Firenze:
La nostra prossima meta è lo splendido Palazzo Portinari Salviati, casa natale di Beatrice., la Musa di Dante. Scopriremo un mondo “gourmet” davvero stellare che ospita la Sala Beatrice, l’ambiente multifunzionale nato per ospitare eventi privati e meeting di lavoro,  il Salotto Portinari Bar & Bistrot dominato dalla statua originale di Cosimo 1 dei Medici, che ospita un ristorante per un pranzo di lavoro o una cena  informale, un cocktail bar un drink d’autore e caffetteria anche solo per sorseggiare un ottimo caffè.

Infine il ristorante stellato Chic Nonna di Vito Mollica, all’interno dell’affrescata Corte degli Imperatori, ricca di affreschi, mosaici, possenti colonne e una storica fontana al centro della sala, insomma  un ambiente mozzafiato, dove il personale di sala vi accompagnerà al vostro tavolo.

Chic Nonna è stato premiato con un Premio Speciale ai TheFork Awards 2022 per “avere dimostrato la forza e la brillantezza nel chiudere una lunga esperienza di 25 anni e rimettersi in discussione con un progetto altrettanto ambizioso e ricco”,  Chic Nonna (Stella Michelin) offre un menu alla carta e due menu degustazione, oltre a una proposta di vini in abbinamento.

Ho incontrato Vito Mollica per una simpatica intervista

Salve Vito, il suo primo ricordo in cucina?
Da subito, da piccolo. La mia era una famiglia contadina e l’attività casalinga si  svolgeva soratutto in cucina: tante zie intente a cucinare, camino acceso, la “pignata”  di fianco con l’ordine di non toccarla mai, visto che , come tutti i bambini , avevo sempre fame ed ero curiosissimo.

Quando è scattata la scintilla professionale?
In diverse “fasi”: la prima prima a vent’anni, quando frequentavo la scuola a Casargo , in provincia di  Lecco. Lì mi sono innamorato della vita del cuoco,  del fascino del viaggio, della possibilità di girare il mondo e conoscere culture e persone diverse.

Poi la fase milanese nel ristorante Mauro, dove si serviva tantissimo pesce fresco,  pwr proseguire nei grandi alberghi a Genova e Amsterdam dove avevo raggiunto una posizione di responsabilità. La scintilla “stellata” è arrivata a Londra per poi guidarmi a Firenze, una città che mi ha accolto in un modo bellissimo. Ho vissuto un lungo periodo con il gruppo Four Seasons con cui ho avuto la fortuna di aprire anche una bellissima struttura strutture a Praga di cui sono follemente innamorato anche perchè li sono nati i miei due figli

C’è un piatto a cui è particolarmente legato ?
Una pietanza veramente casalinga: i “cautarogni” di mia mamma Carmela, un tipo di pasta stascinata fatta a mano, mentre se penso a uno chef celebre ,mi viene in mente il meraviglioso capretto di Cesare GIaccone.
Uno dei suoi piatti preferiti?
I cavatelli cacio e pepe, insaporiti da gamberi rossi e calamaretti.

Se non fosse diventato chef…
(ride) Avrei fatto il cuoco!

LA RICETTA DI VITO MOLLICA
Cavatelli cacio e pepe, gamberi rossi e calamaretti spillo marinati
Per 4 persone

English version

FLORENCE, ITALY
Our next destination is the splendid Palazzo Portinari Salviati, Beatrice’s birthplace. We will discover a truly stellar “gourmet” world that houses the Sala Beatrice, the multifunctional space created to host private events and business meetings, the Salotto Portinari Bar & Bistrot dominated by the original statue of Cosimo 1 dei Medici, which houses a restaurant business lunch or an informal dinner, a cocktail bar for a signature drink and cafeteria, even just to sip an excellent coffee.

Select, raspberry mousse, orange and pear: a drink created by Dennis, barman of the Salotto Portinari:

Finally, the starred restaurant Chic Nonna by Vito Mollica, inside the frescoed Corte degli Imperatori, full of frescoes, mosaics, mighty columns and a historic fountain in the center of the room, in short, a breathtaking environment, where the waiting staff will accompany you to your table.

Chic Nonna was awarded a Special Prize at TheFork Awards 2022 for “having demonstrated the strength and brilliance in closing a long 25-year experience and challenging itself with an equally ambitious and rich project”, Chic Nonna (Michelin star) offers an à la carte menu and two tasting menus, as well as a proposal for paired wines.

The “amouse bouche” by Chef Vito Mollica, including an exquisite kiss of lady with pumpkin and lemongrass
A very delicate raw scallop with turnip tops and Annurca apple

I met Vito Mollica for a nice interview

Hi Vito, your first memory in the kitchen?
From the very beginning, as a child. Mine was a peasant family and the household activity took place mainly in the kitchen: many aunts intent on cooking, a fireplace lit, the “pignata” next to them with the order never to touch it, since, like all children, I had always hungry and was very curious.

A “waterfall” of pomegranate risotto served on wild hare and salted pistachio
When did the professional spark strike?
In various “phases”: the first was when I was twenty, when I attended school in Casargo, in the province of Lecco. There I fell in love with the life of a cook, with the fascination of travel, with the possibility of traveling the world and getting to know different cultures and people.

Grilled pigeon, corn and blueberries. Dish faithful to the “no waste” philosophy where everything is used, even the chicken livers served on polenta

Then the Milanese phase in the Mauro restaurant, where a lot of fresh fish was served,  pwr continue in the big hotels in Genoa, Amsterdam where I had reached a position of responsibility, The “starry” spark arrived  in London to then guide me to Florence, a city I welcomed in a beautiful way. I lived for a long time with the Four Seasons group with which I was lucky enough to also open a beautiful structure in Prague with which I am madly in love also because my two children were born there

Mandarin jelly on crunchy hazelnut and caramel

Is there a dish you are particularly attached to?
A truly homemade dish: my mother Carmela’s “cautarogni”, a type of hand-made pasta, while if I think of a famous chef, Cesare GIaccone’s wonderful kid comes to mind.
One of his favorite dishes of his?
Cacio e pepe cavatelli, flavored with red prawns and baby squid.

If he hadn’t become a chef …
(laughs) I would have been a cook!

VITO MOLLICA’S RECIPE
Cacio e pepe cavatelli, red prawns and marinated pin squid
For 4 people

Text and pjotos by Cesare Zucca BOM (good in Brazilian) plus MAKI (the roll of Japanese cuisine) equals BOMAKI the new nippo-brasilian cuisie that is scoring all over Italy. Last night I went to theopening for the new Bomaki Navigli, tin he trendiest ” movida” and “food” area in Milan. One hundred seats between the internal hall and the welcoming external dehor overlooking the Naviglio, which allows you to taste the goodness of the Bomaki offer in an environment characterized by extremely refined furnishing elements. Let’s adventure in luxuriant tropical forests and ceramic azulejos that recall the South American atmosphere. Exotic accents meet natural details in a kind of “urban escape” in the metropolis, where the menu boasts a Brazilian, Japanese and European foods can be enjoyed in a colorful environment, full of details reminiscent of South America . …………. The menu is extensive and satisfies all tastes, in fact, in addition to the vast choice of uramaki, you can try different varieties of tartare and carpaccio or more “street” formats such as burritos and meat and fish tacos. These delights can be combined with excellent typical Brazilian cocktails such as caipirinha, caipiroska, exotic mojitos, all with flavors ranging from mango to passion fruit and for the more traditional customers of craft beer, “Branquinha”, created specifically for Bomaki by the Brewery of Legnano. I met The CEO of Bomaki Giuseppe Grasso who told me: “Bomaki Navigli represents an important step for the company because it covers a very strategic area of Milan and, in fact, completes our coverage on the city. The restaurant has enormous potential, both for the position we have chosen and for its internal architecture which is able to enhance the peculiarities of our food & drink offer and to keep the promise that we make to our customers every day: “ The chef and partner Jeric Bautista, brings taste and creativity to the gastronomic proposal is one of Bomaki’s strengths, the dishes are constantly evolving and keep faith with tradition, aromas and colors of Brazil. The visual impact is the first step of the culinary experience, a fundamental element for Japanese cuisine which is combined with the chromatic Brazilian gastronomy.

CASONCELLI, the “ambassadors of Bergamo cuisine”
The real “kings” of the table are the casoncelli, created in the Upper Town way back in 1386, on the occasion of a celebration for two thousand people in which “chopping boards full of artibotuli, otherwise called casoncelli” were offered, therefore a dish that encompasses history, tradition and culture .

