.com/index.php

is putting on a special

Wine and DineWinemaker Dinner featuring the Dillian Brothers

that night, April 21 (aren’t we lucky!), at Teresa’s Place in Jackson

 Menu:

Prosecco Wine Cocktail served as an aperitif – appetizers

2012 Dillian Sauvignon Blanc – Prawn Mango &Avocado salad with citrus dressing

2009 Dillian Syrah – Spinach & Cheese manicotti

2009 Primitivo

2012 Barbera – Garlic & Herb-rubbed Pork Loin Roast

Dessert – Italian style gelato

$50 per person to be paid directly to the providers.

For reservations call:  Teresa’s Place 209-223-1786 or Dillian Winery 209-245-3444

We won’t go as a group, you will each be responsible for your own reservations, but let us know if you’re going—others might like to join you.

Another option:

Taste Restaurant

http://www.restauranttaste.com/

Zagat rated as the Best restaurant in all of the Sacramento area

Menu – see online.  We can personally attest to the fact that this is one of the most superb restaurants we’ve been to in a very long time.  Divine!  Reservations needed ASAP if you want to go there.  Again, let us know if you’re going – others might like to join you.

Sutter Creek Casual Options:

Bellotti’s  http://www.bellottis.com/home.php  which also has the only bar/nightclub in town

J&D Steakhouse  http://www.janddsteakhouse.com/

ALSO: Saturday night, April 21, between 5p – 8p is “Ladies Night in Sutter Creek.” You go to as many shops on Main St. as you can and fill out contact information slips  which go into a drawing at the end of the night for prizes.

LODGING

BEST WESTERN AMADOR INN – JACKSON

$85.99 special rate if booked with World Wine Safaris.   Call us for instructions.

SUNDAY April 22, 2012

11:00 a.m.  Meet at Bella Grace Winery in downtown Sutter Creek, one of the 100 Most Haunted Buildings in California, for a PRIVATE wine and d’oeuvres tasting plus a VERY SPECIAL surprise presentation.  (You’ll have to trust us on this one—the one person I told about it said that in itself is enough to make her go on the weekend.) $10/pp, to be paid onsite.

12:00 Noon    Caravan to Lodi, visit Maccahia winery and Woodbridge winery before going to Michael-David Winery for an optional lunch and tasting.

Those who aren't interested in the wine tour, but who would still like to join in on the fun, there are a myriad of things to do in and around Jackson/Sutter Creek be it sightseeing, CA history, shopping—both antique and modern.  Even if you don't want to go on Saturday's tour, we strongly recommend you sign up for Sunday's "special" event at Bella Grace.

For Reservations or more information:

World Wine Safaris

520-876-4998

contact@WorldWineSafaris.com

Reservations due by April 1

 

Categories: Fine Wine and Fine Food, Foodie News, Foodie Tours, Wine, Wine Tours, Wine Tours Home, Wineries | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

International Table Manners

Posted on March 14, 2012 by admin

15 International Food Etiquette Rules That

Might Surprise You

You used the fork in front of you and suddenly everyone is staring… why? Table manners are as unique to a culture as the food before you—though not always as easy to navigate. Here, 15 etiquette rules you should know before you travel.

By Amanda Ruggeri, Thursday, Feb 23, 2012 Budget Travel

You have good manners, right? After all, you (usually) keep your elbows off the table and say “Please pass the salt,” right? But when you head abroad, things get a little more complicated. Case in point: Rest your chopsticks the wrong way, and you might remind a Japanese friend of their grandmother’s funeral (Rule 2). But knowing what the etiquette rules are won’t just save you from some awkward situations, says Dean Allen Foster, author of the Global Etiquette Guide series. It can also help you make friends. “It’s really a statement of your openness and awareness of the fact that the people you’re with… may in fact see the world differently,” he says. “It’s simply going to get you out of the tourist bubble.” Sound good? Then here are 15 rules to keep in mind.

In Thailand, don’t put food in your mouth with a fork.

Instead, when eating a dish with cooked rice, use your fork only to push food onto your spoon. A few exceptions: Some northern and northeastern Thai dishes are typically eaten with the hands—you’ll know you’ve encountered such a dish if the rice used is glutinous or “sticky.” Also, stand-alone items that are not part of a rice-based meal may be eaten with a fork. But, says Leela Punyaratabandhu, a food writer who blogs at SheSimmers.com, the worst thing to do at a traditional, rice-based meal would be to use chopsticks. “That is awkward and inconvenient at best and tacky at worst,” she says.

In Japan, never stick your chopsticks upright in your rice.

