bad news in the new year

the avian flu has definately arrived in japan. the confirmed 5th farm was discoverd this week, when a large number of deaths of chickens were reported. the JT had the story...

H5 bird flu strain confirmed at poultry farm in Miyazaki

MIYAZAKI (Kyodo) Avian influenza was confirmed Saturday as the cause of a large number of chicken deaths on a farm in Miyazaki Prefecture. The confirmation of Japan's fifth case of avian flu came through a virus test by the National Institute of Animal Health based in Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture, officials said. The Miyazaki Prefectural Government announced that the virus was in the H5 family. The institute will continue testing to determine whether it is the virulent H5N1 strain. Human infection and subsequent deaths from the H5N1 variety have been reported worldwide, mainly in Southeast Asia, resulting from close contact with poultry.

Scary stuff, up to this point Japan had not really been effected, but now it seems to be spreading and getting worse. So far no one at the effected farm has gotten sick. you can read more of the full story at the Japan Times.

Voting closed last night at the Well Fed Network and we now have the winners for the 2006 Food Blog Awards. Congratulations to everyone!

The full list is below... but a few of my favorites one, including Orangette, Eggbeater, Becks n' Posh, Coconut and Lime, 101 cookbooks, and Farmgirl Fare! And lots of blogs won that I don't know much about yet, but am eager to read more!

Here is the list of winners by catagory and their prizes!

Best Food Blog - Chef - David Lebovitz (a set of beautiful drink stirrers donated by Screwpull/LeCreuset)

Best Food Blog - City - Becks ‘n Posh (a copy of Big City Cooking donated by Well Fed)

Best Food Blog - Drinks - Vinography (bottle of Lichido Liqueur donated by Lichido)

Best Food Blog - Family/Kids - Vegan Lunchbox (a copy of Cooking Rocks! donated by Everything Rachael Ray)

Best Food Blog - Food Industry - Eggbeater (a copy of Secrets of Chicago Chefs cookbook donated by Well Fed)

Best Food Blog - Group - Slashfood (a copy of The Weekend Chef donated by Well Fed)

Best Food Blog - Humor - Smitten Kitchen (The Los Angeles Times’ Modern California Cooking donated by Well Fed)

Best Food Blog - New - Pinch My Salt (the original Sil-Pin Baker’s Style Rolling Pin donated by Fiesta Products)

Best Food Blog - Non-Blogging - Leite’s Culinaria (a copy of Cat Cora’s Kitchen donated by Well Fed)

Best Food Blog - Original Recipes - Coconut and Lime (the original Sil-Pin Silicone Rolling Pin donated by Fiesta Products)

Best Food Blog - Overall - Simply Recipes (a saucier pan with lid donated by Le Creuset)

Best Food Blog - Photography - La Tartine Gourmande (a two piece skillet set donated by Le Creuset)

Best Food Blog - Post - Amateur Gourmet (a wine funnel and stand donated by Screwpull/Le Creuset)

Best Food Blog - Recipes - 101 Cookbooks (a copy of The Gourmet Cookbook donated by Sweetnicks)

Best Food Blog - Restaurant Reviews - Grab Your Fork (a copy of Gordon Ramsay’s Just Desserts donated by Well Fed)

Best Food Blog - Rural - Farmgirl Fare (a copy of Gardeners’ Community Cookbook donated by Well Fed)

Best Food Blog - Theme - Kalyn’s Kitchen (a Base Bowl donated by Fiesta Products)

Best Food Blog - Writing - Orangette (a copy of Donna Hay Christmas donated by Well Fed)

More post trip reflections

well, a little time has passed since we returned to Tokyo, and I have to say, I LOVED the trip. I had such a great time, and the memories are wonderful. It was hard getting back into the swing of life in the big metropolis here. But I have lots of great things to remember. My photos came out pretty well. And I've had some fun sharing them.

This photo is a small, fun memory. Near our hotel in Prague, this was a small, clean, local deli. And this deli counter was gorgeous I thought! Seems like open faced sandwiches are the thing there, as I saw this kind of set up in several shops, and cafes.

One thing really missing in Japan is good bread and good sandwiches. When I go work in our restaurant in Hawaii, one thing I eat a lot of, is sandwiches from Local restaurants, coffee shops, and take out joints. Can't get enough of them.

We only window-shopped at this Deli, but when I get back to Prague some day, I will certainly be tucking into some great openfaced sammies.... YUM.

Tea is still "hot"

So if you have read the fancy glass before, or if you know me, you know I am a tea drinker! I like coffee well enough, and had a great time in the coffee houses of vienna at christmas, but at heart I am a tea person. Starting every day with a cup of tea is the only way to live. One of my first purchases in any new home is the tea kettle and two cups.

So I was happy to read in the flood of all the What is hot in the food world for 07 predictions, magazines, blogs... this little tidbit...

