A Brain Teaser from our Australian Members

This creative project came from Suzanne Wilder, a International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association Regional Membership Director in Australia.

I know this blog is labeled "Perks of Being a Food, Wine & Travel Writer. Well, the perk here is networking and making friends with other members worldwide. I can't measure how much the friendships made mean. Enjoy this thought providing puzzle as you keep going.

Think outside the box and see if you can figure out what was used to create this rendering of the Mona Lisa in Sydney.

I'm sorry to say, it took me until the end. My creativity needs a jump start again. Sometimes I ease up on stretching my thought process. Some creative measure like this helps me back on target.






























Artist assistants stand next to 3,604 cups of coffee which have been made into a giant Mona Lisa in Sydney, Australia. The 3, 604 cups of coffee were each filled with different amounts of milk to create the different shades.



Thank you to our "down under" friends for providing us with a brain teaser.

Maralyn D. Hill

President

International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association

Charlottesville Press Trip

You've seen a small overview of Richmond, VA on our last post. We wanted to share a little about Charlottesville. It was fantastic.
We hope you enjoy.




We took in the history, culture, wine and food. Recipes and more videos will be featured on www.whereandwhatintheworld.com. You can find out more about Charlottesville at www.charlottesville.org. You can also visit Where & What in the World shown above and have the link to Charlottesville in 24 Hours. Production by Maralyn Hill. To find out more about the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers, visit www.ifwtwa.org.

Maralyn D. Hill
President
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association

Video Overview of Richmond & Charlottesville, VA Media Trip

You wonder why we all talk about our media trips. Here is an overview of the wonderful time we shared in Richmond and Charlottesville. Join in during 2010. We've some exciting trips coming up.






Our hosts did a great job.

Thanks from all of us at IFWTWA.

Be sure to sign up for Rockland, Maine. It will be posted on website soon. Update your profiles so media represents can see what you do.

Best,

Maralyn D. Hill, President
International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association

Wine, Good Friends, Perks & Scholarships

The storm clouds were gathering and an icy wind ripped across the mesa. We hurried from the car and into the wood-stove warm comfort of Ken and Madonna's house.

The aroma of the spiced chicken sizzling on the patio grill wafted into the house and the Ponte Chardonnay 2008 we brought was just the right temperature.

We sat down with good friends to enjoy this sumptuous meal of spiced chicken, freshly harvested squash and a farmers' market green salad with piñon nuts.

The Ponte Chardonnay 2008* was an excellent match to this wonderful meal and added a warm glow to the whole ambiance.

*A smooth, full-bodied Chardonnay—fruity with flavor notes of green apple, coconut and a hint of vanilla (it's aged in oak barrels), and has a slightly buttery finish.

The wine was one of the many fine wines included in the Ponte Family Estates Winery's wine membership I won in an IFWTWA drawing in support of the 2009 WiFTy Scholarship.

Thanks to Ponte Family Estates Winery for supporting IFWTWA's 2009 WiFTy Scholarship and the young writers it helped!

The Ponte Winery is one of the fine wineries located in the rolling hills of the Temecula Valley, Southern California wine country, a short drive from most cities in Southern California.
Read about the Ponte Family Estates Winery becoming green.

Contact Ponte Family Estates Winery

35053 RANCHO CALIFORNIA ROAD
TEMECULA, CALIFORNIA 92591
(951) 694-8855 (877) 314-WINE
Website
OPEN DAILY FROM 10AM TO 5PM

The IFWTWA is now looking for sponsors for its 2010 WiFTy Scholarship. The sponsors will be well publicized in press releases on the websites and blogs, etc.
Further reading:

Matador Member Wins International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association Scholarship

IFWTWA WiFTy Scholarship Winner & Honorable Mentions

The Board of Directors of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association is pleased to announce the results of the first annual competition for the organization’s WiFTy Scholarship. This year, the award will be an inside cabin aboard Holland America’s ms Eurodam for the 2010 Conference at Sea, a one-week cruise, round-trip from Fort Lauderdale on January 9-16-2010, and a year's membership in IFWTWA, valued at $1,000. After careful deliberation, the Board chose JoAnna Haugen of Las Vegas as the scholarship winner. In addition to being awarded the Conference at Sea and one-year membership in IFWTWA, JoAnna will have her winning entry published in Global Writes, the IFWTWA online magazine. As the quality of so many entries was excellent, the Board decided to award one-year membership to all the Honorable Mention candidates. They are as follows: Warren Bobrow Sarah Ring Melissa Leong Stacey Holtzer Naomi Abeliovich Anne Gaelle Laplanche Kathleen Ann Gurchiek Hieu Huynh Amanda Miccio Aya Lowe Lauren Issaeff Shamanth Rao LuAnn Schindler Marnely Rodriguez This award program is funded by IFWTWA with a $500 contribution from Travel-Writers Exchange.com and $100 from Leigh Cort Publicity. Total value for winner is $1,000+. Value for finalists is $175+. IFWTWA obtained the finances to sponsor this by our drawing in January 2009. The items were provided by donations from: Grand Hyatt - Chicago, Infinity Publishing, Monkey C. Media, Pappy's Cabin, Pointe Winery, ResuMayDAy.com, The Heathman Hotel-Kirkland, WA, Thornton Winery and Top Chef: The Game. IFWTWA thanks you all again for making this possible. IFWTWA would like to thank you for your entries in our WiFTy Scholarship contest. There were many exceptional entries. We hope those of you who did not win, will enter again next year. IFWTWA is looking for sponsors for next year's scholarship. If we get more sponsors, we'll offer more scholarships. It is always a wonderful experience to be part of helping a writer advance their career. Please contact me at maralyn@ifwtwa.org if you are interested in being a sponsor or contributing for our scholarship fund raising drawing.

