Tales of a Semi-Pro Wino

Proud to be a Wine Club Member

2009-06-05T11:26:00.000-07:00

We, the wine-club members of America, are the true patriots. We're keeping small wineries in business almost single handedly. Together, we can turn this thing right around.

Of course, the real key is to drink it as soon as it comes...and then order more!

Please Donate Today to Help Alfred

2009-05-29T08:51:00.000-07:00

I was speaking to some of you this weekend about my friend Allison's foundation that works to help women and children in Uganda. You may already know Allison as The Wine Princess. (Twittering as @TheWinePrincess, too.)

You must agree that she's absolutely adorable. But, before I filled you in, you probably didn't realize that the primary reason she opts to pour private wine tastings for a living and works for herself is to have the freedom to go to Uganda for a couple of months each year and work in support of a very small non-profit she runs, Hesed Ministries.

They do amazing, inspiring things in the villages of Uganda. Alfred (shown above) is the "boots-on-the-ground" missionary for their humanitarian work and he has been ill and running a very high fever (103 F). They've been treating him in the village without success. He really needs to be moved to a facility that can provide more modern medical care...relatively speaking, of course.

He and his wife together are raising almost 20 orphans and sending them to school. He sacrifices for the ministry and when the organization decided they needed to shut down due, in part, to the expense of his salary ($100/month), he said "We are working for the Lord, so we will work with or without pay."

A donation equivalent to his current salary (between $20 - $25 per month) from just 35 of us could raise the rest of the $1500 needed to get him to the better medical facility and will give him a better chance of recovering. In Uganda, you must pay in advance for medical care. He is currently being treated in earnest for malaria, though it's clear from the lack of results that malaria is not what's making him so sick.

Any donation can help, even $5 toward the cause. So far they've raised $625. If you can help with any size gift, please donate today!

You can donate at www.HesedInternational.org using Paypal. All donations made during this period will be earmarked for Alfred's medical care.

You can also track the progress and get updates on Alfred's condition on Facebook.

I'd like to thank the academy

2009-05-25T07:30:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it! I won something! And I can attribute it solely to my love of wine, nerdy fascination with viticulture (though I have a black thumb, myself), and my unnatural addiction to Twitter.

The next time somebody mocks me (I'm talking about you Carrie - and YOU Michael) for Tweeting while out and about, I will point to winning VinoVerve's contest as a sign that this is not a completely vapid past time.

I can even explain that the micro-blogging habit leads me to update this blog a couple of times per year. The others remain neglected today, of course, and though I haven't had my NY guy update my "professional" site in years (stupid Dreamweaver) I somehow still get writing assignments and voice work. (hmph!) At least the wine blog now has a recent entry so people know that I'm actually still alive.

And, it's all thanks to Twitter. So there.

You're Invited!

2009-03-13T09:54:00.000-07:00

Hey Florida peeps and tweeps! We would love to have you join us for a special event Tuesday, March 24 in Orlando, Florida. E-mail me through my WineShop site, post a comment, or otherwise contact me to be added to the guest list. I have 9 slots left.

Come learn more about what we do and try our wine!

Discover WineShop At Home, where you'll come for the Taste, stay for the Lifestyle!

At this exclusive invitation-only event, you'll sample some of our handcrafted artisan wines and get an "insiders" view of the wine industry and discover the rewards of a career in the wine business. Florida is a relatively new market for us and the field is wide open!

Whether you're interested in a unique new source for exclusive boutique wine, looking to host wine tastings for your friends in your own home, or would like to make a little extra money pouring wine tastings in your spare time, WineShop At Home may have something to offer you!

Contact Martha for more information or an invitation.

My New Favorite "Wine Bar"

2009-01-01T16:38:00.000-08:00

It's more like a glorified wine store, with a cool Enomatic machine, but it's where I tried Norman Cellars 2006 "The Monster" Zinfandel and fell in love. Took a bottle home with me. Plan to drink it soon.

They also have a kitchen led by a hard-working chef named April. I know her name, because she also ends up delivering food, clearing glassware, etc. I suspect that's necessary because the place isn't really staffed to be a "restaurant."

