Distilled spirits came to early America much like the arrival of wine. Europeans were deeply steeped in alcoholic beverages from producing them to personal enjoyment. Wines arrived in Florida with the early Spanish Conquistadors and the monks who brought in wines to St. Augustine. The Scots, Irish, Welsh, English and Dutch had mastered the art …
The Gourmet Highway: Spirits of the South-A Whiskey River Adventure Read More »
I read Mark Twain’s “The Innocents Abroad,” long before I had a driver’s license. I was hooked on travel. So much adventure seemed to be waiting and somehow, someway, I was going to find a higher life. A promise made was a promise kept. Travel is a reward, a gift to the body and soul …
The Gourmet Highway: Too Much of A Good Thing: It’s Wonderful! Read More »
Food origins can be just as fascinating as family genealogy. Barbecue is a subject that can rival college football with heated discussions as to which is best, and why. North Carolina cooks from backyard grillers or restauranteurs swear theirs is superior, but that all changes when you cross state lines. Styles seem to be more …
While the road is long and sometimes narrow, I never feel alone. The almost universal magic in communities, whether parts of a big city or small villages waiting for a visitor, provide unlimited opportunities for new friendships, cultural enrichment and, of course, flavors you never dreamed possible. I like to mix everything, moving from well-planned …
Visiting over 20 cities in ten states since the beginning of the year, a journey that included many a meal from the enticing country breakfast, to simple but filling lunches and, of course, some regal dinners, inspired a search for the cultural core of American food: Recipes. Like many, I have shelves filled with cookbooks, …
THE GOURMET HIGHWAY: Revival Cuisine-American Originals Read More »
Food preferences are greatly inspired by experiences. I was blessed to grow up in a home where my mother employed daily kitchen wizardry, never using a cookbook to prepare meals from early morning breakfast to the Sunday feast. While I never learned preparation techniques, she taught by example, constantly demonstrating the importance of fresh ingredients. …
The first dinner table in America that served a variety of wines chosen for compatibility with the menu was at Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s Virginia home. Jefferson, who loved to entertain guests ranging from politicians to foreign dignitaries, likely used these affairs to cultivate new friendships and alliances, perhaps occasionally converting an adversary into an ally. …
The Gourmet Highway: Dare to Pair-A Delicious Journey Read More »
By Doc Lawrence – Charleston, New Orleans, Miami Beach, Memphis, Nashville, Louisville, Montgomery and Atlanta were a few of the large cities we visited along the Gourmet Highway. There were glorious stopovers at wonderful destinations like Highlands and Cashiers in the mountains of Western North Carolina and the grand city of Thomasville deep in south …
Gourmet Highway: The Divine Wonders of Dining in Different Places Read More »
By Doc Lawrence – The journey to longer days includes the pleasures of Mardi Gras, stage plays, the most exciting wine and food festival on the East Coast and the increased spirit of adventure as the sap starts to mercifully rise again. This is the season featuring so many festivals: South Beach Wine and Food …
Gourmet Highway: A State of Mind-Travel, Food & Wine Read More »
By Doc Lawrence – Traveling the greater South leads to discovery of food and good beverages, and where to find the best. This past year included one genuine surprise involving a legendary whiskey, arguably the most recognizable brand on the planet. There’s more: Respected wine experts-Master’s of Wine as they’re officially known-are urging some labeling …
Gourmet Highway: New Tennessee Whiskey, Wine Labels & Food Journeys Read More »