2014 May

May 21
0

Days 5 & 6 – Almería and Cartegena My journey continues through Almería and Cartegena. Thanks to its lofty perch, over the Mediterranean and mild spring and fall climates, Almería wears the title “capital of the grape industry”. I walk off yesterday’s sensatory delights during my ascent to Alcazaba, a colossal fortress dating back to AD 995 with mixed heritage and gorgeous gardens. I’m tempted by the Moorish fountain, but “Agua no Potable.” It’s siesta time—the bustling shops are closed and most of the tiny restaurants are shuttered. Luckily I stop at Casa Puga, a tapas bar since 1870, where raciones (portions) are ample and fairly reasonable. There’s a myriad of sausages to try, flavored with garlic, paprika and other savory spices like these. Off to Cartegena, the city that houses Spain’s principal naval base and the ruins of Castillo de la Concepción, Cartegena’s castle which offers remarkable views of the city, harbor and Mediterranean. But I am first drawn to the indoor Mercado Santa Florentina for my daily catch of Mediterranean foods including this toothsome twosome, bacalao (dried and salted cod) and—what else–olives. Sated again, I’m heading out to Valencia! Follow me!

Posted by | facebook | No Comments

from Facebook
via IFTTT

May 21
0

Days 5 & 6 – Almería and Cartegena My journey continues through Almería and Cartegena. Thanks to its lofty perch over the Mediterranean and its mild spring and fall climates, Almería wears the title “capital of the grape industry”. I walk off yesterday’s sensatory delights during my ascent to Alcazaba, a colossal fortress dating back to AD 995 with mixed heritage and gorgeous gardens. I’m tempted by the Moorish fountain, but “Agua no Potable.” It’s siesta time—the bustling shops are closed and most of the tiny restaurants are shuttered. Luckily I stop at Casa Puga, a tapas bar since 1870, where raciones (portions) are ample and fairly reasonable. There’s a myriad of sausages flavored with garlic, paprika and other savory spices like these to try. Off to Cartegena, the city that houses Spain’s principal naval base and the ruins of Castillo de la Concepción, Cartegena’s castle which offers remarkable views of the city, harbor and Mediterranean. But I am first drawn to the indoor Mercado Santa Florentina for my daily catch of Mediterranean foods including this toothsome twosome, bacalao (dried and salted cod) and—what else–olives. Sated again, I’m heading out to Valencia! Follow me!

Posted by | facebook | No Comments

from Facebook
via IFTTT

May 20
0

Day 4 – A Sojourn in Málaga and Mijas Málaga, the capital of the Costa del Sol, is a port city chock-full with ancient streets, whitewashed villas, tropical foliage and subtropical climate. Who could ask for more? Except for Mijas, a quaint town and municipality in the Province of Málaga, where I hope to meet up with Janet Mendel, an American-born journalist and celebrated Spanish cooking author who has lived in Andalusia for more than 30 years. I savor Jordan almonds covered with a hard, colored, sugar-flavored coating and contemplate a goat ride or walk up the narrow streets. The walk wins: I stop by the Museo de Vino Málaga for wine and tapas tasting. Check out the Muscat of Alexandria, a white wine grape considered an “ancient vine”, believed to be one of the oldest genetically unmodified vines in existence, served with pate and brie-like tapas. I happily tour the charming Museo Picasso, replete with personal and family masterpieces and the majestic cathedral, La Manquita—called The One-Armed Lady since it lacks one tower! I lunch in its shadows on eggplant with honeyed sauce, anchovies on tomatoey toast, olives and sangria. This irresistible gelato shop provided a sweet/savory finish to my already bombarded senses. Feta gelato anyone? How can my next stops in Almería and Cartegena top this day? Stay tuned!

Posted by | facebook | No Comments

from Facebook
via IFTTT

May 19
0

Day 3 – Cádiz on the Waterfront Onward to Cádiz to see what attracted Hannibal, Julius Caesar and Columbus. Today Cádiz claims it right as the “oldest continuously inhabited city in the Western World” surrounded by water on three sides. It’s intriguingly African in look with its bustling markets and street life. I first head to Tío Pepe, the bastion of the fortified wine Jerez–a fino-style dry sherry made from the palomino grape, noted for its bouquet, color and finish and a perfect match with jamón serrano (dry-cured ham). The old town boasts every species of Mediterranean fish and seafood thanks to its proximity in the Bay of Cádiz. Pictured is today’s fresh catch (likely whitebait or sardinas) with clams. Note the variety of canned fish for one’s anchovy or sardine fix. And, of course, there’s the customary jamón hanging from the rafters of most tapas bars. Most tapas are quite affordable and on the honor system. Proprietors count small plates or toothpicks to charge. Tomorrow Málaga and Mijas. Enliven your hunger or thirst yet?

