La Taberna Gallega located in the marina in Barcelona, Spain is incredible. The room gets full but the vibe is energetic and upbeat. The staff is super cool and fun. If you are in the Barcelona marina area come on over. There are many places to eat in the marina but I chose this one and was completely satisfied. Best paella and sangria of my life. Take the time and go here. Muchas gracias La Taberna Gallega staff.
This 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley is not my favorite.
The label says Limited Production and I wonder if it is because they gave up trying to make a good wine. While the bottle is nice looking, the label sophisticated and the expectations somewhat elevated, this wine lacked thoroughness in both the richness and flavor departments.
23 Rue de France
77300 Fontainebleau
tel: 01 60 72 37 04
After visiting Fountainebleau castle, Napolean Bonaparte’s home, I treated myself to a meal fit for royalty. I found a nice restaurant and walked in for lunch. The menu was in french so I guessed at a couple items that sounded good. The warm potato and salami salad was delicious as were the mashed potatoes, mushrooms and meat that followed. Good food served by good people is what you’ll find at Le Ferrare. Merci Le Ferrare staff.
The Brussel’s Bar located on the main street in Fontainbleau, 47 Rue Grande, is a perfect place for an afternoon snack and a beer.
The prices are seasonable, the food is good and it is the perfect way to take a moment to enjoy another day in France.
As I walked the 65 miles or so around town I could feel my energy getting lower.
I needed to eat and when in Paris you do as the Parisians do so I decided I needed wine with my lunch. The Captains Croc provided me with a delicious plate of salmon pasta in cream sauce and some wine to help keep me going. The staff was friendly, the food was great and I’d certainly go back.
If you are in the area then I recommend you walk over, just across the river from Notre Dame, and eat lunch here. You won’t be disappointed by the quality food, reasonable prices or friendly service. Merci Captains Croc.
At the web site listed below you will find the information to the first sign I saw upon exiting the Métro at Place des Fêtes . Having left Santa Monica, CA 15 hours earlier you can imagine the surprise this sign caught me by. I laughed and knew I must go check it out.
After traveling for 15 hours I was ready to drop my bags off, eat and wander around Paris. The Santa Monica pizzeria was closed so I didn’t get to eat there until the second night of my stay and found Ismail and the staff to be friendly and hospitable. I went back as much as I could while in Paris. Merci Santa Monica Grill.
check them out at-
www.lafourchette.com/restaurant/santa-monica/22029
or if in Paris – 15 Rue Henri Ribiere 75019 Paris
AQUINAS 2011 California Cabernet Sauvignon
Named after St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274), an Italian Dominican friar, priest and revolutionary scholar who used the laws of science to support his belief in the Almighty. This wine, like it’s namesake, is smart, bold, dedicated and has many quality attributes.
The Dude of Food rating:
Give this wine a try.
Going to a party and can’t decide how much to spend and not trying to buy some junk wine that was a waste of money? Nobody wants to hear the voice of ridicule as party goers make their statements regarding your choice of wine. Well there is a wine to add to the buy list that won’t get you ridiculed. It’s reasonably priced and decent tasting. The Ravenswood line of wines are alright. Try some.
This family of fine wine is named after the matriarch who came from Italy, Elena Napoli.
Bodega ELENA de Mendoza, Argentina
2010 RED BLEND
62% Malbec
21% Syrah
17% Bonarda
This family has developed some top wines from Argentina that I happen to enjoy. The Malbec and the Red Blend from Bodega Elena de Mendoza are my favorites.
According to the web, the “legs” or “tears” of wine that run down the inside of the wine glass are a sign of alcohol. The heavier the legs, the lower the alcoholic content of the wine. If this is in fact true, then these wines are low in alcohol and big in flavor. The legs may be attributed to sugar, I don’t know.
This Red Blend, like it’s sister Malbec, is loaded with solid flavors and not too sweet.
It’s not too dry either, but just right. These wines will slowly undress for your tongue, landing softly, pleasuring your taste buds, leaving you wanting another sip.
Was priced under $10. Get some.
This tasty limited edition Malbec was also grown and bottled in the Mendoza region of Argentina.
Imported by WX Imports, Novato, CA
www.espueladelgaucho.com
Another fine Malbec that is now on my Top 5 Malbec list. Not as good as my favorite, Bodega de ELENA, but gets close. This wine is a 2012, so maybe it needs a year, but still was a very good selection.
The Espuela del Gaucho has unique, slow running, heavy legs. It carries a lighter body, landing gently on the tongue, joyfully leaving hints of mixed berries grown in the fresh Andes air and then drifts away.
Another quality Malbec, that any California cab or Merlot drinker would enjoy for under $12.
