Author Archives: audball

Dejeuner avec Catherine Deneuve

Posted on November 6, 2010 by audball

On our last day in France (October 15th), the only thing we had planned was going to lunch at Ferme Auberge Le Castelas (tel: 04 90 74 60 89, reservations necessary, if only so they know you’re coming). We had … Continue reading →

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Homecooking at Petit Segries

Posted on November 6, 2010 by audball

Caveat – this was written on October 8th – we’re really behind on updates but we’ll catch up by 2011! After days of eating out, we are happy to be checked in for four nights to Petit Segries, a gite … Continue reading →

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Bandol: Mostly Mourvèdre

Posted on October 14, 2010 by audball

It turns out that we aren’t being charged a premium in the US – Bandol wines are pretty much exactly the same price at home as they are in France. Allocations are small, even on its home turf. Now is … Continue reading →

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Italian Vignettes

Posted on October 13, 2010 by audball

Etruscan Graffiti – Taggers owe their trade to the ancient race wiped out by Julius Caesar; the above banner is the façade of a home in Cortona and the word graffiti comes from such handiwork. Scholars still debate their origins … Continue reading →

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Tuscany: Kristine & Emanuele Tie the Knot and Fatten Us Up

Posted on October 6, 2010 by audball

Kri & Eman descending the courthouse steps in Cortona Rule #1 at Italian wedding dinners – PACE YOURSELF. Same goes for Chinese weddings – perhaps this was something else Marco Polo brought back, or vice versa? Truly we had never … Continue reading →

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India and Nepal Visa Missions Accomplished!

Posted on September 21, 2010 by audball

DANCE OF JOY! (That is what my brother is doing above at LACMA). We got our India and Nepal visas! I have learned a lot in the process – even though procedures are amply stated online, reports vary so here … Continue reading →

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Pantry Woes

Posted on September 6, 2010 by audball

A morning inevitability – you excitedly leap out of bed with a brilliant breakfast idea in mind, only to realize that you’re short one ingredient. It’s 9am on Labor Day so I’m not sure if the grocery stores are open … Continue reading →

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Meating of the Minds

Posted on August 24, 2010 by audball

Feeling anemic? Let’s meat! Thanks to the good people of Dickson’s Farmstand Meats (dicksonsfarmstand.com), Chris and I have several pounds of this and that in the freezer that we definitely want to eat before our trip. To chase away the … Continue reading →

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Incredible India Visa Issues

Posted on August 22, 2010 by audball

This is preparation for actually being in India – this thought simmered through my head, only quelled by a few powerful jabs to our helpless sofa pillow. But really, there was little else I could think of to do after … Continue reading →

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Trend Testing – Squash Blossoms, She Said

Posted on August 22, 2010 by audball

Entire farms produce only squash blossoms. When we see them on menus, we mentally congratulate the chef and proceed to order. Who can resist these golden blooms? Certainly not me, but I often wondered why fried squash blossoms are exalted … Continue reading →

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