Maralyn D. Hill

President

AUTHENTIC SPANISH FOOD IN NEWARK'S IRONBOUND DISTRICT

A recent visit to Newark, New Jersey, revealed a number of hidden treasures, including the magnificent Newark Museum -- and the culinary delights of the city's famed Ironbound District.

Here, I found Portuguese, Spanish and Brazilian restaurants, grocery stores and bakeries. Almost all looked inviting, but I dined at Mompou, where I had dish after dish of authentic and delicious tapas, including Falda A La Plancha (grilled balsamic marinated hanger steak), Albondigas de Pollo (chicken meatballs), Spicy Chorizo, Tortilla Herminia (classic tortilla made with spinach, onions and Yukon Gold potatoes) and a delicious salad. Had it been humanly possible, I would have tried the restaurant's Tres Leches, a homemade cake topped with heavy crem, condensed milk and evaporated milk. Next time I may have to start with dessert to make sure I get to taste at least one of Mompou's sweets.

My Last Souffle - PS

Here's my photo of the La Goulue souffle, which I just extracted from my iPhone.

The Perks (Benefits) of Being a Food, Wine & Travel Writer AND of Being a Member of IFWTWA

To help potential members (and those who are members already) IFWTWA's president, Maralyn Hill, has included in her President's Column in the upcoming issue of Press Pass this list of benefits:

Some Benefits of Belonging to IFWTWA

2009 New Benefits

Annual Conference with Professional Development

Culinary Division
New chef profiles have been added and all of our chefs' profiles have been added to Global-Writes chef category.

IFWTWA Home Page Member Profile
This is an area to showcase yourself, with your bio, websites, books and clips. You update and keep this current yourself so it always reflects the image you want. Both regular and associate members have the benefit of this page.

IFWTWA Home Page Regional Membership Directors (RMDs)
In order to encourage regional networking opportunities and a time for prospective members to check out what we are about, RMDs have been established. There is room to expand the number of RMDs. Since a kick-off in Phoenix in the spring, we just had another event in Temecula. IFWTWA RMDs are going to be there to act as liaisons to assist members and prospective members in their areas.

On-line Networking Groups: Linkedin, Facebook & Twitter
Due to the popularity and ease of using online networking, many of our members like to have discussions on these sites. These groups are open to non-members so they can see what we are about. We have many PR group members, so it is a great place to throw out your questions.

On-line Press Kit
We now have media rates in our on-line press kit with a reduced, reasonable rate for Associate Members. The data for our website page views are updated daily in our online press kit under About Us.


YOUTUBE Video Channel
This feature was just set up in August by our new board member, Trisha Miller. After you upload your food, wine or travel video, sent it to Trisha@IFWTWA.Org and she will add it to our channel.

WiFTy Scholarship
This is the first year we are offering a scholarship for aspiring food, wine and travel writers. We plan for this to be an annual offering.

Partnerships:

Food4Media.Com and TravMedia.Com .
All of our general press releases are published to their data bases of over 10,000 journalists. We are listed in the calendars of these partnerships. Also, they send out a press release when new stories post on Global Writes. Associate members get a 30% discount on their releases as long as they indicate their membership in IFWTWA.

Travel4Press.Com (Members Only sign-in page)
Designed to meet the needs of the professional travel writer, Travel4Press offers free, fast and easy access to all the latest travel news sources. Travel4Press is continually monitored by our team of travel researchers to bring you the most up to date news releases, contact details, upcoming worldwide events and online coverage. In addition to standard benefits, IFWTWA members have additional benefits shown on our members only page.

Special Contacts:

US Embassy for Mexico

Vice President Michelle Winner convinced John Palmerin, U.S. Consular Agent in Mazatlan, mazagent@prodigy.net.mx to be our liaison if we are not getting the clearest answers from www.usembassy-mexico.gov.

2008 Added Benefits

IFWTWA On Line Magazine Global Writes
We have an Editor, Kim Rahilly, who is professionally editing member's articles and sending them to our webmaster, Tim Lack, to upload on a regular basis. We try to have a minimum of one new post a week, sometimes more. So keep the articles coming. Global Writes showcases our members' articles and automatically updates to your profile.

IFWTWA Home Page Blog
Use this as a spot to say thank you or ask questions. Only members can post questions, but anyone can make comments.

IFWTWA Website and Global-Writes Website Updated
Our webmaster, Tim Lack, did all of this and keeps working with us to improve what we offer.

Ongoing Benefits

Media Trips
Our goal is 2-4 media trips a year plus a conference. In 2008, we had two media trips and in 2009 we featured three plus the conference.

Membership Referral Fee
When you are responsible for bringing in a new member and the person names you on their application, your dues for the following year will be credited 20% of the amount of their membership fee. They must put your name on the application. This is an incentive for you to bring in new members.

