The Winds Blog
Of Spain and the Birthdays of Beloved Friends
March not only signals spring but also here at the Winds Café it is the beginning of one of my favorite food and wine promotions. It is no secret to Winds readers; I love almost everything Spanish…Gaudi, El Greco, flamenco, tapas, olives, Pedro Almodovar, Lorca, Antonio Banderas, cava, the language and most of all the people. Spain is a large country by European standards, a little smaller than Texas (although I’d rather use another state for comparison, but I digress). Within the country, there are various dialects as well as completely different languages. I remember during my first visit I wanted to have, what I thought was the quintessential Spanish food experience, paella. I didn’t realize how regional cuisine worked and expected to order paella anywhere. Well, although polite, I quickly figured out paella was a Valencian specialty and soon realized how localized cuisine is in Spain... Lamb or goat in the rocky hills of Jumilla compliment the dark Monastrell wines of the region, roast suckling pig with Rioja or pristine shellfish and the tangy, crystalline Albariño.
Two of my favorite people in the whole, wide world turn fifty this month. My dear Pisces friends, Kim and Joyce. Having these two in my life for 30 years is one of my greatest blessings. They have and continue to sustain me through the many ups and downs of restaurant life; we have witnessed the births and lives of our children, deaths of friends and family and the unimaginable joys and sorrows of life. We can talk everyday or not for a month, but I always know if I need them, they are only a phone call away. Happy Birthday you two, I don’t know what I would do without you.