Gray Line Wanderings Travel Blog

Gazpacho Photo by rusvaplauke on Flickr.com

If you’re hungry for a Spanish summer vacation, but a holiday is not in the oven, there are still ways to enjoy the Spanish lifestyle with some time off at home. Sleeping in, eating relaxed three-course meals, taking siestas, and staying up late characterize the Mediterranean routine. With some minor adjustments to your day-to-day, you too can be living this dream.  By changing up your menu and your eating schedule a bit, you can change the feel of your break from the office altogether… without even leaving the house.

If you’ve ever been to Spain, you understand how quintessential gazpacho is in the Spanish diet. Served cold and full of summer vegetables, it is the light, fresh, quick, and easy first course option at nearly every meal. Want to create an authentic gazpacho soup at home? Here’s a delicious gazpacho soup recipe for you to try out in your own kitchen. Enjoy!

Gazpacho Soup Recipe*

2 lbs Ripe Tomatoes
1 Garlic Clove
1/2 White Onion
1 Green Pepper
1 Cucumber
1/4 tsp Ground Cumin
3 Tbs Red Wine Vinegar
1/2 tbs salt
3/4 Cup Olive Oil
1 Piece French Bread

Rinse, peel, and slice your vegetables into large chunks. Soak the bread in water for a minute, then squeeze out the excess. In a blender, add tomatoes, garlic, onion, pepper, cucumber, and bread. Add remaining ingredients and turn blender to highest speed. Chill in the fridge before serving.

*Recipe adapted from “Real Spanish Gazpacho from Spain” by MumofJuan on Food.com

What’s the best summer recipe you have from abroad? Tell us about it in the comments below or on Facebook!

Image provided by Rick Romancito

Summertime always makes me nostalgic for my hometown of Taos, NM.  Taos is one of those places that lingers, sticks to you, gets under your skin. They don’t call New Mexico “The Land of Enchantment” for nothing. There’s something about the never ending blue skies, the smell of chamisos (sagebrush) and the protective gaze of Taos Mountain that seduces the senses. There really isn’t a bad time to visit Taos, but if you’re looking for a cultural experience like none other, time your visit during the Taos Pueblo Powwow.

Taos Pueblo is the oldest still inhabited Native American community and is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as a National Historic Landmark. The Red Willow people of Taos Pueblo have been living there for over 1,000 years. To say this site is historically rich is an understatement.

This weekend from July 13^th – 15^th you can experience the culture of Taos Pueblo while being introduced to the music and dance of different Native people from all over the nation.  There will also be booths from which you can purchase jewelry, pottery and many other mediums of arts and crafts. While there, be sure to eat some fry bread and red chile for me – seriously, you will never find red chile like this anywhere else. It is the best! Yes I said it, the best!

While you may not want to leave the Pueblo grounds, take some time to walk around Taos. You may just happen across the many murals that were done by the father of yours truly . . . here is a hint.

Have you seen this mural? Where is it located?

For more details on the Taos Pueblo Powwow, click here.

Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires - Photo courtesy of Anuva Wines

Sometimes you just need to slow down and gently swirl a fragrant Malbec in a tall wine glass.

One of the best places in the world to do this is Buenos Aires, Argentina. After a busy day of sightseeing, shopping or working in this mega-metropolis, a copa de vino with friends is one of the best things to do in Buenos Aires.

But here’s the thing – my wine knowledge is …errr…to put it nicely, nonexistent. I never taste the fruits, rich chocolates or oaks that the wine labels claim to be locked inside, just waiting for my enjoyment. When asked what flavors I smell, I am inclined to say “Wine?”

So when I was offered the chance to participate in a wine tasting at Anuva Wines, I jumped at the chance to improve my palette.

I was not disappointed.

The tastings are well done with a small group of knowledgeable staff elegantly filling wine glasses and providing us with tips on how to bring out the hidden flavors.

Soon enough, I smelled spicy pepper and red cherries. Yum.

I sampled a sparkling Cava, Torrontes (my favorite), Bonarda, Mablec and a Malbec + Cabernet + Merlot blend. Each wine had its specific pairing. As I nibbled on meat and cheese, dark chocolate and world famous Argentine ice cream, I learned more about each grape and where it was grown in Argentina.

After a few pours, the wine had worked its magic and the room was overflowing with good-natured discussion. It was a delightful way to spend the evening and incredibly entertaining to meet fellow travelers from different backgrounds over a good glass of wine. Because isn’t that what life is all about?

Are you traveling to Argentina soon? Would you be interested in participating in a wine tasting in Buenos Aires?

Where did you enjoy your most amazing glass of wine? Let us know in the comments below! (click here if you can’t see the Facebook comments)

University of Texas Tower

“Keep Austin Weird” – well, not you in particular, but I figured it appropriate to start my list with the slogan that has been passed around every hipster bar across the capitol city of Texas since it was coined in 2000.