Between bites, your chopsticks should be placed together right in front of you, parallel to the edge of the table—and nowhere else, says Mineko Takane Moreno, Japanese cooking instructor and co-author of Sushi for Dummies. (If there is a chopsticks rest, you use it, putting the tips you’ve been eating with on the rest.) But sticking them upright in a bowl of rice is even worse: During funerals in Japan, the rice bowl of the deceased is placed before their coffin… with their chopsticks upright in the rice. So what would she rather see: Someone doing that at a meal, or asking for a fork? Mineko doesn’t hesitate. “Asking for a fork,” she says.

In the Middle East, India and parts of Africa, don’t eat with your left hand.

In South India, you shouldn’t even touch the plate with your left hand while eating. That’s largely because the left hand is associated with, um, bodily functions, so it’s considered to be dirty. In fact, says Foster, don’t even pass important documents with your left hand. A lefty? Then it’s okay to use your left hand—as long as you take your right hand out of the game.

At a traditional feast in Georgia, it’s rude to sip your wine.

At what Georgians call a supra (traditional feast), wine is drunk only at toasts. So wait for those… and then down the whole glass at once. On the upside, says Georgia-based photographer and videographer Paul Stephens, the glasses tend to be on the small side.

In Mexico, never eat tacos with a fork and knife.

Worried about spilling refried beans and salsa all over your front? Tough. Mexicans think that eating tacos with a fork and knife looks silly and, worse, snobby—kind of like eating a burger with silverware. So be polite: Eat with your hands.

In Italy, drink a cappuccino only before noon.

Some Italians say that a late-day cappuccino upsets your stomach, others that it’s a replacement for a meal (it’s common to have just a cappuccino, or a cappuccino and a croissant, for breakfast). Either way, you won’t see Italians ordering one in a café at 3 p.m.—and certainly not after a big dinner. Do so, and you’ll be instantly branded a tourist. If you need that coffee fix, though, an espresso is fine.

In Britain, always pass the port to the left—and remember the Bishop of Norwich.

It’s unclear why passing port on the left is so important; some say it has to do with naval tradition (the port side of a boat is on your left if you’re facing the helm). Regardless, passing the decanter to the right is a big gaffe. So is not passing it at all. If you’re at a meal and the decanter stalls, then ask the person with it, “Do you know the Bishop of Norwich?” If they say they don’t know him, reply, “He’s a very good chap, but he always forgets to pass the port.” It sounds weird, but it’s true. This is such a nationwide tradition, the Telegraph wrote an article on it.

 

In France, don’t eat your bread as an appetizer before the meal.

Instead, eat it as an accompaniment to your food or, especially, to the cheese course at the end of the meal. That said, one thing that would be a faux pas anywhere else—placing bread directly on the table and not on a plate—is perfectly acceptable in France—in fact, it’s preferred.

In China, don’t flip the fish.


Although you might be used to flipping over a whole fish once you’ve finished one side, don’t—at least not when you’re in China, especially southern China and Hong Kong. That’s because flipping the fish is dao yue in Chinese, a phrase similar to “bad luck.” Plus, says Foster, “to flip the fish over is like saying that the fisherman’s boat is going to capsize.” The most superstitious will leave the bottom part untouched, while others will pull off the bone itself to get to the bottom.

In Italy, don’t ask for parmesan for your pizza—or any other time it’s not explicitly offered.

Putting parmigiano on pizza is seen as a sin, like putting Jell-O on a fine chocolate mousse. And many pasta dishes in Italy aren’t meant for parmesan: In Rome, for example, the traditional cheese is pecorino, and that’s what goes on many classic pastas like bucatini all’amatriciana, not parmesan. A rule of thumb: If they don’t offer it to you, don’t ask for it.

Don’t eat anything, even fries, with your hands at a meal in Chile.

Manners here are a little more formal than many other South American countries. So while it might be the most practical to just pick up those fries with your fingers, don’t do it. “The greater need is to identify with European culture, so food is [eaten] with a knife and a fork,” Foster says.

In Korea, if an older person offers you a drink, lift your glass to receive it with both hands.

Doing so is a sign of respect for elders, an important tenet of Korean culture. After receiving the pour with both hands, you should turn your head away and take a discreet sip, says Stephen Cha-Kim, a Korean-born worker’s rights advocate who regularly visits family in Korea. “To this day, if anybody hands me anything, both hands shoot out instinctively,” Cha-Kim says. Similarly, don’t start eating until the eldest male has done so (and don’t leave the table until that person is finished).

Never mix—or turn down—vodka in Russia.

The beverage is always drunk neat—and no, not even with ice. Adding anything is seen as polluting the drink’s purity (unless the mixer is beer, which produces a formidable beverage known as yorsh). But there’s another faux pas that’s even worse, says Foster: when you’re offered the drink and you turn it down. Since offering someone a drink is a sign of trust and friendship, it’s a good idea to take it. Even if it is 9 a.m.

