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Eating an Iberian ham flauta and beer at Viena on the Ramblas in Barcelona.

Eating an Iberian ham flauta and beer at Viena on the Ramblas in Barcelona.

This is a great topic, and a question that I get asked a lot by friends who a want to increase their wine knowledge. The two I recommend the most are the Andrea Immer Robinson & Kevin Zaraly books, but for diffrent reasons. I like the layout of the Zaraly book with it's blurbs in the margins and it gives a great overview of the specific areas (I must add I did take the actual class). My only reservation with it is if you try follow the lessons of the actual class at home, you would spend a small fortune on the recommended wines, if you could find all of them, but it is a really good reference book, and Mr. Zaraly is a wonderful teacher. I like the Robinson book because it's a little more "friendly" for a newcomer to wine, plus it give you a range of recommendations in different price points to let you try different styles of wines. That being said, I own both books and have given them both as gifts to wine loving friends.

Sabra Supremely Spicy is my fave! Love it with raw veggies, especially califlower. Wish I had some now!!

Yes, don't miss El Xampanyet! I went on a Sunday afternoon and it was packed with locals, but an awesome experience. Also, stop by Viena on the Ramblas. Great for jamon sandwich and a beer.

Barca is the best!

Cook's Illustrated has a good recipe. I make it a couple times a year for some family functions. The key is fresh lime juice (forget the bottle) and use the zest! As much As I like Ina Garten's recipes, and have had great success with them, I would not add sugar to a Key Lime Pie, unless you like it really sweet. My fam prefers it on the tart side.