Only One Napa Valley

Posted by golfkat on March 14, 2019
Posted in: Food, Travel. Leave a comment
Have you ever noticed that most other wine regions compare themselves to the Napa Valley?  For good reason, Napa Valley wines are still the gold standard.  And while these other areas have excellent, even award winning wines, Napa is the glamor name through the years.
I much prefer Napa Valley as well, just because of familiarity, and comfort.  I know where to go, and what to eat.  I have cycled through the Valley since the 70s.  I love the vibe, despite the ridiculous prices of both wine and tasting options.  Go online, and it is not unusual to find wine tasting options at some Napa wineries over $100!!!!!  But best travel buddy, Mike and I were just talking this morning about this.  Why are they doing the money grab?  Because they can.  They get visitors from around the world, never been here before, never coming back.  Make them feel special by handing over $100 for “exclusive” tastings.  This is simply not the Napa Valley I once knew.  And the others are following suit, including the Central Coast wineries.
What can you do about this?  One option I use is to join my favorite winery’s tasting club.  In my case, I have been a member of Domaine Carneros Chateau Society.  It obligates me to buy two bottles of sparkling wine every other month.  But when I visit, my tasting is complimentary, and my food and other tastings are discounted.  And on weekends, we get to taste in their Member’s Club Room and terrace.  The other option is to just patronize the smaller guys.  Why should I pay for someone’s outrageous cost structure?
Another big issue is having a designated driver.  Sheri is my designated driver, I am fortunate she does not drink!  The highways are crawling with the local law enforcement people.  So, just be smart!
So, after a three hour champagne tasting at Domaine Carneros, we headed over to Hog Island Oyster in Oxbow for a Po’ Boy.  Then, off to dinner in Sonoma at the Swiss Hotel, with new friends.  I am still not sure the food was any better than the company!!!  It was a great time!
Dining here is another big plus, as there are no shortages of great places to eat.  Since I prefer casual, I usually end up at Mustard’s Grill in Yountville.  Good menu, decent prices, noisy, but always good food, and a nice wine list.  And parking on site, another plus.  We shall explore more of the “insiders” Napa on future trips.

See you there, despite everything I just said.  Good, bad, outrageous, it is still the one and only, Napa Valley!!

My Annual Dubs Trek

Posted by golfkat on March 13, 2019
Posted in: Action, Entertainment, Sports, Travel. Leave a comment
Once a year, I pony up the greenbacks to attend a Golden State Warrior game at Oracle Arena in Oakland.  Curiously, I wonder how much the tickets will be next year at the new Chase Center in China Basin?
I have a difficult time understanding how people can afford tickets, much less season tickets.  I will not say how much we paid for the seats, but I have seen one way flights to Europe for less!  So, I only go to one game a year, with my buddy, Big Bob.  I watch the rest on TV.
I became a Warrior fan back in the 60s.  My first NBA game was probably the best game I have ever seen.  Why?  Our Dubs, with Wilt Chamberlain, played the multi time world champion Boston Celtics, led by local legend and Hall of Famer, Bill Russell.
Fast forward to the 1974-75 season when I went to many games, both regular season and playoffs.  How?  Nobody wanted to go back then, so season ticket holders would give the playoff tickets to us at no charge!
Fast forward again to today, and I just told you how much the tickets cost.  Parking is about another $25.  Add food and a beer for two guys, another $50 each.  Now my total expenditure is nearing a car payment for most people!!!  My sister and her husband are season ticket holders.  They are three sections away, so maybe we will see them?
But what the heck, these are the Dubs, who have won three of the last four NBA titles.  How much longer can the dynasty last?  Just last Tuesday night, the Dubs lost by over 30 points to the bickering Celtics from Baaahston.  This might be the last hurrah!
So, I will wear what few Warrior goods that I own, a shirt and a cap.  Maybe this will be the last game, maybe not.  Is the excitement of being at the game worth the hassle and the cost?  Sometimes.  Maybe driving to Sacrament or LA would be future options.
Only you can decide.  As for me, this might be it.
BTW, the Dubs drubbed the Denver Nuggets!

Addicted to Travel?

Posted by golfkat on March 9, 2019
Posted in: Cultures, Travel. Leave a comment
From Lonely Planet:

Sometimes we travel because we have to; perhaps we need to spend Christmas with relatives who live on the other side of the world or we have meetings in cities that aren’t our own. But most travel isn’t involuntary. Instead, we travel because we want to or because we want to explore someplace new. Because work is too much and we need an escape. Because we got a good deal on flights. Because we want to see April in Paris.

But is it possible to have too much of a good thing? Can this urge to fill in maps and charter new territory lead to an actual addiction? Is there such a thing as a compulsive urge to wander?