TEA'S CUP RUNNETH OVER

Tea will stay hot, in more ways than one. This steadily growing category keeps blossoming with new varieties of black, white, green, red and herbal, fueled partly by research findings that continue to link tea to good health.

Companies will be selling ever-more elaborate flavor combinations in supermarkets (Celestial Seasonings' Tropical Acai Berry and Goji Berry Pomegranate green teas are just two examples) as well as specialty shops (Teavana's green tea mojo contains cactus blossoms, rhubarb, guava and sunflower petals!).

Flowering teas - their leaves sewn together so they "blossom" when steeped - are hitting the mainstream too. Numi Organic Tea is just one company selling these floral beauties. Add to this the myriad iced teas and foods boasting tea as an ingredient (from ice cream to energy drinks) and it's no wonder that we'll continue to be steeped in tea.

_Renee Enna

Full story with other predictions Here
time to go pour another cup...

Ramen Man Dies at 96!

TOKYO (AP) - Momofuku Ando, the Japanese inventor of instant noodles _ a dish that has sustained American college students for decades _ has died. He was 96.

Nissin Food Products Co., the company Ando founded, said on its Web site that he died Friday after suffering a heart attack.

Born in Taiwan, Ando founded his company in 1948 from a humble family operation. Faced with food shortages in post-World War II Japan, Ando thought a quality, convenient noodle product would help feed the masses.

In 1958, his "Chicken Ramen" _ the first instant noodle _ was introduced after many trials. Following its success, the company added other products, such as the "Cup Noodle" in 1971.
more info here.

Pop a top and slurp in honor of Ando-san!

From the company website

Instant Noodles – Part of Culinary Culture Worldwide
From the days of Chicken Ramen, Nissin has firmly believed that its instant noodle products would be accepted worldwide. The company established its first overseas subsidiary, Nissin Foods (U.S.A.) Co., Inc., in the United States in 1970, and began local production in 1972. Today, Nissin has 29 companies in 11 countries outside Japan. Nissin’s international expansion has been a key factor in the growth of the instant noodle business around the world — 85.7 billion servings in 2005 and rising.

2007 foodie heaven

The Phildelphia daily news has a good article of what is up and coming in 2007 in the food industry, including the bigging-up of the food blog world.

Power to the people; Restaurant critics still have paying jobs, but the general public has some serious clout thanks to food blogs, which are expected to explode into the tens of thousands this year. All it takes is a Web site and a night out at a local restaurant to get these cyber foodies chatting. Why? People are feeding their passion - and finding others who are just as gastronomically obsessed.

"For so long we were limited to a small number of critics, but the world of bloggers puts a lot of people out there," Page said. "There are more [dining-out] choices than ever before, so we need more information. People are finding other opinions in line with their own views."

read the full article that highlights new tastes and trends, the news in cocktails, and condiments and other fun predictions for 2007. there is even talk about sustainable produce and buying local!

great travel advice

I signed up for these great web emails DAILYCANDY, and one of them is about travel... So, here was the travel advice they compiled from reader's submissions. I loved them... except the parents one. My Mom is great to travel with- so no need for a sep. car!

here is the list. and you can sign up for your own DailyCandy emails here

Splurge for ambiance. Sipping a drink at the Four Seasons in Milan during Fashion Week is worth the 20-euro vodka.

When in doubt, overdress. Nothing screams American more than a track suit with a catchphrase on the ass.

Never travel with parents unless separate vehicles are available. (Maybe even separate countries.)

Have Plans B and C ready in case palaces are closed for no apparent reason. Sometimes it’s a siesta. Sometimes it’s just Wednesday.

Take a digital picture of your luggage and keep it on your camera (print a copy, too) in case the airline loses your bag. Making a list of the contents of your suitcase is a hassle, but it will ensure your bag always makes it.

When you’re sharing a room with a friend/loved one you’d like to keep, take candles/matches.

Don’t be too swayed by international fashion trends. Just because that Barcelona baby can pull off the mullet/sneaker boots combo doesn’t mean you can.

Don’t forget souvenirs for your co-workers, especially those who had to cover for you. (Again.)

E-mail yourself your passport info, itinerary, credit card and bank numbers, and Plan B hotel info for each location. Hotels can look better on websites than in person, and it’s easier to walk away when you know where you’re going.

The street you are looking for is the one that’s missing the street sign.

You will get ripped off at some point. Don’t take it personally. Consider it your small contribution to the local economy.

quick go vote

it is that time again in the foodblog world! the well fed network is running the best food blog awards. lots of great catagories and lots of great food blogs.

go vote! great way to discover some new delcious food blogs as well.