Austin has always been a vibrant mix of personalities.  On Guadalupe Street (known as the ‘The Drag’), which runs alongside University of Texas campus, you’re bound to see an eclectic mix of hipsters, artists, soccer moms, old tie-dye wearing hippies, and Land-Rover-driving frat guys.   In fact, you’ll find this mix almost anywhere you go in Austin.  Also named ‘The Live Music Capital of the World’, Austin is a town with endless character, beautiful scenery, and top-notch people watching.

As a former Austin college student and resident, I’ve compiled a list of 5 of the best things to do during your stay:

1.  Eat Tex-Mex – Seriously, the food is to die for.  Do not, I repeat, do not come to this city on a diet.  Bring an empty belly, ready to be filled with chips and salsa, cheesy enchiladas, and sizzling beef fajitas. Try Maudie’s for brunch, a divey local favorite, or Guero’s on South Congress for dinner.   Be sure to wash down the food with a margarita on the rocks, and then catch a rickshaw into downtown for after-dinner drinks.
2. Barton Springs – Located just outside of downtown on the grounds of Zilker Park, this natural water spring is a recreational favorite on the weekends for all crowds.  Bring a towel, a book, and your bathing suit.  If you decide to hop in for a swim, beware – the temperature of the Springs usually hovers around a chilly 70 degrees!
3. University of Texas Campus – In particular, visit the UT Tower – the most recognized landmark on campus and often lit up in a burnt orange color for sporting and university events.  Observation deck tours are available (reservations recommended).   Be sure to throw a penny into Littlefield Fountain on the South Mall and if you’re there in the fall, don’t miss a football game at Darrell K. Royal Stadium.  (Wear burnt orange and white, the university colors, if you want to participate in the fun as the locals do).
4. Historic 6^th Street – A must-see at night if you’re feeling lively.  Lined with bars, music venues, restaurants, and late-night pizza joints, the heart of this entertainment district is closed off to cars on the weekends and fills up elbow-to-elbow with party-goers after the sun goes down.  If you’re looking for a bit more ‘mature’ crowd, head over a few blocks to 4^th Street.  I’d recommend a drink at Cedar Street Courtyard near 4^th and Lavaca where you’ll often be able to catch a local singer-songwriter on the patio.
5. West Austin “The Hill Country” – A short drive away (20-30 minutes) from the cities’ hustle and bustle lies the Texas Hill Country, a true gem of the Texas landscape.  This area west of Austin is comprised of rolling hills, rivers, mansions, and country clubs.  Make your way to Mount Bonnell lookout point for amazing panoramic views of Lake Austin and 360 Bridge, best seen at sunset.  Then, head over to County Line Bar-B-Q to feast on a platter of ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and sausage.

I realize I may be a bit biased, but Austin is the type of city that truly has it all.  A place that’s classy and funky, edgy and artsy, laid-back while at the same time bustling with character.  It’s weird and amazing, and I’d encourage any of you to give it a whirl for your next vacation.

Today is National Hot Chocolate day here in the US – in a move that ‘s probably not surprising to anyone, we’ve taken a global treasure (I’m serious about my hot chocolate, guys) with a rich history far older than our little neck of the woods and claimed it as our own…but I digress.

Hot chocolate actually has its roots in Latin America, and was brought back to Europe by the conquistadors; really, a very unappetizing story for such a delicious drink. I won’t get into the squeamish stuff, but read up on it here – knowledge is power. Much like most of our customs, the tasty brown beverage was brought to the US by way of other people from other places. Long story short, you can take the following away from National Hot Chocolate Day:

1) Hot chocolate is delicious, and if you don’t agree, you’re dead to me.

2) Stuff we have usually comes from somewhere else or someone else, so respect it, por favor.

3) You should take a small (or large) journey to find the best cocoa in your ‘hood (or the world) today. Do it for history.

On a recent visit to my favorite Midwest city, a Chicago native and fellow lover of fancy cocktails mentioned a new spot cashing in on the growing speakeasy trend, The Violet Hour in Wicker Park. Always up for some Sunday afternoon imbibing, and because the trip also included the incredible tacos at Big Star across the street, I and five of my fellow 20-somethings piled into a Honda. Our Chucks, hoodies and inappropriate giggling were sure signs that we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into.

Full of pork belly and dulce de leche milkshakes, we had to scan the facades on Damien for a moment to find the entrance to the Violet Hour. Hidden away in true too-hot-to-trot-hotspot fashion, we finally made our way into the door and through a maze of purple curtains into the extremely darkly lit bar area. After being (politely?) asked to silence our cell phones, we squished into a massive plush booth and held the table candle over the cocktail menu to make our selections. This might be a good time to note that the matchbook covers were nicer than any purse I’ve ever owned.

