The Val d ‘ Orcia, featured today in the NY Times, is quintessential Tuscany and utterly romantic. Expect dreamy hills studded with cypress trees and ancient farmhouses; a smattering of gorgeous art cities and medieval towns in easy reach (Siena, Pienza, San Quirico D’ Orcia, Montepulciano, Montalcino); world class wine country (Brunello, anyone?); amazing cheese country (this is the land of Pecorino) and supremely atmospheric drives.
If you have not yet had the opportunity to visit this breathtaking region yet, then we cannot recommend it enough! This is also THE destination for special occasions- anniversaries, honeymoons, wedding proposals, family reunions…
A quick guide to the Val d’ Orcia for food and wine lovers:
WHEN TO GO: Autumn is the ultimate time to visit for wine lovers as the vineyards are at their most beautiful, the wineries have a real buzz, the weather is generally still sunny but deliciously fresh (perfect for the region´s rich red warming wines). Winter is very cold but a great time to enjoy the food and captivating landscapes without the stifling summer crowds. Spring is gorgeous. B&B Assisi Ottime soluzioni economiche per le vostre vacanze ad Assisi in selezionati bedandbreakfast. WHERE TO STAY: You can use a few different places as bases, either in town or countryside. We love the Grand Hotel Continental in Siena for old world charm, the luxury Il Borgo at Castello Banfi (also a wine estate, near Montalcino) and the darling little Palazzo del Capitano in the delicious hamlet of San Quirico d’ Orcia.
WHAT TO DO: Wine tasting is obviously a big pull and many wineries open to the general public like Banfi, Barbi and Poggio Antico (which also has a great restaurant) in Montalcino. For visiting cult wineries (like Casanova di Neri) and more special visits, book a luxury private wine tour in Montalcino or lesser known Montepulciano. The artistic treasures in the towns of Siena and Pienza are also a “must”. Hiring a local art guide is a fantastic way to discover the local anecdotes and secret corners too. Renting a villa for a week in Val d´Orcia and spending quiet days cooking, shopping at local markets, wine tasting and relaxing is also an unforgettable way to enjoy the region to the fullest.
WHAT TO BUY: Rare Brunello, artisan cheeses, wild boar cured ham (prosciutto di cinghiale), Terracotta in Siena: and then fine products from other parts of Tuscany (olive oil from Lucca, hand made masks from Florence, antiques and gold from the countless markets, etc).
More info:
Italy travel tips
Wineries in Tuscany
Perfect Valentine’s Brunch
Ideas for a romantic brunch to celebrate Saint Valentine’s Day-
Brunch at home can be even romantic than dinner out, and is a wonderful idea for this Valentine`s weekend. But what to make? What wines to serve?
How to make it the perfect Valentine`s Day Brunch?
Begin the late morning with crèpes, rolled with strawberries and freshly whipped cream. You can stir in a chocolate or almond based Italian liqueur to the cream…
Toast with pink bubbly, we adore Pommery Rosé. Add to the feeling of special occasion with beautiful champagne glasses and rose petals on the tablecloth…
Continue with Lobster Bisque, a colorful, beautiful and very romantic dish…
This dish, believe it or not, pairs well with dessert wines such as the fabulous Barsac/Sauternes wines from Château Coutet…
Or, if you don’t want to do sweet wine before red wine, carry on with the champagne!
For the savory main course, how about delicate grilled baby lamb chops with rosemary?
… paired with something fabulous like Casanova di Neri`s Brunello di Montalcino. Oh, yeah!
and finish off your romantic Valentine`s day brunch with some kisses, Baci- the chocolate that says it all.
Best Wine Bars in Rome and 400 year anniversary of Caravaggio
by Simona Piccinelli, Italy specialist
At the very last minute, last week I decided to spend a few days in Rome with my friends, to visit the amazing exhibition Bacon and Caravaggio at the Galleria Borghese , waiting for the great Caravaggio exhibition at Scuderie del Quirinale to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the great artist’s death.
Having a very full schedule with art, churches and museums, we didn’t have much time to enjoy sit-down restaurants, so we decided to follow Mario Batali’s advice “I only eat at wine bars in Rome”.