“In rare instances, yes, there is,” says Dr Michael Brein, a social psychologist who specializes

in travel and intercultural communication. “I know and have met many people, some of whom seemed to live to travel in such a manner that they could conceivably get themselves in trouble, for, say, running out of money.”

​I am not an expert on addiction, much less travel addiction.  But I do know how great it feels to embark on a trip, of any length or complexity.  I can get as excited about a drive up to nearby Yosemite, as I can about three weeks in Southeast Asia.  It is something fun to do, it breaks the daily routine, and I know I get new experiences, and knowledge.

The definition of addiction, in the medical world goes like this:  Addiction is a psychological and physical inability to stop consuming a chemical, drug, activity, or substance, even though it is causing psychological and physical harm.  The activity referred to traditionally would be gambling, eating or working.  Could it apply to travel?

First, I sincerely doubt is causes psychological or physical harm, unless repeated trips to dangerous places dominate the travel agenda.  But I think it can cause damage to personal finances, professional career, or personal life.  Travel is expensive, and time consuming.  It can detract from many daily and life responsibilities.

But I do think that many people are hooked on their devices, like smart phones, video games, and televisions.  I try to limit my phone usage, but it has become my main communication device.  It has my calendar, my phone numbers, my emails and email addresses, music, photos, and search engine.  It also stores much of my travel information, like hotel reservation, flights, and car rentals.

Nothing conclusive here, but I would like to hear some of your thoughts.  About the closest I have come to an addiction: golf, and good champagne, not necessarily in that order!

Ride the Blossom Trail

Posted by golfkat on March 8, 2019
Posted in: Entertainment, Food, Sports, Travel. Leave a comment
The famous Blossom Trail here in Fresno County officially begins this weekend.  I will personally commemorate it by riding my bicycle on Saturday’s Blossom Trail Ride.  The official Blossom Trail begins in February and runs through March.  Nine valley cities participate in this annual event, including my hometown of Kingsburg.
The peak bloom period runs only about three weeks.  In general, pink blossoms are peaches, and nectarines.  White blossoms are almonds, plums and apples.  Some basic highlights of the trail include:
Simonian Farms, at the corner of Clovis and Jensen Avenues.  This fruit stand started back in 1901.
Heading east, the Blossom Trail Cafe sits just outside of Sanger, on your way to the Sierra foothills.
In the little hamlet of Centerville, the Fruit Station is a good first stop.
As a bonus this year, the Sierra foothills are covered in white.  Not blossoms, but snow!!
In Orange Cove, connect to the Orange Blossom Trail, if you prefer.
Turning south on Frankwood Avenue, hit the Cedar View Winery for some old world Tempranillo and Alicante Bouschet.
In nearby Reedley, let the kids ride on the steam train at Hillcrest Farms, in the middle of peach and plum orchards.
When you reach my hometown of Kingsburg, you can see the town’s main street decked out in its Swedish splendor.  No promises on whether the “Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” will make her annual appearance.  Personally, I would visit the Sun Maid Growers Factory Store on Bethel Avenue and old Highway 99.
For those of you cartographically challenged, signs are posted all over the valley.  I have also included a map.
If you have never seen this spectacle, I suggest visiting now.  As for me, growing up here, as a kid, having to work on my Uncle’s farm, I never appreciated it the way I do now.
PS:  It is raining quite heavily here, so do not be surprised if I skip the ride!!!!almondsmapmore trailpeaches

Best Food Destination

Posted by golfkat on March 7, 2019
Posted in: Cultures, Food, Travel. Leave a comment
Having traveled a goodly portion of the world, I can say that I do have a favorite food destination.  Some of you already know where that is.  It is not in the US or Europe, or in Africa.  That leaves Australia, South America, and SE Asia.  The answer lies, of course, in SE Asia.
Not to disparage Europe, Africa, Australia, or South America, your food is quite good.  In some cases, your food is quite interesting, affordable, and entertaining.  But is it ubiquitous?  I venture to say that almost any chance meal in SE Asia would be significantly better than a similar excursion in another country.
So, you are curious as to why?  Really, several reasons.
First, the prevalence of good food, in little store fronts, on the streets, hawker stalls, and humongous food malls.  SE Asia has that over every place!  Surprisingly, the US is second, not the other continents.  The whole food scene has changed dramatically here at home, with pop ups, food trucks, and incubators.
Second, the diversity of food culture is very important.  For instance, in Bangkok, I can find great Japanese or Korean food, tasty Chinese food, innovative Korean food, fresh seafood, and the good old American burger.  In a US food court, you might find Chinese, and possibly sushi, and Korean if you are lucky!
Third, is price, as in dishes under $5!!!!!!  Nowhere but in SE Asia is this the case.  Probably one of the best noddle dishes I ever had was on a hilltop village in Laos, where running water, toilets, and refrigeration were in short supply.  One of my best desserts was in a little place in Penang, fronted by a guy who could be a WWF champ!  Price is important!
Fourth, the unique flavors make the meal feel special.  We travel to find out something about the people and culture.  The food is a reflection of the people and their culture.  I want to learn more about them.  And about myself as well.  This is a good start!