Every bite of food was fantastic and I can wholeheartedly suggest the chicken satay and the citrus shrimp. YUM! Next time, we'll probably try one of the lovely cheese plates.
With the machine, you can try a taste, half glass, or full glass of any of the wines. We had fun walking around and trying to select wines that would go well with our food, based on the tasting notes posted. We were starving so food choices first. Wine selections to complement.
Tuesday nights are half-price wine night, so with all that we drank our cards still cashed in at a pretty reasonable rate. Plan to drag some friends there the next Tuesday that I'm actually in town....which will be February.

Church Street Cellars
(703) 255-0550
111 Church Street NW
Vienna, VA 22180

You're Invited!

2008-11-28T12:29:00.000-08:00

UPDATE: 4 SLOTS LEFT. CONTACT ME IF YOU'D LIKE TO ADDED TO THE LIST.

If you read my blog and you love wine - and you're local - we would love to have you join us for a special event Tuesday evening in Pentagon City. E-mail me through my WineShop site, post a comment, or otherwise contact me to be added to the guest list. I have 7 slots left.

Come learn more about what we do and drink a bit of our wine!

Discover WineShop At Home, where you'll come for the Taste, stay for the Lifestyle!

At this exclusive invitation-only event, you'll sample some of our handcrafted artisan wines and get an "insiders" view of the wine industry and discover the rewards of a career in the wine business.

Contact Martha for more information or an invitation.

Possible Theme Song

2008-11-28T09:01:00.000-08:00

My Twitter pal WineWoman turned me on to this tune (link to YouTube video below) saying it could be her theme song. It's fun - and it's followed by a mystery song, that I think could be a theme song for me, if my theme song could be played and crooned by Stick McGhee, and we'd dated, and he was lamenting how fickle I am.

I don't know the name of the second song (my potential theme song). If you do, let me know. I'll have a prize for you.

UPDATE: Apparently I didn't watch the "video" - only listened. So, I missed that the name of "my" song is I'd Rather Drink Muddy Water.

Desperate Times Call for Desperate Measures

2008-11-27T12:41:00.000-08:00

I have plenty of wine here, plus gin, tequila, and six types of rum, but somehow no bourbon. How is that even possible?

If the kid gets back and isn't thrown in the pokey, we'll be havin' Southern Pecan Pie with Bourbon-Honey whipped cream TONIGHT at Alex and Paige's.

It's less than three miles down the parkway. How likely is he to really get caught, huh?

Thankfulness

2008-11-27T11:36:00.000-08:00

Our traditions are a shared experience. It's remarkable how similar they are from family to family, from generation to generation, region to region. And for this stability and institutional opportunity we should truly be grateful.

A Family Thanksgiving 1882

1945
1957

2006

2007

None of these pictures are of my family - or your family - but they may as well be. When the fourth Thursday in November comes, we're fortunate if we are able to gather in similar ways.

A friend sent this quote over and I wanted to find a way to share it with you.

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.

--Melody Beattie

I am grateful to have you in my life. Happy Thanksgiving!

A Place for All Those Corks!

2008-11-19T06:23:00.000-08:00

If you love wine, you have corks. Maybe you throw them away because you don't have anything to do with them. No plans to make a wine cork wreath, you crafty thing?

I've been known to throw them in that basket in my guest/wine bathroom. (I know, I know...the themed powder room is a weird feature of my main level.)
I also have this vase full of them in the living room.
I'd love to see pictures of what you do with your corks. Have you found anything fun to do with them? Are you able to dispose of them without guilt?

At wine tastings and parties, I end up surreptitiously tossing them in my bag to take home with me, because I don't want them thrown in the trash. I'm not really collecting, per se, I just don't feel comfortable tossing 'em.

So - I was THRILLED to run across some ideas (via Twitter) this morning.
The Wine Expedition site features some responsible destinations for those biodegradable and recyclable corks. Check it out.

Wine Killed My Laptop

2008-11-13T10:05:00.001-08:00

I have so much more to share from the fabulous wine-soaked girls' weekend at the shore, but I'm recovering from technical difficulties.

Friday night, during an impromptu dance party, someone (probably me...er...actually, it was most definitely me) knocked a full glass of the lovely Sunfish Syrah right onto the keyboard of my beloved Compaq.I really believed it would survive, figuring I'd sopped up most of the spill immediately.

Alas, I am easily distracted, especially by classic songs from Off the Wall and early 90s gems from Bel Biv Devoe. So, off I went to keep dancing with the girls and my trusty pal died all alone.

This week has been spent recovering data, reinstalling software, and basically running a little orientation for my fancy new HP.
The good news is that the replacement is faster, more powerful, has a Webcam - how modern! - and a much bigger screen.