The research was “exhausting” but yielded interesting results, so herewith- enjoy my personal list for the best wine bars in Rome:
1. Palatium – Via Frattina 94 (few steps from Via Condotti and Spanish Steps)
In spite of its location, it is not a tourist trap at all. Rather, it is the official “Enoteca Regionale del Lazio” , where you can find local (from Lazio region) high quality wines and food at good prices. You can have a glass at the bar, or sit in the adjoining room and also enjoy a light lunch.
2. Riccioli Café - Piazza delle Coppelle n° 10/a
Owned and run by Massimo Riccioli (chef of the prestigious La Rosetta restaurant), it is also an oyster and sushi bar with a beautiful terrace. More than 300 wines to choose. For take away service, don’t miss Rosticcerì.
3. Roscioli - via dei Giubbonari, 21 (close to Campo dei Fiori)
This has always been my favorite, even if always crowded. Why? Perfect location, great choice of cheeses, bread and coldcuts, as well as lovely food from the cuisine.
4. Cul de Sac - Piazza Pasquino, 73 (close to Piazza Navona)
Founded in 1977, it offers more than 1500 wines, great choice of cheeses and coldcuts, tasty food from Rome (tripe, ox tail, carbonara) and other Italian regions. You can sit outdoors.
5. La Barrique – Via del Boschetto 41b (not far from the Quirinale)
Fabrizio Pagliardi will welcome you in this warm and cozy wine bar at any time of day and night, for a glass of wine or for some good food. You can take an aperitif (great choice of bubbly!), have a quick lunch, sit down for a nice dinner or come for a dessert post theatre.
6. Casa Bleve - via del Teatro Valle 48/49
Close to the Pantheon (even if the first Casa Bleve was founded in the Ghetto and it is still in via Santa Maria del Pianto 9-11), this is very elegant. The wine list is impressive and you can find whatever you would like to match with smoked fish, salads, cheese…
7. Enoteca Ferrara -- Piazza Trilussa 41
In the heart of lively Trastevere, a wine bar which is more than that! Different floors for the wine bar (best Rome wine bar in 2003 by Bibenda), cafè, restaurant (2 forks by Gambero Rosso), wine shop. Ask Andrea to pour you one of the 25 wines they offer by the glass or choose one of 1000 wine bottles, you won’t be disappointed! They also have their own-designed glasses, that you can buy, if you like them.
8. Buccone - via di Ripetta 19/20
Very close to the Piazza del Popolo; at the end of the 19th century, it was Marquis Cavalcabò’s horse drawn carriages garage and then it became a “trattoria” at the end of WWII. Since1969, it has been owned by the Buccone family. The walls are lined with wine bottles and the ambiance is informal and warm. Great array of wines and good choice of food, like roast pork from Ariccia , aubergine parmigiana, soups and salads.
9. Il Simposio di Constantini - Piazza Cavour, 16 (close to the Vatican)
Elegant place, with a restaurant and wine shop. They also organize wine tasting classes. 4000 wines on the list!!!!!!!!!
10. Trimani — Via Cernaia 37B
Historic venue (they have been selling wine since 1821), great food and charming atmosphere.
11. Open Baladin – via degli Specchi, 5/6 – Rome
And what happens if after all that wine, you are craving something different? You go to Open Baladin and enjoy one of the artisanal biers on the menu 
12 Memorable Dishes of 2009- Remembering these dishes fondly
Notable eating in 2009- some of my favorite food experiences in Italy
by Simona Piccinelli, Italy specialist
Here is a compilation of the best dishes I tasted last year- a mix of high-end/creative/traditional/affordable/homey/expensive Italian cuisine:
1. Cuttle fish ink tempura style deep fried scallops with zucchini and clam sauce at Madonnina del Pescatore in the beautiful Marche region.