Official Press Card
This assists you with your media credential for media rates and benefits.

Press Pass (for members only)
Editor Marilyn Green makes sure each monthly issue of Press Pass is filled with association news, upcoming trips, markets looking for writers, contests, story opportunities and new member information. In my own first two years of membership, Press Pass alone was worth my investment in the nominal annual dues. I know many people who get their writing assignments from Press Pass. Regular Members: You can announce your attainments: new books out, awards, recognition, to your peers and to the public relations community in Press Pass. Associates: You can have any new story angles, press trips or new clients announced in Press Pass.

As a non-profit organization, with one employee, our Executive Director, Patricia Anis, your Board of Directors is continually striving to keep bringing you benefits and staying current with today's trends. I'm sure I've overlooked some benefits, like the wonderful friends you make through exceptional networking and shared experiences, but these were the basics I could list. I'm confident the list will keep growing.

Associate Members
In addition to those listed above, here some additional benefits for Associate Members
You can send a profile of yourself for Press Pass, but you can also make it public on our member profile page and keep it updated there.

You can link your site to ours on our links page.

You can have our Executive Director send out an e-mail blast every couple of months announcing what is happening in your area to all of our members—advise them of new story opportunities.

You can network with our Regular Members on line and at our annual conference or on our media trips.

You can participate in our professional development.

Press Page - We now have media rates in our on-line press kit with a reduced, reasonable rate for Associate Members. The data for our website page views are updated daily in our online press kit under "About Us. "

We will work with you to arrange media trips or regional luncheons.

You will have access to all of our members, public and private.

You can also submit articles to Global-Writes.

###

So, if you are a food, wine and/or travel writer (or aspiring to be one) or a PR person working in this field, I would recommend joining the IFWTWA.
The next IFWTWA press trip will be to Mexico's Copper Canyon in November.

Posted by
John Lamkin
Freelance Travel Journalist & Photographer
Board Member and Chairman of Membership Committee of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association
Website
Suite 101
Examiner.com

Percs & Comps

When a perk is not necessarily a "comp."

On a recent trip to the Copper Canyon of Chihuahua, Mexico, I visited a unique winery.

The Misión Winery and Hotel is in the small mile-high community of Cerocahui.

The trip was comped. The wine shown was bought (about $25 US). The "perk" was being able to savor this fine wine as I enjoyed the awesome experience of the Copper Canyon.








An article on this trip is now published in IFWTWA's web magazine--Global Writes.

Some of the perks (comps) on this trip were provided by AeroMexico Airline, The State of Chihuahua, Mexico and Mexico Tourism.

photos: Misión Church and Cross, Misión Rojo (Red)Wine, Sergio on Winery Tour.

All photographs © John Lamkin

John Lamkin
Freelance Travel Journalist & Photographer
Member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association
Website
Suite 101
Examiner.com

Woodstock VT Took Us to Long Trail Beer

Long Trail Beer

It is easy to picture me sipping cold, freshly brewed Long Trail beer along the Ottaquechee River in Vermont's green Mountains.

This experience, learning about Long Trails environmentally conscious methods, was a delightful surprise during my recent visit to Vermont.

Now picture, Gail, Maralyn and Norm, who claim to be non-beer drinkers, trying all six tastes of the award winning beers. Later I spotted Gail leave Long Trail with two six-packs.

This story tells it all about how delicious Long Trail beer tastes. I loved the Blackberry Wheat, (healthy, too) the lighter Belgian White and golden colored Harvest Ale.

The ambiance and hospitality of the entire staff only added to the lovely May afternoon along the riverside.

Even during their humble beginnings, Long Trail was "green" before it became a buzzword.

For more information on their eco friendly facility, tours or ordering, visit
www. ECOBREW.NET.

WWW.LONGTRAIL.COM

Long Trail Brewing Company

Bridgewater Corners, Vermont 05035

(802) 672-5011

Brenda C. Hill
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association
Books By Hills Success Log Global Log

Finalist in the Writing and Publishing category of the 2009 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, "$uccess, Your Path to a Successful Book."

Timothy Lack our Webmaster

The Tandem Tasters, Maralyn Hill and Brenda Hill, both joined IFWTWA at the same time. Maralyn is now President and Brenda is on the Conference & Media Trip Committee. Maralyn & Brenda have been working and writing together over 25+ years. They both feel there are many perks to IFWTWA.

One is working with such great people and getting to know members. We've a terrific contributing Board of Directors and a few people who donate their time on committees as well as Kim Rahilly, Editor of Global Writes, who has donated many hours editing all of our work in order to have a fine on-line magazine.

I was at a meeting in Bonita Springs, FL and decided to stop by and see our webmaster, Timothy Lack, of Charlotte County Websites. I drove north to Port Charlotte and Brenda drove south from Sarasota to have a relaxing lunch and visit with Tim and Karen. We've worked with Tim over 25+ years. It was great to have a chance to visit him, as it had been about 20 years since I'd last seen him face to face in Connecticut. We've all relocated to warmer climates.

We just posted the Crab Cake recipe that Karen made to our Where & What in the World Global Log. Tim caught and prepared the crab and Karen made the crab cakes, salad, etc.