Try Before You Die?

Posted by golfkat on March 2, 2019
Posted in: Cultures, Food, Travel. Leave a comment

 

I just love the title of this email.  What does it refer to?  Food, of course!  Both in the U.S. and around the world, we have encountered food that is so different, mostly culturally distinct, and often, downright strange.
The one that stands out for me is the king of fruit, the almighty durian.  I tried it on a Kuala Lumpur street corner about a decade ago.  I gagged, wanted to spit it out, and must have looked like I was going to barf.  They say it takes several tries before the taste is acquired.  It has not happened for me, and after three tries, I give up.  Much like Andrew Zimmern on Bizarre Foods, the gag reflex is just too strong.
We have tried cuy or guinea pig twice now.  Once in Cuzco, Peru, and once in Quito, Ecuador.  Both dishes were very greasy and gamey.  Perhaps if it was barbecued to well done, I would try it again.  The crispy skin that I see in photos looks inviting, despite my previous experiences.
Snakes have never appealed to me, live or dead.  I have eaten rattlesnake in Colorado, and some type of white meat snake in Hong Kong.  It is really no big deal, and tastes like chicken.  Or canned tuna in the case of the rattler.
Escamoles or ant larvae can be quite tasty.  I have tried them in the Mission district of San Francisco, as well as in Thailand.  In both cases, it was caramelized, then poured over ice cream.  Both times, I wanted more!!
Having tried poutine in numerous places, it just do not see what the big deal is.  Fries, covered with cheese curds and gravy.  It is hearty, rather fatty, but not difficult to enjoy.  I like the Charleston version better than the Montreal version.
When golfing in Scotland, we had to try both the haggis and the blood pudding.  Neither were very appetizing.  In fact, both were rather gross.  What a way to ruin a good day of golf, in the home of golf, St. Andrews!
Cheeses of various kinds were often difficult for me to eat when I was younger.  Not now!  I can eat most any kind of cheese, smelly or not.  Chalk it up to maturity?  We have even made our own cheese at a “farm to table” dinner in Washington.  And it goes great with my champagne.
Some body organs and parts of animals are acceptable, some not.  But when a tiny little two chambered heart was floating in my pho in Chiang Mai, Thailand, I was just a little surprised.  Over the years, we have seen plenty of other body organs.  Chicken feet come to mind whenever I get to Chinatown in any city.  And in Japan, they love the chicken combs on a stick, called yakitori.  I would call it Yukky-tori!!!
Many people I know still have a problem with taro root, or poi, as it is known in Hawaii.  It is an acquired texture, though without much taste, in my opinion.  I like it only when it is served with something very spicy or tangy.
Another strange thing occurs when I visit a foreign country.  They take certain food, and make something else out of them.  Have you seen a dessert soup made out of dried string beans?  Or ice cream ranging in flavor from avocado, corn, purple yam, or red bean.  Or an icy dessert (ice kacang) made with gelatin, sweet corn, ice cream, shave ice, and red beans.
Closer to home, foods like escargot and oysters tend to put many of our friends into a big “no way” Jose’ frenzy.  And even in some Asian restaurants, food like oxtails, chicken feet, pig’s feet, pig cheeks, menudo, sea urchin (uni),  and sea cucumber make some of you a little queasy.
But if you are willing to give me a chance, I think I can convert you.  I once took an old cowboy from Montana to a sushi bar.  He said there was no way he would eat raw fish.  By the end of the evening, he was sprouting gills!!!  So, never say never!

Seen on the Golf Course (Hawaii)

Posted by golfkat on March 1, 2019
Posted in: Cultures, Food, Travel. Leave a comment

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Here is an interesting article about two invasive species that are now used a food at some Hawaiian restaurants.
The two invasive species, kiawe (a type of mesquite), and waiawi (strawberry guava) are plentiful on many of the islands’ golf courses.  One native plant in particular, taro, used for making poi, is under increasing threat from these invaders.
As a result of colonialism, more than 500 species, including hoofed animals, and mosquitos,  have been introduced to the islands.  Waiawi came from Brazil via a horticulturist back in 1824.  They can take over a forest!  Many are saying Hawaii is the invasive species capital of the world.  After all, for 70 million years, it was relatively isolated.
I doubt we will be dining at restaurants that serve these two invaders. But you may see these as well as other invasive species on your island menus in the coming months and years.