I met a true expert of Bergamo cuisine, the “Starred King” Enrico “Chicco” Cerea who, with his brothers Bobo and Francesco and with his sisters Rossella and Barbara is at the helm of the famous restaurant “Da Vittorio” emblazoned with three Michelin stars.

 Hello Chicco, how does the cuisine of “Da Vittorio” honor “culture”?
It goes without saying that being able to pass on tradition thanks to the kitchen is already making culture. Passing on one’s knowledge to one’s collaborators, allowing them to explore issues related to products, etiquette at the table and creating an Academy to study specific topics such as management, coffee, wines, etc.

Can we define it as a “passion” for food?
Absolutely, a passion that comes from afar…
And then my true, almost secret passion that I have had since I was a child: desserts, which for me are the subject of exciting elaborations and limitless experimentation and represent an intimate commitment and a point of reference both for the creation of new trends for the reinterpretation of great classic desserts.

Your first encounter with traditional dishes?
I was lucky enough to have been born and raised in a family of restaurateurs and therefore with the possibility of trying particular and traditional dishes since I was a child. I have the utmost respect for the dishes of memory, I find that it is a way of transmitting and making culture, as well as what you can tell your customers every day.
Your first memory in the kitchen?
When I went to the home of a great aunt, who lived in Ambivere, a small village near Bergamo, but she was the head of a group of housewives from Bergamo, in charge of preparing the casoncello for the usual village festival. They boasted that it was the best casoncello in the Bergamo area. I didn’t have the technical knowledge skills I have now in the gastronomic field, but I certainly still have a vivid memory of these fantastic casoncelli.

What struck you the most?
The scent of sizzling butter, combined with that of slightly crunchy bacon and sage. The flavor of the cheese and the softness of the filling with the consistency of the thick paste, which she invited to be continuously tasted.
She made my mouth water. Can you tell us about “his” recipe for casoncelli from Bergamo?
With pleasure, here you go!

CASONCELLI ALLA BERGAMASCA

Ingredients for the dough:

400 g soft wheat flour
100 g re-milled durum wheat semolina
2 whole eggs
Approximately 120 g of warm water
Salt to taste
Olive oil to taste

Dough execution:
Work the flours with the eggs, a pinch of salt and a drizzle of oil, adding a little water at a time until you obtain a smooth and homogeneous dough.
Leave to rest for about 1 hour in the refrigerator.

Filling ingredients:

100 g salami paste
100 g minced pork
50 g of butter
Macaroon QB
50 g abate pears (sieved to reduce to pulp)
1 egg
10 g sultana raisins
50 g Parmesan cheese
Nutmeg to taste
Salt and Pepper To Taste
Chopped parsley

Execution of the filling:

Melt the butter in a pan, brown the salami paste and minced pork previously salted and peppered, after a few minutes add the chopped parsley.
Transfer the mixture into a saucepan, add the pears, amaretto, egg, previously chopped sultanas, Parmesan cheese and nutmeg; work until obtaining a homogeneous mixture.
Fix salt and pepper.

Ingredients:

100 g mountain butter
100 g grated Parmesan cheese
50 g bacon from Bergamo
Fresh sage

Preparation
Roll out the dough, with the help of a mold form discs of about 2 cm in diameter, fill with the filling and close in a half-moon shape.
Cook the casoncelli in abundant salted water and season with melted mountain butter, fresh sage and bacon from Bergamo and Parmesan cheese.
I

Ristorante: Da Vittorio

Indirizzo: via Cantalupa, 17 – 24060 – Brusaporto (Bergamo)

Tel.: +39 035 681024

Web: davittorio.com

E-mail: info@davittorio.com

I CASONCELLI , gli “ambasciatori della cucina bergamasca” raccontati da ENRICO CEREA, 3 Stelle Michelin ” Da Vittorio” Brusaporto, Bergamo, Italy
I veri “re” della tavola sono i casoncelli, creati in Città Alta nel lontano 1386,  in occasione di una  per duemila persone nella quale vennero offerti «taglieri ricolmi di artibotuli, altrimenti detti casoncelli” dunque un piatto che racchiude storia, tradizione e cultura.

Ho incontrato un vero esperto della cucina bergamasca, il “Re Stellato” Enrico “Chicco” Cerea che, con i fratelli Bobo e Francesco e con le sorelle Rossella e Barbara è al timone del celebre ristorante “Da Vittorio” blasonato da tre Stelle Michelin.

Buongiorno Chicco come onora la “cultura” la cucina di “Da Vittorio”?
Va da sé che poter tramandare grazie alla cucina la tradizione è già fare cultura. Il trasmettere le proprie conoscenze ai propri collaboratori permettendo loro di approfondire tematiche sui prodotti, sul bon ton a tavola e creando della Academy per studiare specifiche tematiche vedi management, caffè, vini eccetera…
Possiamo definirla una “passione” per il cibo?
Assolutamente si, una passione che viene da lontano…
E poi la mia vera, quasi segreta passione che ho di fin da bambino: i dolci, che per me sono oggetto di esaltanti elaborazioni e di sperimentazione senza limiti e rappresentano un intimo impegno e un punto di riferimento sia per la creazione di nuove tendenze che per la reinterpretazione di grandi dessert classici.
Il suo primo incontro con i piatti della tradizione?
Ho avuto la fortuna di essere nato e cresciuto in una famiglia di ristoratori e quindi con la possibilità fin da bambino di provare piatti particolari e della tradizione. Ho il massimo rispetto per i piatti della memoria, trovo che sia un trasmettere e fare cultura, oltre anche a quello che puoi raccontare ogni giorno ai tuoi clienti.
Il suo primo ricordo in cucina ?
Quando andavo a casa di una prozia, che abitava ad Ambivere, un paesino vicino a Bergamo, ma era a capo di un gruppo di massaie di Bergamo, preposte alla preparazione del casoncello per la consueta festa del paese. Loro si vantavano fosse il più buon casoncello della bergamasca. Non avevo allora le capacità di conoscenza tecnica che ho ora nel campo gastronomico, ma di certo ho ancora vivo il ricordo di questi fantastici casoncelli.
Cosa la colpiva maggiormente ?
Il profumo del burro che sfrigolava, unito a quello della pancetta leggermente croccante e della salvia. La sapidità del formaggio e la morbidezza del ripieno con la consistenza della pasta spessa, che invitava ad essere continuamente degustata.
Mi ha fatto venire l’ acquolina in bocca. Ci racconta la “sua “ ricetta dei casoncelli bergamaschi?
Con piacere, eccola!

CASONCELLI ALLA BERGAMASCA
Ingredienti per la pasta:

• 400 g farina di grano tenero
• 100 g semola di grano duro rimacinata
• 2 uova intere
• 120 g d’acqua tiepida circa
• Sale QB
• Olio d’oliva QB

Esecuzione impasto:
Lavorare le farine con uova, pizzico di sale e un filo d’olio aggiungendo poca acqua alla volta fino ad ottenere un impasto liscio ed omogeneo.
Lasciar riposare per circa 1 ora in frigorifero.

Ingredienti ripieno:

• 100 g pasta di salame
• 100 g carne maiale macinata
• 50 g di burro
• Amaretto QB
• 50 g pere abate (passate a setaccio ridotta a polpa)
• 1 uovo
• 10 g uvetta sultanina
• 50 g parmigiano reggiano
• Noce moscata QB
• Sale e pepe QB
• Prezzemolo trito

Esecuzione del ripieno:

Sciogliere il burro in un tegame, rosolare la pasta di salame e carne di maiale macinata precedentemente salata e pepata, dopo qualche minuto aggiungere prezzemolo trito.
Trasferire il composto in un tegame, unire pere, amaretto, uovo, uva sultanina precedentemente tritata, parmigiano reggiano e noce moscata; lavorare fino ad ottenere un impasto omogeneo.
Sistemare di sale e pepe.

Ingredienti:

• 100 g burro di montagna
• 100 g parmigiano reggiano grattugiato
• 50 g pancetta bergamasca
• Salvia fresca

Preparazione
Stendere la pasta, con l’aiuto di uno stampo formare dei dischi di circa 2 cm di diametro, farcire con ripieno e chiudere a mezzaluna.
Cuocere i casoncelli in abbondante acqua salata e condire con burro fuso di montagna, salvia fresca e pancetta bergamasca e parmigiano reggiano.

