Grape Destinations: The Best of Tasmanian Wine Culture
What started as a novelty experience 10 years ago has morphed into an annual wine tasting event I cannot miss. And nor should any serious wine lover. It involves a single wine variety that is renowned for its brooding and moody character called Pinot Noir. For me the event is quite literally a sea
Enticed by the Flavors of Abruzzo
To my throngs of ardent Porthole Cruise followers (both of you!), you know I love to expound on regional foods. Well, it’s been two days since I posted anything about that dear to my stomach subject, so allow me fill the void in your never ending search for culinary enlightenment. In Abruzzo, It
Anthony Bourdain: Great Minds Don’t Go Down So Easy
See you Captain Crunch! I wrote that down as a comment on social media today. I feel sad, but relief for Anthony Bourdain, a man with a great mind. Most everyone saw chef Bourdain as a celebrity with a strong, unique personality. I saw him as a non-conformist. Since his book Kitchen Confidential was
Exploring Carnival Horizon
The Monthly Mantra Just a Tease … Just a Tease … Just a Tease … It’s not possible to do everything there is to do aboard Carnival Horizon in 18 hours … I really tried. On May 23rd, I found myself strolling up the gangway of the newest member of Carnival’s fleet. That’s the good [&helli
Grape Destinations: Scent, Memory and Great Wine
Now I know why. Opening the large, heavy wooden door to the cellar always holds something deeply comforting for me. I will be engulfed in this wonderfully complex scent of something fruity blended with a whiff of mould. There is the aroma of wine along with wood and then something I can only describ
Weird Wednesday: In Europe, Ask for Ice
Americans who hopped across the pond to celebrate the Royal Wedding a few weeks ago were in for a few days of revelry, great food and of course, some drinks as well. While London is a great place to enjoy a gin and tonic, they do have a few quirks when it comes to their […]
Grape Destinations: Impressing a Date on a Wine Cruise
There is nothing quite as exciting as a European river cruise where passengers get to see beautiful vineyards and taste a range of gorgeous wines but for men who know nothing about wine, this can be a nerve-racking experience especially if the cruise itself was booked to impress a special someon
Ship Review: Crystal Bach
Gray skies hang over Germany’s Black Forest and there’s a hint of rain in the air, but I’ve stepped off the gangway of Crystal Bach into a world of shimmering light. Crystal Bach Rooms with a View Riverboats on Europe’s waterways are essentially limited in size by the many locks and bridges
Dish It Up: The Sky’s the Limit on Viking Ocean
Viking Ocean Cruises hit a culinary home run in the 930-passenger Viking Sky, which, like her sisters, matches the gastronomic finesse of higher-priced luxury cruise competitors. The dining experience includes numerous gratis perks such as lunch and dinnertime wine and beer, 24-hour room service, an
Grape Destinations: A Sherry Love Affair
It all started after parking the car under one of the orange trees in the historical city center of Jerez de la Frontera, in southwestern Spain. I’ve always liked wine but I hardly knew about sherry. Of course, sometimes I had a glass of dry Fino sherry as aperitif, but nothing else. I already kne
A Taste of Alaska’s Craft Distilleries
By Fran Golden Glaciers, wildlife, and adventure experiences of a lifetime aside, there’s a new way to get a taste of Alaska. Alaska’s craft distilleries are all the rage, especially in Skagway, Haines, and Juneau, three port cities of the state’s popular Inside Passage itinerary in the So
Made In China Part Three: Real Chinese Takeaway
The popular fall back response to the ‘what’s for dinner’ query is the ubiquitous “How about some Chinese?”. How can such a non-American food staple become so American? The fact that Chinese cuisine takeout is readily available in almost every suburban strip mall in the United States is
Grape Destinations: a Taste of Oregon’s Vino History
Driving through Dundee, you have to look somewhat carefully to see the history. Many of the oldest structures have been replaced by newer ones. But if you’re observant, you’ll notice a quaint little house just off of route 99. This building, built in 1840, has housed the Post Office, been ho
Grape Destinations: Park, Stay, and Wine Taste in Sonoma Plaza
Napa may have been the first California wine region to gain international recognition, but the first California grapes came from Sonoma County. In the 1820s, Franciscan monks planted vines at Mission San Francisco de Solano which still exists in the heart of the town of Sonoma. Today, Sonoma C
Grape Destinations: From Burgundy to California; My Adventure with Wine
When I was a kid, my father began an interest in wine, particularly French Bordeaux, Burgundy and California cabernets. I can remember coming home from school and seeing wooden crates sitting in our garage from places I couldn’t even pronounce. My father was starting his hobby and passion, whi
A New Menu Headlines Costa’s 70th Anniversary Celebration
Eat well. That’s the goal for future passengers aboard Costa Cruises. In honor of their 70th year cruising the world, Costa Cruises announced a new, fleetwide menu crafted by 7-time Michelin-starred chef Bruno Barbieri. The menu celebrates his more than 40 years as a culinary master from his child
3 Reasons to Take a Cruise This Mother’s Day
She helped you with your homework and tucked you in at night. Her kindness brought you soup when you were sick and cheered you on from the sidelines at games and practice. She scolded you when you did wrong and praised you when you made her proud. She will always love you unconditionally. Moms are
Next Stop Flavortown: Guy Fieri Teams With Carnival Cruise Line
There’s a new port of call aboard Carnival Horizon and it has everyone’s mouth watering. Okay, fine. Flavortown isn’t a real place, but that’s no matter for celebrity chef Guy Fieri and his new restaurant onboard the ship, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse. Fieri, a Food Network
Grape Destinations: The Human Touch at Mendocino´s Anderson Valley
My way to Mendocino´s Anderson Valley was full of surprises. It took an almost-3-hour drive from American Canyon to get to the valley through a beautiful country road. Be aware that in those remote areas, your favorite GPS-style app doesn´t work as properly as in big cities. Yes, you guessed it, I
5 Dining Options to Try on Your Next Cruise
A great vacation captivates all the senses; touch, sight, sound, smell, and of course, taste. After a fun-filled day enjoying activities aboard the ship or exploring a port of call, most travelers have worked up quite the appetite. Cruise ships are known for sparing no expense to create a luxurious