With glass in hand, I say "Onward!"

Perfect Location for the Girls' Weekend

2008-11-07T12:28:00.000-08:00

We're in St. Michael's Maryland for a Bachelorette celebration for our beloved Heather Patterson.

You probably know her...the most adorable little preppy in our circle. Cute, cute, cute! And smart! And...getting married in Florida two weeks from tomorrow. (Sorry guys.)

Wait until you see the pictures of the house! It's the perfect location for the celebration. (Keep your pants on...they're posted below. I wouldn't hold out on you for long.)

I just rolled in as a few of the early arrivals stroll around St. Michael's shopping after a Ladies-Who-Lunch-ish spa outing. Left all my cares behind and arrived to find THIS!!!

Like dutiful gals, we're claiming different adorable bedrooms.
No mystery why I chose this one.

Across the hall we've got the bunk room - which will probably hereafter be known as the awesome room.
Check out this view! And there are kayaks for us. Yippeee!
And...all the best provisions for a girly celebration.
Here is the view behind me when I'm writing (have assignments to finish, of course...so maybe I didn't leave ALL my cares behind). Perhaps I should figure out a way to turn around and enjoy this.

It's about 3:30 pm now. Right now you can use your imagination, but mark my words: in a couple of hours we'll be sitting here, drinking wine and watching the sunset.
More pictures to follow.

Dragon's Teeth

2008-10-27T19:28:00.000-07:00

You've been asking if I'd posted all the Maui pics...so I'll take the hint. There are tons more...plus all the Italy pictures. I'll try to get them all up eventually.

On our second day on Maui, Nana and I started exploring with our trusty guide book. One early destination were the "Dragon's Teeth."
It was harder to find than we thought. Over in Kapalua with a path along the Ritz golf course. You'd think that would be easy to find.
So we braved being beaned by errant golf balls on a beautiful but windy day.
This was early in our adventures, so Nana was a little nervous, thinking she wouldn't be able to get down to the teeth. I assured her that I could carry her down and carry her back. She seemed unconvinced, but walked all the way down with me - and back!
These pictures are off the end of the little peninsula. Gorgeous caves, big waves, and breathtaking views. Still very windy, but worth the scrabbling over volcanic rock.

Here are some of the Dragon's Teeth themselves.
I was so proud of Nana and impressed by her trust (mind you...this was BEFORE the injury). Here is how the formation of the Dragon's Teeth is explained on one tourism site:

Dragon’s Teeth is a good example of what can happen when forces of nature collide. As the lava from the West Mau‘i Volcano poured into the ocean, fierce wind and waves forced it back and it cooled into a formation that resembles great black teeth. Makalua-puna Point was created from one of the last lava flows on Maui. However, the lava is a little different from the rest of the lava on Maui - it is much lighter, denser, and fine-grained. The wind sweeping over the point caused the lava to harden in an upward fashion.

Another site has more pictures.

A Visit to the Winery at La Grange

2008-10-26T16:18:00.000-07:00

It was a perfect day for a visit to a local winery. Fantastic weather, our favorite folks available to join us....and we'd recently met winemaker Chris Pearmund and confirmed that he could use our wine boxes and crates (Reduce! REUSE! Recycle!).

So a few wine consultants headed out to Haymarket on a conservation mission - and to drink some Virginia wine! We were packed in so tight with our collection of cardboard that by the end we had stacks on our laps and were sharing seats.

Gerald at the Winery at La Grange seemed grateful, but surprised by the size of the delivery.

We gathered round to taste 11 wines and selected our picnic foods, which was of prime importance. It was time for lunch.
Melanie poured the wines, told us about them, and kept smiling and pouring despite our silliness and the focus on the lunch choices. As is often the case with Virginia wines, the whites were best. We particularly enjoyed the Pinot Gris and the Chardonnay.

None of the regular reds hit the spot for any of us, but they did have a delicious Port-style wine (named Snort, to get around the appelation requirements) that was super yummy. We grabbed a couple of bottles of the Snort, a Pinot Gris, and went out back to the picnic tables to nosh and laugh.

We were grateful we'd brought a designated driver. Though...he probably preferred the drive out when we were all squished in with - and the sound was muffled by - the boxes.

Jenny & Geoff Loved their Custom Label Wines!

