Are you a wine lover? Do you like to discover new tastes while sipping a nice glass of white or red? Do you enjoy to end up a dinner with a sweet touch of dessert wine? Or …do you indulge meditation?
Here several good reasons to visit the Euganean Hills, to get acquainted with the local wines, starting from the typical Fior d’Arancio, a very golden Moscato to a variety of whites with the typical straw-yellow color and jasmine scent, The hills produce Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon reds, the Chardonnay, , the Merlot, to my fav, the sparkling Serprino
Where to stay
Abano Ritz Hotel
Abano Terme is famous worldwide as the “Thermal Baths of Venice”, thanks to the extraordinary curative qualities of the thermal water and the bio-thermal clay or aged mud: a true medicine without side effects. At AbanoRitz boasts two swimming pools, the SPA, wellness rituals and culinary experiences at our 3 restaurants; immersed in a territory that offers a wealth of culture and folklore, as well as golfing and other sports.

Where to eat
Antica Trattoria Taparo in Torreglia, since 1921.
Not to be missed the ‘baccalà itinerary’ stockfish cooked in 3 different ways.
Al Sasso in Teolo, celebrated for his one and only fried chicken, which (unfortunately ) I could not try… Instead I had an elaborate pasta dish, tagliolini with morchella mushrooms and snails.


What to visit
Villa Barberigo, Valsanzibio. A sumptuous residence dated 1600, so spectacular that has been renamed the little Versailles. Get lost in the amazing labyrinth garden.



Cini Castle, Sanctuary of the Seven Churches and Villa Duodo in Monselice
At the foot of the Colle della Rocca there rises an imposing architectural complex called Castello Cini, which incorporates several diverse types of building. 
From the XI to the XVI centuries the castle has changed from a luxurious residence, to defensive tower to become a Venetian villa. The Council Hall with frescoes and wooden stalls on the walls,
the room Jacopino with bevelled fireplace and kitchen with a rich collection of tools in the medieval and Renaissance Romanesque House;
the Armory, a precious room with frescos walls and the Carrara motif of red and white checkerboard which contains one of the most important collections of arms and armours in Italy.


Photo Enrico Paggiaro
Located in Battaglia Terme, close to Padua, with 360 rooms, decorated by the amazing GianBattista Zenotti’s frescos, this castle is considered among the most unusual of the Villas in Veneto, it has served as a mansion, ducal palace and imperial residence. conceived in 1570 by the wealthy Obizzi family as
theatre to receive and amuse their guest.
Glamorous balls, sea battle scenes, huge theatrical productions…in a way hey were one of the greatest party planners of all ages.

Photo Art New Media
Where to stop
Arquà Petrarca one of the most beautiful Italian burg, included on the prestigious list of Parchi Letterari Italiani (Italian Literary Parks), those locations that where celebrated in the italian and international literature by famous authors. The quiet and enchanting beauty of the Euganean Hills has been an iinspiration for writers, poets and artists, Bruce Chatwin, Shelley, Byron, and Foscolo, narrates theses inspiring places that vibrate of beauty, passion, and poetry. Unique colors, flavors and scents bring to the attention of environmental oases, ancient abbeys, castles, villas, country retreats and other excellent stages.
Visit the village where the iconic poet Francesco Petrarca Francesco Petrarca (1304-1374) lived and the house that hosted his final days.


This Literary Park take you to a journey through an itinerary identified by 11 plaques t
hat portray sentences from different authors who immortalized the landscape and its heritage.
For more info
parco petrarca e dei colli euganei
c.baldin@confpd.it
Let’s…finally toast!
On the panoramic outdoor of the Villa Beatrice,
a former Convent founded in12th century, on the top of the hill, we tried the Quota 101 wines, I loved the Malterreno an authentic expression of the Euganei territory. Authentic and true. The grapes are hand-picked in September, when the sun has made them nice and ripe. Warm yellow color, scent of Summer, in the mouth it is velvety and well-structured.


Next stop at Paolo Brunello’s Cantina Vignale di Cecilia, located in Baone.
My fav was the white Val di Spie, an experimental trip in the world of sparkling wine, blinks its eye to the traditional natural fermentation in the bottle, while maintaining its natural yeasts, followed by the first born at Vignale, the red Passacaglia made with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Barbera boasting a long maceration as well as the handmade mixing of fermenting grapes.
In the evening I met with lovely Elisa Dilavanzo, owner of Maeli Colli Euganei featuring the yellow muscat
from these amazing volcanic hills,
where Elisa decided to “work towards the production of a wine that is rich in emotion whilst at the same time a worthy ambassador for this prestigious territory”.
Sparklyn Moscato Giallo IGT
Muscat 85% Chardonnay 15% Destemming and soft pressing, maceration on the skins for three days, pressing, fermentation on natural yeasts without added sulphites.
The wine is bottled on its own yeasts with in-the-bottle secondary fermentation using the original must following the time-honoured method.