Although we were a bit put off by the slightly terrifying swank factor of the joint, the cocktails were absolutely delicious, surprisingly not outrageously expensive, and named with panache –  can I pour anyone an Oldest Living Confederate Widow?

All in all, I wouldn’t call The Violet Hour pretentious, exactly…well I sort of just did, but it’s definitely worth a stop for an above-par cocktail and a good story. Just don’t wear your Chucks.

Famous thin-crust New York pizza

The U.S.A. has a reputation around the world for pretty much over-doing everything, and when it comes to food, the stereotype seems to fit fairly nicely. McDonald’s world domination ring a bell?

And as the States are a melting pot of cultures and influences of the highest order, it also fits that there is not a single food that best typifies the American experience. Rather, there are a few culinary delights that can be considered typical American foods, and it’s not surprising that some U.S. cities have gone considerably over the top in the number of spots that cook them up every day.

The website TheDailyMeal.com felt compelled to somehow quantify America’s food fixations, and recently released the results of a study that rated cities based on the number of restaurants offering up one of the country’s signature foods. If your travels take you to any of these tasty hotspots, don’t miss the chance to sample the goods!

Pizza — #1 city: New York. With an amazing 1,737 pizzerias across the city, The Big Apple dominates this delectable category. The whole thin-crust versus deep-dish debate, ongoing with the Second City, Chicago, is pretty much squashed by these numbers. Chicago is second on the pizza list, but with a distant 747 pizza places.

L.A. staple In-N-Out Burger

Hamburgers — #1 city: Los Angeles. Sure, the hamburger is named for someplace in Germany, but the pressed grilled meat sandwich is omnipresent in the States. Fast-food or sit-down, it’s Los Angeles that’s the city where they are most available, at 531 restaurants offering up burgers. For visitors, hanging in LA means almost certainly stopping off at an In-N-Out Burger joint at some point.

Hot Dogs — #1 city: Chicago. They do dawgs the correct way – with yellow mustard, a poppy seed bun, onions, tomatoes, pickle spears, peppers and celery salt – and they have 98 hot-dog stands to serve them up. Our favorite, after a night in the clubs: the aptly-titled “The Wieners Circle.”

Fried Chicken — #1 city: Dallas, Texas. They’re always on the hunt for the best crust-to-chicken ratio, and the 113 chicken shacks in Dallas are experimenting every day on the perfect balance.  Kentucky may be finger-lickin’ good, but Texas is tops in the U.S. in greasy poultry; Houston is number two on the list with 106 fried chicken joints.

Mmmmmm, donuts.

Donuts — #1 city: Los Angeles. We’ve heard anecdotal evidence that Rhode Island is by far the per capita leader when it comes to donut shops, but L.A. seems to be leading the nation in guilty pleasures, as evidenced by its 343 donut shops. And yes, that’s where they make “The Simpsons” …

Seattle is surrounded by salty oceans, clear lakes and mountains of fresh seafood. While the city is perhaps better known for coffee mega-chains and constant precipitation, Seattle is also famous as one of the best places to eat seafood in the United States. No trip to Seattle would be complete without sampling the local delicacies such as salmon, crab, shrimp, oysters and mussels. Of course, this is Seattle, meaning that adjectives like wild, sustainable and locally-grown should paramount your dining decision-making. You can ask the waitstaff how the fish was caught or if it was raised or farmed, but please people, let’s not get as ridiculous as Portlandia.

Here are my recommendations for sustainably delicious seafood in Seattle.

The Walrus and the Carpenter

Since opening its doors last year, this gourmet oyster bar has attracted a mixture of foodies and hipsters, making it the new darling of Seattle’s restaurant scene. The Walrus and the Carpenter offers an array of perfectly shucked oysters that are harvested locally to minimize carbon footprint and maximize flavor. Drinks are also regionally focused with Washington wine parings and neighborhood microbrews, creating an enchanting Northwest atmosphere for visitors and residents alike.

Elliott´s Oyster House

More than just oysters, Elliott’s offers a rainbow of perfectly prepared coho and sockeye salmon as well as succulent Dungeness and king crab. Located on the downtown waterfront next to plenty of tourist traps, Elliott’s is a hidden gem among the drudge. The scenery is amazing, and as you look out over the sunset on the Puget Sound you will be reminded why the environment is so valuable. A champion of sustainability, Elliot’s composts all organic food waste (including shells) and supports local non-profits to ensure the long-term health of natural resources in the Pacific Northwest. Frequent charity events combine excellent seafood and giving back to the community.

Your Kitchen

If you have access to cooking facilities and feel like taking a culinary adventure, then make your own seafood feast! Accompany your meal with white wine and sourdough bread for a true Seattle meal.

