A Hungary Kind of Day

On my list of places to visit, is Hungary.  I know, surprising right? Small population of people who vociferate that they actually want to travel there.  Anyway, my desire to travel there, in particular, Budapest, stems from my desire to see the ancient city and visit its Palace of Art, designed in a borderline garish, but highly attractive Neoclassical style.  Located in Heroes Square, the Palace of Art represents all of the traditions and values that make Hungarians proud, plus it is surrounded by a handful of other museums, so I imagine I could make a real day of visiting all of them.

Coincidentally, with Hungary on my mind, The New York Times published two eye catching articles.  One on the country’s historical wines, and one on an historical patronage case of art stolen by the Nazi’s during WWII.  Could this be the universe telling me it is time to plane my next vacation?  Who’s with me?

Also on my list, finding some Tokaj at my local BevMo!  Any suggestions on where to find this rare, sweet white?

tiny beers, BIG TASTE

In order from left to right, light to dark:

Bear Republic XP
‘Ottin Hops IPA
Tradewinds Triple IPA
Sam Smith Brown Ale

Paired with sqaush blossoms stuffed with lobster and goat cheese, drizzled with red bell pepper rouille, parsley oil, and a balsamic reduction, this made for a truly delicious, savory snack.

Courtesy of Haven Gastropub in Old Town Orange- a must see if you’re out antiquing in the area.  Guys, this stop is for you.

Who knew LA stood still?

Well, believe it or not, it does.  Although, I guess you could argue that sitting on the 405 freeway is borderline standing still…  Anyway, I found the spot where you can see LA stand still; the iconic Hollywood Bowl.  A must see for visitors, and a staple for all Angelinos- I’m often surprised when locals haven’t been here- the Bowl offers a wide range of artistic performances, from classical to alternative, tap dancing troupes to operatic vocalists.  I’ve visited the hillside venue to see the Annual Playboy Jazz Festival, and Mariachi USA- a colorful collection of Latino Mariachi bands performing their best and most popular tunes.  I think the best part about the Bowl is that you can bring your picnic in with you.  I’m not talking about an egg salad sandwich and a bag of sun chips (although, that might be fine to), I’m talking a bottle or two of your favorite wine, figs and parmesan cheese, fresh bread, grilled jerk chicken, hearts of palm salad, Mexican wedding cakes and lemon bars- the whole spread.  Granted, the menu I listed does not pair well at all, those are just some things I remember enjoying in the past at a variety of performances.  You can enjoy your gourmand meal in a box seat, if you’re lucky enough to have scored the pricey seats, or up at the top of the amphitheatre (still a great view), or even still,  the expansive hillside that you walk up to get to your seats.  Plenty of shade, benches and trees make this like an outdoor narthex, buzzing with energy as the Bowl fills with people who come off the streets of downtown Hollywood to nestle into their seats for an evening of musical pleasures.

Ok, back to the standing still part- tangent.  I scored free seats to the Bowl’s standard summer performances, and Thursday happened to be Magnificent Mozart.  British conductor Nicholas McGegan, who’s repertoire boasts only the best International symphonies and performances, bounced along the front of the orchestra all night, walking the audience through a rare selection of Mozart’s work.  The combination of the starry night sky and cool breeze, the Classical music, and the food coma I was battling following an awesome meal made the evening absolutely perfect.  But, just when I thought things couldn’t get any better, the orchestra ended their piece ever so quietly and the entire amphitheatre was silent.  For at least 5 seconds.  Completely and totally silent.  Such an awesome thing to experience; a mere three blocks from the Bowl, Hollywood and Highland hustles and bustles, but there I was in complete silence.  LA stood still, although for a little while, enjoying the atmosphere, the culture and the ambiance of it all. 

The Bowl’s standard series of performances offer free tickets in the “nosebleed” section for just a dollar on Tuesday and Thursday nights.  BONUS!  Go stand still with the rest of LA one evening- I’m not telling you that you won’t get up and dance, walk around and mingle, but I will tell you that there will be a moment- you’ll know when it is.  Enjoy.