2008-10-23T10:01:00.000-07:00

Don't they look gorgeous and deliriously happy? Just wait until they taste that Cava. It's fantastic bubbly.

The brilliant and generous Brigette hit a homerun once again. At the shower she gave the happy couple a three-month membership to our fab wine club. It's reported that they love that, too!

For their wedding gift, Brigette ordered a case of wine personalized with the engagement photo. They said that the custom-label wine was one of their favorite wedding gifts.

Nana Visits Honolua Bay

2008-09-08T19:00:00.000-07:00

On our first day exploring the island, we headed north to see the sites. We followed the guidebook so closely that we were using the Tripometer to make sure that we didn't miss things like "the small dirt trail to the left, .3 miles past the Bell Rock."

The first stop was this overlook near Honolua Bay. Though I'd worn my bathing suit, convinced I'd be jumping in somewhere, we'd already decided we wouldn't be hiking down to any beaches. It was enough to pull over, see them, and move on to view the next breathtaking vista.
I'd be lying if I didn't say I was experiencing serious kayak and rafting envy as we observed folks down on the bay. It was still quite early, maybe not even 9 am, but there were cars parked along the road next to paths that beach hunters have forged over the years.
There was hooting and hollering in sections - and then you'd look elsewhere and there would be singles and couples just floating quietly. Serenity!
As we stood overlooking the bay and appreciating the view to the open ocean on the other side, group after group pulled into the little jug handle, climbed out, did the same thing, and went on their way. It was clear that this photo op wasn't really a "secret" after all.

We Met the Nicest People

2008-09-07T17:12:00.000-07:00

This kind family from New York insisted that we turn that convertible around and visit the Garden of Eden; we had passed it on the Road to Hana thinking it wasn't worth the admission price. It actually was gorgeous and we were grateful to have run into them, even if they were Yankees fans.
Could that dress be any shorter? I had no idea and, since you know me, I am pretty sure I didn't handle myself in the most ladylike of manners all night. Which means there was probably a ton of accidental underwear flashing. No wonder these guys are smiling and encouraging me to show off my shaka. These gentlemen were playing music throughout our opening reception and were absolutely darling and fun. I wanted a picture with them -and the bassist in particular - for Keane.

Needless to say, Keane's not impressed.
In Paia at the Fish Market, we ran into this adorable couple on their honeymoon from Germany. They'd actually gotten married in Hawaii, which I still don't quite understand. (Of course, you know that marriage isn't my specialty.) Claus and Nadia live about 30 minutes from Munich. We'll probably hook up with them when I take Keane to Europe next summer. Nadia is Swiss.

The Paia Fish Market was the first place I drove more than an hour to just for fish tacos with a good reputation. I had them as often as I could while in Maui. Most were mahi fish tacos, and most were grilled. They weren't San Diego/Baja style, but were still awesome.

I have actually had two (!!) dreams about them since I got home. Dreaming about food is just one of the many reasons I'm not a size 4.

This is Dave. He is the friend I will visit in Melbourne, soon enough. He's in hospitality, liquor, restaurants, and bars. Food and booze...no wonder I got along so well with him! I honestly could have hung out and talked with he and his wife all afternoon - except that we both were on a mission to get some banana bread down the road.

We met them at the shave ice place. This is the shave ice ladies back yard. Dave owes me my picture, but hasn't e-mailed it to me yet. Later, I will add it. (I'm counting on you, Dave.)

We ran into Dave and his family again back in Ka'anapali, which was cool, but I was running to catch the boat for parasailing and by the time we got back they were done with their Hula Grill meal. We were bummed! You know how I love a fun (foodie and boozy) Australian family.
I feel awful because I have forgotten this young lady's name. She sold me an adorable dress - not the too-short black one; I clearly purchased that one without any professional assistance. Thanks a lot, Nana!

She was working at this boutique for the summer, but goes to school in Washington. She hopes to get a job at a tasting room when she returns to school in the fall! Loves wine. Eliminates any need for me to shop for myself. We need her on the team!
Possibly my favorite picture from the whole trip. We didn't encounter a single staff member at the Sheraton who wasn't cheerful, friendly, funny, and kind. We bonded especially with the maids in our section. We would see them piling onto the elevator each morning...and one day we hopped on with them. It was that morning that we snapped this picture.

