If Basque cuisine needs any introduction at all, then let me quote Anthony Bourdain, who has called the Basque Country "the center of Western gastronomy." With the chance to spend a week in Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country, how could I not put such bold claims to the test? Now, I will never claim to be an expert gourmand. However, if you give me a week and a license to eat and drink, ... Read Full Article
European Wine Guide: France
Have you ever looked at labels on European wine bottles and wondered about the meaning of AOC, DOGC, or QmP? Look no further. In my European Wine Guide series (organized by country), I will take you through a crash course in wine classifications, helpful terms and varietals found in major wine-producing regions throughout Europe. Let’s continue our “wine tour” in France. French wine is ... Read Full Article
European Wine Guide: Spain
Have you ever looked at labels on European wine bottles and wondered about the meaning of AOC, DOGC, or QmP? Look no further. In my European Wine Guide series (organized by country), I will take you through a crash course in wine classifications and varietals found in major wine-producing regions throughout Europe. Let’s continue our “wine tour” in Spain. The Spanish wine classification system ... Read Full Article
German Appetizers and Cocktails
Feierabend and Appetitanreger in Germany As is the case with most German cuisine, German appetizers tend to be a bit heavier than their neighbors’ to the west and south. That’s OK, they also have plenty of refreshing beers, light wines, and German cocktails to lighten your stomach’s load (at least it’s easy to tell yourself that!). Many German beer hauses and bars offer great happy ... Read Full Article