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Archive for February, 2007
February 28th, 2007 by Dining Diva Janice
Oozing boyish charm and patience, Chef Nicolás Jimenez sweetly smiled as he shook my hand and told me (after I had gone on for a good 10 minutes about how happy I was to meet him and learn more about his native Navarre cuisine) that he speaks “No English.” Thank goodness, the PR woman was fluent in Spanish and offered to translate.
Seemingly full of energy, you’d never guess that the night before, the 31-year-old chef had prepared the same Navarra Food and Wine banquet for New York’s AIWF chapter; well, almost the same — they didn’t get to try the ethereal White Asparagus Tempura since their produce didn’t pass the Jimenez freshness test. He then flew cross-country and had spent all morning prepping for the sold-out repeat performance at San Francisco’s Palace Hotel.
JN: When did you first know you wanted to cook?
NJ: How you say…I was like the cobbler’s child, with no food. (Which, when translated correctly, meant that Nicholas had to learn to cook, for self-preservation, at a very early age since his mother, Chef Atxen Jimenez, was always busy working downstairs in Tubal , the family restaurant.
 Even though she repeatedly told him the same thing that her parents had told her– that she did not want him following in her footsteps. Too late — the cooking gene was obviously passed on to yet another generation). After spending years learning from my mother, I decided to further my culinary education and study with some of Spain’s best Chefs. For the next few years I worked with Chef Jose Maria Arzak at Arzak’s, San Sebastian, (which has a three-star Michelin rating,) Chef Hilario Arbelaitz at the smaller two-star village Restaurante Zuberoa, and with the great Chef Martin Berasategui.
JN: Who is your favorite chef?
NJ: Although I greatly increased my skills learning from all these chefs, and I’m a big fan of Ferran Adriá’s (El Bulli) creative techniques, I must say my favorite chef is my Mama, because she cooks with her whole soul and also was one of the first chefs to experiment with Nueva Cocina. Even though she never traveled, she used to stay up late at night reading cookbooks in bed to come up with all these new ideas.
JN: Is your mother still involved in the restaurant?
NJ: Very much so. She is the heart of the restaurant. Also, my sister runs the business side of things while my wife manages the dining room and the wine cellar. We all live above Restaurante Tubal. My mother lives on the fourth floor while my wife and I and our baby daughter live on the third floor. (He proudly whips out his phone and shows me her picture, then looking a little forlorn says that this is the first time he’s been away from her). I hope that she did not inherit the restaurant gene or else (grinning) I will never be able to retire, because I’d have to stay on forever to help her run things.
JN: How would you describe Navarrese Food?
NJ: Our food really reigns supreme for its vegetables. Navarra has the world’s best artichokes, cardo, white asparagus, borage (like a leafy bok choy), white beans, and Piquillo peppers. Not only that, but at the restaurant we get the very freshest produce because our relationship with the farmers goes back for generations. With the exception of the artichokes, all my produce is grown within minutes of Tubal. When I need something, I just call the farmers and they run out to the fields and pull up the vegetables and run them in, still warm from the sun.
JN: What do you think of the food in New York?
NJ: I really enjoyed eating at WD-50, Olives, and Mario Batali’s Del Posto, but I have to admit, I was a little disappointed. The vegetables in America are so large and beautiful, but they have no taste! At home, our vegetables may be little and ugly but they are bursting with flavor.
He sounded a little homesick. I couldn’t tell whether it was for his ugly veggies or beautiful baby girl.
When Chef Nicolas returns home, he will continue to cook his own way. He will work to keep the Navarre traditional slow food recipes alive, but will also add his own touches. But he promises that even as the Nueva Cocina further evolves, it will always be based on the tradition of using only the highest quality local ingredients.
(Photo: Chef Nicolas at the Palace Hotel, San Francisco, CA)
February 28th, 2007 by Dining Diva Janice
 After being closed for more than 20 years, Paris once again can proudly say that it has the biggest (and probably, the most expensive ) aquarium in all of Europe.
