“Under the Volcano” is a novel by Canadian Malcom Lowry not to be confused with my heading above “Back to the Volcano”. I have had the pleasure of a day of intense fine tasting on the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius outside of Naples 5 years ago and in May I am heading to Mount EtnaContinue reading “RKS 2025 Wine: “Back to the Volcano”: Italian Red from ETNA”
Tag Archives: Travel
RKS 2025 Film: Scarborough Hits the Big Screen in “Morningside”
I grew up in Montreal and fled as a refugee to Toronto. I encountered incessant references about this neighbourhood called Scarborough and not always in the most positive language. An undertone of poverty, crime and naughtiness. Scarborough seemed so far away from Toronto it earned the derogatory nickname of Scarberia. The only relevance Scarborough heldContinue reading “RKS 2025 Film: Scarborough Hits the Big Screen in “Morningside””
RKS 2025 Wine: Armenian Wine: A Daring Move by The Liquor Control Board of Ontario!
Shame on you who decry the monopolistic Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO)! The “Control” in the corporate name shouts out a paternalistic and profitable heart. The LCBO wants to control what you drink reducing its administrative and business costs as much as possible to maximize profits. No expensive forays into new wine markets onlyContinue reading “RKS 2025 Wine: Armenian Wine: A Daring Move by The Liquor Control Board of Ontario!”
The Penniless Pensioner: Misaligned, Maligned but Marvellous (The Final Version):Chapter 8: Minah My 140 Kilo Sweetheart
You may recall my initial infatuation with Minah my little hummingbird and tabbouleh slinging sweetheart in Montreal. I had been accepted to McGill University in Montreal with a full Claire and Warren Quimby Scholarship for Third World Disadvantaged Urchins. I didn’t need the tuition money but seeing the bastards the First World can produce, particularlyContinue reading “The Penniless Pensioner: Misaligned, Maligned but Marvellous (The Final Version):Chapter 8: Minah My 140 Kilo Sweetheart”
RKS 2024 Wine: Croatian Plavac Mali
At one time it was thought Plavac Mali was Zinfandel but at best Plavac Mali and Zinfandel may have shared some ancestral grape heritage. It is my go-to red in Croatia and has its most extensive planting on Croatia’s stunning Dalmatian coast. Two or three times a year Torontonians see some Plavic Mali on ourContinue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: Croatian Plavac Mali”
The Penniless Pensioner: Misaligned, Maligned but Marvellous (The Final Version): Chapter 6: Juanita Joins Big Bopper and Buddy Holly
Flying to New Delhi from Montreal is far better than the Delhi Belly flight from New Delhi to Montreal as with the latter Indian food seeks its revenge on those not used to it. Flatulence and the runs are the perfect storm for an unholy stench that not even the smell of eggplant curry couldContinue reading “The Penniless Pensioner: Misaligned, Maligned but Marvellous (The Final Version): Chapter 6: Juanita Joins Big Bopper and Buddy Holly”
RKS 2024 Wine: Chasing Rain Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington’s Red Mountain
With today’s climate change one can be hoping to chase the rain either towards or away from you! Which way is the chase going for Chasing Rain Cabernet Sauvignon? The Red Mountain AVA receives approximately 5 inches of rain annually. The winery’s website states, “Minimal rainfall, a dry climate and fast draining soil force moreContinue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: Chasing Rain Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington’s Red Mountain”
The Penniless Pensioner: Misaligned, Maligned but Marvellous (The Final Version):Chapter 5: Bye Bye Juanita and My Iraqi Sweetheart
Juanita Wallabong’s tour was wrapping up in North America with a final performance in Montreal at the Montreal Forum. We were enjoying a few glorious days off as this trip was about my education not simply music. I fell in love with Montreal as it was in North America but so un-American! I discovered FairmontContinue reading “The Penniless Pensioner: Misaligned, Maligned but Marvellous (The Final Version):Chapter 5: Bye Bye Juanita and My Iraqi Sweetheart”
RKS 2024 Wine: Agiorgitiko Greek Supermarket Champion
When travelling in Europe I usually visit supermarkets for various items particularly bottled water. Supermarket prices for cheese in Paris would reduce you to tears with just how inexpensive French cheese can be. Almost like a staple whereas here in Canada it is a luxury. I always look at wine prices too and in PortugalContinue reading “RKS 2024 Wine: Agiorgitiko Greek Supermarket Champion”
The Penniless Pensioner: Misaligned, Maligned but Marvellous (Final Version): Chapter 3: Juanita Wallabong’s Farewell Tour
When I was 14 years old my mother Juanita no longer wanted to give live performances as the anxiety that afflicted her was overwhelming even with those “Mother’s Little Helpers” otherwise known as Xanax and the live performances only encouraged her to continue guzzling gin “to take the edge off”. Despite her live performance anxiety,Continue reading “The Penniless Pensioner: Misaligned, Maligned but Marvellous (Final Version): Chapter 3: Juanita Wallabong’s Farewell Tour”
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