Eat, Drink and Be Merry! Our 2010 kickoff of Brew City Beauty features world traveler Erica van Heerden. Author of the blog Erica’s Choice, she weaves her excursions of business and pleasure into posts that break down the best an area has to offer in food, wine and fun. Originally from South Africa, Erica’s appreciation and understanding of wine was cultivated through friendships in Wisconsin. Read on to find out what she thinks of life and beauty in the Midwest.
Erica running UW Madison Half Marathon 2009
How did Milwaukee become your current home?
After completing my degree at UW-Madison, I moved to Milwaukee and I’ve been here ever since.
What do you do?
After starting my career in public accounting I now work in Internal Audit for a Fortune 500 company in the area. On the side I have a website where I blog about restaurants, wine & travel.
Marital Status?
not married
South Africa is no stranger to great wines. How did Wisconsin help develop your inner sommelier into EricasChoice.com?
I always enjoyed wine, however it’s in Wisconsin where I had the opportunity to live with a couple that have studied and collected wines for over 25 years. During this time in my life we tasted and analyzed a wine daily and my true love for wine was born.
What are your top wine/food choices for holiday fare?
Similar to my thoughts on Thanksgiving, during times of festivities such as Christmas and New Years, and especially given the numerous types of meals served during these times, drink the wine that you enjoy most. I love full bodied reds, so my personal recommendation (for good value wines) include tasting a Petit Syrah, Syrah, a Napa Cab, or a Spanish Rioja.
With so many opportunities to eat out, do you enjoy cooking at home?
I love to cook! Unfortunately I don’t do it often enough! I like to use fresh ingredients and enjoy making pasta, salmon and chicken dishes. I also make a stellar roasted leg of lamb. And of course, no meal is complete without a fresh salad.
Zhouzhuang Village, China Review
What does Milwaukee mean to you?
Milwaukee to me is a breath of fresh air. No matter where I travel to over the world, it is always nice to come home to this easy, down to earth city filled with character.
What does beauty mean to you?
Beauty comes from within. Beauty is captured in the eyes of a person and reflected through the deeds that they do. Another thing that I love is seeing those around me live their passions and making one of those passions to include physical activity and generally taking care of one self.
What is your approach to beauty? (philosopy, brands or activities)
I strongly believe in healthy eating and physical activity. I’m a runner and have been able to run no matter the hours I work or where I travel. Running is my solace since it enables me to dine out and try different cuisine without having to worry about packing on the pounds. I use Olay products primarily otherwise.
How do you get beautiful in Milwaukee?
I do my hair at DiCarlo Salon on Water street and also like to go to Neroli Spa in the Third Ward for all other necessities.
Follow Erica on Twitter at @ericavh and Erica’s Choice blog.
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