Dinner at the Boheme

on our last evening in Vienna (12/27) we stayed at a wonderful little boutique hotel, Das Tyrol. cozy room, soft sheets and a fantastic breakfast the next day. But on that night checking in there, we had just finished our 4 1/2 hour train ride from Prague to Vienna- and were quite hungry. So after the usual check in proceedures we asked our professional though grim concierge- where we should go for dinner. Without skipping a beat he handed us a card and gave us directions to the Boheme. It was up on the Spittleberg Gasse which was one of my favorite christmas markets when we were there the week before... It was kind of sad, the empty stalls were being dis-assembled in the street as we walked to the restaurant... but I know someday i will be going back there for Christmas! once you get the Vienna Christmas Market bug, I suspect it stays with you for a long time.

Named for the opera- the interior was decorated with photos of famous austrian opera singers. Wooden interior warm colors, and very nice professional servers. The food was really wonderful. All traditional austrian dishes. I started with the Pumpkin Soup which was spicy and nutty and quite surprising. Austrians make a pumpkin seed oil from a rich green and orange pumpkin. The oil can be used like good olive oil. It has a brown color and nutty taste. the soup was fantastic. This site has a recipe that sounds very much like what we had, and tells another use for the Pumpkin Seed Oil as well.

for my Main....I resisted having another weiner schnizel since I had tried it at 3 other spots, and instead had the Roasted Pork with Warm Sauerkraut, apples and potatoes. Chris had the Hungarian gulash to the left in the photo. (the austro-hungarian empire left some distinct marks on vienese cusine) Both were Excellent. And we toasted the wonderful vacation with some delicious Austrian wine. I don't remember what it was called unfortunately.

this is what Fodor's says about the Boheme...

Bohème occupies a former 18th-century bakery and is on a boutique-lined passageway in the heart of Vienna's luxe-bohemian, cobblestoned quarter of Spittelberg. A low-vaulted ceiling, cherrywood walls, a menu divided into "overtures," "preludes," and "first and second acts," and Bellini on the soundtrack make for a setting frequently favored by stars appearing across town at the Staatsoper (as you'll see from the autographed pictures of some of the opera-loving owner's more famous patrons on the walls). Chef Robert Rauch believes in cuisine that's down to earth but not lacking in fantasy.

This was a fantastic meal! A must try if you get over to Vienna!

one of my favorite days from the trip

One of the best days on the trip for me was 12/23- the day we traveled from vienna to prague. Reason being... the tiny town of Valtice.

Valtice lies on the road between Mikulov and Bøeclav. From way back there has been a vintner school in the place and the castle is famous for its wine-cellars. There is moreover an interesting church, a monastery and the old alms-house of the monks hospitallers.

We went to this small winery town in the czech countryside called Valtice. (val-tee-che) Stopped at a wine shop where the proprietress schooled us all about czech wines. She was great and the shop gorgeous. We bought two bottles. One of which I hope to enjoy with dinner on Jan. 2nd! when I get off a hellish day at work... we are understaffed and are going to be BUSY!

after the winery visit, we went to this great little restaurant that had a celtic inspiration but was all local czech food. First course was an amazing pork and cabbage soup. I could have stopped there! YUM. I had some white Czech wine, a local reisling. Chris had czech beer. Next course was this tasty, Marinated Cheese with onions and peppers, and then we had the mains which were HUGE. I had Chicken and potato pancakes. Finally ended up with a czech dessert, a crepe type dish with raspberries, sugar, whipped cream and poppy seeds. It was way too much food but I enjoyed every mouthful. It was especially nice to share this kind of meal. I believe food is culture and to truly experience another country you need to slow down, taste the food, drink in a cafe, relax and take it all in. A few of the folks on our tour did feel the lunch was too long. BUT I was NOT one of them. I really enjoyed relaxing and I know the kitchen and manager of this little place "the Avalon" were proud to have served us! This was one of the 3 favorite meals I had on the whole trip!

you can read more about Valtice here.

the group

click photo enlarge
So our vacation was basically two parts, some time on our own and a 6 day tour with Maupin Tours. This is my first trip like this. And I would reccommend Maupin as a great tour company. they took care of all the details and it was easy to relax and unwind. Plus there were knowledgable tour guides at each destination that gave us great info that would have been hard to find on our own. The photo above was the group of us, on the tour.

from Left to right.
Blanka our tour manager, Ken and Marie who are from Arizona and spend part of their time living in London. (they had a difficult time as BA lost their luggage!) Michael from conn. who used to be a director for TV and the Ms. Universe pagents, Terri and Carol, two lovely ladies from the North East, behind them Larry, who came to try something new for the christmas holidays, Next to him Dave and Linda from NJ- they were great- had some terrific conversations with them. Then Chris and I, and the two sister, Joanie and Kathleen.

Nice group, lots of fun. Thank you to them all and to Blanka for a terrfic trip.

photo albums live online!

christmas trip 2006 part 1 in vienna

Christmas trip 2006 part 2 prague

Home and reflections

Well, we returned to Japan yesterday eve. It was a wonderful trip. I will be posting from now reflecting back on the many experiences food wise and otherwise. Also working on my trip journal and will put a full photo album up online.