Florence will host 2023 Taste with best food & wines Italian excellences.

by Cesare Zucca

From Feb 3-6 2023 at the magnificent Fortezza da Basso
Stories of female farming entrepreneurs, from invisibility to women as the protagonists of agriculture.  Because women are increasingly choosing to work the land, registering at the Faculty of Agriculture, leading farm business

Also the meaning of fashion for pasta  Words and images about the mutual fascination between pasta and fashion, from esthetics to eros and taste. _This is the pasta women are made from! Generations, foods, cultures, latitudes compared.  With the participation of a Sfoglina and its tortellini; Xin Ge Liu from Il Gusto Dim Sum; Matilde Pettini animator at Dalla Lola and its pasta with tomato.

_Food to the rhythm of music: sound linked to the world of food and wine  How much is our perception of food influenced by sound?  We discuss this with journalist and writer Anna Prandoni, a musician, a chef and a sound technician involved in the sound-proofing of restaurants. .

INFO

From Feb 3-6 2023 at the magnificent Fortezza da Basso
https://taste.pittimmagine.com/

IL “SUONO” DI FRANCO BATTIATO: UNA MAGIA SVELATA

di © Cesare Zucca

Nella musica non esisite niente di più magico che riascoltare un pezzo celebre e conosciuto che, grazie ai cursori di un mixer, viene scomposto, rivelandoci tutte le piste degli strumenti ,dei cori e della voce dell’Artista che lo ha inciso.

Cosi inizia il docufilm “La Voce del Padrone” che vede la produzione artistica a Stefano Senardi e la regia di Marco Spagnoli sulla vita e sull’arte di uno dei geni della musica: Franco Battiato.
Battiato ci viene raccontato o meglio ancora “svelato” nell’ intenso, appassionato e meticoloso documentario “La Voce del Padrone”.che parte dagli inizi alternativi. dalle sperimentazioni, al grande successo inaspettatamente pop.. alle sue passioni, i suoi desideri, i suoi punti di vista fino al suo ritiro nella amata nativa cittadina di Milo.
Senardi ci accompagna attraverso questo viaggio con garbo, cognizione e con la grande correttezza di non sopraffare mai i suoi ospiti, che intervista in ambienti familiarmente intimi, in sala d’incisione, sul divano del soggiorno  in esterna seduti su sedie minimaliste.

Vengono intervistati una valanga di personaggi e artisti che con Battiato hanno condiviso momenti musicali irrepetibili o che semplicemente hanno di lui una grande stima.
Gli interventi sono davvero molti, da Bruno Tibaldi, primo discografico della svolta “pop” di Battiato, al fotografo Roberto Masotti, a Francesco Messina, autore delle copertine, che ci svela come e perchè siano nate.

 

Tra gli interventi , Alice, sua grande “musa” ed interpreste , la cui voce si fonde sorprendentemente all’unisono con quella di Battiato,Carmen Consoli che nei titoli di codagli dedicata una canzone in dialetto siciliano, e poi ancora Nanni Moretti, Willem Dafoe, Morgan (miracolosamente meno istrionico del solito) Juri Camisasca, Eugenio Finardi, giusto per citarne alcuni.

La regia di Marco Spagnoli è attenta e misurata, meritano una speciale menzione le splendide musiche di Paolo Buonvino, che arieggiano certi momenti “classici” di Battiato (sublime quella che accompagna le immagini del mare siciliano).
Franco ci viene svelato in tutta la sua grande ironia, gioia di vivere, spiritualità, pensieri sulla morte, passioni e incomparabile arguzia  E nessuno meglio di Senardi, suo amico , confidente e compagno di tanti viaggi, poteva “svelarci” la personalità del Maestro.
Per chi ama la musica, per chiama Battiato, e per quei pochi che di lui poco conoscono, “La Voce del Padrone” è un documentario imperdibile, commovente, magico.
Da un’intervista :
Intervistatore: Cosa vuoi che resti di te?
Battiato; Il mio suono…
Intervistatore: Cioè la tua musica. le tue conzoni?
Battiato: Il mio suono.

Testo e foto @ Cesare Zucca

Al Teatro Martinitt di Milano, con un tributo alla tradizione teatrale del varietè e dell’avanspettacolo, così popolari negli anni 50 e 60, va in scena “La grande occasione, chissà se va…” .commedia-musical diretta da Marco Simeoli.

La trama ci racconta le avventure fuori scena di una compagnia teatrale di cui la giovane soubrette viene corteggiata da un illustre ministro politico. L’occasione è grande, avere l’appoggio della politica e di conseguenza agevolazioni e budget è una vera tentazione, ma si da’ il caso che la soubrette abbia già un boyfriend, il primo attore.
Ecco quindi il dilemma: tradire il boy friend e concedersi al ministro oppure rinunciare ai conseguenti benefici?

Gli ingredienti del varietà ci sono tutti, dal primo attore comico che racconta barzellette, alle ballerine dalla coscia lunga, ai boys a torso nudo, alla danzatrice di Tip tap, alla cantante lirica e perfino un numero di burlesque-spogliarello che termina con un quasi topless.

A condire il tutto, tra scene nei camerini, gossip nel back stage, e spezzoni dello spettacolo si snoda una divertente commedia. musical Music in due tempi, capitanata dall’astuta Berta, l’immancabile e arguta sarta di scena, interpretata alla perfezione da Fioretta Mari.

Aggiungete le musiche originali, piacevoli e orecchiabili, una valanga di costumi luccicanti, piume e paillettes, il risultato è un gradevole intrattenimento che strappa risate e applausi

LA GRANDE OCCASIONE, CHISSA’ SE VA’….
Al Teatro Martinitt, fino al 27 Novembre 2022.

La storia del Teatro Martinitt
Il nome “Martinitt”, ci riporta al 1531 quando Francesco Sforza offrì a Gerolamo Emiliani, protettore dei minori in stato di abbandono, una nuova dimora per i trovatelli della città di Milano.

La sede scelta si trovava vicino all’oratorio di San Martino: da qui gli orfani presero il nome di Martinitt, piccoli Martini. Lì venivano istruit e imparavano a leggere a scrivere, studiavano musica e canto, e mettevano in scena piccole rappresentazioni teatrali a carattere morale.
A tal proposito nel 1932 fu inaugurato, insieme alla nuova sede dell’istituto in via Riccardo Pitteri, il teatro Martinitt, luogo dedicato esclusivamente all’intrattenimento educativo degli orfani, fungendo talvolta anche da sala cinematografica.

Nel 2010 la società La Bilancia ha aperto al grande pubblico le porte del nuovo Teatro Martinitt.
Da febbraio 2015, La Bilancia amplia la proposta culturale del Martinitt con il Cinema.
Dal 2020, accanto al Teatro Cinema Martinitt, è stata aperta Arena Milano Est. Un’area di 2500 mq, con 800 posti disponibili, che da giugno a settembre ospita tanti eventi di cinema, teatro e stand-up comedy.

Questo teatro, ricco di storia milanese è stato per me una vera sorpresa: elegantemente rinnovato, circa 300 posti ,un grande palcoscenico sul quale la compagnia potuto installare scene mobili, sipari, giochi di luce e perfino la classica scala dove la soubrette scendeva contorniata dai ballerini.

I VINI DELLA FRANCONIA
Famosa per la grande qualità delle birre e per l’ottima cucina, la Franconia riserva anche piacevoli sorprese enologiche. Grazie al clima e alla mineralità del terreno, la Franconia vanta un territorio da cui derivano vini di alta qualità.

Fra i vitigni a bacca rossa i più diffusi sono il Pinot nero (Spätburgunder) e il Domina, ma sono i bianchi a predominare: Riesling, Müller-Thurgau e Bacchus e Silvaner , nato in Franconia nel 1659, creato dall’incrocio tra il Traminer, uno dei vitigni più antichi del mondo, e il Bianco Austriaco. E’ un vino fresco e vivace con aromi di miele e frutta secca, racchiuso nella tradizionale bottiglia rotonda  Bocksbeutel.

Da metaà Settembre fino a metà Novembre, i vini della Franconia vengono festeggiati nelle numerose “Wein & Winzer Festa” a tema, dalla ricerca di un amante, alle degustazioni a lume di candela, alle happy hour.
Dove assaggiare i migliori vini
Tre paesini magici: la barocca cittadina di Würzburg, Castell dove le antiche case abbracciano i vigneti, Iphofen, promotore  di visite a cantine, degustazioni e eventi enoculturali come la Fürstliche Castell’sches Domänenamta.

Oggi vi portiamo a Norimberga.
Risalente al 1050, è stata teatro di importanti eventi storici, tra cui il famoso processo. Dopo la seconda guerra mondiale, a causa dei molti bombardamenti degli alleati, la città è stata completamente egregiamente restaurata e così anche il suo centro storico

Città nota per la sua allegria, i suoi colori, i suoi alberi rigogliosi, il sole, il brulicare della gente, i musei,  il castello, le sue rinomate enoteche Red Barrel e Fränkische Weinstube e le sue non meno famose rostbratwurst, leggendarie salsicce che per ottenere questo nome e autenticità, devono essere prodotte solo dai macellai di Norimnberga.

PRONTI PER UN TOUR DEL BELLO E DEL GUSTO?
Altstadt, è il cuore della città dove scoprirete Hauptmarkt, la piazza dell’antico di Norimberga. Qui vi aspettano dei veri gioielli: la Lorenzkirche (St. Lawrence Church) e Frauenkirche (“Chiesa di Nostra Signora”) meraviglioso esempio di architettura gotica, con il suo Männleinlaufen, un orologio meccanico che a mezzogiorno spalanca le porticine da cui sbucano l’Impertore e la sua corte.

Poco più in là , un vero trionfo dei selfies…davanti alla Schöner Brunnen, “la bella fontana, alta circa 19 metri. Si ispira a una guglia gotica, ornata da figure che rappresentano la filosofia, le arti liberali, gli Evangelisti, i Padri della Chiesa, i principi elettori, Mosè e i Profeti. Protetta da un recinto in ferro, chiuso da due anelli che , cosi dice la leggenda, portano fortuna se vengono toccati … Provare …

Gia da inizio Ottobre la piazza si illumina di luci natalizie e si popola si bancarelle che propongono decorazioni festive, creazioni artigianali e golosità…tra cui i tradizionali biscottini al burro Wicklein a forma di cuore, stella e naturalmente albero di Natale. Niente di meglio che sgranoccharsene un paio, mentre si fa shopping natalizio.

Heilig-Geist-Spital., Ospedale dello Spirito Santo, risale al 1300 ed è stata la più grande istituzione urbana per la cura dei malati e degli anziani. Ancor oggi e’ utilizzato come casa di riposo e dispone anche di un caratteristico ristorante, ricavato dall’antico refettorio.
Ship of fools, scultura in bronzo di Jürgen Weber ispirata ai versi satirici di Sebastian Brant dedicati ai vizi e alle debolezze della sua epoca.

Torre di Henkersteg (“il ponte del boia”), antica residenza del carnefice di Norimberga che doveva vivere isolato per evitare ogni contatto fisico con i cittadini, perlomeno prima… dell’esecuzione.
Kettensteg, Ponte delle Catene. Costruito nel 1824, il più antico ponte a catena d’Europa.
Vicolo dei conciatori (Weißgerbergasse) Sede medioevale del commercio delle pelli Oggi è uno dei pochi complessi monumentali architettonici sopravvissutoi ai bombardamenti della guerra .

Albrecht-Dürer Haus Casa-museo dI Albrecht-Dürer, uno degli artisti rinascimentali più importanti del paese nel XVI secolo. Al piano terra troverete una sala contenente delle copie dei suoi dipinti mentre ai piani superiori il museo presenta installazioni di arredi d’epoca, una bella cucina, e una ricostruzione dello studio dell’Artista.

Tiergärtnertor
Piazzetta da cui si gode di una bella visuale sul castello e su tutte le case a graticcio che circondano la piazza.
Kaiserburg
Gigantesco castello imperiale in arenaria ,  nato nel 12esimo secolo e considerato uno dei palazzi imperiali fortificati e piu’ importanti del Sacro Romano Impero. All’interno si possono ammirare le stanze storiche, oggetti preziosi, collezioni di armi e armature dei cavalieri.

All’esterno troviamo la Sinwell Tower, torre circolare che serviva per scopi di prestigio e di difesa. Salendo in cima alla torre si ha una bella vista sulla città.

I MUSEI
Norimberga ospita una vasta gamma di gallerie e musei che esplorano il suo turbolento sviluppo, oltre a mostrare artisti locali e internazionali.

Museo del Giocattolo
Un paradiso per i bimbi e non solo… Dai giocattoli storici, alle bambole vecchio stile alle automobili, ai treni e ai motori a vapore fino alle auto moderne e ai classici giochi di oggi, come Lego, Barbie, Playmobil o Matchbox.

Germanisches Nationalmuseum
Il Museo Nazionale Germanico risale al 1852 e ospita una delle collezioni più importanti del paese di manufatti e arte tedeschi, dall’età preistorica alla modernità. Troverete opere di Albrecht Dürer, di Rembrandt, il primo globo terrestre sopravvissuto e persino il primo orologio da tasca al mondo,  oltre a numerosi strumenti storici provenienti da tutta Europa.

Fembo-Haus
“Casa dei mercanti” residenza patrizia, unica dimora mercantile tardo rinascimentale che ha resistito alle avversità del tempo Grazie all’accurata installazione “Krone,Macht, Geschichte” (Corona, Potere, Storia) In soli 30 minuti, potrete rivivere 950 anni di storia cittadina.

Museo Ferroviario Tedesco
A Norimberga è nata la prima ferrovia tedesca. Il Museo racconta la storia dello sviluppo del sistema ferroviario. Dalle umili origini in Inghilterra alla riunificazione tedesc, documentando anche gli ampi lavori di ristrutturazione per scopi militari sotto il regime nazista e il ruolo svolto dalla ferrovia nell’Olocausto.

Neues Museum
Il più importante museo d’arte e design della città, Le sue imponenti strutture in vetro sono state sviluppate dal famoso architetto Volker Staab, Collezioni e mistre di design innovativo e pezzi d’arte degli anni ’60.

Tribunale di Norimberga
I famosi processi di Norimberga si sono svolti presso il Palazzo di Giustizia, perseguendo i restanti criminali di guerra della seconda guerra mondiale.
L’aula 600 del Palazzo, luogo in cui i nazisti furono processati, è forse la sala di giustizia più famosa del mondo ed è ancora oggi utilizzata, soprattutto per i casi di omicidi. Il tribunale di Norimberga rappresenta un promemoria della turbolenta storia del paese, ma anche una rivalutazione delle responsabilità e un’eredità problematica.

Museo della Bibbia
Recentemente aperto, illustra come è stato scritto il libro, come è arrivato in Baviera. Tra le novità un’antica copia della Bibbia che potrete sfogliare digitalmente e un’ autentica Bibbia del 700 che potrete sfogliare a mano, dal vivo. Interessante!
Per una visita completa ai musei e alle attrazioni di Norimberga, un’ ottima idea è quella di procurarsi una Nürnberg Card , online o direttamente al TTourist Office in Hauptmarkt. Avrete per due giorni l’ingresso gratuito a tutti i musei e le attrazioni di Norimberga ed inoltre potrete prendere tutti i mezzi di trasporto dell’intera regione di Norimberga, Fürth e Stein e il transfert all’Aereoporto.

DELIZIE GASTRONOMICHE
Imperano le Rostbratwurst, tradizionali (e sopratutto autentiche) salsicce di Norimberga.  Vengono grigliate alla fiamma e tradizionalmente servite su un piatto di peltro, accompagnate da crauti, insalata di patate e rafano.

Anche il nome è depositato , le autentiche devono essere prodotte solo dai macellai di Norimberga , Occhio alle clandestine! Le rostbratwurst, sono cosi amate, che la Città le ha volto dedicare perfino un Museo che racconta la loro storia, dalle originei alle ricette più innovative.

DOVE MANGIARE LA MIGLIORE SALSICCIA
Bratwurst Röslein il ristorante di salsicce più grande del mondo, nel cuore del centro storico di Norimberga
Bratwursthäusle, dove dal 1313 le originali salsicce vengono grigliate su barbecue a legna di faggio.
Goldenes Posthorn, la più antica enoteca della Germania e risale al 1498. Era la preferita di Dürer che di Hans Sachs ed è stata visitata da re, artisti e studiosi di tutto il mondo .
Bratwurst-Glöcklein Il suo nome risale al 14 secolo e si trova proprio accanto al Königstor, di fronte alla stazione ferroviaria principale di Norimberga.
Zum Gulden Stern, il ristorante di salsicce più antico del mondo. Un must per chi visita Norimberga

Il vero “re” della tavola è un succulento piatto fatto con spalla di maiale arrosto, completa di osso e cotenna super croccate, dumpling di patata e cavolo rosso. Si chiama “Ofenfrisches schäufele” ed è il tipico pasto domenicale della Franconia.

Il migliore della città? Ho fatto lunghe ricerche e investigazioni, ma sono tutti d’accordo: Halbrecht Durer Stube rustica birreria-osteria dove lo Chef mi ha invitato in cucina per un’anteprima…
Che profumo… e vi assicuro che la carne è davvero tenera, ricca, sostanziosa e sa come appagare i sensi…

DOVE DORMIRE

Art & Business Hotel
Il nome dice tutto: un 3 stelle superior , arredamento “design” con tocchi d’arte moderna, letteralmente a due passi dalla Stazione ferroviaria e allo shuttle per l’Aereoporto.
Adorabile buffet breakfast impreziosito dai rinomati formaggi Waltmann di Erlangen.

INFO
https://tourismus.nuernberg.de/en
www.frankentourismus.it
www.franken-weinland.de

For the English version click Next>

( talian and english version)

I produttori di vini Garda DOC, sono paladini della storia, della sua bellezza e della biodiversità. Lo testimoniamo la cura e la preservazione delle ‘pievi’, degli antichi sentieri, delle architetture passate dei borghi e delle mura ‘marogne’ testimoni di ere geologiche.

E’ un atto d’amore verso il ‘loro’ lago.
Un amore che trasuda nelle parole, negli sguardi e nell’irresistible simpatia di Naikè Bertola , al timone della cantina Pratello a Padenghe sul Garda, nel cuore della Valtènesi, zona ricca di vigneti, borghi suggestivi, santuari di antica devozione e castelli risalenti al X secolo, famosa per la bellezza del paesaggio e per la produzione di vini.

Pratello è un vero ‘universo’: vigneto, cantina, olio, olive, ospitalità, ristorante con piatti tipici della zona, frutteto, orto, frutta antica, allevamenti allo stato brado di razze autoctone e una spettacolare “bottega contadina” che propone prodotti unici e autentici, come confetture, confit, ragù, sottaceti, agrodolci …

Non mancano degli insoliti ospiti: due alpaca, animali estremamente docili e rispettosi, vivono nei prati. tra gli uliveti e si nutrono d’erba. Gli alpaca sono conosciuti soprattutto per la loro morbida lana che Pratello tratta ed utilizzata per la creazione di capi caldi e soffici, rigorosamente realizzati a mano.

I vini Pratello abbracciano sia i territori della Valtenesi che della Lugana, nel rispetto della natura, della biodiversità degli ecosistemi dei loro vigneti  in una passione di famiglia che da cinque generazioni cura la terra e i suoi frutti.

Tra le etichette di spicco vorrei citare Opera un raffinatissimo rosè che ho amato molto e… una novità: un vermouth base di vino, alcohol, assenzio romano, arancia, fogli di angelica, zenzero, cannella, ribes, basilico, rosa , acqua e zucchero… un blend sofisticato ma tanto vibrante… “da farvi fare le capriole” come assicura il boss Vincenzo Bertola oppure, come aggiungo io ,,, “ da farvi ballare sulle punte…”.
Non a caso si chiama Ballerina!

English Version

The producers of Garda DOC wines are champions of history, its beauty and biodiversity. Witness the care and preservation of the ‘pievi’, the ancient paths, the past architecture of the villages and the ‘marogne’ walls, witnesses of geological eras. It is an act of love towards ‘their’ lake. A love that exudes in Naikè Bertola, at the helm of the cellar Pratello in Padenghe sul Garda, in the heart of Valtènesi, an area rich in vineyards, suggestive villages, sanctuaries of ancient devotion and castles dating back to the 10th century, famous for the beauty of the landscape and for the production of wines.

Pratello is a real ‘universe’: vineyard, cellar, oil, olives, hospitality, restaurant with typical dishes of the area, orchard, vegetable garden, ancient fruit, native breeding farms in the wild and a spectacular “peasant shop” offering unique products and authentic, such as jams, confit, meat sauce, pickles, sweet and sour …

There is no shortage of unusual guests: two alpacas, extremely docile and respectful animals, live in the meadows. among the olive groves and feed on grass. Alpacas are known above all for their soft wool which Pratello processes and used to create warm and soft garments, rigorously handmade.

Pratello wines embrace both the territories of Valtenesi and Lugana, respecting nature, the biodiversity of the ecosystems of their vineyards in a family passion that has taken care of the land and its fruits for five generations.

Among the prominent labels I would like to mention Opera a very refined rosé that I loved a lot and … a novelty: a vermouth based on wine, alcohol, absinthe, orange, angelica leaves, ginger, cinnamon, currant, basil, rose, water and sugar … a sophisticated blend but so vibrant … “to make you do somersaults” as assured by the boss Vincenzo Bertola or, as I add ,,, “to make you dance on your toes …”
It is not by accident that it is called ‘Ballerina‘!

Alla scoperta dei templi dell’arte e del design

Un’indimenticabile notte a Palazzo.
Il Palazzo Gregorini Bingham vanta 200 anni di storia, arte e cultura. Fu disegnato dal celebre architetto Camillo Morigia e in seguito divenuto residenza del Conte Riccardo Bingham e di sua moglie Adelaide Gregorini.
Il Il palazzo offre sei suites, dotate di ogni moderno comfort e arricchite da stucchi, stemmi, pavimenti antichi e tutti i beni artistici rinnovati da un accurato restauro per preservare la loro resistenza e la capacità di trasmettere energia. Scoprirete inaspettati elementi artistici, come pavimenti originali, stemmi ottocenteschi, affreschi che ornano i soffitti, oltre a  suggestivi saggi di restauro che trapelano dalle pareti.

Le suites propongono allo stesso tempo una esperienza confortevole, frutto di una ristrutturazione e di un design che mescola elementi artistici a un’ assoluta cura dei dettagli tecnologici di ultima generazione. Ho scelto la Suite Exagon, chiamata così per il soffitto dal disegno esagonale, un ambiente antico e nello stesso tempo contemporaneo. Ho apprezzato i tessuti speciali e biancheria rigorosamente di artigianato italiano.

Il Palazzo non serve la prima colazione (peccato, mi sarebbe piaciuto sedermi in uno dei salotti e gustare un capuccino con chsisà quale dolce delizia…) però in camera troverete tutto il necessario per un buon caffe o un the mattiniero, compresi deliziosi biscotti al cioccolato.

Qui l’eleganza contemporanea si manifesta attraverso materiali nobili come il legno, i marmi e i metalli satinati si alternano in uno stile che accoglie e custodisce. Il servizio, discreto e attento, è sempre disponibile ad ascoltare le esigenze degli ospiti, nel completo rispetto della loro privacy.

Francesca Tolot is probably as famous as the celebrities she’s worked on. Originally from Italy with a fine-arts background, Francesca had already made a name for herself in Europe working on powerhouse editorials for the likes of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, before moving to Los Angeles and landing her first major job with none other than Madonna herself.

Ofra Cosmetics teamed up with ‘the one and only’ Francesca Tolot to bring a capsule collection which not only embodies Francesca’s style but gives makeup lovers the opportunity to really tap into their creative side…The rest, as they say, is history and her impeccable yet unique style made her one of the most sought after makeup artists in a very short amount of time.

She’s renowned for her work with pretty much every singer, actress, supermodel, fashion magazine, designer campaign you can imagine .Think…Beyonce, Naomi Campbell, Jennifer Lopez, Janet Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor, Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Valentino, Mercedes Benz…just to name a few, her incredible book One Woman 100 Faces is a must. It exhibits a collection of her work over 20 years of her career and it’s a visual feast to say the least.

LONDON Where to stay
Cercate classe e tradizione ? Consiglio il cinque stelle Royal Lancaster Hotel. Si affaccia su Hyde Park e, secondo me, rappresenta il top dell’eleganza, discreta e sempre di buon gusto accompagnata a un servizio ineccepibile.

Due ristoranti: Nipa Thai serve autentica cucina tailandese e Island Grill, che offre piatti della tradizione locale. L’elegante Hyde Bar è perfetto per un cocktail. Il ricchissimo breakfast è servito nello splendido ristorante Park con vista mozzafiato sul parco.
Dalle camere, progettate in modo impeccabile per combinare stile e comfort, si oode di una vista spettacolare giorno e notte. Arredamento vagamente anni ’60, sembrerebbe che James Bond possa entrare nella hall da un momento all’altro.

