Goats in Trees Make Great Face Cream

by Erik Olsen on

Or so we are told by
this piece in today’s New York
Times. I’ve seen these tree-climbing goats before. Not in person, but in pictures and, I’m sure, on some National
Geographic special. And like all things really cool and exotic, they are threatened.

But here’s the twist. It’s not really the goats that are threatened. It’s the trees, called argan trees. You
see, the trees burn, and that makes them very appealing to people who are cold or in need of wood to cook their food.
And the goats overgraze the trees too. But there is hope! Because people have discovered (or, I guess they have known
for centuries…perhaps re-discovered is the proper term) that the oil of the nuts that grow in the trees, the nuts that
are the reason the goats climb the trees in the first place, have an oil inside them makes a dandy face cream. It also
is used in cooking and is said to be very tasty, especially once they have passed through a goat. And no conveniently,
there might be a reason to save the trees, which is good news for them, and for the goats, and for us!

I’ll have my fries cooked in goat crap oil, please!

Napa’s Wine Country

by Erik Olsen on

I head to California again this weekend (8th time this year!) for a wedding. The nuptials are taking place in wine
country, although I can’t say there will be enough time to take advantage of that fact. Which is too bad. But I figured
I’d still look around at some sites to see what’s happening.

If you’re from the West, you may already know this, but Napa Valley’s Wine
Country is a mere 45 minute drive from San Francisco. If there was such a thing as an American version of Tuscany,
well this is it. The architecture; the golden, rolling hills; the monster oaks; and the excellent weather…all these
elements come together to create a pleasing, relaxed environment ideal for both grate-growing and wine drinking.  
There are over 200 wineries in the region, some of which make the best vino on the planet.

If you’re thinking about a trip to the region, a good place to start is this
guide by Fodors. It gives an excellent overview of some
of the best wineries in the area…a good way you can avoid drinking some grapey swill.

One of the best wineries in the area, not to be missed, is the Beringer Winery
where you can get a tour and tasting from $5-$30. And for a more detailed list of all the great wineries in the region,
check this link. Cheers!

Bahamian Foods for Dummies

by Adrienne Wilson on

Dummies Guides are well-known for their up front on cover insults. I’ve purchased a couple of
their guides on software programs in the past, sliding them across the register fast,
so no-one-would know in which fields I was lacking knowledge. Pardon my being dramatic. But in terms of
travel, I refuse to be called a dummy! I’m an explorer, conqueror, vagabond, nomad, gadling, but no dummy.
 Unknown territory is there to be wandered with or without recommendation. For some reason it strikes me as
odd that they have travel guides and the nerve to call anyone a dummy who has yet to feast on say, Bahamian food.

And here it is. You’re online source of
Dummies Guide: Bahamian Foods. I’m sure there
are several publications out there to look up items like johnny cake, stewed fish, and the islands specialty -
conch salad, but if you’re just looking to refresh what you already know or don’t know start here. They’ve done a fine
job making notes of all the different kind of conch you can get, island drinks, and what works for children as raw
minced mollusk might be scary for the kiddies.

If you’d like to see what other destinations Dummies has listed in their catalogue click here. No
–here, dummy. (Yuk-yuk)

Smokin’ in Vegas

by Erik Olsen on

Leave it up to our sister blog Luxist to provide the
skinny on an event in Vegas about cigars. Yes, stogie-hounds unite, and meet in Vegas on November 4-6 for the
“Big Smoke Weekend“. This
is the 10th anniversary of the illustrious puffing party, and it will take place, as it long has, in the Paris
hotel.

So what will happen at the Big Smoke, other than hordes of heavyset cigar smokers descending on Vegas like a scene
from the Bada-Bing on the Sopranos? Well, several major cigar makers will be present to show off their newest wares
including Carlos Fuente Jr., Jose Seijas, and Daniel Nunez, all cigar aficionados of the highest caliber. And of
course, what cigar event would be complete without rum tasting? According to Luxist, the seminar package costs
$495.

Kaleisia Tea Lounge

by Adrienne Wilson on

Some cities have it all, mine doesn’t. Tampa is slowly getting there as an emerging well-rounded
cultural location. To say that the city is lacking culture would be a lie, but it
doesn’t have the mixture cities like NY, San Fran, D.C. or Chicago hold. So when I stumbled
upon Kaleisia Tea Lounge I was
floored. The business sits between a bookstore for the university nearby, an adult novelty shop, and some other
random shops you wouldn’t normally pop into. The neighborhood is a little shady and some would suggest avoiding it
at night, but if you know where you’re going and what to do then no one should bother with you. With these things in
mind I was expecting to walk into some new hole-in-the-wall, fly-by-night business venture which would satisfy my
smoothie craving for one day and close up shop the next. Wrong!

If both residents of Tampa and visitors recognize Kaleisia (pronounced Ka-lie-sha) for the prize
that it is, it’ll be around for awhile.  The tea lounge is an infusion of several things. By name it
represents the unique blends of premium quality loose-leaf teas. It is their hopes to bring Americans away from
the use of tea bags and encourage the shift to loose-leaf in a cozy environnment. The selection is tremendous and
patrons are invited to attend monthly tea tastings where they can sample over 75 freshly brewed tea varieties for FREE.
The next tasting is October 29, 2005 from 1-5 PM.

Loose-leaf not your cup of tea? Try the real
fruit smoothies with boba per request, Vietnamese iced coffee, chai lattes, or the Kaleisia bubble milk teas.
Hungry? They recently added small vegan lunches to the menu. Having given this one only
a quick test-drive I can guarantee a very pleasing dining and cultural experience.