Visiting Las Terrazas, Cuba – and Recipe for Ropa Vieja

Posted by Gisele Perez on Oct 31, 2013, 10:24 am in Food and Drink, Recipes-Savory, Travel | 1 comment

Las Terrazas, a former coffee plantation and UNESCO designated biosphere reserve, was the site of the best food (all very traditional) I ate in Cuba.

The Food in Cuba – and Recipes for Black Bean and Rice

Posted by Gisele Perez on Oct 22, 2013, 8:55 pm in Food and Drink, Recipes-Savory, Travel | 1 comment

Arriving in Havana – and a Mojito Recipe

Posted by Gisele Perez on Oct 20, 2013, 2:29 pm in Food and Drink, Recipes-Cocktails, Travel | 2 comments

Arriving in Havana, Cuba, and a recipe for our ubiquitous welcome cocktail- the Mojito.

In Miami – Flying to Cuba Tomorrow

Posted by Gisele Perez on Oct 4, 2013, 9:19 am in Travel | 2 comments

As I delved deeper into studying the history of New Orleans, it became clear to me that one could not be interested in the history of New Orleans without also being interested in Cuba.

Touring Jordan Winery’s Estate – and Harvest Lunch

Posted by Gisele Perez on Oct 1, 2013, 5:10 pm in Travel, Wine | 0 comments

A few weeks ago, I was invited (for the second time) to Jordan Winery in Healdsburg, CA. This time it was to experience their estate tour.

Chatting with Chef Jason Giles of Monterey’s Portola Hotel

Posted by Gisele Perez on Sep 27, 2013, 9:11 am in Chef Interviews, Restaurants, Travel | 0 comments

A chat with Chef Jason Giles of the Portola Hotel on beer and food pairing, sustainable seafood and a few other things.

By Peaceful Waters- Driving up to Big Sur and Monterey Bay

Posted by Gisele Perez on Sep 24, 2013, 8:51 am in Travel | 2 comments

Driving up the Central Coast of California through Big Sur and onto Monterey with a stay at the lovely Portola Hotel

My (Slightly Uneasy) Visit to Oak Alley Plantation

Posted by Gisele Perez on Jul 17, 2013, 9:23 am in Personal Reflection, Travel | 0 comments

Expecting to do a nice, easy travel post about a beautiful antebellum home, I was unprepared for the uneasy feeling I left with after the visit.

La Provence and Chef John Besh’s Little Pig Farm

Posted by Gisele Perez on Jul 5, 2013, 1:43 pm in Food and Drink, Restaurants, Travel | 1 comment

Having a fine Sunday brunch and visiting the Mangalista pigs at La Provence in La Combe, LA.

Visiting Kendall Jackson – and Caramel Corn with a Late Harvest Chardonnay

Posted by Gisele Perez on Mar 10, 2013, 2:33 pm in Food and Drink, Travel, Wine | 1 comment

A visit to Kendall Jackson’s new tasting room, kitchen and culinary gardens in Sonoma County, and recipe for Caramel Corn.