Eccleston Square Hotel
Perfetto esempio di alta classe alberghiera che sposa Ie più avanzate soluzioni tecnologiche.È uno dei primi hotel al mondo a fornire connessioni TV 4K e, grazie al soundbar Sonos Beam, un suono perfetto. Comandi digitali dovunque, dal controllo di tutte le funzioni in camera, all’inclinazione del letto e, come se non bastasse, vi verrà consegnato un cellulare gratuito per chiamate illimitate a numeri mobili e fissi britannici e internazionali.
Chi prenota direttamente può usufruire di un minibar gratuito rifornito ogni giorno. Si trova a pochi minuti da Victoria Station e della metropolitane Circle, District e Victoria, nonché il Gatwick Extress. Ah dimenticavo…. gli ospiti possono utilizzare il meraviglioso giardino privato antistante l’hotel!

I had planned it all and planned it well. We arrived in Cambodia’s capital and enjoyed a 2-night stay at the Intercontinental a magnificent venue that isn’t in the touristic epicenter of Phnom Penh which would be close to the river, close to the Royal Palace, but actually it is rather central taking the city in its full scope. 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.

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“LA TORRETTA”, Cinque Terre, Ligury
A gentle yet accurate reception, bottles of Italian prosecco and Cuban rum welcome you in one of the ten gorgeous sunny rooms that harmoniously mix a combination of antique and contemporary pieces.
My suite with a nice welcome! an iced bottle of prosecco

Most of them have balcony overlooking the vineyards to one side and the blue Mediterranean to the other. At breakfast time, the “buongiorno” , is a real “good morning” thanks to Gabriele’s Mamma who prepares the most delicious torte salate (salted cakes with fresh vegetables) and the succulent torta di riso ( a rice cake traditionally cooked every year con August 10th, but available here every morning! ). All this goodies enhance a generous breakfast with local cheeses, meats, home-made patisserie, fresh squeeze oranges.

Mamma does breakfast. Do not miss her “torte salate” and the traditional rice cake!Enjoy one ( or more…) glass of wine offered at your arrival or served at the sunset aperitivo time in the terrace that boasts a spectacular views of the stunning Bay.
Spectacular view from the terrace
Superbly located in the centre of the wonderfully picturesque village of Manarola a once-in-a-lifetime ultimate destination in beautiful Cinque Terre, Ligury, Ital. Reservation a must. Here the link
http://www.torrettas.com

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  see full article see full article see full article see full article see full article                                                       see full article see full article see full article see full article BOUTIQUE HOTEL CASA ANGELINA,  AMALFI COAST
  by Cesare Zucca http://www.torrettas.com Three ‘Nobel’ days in Oslo Stay at the Grand Hotel
  3 HOTELS ROOF TOPS you don’t want to miss
  by Cesare Zucca   Discovering beautiful Poland POZNAN by Cesare Zucca INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL Phnom Penh
     
