Stalking the Great White…….Asparagus :: Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany

Baden-Wuerttemberg is Germany’s third largest state and home to the famed Black Forest, the premier spa town: Baden-Baden, Cuckoo Clocks and one of the most productive asparagus regions in Germany. While Americans eagerly await Groundhog’s Day to hopefully announce the beginning of spring, in Germany spring is heralded in with the much tastier arrival of asparagus, or Spargel.

During the season, which lasts from April until mid-June, almost every eatery in Germany, from the tiniest Brauhaus to the most elegant restaurant offers a Spargelkarte, a special asparagus menu, in addition to their regular menu. Although there are many variations depending on the region, the classics are: asparagus with butter or hollandais; with cooked potatoes, and asparagus with salmon or ham. Baden-Wuerttemberg’s speciality is: Black Forest ham, a spiced and smoked version of ham—Yummers!

There are many festivals throughout the area paying homage to this “royal vegetable” offering some fun-sounding events like the asparagus peeling competitions, the crowning of the asparagus king, and tons of tasty asparagus creations. Just time for one? The biggest asparagus festival, this May 16 - 18, is held in Bruchsal, near Stuttgart, which lies on the Upper Rhine plain.
More info:

Do our readers realize the importance/value of using a travel agent?
Besides the fact that they may be able to save money in the long run?

The last American Airline fiasco points that out.

The people who had used travel agents for their tickets were immediately assisted.
One call to the agent and the options opened up.
Those that did not may have lost out in money and time trying to salvage their flights.

Last year I found myself at LAX with no one to turn to. I had bought my ticket to Lima online via AMEX with LAN Peru. I had also bought by flight to LAX with United - independent of the Lima leg.

So when the United flight was delayed by low fog at SFO - I missed my connection.
And do you know United could not help me. They had delivered me to LA as promised - just late. They did offer me a hotel discount and that was of comfort.

But at LAX the international airlines actually rent the check-in desks for several hours at a time. By the time I arrived at check-in - the LAN Peru desks were closed for all intensive purposes. There was no one. Nada. I ended up on my cell phone for 90 minutes and still no help.

Eventually I was helped by American Airlines - the most helpful guy Eric- and only because I remembered they were a partner of Lan Peru. I did not even have a ticket with AA - but Eric helped me.

So after 4 hours of traversing the entire airport with my luggage, I continued on to Lima a full 24 hours later.

BUT - if I had worked with a travel agent - one call and all would have been in the competent hands of an individual with all resources at their command and the responsibility.

Share your agent support or agent-less experience!

Take an upscale Woman only Journey this fall!
Learn about the only female emperor with a museum specialist in Xian.
Enjoy Henna painting, have your astrology read, and shop at the Johari Bazaar in Northern India. Blend your own perfume in Grasse. Learn how to belly dance in Egypt.
Blend your own wine and have a chocolate tasting in Provence.
What else could you ask for?
Contact Tango Diva Preferred Travel Agent Alyse at 866-408-WIZE (9493) for info!
China Sep 26-October 8.
Northern India October 4-18.
Chile & Argentina October 7-18.
Bordeaux, Provence; the Riviera October 16-27.
Egypt October 30.

Recently I received an email from Natalie Maclean, author of “Red, White And Drunk All Over” asking if she could send copy of her book for me to review. Since, for me, most wine books are about as exciting a read as trying to plow thru Les Miserables in my high school French class, I responded with a very lukewarm “Ok.”

It sat on my desk for about a month until last week when I experienced one of those no-way can I get back to sleep nights. I was looking for something to read, saw RW&D, and thought it would bore me back to some Zzz’s. Wow- do I stand corrected. That Nat is one funny, cool lady and a superb writer. She’s won barrels of awards, including no less than four James Beard Journalism awards.) As an accredited sommelier, she really knows her subject, but even better, RW&D provides a fascinating, fun and extremely informative read!

Her book was perfectly described as “A Year in Provence goes Sideways to enter Kitchen Confidential” since Natalie shares fascinating wine trips, invaluable tips and colorful stories with us. You’ll love joining her when she goes “undercover” as a sommelier at a five-star French restaurant, or gets the inside scoop on the bad blood between two high-power critics, Robert Parker and Jancis Robinson. And you have to love someone who offers an in-the-shower tutorial on the right way to “spit”.

-read more-
No time to read a whole book? ( Shame on you.) But if that’s really true, then I’ll take pity on you and pass on another worthwhile tip: Natalie also offers an extremely user-friendly website,devoted to food and wine pairings.