It's easy to think of Tim sitting at the computer all day and night working on website designs, updates, learning new programs and solving computer problems. However, when you visit him in his own environment, you see him at his best. He is able to balance work with the fishing, gardening and home improvements that he enjoys. I know sometimes he doesn't get time to fish as much as he'd like, but he is happy that the work keeps coming in.

You may not know it, but Tim is also a writer. He doesn't claim to be, but his blog, Fishing Myakka River/Charlotte Harbor, Florida, has a good following. In addition, he has written quite a bit of the copy for our websites.

For Brenda, seeing Tim and Karen again was a welcome treat. For her, it had been an even longer time between visits. For me personally, I'm delighted that IFWTWA is able to work with Tim on the IFWTWA and Global Writes websites. He has done such a great job redesigning them (and not charging us) and it's easy for Tim and me to work together, coming up with advancements for our sites.

I know this is an unusual post, but Brenda suggested and I agreed it would be nice to give you a little insight on our webmaster. We both hope you enjoy.

By the way, if you click on my name or Brenda's, you'll see that it is linked to our new Public Member Profile. If you update your profile and make it public, you can have your bio, websites, blogs, clips and books all available in one spot. It makes it very easy to send the link as credentials for press trips.

Maralyn D. Hill, President & Brenda C. Hill, Member

International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association

Perks of Being a Food, Wine & Travel Writer AND No Free Lunch

John Lamkin

Tequila from Las Villas de Mexico

I agree heartily with the other bloggers that the real perks are the travel, the places you see and the people and cultures you meet.

As you travel these roads least traveled (and least paid) you are bound to receive more physical perks also. For example the tequila shown in the photo--a gift of the ultra-luxe residential project, Las Villas de Mexico.

The "no free lunch" is paying the back the individuals, companies and countries presenting you with the perks. Writing honest articles about them is the best perk you can give them back.

On a recent trip I was "perked" everything except tips and souvenirs. I am now writing and blogging about these hosts. At least one of these articles should appear soon on IFWTWA, web magazine--Global Writes. Some of the perks on this trip were provided by AeroMexico Airline, The State of Chihuahua, Mexico and Mexico Tourism.

All-in-all this is a very satisfying arrangement for all concerned.

John Lamkin
Freelance Travel Journalist & Photographer
Website
Suite 101
Examiner.com

Perk--Thornton Winery's Personal Invitation to Media

How lucky are we to be advised that we can take advantage of attending one of these at no charge as long as we are media.

Good afternoon media partners:

Thornton Winery is pleased to announce the lineup for its 2009 Champagne Jazz Series.

The 21st Annual Thornton Winery Champagne Jazz Series kicks off in smooth style with Mindi Abair and David Benoit, Sunday, April 26, 2009, at 4 PM.. Tickets are $55.00 general admission, Gourmet Supper package at $ 130.00.

Additional information and a 2009 schedule is posted and a personal invitation to attend one of the of the 2009 concerts is available from Linda Kissam, Thornton Winery Media Director, lindakissam@aol.com.

Celebrating 21 years of excellence from 1988 - 2009! Thornton Winery is the premiere food, wine, and music experience in the Temecula Valley Wine Country.
http://thorntonwine.com

Please be sure to contact Linda if you would like to attend a jazz concert as media. They run from April through October.

Maralyn D. Hill, President
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association

Perks Blog

Tea is a Perk

While we were cruising, we received many gifts from Equal Exchange. It provides coffee, tea, chocolate, cocoa, snacks, gifts, equipment and fun stuff. They also offer educational material. Equal Exchange works with small farmers worldwide.

One of the products we received was Organic Wild Rooibos Pyramid Tea. Norm and I took ours home to enjoy and we've found it quite good. We were able to taste the vanilla without it overpowering. Even though we had been to South Africa, we had never experienced organic red bush tea.

They say, "Wild Rooibos is only harvested by a few farmers in the entire world. This rich, red tea has a fruity character with vanilla overtones and is naturally caffeine free. Rooibos contains antioxidants, which are known to promote good health."

Small farmers can make a big change. Mr. Hendrik Hesselman of Heiveld Co-operative says, "Equal Exchange is changing the tea system by working with small farmers... Most tea... comes from large-scale plantations where workers have little control or voice. By choosing this tea... you are helping small farmers of the Heiveid Co-operative in South Africa, you are helping plant seeds of democracy in tea country."

If you visit the Equal Exchange website, they have a store where you can learn about and try all sorts of great products.

Again, thanks to Joan Joffa for introducing us to this great organization and wonderful tea.

For those of you on our 2009 Conference at Sea, I'd enjoy hearing your comments on the tea.

Culinarily yours,

Maralyn D. Hill, President
International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association

Books By Hills
Our Love Affairs with Food & Travel; Success, Your Path to a Successful Book; Cooking Secrets the Why and How...; and Winner and Final Chairman.
Global Log
Success Log

Nepalese Paper Journal: Tree-Free and Fair Trade

Returning to my cabin after dinner one evening, I opened a small treasure placed on my bed next to the latest incarnation of the cruise towel animal. The journal's cover was a soft green paper,not unlike Japanese silk paper. The little book's pages were the color of deep sand.

Very tactile, very pleasing. I thought how a fountain pen might grab the surface of the paper leaving feathery curves across the page - a re-cap,the telling of an adventure in some secret place of the world, part of a life story, someone's dance with time.

