Pic Today 6/25/12

ROGUE UNDERGROUND DINING

GOES ON STAGE AT C.O.C.A.

The Rogue Underground Dining Society

held a gourmet brunch at COCA St. Louis

(Center of Creative Arts) Sunday afternoon.

Twenty-four lucky attendees enjoyed

a 7-course meal "on stage" in the center's theater.

Each course was created "from scratch" from

Rogue's talented chefs and staff

who began cooking early in the morning.

Attendees were amazed at creative dishes,

including edible Bloody Marys on lemon grass skewers,

Cherry Tartar covered with duck fat "snow",

and Dark Chocolate Caviar . . .

and were sent home with their personal jar

of home made summer plum jam!

This was Rogue's 20th event!

(Wow.)

Pic Today 6/24/12

(NOTES FROM VIENNA)

STROLLING AND SHOPPING

AT THE "NASCHMARKT"

In 1898, Vienna decided to cover up its Vienna River.

The long, wide square they created was filled

with a lively market called the Naschmarkt

(translated "Munchies Market.")

This famous outdoor market has 2 parallel lanes --

one lined with cafe and eateries,

the other featuring Vienna's top-end produce.

(It's where chefs like to get their ingredients.)

Rare short-season white Marchfeld asparagas . . .

just picked berries and greens . . .

freshly fermented sauer kraut (so delicious) . . .

gourmet vinegars, truffles from Alba . . .

exotic fruits and mushrooms . . .

with cafe table views to take it all in.

This is Vienna's gourmet experience,

al fresco!

Pic Today 6/23/12

(NOTES FROM VIENNA)

FACE OF A

COFFEE CHAMPION

These are the faces of the world's

best baristas . . . champions & competitors . . .

my new friends.

Happy to meet, compete, learn

and share their passion for great coffee.

Viva la pasión!

(Tomorrow, cafés & markets of Vienna.)