The first pairing tool that really Gets Real! MacLean’s site pairs wines with any dish: meat, pasta, seafood, vegetarian fare, pizza, eggs, cheese and dessert, including Jell-O and fudge, even Champagne with potato chips. You simply choose the food or wine from a drop-down menu to get the pairing suggestions. There are also lots of recipes for those planning a meal.

Among the thousands of pairings offered, here are Natalie’s top 10 fun food and wine matches:

1. Popcorn with Chilean Chardonnay
2. Nachos with California Zinfandel
3. Potato chips with French Champagne
4. Pizza with Italian Chianti
5. Fish and chips with German Riesling
6. Hamburgers with Australian Shiraz
7. Smoked salmon with Canadian or Oregon Pinot Noir
8. Quiche with New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
9. Canned brown beans with tawny Port
10. TV dinner steak with French or Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

The Marin Theatre Company’s Casino Royale fundraiser will be held Saturday April 26, 2008 and it promises to be an exciting evening filled with High stakes, High style and High rollers..and maybe some James Bond Look-a-likes???

I wouldn’t miss this for the world–not only because it sounds like such fun, but also because I’m a a major fan of MTC. As an East-coast transplant, the one thing I miss most about living out west, is the NYC theater scene. I’ve discovered a few “Off- Geary theaters” that I can usually count on, but for the real deal, I count on MTC. I think that they set the standard for fine theater in the Bay area, using the most talented actors, directors and set designers. I’ve turned many supposedly non-theater lovers into season subscribers after seeing just one performance. And if you haven’t seen their current sweaty,sensual production of ” A Streetcar Named Desired” you’re in for a major treat.
So buy your tickets now for your chance to roll the dice and win big at MTC’s Casino Royale.

“But I want them all,” she wailed plaintively. “How’s a girl to choose?”

Campton Placeis pulling out all the stops with their line-up of special hotel packages for 2008…
Forgot your anniversary?
No time to leave town but dying for a break?
Would love to try one of legendary sommelier Richard Deans Winemaker’s Dinner but no one wants to be the designated driver?

Drink to your heart’s content knowing you reserved The Campton Place Winemaker’s Dinner Package.This package (double occupancy) is for a one night stay but what a night it will be. Package costs are $535 for a deluxe and $665 for a suite. This package is available for the upcoming April 15th and May 5th winemaker’s dinners, which will feature a fine wine-paired dinner with Richard Dean and special guest wine maker as well as a wine hamper amenity valued at $100.

Or perhaps you need to update your wardobe with some new easy, breezy summertime dresses? The Shopper Stop Package puts you in the cat-bird seat of shopping with Campton Place’s location just steps from Union Square. This short, sweet and to the point package is for a one night stay and includes a $150 Gumps gift card and shipping credit up to $100. Package cost is $475 for a deluxe room, $599 for a suite. Package valid from now through Jun 30, 2008.

Campton Place, A Taj Hotel, announces a variety of options for its 2008 packages, which pair the unparalleled Union Square boutique hotel experience with exciting holiday getaways, shopping sprees, spa indulgences, fine wine and dining. All packages feature a choice of a deluxe room or Campton suite. Deluxe rooms are spacious with pearwood paneling, limestone bathrooms and look out on to Union Square. Campton suites are tastefully appointed with chaise lounges, writing desks, king-sized beds and over-sized tubs.

The Campton Place Restaurant is under the direction of chef Srijith Gopinathan, who was classically trained at Le Manoir Aux Qaut’ Saison in Oxfordshire, England. Gopinathan led Deep End, the fine dining restaurant at Taj Exotica Resort and Spa in the Maldives, to a “Hot Tables 2007″ ranking by Conde Nast Traveler. He continues to turn heads at Campton Place with bold and inventive dishes.

Tempting as that all sounded, when Lynn invited us to join her to visit her friend’s winery, Ceago Del Lago, we jumped at the chance. Her friend was Jim Fetzer, one of the 11 children of the prominent winemaking family. We had already heard rave reviews about this Shangrila-esque holistic farm and biodynamic winery, so I was looking forward to seeing it.