2. Fritto misto Piedmont style at Il Centro in Piedmont.
3. Suckling Pig from the Nebrodi mountains with chocolate sauce at Il Duomo in Sicily.
4. Spiedo alla Bresciana at Osteria del Maestrì in Lombardy.
5. Fiorentina (t-bone steak) with Tuscan style beans at Trattoria Toscana in Maremma.
6. Babà with wild strawberries at Torre del Saracino on the Amalfi Coast.
7. Traditional lasagne with Fassone breed beef at Locanda da Mariella in Emilia Romagna, gourmet heart of Italy.
8. Porcini mushrooms in grape leaves at Manuelina on the Italian Riviera.
9. Bread, black pepper and marsala wine risotto at D’O in Lombardy.
10. Vico tribute: monococco soup with cuttlefish ink, prawns tartare, mozzarella cream and basil at La Dispensa in Franciacorta.
11. Fish bbq at Taglio della Falce close to Ravenna.
12. Homemade tortelli di zucca with butter and sage made by my mum
Pizza Night: Wine Pairing Ideas
It’s January, it’s cold and miserable and you don’t feel like cooking tonight…
PIZZA night!
A pizza always hits the spot, but what to drink with it? Turn a simple Pizza night into a food and wine adventure with these fun pizza/wine pairing suggestions:
Margherita Pizza
Wine Pairing: Robust red from Puglia like Neprica (Tormaresca)
****
Pizza Bianca (White Pizza)
Wine Pairing: A big, buttery, wintery white from the Priorat region, like Mas d’ en Compte
****
Pizza Quatro Formaggi (Four cheeses)
Wine Pairing: Heavy, delicious white from Portugal’s unsung Alentejo region like Esporão Branco
****
Pizza with Anchovies
Wine Pairing: we love anchovy pizza with whites from Campania, especially Feudi di San Gregorio’s Falanghina
****
Pizza Capricciosa
Wine Pairing: an easy going Bordeaux like Château Teyssier, St Emilion.
****
Pizza Diavolo (with chili peppers/spicy salami)
Wine Pairing: a bright red from Italy’s beautiful Marche region like Moroder Rosso Conero
****
Pizza Funghi (with mushrooms)
Wine Pairing: Chianti would be perfect, something fabulous like Badia Passignano’s Riserva.
****
Pizza with Tonno (Tuna) and Olives
Wine Pairing: It has got to be from Sicily! Planeta’s La Segreta Rosso pairs well.
****
Do you have any other pizza/ wine pairing ideas to share?
Italy Top Chef’s Tour- Epicurean Travels in La Bella Italia
Simona Piccinelli, our Italian food and wine specialist has put together a fabulous suggested week-long itinerary for gourmets wanting to eat their way through Northern Italy’s best restaurants. Pour a glass of Italian wine, grab a notebook and read on….
DAY 1- Fly into Milan, pick up car and drive east to the Franciacorta wine region. Check into the Albereta Relais & Chateaux hotel, set amid a vineyard. Taste Franciacorta wines at La Dispensa or at the Bellavista estate. Tonight for dinner, enjoy dinner at your hotel in Gualtiero Marchesi’s phenomenal restaurant.
DAY 2- Drive to Bergamo, one of Northern Italy`s hidden gems. Explore the old town in the higher part of the city . Settle into a splendid lunch at 3 Michelin starred Da Vittorio. After lunch, take in some sightseeing in the città alta and head back to the Albereta wine resort.
DAY 3- On to Cremona, home of the Stradivarius and another delightful town off the main tourist track. Poke around the small town’s gorgeous churches and small museums and then head to the wonderful 3 Michelin starred Dal Pescatore for lunch. Mega treat. Digest your tasting menu on a charming walk through Mantova afterwards, yet another darling town and stomping grounds of the powerful Gonzagas.
DAY 4 – Shift gears and head to Lake Garda today. Drive to Torre del Benaco and take a cooking class with Andrea and Lara at Le Gemme di Artemisia which will be lunch. (This features in our Garda culinary weekend). Then visit the lake and head to Brescia, an unsung art town nearby where you can have a trendy aperitif. Dinner tonight could be at the beautiful 2 Michelin starred Miramonti L’Altro. Sleep at Albereta again tonight.
DAY 5 Work your way back to Milano today and visit the sights- cathedral, Brera, etc. Dine at the contemporary and hip 2 Michelin starred Sadler tonight. Sleep at the cute Petit Palais.
DAY 6- Drive south today to visit Pavia, with its stunning Certosa, monastic complex. Amazing and so close to Milan. Tonight for dinner, finish your top chefs tour of Italy with a divine cena at Trussardi. Sublime.
