BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE

I love the holidays more than you can imagine.  Being from California, the only thing you feel is the spirit and love.  In Shanghai, you feel the ice cold weather too.

When I complain about the weather, I get this response from locals:
"This is cold?"
"It is only going to get colder!"
"You better buy a heat blanket."

So, Santa - Please bring me warm clothes and a heat blanket this year.  I promise I was a good girl!

Until then, the second best cure to this weather is some warm food and a nice glass of red.  I am going to go for a glass of the Cliff Lede Cab Sav to warm me up.

AWESOME STREET FOOD WITH CLASSY WINE

When a person works in F&B, it is hard for them to get a night off.  Today was a special day. This is because my friends, that are constantly in their workplace around the clock, were able to take a break.  They came by the VPS showroom and we had a glass of wine with David Duckhorn.  After having a glass of wine, we grabbed another bottle of Radio-Coteau Pinot Noir and headed out to have dinner.  It was after nine and we could not find a proper sit down restaurant for dinner.  We all agreed that we should check out an area full of street food.  Oh my word, it was simply amazing.  PS, you should check out their restaurants - Madison Restaurant and GOGA.

A LITTLE READING DOESN'T HURT

I've been thinking about starting a wine book club.  You know, a group of ten girls... reading a sappy love story and over analyzing the choices the characters make throughout the novel.  Who's in?

THANKSGIVING IN SHANGHAI

This is the first year that I was not in the good old US of A for Thanksgiving.  It was very difficult to be away from my family during this special time. With many phone, skype and emails, I was able to get my family dose.  Another distraction was the great friends I have in Shanghai.  My friend, Christina, that works at the US Consulate invited me to her house to have Thanksgiving dinner.  It was a very intimate celebration with six people that work for the US Consulate in Shanghai and Beijing.  They made the turkey all the fixin' and I brought the wine.  We had a great time playing card games and relaxing.  Thank you to Christina for including me in your celebration.

DUCKHORN WINE DINNER AT THE STEAK HOUSE AT THE FOUR SEASONS

Send me an email, kelly.boysen@gmail.com, if you are interested in coming to one or both of these amazing wine dinners. (Sorry for the giant flyers, I just want to make sure you can read the menu).  Cheers!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I count my blessings everyday, but today is the day where I get to yell them out.  

-Great family and friends

-My health

-Amazing job

-Great food and wine

I am so excited to celebrate this day in a completely different country.  I keep asking my non-American friends what they are doing for the holiday, because I think everyone should celebrate the day of thanks.  Today I plan on going to a friends house and having some amazing food.  Can you guess what I'm in charge of bring for the party?  I'll let you know...

- County Line Pinot Noir

- Groth Chardonnay

- Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc

- Pine Ridge Cabernet

Did anyone notice something, besides the fact I am in charge of the wine?  Via Pacifica carries Pine Ridge, you may ask.  Starting in mid December we will be carrying some amazing new wines.  Wines from Pine Ridge, Seghesio and Forfront.  Life is good.  

236TH MARINE CORPS BALL

What an amazing experience and honor to have attended this event.  

In honor of Thanksgiving coming up, I am going to write what I am thankful for from the event:

- The Marines selecting Via Pacifica's wines to be served at the ball.

- Giving me an excuse to get a traditional Chinese dress made at the fabric market.

- Sgt Jason Castro for doing an incredible job putting the event together

- Nicole Vegas for being an amazing date

- The Marines (there are only six in Shanghai) to have us sitting at their table aka VIP table

- Sgt Cartez Dewberry for dancing the night away

- The US Marines around the world that served and are currently serving for our country.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM SHANGHAI

My friend, Nikki, came to Shanghai from California to visit me. We celebrated Halloween American and Chinese style this weekend.  We did not have costumes, so we went down to the fabric market.  To make it easy, we bought two beautiful silk robes.

We got back to my apartment and then we realized something, what are we suppose to be?  Well, we never figured it out, but went out anyways in our silk robes.  We had dinner at MAYA - Mexican Restaurant (my friend was already missing Mexican food).  After we went to the Marine Bar at the Ritz Carlton.  Both of which purchase wine from Via Pacifica.

Hangzhou 杭州 - Great American BBQ

Last month I was invited to pour at an event put on by the Agricultural Trade Office in Hangzhou.  This gorgeous city is a two hour drive outside of Shanghai and is definitely worth the drive if you are here. 
Back to the event.  The event was called the Great American BBQ.  There were stands from various American companies that sell in China (like Via Pacifica).  Some popular ones were Budweiser and Ocean Spray. My stand at the event was right on the water.  People on their paddle boats were trying to sneak into the event and also get a taste of the wine. They had an awesome band that played country and rock music.  There was also tons of food.  Unfortunately, I did not get to indulge in the food because I had to watch my booth. All in all, it was a great time and I cannot wait to go back to this beautiful city!

JUST A LITTLE JEALOUS

As you all know, I am having an amazing time in Shanghai.  Even though it is great, there are many things I do miss from California... one of which my family is doing this weekend.  My parents, my sister and brother-in-law are making a trip to Napa Valley.  They are visiting just a few of my favorite wineries in the area.  I am sure they are going to get great sandwiches from the Oakville Grocery and have a picnic in the high 70's, low 80's weather.  I cannot help to be jealous, because these wineries are not only gorgeous and they have fabulous wine.  Want to see where they are going?  

Duckhorn Vineyards

Cliff Lede Vineyards

Ehler's Estate

Have fun fam bam!  I'll be hiding under my umbrella in Shanghai this weekend (not complaining, I do love the rain).

EATING CHEAP IN SHANGHAI

Now that the weather is changing and Shanghai is not a sauna, I am finally craving warm food.  The location of my apartment is very local and I have a mass amount of great street food joints. I think I finally found my favorite neighborhood place. It normally cost me 11 RMB, which is under $1.75.

First you get to select all the veggies, meat, noodles, etc on your own.  You can get anything from duck blood to sausage.

My personal favorite combination is, cilantro, greens, lotus, mushrooms, ramen noodles, quail eggs, and sprouts.

Once you pick out your goods, you give your soup to this guy.

He then cooks everything in a giant hot pot full of broth.  

Then I get a fabulous soup that fills me up for lunch and dinner!  

MY OFFICE IS AWESOME!

The pictures say it all....

AIN'T NO THANG BUT A CHICKEN WING - AUSTIN'S BIRTHDAY

Austin is a really amazing guy, so we had to celebrate his birthday in a very amazing way.  He offered a special at his restaurant, Madison.  It was all you can eat chicken wings and free flow beer and wine.  After the beer and wine were flowing we hit up a KTV and rocked out the night.  I had such a blast with Austin and his friends.  I felt honored to be part of his birthday celebration.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUSTIN!