Lifestyle

When asked what I love to do, I explain that I love to travel and explore different cultures. I especially liked to learn about cultures through their food and wine and a perfect outing for me is a delicious meal and good company. So a movie about traveling through the country while eating is very appealing to me. And the newly released The Trip to Spain, the third in a series of culinary road comedies featuring Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon, is just that. Gorgeous scenery, delicious-looking food and witty banter make the movie The Trip to Spain the Please The Plate pick of the week.
26 August, 2017
Whole Foods is no longer just considered "whole paycheck" because now there is Whole Food 365. A fun, light, bright, modern store with Whole Food's quality products, Whole Foods 365 has just opened their fifth location in Santa Monica and is the Please The Palate pick of the week. Located on the corner of Cloverfield Blvd and Pico in Santa Monica, Whole Foods Market 365 is a 30,000 square foot modern space with a shopper-friendly layout. They maintain strict ingredient standards and do not carry any products with artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, preservatives or hydrogenated oils. The vegetables are organic and conventionally grown. All beef, chicken and pork are step-rated by the Global Animal Welfare Partnership and are raised without the use of antibiotics and added hormones. Seafood is also held to the highest standards. There are numerous grab-and-go options, bulk foods, frozen foods, supplemental basics and dairy. There are more than 400 wines, most priced between $10-$20, more than 200 beers and more than 50 spirits. All of this is available at great prices!
12 August, 2017

This story originally appeared in the Napa Valley Register. Madeira is an historical island off the coast of Portugal. Its history as a traditional wine-producing region dates to...

08 August, 2017
Sitting at long tables with bibs on as big pots filled with lobster, potatoes, sausage, artichokes, corn, garlic and shrimp were spilled out in front of us, it was on! Everyone grabbed a lobster and was almost ready to go. What else did we need? A glass of wine, of course! And the wine for the night was the Chamisal Vineyards 2015 Estate Chardonnay, a perfect pairing for lobster and hence the Please The Palate pick of the week.
29 July, 2017
This story originally appeared in California Winery Advisor. A trip to wine country is for wine tasting, of course. But in between winery visits, there are restaurant stops, perhaps an afternoon at the spa and shopping. Why not go on safari while you are there are well. Yes, a safari, just like in Africa! Safari West is a 400-acre wildlife preserve located in the heart of wine country in Santa Rosa. Founded in 1993 by Peter and Nancy Lang, Safari West is a privately funded property that focuses on conservation and preservation of endangered wildlife animals. Currently, there are 90 species on property and 900 animals, ranging from giraffes, zebras, and monkeys to hyenas and cheetahs. Except for the international birds, all the animals are originally from Africa.
25 July, 2017
This story originally appeared in the Napa Valley Register.

Marseille, France, the second largest city in France after Paris, is known for its busy harbor and urban energy. Located along the Mediterranean Sea, visitors come for the beaches, the port, the ancient history, the cultural diversity and the food. So, when I had a day in Marseille, we wandered the streets stopping into boutiques, walked along the port and enjoyed some meals. And then we happened upon a winery in the middle of the city.

As we walked along Rue de l’Évêché, we passed a market, a salon, a few restaurants and then, surrounded by these businesses, was Microcosmos Chai Urbain, an urban winery owned by Fabienne and Lukas Völlmy. Originally from Burgundy, Fabienne, who holds a B.S. in chemistry and a master’s degree in enology, and her husband, Lukas, opened Microcosmos Chai Urbain in 2012 in the old part of Marseille. Buying a winery can be cost prohibitive to a young winemaker starting out and Fabienne was inspired by the urban wineries in San Francisco and Abe Schoner’s maverick, one-man wine-making Scholium Project.

05 July, 2017

This story originally appeared in the Napa Valley Register. If I ask you to think about sparkling wine, Champagne will most likely be the first to...

27 June, 2017
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