Posted by | facebook | No Comments

from Facebook
via IFTTT

May 15
0

Day 3 – Back to Lisbon with the CIA I decided to take an in-depth look at the local neighborhoods and markets of Lisbon with a Culinary Institute of America trained chef and Portuguese food and wine expert. We started the day the way many local Lisbonites do with coffee and pastries. Like in other European countries, coffeehouses in Lisbon are more like institutions than breakfast establishments. Many still retain their turn-of-the-century charm. Others, like this one, are a bit more modernized. Both boast indoor and outdoor tables for lingering—after all, this IS the Mediterranean! Egg-filled recipes abound; in fact, if the hens every stop producing, the locales would be out of luck. Coffee is strong, even with milk. And oranges and almonds appear in all guises. My tour of the local mercado was resplendent with this local vegetation and gifts from the sea. Goat, lamb and pork were also bountiful. I sampled crusty and dense breads, goat and sheep’s milk cheeses and tiny, succulent oranges. Good thing I didn’t overeat, since lunch was at a nearby restaurant where the chef/owner prepared this delectable meal, paired with local wine served from small bowls! And there was still room for this very late dinner (Portuguese, like Spaniards eat when we sleep!) at Sr. Fado, a typical Lisbon restaurant/fado club where the owner/husband is also the sole waiter and the cook/wife is also the singer! Check out the pork with clams and the seafood caldeirada. See you tomorrow in Cádiz!

Posted by | facebook | No Comments

from Facebook
via IFTTT

May 15
0

More exciting news … I’ve just received notice of my appointment as Member to the Committee for Professional Development for the 2014-2015 program year of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) Board of Directors (BOD) and House of Delegates (HOD). My role is a three-year joint appointment through 2017. I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to support and empower AND members to be our nation’s food and nutrition leaders! Thanks to everyone responsible for my appointment!

Posted by | facebook | No Comments

from Facebook
via IFTTT

May 14
0

Day Two – Wine Touring I head out early morning north of Lisbon to Quinta Do Sanguinhal on the Oeste wine route. The Sanguinhal Agricultural Company has been producing quality wines since the beginning of the 20th century. This company has belonged to the Pereira da Fonseca family for four generations. Their vineyards occupy 100 hectares. I visited the 19th century gardens and the vineyards, a fully restored distillery which used to produce brandy and grappa, a lagar (stone tank where the grapes are crushed) with wooden presses which dates from 1871, the cellar with 36 vats where the wines are aged and finally the massive tasting room! Then on to the medieval village of Obidos with its impressive walls, luminous plaster-sided houses, golden towers and ramparts, surrounded by a valley of vineyards. I dined nearby in Usseira at Poco dos Sabores, a tiny and charming authentic gem on squid and smashed potatoes with couscous, corn and pine nuts; prawns with arugula and wild rice and an eye-catching scrumptious dessert trio of minted gelato, poached fruits and molten chocolate cake. Yes, most certainly, there was wine with each course! Just see what tomorrow brings!

Posted by | facebook | No Comments

from Facebook
via IFTTT

May 14
0

Day Two – Wine Touring I headed out early morning north of Lisbon to Quinta Do Sanguinhal on the Oeste wine route. The Sanguinhal Agricultural Company has been producing quality wines since the beginning of the 20th century. This company has belonged to the Pereira da Fonseca family for four generations. Their vineyards occupy 100 hectares. I visited the 19th century gardens and the vineyards, a fully restored distillery which used to produce brandy and grappa, a lagar (stone tank where the grapes are crushed) with wooden presses which dates from 1871, the cellar with 36 vats where the wines are aged and finally the massive tasting room! Then on to the medieval village of Obidos with its impressive walls, luminous plaster-sided houses, golden towers and ramparts, surrounded by a valley of vineyards. I dined nearby in Usseira at Poco dos Sabores, a tiny and charming authentic gem on squid and smashed potatoes with couscous, corn and pine nuts; prawns with arugula and wild rice and an eye-catching scrumptious dessert trio of minted gelato, poached fruits and molten chocolate cake. Yes, most certainly, there was wine with each course! Just see what tomorrow brings!

Posted by | facebook | No Comments

from Facebook
via IFTTT

May 13
0

Soon after I spoke at the California Dietetic Association meeting, I embarked on a food and wine tour of Portugal and Spain. Join me along my route and share my gustatory adventures! Day One: Lisbon Get ready for couverts, little appetizers that accompany wine or beer—most often olives from trees like this one pictured that infuse both city and countryside. Couverts may be followed by an array of tapas such as Boquerones (typically anchovies); freshly made soups, such as Caldo Verde (green broth); main dishes that focus on pork or seafood such as Bacalhau (salted cod fish) and Caldeirada (Portuguese bouillabaisse); sheep and goat’s milk cheeses; lots of egg-based desserts or my favorite, Arroz Doce (cinnamon-flavored rice pudding). A Portuguese meal would be incomplete without wine, including its famous Port, Vinhos Verdes (green wine), Dão and Colares (notably reds) and Madeira. My visit to Lisbon proper concluded at the Museu do Azulejo (the National Tile Museum) with its extensive portrayal of Portuguese history represented in five centuries of decorative ceramic tiles or azulejos such as this one that celebrates the vine! Check back tomorrow as I begin my Portuguese wine tour!

Posted by | facebook | No Comments

from Facebook
via IFTTT