DAY 7- fly home and get your gym membership going again 
Top Bubbly Selections for New Year’s Eve from France, Italy and Spain
by Simona Piccinelli, Italy specialist
Is there any better way to celebrate New Year’s Eve than with bubbly? We certainly don’t think so!
So here is our selection of our favorite sparkling wines of the year- the perfect match for every mood, enjoy:
Speaking of sparkling wines, champagne is of course the king of bubbles and apart from well known maisons, like Krug, Bollinger, Ruinart, Veuve Cliquot, etc, we particularly love:
Champagne Tarlant - La Vigne d’Antan
This Champagne comes from ungrafted vines, just as they were before phylloxera, thanks to a unique terroir. 100% Chardonnay, improved on the yeasts for over 6 years, it is a great wine, elegant and aromatic. It has rich minerality, hints of apples and acacia flowers and suggestions of hazelnuts and almonds.
Champagne Larmandier Bernier – Premier Cru Nature Terre de Vertus
Single cru Champagne, 100% Chardonnay, vintage 2006, pas dosé (no sugar added). Few facts for this awesome Champagne except that it is delicate, fresh, with notes of flowers and chalkiness.
Champagne Mailly – Blanc de Noirs
Champagne vineyards
This Champagne is made of Pinot Noir only. It is complex, very elegant, with long finish.
Leaving France to the side for a minute, we also have some very good recommendations for you for Italian and Spanish bubbly:
Franciacorta region: Mosnel - Parosè 2004
A blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay for this unusual wine, pas dosè (no sugar added) and rosè, as the name suggests. It has pale onion-skin colour, aromas of wild berry and fresh spices, long-lasting finish. More on the Mosnel wine estate here.
Franciacorta region: Bellavista - Riserva Vittorio Moretti 2002
Mr Vittorio Moretti, the founder and owner of Bellavista winery, labelled this wine with his own name, to guarantee that it is the best of his production. Outstanding blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, it has character and personality.
The nose is elegant and concentrated, with aromas of peach, honey and white fruit. Fresh, mineral and intense.
Campania region: Feudi di San Gregorio – Dubl
A joint venture with the Champagne maestro Selosse gave life to these unusual sparkling wines from Irpinia – Campania, made with local grapes such as Greco, Falanghina and Aglianico. More on Feudi.
Penedès region: Cava Parés Baltà – Cuvée de Carol 
100% Chardonnay for this boutique cava, with intense yellow golden color, intense aroma of fruit and creamy taste. More on this FABULOUS estate here.
Penedès wine region: Cava Agusti Torello – Kripta Gran Reserva 2003
A real masterpiece, made with 45% Macabeo, 23% Xarel-lo and 32% Parellada. It ages 4 years and it is complex, structured, with hints of ripe fruit and light toasted notes.
Cava Segura Viudas – Brut Vintage Cava
Aged in bottle for 3 years, it is made only in exceptional vintages.
Cheers!
Terroir 2009 – Merano Wine & Culinaria Award
Merano Wine & Culinaria Award
by Simona Piccinelli, Italian wine specialist
For the very first time, Mr Helmut Köcher - President of Gourmet International – presented the “Terroir 2009″ award during the 18th edition of the International Wine Festival & Culinaria in Merano, Italy.
The prize rewards the wines that best express the connection with their terroir.
