Travel,Wine and Cuisine by Christopher J Davies

Food102: Real Photos

Caveat Emptor: "Let The Frequent Flyer Beware" Story and photo by Christopher J Davies We all know that caveat emptor is Latin for, "Let the buyer beware". This phrase should definitely be used when comparing frequent flyer programs and airline policies for redeeming a "free" ticket. As a member of several frequent flyer programs, I am outraged over the hassle and cost that some airlines put me through. I feel like a number of my most-frequented, so-called "classic" carriers have totally turned their backs on me, the customer. Last month, I needed to fly from Denver to New York on two back-to-back weekends. Rather than be penalized with hiked up rates for purchasing tickets at the last minute, I decide to cash in some "free" tickets. The two experiences I had illustrate the drastic difference between a larger carrier and one of the “low-cost” carriers. Flight on May 1, 2009 via United Airlines #558 For my first trip, I decided to use 2...

Crab Cakes for Appetizers or Brunch! Story and photos (C) 2009 by Christopher J Davies I noticed that Costco is now selling Chicken of The Sea, Super Lump Crab in their deli section. The cost for a 1 LB container is only $14.99, which is enough to make 12 decent size crab cakes. Having lived on the East Coast for most of my life, I have encountered too many crab cakes that contain excessive filers such as onions, celery and peppers. It is my opinion that these fillers overpower the the wonderful natural taste of the crab. In the store, I discovered the manufacturers recipe was not full of filer type ingredients. So I decided to test out their suggested recipe. Both Darcy and I have added this to our list of favorites! Delicious Crab Cakes 1- 16 oz (1 LB) cup of Crab Meat 1 beaten Egg 2 tbs. Mayonnaise 1 tbs. mustard prepared( we used Grey Poupon) 1 tbs. Worcestershire Sauce 1 tbs. dry mustard (we used Oriental Hot Mustard) 1 tbs., seafood season (we substitute with Louisiana Cajun Seas...

The Capital Grille's Exceptional Tuscan Wine and Food Feast By Christopher J. Davies Photos (C) The Capital Grille Darcy and I just had the pleasure of visiting the Capital Grille Restaurant in Denver's historic and trendy LoDo neighborhood. The restaurant is located in the heart of Larimer Square. While the Capital Grille has been on my short list for amazing steaks, seafood and service, this meal was a very special occasion as we were set to try the Capital Grille's five course, Italian-fare dinner, a promotion that goes on at all of the 35 Capital Grille's restaurants across the US, until April 5, 2009. The five-course dinner is offered at the recession buster price of $49 per person, which is definitely well-worth the cost! George Miliotes Best of all, the dinner offers an exclusive opportunity for diners at The Capital Grille to preview the premier vintage of Banfi Vintners 2005 BelnerO Sangiovese di Montalcino, a delicious Sangiovese made from unfiltered cuvée of...

Top Chef Season 5 concludes tonight. Who will it be? Carla, Stefan or Hosea? I am rooting for Hosea because I know from past experience that he has what it takes to win tonight. Before he made it to Top Chef Season 5 fame, Chef Hosea Rosenberg of Jax Fishouse in Boulder, was a two time "Best Chef" at the Denver International Wine Festival. In 2007, Chef Rosenberg won the Taste of Elegance Chef's Food and Wine Competition. Here are the recipe's for his winning dishes: Thai Marinated Scallops with Trout Roe and Pineapple Syrup (serves 4) 4, large, fresh scallops (about 2oz each) 2 oz lime juice 2 oz orange juice 1 large knob ginger 1 stalk lemongrass 4 oz coconut milk 2 oz rice wine 2 C fresh pineapple juice ½ jalapeno, seeded 1 T corn starch 1 oz trout roe Salt 1 large English cucumber, sliced into think disks Slice scallops into thin disks. Chop ginger into very small pieces and then squeeze with kitchen towel to extract juices. Combine ginger juice, lime juice, ora...

The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs Every Foodies Enchanted Dream! Story and Photos by Christopher J Davies, except where noted. Last weekend we had the pleasure of taking our annual foodie pilgrimage to the fabulous Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. The resort is set on 3000 beautiful acres, with four award-wining championship golf courses (that will play host to the 2011 U.S Women's Open) , 593 guest rooms, 107 suites, gargantuan 185,000 square feet of meeting space, 6 tennis courts, a full service spa, 18 restaurants, café's and lounges. Photo (C) The Broadmoor Guest rooms are lavishly appointed and opulent. Ours was located in the original main building with a birds eye view of Cheyenne Mountain and the resort’s own Cheyenne Lake. Our bathroom was totally renovated with marble tile, modern glass enclosed shower and a large five-fixture bath. Three of the Broadmoor restaurants are Mobil Star rated, In 2007, Penrose Room became the first Colorado restaurant to receive the AAA Five-D...

Statues at Heroes Square, Budapest Dio Restaurant Mysterious fountain of wine! Budapest (pronounced/ Buda-Pesht), capital of Hungary, is in my opinion one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. During the cold war it had a reputation for being “the Paris” of Eastern Europe. The city is actually a combination of two cities Buda and Pest that are separated by the Duna (Hungarian) or Danube River. When I first visited Budapest in 1992, the inhabitants were still trying to grasp with their newly obtained freedom. The Soviet Union was officially dissolved. While this was mainly positive, some locals resented the jump in expenses that they incurred with freedom. When I dined in traditional popular restaurants, I experienced old world cuisine that was comprised of a great amount of heavily fried foods such as chicken and goose, doused in paprika & cream. The wine list’s consisted of 90 percent sweet local white varietals and classic Tokay and Aszu, sweet wines made in a similar style as ...