We spent a fascinating afternoon with Jim, hearing wonderful stories about his father, an early pioneer in the field of biodynamics, and his dreams for Ceago.Lynn and Jim both agree that Upper Lake is a “small town with medium-big aspirations” and they do not want to become another Napa with bus loads of visiting tourists, however after hearing all the exciting plans Jim Fetzer has for Ceago, they just might not have that choice. This beautiful resort winery with it’s stunning Mediterranean styled restaurant and tasting room, promotes a holistic farming environment in which plant and animal life nicely share the land. The 163 acre estate incorporates vegetables, fruits, herb gardens, grapes, kiwis, olives, walnuts, figs, and a huge, aromatic lavender garden and is farmed using biodynamic practices ( it’s hard to sum up biodynamic in a sentence but basically its a holistic approach to farming that starts with organic principals and adds in the forces of nature, maybe mixed with a little Farmer’s Almanac and just a pinch of witchcraft.)

Of course, wine grapes are the primary crop, with plantings of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Syrah, and Muscat. As incredible as this all is, it’s just the first step in Jim’s master plan for Ceago. He’s working on creating Ceago Del Lago Wine Country Resort & Spa, an upscale planned development offering cottages, condos, hotel rooms, a meeting space, spa, retail and restaurant space, and winemaking facilities. (I’ve already marked the spot where I want my condo!)

I’ll be speaking at an unbelievable conference at Club Med, you should join me. Here’s the details:

HAVE IT ALL! - June 21

In one week, you can start transforming your life, with the guidance of our award-winning speakers and bestselling authors.
During this weeklong escapade, you will spend quality time with our speakers and participate in casual activities with this cadre of life-changing mavens.

Our format gives you an opportunity to interact with the speakers throughout the week on a personal level. Swim, stroll, and relax with leaders in business and personal growth.

7×7 magazine is sponsoring a private VIP dinner with the speakers for 7×7 subscribers.

Speakers:

Cameron Johnson: You Call the Shots

Watch Cameron on the Big Give with Oprah – now meet him in person. Cameron is recognized as one of the most successful young entrepreneurs in the world. Over the last eight years, Cameron has given hundreds of speeches worldwide. Cameron is also the author of the international bestselling book, “You Call the Shots.” Cameron will inspire you with his story and motivate you to the next level of success.

Teresa Rodriguez Williamson: Build Your Personal Mission Statement

Teresa is the creator and founder of TangoDiva.com—a worldwide online social network and travel magazine for women. She is also the author of “FLY SOLO: The 50 Best Places on Earth for a Girl to Travel Alone.” She has appeared on hundreds of TV shows, magazines, and newspaper articles around the world. Teresa will teach you how to create and build a mission statement that can guide you to success.

Jane Straus: Creating Your Abundant Life

Jane Straus is a nationally renowned personal and relationship coach, bestselling author, and dynamic keynote speaker. She is also a popular media guest, including television appearances on NBC as well as radio interviews with Leeza Gibbons, ABC, and CNN. Jane will guide you towards manifesting your spirit’s deepest wants and needs.

Chet Holmes: How to Double Your Sales

Super Strategist of the Fortune 500, Chet Holmes had more than 60 of the Fortune 500 as clients, taking his place as America’s top marketing executive, trainer, strategic consultant, and motivation expert. He is the author of the NO.1 bestselling book, “The Ultimate Sales Machine.” Chet will teach you how to double your sales – no matter what your business is.

Stephen Pierce: The Art of More

For many, Stephen Pierce’s name is synonymous with “success.” Recognized as one of the world’s leading Internet marketers and Business Optimization Strategists, Pierce wears several hats when it comes to his businesses. He will teach you how to expand your business in a competitive world.

Spike Humer: Consciously Creating Your Future

Dedicated to the passionate pursuit of creating joy, excellence, and positive abundance in life, health, relationships, and business throughout the world. He will help you create a clear and compelling vision for your life.

Greta Remington: Innovative Thinking for Growth

What is the next “big idea” for your company? How do you know which ideas to pursue? Based on the greatest creative minds in history and the most innovative companies of today, Greta’s proven methodology for identifying market opportunities has generated millions in incremental revenue for her clients from the Fortune 500 to start-ups. Greta will teach you her step by step methodology for improving your innovative thinking and creating actionable ideas to grow your business.