17 wines were granted the Terroir 2009 – Merano Wine & Culinaria Award:
1. Zymè, Amarone della Valpolicella 2003
2. Wiengut J. Hofstätter, Kolbenhof Gewürztraminer 2008
3. Dorigo, Picolit 2007
4. Ca’ del Bosco Vintage Brut 2005
5. Adami, Prosecco del Casel Extra Dry
6. Podere Rocche di Manzoni, Barolo Cappella S. Stefano 2005
7. Giacosa Bruno, Roero Ameis 2008
8. Buranco, Cinque Terre Sciacchetrà 2007
9. Mattia Barzaghi – Zeta Project, Vernaccia di S. Gimignano Zeta 2008
10. Testamatta, Testamatta 2007
11. Cantina Zaccagnini, Clematis Passito 2004
12. D’Angelo, Aglianico del Vulture 2007
13. Marisa Cuomo, Costa d’Amalfi Furore Fiorduva 2007
14. Mille & Una, Dolce & Nero 2006
15. Graci, Etna Quota 600 2007
16. Argiolas, Vermentino di Sardegna Is Argiolas 2008
17. Carlo Pellegrino, Marsala Vergine Riserva del Centenario 1980
Tasting wines at the elite 2009 International Wine Festival & Culinaria – XVIII edition
By Simona Piccinelli, Italian wine specialist
The 18th edition of the Merano International Wine Festival & Culinaria last month, crowned Merano as “the Italian capital of gastronomic excellence“. The Kurhaus – where the wine tastings took place - opened its doors to wine lovers, gourmet and trade on Saturday November 7th, for 3 days. In spite of the hefty price tag, more than 5,000 visitors, including 300 journalists from all over the world as well as many importers, filled the 8th century palace, exclusive meeting point where you could taste the top wines of the highest quality and meet the producers and wine personalities themselves, rather than their reps or sales people.
Wine Festival & Culinaria- Photo Cred Wino Blog
I tasted many, many, many wines (in this 18th edition of Merano Wine Festival, there were 322 Italian wineries and 142 producers from France, Slovenia, Germany, Austria, etc) and here are the ones that I felt in love with and would love to see in my own cellar (keep an eye out for upcoming posts on French and sparkling wines):
Kante – Friuli- 2003 Malvasia
A special edition and a special label for the 2003 vintage of this dry wine from native grape Malvasia, simply impressive! It’s a unique wine that surely strikes all great white wine lovers.Round and flavorful with hint of apricot, honey and nuts, it offers also mineral aromas.
Renato Keber – Friuli-2005 Tocai Friulano Zegla
A great character, Mr Keber, for a great wine! Made with 100% Tocai Friulano grape, this wine is macerated with the skins for 24 hours, improves for 12-14 months in 500 litre casks and for 6 months in steel. It is an explosion of flavours and emotions when you smell and taste it: pear, apricot, almonds, white flowers … If you find it, grab it!
Nando – Slovenia-2006 Rebula
Poderi Luigi Einaudi - Piedmont-2005 Barolo Nei Cannubi
A quick “hi” to Barbara and Matteo from this lovely, historic estate in Piedmont was the occasion to taste this single vineyard Barolo. Barolo is one of my passions and sometimes it is undervalued by consumers looking for ready-to-drink wines, as you need to let it age to taste it at its best. This wine is elegant, fresh and dense; full of licorice, cherry, plums and spices, it is very well balanced.
Elio Grasso - Piedmont-2005 Barolo Gavarini Chiniera
Cupano – Tuscany-2004 Brunello di Montalcino
Ornella comes from hard-working Lombardy, Lionel is Frech: they are the heart of this organic winery near Camigliano. Founded in 1998, it is already on the right tracks for distinguished wines. This Brunello is powerful and deeply coloured; cherry, tobacco, plums and spices in the mouth, with stupendous tannins and a longlasting finish.
Capannelle - Tuscany-2005 Solare
It is always a pleasure to meet Manuele, the brilliant sales manager of this Chianti based winery. Ruby red colour, hint of plum, vanilla, almond. Velvety and full-bodied.
Rocca di Frassinello - Tuscany-2006 Rocca di Frassinello
Villa Matilde - Campania-2004 Camarato Falerno del Massico
This single vineyard red is one of the best wines from Villa Matilde. Great complexity, with berries, plums, licorice, cocoa, vanilla, tobacco and spices well balanced with elegant and luscious structure
Vinosia - Campania-2002 Taurasi Riserva Rajamagra
I cannot express the joy of meeting, after so many years, brothers Mario and Luciano Ercolino, who oversaw my first steps in the wine sector … and what a pleasant surprise their new wine adventure!! This Taurasi Riserva is full-bodied, powerful and smooth, look for it and keep it jealously, it will give terrific satisfaction in a few years …
And after the tastings, a visit to the Culinaria hall was a MUST
Culinaria- Photo cred Wino Blog
Prosciutto- Photo cred Wino Blog
Michelin stars in Italy 2010- hot news! New starred restaurants, closures and more
MICHELIN STARS IN ITALY FOR 2010
FOODIE NEWSFLASH: This very morning the 2010 edition of the Michelin Red guide for Italy was presented in Milan at the Triennale and we couldn’t miss it!!
by Simona Piccinelli, Italy specialist and Milan correspondent
Just as Gualtiero Marchesi did last year, Ezio Santin (chef and owner of the Antica Osteria sul Ponte in Cassinetta di Lugagnano) has decided not to be in the Michelin guide, as quote “after 33 years under examination, we don’t think a guide can improve our work”.
