Time to Unplug

Utopia!

The time has arrived to check off another item on our bucket list.  We will be offline during the first five days in April to hike the Milford Track, a 54 kilometer (33.5 mile) trail through New Zealand's beautiful fiord country.  If paradise is a place where cell phones don't work, we'll certainly have explored it.

Bringing Back Cocktail Hour - Marlborough, New Zealand

Bringing Back Cocktail Hour in Marlborough!Back in January we had a blast touring the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.  Jenn's brother Brent planned the route and blazed the trail along with Matt, Jenn, and Jenn's stepdad, Bill.  When Brent sponsored Bring Back Cocktail Hour, we thought it would be fitting to apply it to another libation-related tour...This time on the other side of the world.

New Zealand is known for its quality wines and we were keen to sample a wide variety. We drove to Blenheim, New Zealand, rented two bikes, and spent a fun-filled day visiting a variety of tasting rooms.  When lunchtime arrived, we were fortunate to be close to The Brothers winery where we paired a 2011 Pinot Noir with their more-than-generous charcuterie plate which contained a selection of breads, meats, cheeses, seafood, pate, olives, and mixed greens.  We left energized and fortified, ready for a riverside path peddle before proceeding to another winery known for its sparkling wine.

We extend our deepest appreciation to Brent for his "Include an Appetizer" contribution.  It helped us create new memories while reminding us of the good times we shared this past winter.

QUICK TRIP QUIP - FINALLY...A WHISKEY FOR THE CHOSEN PEOPLE!

Quick Trip Quips are those funny things seen or overheard during our travels. This entry falls into the "equality" category.

Venue: A fine-dining establishment in Rotorua, New Zealand.

Source: Drinks menu.

We looked at each other in wonder, "Is this a typo or have we finally found the new Irish-Hebrew whiskey we've been hearing so much about?"  A quick Googling of the kosher classification of Tullamore Dew revealed the Kosher Whisky and Liquor website which confirmed our suspicion that it is authorized by important poskim.

Let's raise a glass and toast - L'chaim!