Author Archives: The Sedimentalist
Altocedro Malbec 2007
I love when food or wine brings back a vivid memory of the past. Such was the case with the Altocedro Malbec: one sniff, and I was instantly back in Argentina, sipping wine at 0800-Vino, or on our beautiful terrace, or at a bodega in Mendoza. What a wonderful six months of our lives! Argentina’s … Continue reading
Photoessay of Assisi, Umbria
Rolling vineyards and olive groves, fields of poppies and wildflowers, cuisine filled with hearty lentils, game, and truffles . . . what is not to love about Umbria? This region in Central Italy is one of our favorite Italian regions. Its cuisine, scenery, and history (combined with its convenient location less than two hours from … Continue reading
Thai Green Curry (Gaeng Kiaw Wan Gai)
I always miss Thailand. Every time I see a photo of a beach, I miss Thailand. Every time I walk into an Asian market, I miss Thailand. Every time it’s slightly hot and humid outside… I miss Thailand. No other place in the world has made me feel so out of my comfort zone and … Continue reading
Discovering Lecce
It is amazing how many incredible places in Italy are still seemingly untouched by mass tourism. Like my husband always says, “for every San Gimignano there are a thousand other Italian hill towns.” It took months of travel in Italia to believe him, but after seeing quite a few charming, off-the-radar locations, it is safe … Continue reading
Shrimp, snails, and bull tails: highlights of Andalusian cuisine
There is little else in the world as exciting to me as setting foot on new soil and discovering menus full of things I’ve never had. I’m in that special sort of heaven right now after three beautiful weeks in Andalusia. Those who have visited the more popular cities of Southern Spain–like Cordoba and Granada–have … Continue reading
An unconventional Puglian grape: Negroamaro
Just when I think I’ve learned a thing or two about Italian wines from my five months in this country, I venture into a new region and am reminded how many grapes this country produces, and how little I know. Such was the case during my recent three weeks in Puglia: the “heel” of the … Continue reading
Opolo Vineyards 2010 Mountain Zinfandel
I love it when a Zinfandel is done right. Opolo hit a hole-in-one with this wine. Perhaps I should clarify when I mean when I say a Zinfandel is “done right”. Wine, like most other markets, tends to become saturated by whatever grape is the latest craze. Not long ago, it was Zinfandel. Once customers … Continue reading
A Venetian Osteria
Venice is of course known for its canals, Murano glass baubles, and singing gondoliers, but the pleasant surprises of this sinking city were its osterias and seafood-filled cuisine. The tourist areas are lined with overpriced restaurants (our B & B owner described them as “expensive like fire”) and waiters eager to herd you in for … Continue reading
Spring break, teacher style: 10 days in Kauai
Dear friends and loyal readers, As always, thank you to each and every reader who takes the time to visit Sedimentality! I can’t tell you how much it means to me to know that there are people from around the world who take the time to read a little about food, wine, and travel. I … Continue reading
Coriander and cumin rubbed Cornish game hens with mint yogurt + a French Chardonnay
A friend of ours recently recommended a Mexican market, Pancho Villa, and I’ve been mildly obsessed ever since. I love walking into a supermarket and seeing things I haven’t the faintest idea how to cook with; and it’s all the more exciting that it is in my own city! A giant surprise was finding Cornish … Continue reading