Today's post- Our Last night in Prague.

on the 26th we had a day to ourselves. The group tour concluded christmas night. And the 26th the other members were off headed for home. And one couple headed for a longer vacation in Germany.

So we got up had a nice breakfast said goodbye to Blanka our tour guide from Private Tours Prague (she also works with maupin tours) and then headed over to the Mucha Museum. I am an art nouveau fan and Mucha was one of the period's Masters. The museum was small but packed full of his work, and photos. Also a great video about him. I learned a lot. Want to get a book now and read more. This trip was wonderful for me, art-inspiration wise. Discovering how much I like Egon Schiele and Mucha. We had some cafe sitting time in front of the Astronomical Clock And then some walking time.

One thing I really wanted to do while in Prague was see the orchestra in some great location. I had a read about a concert on the 26th by the Prague Symphony Orchestra that was to be taking place in the St. Simon and Jude Church. I tried many times to get tickets and had trouble but we heard that you could buy 1 hour ahead at the location. So we set out to find the church. It was an adventure but at last we found it and got our tickets for the 4o'clock show. It was held in the Church in the above picture. The concert was Baroque Christmas. and it was fantastic. First half was small ensemble of Harpsichord, Bassoon, Oboe and Bass and then second have was a larger group of strings, organ, and brass with 4 soloists and full Choir. They performed a famous Czech Christmas Mass. It was glorious. What a way to end our trip.

Baroque Christmas

Ars Instrumentalis

Liběna Séquardtová, Ivan Séquardt – oboes
Luboš Hucek – bassoon
Pavel Nejtek – double bass
Josef Kšica – harpsichord

Prague Cathedral Choir and Orchestra

Soloists:
Eva Forejtová, Pavla Kšicová, Ondřej Šmíd, Tomáš Jindra

Conductor:
Josef Kšica

Johann Sebastian Bach: Trio Sonata in G major, BWV 1039
Jan Dismas Zelenka: Trio Sonata No. 5 in F major, ZWV 181
Jakub Jan Ryba: Czech Christmas Mass “Hey, Master!”

We followed it with a dinner in the Trendy restaurant PraVda and had a nice time. will post more on that later with a full restaurant review.

It was just great. all of it.

Next day 27th we had a train ride to Vienna and a relaxing eve. then flew back on the 28th. arriving in tokyo on the 29th after crossing the dateline.

Good to be back home- but what an amazing experience from start to finish.

Merry Christmas From Prague

Too tired to write much tonight, but had to post up something from our incredible christmas day. We started early with christmas tea and breakfast, then out by 9am to the Old Jewish Quarter... more on that later.

Brunch back at the hotel. And then to Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral. Amazing place to spend christmas.

Dinner then the Opera at the State Opera House of the Czech republic. More details soon, but wanted to post up a photo collage of St. Vitus! what an amazing glorious church.

Ended the night with a lovely phone call home to mom who I miss very much.
Merry Christmas, 2006!

happy holidays and a hope that we will give peace a chance in 2007

Today was our first full day in Prague, it was filled with historical gorgeous views and moments and a lovely christmas dinner this evening. But I want to take a moment tonight on christmas eve to wish for peace in the world in the spirit of the "Lennon Wall of Prague" that I saw today as we were walking through the little quarter. This peace graffiti I saw above was a small part of the wall, with a big message.-

And I add to that message tonight as well with a wish on this christmas eve for

"peace on earth, goodwill towards man"

About the Lennon wall...

John Lennon's ideals for peace thrived under totalitarianism at Prague's 'Lennon Wall' and helped inspire the non-violent "Velvet Revolution" that led to the fall of Communism in the former Czechoslovakia.

by Ron Synovitz

Czech Republic; Dec. 8, 1998 -- The "John Lennon Peace Wall" stands in a quiet square amidst the baroque architecture of Prague's diplomatic quarter. Though Lennon never visited the Bohemian capital, he was a pacifist hero for the Czech subculture during the totalitarian era. In the decade following the collapse of Communism, the Lennon Wall came to represent not only a memorial to Lennon and his ideas, but also a monument to free speech and the non-violent rebellion of Czech youth against the repressions of neo-Stalinism.

Shortly after Lennon's death in 1980, under the ever watchful eyes of the Communist secret police, an anonymous group of Prague youth set up a mock grave for the ex-Beatle. The event was spontaneous, much in the same way that fans in New York City had gathered at Central Park upon hearing of Lennon's death. But unlike the gathering in New York, mourners in Prague risked prison for what authorities called "subversive activities against the state."

Prague's mock tombstone was, in fact, a recess within a garden wall that forms the backside of a 14th century churchyard. At the time of Lennon's death, western pop songs were banned by Communist authorities and some Czech musicians who played the music were sent to jail for the offense.