Is this a new trend of big “grand old men” chefs rejecting the Michelin?
Is Michelin losing its power and authority?
We don’t know and will keep our eyes peeled on this, but in the meantime we are happy to announce that the new 3 star restaurant in Italy, Da Vittorio, is also one of our favorites. Not only for the excellence of their cuisine, but also because the Cerea family happen to also be extremely nice, professional, and generous people. We worked with them during some events and catering and I can really say that they have a special place in my heart!
So “bravo” to Francesco, Bruna, Chicco, Raffaella and Bobo! Father Vittorio (who passed away 4 years ago) would be so very proud of all of them.
The other 3 stars are a carry over from last year, so nothing new to report there. Here is the list of our faves and the dishes we liked most and would kill to try again:
1. Dal Pescatore di Canneto sull’Oglio (Mn)
chef Nadia Santini
Dishes:
Tortelli di zucca
Frog Legs with herbs
2. Enoteca Pinchiorri di Firenze
chef Annie Feolde
Dishes:
All about Burrata
“Agnolotti” filled with polenta and tossed with scampi, tomatoes and black olives
3. La Pergola di Roma
chef Heinz Beck
Dishes:
Lamb with artichokes with garlic purée, sweetbreads and pecorino cheese
Tortelli filled with lamb tossed with pecorino cheese and mint
4. Le Calandre di Rubano (Pd)
chef Massimilaino Alajmo
Dishes:
Cuttle fish cappuccino
Roquefort cheese mousse with iced strawberry crust
5. Al Sorriso di Soriso (No)
chef Luisa Valazza
Dishes:
Sorriso risotto, a dream come true for risotto lovers (like me!) with prawns, artichokes, pine nut kernel and saffron
Fassone beef braised with Barolo sauce
New 2 stars in Italy:
Antica Corona Reale – Cervere (Cuneo)
Piazza Duomo – Alba (Cuneo)
Il Pellicano -Porto Ercole (Grosseto)
La Madia – Licata (Agrigento)
Met dell’Hotel Metropol – Venezia
Il Mosaico – Casamicciola Terme, Ischia (Napoli)
Il Trenkerstube – Tirolo (Bolzano).
New restaurants with 1 star in Italy:
Andreini – Alghero (Sassari)
Kleine Flamme – Vipiteno (Bolzano)
Ortica -Bedizzole (Brescia).
Maxi – Vico Equense (Napoli).
Roof Garden – Bergamo
Vicolo Santa Lucia – Cattolica (Rimini).
L’accanto -i Vico Equense.
Baldin -Genova.
Hotel Cinzia (Vercelli).
Al Vigneto – Grumello del Monte (Bergamo).
Osteria del Pomiroeu – Seregno, Milano.
Sissi – Merano.
Antonello Colonna – Roma
Glass Hostaria – Roma.
Castel Fragsburg – Freiberg (Merano).
La Fenice – Ragusa
Le Robinie – Montescano (Pavia).
La Meridiana – Piove di Sacco (Padova).
Caffè Le Paillotes – Pescara.
Hostaria del Mare (Modena).
Il Piastrino – Pennabilli, Pesaro.
La Fornace – Barbablu di Noli (SV).
La locanda di Bu – Nusco (Avellino)
MICHELIN STARRED RESTAURANTS IN ITALY CLOSE THEIR DOORS
What made such an impression on me was the number of Michelin starred establishments that closed this year:
4 Mori in Varese, Locanda del Palazzo in Barile (Potenza), Via romana in Bordighera (Imperia), La Bitta nella pergola in Genova, Vesta in Tivoli (Roma), L’Acquamatta in Capolona (Arezzo), Conti Roero in Monticelli d’Alba (Cuneo), Il Gallopapa in Castellina in Chianti (Siena), Terrazza in Montecchio di Crosara (VR), L’Arsenale in Cavegnano d’Adda (LO), Castello Banfi in Montalcino (Siena), Fini in Modena.