Pay Phones

2008-08-27T20:50:00.000-07:00

All over the island. So cute with tropical flowers. When was the last time you saw a working pay phone at home?
I have a crush on adorable Hawaiian Telcom. Honestly...I just kept taking pictures of them. The top on was in Napili, the one just above and below here is near the Starbucks in Kahului (in the same shopping center as the Borders and the liquor "super mart"!
This one was....oh, I don't remember. Probably Lahaina.
And, this last one, I saw in Paia. Later I'll write about the excellent fish tacos at Paia Fish Market, show you the place Nana selected for her tattoo, and blog about the darling future wine consultant I met when I bought my white eyelet dress. All in gorgeous Paia!

What I'm Drinking: Sunfish! Sunfish! Sunfish Syrah!

2008-08-27T18:02:00.000-07:00

Mmm...it's good! I finally picked up my wine club and I really wanted to try the Sunfish 2006 Syrah. There are a few reasons, not the least of which is that my awesome cousin called today and ordered some when neither of us had even tasted it yet!

I'm a four-bottle wine club member, because I like to try all four new wines each month. The Sunfish was the only one I hadn't ever tasted before, so the decision had been made. TWO reasons to drink it.

Third reason? (Ryan P. can vouch for this.) Fishing for fresh water sunnies - off a dock or standing in the water - is one of my favorite catch-and-release activities. I'm pretty good at it, if I do say so myself. It's the hunter in me, I think.

So, as you know, each of the wines come with a cool card with pairing suggestions, winemakers notes, and a recipe, often specially created for pairing with that particular wine. The Sunfish was no exception and the recommendations included turkey dishes, smoked cheeses, or vegetables prepared in sesame oil. The recipe was for a delectable looking Grilled Turkey Sandwich with Smoked Gouda. YUM!

Without going to Giant, the only things I had handy were the avocados, tomato, garlic, mayo and romaine lettuce. Not even close to being able to make the sandwich, which is embarrassing. It's a "work" night, so I couldn't spare the hour to run out for groceries.

But, I did have grilled chicken in the fridge and some zucchini and summer squash, so I tossed the veggies with some sesame oil, cut up the chicken, tossed the whole thing together and opened the bottle.

The agonizing over the food was unnecessary. This wine is FANTASTIC on its own. It's what I would call a "T.V. wine." You can enjoy it on its own, watching T.V. No need to pair it, it's still good.

Of course, it was still great with the veggies and chicken, but I'm so excited to find another yummy, easy wine I can stock up on and open up at any time.

This is one that the Fog Zinfandel lovers (sold out, folks) and the Broadmoore Merlot fans will really enjoy. If you liked the Villa Encantado Malbec, you'd appreciate this one, too.

Can't Pass This One Along to Nana

2008-08-26T18:20:00.000-07:00

Just as I suspected when I bought it in Kahului, this book is absolutely filthy. No joke.

In addition to the "romance" I had anticipated a bunch of anti-haole rhetoric and "evil-colonizers" perspective. Check!

What I didn't expect was the gore. Lots of accidental amputations, missing eyeballs, lepers, babies thrown off cliffs, laundry workers blinded by starch, etc.

Gotta hand it to the author, though: She doesn't let all the blood-and-guts, poverty, oppression, and disease get in the way of the smut.

We Love Simon

2008-08-26T14:37:00.000-07:00

It's actually spelled saiman and Nana and I are officially hooked. My brothers would recognize it as a soup similar to Dad Ramen, except in place of strips of Buddig beef there are pieces of Spam, scrambled egg, and fish cake that looks a lot like radishes. It is dee-lish!

It's a fish broth, so it's a lot like shrimp-flavor Top Ramen, except it's not artificially seafood flavored like the ramen is. Plus, it's traditionally a breakfast food.

Nana and I would drive up to Kapalua to the Honolua store near the Ritz-Carlton to have it. They also made great ham and cheese omelets and had good coffee. Mmmmm....coffee.....It's the cutest little place - a weird cross between a New England/Cape building and an Adirondack lodge. Just cool.

We would sit on the porch to eat and just relax in the shade.

On our first visit, we met a terrific transplant from the mainland, Athena, on her way to work. We were in line for coffee and we noticed a $5 bill drifting down near her feet. All three of us thought it belonged to the lady ahead of us. We called her back over, gave her the money and within seconds realized that it was mine. Duh.

