Play it once, Sam. For old time's sake," requests the lovely Ilsa Lund as played by Ingrid Bergman in the film classic, "Casablanca." The song, a wistful longing for the past, is at times as poignant now as it was then. Have you ever found yourself longing for a place from a bygone era? Perhaps a joint that Bogie and Bacall would have felt at home at. A place where Sam's … [Read more...] about As Time Goes By
Food & Wine
Happy Hour Hangouts
Discovering Delicious Drinks and Delectable Dishes
"Happy Hour." What is it about these two simple words that are immediately symbolic and never fail to produce a smile? How did it come to be synonymous with time spent unwinding at the conclusion of the workday and/or work week? Out of curiosity, I conducted a quick bit of unscholarly Internet research to discover that the term's origin can allegedly be traced back to a 1959 … [Read more...] about Happy Hour Hangouts
100 Years of Hospitality
Just past Point Lobos State Park and overlooking Otter Cove, The Hyatt Carmel Highlands sits on a cliff above the Pacific. Opened on July 28, 1917, as the Highlands Inn by J. Franklin Devendorf, co-founder of the town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the property was purchased prior to the opening of Highway 1. According to Managing Director Melvin Bettcher, back then, people thought … [Read more...] about 100 Years of Hospitality
Message in a Bottle
It’s 1915, the first full year of World War I. On the Western Front, the French launch their second offensive against the German army in Champagne. France is under siege, and in villages such as Musigny, the absence of men and horses put women in charge of everything—including the noble art of winemaking. Despite unprecedented challenges, this Burgundian appellation in eastern … [Read more...] about Message in a Bottle
Tailgate, Mina Style
I have been a 49er fan for over 25 years. During that time, I’ve attended Super Bowl games and victory parties, rubbed elbows with fellow fans, and observed celebrities and politicians lose their minds over an interception or a bad call against their beloved ’Niners. Football and food were the great equalizers at all of these games but there was never a car trunk or portable … [Read more...] about Tailgate, Mina Style