Grand finale with a wide varIety of Zanovello wines, hosted by Mr. Franco Zanovello, President of La Strada del Vino and owner of Cà Lustra wines. I ended my journey with the iconic Passito, born in the year 1200. Only in the Euganean Hills that the 100% Fiori d’Arancio muscat grapes keep that strong Mediterranean character, cheerful and vigorous.
Intense aromas, thick and colorful skin, crunchy pulp,are the hallmarks of this archaic variety that likes bright and dry sites. It’s a farmer’s tradition to harvest the ripest grapes and let them dry on racks in the old barns with the dual aim of producing a strong sweet wine and rustic cakes for the spring-winter festivals. Its intensity and complexity allow it to enter the category of “meditation wine.”

Believe me, no many other places on earth would enrich a meditation time
like being on the top of one of the volcanic Euganean Hills,
specially after sipping a glass of a delicious volcanic wine…
Monselice, the Cini Castle,
Villa Duomo and the Seven Churches street

Dinner at Al Sasso in Teolo
Sunday Another castle , in Lispida , hosting the Volcanic Wines event
Sunday
Visit Castello Catajo, monumental palazzo hosting the Obizzi family.
Affrescos and room, outodoor , garden















The Non Tourist Tourist is famous for discovering hidden gems.

created not only an amazing five star resort, but also a unique wine nested in a unique bottle.
Made from the dorona grapes, that brings minerality and delicate flavors such as peach and apricot.
while hand-crafted glass bottle boasts a hand made label enriched by gold foil. The vegetable gardens and orchards are located on the estate property beside the vineyards, and they are tended to by nine pensioners from the neighboring island of Burano
Above : a delicious branzino with vegetables and ‘garusoli’ (sea sneals)
Venissa Resort boasts room and suites, each differently decorated. Private bathroom with robes, hairdryers, and vanity set, free Wi-Fi, minibar, safe, A/C. My room had exposed-beam ceilings, parquet floor, various accent of China and vivid colors.
A gourmet breakfast is served in the patio, while the Ristorante was serving a menu prepared by four Chefs, each of them specialized in his own territory: entreès, first dishes, main courses and desserts. 


Matteo Bisol enchanted me with the history of his family, dated back to 1542, producing the renowned Valdobbiadene Prosecco and Desiderio, the patriarch of the family, nicknamed Jeio.



Moët Ice Impérial
located in the heart of the shopping area of this other city that never sleeps!


We didn’t taste much, but what we did was bordering perfection: a double espresso for me served piping hot revealing perfectly roasted beans, intense flavor, regrettably often confused with burnt flavor… Not here! But as an Italian, Cesare has probably more expertise than the French when it comes to coffee tasting. Well, let’s just say that his macchiato brought a big smile to his face. Both our beverages were the perfect companions
A+ here: top and bottom both crumbly and soft; hazelnut buttercream in between intense in flavor, not too sweet, cold but not chilled. As you arrive into the air conditioned hotel after facing the heat and commotion of town, relax there for a moment of poised, simple luxury. On your way out, arm yourself with a double shot espresso to hit the road full of fresh energy.
You have your classic western treats from eggs cooked to your liking with all the usual accoutrements to an array of breads straight up from Zing, moist muffins, jams, yogurts, cereals and various freshly squeezed juices. But you are in Bangkok and the more local and Asian at large treats are there to surprise the visitors from abroad and content the locals who should want to feel at home.
Cesare and I were immediately tempted to enjoy a bowl of clear soup with your choice of noodle (thin or flat, rice or wheat) and various topping such as fresh baby bok choy, mini meat or fish balls, green onion, fried garlic and fresh chili for those who need a kick start besides the excellent coffee served to order. What a healthy way to start the day! A clean broth to hydrate your body in a savory way. There is also the ubiquitous congee, the boiled rice porridge typical of Southern China, but that you will find throughout Asia. Throughout our trip in Thailand and Cambodia, Cesare indulged in this soothing white breakfast staple we found each time at different levels of thickness. If the clear noodle soup is an adult get up and go type of thing, congee is as soft as a childhood memory allowing you to transition from the night to the day in a gentle way. To my opinion the one served here at the World was the best with a perfect flavor and texture and the selection of toppings were great.
I loved to add a little kick to it with shreds of fresh ginger and a little dried shrimp or fish, as to prove that I’m no longer a baby! But wait, the soups are only the beginning for your Asian delights: over there are the dim sum (essentially the traditional pork siu mai and shrimp) hakkao and then various
Wait! Is this breakfast or lunch?
Let me be frank, I was skeptical: throughout my travel, I’ve experienced numerous tapas bars which seemed to embody more of a marketing ploy than a true culinary experience: small plates of faint resemblance to their Spanish model that you pile up desperately trying to find one better than the one before for a rather hefty bill at the end of a mediocre meal made of mitch match oily preparations.
Well, I was in for a big surprise. Uno Mas once again confirmed that the hotel was serious about the food and beverage offerings. For one thing, the chef is from Catalonia so authenticity is taken seriously. A cava sangria was served perfectly chilled and well-flavored with citrus and fruit. It was well balanced, but as I tend to like all mixed drinks on the dryer side, I asked if a little extra cava could be added to alleviate de sweetness. No problem at all, the demand was met with a smile. Service is top notch.
Wow, this bitesize treat will stay in my mind for quite some time.