Fellow writers these journals are perfection.

Nepalese Paper brings you the opportunity to journal your own story on handmade paper that is both sustainable and sustaining. This paper from the Lokta bush, found only above 6500ft in the Himalaya mountains, provides a living in the impovershed rural areas of Nepal. Chuck Pinnow, Founder of Nepalese Paper believes that 100% fair trade,tree-free,evironmentally sustainable products can be a viable enterprise. They produce very high quality notebooks, journals and other products. Go to www.NepalesePaper.com to see the product line and perhaps write the good news about a business with ethics and heart! They also donate a portion of every sale to a Nepalese non-profit. Thank you Chuck for sharing your story and journal us at our Conference at Sea in January. I'll always keep this special gift close to me.

Michelle Winner, Vice President

International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association

essn sparkling juice drink:" Hydrate your Spirit"

I'm still wading through my goodie bag/pillow gifts from the IFWTWA's "Conference at Sea". And "the Perks" are still being enjoyed. Today's find is essn.

These cans of sparkling fruit juice where just perfect for a night-cap or a pick me up during the day. The combination of juices and unusual blends were a refreshing surprise. Skylar Haley innovative products brings you several flavor blends . All are pasteurized, with no added sweetener and no preservatives. Why grab a colored soda when you can have the real deal? USDA & Mission Organic™ certified energy drink with powerful antioxidants - completely essn juice.

Here is a description of their bestseller and winner of the Natural Product Association’s award for ‘Best in Cold Beverages’:"Sparkling blood orange and cranberry juice is a perfect balance of slightly-sweet, slightly tart fruit essence made with 100% juice, no added sugar, and zero preservatives. This concentrated, flavorful juice is distinguished by it's fragrant citrus aroma."

Of the four varietal blends: Blood Orange & Cranberry, Fuji Apple, Minneola Tangerine and Meyer Lemon, I can't figure out my favorite yet. essn are you listening? I just may need a shipment to chase away the last of the winter blahs!

All products available online or use their retail locator's at http://www.drinkessn.com/

Michelle Winner, Vice President

International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association

Chocolate and More Chocolate

Chocolate is a new perk of travel writing.

The Tandem Tasters, Maralyn Hill and I, thoroughly enjoyed our autumn journeys along the wine trail in Southern Oregon with the International Food & Wine Travel Writer's Association. We tasted wine, cheese and, of course, delectable chocolate from some of Oregon's 20 plus chocolatiers.

Our enthusiasm for this part of the world, the people and the earth-friendly products led to many glowing articles about Oregon.

Our efforts have brought us back to the charming city of Ashland for the annual Oregon Chocolate Festival. This time as chocolate and pastry judges, as well as travel and food writers.

Some of the many perks of travel writing? Chocolate is good enough for us.

Culinarily yours,

Brenda C. Hill and Maralyn D. Hill
International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association
The Tandem Tasters
Books By Hills
Our Love Affairs with Food & Travel; Success, Your Path to a Successful Book; Cooking Secrets the Why and How...; and Winner and Final Chairman.
Global Log
Success Log

The Perk of Cary's of Oregon

When we had our media trip to Southern Oregon in October, we were fortunate to tour Cary's. They make gourmet English Toffee at it’s finest!

What started as a family recipe has evolved into a recipe that has been perfected over the years.

Since I'm partial to English Toffee and this is the best I've ever tasted, it was only natural that I asked them if they would consider providing our attendees for our Conference at Sea a sample of their product to be given out as a pillow gift the first night.

Most reacted as Norm and I did--they loved it.

Cary's offers its English Toffee in 7 different flavors. Cary's coffee uses Guittard Chocolate along with other high quality ingredients. This toffee seems to have a "soft-crunch" and it tastes light and crisp.

Since visiting the plant, hearing the story and tasting the toffee, I'm a convert and I've ordered this a a gift for several different occasions.

Thank you Cary's for being supportive of the International Food, Wine and Travel Writers.

Culinilary yours,

Maralyn Hill, President

International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association

Stolzle Wine Glasses - What a Perk

One night while cruising, our pillow gift was a surprise we could not appreciate until we got home and redeemed the certificate.

Stolzle Wine Glasses presented us with two beautiful wine glasses. In addition to being beautiful, they are different. Stolzle encourages you to sample wine in your current glass and then try the same wine in your Stolzle glass. You’ll note the difference. I used a lead crystal glass, a lead free crystal glass and the Stolzle glass. The Stolzle glass is different.

This eco-friendly, 100 percent lead-free, dishwasher safe and maintains the highest standards in brilliance, breaking strength, scratch resistance and balance. It is elegant and practical.

Even though Stolzle has all the different sizes and varieties, they realize it is not practical for budget or space. Stolzle does not believe you need an entire collection of glasses to accommodate all of the wine varietals. Stolzle suggests a Burgundy glass for pinot noir and chardonnay, a Bordeaux for robust reds and one smaller tasting glass for light whites.

For those of you who have not sent in your certificates yet, I'd encourage you to do it. These glasses are fantastic; they are favorites of celebrities and famous restaurateurs alike. Do the taste test and you'll be convinced.

Let us hear how your taste tests worked out.

