Italy-Day 10

Sat we were back to the airport via Rome Cabs (great service!!) for our return flight home. We received excellent service at the airport. I approached the service desk to get a wheelchair and Carlyn and I were checked in, run through security, and on our way to the international terminal before Rico and Mary Lou were even in the security line. We did some shopping in the duty free area and got some gifts while we waited for them to arrive at the gate. I was very sad to leave, but the fat cats were waiting on us to get home. I can’t wait to return!

Italy-Day 9

Friday was fairly uneventful. We had to catch the train back to Rome at noon. That train ride was a nightmare! We arrived at the train station early so that we could try to get all of our now FIVE suitcases and a wheelchair on the train. Well, things didn’t go according to plan. Our train car was packed with teenagers from a school trip that had taken most of the luggage space. Our suitcases were about 50 lbs each so it took two of us to put one suitcase above our heads. Our stuff was just scattered all over the train. We still ended up with a suitcase in one of our seats, the wheelchair in the ailse, and a few bruises. We made it to Rome without hurting anyone though, haha. We were so tired by the time we got back to the hotel in Rome, that we ended up just walking around the last night. We walked back up to the shopping area and went into a few more shops. We had dinner at a great restaurant somewhere near the Spanish steps I believe.

Italy-Day 8

Thursday we had the morning in Pisa. It was fun and cheesy at the same time. Everyone has to try to knock over the Leaning tower in the photos or buy a leaning shot glass, but it was educational and it was a gorgeous day. Unfortunately, Rico and I did not get to go into the Duomo. We would have been in line for an hour trying to get a ticket. It was pretty from the outside tho!

After we returned from Pisa, we did MORE shopping and then Rico and I got ready for a date. We took off for dinner at a random spot in town. We just walked around until we found a quiet street with a nice looking restaurant. We ended up at La Posta. It was wonderful! The best truffled dish I had in Italy was at this restaurant. It ended up being an expensive meal, but it was worth it! Check back for a full blog on food in Italy :)

Italy--Day 7

Wednesday ended up being my favorite day. I found a Cinque Terre day trip out of Florence on the Weekend in Florence website. I am so glad I booked that trip! We finally got outside of the cities and saw a more down-to-earth lifestyle (even though they still catered to tourists). We left the Florence train station at 7am in a very nice charted bus. It was comfortable and we had a guide that spoke English, Italian, and Spanish. She was great. We arrived at the port of La Spezia where we took a boat to Cinque Terre. The pictures do all of the speaking. The towns are so charming and quaint. I would love to hike through this area for a few weeks! It was long day, but by far my favorite area that we saw on this trip!

We got back to Florence at 8pm and promptly went to Il Porcospino down the street. Good food and there is a guy there that LOVES UT. He has pins, buttons, pictures, etc. It was really funny. If you want a good restaurant—go there!

Italy Cont'd-Day 6

Tuesday was a very busy day for us. We had tickets to the Uffizi and the Accademia museums. Thankfully, due to Carlyn in the wheelchair, we did not have to wait in line. I picked up our tickets at both places and away we went! The Uffizi had amazing Renaissance paintings while the Accademia had the David. Unfortunately, they would not let us take pictures of the David. Too bad. It would have made a nice Christmas card, haha!

After our fun filled museum morning, we had enough of paintings. We needed some shopping time. We hit the local markets and stocked up on stuff! The shopping in Florence is very nice, both on the main drag (Gucci, Prada, YSL, etc) and in the markets. You can get Italian silk ties for 6e or cashmere scarves for 20e. Stockings are really big in Italy right now. Everyone wears leggings and boots or short skirts, patterned stockings, and boots. Needless to say, I had to have both!

Italy Cont'd--Day 5

Monday we left Rome to travel to Florence by train. We checked out after breakfast and ordered taxi’s to the train station. You know, we were warned of wayward cabbies, but we never had a problem! The Rome Termini is a crazy experience. Keep your hands on your bags! There are so many people jumping on and off trains that something could disappear before you knew it! We found our track and our train without a problem. Our train was relatively empty so we had plenty of room for our luggage and the wheelchair. That was nice. It was a smooth and lovely 2 hour train ride. The train system in Europe is so efficient! Unfortunately, it was pouring when we arrived in Florence. We had planned to walk to the hotel (which was literally two blocks away), but with four suitcases and a wheelchair, there was NO way that was going to happen. A two block cab ride was 6e ($12)! However, we stayed dry and we found our B&B. We were very happy with our rooms at Alloro. Christian was very nice and the rooms were great. Lots of space, nice bathroom, lovely frescos on the ceiling, and quiet location. We had tons of restuarants right next door!

