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Cola de Mono: Chile’s Version of Eggnog
Last night I made my first batch of Cola de Mono, a traditional Chilean Christmas cocktail. After nearly 12 years, I decided it was time to give it another go. Back as a student here in 1997, I imbibed a little too much of this potent drink, and let me tell you, the...
Oh Christmas Tree…plus Salmon Ceviche
Yesterday, I finally broke down and bought a fake, plastic (pine) Christmas tree. Four days before Christmas and fittingly on our summer equinox in the Southern hemisphere. Many of you wrote me that Christmas is not Christmas without a tree. I agree....
Eat Wine Santiago 2012 Debut (Want a Free Copy?)
I have been hard at work on holiday season gift for you all (no Santa nor magic elves involved though). In fact, you'll find a couple goodies in this post. Let’s start with the one that is most time sensitive Eat Wine Santiago 2012 is LIVE That’s right, Eat Wine...
Guest Post: Big Vegan
Editor's Note: I am so honored to have my colleague, Robin Asbell, based in Minneapolis, joining us to share a delectable vegan recipe with y'all "Eat Winers" this week. Robin is a chef, cookbook writer and master of natural foods: grains, vegetarian meals, and...
Six Things NOT to do with wine
Forget it in the freezer: I know that many a sommelier will cringe to hear this, but it’s the truth, and come on, we all do this in a pinch. Stick a bubbly or white wine in the freezer for 15-30 minutes to get it ice cold. It works like a charm, but only if you don’t...
Visions of Argentina’s Wild Northwest
Oh, Salta. There you go again...showing up in my dreams. As if two trips already this year weren't enough, as Kylie Minogue sang it, "I just can't get you out of my head". Visions of ruby-colored mountains, majestic cardon-covered canyons, ancient adobe towns,...
Gettin’ Saucy
One of the things I love about Peruvian cuisine is the abundance of sauces for everything. Piquant chili sauces to accompany their aromatic roasted chicken, creamy sauces to pair with boiled potatoes, and even fiery sauces to give anything a serious kick. In Santiago,...
Guest Post – I Heart Santiago
Celebrating in Plaza Italia after a win for Chile in the South Africa World Cup Games, 2010. Editor's Note: Starting every Monday, we'll be inviting guest bloggers to join us on Eat Wine to bring some fresh air, and voice, to the blog. Photographers, chefs,...
Four Party Wines for Your Holidays
You guys have been writing a lot to ask which South American wines I recommend for parties, big and small, since they pack such a value-driven punch and a lot of bang for your buck. Now that we are officially knee-deep in the holiday season, here are a...
Enchanted by Estancia El Colibri
Over Thanksgiving, we said adiós to turkey, cranberries, and Chile, and jetted over the Andes to the city of Córdoba in Argentina. Never heard of it? It's the second largest city in Argentina with nearly two million inhabitants. Our destination wasn't really...
Turn off the TV & Start Living
I have a confession to make. We don’t have a TV. Yes, it is by choice. (You can gasp now.) After the initial shock, most people grapple with the idea of how I can survive, let alone function without a TV. It’s not hard, I swear. In fact, getting rid of the boob tube...
Where’s The Beef
Grill Master, "Pelado," from Estancia el Colibri in Córdoba, Argentina prepares his asado. As a cook and foodie jumping between Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay on a regular basis, it has taken me a while to finally hash out the difference in cuts between what I grew up...
Southern Cone Sampler: Sip Across South America
Love vino? Having an affair with Malbec or Carmenere? Does South America stir your imagination? This April 20-28, 2012 we'll be embarking on our Signature Journey, Southern Cone Sampler, to sip our way across boutique gems and prestigious bodegas in...
Carpaccio with Cranberry Bean Salad & Carmenere
As Thanksgiving descends upon the masses up north, I want to share a short cooking and wine pairing video to give you some ideas that could easily become the first course spread. Yes, it is 90% do ahead. Important when you're hosting a house full of...
Faster, Bigger…Easier?
The U.S. is a culture of convenience and self service. Here, the great hamburger empire, McDonald’s, was born along with fast food of all kind from the transfat culprits to salad bars in the supermarket. In fact, it’s amazing to think that Starbucks was...
Wine Harvest Tour in South America, April 20-28, 2012
There’s been on-going petition by clients for me to personally host more weeklong tours. I have heard you all and shall deliver in 2012 with our Signature Journeys in Chile, Argentina, Peru, and Uruguay. I am super psyched to announce a special trip to...
Barrel Me Over
How often do I hear our clients, when putting together an itinerary, say “All we need is the wine tasting. We don’t need to see a bunch of barrels.” I try to hide my dismay. Then I gently persuade them that understanding the use of barrels, usually...
Texas & Argentina: Soul Republics
Photo by Eduardo Amorim at http://www.flickr.com/photos/bombeador/ Having just spent 10 days in Texas, a true study in a very unique subculture within the United States, I was struck by the similarities between Texas and Argentina. They seem to be two...
and the meaningful
