Book Review - Thirsty Dragon

In her book, Thirsty Dragon, Suzanne Mustacich tells the overlapping stories of an interesting group of players as they join China on its 20 year journey into the world of wine.

This well-documented saga of China's race to build the infrastructure needed to become one of the superpowers of the wine world collides with Bordeaux's need for buyers in 2009. China's willingness to speculate on wine as an investment combined with their gift giving culture leads to mini-skirted translators facilitating sales in Bordeaux and millions of dollars of classified growths sitting in Chinese warehouses.

The tale continues with high level corruption in the Chinese government, counterfeiting and fraud. A brief lesson on the economy and the wine regions of China add more background to this story of the "largest government funded drinks tab in history."

An interesting and well-researched read for any winelover that should be enjoyed with a generous pour of Bordeaux.

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Sculpted in Steel - A Luxury Automobile Showcase from the Art Deco Era

Whether you are visiting the city of Houston or live here full time, if you are a car lover, there is one thing to do this spring that is a must-do. Visit the Museum of Fine Arts Houston to check out the temporary luxury art deco automobile exhibit, Sculpted in Steel . I toured the display recently and was impressed by the array. This collection is a showcase of seventeen cars and motorcycles designed between 1929 -1940. These vehicles are more than art cars or show cars, they are true art deco masterpieces. The museum has great information about the period and designers throughout the exhibit. Go sooner rather than later, they will only be on display until May 30, 2016.

Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows - Santa Monica

Refreshment on the patio of the Lobby Lounge My husband and I stayed at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows with our adult daughter this summer after her graduation from a Masters program at Claremont Graduate University. We wanted to be near the beach but still be able to easily get into Los Angeles to visit some of the tourist attractions. This was our first time to stay at a Fairmont Hotel . I chose the Miramar for its ocean views and its proximity to the Santa Monica Pier and the beach. It has a long history with a Hollywood connection, it has been a destination of the stars for almost a century. After looking over the various room options, I decided that the Palisade King Suite would easily accommodate us. My husband and I shared a private bedroom and our daughter got the fold out couch in the living room. The six story Palisades wing which housed our room is a historic part of the property that was built in 1924. For a more luxe experience, you can also book a pool...

The New Tasting Menu at March

Starting with the house vermouth in The Lounge March, Goodnight Hospitality's tasting menu restaurant, is marching into the new season with Greece as their latest culinary inspiration. March is one of my favorite restaurants in Houston for a fine dining experience. Though we do not have Michelin starred restaurants in Texas, this is certainly an establishment that would deserve their top ranking. The latest rendition of the March Martini. I went on opening night to taste the 9 course Exploration menu with the 9 course Classic drink pairings. The Classic drinks menu features mostly wines from Greece while the pricier Premier menu features wines from around the world. I was more interested in trying the Greek wine selections with this new menu. The Lounge Snacks served on a Portuguese Surrealejos tile. My friend, Jeanette, and I arrived at 5:30 to enjoy some time at The Lounge before beginning our gastronomical adventure. All guests to The Lounge receive a pour of the house Ve...

by Sandra Crittenden

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