When my baby smiles at me, I go to Rio, De Janeiro

Friends of mine are off to Rio just after Christmas and asked me for restaurant recommendations. Now I know my reputation for ‘Wandering’ is as solid as my waistline but Rio is a little out my reach at present. Actually, I have to confess I have never been to South America although Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Peru all beckon. Read More >

The Wandering Palate features on winesearcher.com

The Wandering Palate is currently featured on winesearcher.com with his intoxications, delusions, hallucinations and wanderings of delirium on duck and Chianti; be enlightened following the link

http://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2012/10/curtis-marsh-2001-fattoria-di-felsina-berardenga-chianti Read More >

Sam Neill Strike’s Vinous Gold

A note came through the email this morning from Sam Neill, proprietor of Two Paddocks, that prompted me to report on their 2008 Pinot Noir, which I have 5 cases in the cellar; well 4 cases now having liberated a case recently to check on how it is evolving – and was consumed within the week! The ‘Prop’ had suggested  “To drink up the 08’s, there’s exciting things ahead”, which illustrates the enthusiasm for the 2009 and 2010 vintages in Central Otago. Read More >

Wine Dog of the Month – ‘Hank’ – Herman Story Winery, Paso Robles, CA

Hank from Herman Story Winery, Paso Robles, CA

Herman Story was the name of winemaker Russell From’s grandfather. He was a rancher, logger, swapper, banker, philanthropist, a ‘teller of tales’ and the perfect inspiration for Russell’s innovative and modern winery. In less than ten years, Herman Story has become one of the most critically-acclaimed wineries in America and routinely achieves top scores from Robert Parker and Wine Spectator.

Russell’s visionary and dedicated approach to his superb wines is matched only by his dog Hank’s visionary and dedicated approach to tennis ball retrieval. Hank has spent all of his five years honing his craft and is considered the Zen master of Fetch around Paso Robles.

Winery: Herman Story Winery, Paso Robles, CA USA
Breed: German Shorthaired Pointer, 5
Owner: Russell From

Obsession: Balls, guns and bungs

Naughtiest deed: Eating chickens
Favourite pastime: Looking for squirrels
Known accomplices: Vailia, Paige, Abbey and Bailey
Favourite food: Stout cupcakes with cream cheese frosting

Find out more about Wine Dogs

www.winedogs.com

When the Levy Breaks

Our Cambodian correspondent, Darren Gall, fights off going troppo in the rainy season with a mix of Tomaso Albinoni Adagio, boyhood memories, cooking like an Italian and a deluge of Piedmonte wine. We think he’s OK now—Darren… “What do you think you are, for Chrissake, crazy or somethin’? Well you’re not! You’re not! You’re no crazier than the average asshole out walkin’ around on the streets (in the rain)  and that’s it” One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest Read More >

Buying Wine | Related to: |
Out of my glass

Our Cambodian correspondent, Darren Gall shares his rational on sensory aspects of wine, “I have also learned that, for me, it is impossible to consider the wine in isolation…” encapsulating this publications doctrine, that wine is singularly boring yet compositely “delicious”. Read More >

Migeul’s “Barcelona Chicken Curry”

Our man in Spain, that is at ‘A Taste of Spain’, Miguel Ullibarri, has an inexhaustible passion for food which appears to extend and “Loves curry and Asian food in general”.

Having received a jar of the famous Duck Run Nonya curry, Miguel could not wait to track down a Chinese lacquered roast duck and plunged straight into a chicken curry, sending this picture as evidence, now known as the “Barcelona Chicken Curry”.

Make sure you visit A Taste of Spain’s website for their exciting tours and culinary course www.atasteofspain.com

Migeul's “Barcelona Chicken Curry”.