Drink port at the source

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Nothing punctuates an amazing meal quite like an ancient port. For most restaurants in the United States, though, port seems like something of an afterthought. Few are offered, and they tend to be pedestrian at best. So, if you’re looking for that perfect tawny, get in a plane, and head for Portugal. In Porto, the country’s second largest city, you will have access to a variety and depth of port impossible to find on our side of the Atlantic.

Port offers plenty of distractions, but the port houses tend to be at the top of everyone’s list. Once the jet lag has worn off, head out for the Quinta da Pacheca to experience port production in a more intimate setting. Next door are vineyards owned by Sandeman, where you can get a feel for how the larger operations are run. Since the Solar de Vinho de Porto keeps a tight leash on how many bottles of port are produced, the excess grapes are used in table wine, which Lauren Adler, a recent traveler to Porto, suggests you try.

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Adler also recommends that you not miss the opportunity to tread grapes at one of the vineyards. “Grape-treading was a fantastic experience,” she says, remembering that there was a man with a pole chanting in Portuguese during the crush-something that she assumed to mean “left, right …” From her experience, she recalls, “You stand in a line with arms linked and move your feet in a circular motion to crush the grapes. You move all together in a line to the other side of the vat. Then, you return.” The process is repeated until the grapes are sufficiently stamped.

After having sampled the local fare, check out the Casa da Musica (House of Music), designed by Dutch architect Rom Koolhaas, or the national Contemporary Art Museum. Even strolling the streets with no other objective is worth an afternoon of your time. Dine on some tripe or pig’s blood broth, and relax with a view of the Douro River. Then, go back for another glass of port!

Portugal is often lost in Europe, as France, Spain and Italy tend to draw the largest crowds. Within Portugal, Lisbon usually grabs the top spot for travelers. So, if you want to try something different-while finally sipping the port you’ve never been able to find-try Porto. And, bring a bottle back for me.

Beer babe’s favorite European bars

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Katarina Van Derham, the 2009 St. Pauli Girl spokesmodel, doesn’t like to spend all her time in one place. The Slovakia native now lives in Los Angeles and still loves to get out on the road as much as possible. When she’s home, her favorite place to grab a pint is Barney’s Beanery in Santa Monica. She can have a relaxing drink on the patio, which is a prime people-watching spot. Of course, she has favorites on the other side of the Atlantic, as well.

The 2009 St. Pauli Girl spokesmodel‘s European Favorites are:

Morrison Pub (Cannes, France): there’s always live music and a welcoming crowd; Cannes’ “beautiful beaches and relaxed vibe” help

Phanas Pub (Rijeka, Croatia): Phanas is a great party place with rock music piped in; Katarina came here while shooting a music video for a Slovakian band

Mermaid Bar (Ibiza, Spain): this bar caters to an international crowd, has clear water and a great club scene

U Medvédku (Prague, Czech Republic): a house beer and authentic Czech food are served, and you’re only footsteps from the city’s stunning architecture

CK Browar (Krakow, Poland): grab a beer at this bright brewery before shopping at the outdoor street fairs on Saturdays

Salm Bräu (Vienna, Austria): located in a charming old building, this bar is a great stop en route to Slovakia (since Vienna has the nearest international airport)

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Newest “St. Pauli Girl” wins popular vote

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Katarina Van Derham is the newest St. Pauli Girl spokesmodel. Unlike her predecessors, the latest to carry this honor won through an online election. The people have spoken, and Van Derham will bring them their beer! The election was conducted via Maxim.com and consisted of four finalists. The competition was fierce, but one look makes it clear that beer goggles will not be necessary in 2009!

Van Derham is a native of Slovakia and grew up in a small village in the woods – a story that seems to add to the mystique. More than just a pretty face, she speaks five languages and bears a striking resemblance to the young lady on the bottle’s label. As a result, she is now the 26th person to carry the responsibility of being the world’s hottest ambassador of malted beverages. “Being named the 2009 St. Pauli Girl means the world to me,” said Van Derham. “I am very honored and look forward to meeting St. Pauli Girl fans all over the country.”

