This is the third in a four-part series: You can read the entire journal from the beginning here. For me, the best way to figure out an Italian train schedule is to jump on the internet, pull up Italia Rail, and look on the site. Otherwise I end up confused and spend six hours going north to end up 1 hour east. Even … [Read more...] about A Bit More Italy: What? More Steps!
Archives of Travel Writing
Every so often a trip inspires me to do some travel writing about restaurants and experiences when I venture out of the Portland area. You'll find lots of stories here.
Italy Part III: If it’s Tuesday, this Must be Ferrara
This is the third in a four-part series: You can read from the beginning here. I am fortunate to be staying with such wonderful people, as the Euro is worth something like $1.37 to the dollar. Compared to other trips I have made in the past, hotels, restaurants, and everything else are incredibly expensive. It … [Read more...] about Italy Part III: If it’s Tuesday, this Must be Ferrara
Italy part II: This Tastes Like Spring Reggiano
You'll find part I of my trip journal here. After a much shorter thrill ride into the Parma countryside we arrived safely at their agriturismo. For those who aren't familiar with the term, the Italian government encourages farmers to open their homes to tourists as hotels along with their normal farming … [Read more...] about Italy part II: This Tastes Like Spring Reggiano
Italy Part I: My Stupor
I am seeking shelter from the wind, sitting against the wall across from the cathedral in Parma, Italy. My feet ache from walking over cobblestones and my muscles are tired from trying to sleep on the train from Firenze. It has been a chilly afternoon, only about 40 degrees, but therein lies the benefit: … [Read more...] about Italy Part I: My Stupor
Wine Musings: Meeting Royalty
Penne all’Arrabbiata This great wine piece by Darryl Joannides includes a recipe for Penne all'Arrabbiata It was late January 1997 and a particularly dark, wet and dreary winter’s day. We were on the back end of a 3 week trip driving all over the Italian peninsula, and beginning to get that type of weary that sets … [Read more...] about Wine Musings: Meeting Royalty
Roger Porter Visits Momofuku Ko In New York City
Roger Porter scores a reservation and travels to New York's Momofuko Ko Restaurant My contributions to this website have so far been reviews of local restaurants, and I assume this will continue to be my main interest. But during a recent trip to New York, largely to eat and to expand my gastronomical horizons (at the … [Read more...] about Roger Porter Visits Momofuku Ko In New York City
Ramen Dreams in Vancouver BC
Have you ever dreamt about a certain kind of food? Not necessarily a dream while sleeping, but more of a daydream that repeatedly encompasses your thoughts. I've recently had such a recurring dream about Japanese ramen, and the dreams were about the real deal: Shio, Shoyu, Miso and Tonkotsu. I first fell in love … [Read more...] about Ramen Dreams in Vancouver BC
Tales of the Cocktail 2008 Part II
I've been having a great time in the Big Easy and enjoying all the events at Tales of the Cocktail. My liver is reeling. Between all the samples handed out at tastings and presentations, and the freely-flowing cocktails at the official events, I'm glad this event is coming to an end. More highlights: I've been on … [Read more...] about Tales of the Cocktail 2008 Part II