The Luxury Resort at Squaw Creek in Tahoe, plus its Bloody Mary Bar
A visit to the Resort at Squaw Creek food & wine in North Lake Tahoe, including a tasty recipe for a custom Bloody Mary. Excerpt from “TASTEABLE: California” television series.
H29 delivers Great Wine in Bottle and on Tap with High Design
Stephen Chew likes to say that he is not a professional restaurateur. But with several years of success and multiple restaurants in his portfolio, one might want to question that premise. The newest project launched by him and his partners is called, H29 Coffee and Wine Bar, located in Burlingame, California (South of San Francisco and North of Palo Alto).
The cafe was named after the historic Highway 29 in Napa Valley, and the wine connection does not end there. The decor is sleek and industrialized, but in a warm and breathy wine-country theme. The rooms are divided in general between a streamlined “to-go” coffee shop which stays fairly busy during the day, and a larger restaurant and wine bar which serves food and wine for those who want to sit and take their time.
Says Stephen, “This space was originally another one of our restaurants, which we moved to another location. Then we used it as a kind of pop-up for Thai ‘river food.’ The food was good, but it took too much work to explain to people the difference between it and regular Thai food. So we decided to gut the space, event to the ceilings, and do something really different.”
One successful difference is that they have brought to the upscale town of Burlingame, flowing with tech and finance money, an affordable and stylish wine bar. Of course they have an extensive selection of vintages from which to chose, but what stands out most is their inexpensive yet high quality selection of wines on-tap. These includes labels such as Hahn and Liberty School.
The food is intriguing, and one of our favorites is the Cauliflower Risotto with Grilled Shrimp. The dish is made without rice, and uses the cauliflower as its base. The flavors mixed together have an appealing bite, and are quite appealing.
For anyone on the San Francisco Peninsula looking for a great glass of wine in a cool environment with tasty food and coffee, we recommend H29.
(650) 342-2992
Simple Self Defense Techniques for Traveling Women
Most people don’t think about self-defense when traveling, but it is always good to know a few simple techniques, just in case. For women, Krav Maga Worldwide has put together a list of skills that you can deploy if the need arrives.
- Stay aware of your surroundings by scanning your environment. No matter how busy you are, do not allow your mind to wander. It might seem important in the moment to be making a to-do list in your head, but if you are worrying about what you need to do when you get home you might not notice someone following you to your vehicle, reading your email over your shoulder or sliding a hand into your purse.
- Park in well lit areas. If you are renting a car while traveling, when you park avoid spots next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows. You want to keep your car and yourself as visible to as many people as possible and as such you should also avoid parking next to tall shrubs or plants that could block views of your vehicle.
- Don’t wear your purse so that the strap crosses your body. Wearing a purse strap across your body makes you more connected to your bag. If someone tries to steal your purse, you will be pulled with the strap. You can become unbalanced and put into a vulnerable position or you could end up in a physical altercation with the assailant. If your purse is draped on one shoulder you can easily let go of it.
- Dress casually and comfortably. During transit is not the time to make a fashion statement.It is better to leave the high heels and flashy statement making pieces at home or in your luggage until you arrive at your destination. Jeans and sneakers will help you blend in and if needed enable you to make a quick getaway. Also, avoid wearing large and expensive looking jewelry that can draw additional attention to you.
- Always keep one arm and hand free of luggage and other gear. Many people travel with multiple bags, purses, lap top cases and other paraphernalia. But, if your arms and hands are tied up with bags you have no means of defending yourself from an attacker. Luggage that can stack together securely and be pulled by one handle is a safer choice than wearing and carrying numerous bags on your person.
Leila Ali
About Krav Maga Worldwide
Founded in 1997 to promote Krav Maga throughout the United States and around the world, Krav Maga Worldwide trains and certifies instructors and licenses over 150 authorized Krav Maga Worldwide training centers in the United States, Canada, Japan, Mexico, South America, and Europe, as well as over 800 law enforcement agencies and military units. Krav Maga offers the highest caliber of instruction to thousands of people, supporting the company’s core commitment to improving and saving lives. Krav Maga Worldwide continues to develop, promote and implement self-defense and fitness programs. For additional information, visit: www.kravmaga.com.
Sterling Destinations luxury travel services
Press Announcement
Sterling Destinations, a full-service, high-end concierge service specializing in luxuriously designed vacation packages throughout the world’s most incredible destinations, premiered at Sterling-Destinations.com.
Sterling Destinations offers innovative vacation packages that range from visits to elite international sporting events such as The Kentucky Derby and Monaco Grand Prix, to music festivals, luxury car shows, and much more. Tennis lovers for example delight in trips to grand slams such as The French and Australian Open, along with other ATP events and esteemed tennis academies such as The Ferrer Tennis Academy in Javea, Spain.
Once vacationers have selected their dream vacation package, Sterling Destinations makes all of the arrangements for them, including flights, airport transfers, accommodations, excursions, all transportation throughout their stay, and much more. Sterling concierges are available to travel with vacationers throughout their trip and are happy to arrange for anything they need, such as personal chefs and masseuses.
Travelers are able to explore many of the world’s most incredible destinations to places such as China, Australia, New Zealand, France, Italy, Monaco, Denmark, Spain, Bora Bora, the Caribbean and United States.
