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Wayward Traveler Archive
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Santa Fe and Northern New Mexico Enchant Humbled Colorado Visitors
Posted on August 12, 2010 | 1 CommentOur strategy on this trip followed that of previous visits: to combine old favorites with new discoveries. Dinner Friday night was at the Chocolate Maven, which qualified in both categories, since it has served breakfast and lunch but only recently opened for dinner. We had loved breakfast here before and the dinner menu posted online looked enticing. We weren’t disappointed. For instance, entrees such as Mushroom Quinoa Chile Relleno (I’m a sucker for a good pepper and Maven’s Chile Relleno was fantastic), Enchiladas Oaxaca, and a great halibut special were most satisfying. I should add that there was a glitch in the kitchen during our meal but the management took care of the problem promptly and without urging from us and did so beyond expectations. Now that’s the way to run a restaurant. -
J.L. Chave Seminar Demonstrates Greatness in Wine
Posted on August 6, 2010 | 2 CommentsOne of the most common, thought-provoking, and debated questions in wine is “What makes a wine great?” In my experience writing about wine and attending countless seminars and tastings over the past fifteen years, this question is almost always looming. Sometimes it is the specific topic of discussion; other times it is the basic question underlying the stated topic. -
Paso Robles Emerges As World Class Wine, Food, Travel Destination
Posted on May 9, 2010 | No CommentsPaso Robles is the largest American Viticultural Area (AVA) in California. It is also the name of the main town of about 30,000, whose original name was El Paso del Robles (“Passage of the Oaks”). But, after my recent visit to the area, I think Paso could just be short for “passion.” -
The Temecula Valley
Posted on January 27, 2009 | 2 CommentsThe Temecula Valley is southern California's wine country. The first thing I noticed about the valley was its rather convenient location for tourist visits, being close to the suburban housing developments nearby. It also is just 60 miles northeast of San Diego and 90 miles southeast of LA. If you are taking your kids to nearby Legoland, visiting friends in the area or just want a wine country experience other than Napa and Sonoma, the Temecula Valley is a worthy option. -
Visit Santa Fe for Great Food (but Don’t Forget Albuquerque)
Posted on December 15, 2008 | No CommentsIf cities have a soul, Santa Fe's soul emanates from its food, a synthesis of its native and Spanish heritage with Western U.S. influences and more recently an appreciation of the variety of the world's cuisines and the importance of the local, organic ethic. -
Winery at Holy Cross Abbey, A True Local Winery
Posted on October 13, 2008 | No CommentsThis month’s column is presented as my contribution to Regional Wine Week. A project of Jeff Siegel, wine columnist for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, and Dave McIntyre, wine columnist for the Washington Post, the goal is to focus attention on local wineries. With every state... -
Food and Wine Classic in Aspen Also Features Prime Spirits and Beer
Posted on August 30, 2008 | 3 CommentsSamuel Adams Chocolate Bock (750 ml, $15) lives up to its name but is balanced and flavorful. Two good values in Sherry, the medium intensity Dry Sack ($15) and Dry Sack 15 ($26), a complex, rich Oloroso. Grand Duque de Alba “Solera Gran Reserva” ($46), a smooth, rich Spanish brandy sporting deep aromas and flavors of nuts, caramel, butterscotch and brown spices. -
Meadowood
Posted on December 4, 2007 | No CommentsIn the Napa Valley, It Doesn’t Get Any Better Than Meadowood. I have had the pleasure of staying at the Meadowood resort in the Napa Valley twice now, first in March of 2006 and again in July 2007. Nestled in a valley, a crease really, in the eastern foothills of the Napa Valley (roughly as far north as St. Helena), Meadowood is an amazing property. -
Hank’s is a Great Choice for Seafood in Washington D.C.
Posted on August 10, 2007 | No CommentsI just had to report on a great restaurant I discovered while I was in Washington, DC recently. Whenever I am in DC I consider it a must to visit the area around Dupont Circle. With some of the city’s best bookstores (like Kramerbooks) and museums (most notably the Phillips Collection) and arguably the liveliest street life in the city, this area draws me much more that traditional tourist favorites like Georgetown.