Maralyn D. Hill, President

International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association

GLOG: Global Log

SLOG: Success Log

Another Perk, Tasting Dr. Kracker's Krackers

As you read all of our posts of special gifts on our Holland America Conference at Sea, you may wonder if that was all we did, receive gifts. Well, thanks to many people, we received more than you can imagine and Joan Joffa was responsible for Dr. Kracker Krackers.

I've been busy writing articles and had not posted my comments on Dr. Kracker. Well, I can't wait any longer. You see, I saved the last two crackers so I could be eating them when I did this. Well, sitting by my desk, I'm down to the last one and craving it, so now is the time to do the write-up.

Norm and I brought our two packages home. We went through our first package of Dr. Kracker's Seede Spelt crackers over a couple of days - they were delicious with soup or cheese. The second package I rationed out to last us longer.

What I really liked was it only took 3 or 4 to be completely satisfied and it is perfect for me around 3:30 or 4 when I need something.

What makes these artisan-baked to perfect crispness crackers different, a lot. The Seeded Spelt has sunflower seeds which bled well with the nutty organic sesame seeds. Apparently the organic spelt flour provides a sweeter flavor than wheat flour. This flavor also has organic flax seeds, organic spelt bran, sea salt, yeast and organic barley malt syrup.

Dr. Kracker offers five flavors: Klassic 3 Seed; Pumpkin Cheddar; Seeded Spelt; Seedlander and Sunflower Cheddar.

Knowing I want to try the other flavors, I went on line to the Dr. Kracker website to see where I could purchase more of these delicious crackers. They are distributed through many outlets including Fresh n'Easy, Sprouts, Warehouse Vitamins, Wegmans and Whole Foods. There are many more health conscious stores available and you can check out locations by state.

For those who want the convenience of the Internet, you can purchase Dr. Kracker's Krackers on Amazon and Green Shopper.com.

Let me know what you think. I'm curious to see if you like them as much as Norm and I do.

Culinarily yours,

Maralyn D. Hill, President

International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association

GLOG: Global Log

Whole Dried Peach Wedges from Stoneridge Orchards- Skylar/Haley innovative products

The perks? The Pillow Gifts! For the product research of course . . .

Each evening on our recent IFWTWA "Conference at Sea," aboard the ms Oosterdam, we would return to our cabin to find another delightful surprise on our pillows!

While waiting for my flight home in San Diego I had time to enjoy some of my goodies. The Whole Dried Peach Wedges from Stoneridge Orchards became one of my favorites as soon as I opened the package. Ok, I come from the land of fruits and nuts-literally (Oregon) so I know good fruit, but popping one of these slices into your mouth becomes a revelation. They taste like peaches! Not desiccant. Rich, ripe peaches. And you can't stop eating them. . .

As the back of the packages states, Stoneridge Orchards a Skylar/Haley product, brings you "the best tasting, all natural gourmet dried fruit and berries that nature has to offer." They also produce dried cranberries,and berry products sourced right here in the Pacific Northwest.

I checked their website at www.stoneridgeorchards.com and the dried fruit is available at Wegman's, Costco, Sam's Clubs, Albertson's and BJ's Club among others. I encourage you to pick some up. The taste and quality are that different. It smells like concentrated fruit. A perfect, healthy snack and I'm hooked.

I settled into my airplane seat and savored another wedge. If a peach can be described as having a perfumed odour - I'll have to say this dried fruit does.
Yummy research all the way to Portland. What a great job I have!

The Perks of Keyways

We had so many wonderful perks on with our Conference at Sea, I need to share a little more about the Keyways Vineyard Winery in Temecula Valley Wine Country.

One night when we came back to our room, Keyways was gracious enough to provide each attendee a bottle of their Sauvignon Blanc. It was packaged in a sheer rust colored material that had an inviting sheen.

I'm one of those people who gravitate toward red varietals. However, the next evening, the Keyways Sauvigon Blanc was calling me. This wine is similar to the well-known and appreciated Sauvignon Blancs of Sancerre, France. On the Keyways website, it says "it is very food friendly with aromas of flint and fruit." What it doesn't say is that its extremely light fruity aromas draw you in completely. It was a true compliment to my scallops.

Since both Norm and I enjoyed this so well, I checked out the website once we were home. I expected it to retail around $24 to $29 and it is only $18 a bottle and $15.30 per bottle if you order a case - a tremendous value for a lovely light varietal.

While visiting their website, I discovered Keyways has the unique distinction of being the first woman owned and managed winery in Temecula Valley. Since 2004 when Terri Peblley purchased the winery, it has undergone an extensive make-over including the tasting room and landscaped grounds.

The original vineyards have been replaced with Viognier, Roussane, Tempranillo and Grenache which appeals to the palates of current wine enthusiasts. They also feature many special events.

If you are in the Temecula, CA area, you may want to visit Keyways and definitely their tasting room.

Keyways Vineyard Winery
37338 De Portola Road
Temecula, CA 92592
http://www.keywayswine.com/
951-302-7888

IFWTWA has Linda Kissam, lindakissam@aol.com, to thank for introducing us to Keyways. Linda represents many of the wineries of Temecula and the surround area. She also puts wine trips together. Linda is a great resource for all of you who write about and enjoy wine.



Maralyn D. Hill

President

IFWTWA

GLOG:Global Log

SLOG: Success Log

The Perks? The Wine!