We rested about 20 min and headed out in the rain to the Duomo. Yet again, another example of amazing art in Italy. It was very beautiful and impressive! And it provided a refuge in the rain. By the time we saw the church, the rain had subsided and we were hungry. We picked a nearby café and had a wonderful meal.

The food is very different in Florence. For example, a pizza in Rome is super thin, always crispy, and has a sweeter sauce with a little cheese. The pizza in Florence has a thicker crust (and the bread had more of a yeasty taste instead of flour taste), a bland sauce, and more cheese. Even the wine was different. Most of the time in Rome, you are served a bottle of dry white wine. In Florence, we were almost always served a pitcher of sweet sparkling wine. One thing that Florence had that Rome did not---truffles! I had truffled pasta and meat for four days straight!

Italy Cont'd--Day 4

Sunday, we had a slow morning and ordered a taxi back to St. Peter’s square. Orginially, we had planned to attend the Pope’s blessing at noon, but was afraid that we would not find a place to sit/stand. We decided to go to the square around 10am to catch Mass and then stay for the blessing. Mass was little tedious for me, but it was neat to watch it on these massive jumbo-tron TV’s in the square. After Mass, the Pope walked to a pulpit outside the church and blessed the crowd in at least 8-10 different languages. That was amazing.

After the blessing, we walked back across the river and had lunch at a café on the corner. It was alright. We were really only there to use the restroom! You learn to stop and have food/drinks several times a day so that you can use a clean facility. The toilet bowls in Italy are….interesting. They do not have lids. It’s basically just the bowl (in Rome at least). Note for future travelers: take seat covers, tissue, and wet wipes. You will be REALLY glad you have it when you discover a facility without tissue OR soap.

Anyway, from there we headed over to see the Pantheon. I have been wanting to see this my whole life and I was not disappointed. It was beautiful and very well preserved! It was originally built as a temple to all the gods of acient Rome, but was rebuilt in the 2nd century A.D. It is the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. The oculus is massive. On our way back to the hotel, we walked along part of the Roman forum that faces the street. Carlyn was not able to do the Roman Forum walk with Rico and I, but at least she was able to see some of the ruins along the way. Rico and I ended up going into the Roman Forum while Mary Lou and Carlyn went out for shopping.

The Roman Forum was very interesting. It is difficult to imagine how massive the buildings were until you are actually standing in front of one. The Bascillica of Constantine just towers over everything else.

Italy--Day 2 and 3

I have to honestly say, Rome is crazy and wonderful at the same time. It is a city of cultural intricacies (you don't see a lot of women hanging out with the men at the corner bar). There are certain things you can observe being a foreigner and it is interesting and strange at the same time. For example, this morning Rico and I went to the corner bar to have our breakfast. Breakfast is a pastry and a coffee usually served at the bar and consumed in about 3 minutes and usually by men. I order a cappuccino and a pastry and am the only female in the bar in about an hour. Interesting bonding time for Italian men. Day 2 we went to the Vatican museum and St. Peter's Basilica. Navigating with Carlyn was a challenge as handicapped entrances and exits were not clearly marked, but no problemo. We had a taxi pick us up at the hotel and drop us off at St. Peter's. We asked the guards where to go for handicapped entrance and they directed us around the corner to the Vatican. We received amazing service with Carlyn. They let us right in at the ramp at the entrance (no lines) and let us up the elevator to the ticket lines. I had already purchased tickets and we went through with no problem. However, we had to see the Vatican museum backwards and we had to miss the Egyptian exhibit because there were no elevators to that side of the museum. We went straight to the "Long March", the Raphael rooms, and then the Sistine Chapel. We then had to double back to the Hall of Maps to get out and walk all the way around to St. Peter's. They did let us into the Basilica where they had ramps without questions. I have to say the service we have received here has been outstanding! The Trevi fountain was next on our list after an afternoon stroll and we had dinner in the Trevi neighborhood. Lovely! Today, Day 3, it was pouring rain. Rico and I went out for breakfast and had to purchase umbrellas only to find that the weather cleared 30 min later. No need to spend the 20e that we did, but oh well. We all decided to go see St. Peter in Chains since the Borghese Gallery was all booked up. St. Peter in Chains was very cool and modest compared to St. Peter's Basilica. I felt a little more at home at St. Peter's in Chains. It was a church for the people. After St. Peter in Chains we walked down to the Via de Campo to shop (and boy did we shop!) and then on to the Spanish steps. I was only interested in seeing the Keats/Shelley museum at the Spanish steps. Very cool. I love John Keats and Percy Shelley so that was a highlight of my trip to the Spanish steps area. Very crowded otherwise. However, Mary Lou and I stumbled upon a seamstresse's shop where she made all of the clothing. Beautiful work. We bought several handmade pieces there. (Painting of John Keats) From there we walked all the way back to the hotel. Interestingly though, we saw a protest in front of one of the piazzas and decided to check it out. We ended up getting caught in the middle of a gay pride parade. That was really neat. Mary Lou and I support that cause so we were cheering and supporting with them. Exhausted as we were, we decided to call a cab and go to Cafe di Marzio so that we could see a fellow (and I'm sure) distant relative of Rico's. It was pretty cool. The waiter did not like my mix of Spanish/Italian and told me to speak English, but that was comical. We always try to speak Italian, but in that neighborhood you need to know your stuff! It was a fun night! The Piazza Santa Maria was a hub for the locals at night. We got right into it and loved it!