  BEST ‘KIDS FRIENDLY’ MUSEUMS IN NEW YORK
  Children’s Museum of The Arts (103 Charlton St) invita all’arte, coinvolgendo i bambini in disinvolte classi di pittura, ceramica, scultura e musica.
  New York City Fire Museum (278 Spring St) organizza Safety Tour, una vera lezione sul fuoco con tanto di simulazione di incendio, dove un vigile newyorkese insegnerà le tecniche di salvataggio.
  Children’s Museum of Manhattan (212 West 83 St) è un immenso asilo stile Disneyland con cinque piani di attrazioni, giochi educativi, passatempi intelligenti e divertimento, daLet’s Dance, spazio interattivo dedicato ai bambini che amano ballare, a Art, Artists & You  dove i piccoli si improvvisavo artisti .
  Natural History Museum (CPW/79 St) ospita The Butterfly Conservatory, una foresta con più di 500 farfalle da tutto il mondo.
  You just don’t realize how lucky you were when your join the guided 3,30-hour food tour organized by VisitLLjubljana.com managed by the Tourism Office of Ljubljana until you experience it.           They offer numerous guided city tours  including the Historical City Centre and Ljubljana Castle revolving around history, art and landmarks, whether on foot, bicycle or on a boat cruising the river. There is no other way to sample the incredible diversity of Slovenian food in so little time and in such a fun and well-paced way.
  Slovenia is a small country yes, but it counts no less than 24 gastronomic regions. Ljubljana, reminding me of Paris in a way, is pretty much in the center of the country and, as a capital, has attracted many food vendors and restaurateurs to benefit from the largest concentration of population (and tourists) of the country. But, right off the bat, let me tell you that, at no point, do you feel shepherded to a pasture of touristic traps you would have found on your own. The choice is balanced between food shops and restaurants, clearly very carefully picked. Also, it isn’t a gorging party:
  at the end of the tour, you feel satiated, without ever feeling over full!. As all good cooking requests, things started with the sourcing of ingredients: the market!
  And Ljubljana is blessed, right in its center with a human sized, yet substantial farmer’s market, with one section dedicated to only certified organic vendors. I had noticed on my way to the tour some beautiful chanterelle mushrooms, as well as yellow broad beans that I had never encountered before. Lucky enough, I was able to find them again and was met with the most charming smile the seller could have shared. Then, we got to visit the permanent covered market, a beautiful building along the riverbank. That was like entering a world of its own. Gorgeous charcuterie, cheeses, breads (got a loaf of this dark and dense bread, yet moist and oh! so tasty). A separate section is dedicated to fish, perhaps for temperature and odor control. Whatever the reason might be, I was really impressed by the display of fish available and the absence actually of any strong fishy smell. Slovenia is known mainly as an inland country, but it does have a little bit of coast on the Adriatic Sea and they sure know how to source the best of what can come out of it. Everything looked so fresh, a real temptation for any cook.
  But carrying fish on ice for the rest of the tour was NOT going to happen!
      We met our lovely guide Simona in Ciril-Metodov, the cobblestoned main street. She took us at Klòbasarna, where we had the first tasting: a warm smoked sausage form the Carniola region just South of Austria, in other words at the Northern end of Slovenia. Made of the finest pieces of pork, this sausage neither greasy nor too dry, just hit the spot accompanied by a light red wine, a little horseradish and mustard which I loved.     Simona took us in more that 7 venues, specialized in different specialties, from the syrups and the honeys of Dobrote-Dolenjske,  to the traditional cake prekmurska gibanica homemade at
  Gujzina I won’t be going in the detail of all the things tasted, either in gastronomic shops or in restaurants… I want you to go and experience it for yourself. Besides beef tongue, fried chicken, honey (Slovenia is Europe’s largest producer per capita), my heart will go for this humble dish of mashed potatoes with sautéed onions and bits of bacon that we tasted at a very special restaurant, Druga Violina, where all the members of the staff suffer from some form of disability or another. It felt really good to contribute to this effort to support the community and, let’s be frank, it also tasted soooo good, just by itself. With influences coming from all neighboring countries (Italy, Austria, Hungry and Croatia), tucked between sea, plains, forests and mountains, the small country of Slovenia is rich of diversity and, if this three-hour tour cannot cover everything, it sure serves as the best introduction one can hope to taste in this timeframe!
  Tours priced at 52€ everything included,
  To make a reservation
  For more info www.visitLjubljana.com Posted in Food, travel | Tagged Food Tour, Ljubljana, prekmurska gibanica, Tourism Office of Ljubljana | Leave a reply Edit GRAND HOTEL TOPLICE, JULIJANA RESTAURANT IN BLED, SLOVENIA Posted on October 7, 2018 Slovenia. Bled, about an hour North of the capital Ljubljana to the North-West of Slovenia. Rather than the town it is the beautiful lake that gives the name Bled, famous among the European elite as early as the 1930’s with the construction of a luxurious hotel providing  natural hot spring source knowned for health benefits.I am talking of the Grand Hotel Toplice, a venue that boasts a rich history, a magical location, gorgeous alpine and lake views and sumptuously comfortable, elegantly styled rooms.   Each of the rooms and suites at Grand Hotel Toplice has its own unique character and are traditionally styled with beautiful parquet floors, rich furniture and beautiful paintings with many of the rooms benefiting from breathtakingly beautiful lake views. The hotel has been recently renovated and restored to its former glory and is one of the best hotels in Slovenia as well as being a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection.           It has hosted many eminent guests and is frequented by celebrities such as  Vivian Leigh, Arthur Miller, Pablo Neruda, King Hussein of Jordan, Paul McCartney and…me, with my best friend-chef-writer Philip Sinsheimer, graciously hosted by Sava hotel and resort group that manage the venue. Starting from the impeccable reception. the hotel boasts luxurious accommodation, few restaurant, a bar  and the enchantment of Lake Bled. All rooms and suites are individually decorated in an enchanting and traditional style, lavishly equipped with an excellent range of facilities, a relaxing thermal swimming pool and benefit from different saunas, wellness services and a solarium among a private lido, where Philip (expert swimmer) dived in the limpid lake water while me (lazy man…) was indulging in a relaxing sunbathing. We dedicated the morning ( when the light is best) to row to the island where the minuscule baroque chapel.I was anxious to hear the bells rings, because  I knew about the legend wich narrates that around the year 1500, the leaseholder of Lake Bled at the time, Hartman Kreigh, disappeared. People said he was killed. Sad for the events, the Lady of the Castle collected all of her precious golden jewellery to be melted down and casted into a bell for the chapel on the island of the Lake, so that the bell would toll in remembrance of  beloved companion. They say the bell has a magic power, when it rings, you should make 3 wishes and wait for them to become real.  We did 99 steps and finally we arrived at the church, where the view is really breathtaking and, yes, we waited for the bell… Not sure my wishes are becoming a reality, we ll see…. A true wish coming true was the  splendid dinner we were invited for dinner at Julijana Restaurant where Chef Bertoncelj prepared a great dinner.
  I leave Philip the privilege of writing about it, since he is a chef and a food blogger.                                   GRANDE CUISINE BY THE LAKE
  This historic landmark now called the Grand Hotel Toplice, operated by the Sava hotel and resort group, has managed to preserve the relics of the past with grand salons adorned with memorabilia pictures and bring all the comfort of modernity at the same time.This delicate balance between past was brilliantly reflected in the cuisine of the executive chef Simon Bertoncelj and the whole crew under him. Having dinner at the gastronomic Julijana Restaurant, especially if the weather allows to eat al fresco facing the lake is a moment of bliss: the quality of service, attention to detail and classic decor evoke a certain respect of classical elegance. This doesn’t constrain the cuisine to old classics, and the chef’s creativity and modern techniques seem to find their place very naturally in this elegant environment. The mise en bouche consisting of a delicately baked oyster and a buttery giant shrimp had all the signs of what you can expect in a palace restaurant: prime quality ingredients simply treated. This seafood opening was in synch with the view of the water even though it wasn’t the sea. As I were to learn later by the chef, unfortunately, as beautiful as it is, the lake doesn’t often yield the quantity of fish needed to take place on the menu.   The mushroom cappuccino with porcini had the depth of flavor one can only get in top notch restaurants, served piping hot but adorned with the freshness of a few micro greens scattered on top rather than the old habit of a dollop of cream and a few chives. Fresh too was the vitello tonnato inspired salad, bright and lively. Here, as in all the great restaurants experienced in Slovenia, the wine list paid homage to the country’s fine wines, such as the 2017Verus Chardonnay from Stajerska, the western part of the Podravje region in the North of the country. At last a chardonnay that can showcase both concentration of flavors and freshness in the palate with a mere 13° alcohol content.The shining fish course was a thick and moist turbot filet, perfectly cooked and adorned by a beautiful composition of vegetables and foamy grapefruit sauce. Here again: classic base and modern composition. Though generous, nothing was heavy, and the beautiful matured saddle of veal served pink with a herb crust was still welcome. To finish, the iconic Bled Cream Cake, which recipe goes back to 1953 and is secretly kept by the Sava hotels group. The result was up to the legend. Even though I really do not have much of a sweet tooth, and I have had my share of mille-feuilles in France, this raised version of the classic with just two layers of perfectly crisp puffed pastry holding a firm custard covered by a layer of lighter whipped cream is to die for… Chef Simon Bertoncelj, who has worked under the commands of Gordon Ramsey, seems rather poised and discreet, but if you really want to find out, he opens his kitchen to a guest table of 2 to 6 people for a 7-course menu cooked and served, right before their eyes…and ears! For more info
  Julijana Restaurant
  Grand Hotel Toplice
  Cesta svobode 12, 4260 Bled, Slovenia
  +386 4 579 10 00 Contact Cesta svobode 12, 4260 Bled, Slovenija Reception +386 4 579 10 00 ghtoplice@hotelibled.com Reservations +386 4 579 16 00 info@hotelibled.com   Posted in Food, travel | Tagged Bed, chef Simon Bertoncelj, Grand Hotel Toplice, Juljiana Restaurant, Slovenia | Leave a reply Edit Hotel Hellsten, Stockholm. Memories of an exotic journey Posted on October 4, 2018 Hotel Hellsten is located in the heart of Stockholm and is the ideal starting point for all those who are visiting the City, since the attractions and sites of interest are reachable by public transport within easy reach including the subway that is just round the corner.
  The next street is the busy Sveavägen, Stockholm”s only real boulevard. The hotel is just around the corner from the underground (metro) stop Rådmansgatan. The locality is one of the most exciting in Stockholm, with a multitude of different restaurants within a few minutes walking distance. It is also a short walk from Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s historic and beautiful old town. I loved the area, and the next busy street Sveavägen, so alive and full of restaurants, shops and…barbers & haidressers,don’t ask me why, but very useful… The rooms are divided into various types depending on the services they offer, mostly in different styles, some have canopy bed, some are equipped with the classic Swedish fireplace called kakelugnar, light rays, wooden panels, even a private sauna,       The walls are painted with warm colors that span from orange to red, to blue, to purple.     All rooms have private new bathrooms, TV, telephone, free wired internet access and a hairdryer. They are non-smoking as well as the entire structure.   My room had a cosy little terrace. Here and there I found exotic touches, my guide explained that Mr.Hellsten, owner of Hellsten, Rex and the newest Hellsten Glashus, is an enthusiastic traveller who likes to collect items from his trips. I loved the african masks !       You have a colonial-style bar where coffee and tea are served 24 hours for free. Great idea! Every Thursday Hellsten Earth Bar transforms into one of Stockholm’s premier jazz venues. Exciting live acts on stage at 8pm and on the last Thursday of each month you are welcome to jam with the band, just bring your instruments or vocals, and the entrance is free.. Comfy beds and an excellent breakfast buffet that included pancakes, cold cuts, cheeses, eggs, lots of fruits and the traditional Swedish meatballs and served in a sunny and spacious veranda.
