FOODIE IN FLIP FLOPS

My best friend Danielle was visiting from St. Pete, Florida. Both of us have a mutual love of wine so we went to where the best Rieslings in the world are made. This was our first view of the Mosel when driving in. It was so beautiful, the views were amazing!!! We stayed in Bernkastel. It's a cute medieval German town directly on the Mosel. Narrow, winding cobblestones roads make this village so charming. The village was completely walkable with steep vineyards in every direction. There were lots of nice eateries with inviting outdoor tables. We took a 45 minute side trip to Trier. Trier was a grand Roman City second to Rome. This gate, Porta Negra, was built in the second century to ward off attackers. It is very well preserved and also offers beautiful views of Trier with its two impressive cathedrals. Inside the Porta Negra - it is hard to believe this was built over 2000 years ago. We had to get back to Bernkastel for our sc...

I have always loved Chardonnay from Burgundy, especially Pouilly-Fuissé. I was so excited to visit these tiny villages and see how this great wine is grown and produced. We came off season so this village of a little over 300 inhabitants was a little sleepier than usual. We stayed at La Maison du Hérisson (The House of the Hedgehog) and had the place to ourselves. Sébastien Chambru and Margaux Moisière team up to run this place as well the gastronomy and bistro restaurant a block away, L'O des Vignes. The Hedgehog is a unique place, it is basically a five room, all with private bathroom, guest house. There is a communal kitchen, TV room, and courtyard. The rooms are stylish and homey. Sébastien and Margaux were so welcoming, and went above and beyond to help us enjoy our stay in Fuisse! They are dog friendly too. Every morning, breakfast was a treat, homemade yogurts and marmalades by Margaux which has spoiled me forever. After we got settled, we walked the villag...