The latest beer gal moved to the United States when she was 22 years old and had no intention to become a model. As a waitress in Los Angeles, though, she caved to the peer pressure four years later, and the rest, as they say, is brewing history. Van Derham became a U.S. citizen last year and voted for the first time in the U.S. presidential election in November. Now, in addition to modeling, she works in web design for an architectural graphic design firm.”

Let’s all welcome her into our hearts … and stomachs!

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[Photo via St. Pauli Girl]

No serious injuries in London crash

by Tom Johansmeyer on

The crashes continue.

In London yesterday, BA Flight 8456 screeched down the runway when its front landing gear failed. There were no fatalities, and only one of the 71 people on board had injuries (which were minor). Nonetheless, the emergency slides were evacuated, and passengers slid to safety on the tarmac. So far, the cause of the problem is unknown

Because of the crash, the cabin filled with smoke, causing alarm among the passengers who were initially calm. Of course, all was fine after staff members at London’s City Airport served the passengers food and drinks. See, airlines aren’t greedy!

[Via MSNBC, photo via Stefan Rousseau/AP]

Hotel Gaudi a comfortable bargain

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Centrally located on Gran Via, Hotel Catalonia Gaudi offers inexpensive comfort and convenience in Madrid. Long a favorite of business travelers, tourists will also enjoy its spacious rooms, large private balconies and proximity to local attractions.

The rooms are large enough for two people to have plenty of elbow room. Request one with a view if you want some outdoor space. The walls on the balconies do obscure most shots of the city, but you will be able to sit outside and enjoy a combination of fresh air and the rhythms of the city. Also, since I’m not a fan of heights, the tradeoff (lack of view for lack of anxiety) was worth it.

Back inside the guestroom, the bathroom is enormous by European standards, and it sports a good-sized bathtub. But, if you expect a shower curtain or full glass door, you’ll be disappointed. The European style is prevalent at Hotel Catalonia Gaudi, with a piece of plexiglass reaching only a quarter of the way across the side of the tub (except in some rooms, which have shower curtains). Expect to step onto a wet floor, unless you have some how mastered the art of the European shower (I have not).

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Do try the continental breakfast at least once during your stay. With pastries, cheese, fruits and eggs, it’s a bargain at €8 per person. When you arrive, be patient … advice to heed at any restaurant in Spain. Nobody’s in a hurry, and there’s nothing you can do about it. For a caffeine-addled New Yorker, this is nothing short of torture, but it’s unavoidable. Get used to the fact that it will take a while for you to be seated and that coffee refills are not always as prompt as you would prefer.

If you plan to have dinner at the hotel, make sure it isn’t closed for a special event. I was disappointed that (a) I was not able to dine there one night (after waiting a while for the restaurant to open and (b) that no sign indicated the restaurant’s unavailability for the evening. I did eat in the bar that night, which was both sufficient and inexpensive. Somehow, a €2.90 glass of wine has a way of curing all that ails you. The seven year-old rum from Havana, illegal back in the United States, made the entire experience downright pleasant. I paired it with a Nicaraguan cigar (De La Concha Grand Reserve, Toro-sized) instead of picking up a stick from the rum‘s homeland, though, as I prefer reliable taste and construction.

The Hotel Catalonia Gaudi is firmly planted in “Old Europe,” so expect to find smokers in the lobby and lobby bar, in guestrooms and on balconies. Madrid has not joined the smoking ban epidemic, and the hotel prohibits smoking only in the restaurant and in certain guestrooms. This is neither criticism nor praise; it’s simply a function of the environment. Madrid is smoker-friendly. Know this before you book your trip.

The Gaudi was particularly inexpensive during my stay, as early February isn’t peak season for this part of the world. So, the bargain rates I received were probably pushed lower by a general lack of interest in the region. I suspect that May and June are a bit pricier. Nonetheless, you’ll find a deal at this hotel … but not at the expense of your total experience.