Discovery: The Caipirinha

Summer is here, and so is the heat as they would say.  My family and friends spend a great deal of time outside during the summer- camping, sitting by the pool, entertaining, etc.  And when sun tea and beer do not suffice as thirst quenching beverages, I always tend to crave something with lime.  It is refreshing, and not too sweet, and guaranteed to hit the spot.  That’s why, when I discovered this Brazilian beverage, I was so excited to find that the only ingredients were ice, alcohol, and limes!

The Caprihina is Brazil’s National cocktail, made with three simple ingredients; sugar, limes and Cachaça.   What is cachaça you ask?  I didn’t know either until someone told me about it… Cachaça is  similar to rum in that is made from sugarcane, but it is distilled directly from sugarcane juice, as opposed to being exposed to molasses, which gives rum we think of that lovely, carmel brown color.  Cachaça is clear, and personally, I think it finishes more like a tequila rather than a rum.  It is not as smooth as rum, but it does not burn quite as much as tequila either; something I think a lot of people may prefer…  Also like tequila, cachaça can be produced as a cheaper, unaged variety, or as a darker, premium alcohol.  I have not tried an aged cachaça, but I can only imagine that the type of wood the alcohol was aged in would have a charming affect on the drink as a whole.  Regardless of its age though, the combination of the cachaça and lime is a wonderful, refreshing beverage that is perfect for summertime. Since May I’ve enjoyed many Caipirinha’s by the side of my pool, a handful overlooking the skyline of San Diego and even around the campfire- clearly, it is great anywhere.

You will need:

• Cachaça
• Limes
• Superfine sugar
• Crushed ice
• A “lowball”, “rocks” or “Old-Fashioned” glass
• A pestle for the muddling

Preparation:

1. Cut the ends off of the lime and discard.
2. Cut the lime in half lengthwise and cut out the white pith in the middle.
3. Cut the lime in half, and cut one half of the lime into four wedges and place in the glass. If your lime is small, you will need to add more lime to the glass.
4. Add one to three tablespoons of sugar. The amount of sugar depends on your personal taste as well as the size of the lime you are using.
5. Use the pestle to “muddle” the limes and sugar together. Basically, you want to crush the limes so that they mix in well with the sugar. Be careful not to break the skin of the lime. When you’ve gotten all of the juice out of the lime, you’re done.
6. Pack crushed ice in the glass all the way to the top.
7. Add cachaça all the way to the top of the glass.
8. Use a larger glass or bottom of a cocktail shaker and put it over the top of your drink. Pick up with two hands and shake very well for at least 15 seconds.
9. Garnish with a wedge or slice of lime.
10. Drink…and enjoy the best caipirinha!

Learn how to make one for yourself!

A Francophile’s Dream in the Willamette River Valley

I spent a weekend in July in Eugene, Oregon, taking in the sights, smells and vintages that Oregon has to offer during the warm, summer months.  The trip from the Portland Airport down to Eugene was very reminiscent of a drive in the French countryside- I know, strange sounding right?  When most people think Oregon, they think organic hippies and overly, soggy weather, but what they don’t hear enough about are the rolling hills of berry brambles, winding rows of vines and endless sights of the stunning countryside of the Willamette River Valley.

Much like the Burgundy region of France, the Willamette River Valley is well known for its capability to produce complex Pinot Noir’s with notes of bright red fruits, earth and spices.  Well, I can tell you, that after a handful of visits to various wineries in the region, this is very true.  I’ve given a brief synopsis of each, and have noted my favorites below:

• Ponzi Vineyards: Served at White House luncheons and dinners for Italian dignitaries, Ponzi is well known for their near perfect Italian varietals and extreme attention to detail.  Their grounds are tucked away among giant fir trees and the tasting room offers views of the 40 year old vines. My favorite pick: 2009 Arneis- this dry, white varietal is great for summer.  I think it would make fabulous white sangria, or compliment a daytime picnic, with its light acidity and tropical fruit. Ponzi ages their Arneis half in stainless steel, half in French Oak, leaving it nicely balanced and easily pairable.
• Erath Winery:  If you don’t live under a rock, you’ve seen Erath’s Pinot Noir in your local grocery store and in mid-sized restaurants, and their Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris have been my go-to wine in the last few weeks.  Tucked away in the Dundee Hills, Erath’s extensive properties allow them to create a long list of single vintages, my favorite being their 2006 Leland Pinot Noir.
• Archery Summit: We stopped here per the suggestion of a woman we met at the airport, and the tasting room manager at Ponzi Vineyards.  Amazing, craft wines, that although priced above average, have been clearly tended to by a winemaker who is seriously focused on attention to detail.  My favorite pick: 2006 Arcus Estate Pinot Noir- intense floral flavors mixed with concentrated currant and cherry are followed up with heavy notes of spice and fresh earth.  Although we enjoyed it now, the 2006 could probably cellar (properly) for 5-7 more years and really age nicely to pair with  just about anything.  I imagine serving it with tri-tip and a mango salsa, alongside barbecued vegetables, to emphasize the spicy qualities of the wine.  Or, you could drink it alone, overlooking the sunset .
• Willamette Valley Vineyards: Well known in Oregon, Willamette Valley Vineyards is best paralleled to Firestone Wines in Santa Barbara County, meaning, it is a great place for beginners to get to know differences in varietals, fermentation methods, etc.  Although not profound, their tasting room gives a great view of the Willamette Valley, and you get to take home some pretty nice Reidel glasses following your tasting.  Bonus!

When I was 7, I vividly remember driving through the French countryside with my family for a summer vacation.  The rolling hills covered in grapevines, berries and sunflowers painted a brightly colored landscape of which I’d never seen before.  Having trotted around the world quite a bit since then, I’ve never been so reminded of that drive in France as I was during my drive through Oregon last week.   I highly encourage you to venture to the Northwest.  Not only is it guaranteed breathtaking during the summer, I’ve been told that throughout all of the seasons it provides unforgettable experiences.  Embrace your inner organic-hippie and head to Oregon for a taste of their Pinots, and maybe a bit of French, provincial living- minus the pricey flight to France.

What is it, you ask?

Epicuritopia (ep- i- kyoo- ree-toh-pee-uh), noun

1.) The Ideal Place for Foodies, Oenophiles and Travel Addicts

2.) A collection of musings related, but not limited to, food, wine, art, culture and travel

And I’m here to define all of it for you!  You traveled with me and my Patent Pumps for a year, now I invite you to explore the rest of my passions, which were probably fairly evident in my last blog.  Through my own ventures in discovering what life’s got planned for me next, I’ll continue to explore the pleasures of food and wine, take the opportunity to travel far and wide, and indulge in the artistic side of things; all of which interest me greatly and in my opinion, make for an interesting existence.

To break it down further, let me introduce you to Epicurus- once you know him, you’ll be able to understand Epicuritopia a bit more.  An ancient Greek philosopher, and the founder of the school of philosophy called Epicureanism, Epicurus propounded an ethic of individual pleasure as the sole or chief good in life. Hence, Epicurus advocated living in such a way as to derive the greatest amount of pleasure possible during one’s lifetime.  His mantra:

“It is impossible to live a pleasant life without living wisely and well and justly, and it is impossible to live wisely and well and justly without living a pleasant life.”

Epicurus and I had a lot in common, minus the fact that he probably had an abacus, and I have a Blackberry. Other notable Epicureans, Julius Caesar and  Thomas Jefferson, adopted Epicurus’ belief system, and led fulfilling, productive lives.

Explore Epicuritopia while I get comfy using this new blog.  You’ll still be able to access my Patent Pumps and Boarding Passes via this site, but you may check for the most up to date postings here.  Here’s to finding the way to “leading the pleasant life,” the Epicurean way…with a twist from yours truly, Ms. World Traveler.

Cheers, Bon Voyage,

Ms. World Traveler