But the threat of prison couldn't keep people from slipping into the square at night to scrawl graffiti epitaphs in honor of their underground hero. The Communist police tried repeatedly to whitewash over the graffiti but they could never manage to keep the wall clean. Paintings of Lennon began to appear along with lyrics of his songs. The wall quickly took on a political focus and, inevitably, developed into a forum for grievances against the Communist state. Even the installation of surveillance cameras and the posting of an overnight guard couldn't stop the opinions from being expressed. Lennon marches also started to take place each year on Dec. 8. Those marches ultimately became linked to dissident protests on International Human Rights Day -- December 10. Participants in those early marches say they were channeled through a gauntlet of uniformed and plain-clothes police. Many were jailed or beaten for joining the marches.

Some of the writing on the Lennon wall during the 1980s was inane but much of it was quite profound. A running battle developed between the police whitewashers and dissident graffiti writers until November, 1989 when Communism collapsed in the former Czechoslovakia's non-violent "Velvet Revolution."

It has been reported that the French ambassador, whose office looks directly upon the colorful wall, telephoned Prague's municipal authorities late in 1989 and asked them not to paint over or interfere with the graffiti.

in and around the Hofburg in vienna

We arrived in Prague last evening after a really wonderful journey here that included a stop in a wine growing town, a wine tasting and a fabulous local lunch. But there is still so much I have not written about from our time in Vienna, so I am going to keep working forwards even though this was a few days ago.

On the 21st, we spent the morning in and around the Hofburg, which was the downtown palace of the Habsburgs and the Holy Roman Empire. We walked around the area with a local vienese guide Ingred, who told us some of the history of the area and explained the different architectural styles. Then we had a fascinating tour of the Treasury- where they kept the vestments and crown jewels. It was a pretty amazing collection. The jewels and hand stitched robes, gloves, etc were overwhelming, just as was intended when they were used to demonstrated their power and wealth over other visiting royals and politicians. the various Crowns were really quite gorgeous. Ingred was a terrific guide. One of the main features I think of going on a tour is that the guides can give you so much information. She was really wonderful. Very matter of fact and funny.

the photo above shows (from top left) one of the horse and carriage teams that are all over the Hofburg area. I think it is so cute that in cold weather the horses have "ear-socks" the next picture is a view of one of the main gates leading into the hofborg complex, below that is a hand stitched vestment of one of the processional robes, and to the bottom left, a lion sculpture and highly decorated inner gate that went to the building housing the treasurery.

It was a lovely morning, and we had a small lunch on our own at a great traditional cafe near the Sachar called the tirolerhof cafe. (by the way the hofburg is VERY close to the Sachar hotel which has a fantastic location!) For some more background on the world famous Viennese cafe tradition read here. Below the photos show the gorgeous interior, me studying the map of Vienna, my Einspanner (espresso and whipped cream) with Chris' Local beer, and a fantastic sandwhich that we shared that was the speciality of the house. Rye hot sandwich with Ham, local cheese and onions. tasty!

fun little side note

The Sacher Hotel has it's own little Smart Car! so cute... and check out the license plate. These cars are tiny but great, and you can park them anywhere. They are a joint venture by Mercedes and Swatch.

My Sacher Christmas Tree

I am sure that they put up this tree just for me!
this is the christmas tree in the Hotel Sacher Lobby- Truly Gorgeous and real.

with the tour group in vienna

We checked in the Sacher Hotel right in the center of Vienna two days ago. Haven't had great internet access, my only complaint about this gorgeous 5 star old school hotel. We met up with the tour group we will be traveling with. Nice folks and our tour manager from Maupin tours is a lovely woman named Blanka Lukes from the Czech republic.

This was the tiny welcome sacher torte that was in our room. two of these plus chocolates and fresh fruit. Our room has a Chandelier! actually two of them. Nice furniishings and our window terrace looks right out on the goregous state oper house which is right in front of the hotel. Staff is very professional and the service great. Nice food too. The breakfast buffet is unbelievable.

On the 20th- the day we checked in, we did not meet up with the group until the late afternoon. So in the morning we went on a walk around the area around the hotel. Bought chris some very nice shoes, and went to see the Roman Ruins! it was an amazing though small exhibit, deep under a building. Very small display but quite interesting. The man selling tickets looked like he had been underground in this tiny museum since they discovered the dig!

We walked and taked and ended up for coffee in the famous Cafe Central- more on that later. it was one of my favorite interiors of the coffee houses we have visited so far. This one was the hangout of Trotsky back in the day! The Landtmann had better coffee but this one had a gorgous interior, high vaulted ceilings and great food.

Met up with the group and went to the City hall (rathous) christmas market, then met up for a reception and dinner with the whole tour group. Chris and I are the youngest in the group. Lots of older folks. But they seem nice. A bunch of crazy characters really. There are two sisters who remind me a lot of my mom and my aunt peggy. There are two older lady friends traveling together. A couple from New Jersey who seem quite nice, two sep. gentleman traveling on their own. One is an opera lover and has already bought tickets - he went to Don Carlo last night. and then the couple who are Maupin Tour regulars. they are nice, from arizona, and have a house in england but their luggage was lost and they are having a tough time.