Athena then secretly paid for our coffee! We wanted to meet up with her later - maybe at one of the wine tastings - but it wasn't to be. Instead, we left her some wine (Somersville Chardonnay, which Brigette will tell you is like liquid, fat-free butter in a glass) when we left. I'll look her up when I'm back on the Big Island next fall.

Meeting Athena and chatting with her - and her sweet gesture to a couple of Maui visitors - made us love Honolua Store even more. (That and the limes we were able to pick up for the g&ts, natch.)

I Love Fresh Air

2008-08-25T20:29:00.000-07:00

I have a rather annoying (to some) habit. It's a preference of mine and it's kind of a litmus test for my travel companions.

I am a window opener. It's the first thing I do when I arrive someplace on vacation. Whether it's Lake Las Vegas, Mexico, the Bahamas, or Key West, I'm on the terrace, enjoying the outdoors. I don't like to be cooped up and the trip over on the plane is almost more than I can bear.

I almost loathe A/C. In fact, I drive a convertible because I like outside air. I don't actually enjoy being tan all the time. I just can't help it. Got a lot of melanin.

So...as one would expect, upon arrival I threw open the sliding glass door. We started talking about sleeping with the door open all night, enjoying the island breezes, and listening to the ocean right outside. I was thrilled! Rapture, really.

As we prepared to leave for dinner, I decided to lock up because it would be so easy to climb over the wall to our patio and stroll into our room and steal our welcome chocolates - or our gin.
So, I was closing the door and some weird leaf fell down and hit me in the face and landed in between my tank top and my lei. I stopped and looked down to remove it and the leaf jumped up off my chest and hit me in the eye. I screamed so loud (like a girl, even!) that Nana came running out of the bathroom to see what seaweed monster was dragging me off.

By that time, I had grabbed the gecko off my chest and tried to fling it out into the grass. It had other ideas and had run up my arm and jumped back into the drapes.

You might think it was a gecko like this (because there are tons of them around the property):

But it was a gecko more like THIS!

I have to assume that it ran outside...startled by my high-pitched shriek and frenzied, mindless efforts to kill it. (I wouldn't normally do that, but fight or flight was kicking in.)

We ended up keeping the door closed while we were sleeping, much to my disappointment. I just couldn't in good conscience leave it open and risk Nana being carted away by giant, muscle-bound, ill-tempered, mutant geckos.

Each morning, we greeted the day by opening the room up and each evening, before bed, we solemnly closed - and locked (did I mention the opposable thumbs on that green monster?) - the door.

Later we ran across this sign.

Now they tell us.

What I'm Drinking

2008-08-25T19:01:00.000-07:00

I've settled in for a nice evening with a little of the Pied Violet 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, a really garlicky salad with grilled chicken, and some 24 and hottie Jack Bauer. They're all surprisingly good together.

So, I'm bragging to my friend on the phone that I'm drinking the sold out Cab tonight, starting Season 4, and how delicious it all is and I look down and realize that I'd accidentally grabbed the Merlot from the wine basement.

Turns out the Merlot is even better with the salad - and the watermelon - and I'm actually quite grateful to learn this, because it's still available and I can continue to be uncharacteristically stingy with my last six bottles of the Cab.

The first night the whole gang met up in Maui - and at convention - I'd been a little cranky because I saw the beautiful Purple Foot label and each time I'd bellied up to the bar, visibly excited about having some of the Cabernet--and was met with the Merlot. In Maui (see above and below) I was mocked for my diva behavior. How dare they make fun of me for being so ridiculously opinionated and enthusiastic!
I didn't exactly drink the Merlot grudgingly... but I am still convinced that the Cab would have been better with the pate on pita, the fantastic goat cheese and grape tomato skewers, as well as with the delicious petite filets and the chocolate mousse.

When they said "sold out" they must have meant it.

Some Rooms with a View

2008-08-15T22:08:00.001-07:00

Look at our room! We couldn't believe it. In hindsight, I don't know what we expected, but it wasn't this. When we checked in and she told us we'd be on the first floor with an ocean view, I even asked "Will we be able to see the ocean from the first floor?"

I hope I don't run into her again. I'm embarassed by my cape-flipping response. I wasn't yet in Maui mode and didn't realize how fantastic the staff would be or how many great friends we would make. Honestly, when I return to Maui, I'll probably stay at the Sheraton Maui again.

I mean, with views like this from the suite...
this during Sunset....

and like this at the Lagoon bar...

Come on! It's paradise, people.