very well done, perhaps a bit out of context in the tropics, but, as established for breakfast at The World, we are soup aficionados, anytime, anywhere! Here, we were transported to our native France and Italy by the magic of the chef.
But, fun we had, the quality of the ingredients was definitely there and matched the mood of the place. Those who want the party to go on can take the elegant staircase
one floor higher to the Red Sky Bar which remains open until 1 am offering a 360-degree view of the cityscape. Imperial mojito anyone as a nightcap? Or would you prefer to go yet above and discover, at the very top of the building, the newly opened Cru Champagne Bar for exclusive French bubbles to wrap the night on a high-end note? You could also start your night there since this unique venue opens at 5pm offering delicacies to go with your selection of vintage champagne, from freshly shucked oysters, to Caspian Sea caviar and French foie gras. We didn’t have a chance to go, but we definitely will upon our next visit…







There are good things about staying at a hotel that is NOT particularly meant for tourists and that ISN’T in the touristic hub of town.
That is a change right there that you will not get from checking in the most popular touristic TripAdvisor foreign based venues.
Grandiose lobby, courteous check-in, impeccable service and comfortable room with all amenities. Not to mention, a 24 hours business center a well equipped Spa, and a surprising swimming pool with ‘elephant fountains’ 

Outstanding by the luxury of the ingredients used or the diversity of the offerings?
That’s not the point. The striking element was actually constraint. Less can be more. It is an asset to know just how many things one can get right and serve at its best of freshness.
I will bring that to your table in a couple of minutes”.



















GET FIT , MILAN
Milan Fashion Week. September 2017 The shortest interview: ROSSELLA JARDINI

MILAN MEN 2017. REMIX: THE GREATEST PARTY WITH KING GIORGIO


Their delicacy and uniqueness were also seen as a precious trait.







A rubber bracelet that looks like a bricklayer’s classic nail?




Worst look for men: Pantaloni corti e rigati, ma per favore…Worst Donna Summer impersonation:a guest at Rosella Jardini
Best Jungle location: PIAZZA PIEMONTE Best look in the street : A Shade inspired Madame 
ANTONELLI does EAST!
Within this framework, the opening of a series of shop-in-shops is planned, including the inauguration of three in Tokyo. The Japanese debut comes just a few months after the agreement with the Korean group Parco International for the opening of at least seven Antonelli Firenze brand shop in shops over the next 5 years

It ‘s a great book with never seen before images of the Diva… including this beautiful , candid, intimate and lovely moment of Liz while cooking … 












Milan Fashion Week September 2016 Women Collections






















22 year old Italian

The nail is the symbol of work and this is why only prime quality materials are used and the entire production process is carried out in Italy, guaranteeing a prime quality finished product. From 22-28 Euros and, obviously, one size fits all. 




Best bouncer: da PIAZZA SEMPIONE, quasi un Matt Dillon 18 anni.
Worst look for men: Pantaloni corti e rigati, ma per favore…
Worst Donna Summer impersonation:a guest at Rosella Jardini
Best Jungle location: PIAZZA PIEMONTE Collection
Worst man suit: No more mustard pleeeease
Best look in the street : A Shade inspired Madame
Best backpack ever : Rossella Jardini Collection 