15%

Our JOURNAL

ARCHIVES

Sky High at Portillo

Sky High at Portillo

  Here I am. Standing at the top of a p-r-e-t-t-y pitched slope. By my calculations, it is, at least, a good 45-degree gradient. It will require some pretty fast turns to get out of the "hairy" zone before the run becomes more tranquila. I stop to take a deep...

At Your Service

At Your Service

You probably have been in this situation. There's a new restaurant of a well-known chef. It was hard to get a table but you managed to score one. You arrive with your date and the architecture is dazzling. There are beautiful people everywhere and the vibe is super...

Viña El Principal: An Alto Maipo Gem

Viña El Principal: An Alto Maipo Gem

When we talk about terroir-driven wines, one of the first wineries that Springs to mind, for my palate, is El Principal. Never heard of it? You’re probably not alone. It’s one of those (purposefully) under-the-radar wineries that pursues excellence in small quantities...

Faith, Hope, and Chilean Pride

Faith, Hope, and Chilean Pride

Yesterday afternoon around 3:20pm we were polishing off the final drops of an exquisite bottle of El Principal 2006 and the last bite of our pasta-less roasted vegetable lasagna. Out of nowhere, horns began honking like crazy outside. Since this is a normal ritual...

My Miracle Food: Coconut Oil

My Miracle Food: Coconut Oil

Move over olive oil, coconut oil has taken the front stage in our kitchen. That’s right, while I still use whole, natural oils like extra virgin olive oil, avocados, and tiny amounts of non-pasteurized butter from the campo (that’s right, they still sell that here in...

My Top Five Picadas in Santiago

My Top Five Picadas in Santiago

Wondering what the heck is a picada? It's simple. A joint. A simple eatery. In my humble opinion, if you want to know the soul of a cuisine, hit the joints. This is the people's food. The kind of comfort food your grandma would make for you in the countryside. And...

On the Radar: Uruguayan Wine Country

On the Radar: Uruguayan Wine Country

I know, your first thought may be, “Uruguayan Wine Country? Seriously?” Yes, it’s true. This cattle-producing country may get more international buzz for its grass-fed steaks, stinky old world cheeses, and pristine beaches, but it is just a matter of time before...

Carbonada, che?

Carbonada, che?

In July, both Argentina and Uruguay have celebrated their respective birthdays on July 9 and July 18th, respectively. Feliz Cumple Vecinos Míos! So what do Argentines and Uruguayans do to celebrate? Why gather to eat, drink, and be merry, of course. Perhaps some...

Chilly Chile

Chilly Chile

Ok, I have to admit. After ten years here, this is the first winter where I am NOT cold. And it’s the coldest winter on record yet. Let me explain. The Central Valley of Chile, where Santiago is located, is part of a lovely Mediterranean climate. Most of the year, we...

Meet Photographer Matt Wilson

Meet Photographer Matt Wilson

I want to introduce all of you guys to one of the brightest and best photographers I have had the privilege of meeting in Chile (and no, it's not my husband Francisco who does many of the pics for our books/website/blog, although he certainly qualifies. :). Meet Matt...

Pop! South American Sodas

Pop! South American Sodas

It cracks me up how different cultures crave different flavors and how those turn up in very pedestrian items like say soda pop. I am not a very big soda fan for obvious health reasons. I gave it up years ago and only succumb to the occasional diet coke when in no...

Searching for flavors; the honest
and the meaningful

Our Journeys