Dinner was at the Sacher, nice but not fabulous. The breakfast food has been the best so far actually and the famous Sacher torte of course.

more on the Hofburg and other tour highlights to date soon.

a pause and cross post

Yes, I am still in Vienna! but I wanted to take an only- travel- post break and instead mention some local stuff AND how much I LOVE reading the food blogs around the holidays. From Thanksgiving all the way to New Years the food blogs are a celebration around the world of holiday foods from various cultures, religious traditions, and family customs. It is a lot of fun and great food for the imagination.

I want to try to get to a cookbook store around the corner from our hotel today. Babette's . I passed up on it yesterday assuming that it would be all german books, but found out after in the guidebook that they have lots of english books as well.
this review from chubbyhubby's vienna guide

Babettes
Babette's, named after the fantastic food film Babette's Feast, is a wonderful little cookbook bookstore just a short walk from the Naschmarkt. In addition to the great range of books, there's a small counter which serves snacks, soups and whatever else the owners feel inspired to make each day.
17 Schliefmuhlgasse, 4th
Tel: 585 51 65

Back to the blogs...
one of my favorites is 101 cookbooks. And this morning I got up and read about Heidi making Cranberry Jam! - I recommend you check out her site and browse both her cookbook collection on the right hand menu links and her list of recommended food blogs on the left.

Another of my favorites is Chocolate and Zuchinni - a Blog from a french woman, it is a food bloggers institution over there. The DailyKos of the foodblog world. I also have been reading Orangette since I started in the foodblog world. Love her writing style. (though today she is talking about brussel sprouts of which I completely disapprove of!)

there are thousands of foodblogs now and they are fantastic. Hope you will take some fun surfing time and celebrate the holidays with the food bloggers.

long christmassy day

well, we decided to save the roman ruins, and instead headed out shopping. We did regular st0re shopping, looking for shoes for chris, and sweaters, and for me a dressy outfit for our concert night later this week. Success on the dress and the sweaters. No luck on the shoes.

had a late lunch early dinner at a bar/pub place called Centimeter. He had pork schnitzel and pomme frites, I had turkey schnitzel. totally huge portion. we should have shared one. Had a nice hiefe-weisen beer, and then headed back out.

We went to Spittleberg Gasse, a little back street area where there are great art shops and this time of year a fun winding christmas market... more arty booths, and lots of yummy foods.

scored some treasures... Fair trade chocolate, honey-gummi bears, Lebuchen (ginger bread) and then the hot punch and hot wine when we finished up. A great way to keep toasty warm. Headed back to the hotel with a bit of a chill but rosy cheeks!

my new hat

It is cold here... so one of the first orders of business yesterday was getting me a hat! I had a great hat for a few years but lost it last winter in a restaurant in ebisu...

So we were browsing one of the many viennese christmas markets- and of course since Santa was running this stand- I found a hat I love! warm, cozy, a bit excentric. and keeps my ears quite toasty.

today we are off to do some shopping and browsing and cafe sitting in a different area. Breaksfast was good again. tea was tasty. and we are off...

my first weiner schnitzel

yum...
we went out to dinner last night at a typical nice neighborhood Vienna restaurant and had WEINER SCHNITZEL! the place was chosen by our DA Austria Friend (democrats abroad) Kristin S. And it was just perfect. Small local place in the 9th district, on a quaint little side street.

we started with a traditional dumpling appetizer, and a beef, goat cheese and pumpkin seed oil dish. Then came the schnitzel. It was terrific- but too large a portion after the apps. I will have it again in the next two days or so I hope- and this time I won't spoil my appetite on the starters though they were quite tasty.

Before going to the restaurant we walked around a christmas market not far from the hotel. Lots of artisan crafts. This time, instead the hot red wine, I tried the orange punch with rum. It was very delicious. I imagine it would be great for a sore throat.

Today- we are planning to go to an excavation of roman ruins. and hopefully another cafe. The Central- which was a trotsky hang-out.

Afternoon and the Landtmann

We got up today, had a great breakfast at our hotel. more on that later. Then we went to the Leopold Museum in the MQ. Wonderful afternoon of art and talking and more art. Took a leisurely stroll passing through the Maria Tereasa platz christmas market, and off to the LANDTMANN cafe.

the Landtmann was recommended by my DAJ friend Linda G. It has been around 133 years. I read a little about it in the guidebook too. Anyway- totally lived up to my expectations. I had an Einspanner which is an espresso with a huge dollop of whipped cream, chris had hot spiced wine. Then we split a baked apple filled with nuts, raspberries, cranberries, and surrounded by vanilla cream.

We stayed for a while- broke out our sketching stuff and did some drawing. Lots of fun to think about drawing after the 5 day RBR workshop we took. I sketched a man at a table nearby and the glasses on my table.

