The Southwest of France: The Wines of Gascony
Filed Under Destination Features, Travel Tips, Wines & Spirits
In the southwest of France, winemakers produce more than two dozen appellations, making the region the fourth largest in terms of both sales and production. The area is often best known for its Bordeaux wines, but it's clearly far from the only wine of the area. For one, Gascony is more than just the home of D'Artagnan in the Three Muskeeters by Alexandre Dumas. Discover Bordeaux wines on a luxury… Read
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Food and Wine Pairings: Vouvray from the Loire Valley
Filed Under Destination Features, Travel Tips, Wines & Spirits
We've talked about Vouvray wine before on the The International Kitchen blog -- after all, it is easily the most popular wine from the Loire Valley -- but what's the best food to pair with this white wine made with Chenin blanc grapes? Before that question is answered, you first have to figure out what kind of Vouvray you're drinking. Taste Loire Valley wines on our Grand Tour of the… Read
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Chef Clive's Favorite Tomato Recipe: Gazpacho
Filed Under Food History, Kitchen Tips, Recipes
This week on our social media sites, we've been talking all about the tomato, one of the most versatile of all vegetables -- and fruits, depending on you ask. From its fascinating history to how it's eaten, and processed, just about everywhere, it's not surprising that it's ranked in the top four of all vegetables consumed (only topped by potatoes, carrots, and corn) in the world. We asked Chef Clive,… Read
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The Fascinating History of the Tomato
Filed Under Food History
Billions of tomatoes are grown and consumed every year around the world. They're ingredients in sauces, used as toppings in salads and on sandwiches, turned into ketchup, and the list of their uses goes on and on. But the vegetables -- or fruits (we'll get to that controversy too) -- weren't always so ubiquitous. In fact, given their tumultuous history, it's kind of amazing to think that, on average, every… Read
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Zucchini Flowers Recipe from Tuscany Culinary Vacation
Filed Under Destination Features, Kitchen Tips, Recipes
Next time you're at the market and buy zucchini, make sure to pick up some zucchini flowers too. (Or, if you have a garden of your own -- don't throw those flowers out when you harvest the zucchini!) Because, while they may be pretty, they're not only for show. Just ask the Italians. It seems that nearly every Italian family has their own way of cooking up the bright yellow… Read
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The Wine Toasting Traditions of Italy
Filed Under Special Occasions, Travel Tips, Wines & Spirits
Toasting is practically a universal custom. You raise your glasses to honor someone, clink your cups (sometimes), and say some variety of "cheers!" But although all toasts have their roots in the ancient Greeks – when they toasted and drank at the same time to make sure one of the guests didn't put poison in the wine – all countries have their own long-standing toasting customs. Italy's wine toasting traditions… Read
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The Best 4th of July Recipes - Traditional Independence Day Dishes
Filed Under Destination Features, Recipes, Special Occasions
The 4th of July is one of America's most important holidays, and a favorite among Americans of all walks of life. And why not? Families gather, friends hang out, meat goes on the grill, fourth of July traditional food makes an appearance, and fireworks light up the sky. Even Americans who don't consider themselves especially patriotic tend to hang a flag, decorate in red, white, and blue, and enjoy a… Read
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Interview with Chef Vassilis of our Santorini Greek Island Cooking Vacation
Filed Under Destination Features, Interviews
The Greek island of Santorini has long been regaled for its beauty and stunning views, but that's not the only reason to visit this magical island. As Chef Vassilis, of our cooking vacation Greek Gastronomy on Santorini, can attest to, this island also has a plethora of local ingredients that make some wonderful gourmet dishes. Hear all about Chef Vassilis’s love of Santorini cooking and food in our latest chef… Read
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Italy Culinary Trips: Sturgeon in the Sand Recipe
Filed Under Destination Features, Food History, Recipes
Nearly wherever you go in Italy, the food is delicious -- there's no questioning that fact. But there's one region in particular that's known for its good eats: Emilia Romagna, otherwise known as the food, or bread, basket of Italy. From slices of culatelli and prosciutto to fresh pasta and rounds of Parmigiano-Reggiano, there's an enormous array of dishes and ingredients that call this region home. But they're not the… Read
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Wine Lover's Italy: All About Colli Di Parma Wine
Filed Under Destination Features, Travel Tips, Wines & Spirits
Head south of Parma, and among the the foothills of the Apennine mountain range, you'll discover the valleys and lands that play a large role in the winemaking of the region, particularly of Colli di Parma wines. These wines have been made here for centuries, ever since Napoleon's time. That's when Maria Luisa of Austria moved to the region, along with some French officials, and took up residence in the… Read
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