A Gorgeous Resort

2008-08-15T21:12:00.000-07:00

My first time in Maui and Nana's first to Hawai'i at all and we didn't know what to expect. It's embarrassing, but I'll admit it because if you know me well, you've probably heard me say it before.

In fact, less than a month ago, I was saying it at a gorgeous Tuscan-style resort in Nevada.

A couple of summers ago I was overheard observing the same thing in the Bahamas.

The first time we went to New Orleans, I said it.

And, I'll bet if I ever go on safari in Kenya or stay at an African lodge, I'll say it.

(Warning: I expect I'll definitely utter the phrase in Italy next month.)
It reminds me of Disney World.

There. I wrote it.

And I realize that it's very sad. I've seen the fake version of "the world" so many times - and Disney is so good at replicating it, albeit in a sanitized version - that when I go places that are distinctive, I'm reminded of the lands the Mouse built.
The bars and the drink huts remind me of the Tiki Room at the Magic Kingdom. (YOU know the place, where the birds all sing and the flowers bloom? Yeah that one, the tiki, tiki, tiki, tiki, tiki room.)
The resort itself reminds me so much of the Polynesian Resort at Disney World, with a little bit of the Royal Pacific Resort from Universal Orlando thrown in.

I know that this is the real thing - and it certainly is better - but it's amazing to me what a great job they do copying it in Orlando. As I type this, I hear a Hawai'ian crooner performing out by the pool, and it sounds just like it does when Keane and I are waiting for our table at O'Hana.
I suppose that it was unavoidable, with the many times we've gone to Disney in our lifetimes and the great number of Epcot International Food and Wine Festivals Keane and I have jetted down to attend.

I only admit it here, because you are my friend and you won't judge me for being a product of my environment.

I love to travel. I'll risk sounding smug and arrogant and call myself intellectually curious, even if you won't.

And, still, my touchstone, my impressions and perspective are all indelibly colored by my domestic experiences.

At theme parks.

Glorious, incredible theme parks - the best in the WORLD - but theme parks nonetheless.

Somehow that's depressing to me. Almost 40 and I compare all fabulous locales to the Disney version.

Nana and I are going to have to get out and really experience Maui so we can come home with tales that aren't just about what the most popular cocktail at the Lagoon Bar is or what our favorite appetizer is at Black Rock restaurant.

Stay tuned. There will be pictures.

The Road to Ka'anapali

2008-08-15T20:38:00.000-07:00

We landed at Kahului airport and had to drive down to Ma'alaea Bay and then around along the shore through Lahaina to get to Ka'anapali, where we're staying.

It took about 45 minutes and by the second half the Maui rush hour had begun and I had to keep both hands on the wheel, but much of that portion of the trip the ocean was so close that if there'd been a rogue wave it would have soaked the pavement ahead of us.

We'd been mesmerized by the clouds earlier and how they alternated between looking vaguely threatening, as if a storm would gather any minute, and looking absolutely heavenly, with amazing shafts of sunlight streaming through. In many areas, the clouds shrouded mountains, leaving the summits obscured. So gorgeous - all of it.

And then we were there.

Watch Out South Pacific, Here We Come!

2008-08-15T19:47:00.000-07:00

We departed National Airport very early Thursday morning. We had a short stop in Phoenix, but when we arrived in Maui in the early afternoon, we'd been airborne more than 10 hours and had been on the road for 15.

We were a little punchy by the time we were in the rental car and headed to our resort at Ka'anapali on the West Coast.
Nana's global appeal had actually landed us an upgrade to a convertible. All she did was tell Michael, our National rental car customer service specialist, her name and suddenly it was:

Do you need help with that, Elizabeth?
Are you comfortable, Elizabeth?
How about a convertible? It's the only way to see Maui.

And so it was.

Later, we popped in to KMart for some provisions recommended by the famous secret guidebook and located these special water shoe-sock thingees, called Tabis. We almost lost it trying to get Nana's sneaker off to try them on and then hunting for a place for her to sit to put the shoe back on. (Solution? A Coleman cooler!)

These shoes - at about $30 a pair - came so highly recommended that I really was going to buy them. Can you imagine?? We ultimately decided that if a waterfall we wanted to see couldn't be reached without these hideous things, we'd just skip it.

We hit the Hawai'i Liquor Superstore (natch!) and Borders, too. Everyone really is so friendly and by the time we got back in the car for the rest of the drive to the hotel, lots of people knew the story of Nana going to Maui.