Italy--Day 1

Well, we are still in one piece after our first full day in Rome! We arrived at 9am this morning, Oct 8th, and proceeded to navigate the Rome airport. It wasn't as bad as I thought. It was controlled chaos. Our taxi was waiting for us, our hotel rooms and innkeepers are wonderful, and Carlyn's wheelchair was here right on time. Good way to start a trip! We didn't want to be rushed on our first day, jet lagged and all, so we decided to tackle the Colosseum and the neighborhood surrounding our hotel. Because we are traveling with someone in a wheelchair, we wanted to get a feel for what kind of road and travel conditions we were going to encounter. Overall, I would say it isn't great for visitors with disabilities, but very manageable. We pushed the wheelchair on the sidewalk as much as we could and then we carried it up and down stairs. No big deal. Tomorrow we visit the Vatican and I've read that we will have no problems. Rome definitely has its own unique vibe. Tons of people, all going in different directions, but with purpose and vibrancy. I think the people are interesting and fun (not to mention beautiful) and they make excellent food. Even the bad restaurants are good. Good food, good wine, and good friends :)

Steiner Ranch Steakhouse

Steiner Ranch Steakhouse, Austin, TX http://www.steinersteakhouse.com/ I'm a big fan of the cow. I've had steaks at almost every "fine dining" steak establishment in Austin. III Forks, Perry's, and Eddie V's are among my personal favorites. However, for our anniversary I wanted to try something different. Steiner Ranch Steakhouse was recommended by friends who live in the Steiner area as well as a decent following of online patrons. The establishment is in a beautiful building with amazing views of 360 and the lake (or what's left of it right now). I should have known that looks can be deceiving. We arrived 15 minutes early and were told to have a seat in the lounge or visit the outside bar. We chose to sit outside as the sun was beginning to set and the view was beautiful. The drinks were decently priced considering we were in Steiner: $10.50 for a Shiner and a glass of Chardonnay (never mind the fact that I paid $10 for that same glass of wine while sitting at our table inside). However, it was very obvious that this was the place to find a date for the evening. It was actually quite comical to watch. We were seated on the second floor in the corner with a great view. That was one of the few things I liked about the restaurant. On the way to our table, I passed a mother nursing her child at the dinner table and a 3 year old screaming at another table. Not exactly what I had in mind for a romantic dinner. The waiter was dressed very casually (not what I am used too for fine dining) but very pleasant to talk too. He seemed to be very knowledgeable about the menu and the variety of steaks offered. He was quick to offer suggestions and to get our drinks. My disappointment was mainly with the food. We started our meal with a bowl of the 'She Crab Soup' which is a cream based seafood soup with potatoes and vegetables. This was a very rustic interpretation of the Lobster bisque that is more commonly found in other steakhouses. I did not care for the texture of the soup as it was more chowder-like than a smooth creamy based soup, but the flavor was good. It was very mild compared to a lot of peppery cognac infused soup blends. I would recommend it as a starter course. We chose to pass on a salad and instead ordered a steak. I ordered the 7 oz. Midwestern Heirloom beef filet mignon "oscar style" and my boyfriend had the 22 oz. Midwestern Ribeye. Both were served with mashed potatoes and vegetables. The presentation and plating of the food was very nice and colorful. However, when our waiter brought our food he failed to bring steak knives. We had to ask for them. This is a serious flaw in a steakhouse in my opinion. All utensils should be on the table before the food arrives. My steak was cooked correctly and at an amiable temperature, but the béarnaise sauce that accompanied the steak "oscar style" was cool and lumpy (which happens when it sits too long or isn't cooked correctly). My boyfriend's steak was cooked correctly, but everything else on the plate was just luke warm. I'm not sure what happened there. Now, I'm not the type to normally over season my food. If I order a $40 steak , I expect it to be seasoned well and cooked correctly. For the first time in an upscale steakhouse, I had to salt my food. And I really hated to do that, but everything was so bland. The béarnaise sauce was also too eggy for my taste. Not enough tarragon. We ordered the vanilla bean crème Brule for dessert and were very pleased with it! We spoke with the manager when he came around about our experience. He seemed surprised, but not dismissive. We just let him know what we didn't like, which is our job as customers, and he seemed very responsive to our feedback. I appreciated that he took the time to listen. All in all, I would go back to have a drink on the patio and enjoy the view, but I will probably not visit the restaurant again.