The Perks? The Wine!

I was so excited about this wine, I just had to share it with you.

My husband Kurt Winner, a fellow IFWTWA member won a bottle of Briar Rose Winery's Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve in our IFWTWA drawing.

What a bottle!

We opened it the grand Vista Dining Room aboard Holland America's ms Oosterdam and enjoyed it with dinner. Sitting with us was a chef graduate of the renown CIA Ms. Diana Israel and notable wine expert and author Mr. Cork Millner. The rest of the complement tasting and commenting on the wine were notable writers,editors and foodies like us, delighting the moment!

The wine was pronounced "elegant, full-bodied, hints of berries, cinnamon and very, very smooth!" What a delightful way to enjoy a superb bottle of wine among companions who really appreciate the care it takes to produce.


I am a travel and food writer based in Oregon. With so many wineries to explore here I have not made the trek to the Temecula area of California. I say It's time for a pilgrimage. www.briarrosewinery.com

Michelle Winner

Vice President - IFWTWA
Travel and Food Freelance
Newspaper columnist " Culinary Traveler"

Another Perk from Thornton Winery

Not that we ever want to stop the flow of champagne. But, we need to thank Thornton Winery in Temecula Valley for introducing us to their champagne stopper.

This Epic champagne stopper is elegant and useful. We find this airtight gem from Italy the perfect. gift for our friends as well as us. It is nickel plated. Ours happens to have the handsome black monogram of Thornton Winery. Not that champagne lasts 3 days in our homes, but it will with this resealable product. We are ordering several stoppers from Epic Products, Inc. In Newport Beach http://www.epicgifts.com/.

Now when you're in the Temecula Valley, you may want to stop by Thornton Winery. They provided a flavorable dessert wine for our special dinner in the Pinnacle Grill prepared by Chef Mario Martinoli on Holland America Line's Ms Oosterdam for the IFWTWA Conference at Sea.

Thornton was also generous in giving us a gift certificate for two for their Jazz Concert in the summer which was one of the prizes in our drawing.

If you are not near Temecula Valley, we urge you to visit their website http://www.thorntonwinery.com/.

Brenda C. Hill and Maralyn D. Hill

International Food, Wind & Travel Writers Association

Books By Hills

Our Love Affairs with Food & Travel

Cooking Secrets the Why and How...

Success, Your Path to a Successful Book

GLOG: Global Log

SLOG: Success Log

The Best Perks

Recently, I just finished packing for a trip and was trying to unwind. Then I remember I forgot to put the sheet with my name, address, and phone numbers - along with my new wireless global number in my checked suitcase and carry on along with a copy of my passport - got up and did it.

For this particular trip, I need more clothes than my carry on since there will be business and formal functions. I'd skip the carry on, but my luggage has been lost more times than I can count on international connecting flights.

While trying to fall asleep, I started to think about what's good about travel? After all of these years, lost luggage, cancelled flights, etc. I still love it.

As I was thinking about the many perks of food, wine and travel writing, memories of the recently passed Conference at Sea where many of us were all able to renew old friendships and make new along with sharing food, wine, travel and educational experiences first came to mind.

Then I thought of years past and all of the wonderful individuals from various cultures I've been able to share meals with as I've heard their various tales. A bonus is that e-mail makes it so much easier for most of us to keep in touch. Some still require mail or phone, but that's o.k.

Currently, my excitement over sharing Bocuse d' Or with my long time writing partner, Brenda Hill, as well as our good friend, Master Chef Herve Laurent, is at the top of my list.

Brenda, Norm and I could write a book on our travel experiences that started with difficulties and turned into fond memories as well as those that went smoothly from the start. And, the best perk of all is being able to travel, experience various cultures, make new friends and share the tale.

What's the best for you?

Maralyn D. Hill

President

IFWTWA

GLOG:Global Log

SLOG: Success Log

Travel Perk--Caramoo Crumbles

Definitely a Perk of our travel - Caramoo Crumbles candy - an unexpected scrumptious treat Maralyn Hill found for us on our last night aboard the Holland American Ms Oosterdam cruise to Mexico.

Maralyn says she didn't find it, she was fortunate for finding Joan Joffa, j.joffaacme@verizon.net. Joan represents many wonderful companies.

I rarely eat sweets or candy, however I devoured the entire box of Caramoo Caramel Crumbles.

The International Food and Wine Travel Writer's Association (IFWTWA) had been wined and dined like royalty throughout the entire journey from San Diego to the Mexican Riviera.

This was the last night at sea, my bags were packed. I was ready for one last sleep under a full moon, the waves lapping as we glided toward the USA.

My little pillow present on top of my freshly made bed looks tempting, thought I, but the last thing I needed. John Harnish, our Infinity publisher, and I recently polished off a bowl of real French onion soup, a thick, juicy T-bone, and hot, fluffy baked potato with all the trimmings with fresh crunchy veggies. Plus, a glass of the Holland American excellent Coastal house red wine. Candy was the last thing I needed.

I thought, I will give it to Yanto, my cabin person, whom I wanted to tuck into my bag and bring home, when I handed him his extra tip.

Oh well, maybe I will try just one, just to taste what they are like. My mouth watered at first bite, so I had one more. Then I read the label. Well, no wonder. Caramoo, note the moo, is made of real cream, European butter, and other cannot resist natural ingredients.