One really nice guy helped me pick out a book of Hawai'i historical fiction. It looks like a Hawaiian bodice ripper, but he assured me it was of the highest literary merit.

Check it out for yourself, it's called Shark Dialogues. I haven't even read a page of it yet, but the cover art is provocative-ish. Apparently the same art was used for a Maui phone book last year, which is hard to imagine.

More Birthday Celebrations

2008-08-13T11:15:00.000-07:00

...and somehow they always involve wine.

We gathered at Jen's beautiful home to celebrate three August birthdays: Carrie's, Liz's, and mine. There was amazing Thai food accompanied by several varietals, including the great Frisch Riesling provided by Brigette.

Val brought a very special, inconvenient-to-procure cake, which was incredibly delicious and warmly welcomed. In the excitement, she started blowing out the candles for us. She's just full service!

There were some good-natured scuffles over some coveted handbags and no less than three pairs of girlfriendy feet sported hot and enviable shoes. (I'm especially thinking of you, Erica. Polka dots!)

A few candles were still lit, so the birthday girls blew them out together and made many wishes, most probably involved more wine. Mine definitely involved more Thai food and fervent hopes that there'd be plenty of cake for seconds and maybe thirds!

Brigette's beautiful Lauren looked on and didn't seem entirely convinced we'd spent our wishes wisely.

But even Lauren concurred that we're very lucky women, all of us so grateful to have such a wonderful, supportive group of bon vivants as dear friends. It even looks like she became a touch verklempt thinking about it.

Happy Birthday to Me!

2008-08-11T12:35:00.001-07:00

So my wonderful family hosted a birthday dinner for me last night. Val attended and bonded with Gavin.

Nana was there, as she so often is for this August birthday. And, I got to choose anything I wanted for dinner. With an eye toward wearing a bathing suit next week, I opted for an ambitious array of special appetizers, delicious grilled shrimp on caesar salad, a family specialty, and crepe suzette, my favorite birthday dessert since childhood. Unlike last year, we had no fiery mishaps.

We also discussed the fun of growing up with a mom who is a gourmet. Two foodie (and drinkie) parents lends itself to interesting culinary preferences at a young age. How many 8-year-olds prefer a dessert en flambe to a birthday cake?

We reminisced over other boozy faves like cherries jubilee and cocoa amaretto mousse. We laughed about what our grade-school teachers must have thought of our creative writing assignments, peppered as they were with references to these drunken desserts, Brandy Alexanders, Golden Dreams, and Mudslides.

Stories abound of us sneaking extra servings of Cold Duck, Lancer's, or other special-occasion libations and being a little tipsy as we were sent to bed. I'm sure the 'rents are horrified by the confessions, but it's true! Besides, it's hard to keep an eye on four children during a dinner celebration and, frankly, we're none the worse for it.

Bob refused to partake, but for nostalgia's sake - and because people who say it doesn't taste good are liars - the rest of the nine of us finished three bottles of Mateus in honor of the beginning of my 39th year. That's approximately 30 flaming birthday crepes and counting, for those of you keeping track.

It's no wonder that three of the original family six-pack are now in the wine business.

And, yes, we are loving every minute of it.

A Future Hula Star Thanks You

2008-08-11T12:02:00.001-07:00

Nana and I are preparing for our Dream Vacation to Maui. We've received the agenda, used frequent flier miles to upgrade to first class all the way (Thanks Mom!), and decided that renting a car is a very good idea.

We appreciate all the help our friends and family provided in helping to make this possible. If you hosted or attended a wine tasting with me in April or May, or you responded to my blatant plea for help at the very end, you significantly contributed to getting Nana to Hawaii for the very first time. Thank you so much! We couldn't have done it without you.

We depart in less than 72 hours and it's possible that two people have never been so excited about a ride to the airport. We promise to take lots of pictures and post them for you. Count on getting updates and though we won't live-blog the wine receptions and booze cruises, we'll likely keep you in the loop much of the time. If you have suggestions about MUST-DOs on Maui, please post them in the comments.

Lovely Nana has been reading all about the island in a tome my brother Bob's friend Chris lent us Maui Revealed: The Ultimate Guidebook. We've been instructed to be careful not to let the locals see us with it, as they don't appreciate the inside scoop it provides. I'm going to leave that subterfuge up to the Nana.

Don't worry.
I have her back.