After a nice long walk back to the hotel, arm and arm which is the custom here and soooo lovely. Tonight we are going out to dinner with Kristin S. from DA Austria. She says typical viennese dinner spot. So I am really looking forward to it.

Arrived and Drank!

We arrived safe and sound. Austria airlines had nice food but the seats were horrible! I was quite stiff and sore after 12 hrs. We checked in to the Hotel Das Triest and then walked down to the city center a bit.

Stopped at a little cafe, restaurant and started off our vacation with Vienna Beer for my hubby and Hot spiced wine for me! C had a local goulash and bread for dinner, I had a sandwich with ham, mozzarella and pesto mayonaise. then walked a bit and looked at the lights.

Great long night's sleep and now we are up and on our way to breakfast!

well- we are on our way

sitting in the narita united lounge cruising on the wireless... very tired. it was a busy couple of days building up to leaving. We are just one plane ride away from vienna.

Our first couple of night we are staying in Das Triest- a hipster kind of boutique hotel. then we joining the tour group and check in to the Sacher Wein. I think I will sleep well on the flight today as I can hardly keep my eyes open now.

feels weird to be leaving the restaurant for christmas, but my team is great and I am positive they will do a good job.

Chris says many folks he has talked to have said that Prague is better than Vienna... But I really think I am going to LOVE them both. We packed some warm clothes. And I am looking forward to having some spiced warm wine tonight after we check in.

Tomorrow I think we will go to the Leopold Museum, and we are meeting up with a Democrats Abroad Austria Friend Kristin Smearl for dinner. She lives in Austria and has promised to take us to a nice local traditional place.

more after I arrive.

More on the Krispy Kreme Debut- How the best doughnuts in the world are made before your eyes!

  

Fancy Glass Exlusive -Breaking News- Krispy Kreme Comes to Japan!

 




















Jeffy and hubbyness and I got up extra early yesterday to head over for the JAPAN debut of the hallowed Doughnut Institution Krispy Kreme! We waited for about an hour before they had the ribbon cutting ceremony (there were real doughnuts hanging from the ribbon). The CEO even came through the line with samples! Delicious! I bought 3 dozen to take back to share with my Staff at Fujimamas! YEAH! Krispy Kreme has arrived. Jeffy is kind of scary when it comes to Krispy Kreme, I saw him in 10 in 30 mins once... seriously. he is the one who altered us to the Opening event. It was lots of fun.

By the way they really are the best darn doughnuts in the world- Rejoicing here in Tokyo! 

Mele Kalilkimaka- Merry Christmas in Hawaiian

If I wasn't going to be in Vienna for xmas this year, another great thing to do would be to be at the new restaurant our company opened in Hawaii. Fujimamas, Kona --- Just got their christmas menu from the chef today. And it sounds so yummy and festive. Should be a really lovely christmas meal there.

They are making some wonderful seafood, and lots of other terrific stuff. You can read all about it at the Fujimamas Foodies Blog. Aloha!

things I am looking forward to #8

We have been reading our guidebooks at night before bed. Prague has a fascinating history- and lots of castles, palaces, royal homes - some structures dating back to 973! I really enjoyed reading about the Prague Castle- and look forward to seeing it in "real-life." there is even a Prague Castle Webcam... looks hazy today but still green!

Oh- and I am VERY excited to find this Czech Christmas Page!

experimenting with Hipcast.org and podcast/audio blogging

things I am looking forward to #7

apparently I am in for some fantastic cafe- life during our vienna adventures. Vienna is essentially the home of coffee house culture. And i will be sure to go to the Cafe Central

Once the favoured haunt of Leon Trotsky, the Central was, for many years, the café where Vienna's intellectuals came to linger and decide how to put the world to rights. Nowadays, it's tourists rather than revolutionaries who dominate, eagerly looking for a taste of Viennese café society. The interior is certainly impressive, having emerged from a brief closure in 2002 for renovation. And, while coffee, cakes and strudel are fine too, they can't quite match the splendour of the architecture itself.

sounds like just what we will need to warm up after walking around the goregous city and christmas markets in the december chill. A friend also recommended some other cafes. I am making a list. if anyone knows other spots we should go, leave a message in the comment thread!

new sanno brunch / dessert

we went to the new Sanno Hotel today, a military hotel in tokyo for usa service folks. My husband is in the VFW ( Veterans of Foreign Wars) and we got invited to an event there in cooperation with the VFW and the Royal British League. There was a massive amount of food. Made to order omlettes, roast beef, bacon, pancakes, waffles, sparkling wine, etc. etc. etc. And the a whole table of desserts. Since this is the holiday brunch they had Christmas cookies that were fun. And I tried the Capuccino Mouuse dessert as well.

It is strange to see such a big, over done American style buffet service in Tokyo- where portions are usually small and overeating is rare. This was full on- over the top- buffet madness. They had a huge christmas tree and santa for photo ops as well.