MICHELIN INSPECTORS
Have you ever wondered how to become a Michelin inspector? Each inspector travels over 30.000 km, has over 200 meals in restaurants and spends over 160 nights in hotels, per year. The majority of the inspectors come from hotel schools and/or is well-experienced in the hospitality business. After sending a request to the Red Guide, you will have a meeting with a senior inspector in a restaurant and after that you will have to write a report about restaurant details (service, mise en place, whether your neighbor´s plate was empty or not when he left, etc) and meal details (food quality, cooking, raw materials, etc). If you do a superb good job, you will spend some months in European restaurants with a senior inspector and finally you will be able to work on your own!
The 2010 guide will be released at all fine bookshops on November 26th.
Weirdest Museums in Europe- Fun ideas for museums out of the ordinary
Keeping things light:
Here are some of our suggestions for the weirdest and wackiest museums in Europe.
Enjoy this silly list, and feel free to send us your tips for weird museums or tourist attractions you have encountered while travelling in Europe-
1. Museum of Sewers, Paris
Info
2. Stockfish museum, Norway
Info
3. Phallus Museum in Iceland- seriously…
Info
4. Medieval Torture and Crime museum in San Gimignano, Italy
Info
5. The Fan Museum, England
Info
6. Moscow Cat Museum
Info
7. The German Leather Museum
Info
8. Bandit Museum, Ronda, Spain
Info
9. Witchcraft Museum, England
Info
10. Erotic Museum Amsterdam
Info
Where can I ask my girlfriend to marry me? 10 Unique Wedding Proposal Ideas in Europe
Are you thinking of popping the question and just can’t think of where to do it or how to make it special?
Do you want to organize the time of her life and cherish the memories of your proposal day forever?
Are you looking for a unique, incomparable, ultra romantic and creative wedding proposal idea?
Well, you have come to the right place! We are incorrigible romantics and have a few ideas that are sure to make her so impressed, she will say “yes”:
1). VERONA, ITALY- ROMEO & JULIET
Spend a night in one of the most romantic historic hotels in Italy- in the courtyard of Juliet’s house in Verona, booking the room “Il Cuore” at the magical “Il Sogno di Giulietta”, overlooking Juliet’s courtyard and balcony. In the morning, go out to your private terrace for a champagne breakfast where she will see a medieval style banner hanging from Juliet’s balcony, saying “Will you marry me?”. Below, a private serenade with local musicians will be the final coup de grace!
2). BARCELONA , SPAIN- JEEP RIDE THROUGH THE VINES & PICNIC
Your Mercedes will pick you up at your hotel in Barcelona and sweep you away to the Penedès wine country, about an hour south. Upon arrival to the wine estate, meet your charming hosts and hop into the jeep to tour the beautiful vineyards. Stop at a the 13th century hermitage on the property, at the hill´s summit and a romantic picnic will be set up for you. When the Cava bottle is popped, you can pop the question while looking out at the vast vineyards and Mediterranean sea in the distance. Follow with a private tour of the estate and celebrate with a glass of their excellent “Honeymoon”, an interesting single varietal wine, made with 100% Parellada, an aromatic Catalan grape.
3). DOURO VALLEY, PORTUGAL- WINE CRUISE
If you or your partner are port wine lovers, there is no better place to spend this special day than in the breathtaking Douro Valley. Stay at the luxury spa hotel Aquapura and about an hour before sunset take a private Rabelo cruise on the Douro River. These are replica Vintage boats traditionally used to carry the wine down the river from Douro to the lodges in Oporto. Sip chilled white port while taking in the views of the vineyards and colonial style Quintas. On one of them, a banner with “WILL YOU MARRY ME?” will be displayed when the boat passes by. When you get back to the hotel, rose petals will have been spread around your hotel room, and a bottle of bubbly awaits…
4). MADRID, SPAIN- WINE, ART AND ROMANCE
For art and wine lovers, Madrid is an interesting destination. Begin the morning with a private guided tour of the outstanding Prado museum with a focus on wine throughout the ages and in art. To follow, enjoy a supremely entertaining private wine tasting masterclass in a 19th century refined building with exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable hosts. Among the bottles lined on the table, one will have a custom made label saying “Will you marry me?” Your celebratory toast will be with the stunning Krpta cava.