CineAqua is located in the heart of Paris, entirely underground. The entrance is located in the Jardins du Trocadéro, below the Palais Chaillot, across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower.
This innovative aquarium combines marine life with multi-media installations. Not only is it a first-class aquarium, but it also offers state-of-the-art animation and music studios, and constantly changing “happenings” to keep visitors entertained.
One example was developed by the CineAqua team of roboticists. Led by Professor Huosheng Hu of the University of Essex, they’ve spent years developing the world’s first Robot Fish. Already familiar to visitors at the London Aquarium, up to five of these technological marvels can now be seen in Paris. For the first time, they are sharing a tank with real fish. Professor Hu is curious to see how the mackerel of the Atlantic tank will respond to their mechanical kin.
CineAqua also has three cinemas and over 25 different screens. All of these are networked and managed by a single broadcast centre, which can store over 500 hours of film. On top of that, there are regular live performances in the Aquastudio. As its unrivalled technical facilities, the Aquastudio provides a setting that is available nowhere else: the backdrop to the stage is a 30-ft. wide, 26-ft. high window — the largest of its kind in the world — into a vast, landscaped and exotically populated tank.
 Hungry? Not only can you watch these incredible fish –– but you can eat them at the same time. When you dine (and you are dining — this is not your typical fast-food museum cafeteria) at Ozu Restaurant, you’ll partake of exquisite Japanese cuisine combined with one of the most striking views in Paris. The entire floor is designed in classical Japanese style, and decorated with suits of Samurai armor.
So here are some figures about Cinéaqua, the name for the new “Aquarium Du Trocadéro” in Paris that finally opened its doors in Summer 2006:
• 3 years of building work
• 45 million Euros invested
• 40 million litres of water
• 41 different aquariums
• 400 different types of creature
• 8,000 creatures in all
• Takes 1 ½ hours to see it all
• The visit slowly takes you down to 19 metres underground
• The largest aquarium is nearly 10 metres deep and contains 3 million litres of water (3,000 tonnes) and 100 tonnes of salt
• There are 25 sharks.
CineAqua is open 364 days a year (closed Christmas day):
Mon-Sun : 10am to 8pm.
Last entry at 7pm.
Ticket Prices
Adult: 19.50 euros
Child (under 3): free
Child (3 to 12): 12,50 euros
Child (13 to 17) and Student (with card): 15,50 euros
February 26th, 2007 by Dining Diva Janice
 Coming to you straight from the Twenty-First Annual Masters of Food & Wine Event being held at the historic Highlands Inn, Park Hyatt in Carmel, which has been voted one of the top hotels in North America by both Condé Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure.
Ok, so I do get to stay in a lovely townhouse suite with one of the most gorgeous sunset ocean views I ever saw outside of a Merchant Ivory film. And yes, I did attend the Opening Night Festivities for this four-day extravaganza –– a fantastic reception featuring 50 wineries and more than a dozen world- renowned chefs whipping up their signature dishes right before your eyes.
But, was it too much to ask for just one measly press ticket to the Rarities Dinner tonight? It’s being held at the “Villa Della Cova,” which is a dead ringer for a Tuscan Villa. A team of culinary stars will be preparing the eight-course dinner, headed up by Rick Tramonto (Tru Restaurant, Chicago.) The food will be paired with 21 incredible wine selections of rare vintage wines, many acquired from collectors and wine estates. When I read that the dessert wine was a 1959 Chateau d Y’Quem, I went up to the organizers and asked again, if there wasn’t just one little space that might have opened up?
” No,” I was informed, “The dinner sold out long ago, and unfortunately there are none of the $5,000.00 tickets left!