Fall Creek Winery and Vineyards

Fall Creek Winery and Vineyards Grape Stomp-August 22nd

http://www.fcv.com/

We attended the 20th annual Grape Stomp and Harvest Festival on Saturday, August 22nd. Fall Creek Vineyards is located in Tow, Tx; a quick 1.5 hour drive from Austin, TX past Lake Buchanan. Normally a lovely drive any other time of the year, you really got to see the severe drought Central Texas is experiencing right now. Lake front property was up to 1 mile away from the water!

Upon arriving at the winery, we paid for our tasting and glasses ($4).

Not a bad price to taste up to 9 wines. Among my personal favorites were the Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and the Viognier. I normally drink white wines, but the Cab was very nice as well. There was also an Ed's Smooth Red by Twin Springs Winery that I ended up buying. Overall, the flavor of the wine is smooth, interesting, flavorful, and fruity. I wouldn't call it robust wine, but it is nice for sipping on those hot summer nights.

After tasting we sat on the patio for a while and had wine, cheese, and fruit. Too bad they didn't have the patio enclosed with air conditioning! It was 103 degrees out there. We escaped the heat by taking a short tour of the harvesting, processing, and barreling areas of the winery. Then we were on to the grape stomping! It was.....different. Two barrels set up with left over grapes from the harvest. I've always wanted rotten fruit stuck between my toes--Good thing grapes are good for the skin! The only thing I wished they didn't have were the blue tarps. It made all the pictures turn out blue.

Fall Creek is a small, yet lovely vineyard. Make sure you notice the house at the far end of the property behind the vineyard. I suspect some of the owners live there, but it has a beautiful garden set up beside the house. It's worth taking a look if they let you check it out.

Welcome!

Welcome to Le fat cat--a blog about enjoying the finer things in life. Culture, food, wine, art, photography, and travel are my passions. This blog is dedicated to the joie de vivre both locally and internationally.

"The sauce"

Ragu, Prego, Barilla, Classico, Emeril... Take your pick and you can have dinner on the table in 20 minutes. However, what happens when you take on the challenge of attempting your first homemade spaghetti sauce and homemade pasta? Blissful, yet utter, exhaustion. Six hours of carefully measuring, chopping, stirring, deglazing, and simmering rendered a meat stew rich enough to knock Chef Boyardee off his microwaveable can, but left me needing a bottle of wine to kill the back pain and onion seared eyes. Ah, yes, there is definitely something special about the hazards of homemade goodness! While I would change up the recipe next time by trying several different cuts of meat (perhaps ground veal and chuck instead of ground pork and chuck), using a different wine, and adding more fire roasted tomatoes, the base recipe is good for beginners. I give credit to Mr. Alton Brown for his careful consideration of flavors and consistency: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/meat-sauce-and-spaghetti-recipe/index.html. As my patience was slowly melting away, my loving partner in crime helped me out and made the fresh pasta for the evening. Any man that can knead dough is alright by me! Overall, I think the first attempt of "the sauce" was successful despite my overenthusiastic use of meat. The fat cats hovering in the kitchen should have been the first sign that I used too much. Oh well. Homemade bruschetta