Orgullo Espanol

Madrid often strikes me as too traditional and historical of a city to be a relaxing party getaway but this past Saturday I was pleasantly surprised by all things Spanish during my recent visit to Spain's capital city during a weekend that hosted both Madrid Gay Pride and The World Cup.

I thought I would first check out Chuecha, Madrid's Gay 'barrio' and watch the Pride Parade. Sexy and scantily clad people sashayed around holding huge "Big Gulp" size cups of Sangria. One thing was missing, I didn't have any of my gay friends with me to enjoy the view.

And...I couldn't possibly down a Sangria that large without some tapas in my stomach so I seeked out some and fell upon La Casa del Abuelo. This historical and decorative bar specializes only in seafood snacks and two house wines including a sweet vino tinto that was a tad too sweet for my liking until the flavor balanced out the garlicky shrimp that I devoured. I unfortunately could not indulge in the crusty white bread to soak up the yummy sauce due to my gluten sensitivities... :(

La Casa del Abuelo ( Grandpa's House ) is on a list of Restaurantes y Tabernas Centenarias de Madrid

(Madrid's Restaurants and Taverns over 100's years old ). When visiting Madrid visit www.restaurantescentenarios.es for a complete list of these beautiful eateries and drinking spots.

I then made my way to the food chain Museo del Jamon which, although having a vibe similar to a fast food joint, always satisfies me at a cost that is almost laughable...if you are looking for inexpensive and medium quality food to fill you up during the early evening before the real tapas bars open. ask for a plate of jamon serrano and a glass of either vino tinto or vino rosso and you'll escape satisfied for under 5 euros.

I later sauntered down the street and stumbled upon a house party where locals were watching Spain play in the World Cup...I was grabbed ( in a friendly appropriate way ) off the street and immediately absorbed into the fun loving atmosphere and another type of pride celebration, that of local Spaniards celebrating their teams' win in the semi finals of World Cup 2010, a first for them.

Overall I left with a positive vibe and can't wait to return to this proud and historical place!

La Ranarita ( Milano )

Thanks for your patience everyone, I've been out of work for several health reasons and I'm just starting to feel a tad better.

La Ranarita was a wonderful hidden ristorante/pizzeria that I stumbled upon during my last visit to Milan. La Ranarita means 'little frog' but we definitely didn't eat any!

Instead we treated ourselves to the most perfect pizzas made in a classic brick pizza oven.

My good friend Michael has always raved about the La Brera neighborhood, near the famous Pinoteca La Brera...You could have easily missed this terrific hideaway as the windows were covered in white curtains. I was with a group of hungry crewmembers and we were delighted to find this gem upon our stroll through the nearby park. The pizzas were delicious and perfectly cooked with the bubbly blackened crust from the fire and the pastas were excellent al dente perfection. A quiet, non touristy local spot to visit on your next jaunt to Milan. Enjoy. Auguri and more later.

Gluten Free Discovery

I've been gone for a while since I recently found out that I have to start a gluten free diet for health reasons. I know, I know! I've probably consumed too many croissants, pizzas and local beers and that has put me over the edge. Well, I've done a lot of research and even though I can't just walk into any patisserie for the moment while strolling in Paris, my Dr. has told me that I should only have to do this for about a year.

My favorite haunt in Rome informed me that the dieta senza glutine is very popular in Italy and is mostly requested for the benefit of children suffering for gluten sensitivity. In most restaurants in Rome it is common to ask for gluten free bread and pasta. So I'm learning the ropes and will be back to you soon with a new find that will be food friendly for everyone, including our gluten free friends. I promise not to disappoint.

The Best Taco Stand EVER~!

The best taco stand EVER! can be found on the corner of Articulo 123 and Balderas streets near the Reforma area of Mexico City! I always indulge in the 6 pesos Chile Rellenos Tacos which are usually sold out by 11am every day. This stand is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day and please don't let its street food scene scare you! The tacos here are divine! I about had a conniption fit on my last visit at 10 am when they told me they were not making the Chile relleno tacos that day! So I survived on a boiled egg taco instead. Not as tasty and original but filled me up nonetheless. Here you will also find an array of choices that range from Tongue ( lengua ) to (Chicarrone = Pig Fat ) as well us other 'meats' so you can't be shy. Note: The salsa is so incredible that once the guy working there filled a plastic bag with the stuff and sent me on my way! All the locals stare at me when I eat here especially when I smother my taco with the salsa ranchera in question. It is best to eat these tacos like the locals with chopped onion, cilantro and of course the red magic salsa! Please visit!

La Opera - Ciudad de Mexico D.F.

La Opera Bar and Restaurant, was highly recommended to me by a very good friend and his suggestions are always right on! In the center of Mexico City between the Reforma area and Zocalo, I was pleasantly greeted into this historically intriguing eatery. (see the link above)

I ordered the Carne Asada Tampinquena and was completely satisfied. The meat was perfectly medium and the accompanying side dishes made for a delicious meal. I created my own tacos amidst the varied selection of ingredients on my plate: fresh made tortillas, nopalitos, guacamole with cotijo cheese, mole sauce (that smothered a side enchilada), marinated onions, jalapenos, verde salsa and limes. Don't forget the Indio beer for refreshment.

Satiated, I rolled out of the decorative and calming ambiance into the festive 80+ degree streets of la Ciudad de Mexico, ignoring the protesting groups marching to loud speakers, by the omni-present machine gun clad guards, drooling past the window displays of the multiple pastelerias and back to the comfort of my layover hotel to rest before my 4 am wake up call and another 14 hour duty day in the sky.

Pleasant Ridge Reserve Deliciousness!

My dreams of retiring into cheese making ways were once again inspired this past week with a delightful discovery of the delectable cheese: Pleasant Ridge Reserve.

Described as: Semi-hard non-pasteurized cow milk cheese made from a single herd in Wisconsin; I was lucky enough to consume this at McCrady's in Charleston, SC last Monday evening. When I saw their artisanal cheese and extensive wine selection, I knew I'd be pleased. I was.

Not quite on the economic side price-wise but you really get a whole lot of bang for your buck with this one!

Tangy, salty goodness with a sweet caramelly after taste that leaves you begging for more!!!

The cheese was very well paired with the Tempranillo, Seis de Luberri, Rioja 2007 that I was sipping along with the savory treat....this will be my next big splurge. Instead of a candle, give me cheese! (and wine! possibly more costly than the candles I love!)

Happy Hour Milano Style - Pasticceria Clivati

One of my favorite places for Happy Hour in Milan is definitely Pasticceria Clivati on Via Coni Zugna, 57. This quaint and delightful mom and pop pastry stop is a must on the walk along the tramway towards the Zona Navigli area of Milan.

Happy Hours in Milan are varied and popular but this one takes the 'cake'!

I was able to share my favorite pre dinner drink, the Spritz, with 6 of my fellow ( or women ) crewmembers and an large assortment of nibbly treats! Since the owners recognize me there I always ask them to bring out something special! We were sampling peperoncino savory shortbread ( click link for recipe! ), marcona almonds, tuna cream toasts and fresh foccacias and puff pastries filled with olives and ham. Many other appetizers adorned the bar such as nuts, chips and olives and the price is definitely right: 5 € for each drink with the yummies included! Not to be missed!