February 26th, 2007 by Dining Diva Janice
When people find out that I’m a Food and Travel Writer, they always "ooh and ahh" over how lucky I am, (I am) and how they wish they could quit their jobs and just fly around the world eating at great restaurants -insinuating that I don’t really "work" for a living..which just ain’t true. I DO work…it’s just that I LOVE my work! But gotta admit, sometimes I feel a little teensy-bit guilty–which is why I am so interested in STA’s Volunteer Vacations.www.statravel.co.uk (Although volunteer travel is nothing new-the trips usually sound too boring for words. And although I hear wonderful reports about Habitat for Humanity, www.habitat.org/ , trust me, NO ONE would want to live in a house that I built! ) But just reading over STA’s list of offerings got me jazzed. I mean really, how fun would it be to teach Brazilian kids how to surf (and the cool thing is that you don’t even have to know how yourself—THEY WILL TEACH YOU FIRST!) Or, even better, hanging with a real National Geographic-type wild-life ranger in South Africa working with Lions & Monkeys & Dolphins… Oh My! Here’s a sampling of what you will be taught: The course includes bush navigation, basic ecology, animal tracks and tracking, 4×4 driving skills, animal behavior, rifle handling, game drives and walks and they thoughtfully enough to even include wine-tasting! Here’s a few of the trips that I would consider: Ride the Waves at Surf School in Brazil Help teach local children, while improving your own surf skills no matter how good (or bad) they are. The surf school on the famous Ipanema beach helps youths from low income communities gain experience in a sport while maintaining surf boards. The experience includes expert tuition from the schools instructors in organising and teaching the children how to surf. And with only three days of work a week, there is plenty of spare time to explore cosmopolitan Rio de Janeiro. Ride Out with Horses in the Dominican Republic Learn about equine management at The Equestrian Centre based in the coastal town of Cabarete. The Centre offers first rate instruction for riders of all abilities as well as organised tours along the coastal paths. Activities will include grooming and feeding the horses and organising events and competitions. Coach Cricket in Sri Lanka Sri Lanka has a strong cricket background and in 1996 they were the winners of the Cricket World Cup. This is an opportunity to play and coach among people with a passion for the sport. Volunteers coach cricket to children of between 10 and 16 years of age. Coaching takes place at the organised cricket camps or in schools in and around Colombo and Kurunagala. Orangutan Conservation in Borneo By taking a walk on the wild side, animal lovers can get up close and personal with these gentle giants. Volunteers observe and learn about the animals in their natural habitat and lend a helping hand at the orangutan rehabilitation centres of Sarawak. Activities include locating orangutans in the wild for observation purposes, food preparation, cleaning enclosures and monitoring behaviour. There is also the potential to teach English to the Iban tribes people. Two weeks costs £1,644 including flights with Malaysian Airlines and accommodation in shared jungle lodge or guest house and all meals. Book with STA Travel www.statravel.co.uk or call 0871 230 8512.
February 21st, 2007 by Teresa
Remember Divas, Always stick up for yourself! Be strong and it will pay off! I thought I would share the e-mail I received from the Chicago Tribune this morning:
Dear Teresa,
I apologize to you for the errors.
Much of the blame lies with me, rather than June Sawyers. It’s my job to do the first edit on the Resourceful Traveler column. In the process, I introduced the errors.
I’ve been out sick for the past two days, but I will submit a correction this morning. I’m also copying your e-mail to our travel editor, Randy Curwen. He’ll want to know that you wrote to us. Another copy is going to June.
With deep regrets,
Toni
——————————–
Toni Salama, Travel Writer
Chicago Tribune
435 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, Il 60611
February 20th, 2007 by Teresa
  I have just read my book review in the Chicago Tribune. I have to remember that this is someone’s opinion, and they have a right to whatever they want to say - as long as what is said is true. What June Sawyers says is her opinion, until the part where she rips my book with this line: “My favorite howler, though, is when she writes of Edinburgh that "most locals speak English, as well as the bizarrely charming Gaelic . . . ", which would be news to Edinburghers, who live in Scotland; Gaelic is the indigenous language of Ireland. She even recommends that you bone up on a few Gaelic phrases before visiting the Scottish capital.”