When shopping for seafood, nothing is more eco-friendly than buying directly from the source. At Ballard’s Fisherman’s Terminal you can select your in-season fish, crab and shrimp right from the docks. Pike Place Market also has a variety of local seafood vendors, but shop around because it can be overpriced on the main drag of the market. Another option is head to PCC Natural Markets, the local grocer that will offer you the most sustainable, humanely treated piece of salmon from your dreams.

Whichever option you choose, you won’t be disappointed. Bon appétit!

For more information on Seattle, please check out our Seattle tours.

Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Unless you want to stand out like a Halloween costume at a tuxedo party, you are going to have to learn some rules of etiquette before visiting South Korea. This nation is strongly founded on the virtue of dignity and its people have consequently developed very distinct behavioral codes. Many foreigners inadvertently snub the rules of Korean etiquette by carrying their Western sensibilities with them to the East. These cultural differences often lead South Koreans to view foreigners as rude and uncouth. If you don’t want to contribute to the bad reputation of foreigners in South Korea, then follow our pointers and surprise your new friends with your politeness.

Bowing

Bowing is an important part of the greeting process. Do not exaggerate your bow, because this could be construed as a mocking gesture. In the Far East, bowing does not imply subservience – it is a simple sign of respect akin to a handshake or a kiss (sometimes three) on the cheek.

Chopsticks

You should never leave your chopsticks sticking out of the rice bowl. This would be similar to stabbing your fork into a steak and leaving it upright when you aren’t eating. You should always place your chopsticks on the table or across the top of a bowl.

Accepting Drinks

If you are offered an alcoholic beverage by an older person, you should always accept it with two hands. It is sufficient to accept the beverage with your free hand supporting the receiving hand. Korean dinners often involve soju and your elders will invariably insist on you imbibing a few too many.

Probing Questions

Do not be surprised if you are asked about your weight, marital status or income. These are all ordinary questions in the Korean context. It might feel uncomfortable to divulge this information, but it is simply a Korean attempt to break the ice.

Buses and Subways

It is essential to keep quiet on public transport. Unless you want to get the evil eye from a person who has about 20 years of Taekwondo experience, it is best to abide by this simple rule. Koreans find noisiness very rude and it’s best to hold onto your riveting tale until you disembark.

Politeness

As with any travel destination, simple polite gestures go a long way. If you behave in a respectable manner, the people will warm to you and you will have a fascinating time. Remember that you are visiting their country – the onus is on you to adapt, not them!

No matter where you go, at some point you will be struck by the uneasy curiosity that begs the question, “What the hell are they eating?” Travelers, when confronted by this concern, are easily divided into two groups: those who are willing to try anything, and those who turn their noses up when the meal isn’t comprised of a Quarter Pounder or a KFC Rounder. This article is dedicated to the former group, and the interesting flavors that tickle their tongues during a vacation.

Mangosteen

Not to be confused with the mango, the mangosteen is a small fruit that can be purchased on the street corners of various South East Asian countries. When the reddish outer rind is peeled away, a sweet fragrance is released. The edible flesh of the fruit, which is white and segmented, tastes rather tangy and can be sour when it hasn’t ripened fully.

Starfruit

The starfruit’s name is somewhat of a misnomer in that it does not resemble a star until it has been peeled. It may have a confusing name, but the flavor of this fruit has left a stellar (sigh) impression on countless tourists. It is commonly served as juice and it tastes like a combination of citrus fruits and apples. The refreshing qualities of this fruit provide the perfect antidote to the overbearing humidity of South East Asia, especially when enjoyed on the beach.

Durian

Commonly called the King of Fruits, the Durian been honored with a giant Singaporean structure built in its likeness. Few fruits have such a divisive effect on opinion and this is largely attributable to the fact that the durian smells like Charlie Sheen after a two week binge. It might be drenched in cologne d’carrion, but the durian has a flavor that cannot be rivaled in terms of uniqueness. The British naturalist, Alfred Russell Wallace, provided a ludicrous (albeit oft-quoted) description of the Durian’s flavor, which ranged from custard to sherry wine. Now, I’m not sure whether Mr. Wallace drank sherry before eating custard, but I’m pretty confident that the two don’t have a comparable taste. Effectively, this means that you should take Wallace’s description with a grain of salt and have the courage to taste the durian.

Langsat

This small yellowish fruit is the perfect compliment to a summer chill session on a Southeast Asian holiday. When the skin is peeled away, the fruit closely resembles a lychee due to its color and texture. The flavor of langsat is comparable to that of the grapefruit, without the bitterness. It is best not to bite into the seeds because they release a very acidic taste, which can ruin the enjoyable experience of trying this odd fruit.

Final Note

Next time you visit one of the markets in Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand or Indonesia don’t shy away from the foods that seem unfamiliar – a bit of curiosity could lead you to some great flavors!