My omlette was good. The tea was terrible- American coffee culture was well represented- but we had luke warm watered down brown liquid masquerading as tea... oh well.

Full for hours - later. but fun. 

things I am looking forward to #6

On the 22nd, on our Vienna part of our tour, we will have the morning off to explore but from the afternoon we are in for what sounds like a pretty special late afternoon, evening at the Schonbrunn Palace. We will have a tour, dinner and then a concert of music by Mozart and Strauss.

found this little description on the web. and also a general page with pictures.

enjoy a delightful dinner in the Café-Restaurant Residenz followed by a concert in the Orangery of the Schönbrunn Palace. In the festive baroque atmosphere of the Orangery you can enjoy musical treats by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Johann Strauss.
This experience can be rounded off by visiting the sumptuous rooms of the Palace Schönbrunn. In this case you set off for the Palace tour at 4.15 pm and from 6.30 pm on enjoy an exclusive menu in the Café-Restaurant Residenz. The festive concert in the Palace Orangery at 8.30 pm forms the crowning glory as the end of your evening.

things I am looking forward to #5

just got our tour package from Maupin Tours today - in a nice big ups box. two faux leather tour document pouches, and the actualy final intinerary... which leads me to this very exciting "thing I am looking forward to..." on the night of the 25th Christmas, we are going to be at the prague state opera house! seeing La Traviata...

la traviata is a bit of a tradition at the State Opera House.

Verdi’s La traviata has figured on the repertoire of this opera house ever since its foundation

one of the first "dates" (sort of) when my husband and I began the transition from Just long time friends to lovers, was at the opera in NYC. we saw the barber of seville... so on our romantic, dream, winter vacation I think that going to the opera on christmas is just perfect.

you can take a little virtual tour around the opera house here.

I really can't wait. but what will I wear???? yikes!

things I am looking forward to #4

this is a Wiener Schnitzel!
made famous in Vienna- and something I am really looking forward to trying on our christmas holiday.

according to the wikipedia

Wiener schnitzel (from the German Wiener Schnitzel, meaning Vienna-style veal cutlet) is one of the most, if not the most, famous of traditional Austrian dishes. Possibly originating in Northern Italy (as cotoletta alla milanese), the recipe may have appeared in Vienna during the 15th or 16th century. According to another theory, it was introduced by Field Marshal Radetzky in 1857. The term "Wiener schnitzel" itself dates to at least 1862.Wiener schnitzel is traditionally prepared from a thinly-sliced piece of veal, which is further tenderized by pounding with meat mallet, then successively dipped into wheat flour, eggs and breadcrumbs before being fried in clarified butter or lard. Sometimes the breadcrumbs are seasoned with freshly ground black pepper.

there is a good recipe for Schnitzel here.
and according to The Passionate Cook...

The only condiments allowed near a Schnitzel are lemon juice (to sparingly drizzle over - you want it to cut through the grease, but don't allow the breading to go soggy) and cranberry compote. If you want to avoid dropping pips on your meat, wrap the lemon in gauze for a "safety net"...

Chris and Lauren Schnizel escapades are coming your way in just 17DAYS!!!

things I am looking forward to #3

I read this passage today on aboutVienna.org

Vienna - a romantically imperial city: Vienna is a dream city for anyone with a romantic streak or an interest in history. Sightseeing opportunities are to be found in abundance. Wander along narrow, medieval alleyways or across imperial squares, view Schönbrunn Palace or the Imperial Palace (Hofburg) in the footsteps of Sissi and Emperor Franz Josef, and marvel at the majestic architecture along the Ring boulevard. Be inspired by an atmosphere steeped in history - which also boasts the comforts and infrastructure of a modern city!

needless to say, this sounds wonderful to me! looking forward to those narrow alleys and the beautiful city scape.

things I am looking forward to #2

more on my upcoming vienna prague christmas. We arrive 2 days before the "official tour" starts- this will be wonderful needed down time and transition. I booked us into a fun modern hotel for these first two nights. Das Triest! I love good hotels, oldfashioned or modern. Since we are staying at the very elegant old school Hotel Sacher Wein on the tour. I went with modern for our first two days on our own.

I love the look and feel of this conran designed place.

and the bar and restaurant sound great too. I really am a sucker for Luxury Hotels. (love b&b's too)

things I am looking forward to, #1

Sacher Tort.... when we are in vienna on the upcoming christmas adventure we will be staying at the Hotel Sacher Wein. Famous for the creation of the sacher tort! I will be sure to try this out and blog about it.

According to wikipedia-

Sachertorte is a chocolate cake, invented by Franz Sacher in 1832 for Klemens Wenzel von Metternich in Vienna, Austria. It is one of the most famous Viennese culinary specialties.

what working in a restaurant for thanksgiving looks like

a picture is worth a thousand words

King of Turkey!

All Set up and ready to go

Plate for two with gravy!

That is A LOT of turkey

Pie as far as the eye can see