Peter Mondavi chats about Napa favorite Krug Winery opening Trattoria Cucina di Rosa
Napa Valley continues to innovate and delight with new openings and offerings. Peter Mondavi Jr. and Napa Valley celebrity chef, Richard Haake, join TasteTV in discussing the Mondavi Family’s newest venture, Cucina di Rosa Italian trattoria.
Opened as part of the Charles Krug Winery Hospitality Center, the Cucina di Rosa’s realization was the final element of a $9.5 million restoration and beautification of the Redwood Cellar Building designed by noted architect Howard Backen. The Cucina menu was designed by Haake, and offers a variety of rustic panini sandwiches, antipasti, salads as well as traditional Italian snack items designed to pair beautifully with Charles Krug’s estate wines.
Named in honor of the winery’s matriarch Rosa Mondavi, and launched to commemorate the 100th birthday of her son, Peter, the Cucina brings the renovation of the historic winery and property full circle.
Peter Mondavi Jr.
TasteTV: The Mondavi family has a history of winemaking for several generations. How does everyone keep track of the various ventures and brands? (like Krug)
Peter Mondavi Jr: “Wine is our passion and we enjoy being directly involved in all of our brands and ventures. As a family, we’ve been involved in wine over the past 70 years. Charles Krug, like our other brands, is built on a foundation of family values, hard work and European winemaking tradition.”
TasteTV: Why did you decide to open the Trattoria at the Charles Krug Winery Hospitality Center?
Peter Mondavi Jr: “Cucina di Rosa is an extension of our family heritage and our winemaking philosophy that wine and food are inseparable. My grandmother Rosa Mondavi loved cooking and taking care of people so the Cucina pays homage to her.”
TasteTV: How many visitors do you expect to start enjoying the Cucina?
Peter Mondavi Jr: “We hope the Cucina will draw many new visitors to our stunning, newly renovated Redwood Cellar designed by architect Howard Backen. We don’t know of another winery that offers this kind of culinary experience directly in the Tasting Room. Guests can enjoy a flight of Charles Krug limited-release wines at our Tasting Bar, followed by delicious rustic panini, antipasti or salad designed to pair beautifully with Charles Krug’s estate wines.”
TasteTV: Most restaurants in wine country are sourced locally. Tell us, are the menu and ingredients influenced by local California cuisine, or is it more influenced by Italian restaurants?
Chef Richard Haake: “Simply put, the menu and ingredients are influenced by the CIA (Culinary Institute of America) Garden planted on the Charles Krug estate and the Italian traditions established by Rosa Mondavi who also tended a significant garden on the estate.”
TasteTV: What are some of your favorite dishes at the Trattoria?
Peter Mondavi Jr: “I love the panini and am enjoying working my way through the vast selection, paired with Charles Krug wines, and topped off with a freshly roasted espresso.”
TasteTV: Any suggested food & wine pairings at the Trattoria?
Chef Richard Haake: “The Giardino Panino, which combines grilled and marinated estate-grown vegetables from the CIA Garden with Meyer lemon and herb goat cheese, pairs perfectly with the Charles Krug Sauvignon Blanc. The brightness of the goat cheese brings out the wine’s citrus and tropical flavors. Another great pairing is the Toscano Panino paired with Charles Krug Cabernet Sauvignon. The combination of roasted top sirloin steak, balsamic onions and Cambozola blue cheese are the perfect complement to Charles Krug’s rich, layered Cabernet.”
TasteTV: You are initially only open on weekends. Is this the plan going forward?
Chef Richard Haake: “We would like to be open on additional days, but we’re starting with Fridays and weekends until we get the word out and build a following. We encourage everyone to come and visit us and look forward to extending our hours as soon as possible.”
TasteTV: Several tasting rooms have opened over the last few years in the Sonoma Plaza square. Do you think that this represents a trend for having in-town tasting rooms, and not just tasting rooms at wineries?
Peter Mondavi Jr: “I believe the best way to experience wine country is by visiting a winery. Charles Krug is the oldest winery in Napa Valley, and there is no better way to experience the history and beauty of this region than by spending time at a winery such as ours. It’s truly the ultimate wine country experience.”
The London NYC Hotel offers a Fashion Week Runway Package
It’s that time of year again. Time for Fashion Week in New York, and along with the bevy of models, celebrities, designers, bloggers, and magazines… did we leave out parties… you also have some fantastic packages for dining, beauty and boarding.
For the third consecutive season, The London NYC is thrilled to present The Runway Package, offering guests an exclusive opportunity to experience a coveted runway show.
Located just steps off Seventh Avenue in Midtown Manhattan and just minutes from the excitement in Lincoln Center, The London NYC is where the chic mix and mingle and designers, buyers and fashion executives gather throughout the week.
In addition to two invitations to a Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week fashion show, guests will look and feel fabulous after a night of beauty sleep in their luxurious London Suite and a runway-ready Express Manicure by butter LONDON’s Global Colour Ambassador Katie Jane Hughes.
The London NYC Runway Package Includes:
- – 2 invitations to a glamorous Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week runway show at Lincoln Center
- – 2 “Stylish Sips” Cocktails at the chic London Bar
- – 2 VIP Gift Bags filled with luxury beauty essentials courtesy of butter LONDON
- – 2 Express Manicures and Make-Up Touch-Ups done by butter LONDON’s Global Colour Ambassador, Katie Jane Hughes (*upon availability)
- – London Suite Accommodations feature 500 square feet