Posts Tagged ‘Food’

Food and Wine for the Soul

What better way to nourish the soul than with a fabulous meal with wonderful wine?  An Argentinian Steakhouse is an experience of both delicious flavors and cultural history.

Argentina is famous for it’s cattle and sheep ranches.  Since the early 1800s, the ranches in the Pampas region have been a major part of the economy.  The gauchos, or cowboys are part of the folklore and national identity.

Many people consider Asado, or barbequed meat, the traditional national dish.   Beef, lamb, pork, chorizo sausages and even chicken is grilled next to each other over the open fire.

A long metal cross, or asadores, is used to hold an entire animal over a firepit.  The asadores can also skewer pieces of several meats which are grilled and then sliced and served together.  The meat is not marianted before cooking and is very slow roasted for several hours.

A Chimichurri sauce of chopped parsley, oregano, garlic, salt, pepper, onion and olive oil is served on the side.  Because of the influence of Italian immigrants, pasta is another popular side dish.  A dulce-de-leche flavored pudding or creme cake makes a perfect dessert.

Today, Argentina is the world’s 3rd largest exporter of beef and is the 5th largest producer of wines.

The Spanish colonization during the early 1500s brought the grapes and wine production to Argentina.   During the 1800s, immigrants from France and Italy brought their wine making techniques to the country.  Over 20 varietals of wine are produced including: Malbec, Chenin blanc, Pinot gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet sauvignon, Syrah, Tempranillo, Dolcetto, Lambrusco, Sangiovese and even Champagne, Sherries, Brandies and Vermouth.

The grilled meat and fruity wine are pure heaven if you ask me!  I can almost hear the guitar music playing in the background.  It’s dark and rustic – I think you can imagine the dining experience.

I’m going to buy a Malbec for my steak tonight and toast to Argentina – Joy

Cultural Eating in NYC

One of the best things about NYC is the food.  Everywhere you go, you can see the mix of cultures and the many different foods we eat. The city is a feast of flavors, ingredients and traditions.

Immigrants from all parts of the world brought their recipes to New York.  Visiting the city’s neighborhoods can feel like an around-the-world adventure in dining.  From Chinatown and Little Italy to Harlem, a great meal is just a few steps away.

Many foods are recognized as being “New York’s Finest”.  The list has to include the obvious:  bagels, hot dogs, cheesecake, pizza, pickles, knish.

Many people don’t realize how many dishes were created in the grand hotels or restaurants over the years.  New York chefs created the Waldorf  Salad, Red Velvet Cake, Lobster Newberg, Steak Diane and even Thousand Island Dressing.

Another cultural fact about New York is that in 1837, the first, fine dining establishment in the United States opened – Delmonico’s.   The restaurant also started the “Celebrity Chef” phenomeon when Chef Alessandro Fellippini began to develop the now famous Delmonico Steak.  He is also credited with inventing Eggs Benedict and Banked Alaska.

One of my favorite books is Arthur Schwartz’s New York City Food.  The book traces over 400 years of eating history and is loaded with pictures and recipes.  I love thinking about how our cultures and foods develop.

If all this talk has made you hungry, why don’t you look in your favorite cookbook and make something new?   Or go visit that new restaurant and see what’s on the menu.

Happy Living Global with Fine Dining!   Joy

Welcome to Living Global…

Cruising from Miami

I began traveling at a very early age.  Seeing the Eiffel Tower in Paris when I was 7 is something I will never forget.  I remember standing under it looking up at the iron.  And then we climbed up into it and  went to the observation deck to take pictures.  Later that day we walked up to Montmartre and drew pictures in a notebook, just like Van Gogh did.  The people in France sounded different, the food was different and I was changed forever.

I know that first trip to Europe made me into the Cultural Lover I am today.  As the years pass, I seek out great adventures and I love to learn about new countries to visit.  Exploring new places and making friends with different backgrounds has given me a broader view of my world here in Florida.

One of my favorite quotes is from Ulysses, by Alfred Tennyson – “I am a part of all that I have met”

Written in 1833, Tennyson was speaking about a great ancient voyager, but it also speaks of me, today.  I still have a piece of Paris with me.  When I get frustrated about the economic situation here, I can think about that Eiffel Tower and wonder how the Parisians are dealing with declining markets.  I buy a bottle of Beaujolais and eat brie cheese, somehow I know we’re all in this together and I feel a little better.