Well, June, before you rip my Edinburgh chapter apart – you might want to do a bit of research yourself, lassie.
“Is comhachd i an eòlas” – that’s “Knowledge is Power" in Scottish Gaelic.
Definition of Scottish Gaelic on Wikipedia
The Official Gaelic Scotland Website
Then she tells her readers that I have spelled Irvine Welsh’s name wrong, which I did not do - she spelled it wrong in her review! Call me crazy, but shouldn’t she have done a bit of research before accusing me of not doing mine?
What is so amazing is she lost the whole point of the book! The book is about empowering women to explore the world alone and to gain a better understanding of the big wide world we live in.
Maybe she needs a vacation.
February 19th, 2007 by Patti
I have been searching for DIVAS in random cities within MY TANGO and found 7 DIVAS in Edmonton. You all should hook up- eh! It really is quite fascinating seeing the faces and reading the profiles of the members of this traveling community. I searched for travelers in Santiago and for DIVAS in my hometown of Santa Barbara - 8! As more members load their photos and travel history - a network of women will emerge. Friendships will bloom. And travel will ensue. If you have not checked into your MY TANGO lately - then you are missing out. Get in and upload your photo, fill in your profile, and look for the DIVAS who live near you or live where you are going this year.
February 18th, 2007 by Teresa
Good question! Tango Diva is many things and to me Tango Diva is about HOPE. Hope of a world filled with wonderful, wandering women who connect with one another and share advice, love, and support while jetting around the world.
Another place where you can find hope here is in our DIVA VISIONARIES and right now we are hosting our Second Annual Diva Visionary Contest. One of the 20 finalist will be swept away to Amansala Beach Resort for a week’s worth of fun in the sun. Why? Because these women are bring hope to others, inspiring change, and making the world a better place. Really, that is what it’s all about, isn’t it? Now a fabulous pair of shoes and a perfect vacation is wonderful too!
So, here at Tango Diva, we want to inspire you to reach for your goals, be beautiful, and connect with other great women. We hope that you will read some amazing stories that will move you, find a trip that you want to go on, and share us with all your other girlfriends. Because it is for you we built this site, and we hope it can be all that you want it to be.
Join now – it’s free!
Teresa
February 17th, 2007 by Stephanie
I didn’t lose an engine, but I nearly lost my mind! I am now surely the queen of delayed and cancelled flights. There has to be a better way for when the Snow Queen, that Diva, dishes herself out a dicey icing of airports and tornado-ing of terminals.
I wasn’t capsized on the Canary Islands or even tormented in Tahiti. Rather, these were domestic squabbles between me and the nearest of ports. For example, today those calling me on the Fab-Phone at Tango Diva World Headquarters will notice a more sultry than usual voice answering. That would be me after a 13 hour trip from Cabo, Mexico up the wee Baja Peninsula to San Francisco.
I didn’t get home till about 2 am, and the seven of us who had gone down for Colette’s bday were totally punchy. Wacked out of our minds. I guess that’s why I smooched the boy in the seat next to me as the engines revved and the nose of the plane turned back towards the gate from whence it had only just backed out.
(Note to self: don’t smooch a boy unless you’re sure that your 2 hour flight won’t turn into a 7-hour one)
What delayed us for 13 hours was a combination of lousy weather in Seattle plus some lightswitch or something that broke. We were updated with lots of "maintenance is just finishing up the paperwork, folks," as we sat puzzling over what had to have been a mountain of forms as the hours ticked by. The paperwork took longer than resetting the thingamajig.
I had just endured a similar situation around Christmas! I found myself trying to fly from San Antonio (hometown hooray!) to New Orleans, just one state over, as thunderstorms and tornadoes ripped through Dallas. It took me 12 hours to hop states, and I consider myself lucky indeed to have gotten the last flight out on that dark and stormy night.
