Please The Palate |

Pinot In the City: Willamette Winemakers Come to LA

In September, 66 Pinot Noir producers from the Willamette Valley Wineries Association came to Los Angeles for the first time to demonstrate what make this cool cool climate region one of the nation’s top producers of Pinot Noir. The Willamette Valley is located just outside the super-cool city of Portland, between Oregon's Cascade Mountain Range and the Coast Range, more than 100 miles long and spanning 60 miles. Due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean (50 miles), Willamette averages 52-78 degrees in the summer and 35-47 degrees in the winter. It actually sits at the same latitude as the Burgundy region of France and has a similar climate in which the finicky Pinot noir grapes thrive.

13 November, 2013

Italy: Exploring Milan

Milan, in the north of Italy, is famous for its fashion. But, most people I know don’t see the point in visiting the city. I disagree. On almost every trip I take to Italy, I find myself spending a day, or two, in this large beautiful city where I do a little shopping, of course, but also some exploring. Flying into Milan’s Malpensa airport, the Malpensa Express is a 29 minute train that costs only 11 Euro into the heart of Milan (Milano Cadorna station). Quick, easy and inexpensive, this is the best way to get to/from the airport. The next challenge is finding accommodations. While there are many hotels in Milan, finding something central that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, but still has charm, can be a challenge. Instead of a hotel, renting an apartment or villa for a few days makes you feel like a local. Check out NovecentoCase, an agency specialized in renting apartments in city center, who partners with 5 Star Service run by Alejandro Mazza and Emotionphy Communication. They focus on finding private luxury villas that sleep between 1-6 people and include hotel amenities such as toiletries, robes and a concierge.

13 November, 2013

PDXCW: USBG Final Party

For the closing party at Portland Cocktail Week, U.S. Bartenders Guild members from all across the country came together and represented their home states. 40 chapters were represented, which meant alot of drinks! From the east coast to the west coast, from the north to the south, we did our best to travel the country and taste the drinks. Yes, it was a fun night and a perfect way to conclude a successful Portland Cocktail Week.

12 November, 2013