Carmoo even contain vitamins and calcium, so might as well have another. I, a food writer, cannot adequately describe these caramel crumbles - an old fashioned flavor, reminding me of childhood treats - chewy, soft, firm, creamy, sweet, different and - addictive.

Sadly, when I awoke in the morning, we had docked in San Diego and the box of Caramoo's was empty.

Julia Child taught Maralyn and I to savor and enjoy these delicious and decadent indulgences once in a while. Now, who are we to disagree with Julia, so we joyfully follow her sage advice.

You may want to order a carton or a gross and give them to all of your friends. A product of Poland, made exclusively for PD3, Inc. in Seattle, Washington. 98116 -http://www.caramoo.com/

For those of you who were on the cruise, please comment on how you enjoyed these treats. Thank you Joan, for knowing how much we'd enjoy this fantastic treat.

Bet you can't eat just one.

Brenda C. Hill

International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA)

Books By Hills

Our Love Affairs with Food & Travel

Cooking Secrets the Why and How...

Success, Your Path to a Successful Book

GLOG: Global Log

SLOG: Success Log

Talk About Perks--Our Drawing Was Full

On our Conference at Sea, we had a drawing to start up a scholarship fund. With tickets at only $5 each or 3 for $10, we all had a chance to take advantage of wonderful opportunities. Let me tell you, the winners were thrilled. Our prizes were:

• Ponte Family Estate Winery - Wine Club Membership for 8 shipments of wine.
• Thornton Winery - 2 Tickets to 2009 Jazz Concert
• Polo Shirts Coral Beach Club on Saint Maarten
• One hour consultation - Jeniffer Thompson is the author of Web Site WOW: Turn Your Web Site Into Your Most Powerful Marketing Tool and the creator of the popular Web Site WOW seminar series.
• Resume Package or Professional Bio - normally $450. The recipient will be provided with a professionally written resume, cover letter and a few other job-search resources of a professional bio. This service is provided by Lauren Milligan of ResuMAYDAY.com. (630) 836-9910 or (888) 556-2776
• Getaway at The Heathman Hotel, Kirkland, WA - A two night weekend stay in a luxury suite, valet parking, a $75 food credit at Trellis and the Romance Package in Penterra Spa - Value $800.
• Park Hyatt-Chicago on North Michigan gave 2 luxurious nights with a wonderful dinner for 2 at NOMI.
• 12 Bottles of Briar Rose Winery 2005 Award Winning Cabernet Sauvignon valued at $100 per bottle.
• Grand Prize - A Publishing package from Infinity Publishing - With the Advance Reading Copies (ARCs), a combined value of $774 to a lucky attendee. Package includes the publishing and distribution of your book, 24 ARCs of the proof books to be sent out by the newly published author to harvest blurbs, reviews, and readers candid remarks for possible use on a fly sheet and back cover as well as promote the book

Our goal with establishing a scholarship fund is to raise enough money annually so we can provide a full or partial scholarship to our next annual conference. We raised $500+ with this drawing. We hope to get another wonderful selection for our next drawing. A great opportunity for a fantastic perk at a value price and provide us a chance to help someone striving to improve their writing skills.

Maralyn D. Hill President IFWTWA

Peelers Can be Different

For our Conference at Sea, many P.R. firms, wineries, hotels, and others provided wonderful gifts. I’m going to comment on them over the next month or so.

Joan Joffa, j.joffaacme@verizon.net, represents over 300+ food and wine clients. Many are green or environmentally friendly. She was gracious enough to provide a series of gifts for welcome bags and pillow gifts. What’s better is Joan has stories about all of the companies.

One of the gifts we had was a new product from Swissmar Imports Limited, http://www.swissmar.com/, or info@swissmar.com, 1-800 216-3492. They gave us a card with three Swiss stainless steel classic peelers. I was anxious to put these to the test when we returned home.

The first is a serrated peeler and thinly peels delicate fruits and vegetables. I used it on a tomato and kiwi which was terrific. They say it also is good for mangoes and hard cheese and the side cutter removes potato eyes and blemishes and cuts groves in vegetables.

The second peeler is a simple way to have thin julienne sticks in one stroke with carrot, zucchini and more. I tried this on some hard cheese to get some thin strips.

The last peeler thinly peels hard fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and potatoes. I tried it on butternut squash and it was great.

After being impressed with the quality of these peelers, I checked out the website, http://www.swissmar.com/. Wow, they have the difficult to find products at reasonable prices. I spotted several Raclette Party Grills. I may have to break down and order one since that has been a favorite dish since I first experienced it in Switzerland.

For those of you who cook and want some easy peelers give these a try. Thank you Swissmar and Joan. For those who try these out, please let me know how you like them.

Maralyn D. Hill

President

IFWTWA

IFWTWA Gets Great Press for Jan 09 Visit

As many of you may be aware, we've just returned from our 2009 Conference at Sea. It was tremendous and I'll say more about it later as well as those who contributed to our welcome bags, pillow gifts and drawing for our scholarship fund.

But, for those who did not attend, we wanted to share some of the press we received:

Mazatlan Press

Puerto Vallarta Press

Since the above two links are in English, we know you'll enjoy.

Be sure to join us next time.

Maralyn D. Hill
President