Winter travel! Delays and cancellations! Glitches in the matrices of our hub and spoke system! One fatal blow to a Dallas or Chicago and the whole system shudders. It’s not that I’m dying to fly in broken planes through hurling vortexes of death. It’s just that I’m never mentally prepared to spend a California-to-London day en route from Denver to Des Moines when I’m supposed to be home in time for tea. You know?
Grumbly passengers, harried airline employees, the vulture-ish jockeying from cancelled flights to other seats, staring a hotel voucher in the face when all you want to do is get home. Hearing those fateful words: "I’m sorry, this flight is full," as you pray and call home and curse the friendly skies for their sputtering tantrums. They’re only human, too, right?
So the next time you want to spring into aviation action this winter, remember a couple simple thangs:
1. Call Ahead!!
You call that airline, girl, and find out if your flight is delayed or even cancelled.
2. Don’t Be a Last Minute Minnie!
If your flight ends up being axed, don’t be that person strolling into the terminal fashionably late. Chances are that the few free seats on later flights and other airlines will already be taken by the early birdies.
3. Do Your Homework
Don’t stand idly in line or on hold with the airline just twiddling your stressed-out thumbs. Search online and/or call up your airline and other airlines to find out what other flights are available and to even reserve a seat. Because when it’s your turn with the agent, the Diva who can say, "My flight has been cancelled but I know that you still have room on the 4 pm flight, so I’d like to go ahead and book that," WINS!
4. You aren’t married to your airline!
When the cashmere hits the fan, you are free to get polygamous in order to get to your destination. When I was stranded in San Antonio because American’s Dallas hub was shut down due to scary weather, that airline was only too happy to call other airlines and get me a seat with them. Sadly, the other major carriers were full, so I did my homework and found a Southwest flight that was routed through Houston to New Orleans. Now Southwest is not in league with the Deltas and Uniteds of world, so I had to pay for that flight. But American will still reimburse me-all I have to do is send in the proof of purchase.
5. Ask, Ask, Ask!
Summon the Diva within to ask for the moon. In Cabo, when we found out our flight was delayed for 5 hours, we batted our eyelashes until we had $12 worth of vouchers for airport food and a free taxi ride to and from San Jose del Cabo to while away the hours shopping!
In San Antonio, I made sure that American agreed to pay for my Southwest ticket before I bought it, and I also made sure that they would still honor my return ticket. (Funny story there: my flight home was also cancelled due to mechanical problems. Ha ha.)
6. Be NICE!
Everyone’s in the same boat-you all want to get to your final destination, and the poor airline employees really are doing their best, in most cases, to reroute all twelve million of their annoyed passengers. The sweetly smiling Diva will catch the most honey here. Just a simple, "It’s cool, thanks SO much for your help," vibe will get you much farther than airs and a snippy tone. Help the ticketing agent help you by being patient and kind. Believe me, they will reward your for being that breath of fresh air in a sea of hell, because these people hold all the cards and will surely be more apt to deal you a straight flush if you keep the dealer happy.
Jet Setters, expect turbulance of every variety when traveling. It’s inevitable. Just make sure that when the airlines start rockin’, your Diva savvy comes a-knockin’. Don’t let timidity, lethargy and beaurocracy strand you. Make cosmos out of cancellations!
February 16th, 2007 by Dining Diva Janice
 Not just another pretty face, although 267 Vodka Infusions do look gorgeous in their hand-crafted bottles (and I definitely will be recycling my empties for bath oils)! This new line of infusions is made using only the finest spirits: premium Vodka-distilled 5 times, Mexican Blue Agave Tequila, or Plantation Virgin Rum from Barbados.
The entrepreneurial founder, Stacie Parker Shonfeld, shuns artificial color and flavors, and instead chooses to use fresh fruit gathered from around the world. She has perfected a method that allows the fruit to harmonize with the spirits resulting in a thrilling taste sensation.
The Cranberry Vodka Infusion pairs perfectly with chocolate truffles… but my favorite is the Olive & Pearl Onion Infusion, for a perfect Dirty Martini!
bicycle helmet prices pirodr! 666
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