5). VENICE, ITALY-PRIVATE COOK´S TOUR AND SUNSET GONDOLA
No woman can resist a man who cooks. So, why not organize a market tour and a private cooking class for the two of you as part of your vacation in Italy. Venice is the ultimate romantic destination and you can spend a day taking in a Rialto market tour with gourmet tastings and learn how to cook the perfect Italian meal! After the lunch with your private and charming chef, tasting your own creations, you will get a diploma. On your girlfriend’s one, it will read “Will you marry me?. Finish this unforgettable day with a gondola ride at sunset with bubbles on board!
6). TUSCANY, ITALY- HOT AIR BALLOON AT SUNRISE
As a day excursion from Florence to Siena, head to the Chianti wine country at dawn and watch the spectacular colors of the early morning over the olive groves and medieval villages as you float over this fairy tale land on your own private hot air balloon. When your champagne toast is served on board, a note will accompany the tray saying “Say yes and let´s have a reason to celebrate, marry me!” When you land, your driver will be waiting and you´ll spend a day in the wine country including an incredible Michelin starred lunch in a 14th century hamlet.
7). BORDEAUX, FRANCE- SUNSET PROPOSAL AT TOP CHATEAU
Spend a night at a gorgeous Chateau in Bordeaux´s left bank on the “Chateaux Route”, taking in a private dinner in the historic dining room. At sunset, go for a walk on the manicured grounds, and as you are served your aperitif by elegant waiter, the box for the ring will be presented with the wine along with a single rose. Voilà, the perfect moment to propose.
8). CHAMPAGNE, FRANCE-TOAST IN THE BIRTHPLACE OF THE WORLD´S BEST BUBBLY
Take a day tour to Champagne from Paris. After a morning of wine tasting, enjoy a gourmet aphrodisiac´s lunch on a private terrace facing the vineyards. Your waiter will be working with you on this, now when you select the wine, he will come back with a magnum bottle of champagne. On it your fiancée´s name will be painted on it, along with the message of your choice. A variation of the champagne theme can be a private “sabrage” in a champagne cave like at the beautiful Pommery cellar, where you will have the perfect private moment to propose.
9). PRIORAT, SPAIN- HELICOPTER WEDDING PROPOSAL AND WINE TASTING
If money is no object and you want to have the experience of a lifetime, spend a day visiting a top Priorat vineyard Costers del Siurana by private helicopter from Barcelona. When you arrive to the wine estate the owner himself will board the helicopter with you and you´ll get expert commentary on this gorgeous region with its terraced vineyards from the air. Land again and cruise the vineyards by landrover before carrying on to a vertical tasting of top vintages at the winery. An 8 course gourmet feast is next, each course paired with estate wines. When things can´t get any better, the dessert will be presented, with the ring inside the tart. Absolutely fantastic way to propose.
10). ROSS CASTLE, IRELAND- PRIVATE BOAT AND PROPOSAL IN MYSTICAL LAKE
Your driver and vintage Rolls Royce will collect you at your hotel in Ireland´s Kerry or Cork regions and you´ll travel through idyllic landscapes to the ethereal Killarney lakes. Board a private boat at Ross Castle, and once you have sailed tot he middle of the lake, your gourmet picnic basket will be presented. Smoked organic salmon, artisan Irish cheeses, homemade Gubbeen oatcakes and of course a chilled bottle of champagne will be included. Present your lover with an Irish Claddagh ring as the engagement ring…
More great ideas of how to pop the question:
* Treasure Hunt in a Castle
* Horsedrawn Carriage Proposal
* Horseback riding at sunset through the vineyards
* Private dinner in a vineyard
* Venetian Carnival and Masquerade Dance Proposal
More info: Cellar Tours offer fabulous custom designed marriage proposal tours