Club Med trip includes:

- World-class accommodations featuring CD players, mini fridges, and televisions
- Full Open Bar including premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
- Endless gourmet buffets and a variety of all-day dining options
- Acres and acres of pure paradise
- Exciting land and water sports (top-of-the-line gear and lessons included)
- Mini Club Med™ - Their award winning Children’s Clubs
- Live entertainment, such as local bands, circus shows, and performances.
- On-site group coordinators to attend to our group needs.
- All Tips and Gratuities included (no hidden charges and no surprises)

INVESTMENT:

1-week all-inclusive vacation (includes room, meals, drinks and many Club Med activities), plus all coaching sessions, speakers gatherings, networking events from June 21 – June 28 at Club Med Cancun, and transfers from Cancun airport to Club Med. (Double occupancy)

You need to book before April 10 to secure this rate, only 10 spots left:

Adults: $2,100 ***TANGO DIVA MEMBER PRICE IS $1999 (Double occupancy)***

*** You need to be a registered Tango Diva member with a username.

Children: $1,000 (Double occupancy only)

When: June 21-28, 2008

Where: Club Med Cancun, Mexico

When: June 21-28, 2008

Where: Club Med Cancun, Mexico

Who: Everyone who is ready to follow their passions, learn from the best and network with the top minds in business, finance, and personal growth.

How: fill out the form below and someone will contact you.

Day 2: Inn at Occidental

We woke from a contented night’s sleep, in our luxurious feather bed, and after soaking in our hot tubs, then drying off in front of our fireplace on frette towels, we moseyed down to the dining room where we met our hosts, Jerry and Tina, who volunteered to show us the rest of this unique inn after we finished our scrumpie breakfast.

Served in front of a roaring fire-exactly what you’d want on a cold rainy day, (which we didn’t want but got) we were served a yummy polenta quiche, and there was also a buffet laden with freshly baked scones, homemade granola, and a fresh fruit platter.
I was fascinated by their little cloth woven bags imported from Japan, for making your own special tea bag, and Starbucks should offer coffee half as good as Jerry’s special blend.

Joan and I loved our rooms (I slept in the Marble Room and Joan got the Quilt room) but after our tour of the other rooms, we felt like we had entered Disney world. As Tina opened the door to each surprisingly different room, I was reminded of Forest Gumps mother’s line, how “life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna to get.” Whatever room you select, you are guaranteed a fantastic blend of luxury, comfort and quirkiness. But other than that, each themed room is a world of its own, filled with family heirlooms, great art, and imaginative design touches. My fave was The Safari Room, with a four poster birch bed, African drums, antiquated leather suitcases cleverly stacked for the end table, and antique bronze bank teller windows caging in painting of wild animals, closely followed by the Cirque du Sonoma Room, filled with antique circus mirrors, a striped ring-masters suit, even hanging trapeze rings. I was only half-kidding when I suggested that the owners should feature special marriage encounter weekends where couples could easily do some role-playing to spice things up.
For more pictures of their fantastic rooms:

Thankfully, the rain was dwindling down for our 85 mile drive to Upper Lake, an area of wine country that I had never even heard of. However, even I knew when we passed the big neon Pink Elephant Saloon sign twice in one hour that we were going around in circles. After a not-very subtle dirty look from me, Joan finally called the Tallman Hotel, our next stop, and was given idiot-proof directions.

When we finally saw the gorgeous blue Clear Lake, (California’s largest freshwater lake) and began passing one scenic vineyard after another I was shocked to see that there really is a relatively “undiscovered wine country” a measly 2 hr. drive from S.F.(”Undiscovered” by most tourists but not the trade– Lake County has actually been number three in the country for winegrape sales over the past two years.) As we strolled down Kelseyville’s Main street, (our fave small town with an excellent bakery) it felt wonderfully retro– like John-Boy Walton lived there.

The Tallman Hotel, circa 1870, originally served as a hotel, livery stable and saloon designed to serve passengers traveling to Clear Lake and the nearby hot springs resorts. It barely managed to survive through major fires, prohibition, and the Depression, but in 2003 long-time fans of the area, Lynne and Bernie Butcher, purchased the hotel and the old Blue Wing Saloon next door, determined to restore the building to its former glory. Using period photographs to guide them, they took great care to retain, re-condition and re-use original materials and to maintain the essential “soul” of the old hotel building. With the restoration of the livery stable on the corner by Sheldon Steinberg (to house his antique plumbing fixture business,) this block of Upper Lake gives the visitor the feel of life 100 years ago — with all the modern amenities.

The Tallman offers 17 rustic/chic rooms, including garden suites with outdoor soaking tubs (we loved the upscale Molton Brown bath products) and afortunately our stay coincided with one of their monthly “Concerts With Conversation”, which included a social hour, a prix-fixe dinner and an informal concert with the guest musician. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing singer-songwriter John Mattern perform original pieces on a variety of instruments.

During the day, there is TONS to do in the area: antiquing, art galleries, casinos, boating, horseback riding, guided hikes thru nature preserves, and FISHING…Clear Lake ain’t known as the “Bass Capital of the West” for nothing!