This was always one of our favorite mornings of the year when we lived in Amsterdam…the second Sunday in November, Sinterklaas arrives via steamship from Spain!! People gather on bridges, streets and boats to celebrate his annual arrival!

In the Netherlands, Saint Nicholas’ Eve (December 5, he also shares my birthday!) is THE holiday tradition and time of gift-giving. It celebrates Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children and sailors. Sinterklaas wears a long red cape, white bishop’s dress and hat, holds a long gold staff and carries a big book that tells whether each child has been nice or naughty this year. He is said to be very rich, lives in a castle in Spain, and likes to give presents on his birthday rather than receive them.

Sinterklaas’ helpers are “Zwarte Piet” (or Black Pete) and come from Saint Nicholas’ past. (A VERY suprising sight when you see them the first year but once you know the story you get it!) The story says 3 small Moorish boys were sentenced to death for a crime they did not commit. The bishop intervened and they were saved. To show their gratitude, the boys stayed with Sinterklaas to help him on rooftops on Sinterklaas night to deliver presents. Their black skin being from their Moorish background.

Traditionally, in the weeks between Sinterklaas’ arrival and December 5, before children go to bed they put their shoes next to the fireplace or door with a carrot or some hay for his white horse, Amerigo. The next day they will find some candy or a small present in their shoes from a Zwarte Piet or Sinterklaas himself if they’ve been good. If they’ve been naughty the story says Sinterklaas and his Black Petes carry willow branches in their sack to spank them. Or worst case is they’re put in the sack and taken back to Spain for the rest of year (take me!).

Today’s celebration, in addition to his arrival via ship from Spain, welcomes Sinterklaas to town with a parade… he rides Amerigo through town and his Zwarte Piet throw candy and small, round, ginger bread-like cookies, called pepernoten or kruidnoten, into the crowd from their big sacks (YUM!).

Sinterklaas is even the basis for the North American Santa Claus. It is often claimed that during the American War of Independence the inhabitants of New York City, a former Dutch colonial town known then as New Amsterdam, reinvented their Sinterklaas tradition, as Saint Nicholas was a symbol of the city’s non-English past.

Presents, cookies, candy and even a possible trip to Spain… what’s not to love! Check it out if you’re ever in Amsterdam mid-November!

Vinitalia!  This is about my favorite wine shop in Amsterdam and just turned me on to some great new Italians!

Vinitalia is a great little shop in the center of Amsterdam owned and run by Andrea. They have an exclusive collection from vineyards of Italy and their knowledge comes from years of personal experience from Andrea’s family winery in Piemonte called Goggiano & Co.

Two weeks ago I went for a wine night with my 3 best girlfriends in Amsterdam Natalie, Marijn & Jackie and boy does Andrea do a fabulous job!! In addition to hosting an amazing evening of antipasto perfectly paired with the selected wines, we tried these 4 new fantastic Italians!

We started with Monte Rossa Priva Cuvee Brut from Franciacorta. This sparkling wine is made of 85% Chardonnay & Pinot Bianco, 15% Pinot Nero which makes it very interesting. A floral and musty bouquet and full body taste from the oak aging vs the typical light Italian Prosecco. We paired it with wild boar salami, raspberries and a delicious cherry cookie.  Monte Rossa’s flavor changed with each… the raspberry pairing was my favorite. I gave this one 3 out of 4 stars.

Our 2nd white was Scaia Bianca 2007 from Tenuta Sant’Antonio.

This complex wine smells like a sweet Muscadet but tastes fresh and soft.  As Andrea says “the better the wine, the more complex.” Its made of Garganega 50%, Trebbiano Soave 30% and Chardonnay 20%. The Chardonnay grape is dried before added which gives it an added level of complexity. Wild boar sausage and mozzarella were great pairings and the grilled veggies made the wine even brighter.  4 out of 4 stars for me.

Our first red was Piasi 2006 from Andrea’s family vineyard in northern Italy, Goggiano. Its made from Barbera d’Asti grapes and aged in oak barrels.  Due to its long cellar life, strict selection process and excellent vintage, this wine can boast the title “Superiore.”  The bouquet was one of berries and vanilla with a cherry fruity taste. 3 out of 4 stars.

Last but certainly not least was Harmonium 2006 from Firriato in Sicily.  This 100% Nero d’Avola was a favorite of my friends. Andrea commented with his sip “wine is liquid music!” It has a deep dark ruby color with red fruit bouquet and black cherry caramel taste. 3 out of 4 stars.

Andrea does the wine tastings by appointment in a cute cozy room above his store. He picks out the wines with you and he’ll give you as much or as little information as you want throughout the evening’s tasting. The price is fantastic… usually about €40-50 per person. The spread is delicious with cheeses, meats, roasted veggies, breads, crackers, desserts.

Its not just a wine tasting, its a fabulous meal and always a fantastic time!

This is our 4th Christmas season in Amsterdam and by far my favourite tradition is Sinterklaas, who arrived today via steamship from Spain!! People gather on bridges and boats, even in today’s pouring rain, for his arrival!

In the Netherlands, Saint Nicholas’ Eve (December 5, he also shares my birthday!) is THE holiday tradition and time of gift-giving. It celebrates Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children and sailors. Sinterklaas wears a long red cape, white bishop’s dress and hat, holds a long gold staff and carries a big book that tells whether each child has been nice or naughty this year. He is said to be very rich, lives in a castle in Spain, and likes to give presents on his birthday rather than receive them.

Sinterklaas’ helpers are “Zwarte Piet” (or Black Pete) and come from Saint Nicholas’ past. (A VERY suprising sight when you see them the first year but once you know the story you get it!) The story says 3 small Moorish boys were sentenced to death for a crime they did not commit. The bishop intervened and they were saved. To show their gratitude, the boys stayed with Sinterklaas to help him on rooftops on Sinterklaas night to deliver presents. Their black skin being from their Moorish background.

Traditionally, in the weeks between Sinterklaas’ arrival and December 5, before children go to bed they put their shoes next to the fireplace or door with a carrot or some hay for his white horse, Amerigo. The next day they will find some candy or a small present in their shoes from a Zwarte Piet or Sinterklaas himself if they’ve been good. If they’ve been naughty the story says Sinterklaas and his Black Petes carry willow branches in their sack to spank them. Or worst case is they’re put in the sack and taken back to Spain for the rest of year (take me!).

Today’s celebration, in addition to his arrival via ship from Spain, welcomes Sinterklaas to town with a parade… he rides Amerigo through town and his Zwarte Piet throw candy and small, round, ginger bread-like cookies, called pepernoten or kruidnoten, into the crowd from their big sacks (YUM!).

Sinterklaas is even the basis for the North American Santa Claus! It is often claimed that during the American War of Independence the inhabitants of New York City, a former Dutch colonial town known then as New Amsterdam, reinvented their Sinterklaas tradition, as Saint Nicholas was a symbol of the city’s non-English past.

Presents, cookies, candy and even a possible trip to Spain… what’s not to love! Check it out if you’re ever in Amsterdam mid November!