When drinking coffee with Bedouins in the Middle East, shake the cup at the end.

Typically, anyone Bedouin—or Bedouin-related—will continue to pour you more coffee once you’ve finished unless you shake the cup, meaning tilting the cup two or three times, when you hand it back. It’s such an important tip, says Middle East-based freelance correspondent Haley Sweetland Edwards, that last year, Bedouins she was eating with in Qatar made her practice it until she got it right.

In Brazil, play your tokens wisely.

At a churrascaria, or a Brazilian steakhouse, servers circle with cuts of meat and diners use tokens to place an order. If a server comes out with something you want, make sure your token, which you’ll have at your table, has the green side up. If you don’t want any more, flip it with the red side up. Since the meat can be never-ending, it’s important to strategize—if you leave that token green side up you could end up ordering a lot more than you intended.

Categories: Fine Wine and Fine Food, Foodie News, Travel Tips, World Food | Leave a comment

How Good Are You At Describing The Nose?

Posted on February 25, 2012 by admin

Why Aromas are So Hard to Describe
Written by Fred Swan
Tuesday, 21 February 2012 18:03
Smelling wine is one of the most important parts of enjoying it. The aromas of wine and the places they take our thoughts can be very pleasurable. They evoke memories and even generate emotions. Sadly, describing aromatics effectively to another person is very difficult.

562px-Smelling_the_wineIt turns out that aromas are so powerful for precisely the same reason they are hard to verbalize. I’m at the Symposium for Professional Wine Writers at Meadowood in Napa Valley this week. The first session today was by Sue Langstaff on Sensory Analytics and included a brief crash course on the physiology of smell. That was as eye-opening as the segment on wine faults was sinus clearing.

All of our senses — except smell — send information they collect through the thalamus. That part of the brain does some quick analysis then relays the data to the proper portion of the brain for further processing, the visual cortex for example. The thalamus is also very important in the processing of language.

Aromas bypass the thalamus entirely. They go from the olfactory bulb to part of the amygdala. The amygdala is also crucial for processing long-term memories and some aspects of emotion. So, with apologies to the brain surgeons among you who will be writhing in pain at this generalization, our sense of smell is uniquely tied to our memories and emotions but is more separated from our words than the other senses.

If someone points to a lemon and asks you it’s color, you immediately say yellow. If I tell you a car is fire engine red, you know exactly what I mean. If I tell you that a wine smells like blueberries, you will have a general sense of what I mean. But the association isn’t nearly as strong as that of red with fire engines.

When I say “blueberry,” an image probably springs to your mind, even though I’m talking about a scent. You may also think “round,” and “blue.” But your mind will not create an aromatic picture. To get a sense for the aroma, you will conjure up a memory, a time when you ate blueberry pancakes or had blueberries on your cereal.

When I arrived at Meadowood today, the weather was beautiful. The air was dry and cool. There was a slight breeze. It carried aromas from the surrounding forest. The woods here include various evergreens and laurel trees. The earth is dry and dusty. It is covered with leaves left from Fall, pine needles, an assortment of grasses, flowers and bushes. Nearby was The Grill, adding a trace of seared meat to the air. I took all this in almost instantly when I got out of the car. It gave me an immediate sense of this location. It made me think of camping in the woods as a teenager. I felt happy and safe. But my brain did not immediately generate a list of everything I could sense. Nor did it break down the melange of scents into its individual components. Yet, in the future, similar aromas will remind me of this day.

If you taste wine regularly with a group of people, you get to know each other’s descriptive idiosyncrasies. In my group, I’m known for associating wines’ aromas with memories of things from my childhood: construction paper, jumping in a pile of leaves, a baseball glove. They have aromatic associations that are very strong for me. Now I know why.

Alas, specific memories are powerful but personal. My baseball glove probably smelled differently than yours because it was made from different leather, lay on different dirt, was rubbed with different oil, etc. Using memories to describe an odor to someone isn’t as effective as “fire engine red” is for color.

I’m not sure if knowing all of this will help me better describe wine. I hope so. I also hope it makes you feel better about not smelling exactly the same things in a wine that I do, or not being able to conjure up a clear aromatic picture of a wine based on a mere list of fruits, flowers and minerals. The best thing, though, is knowing that by enjoying — and smelling — wine with friends, we can create wonderful new memories that may be recalled by a random whiff when we least expect it.

Follow NorCalWine on Twitter for breaking wine news, information on events and more. Become a fan and join the NorCal Wine community on Facebook. Also check out our comprehensive Northern California winery listings. They are very useful for planning a tasting trip or just getting in touch with a winery.

This article is original to NorCalWine.com. Copyright 2012 NorCal Wine. “Brogan Smells the Wine” photo by J. Nathan Matias. All rights reserved.
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