  Add Hotel Hellsten on your next trip to Stockholm!
  For more info
  http://hellsten.se/en/Hotel_Hellsten   Posted in travel | Tagged Hotel Hellsten, Stockholm | Leave a reply Edit Industrial or design? A posh stay in Hamburg Posted on August 16, 2018 In my last trip to Hamburg I got the chance to visit and stay in Hotel Gastwerk and The George, two great properties owned by Fortune Hotels Group.
  They have different style and decor, both friendly, welcoming and worth to spend one (or few) nights there.Let’s start with the industrial red bricks Gastwerk. The name says it all, It was a squared and rigorous red bricks gas factory. Roughly 120 years ago, the old gas plant provided light to the streets and houses in West Hamburg. In the impressive and carefully restored industrial building, built with brick and steel, modern design and historical architecture form a fascinating harmonic setting. Gastwerk is first Hamburg’s design hotel. The building welcomed me with a large hall with a wide, meticulously well lighted reception and two unforgettable metal elevators, one red and one yellow lighted.                                                 The industrial adventure was already starting…             141 rooms, lofts and suites, some with modern walls with a contemporary feeling, some with bricks walls (I love them), like the loft-like one where I was staying, giving the perfect atmosphere of and warehouse. In addition to that Gastwerk boasts a configurable conference area, the Mangold restaurant (I didn’t dine there, so no idea of the food) the L.BAR, the beautiful SPA, free parking spaces in front of the hotel and underground.   Here and there you’ll discover classy touches of fresh flowers, old  black and white pictures, original gas machines, and a splendid old water boiler.               The second Fortune Hotel is The George, located in the hearth of the vibrant Saint George area.                                                        This venue is a triumphant tribute to the apotheosis of a ‘boutique hotel’ concept, where design meets furniture, lighting and that smell of trendyness…               This reinterpretation of English style in Hamburg results in rooms swathed in warm colors ranging from cocoa to Champagne, lamps with delightful pleated shades and stylish wallpaper in a variety of designs.                             Super comfy mattresses, a nice view of the Lake Alster, not to mention that sweet & cute ‘Welcome Cesare’… The George Hotel is a four-pearl property flush with a Great-Britain-in-the-’60s design, with 125 stylish rooms that all have flat-screen TVs, minibars, and free weight, a party-vibe bar, the supercool rooftop Campari Lounge in the terrace with a spectacular view of the Alster, a defined breakfast buffet that included a fine selection of cold cuts, imported cheeses, fruits and vegetables, and…   Yes! there is Da Caio, italian restaurant (where I could not resist peeping at the menu, which I found correct in dishes choices and…right spelling, which is always a good sign for an Italian eating in an Italian restaurant abroad… Here info
  Hotel Gastwerk
  The George,
  Fortune Hotels Group. Posted in travel | Tagged Da Caio, Fortune Hotels Group, Gastwerk Hotel, Hamburg, The George Hotel | Leave a reply Edit Two memorable days in Pula Posted on August 15, 2018 Great history, mild climate, smooth sea, unspoiled nature, dream beaches, friendly locals, smiling people, amazing food and…best teeth on hearth!                                                                                               Welcome to Croatia! I spent only two days in Pula, but, believe me , I ‘ll go back!. Pula is the largest town on the Istrian peninsula and offers a diversity of attractions to lovers of culture. The rich itinerary of its three thousand year old history, where every step you take through the Old Town is a landmark, begins and ends with the Roman amphitheatre. The city has a long tradition of winemaking, fishing, shipbuilding, and tourism.
  The Arena. Pula’s amphitheater was built around the end of the first century before Christ. It was August with a very hot weather. That s why my lovely guide Rossana met me there early in the morning , immediately after they open the gate. I suggest you to do the same. Rossana told me a quite cute legend about a raw linen made tent (they called it velarium) that used to be opened up to protect from the sun and give some shade to the audience while watching the show, or function as a bug umbrella in case of rain. Actually the morning is he best time to come to the arena  as well the sunset time. Often the Arena hosts operas, concerts and performances. The acoustic is amazing: Tenors Giorgio Pavarotti, Placido Domingo and Beniamino Gigli said the this place was one of the most suitable for their voice and for the public. In the Arena have been performing great music legends such as Tina Turner, Joe Cocker, Sting, Simply Red, Robert Plant, Status Quo, Massive Attack, just to mention few. Every summer, Pula host a superb Film Festival in the Arena,
  Celebrity town. Pula was also the residence of many Italian celebrities, from Italian singer Sergio Endrigo, to Italian actress Alida Valli who was celebrated as one of the most beautiful woman in the he world. Pula girls!
  The legacy of Alida Valli keeps the tradition. Beauty, charme, and those beautiful legs, so famous all over the world, make the local girls  into dreamgirls ! Writer James Joyce
  choose Pula as his residency for several years. After a full day of historical sightseeing you will find many coffee shops on the street Forum including Café Uliks is a must for any fans of James Joyce, the Irish author who worked in Pula as a teacher in the early 20th century. Wines and food Wines top quality wines including Malvasia (one of my favorites) the most famous Istrian wines produced from indigenous white grapes. and Teran, a  rich red wine, intensely purple colored, able to compet with the Italian ones but less expensive. A big time specialty is the  zgvacet ragout. It is a sauce of diced chunks of chicken meat. In Pula, just as in most towns of Istria, be sure to taste seafood specialties, of which dishes rospi (monkfish), sea bass or delicious buzara Kvarner scampi only a small number of delicacies on offer. In Pula you should try and shells, thanks to the clear waters are a special flavor mussels, scallops or kanaštrele excellent fish stew, and definitely should try the black risotto with cuttlefish. Lovers of oily fish to taste anchovies to savor. This dish is eaten cold and fried sardines topped with sauce, oil, onion, vinegar and spices.In Pula you should try and maneštras traditional thick soup whose main ingredients are potatoes and beans with added mixture of bacon and garlic.
  Truffles!
  Many Pula’s restaurants carry the highlight of gastronomy: the white truffles. Try them with fusi or gnocchi with truffles or shaved over meat or cheese. But the real combo, the Romeo and Juliet of the choiche should be truffles and eggs! Bars, shops, market and flea markets Have fun, look around, bargain!
  Smile! Dental tourism, is hot in Croatia, organized groups come here and put their teeth in place  with low-budget, cheaper prices, excellent quality, good materials and expert dentist. How to contact them who contact them? Or you can see on the websites or call the local tourist agency that will give you advice on the best places or to be so lucky to have a  friend who has already been here already. Do not!
  Croatia has its own currency: the kuna.
  Don’t change your money in the street, you may get useless Balcanian or Bulgarian money…
  Go into a bank and change there! Where to stay I stayed at Amfiteatar Hotel, located in the heart of the Pula city, hotel Amphitheater is at a 2 minutes walking distance to the Arena and 5 minutes walking distance to the city cathedral, with the harbor also in the close vicinity. Beach and the airport are only 10 minutes away by car. Very close to the arena and within a short walking distance to all the other attractions in the  old town. I had dinner in the outdoor restaurant, Owner Chef and culinary star Deniz Zembo prepared delicious local dishes with a twist. I loved the grilled octopuss and  delicious cake. I would like to thank the lovely ladies Viviana Vukelic and Adriana Bajic from Ente Nazionale Croato per il Turismo in Milan and the super cool Goran from the Tourism Office in Pula, Chef Deniz Zembo and my amazing guide Rossana. They truly contributed to make my Pula’s visit memorable, fun and wonderful. For more info
  ENTE NAZIONALE CROATO PER IL TURISMO
  https://croatia.hr/en-GB TOURISM OFFICE PULA http://www.pulainfo.hr/     Hacienda Chichen: discover the most revered Mayan site the smart way! Chichen Itza, located inland of the Yucatan Peninsula, about 200 km East of Cancun, is one of the most visited archaeological sites in Mexico with over 2.6 million tourists in 2017.
  Do the math…                                                   .That’s on average over 7000 visitors a day. Even though the site is not limited to the iconic Kukulcàn pyramid (photo 1) and covers a very large area (over 300 hectares), that is a lot of human flesh roaming around! Especialy when one considers that the most popular way to visit the Unesco world heritage site is via tour operators organizing day trips from Cancun or Merida, creating a huge influx of fully loaded buses arriving around 11 AM or so every day. Arriving with the sun at its hottest among hordes of tourists had always been a deterring idea to me. I had sacrificed the visit of wholly site during my passed 3 visits of Yucatan, favoring the ruins of Tulum and Cuba, less crowded and still awesome examples of the might and splendor of the Mayan civilization. For this fourth visit this last spring, I was determined to visit the legendary Chichen Itza in the best way possible. Staying overnight at the Hacienda Chichen revealed to be the smartest answer possible. Smart because by staying overnight in this historic hotel located a few hundred feet from the archeological site enables to start exploring the grounds as early as 8 AM, before the arrival of the crowds. Smart, because the hotel combines genuine elegance and great service while respecting authenticity and ecological responsibility. Follow me, let me show you the way…When I arrived from Tulum around noon at the Chichen Itza bus terminal, I was left at the main entrance of the site in one of the largest parking lots I have ever seen: hundreds of buses still unloading their loads of tourists from every continent. The line to the ticket booth was long, the heat dreadful. Instead of joining the frenzy, I hopped in a cab and 10 minutes later, I was discovering the old-world charm of the Hacienda Chichen. The check in was a breeze and the welcoming cocktail made of pineapple and Chaya leaf juice refreshing as heaven (pic 3). I was later to learn that it had been freshly made from the organic garden of the property, providing a lot of the fruits, vegetables and herbs used by the kitchen   The front desk offered to arrange the purchase of my ticket to visit the site the next morning, without any surcharge, avoiding the hassle to wait in line. They also offered the possibility to have a legitimate private guide for the visit, but as usual, I declined in order to feel totally free and visit at my own pace. The afternoon was mine to relax and enjoy what the Hacienda had to offer. The 28 rooms set in a total of 12 cottages spread out on the lush grounds were originally built to host archeologists who helped excavate the site. Now they are opened to all offering soothing air conditioning, large bed, beautiful sheets, large bathrooms, fresh flowers and hammocks on the front porch for those eager to adopt the Mayan way to take a nap at the sound of singing birds       Another way to relax in a horizontal way is to indulge in one of the treatments at the Yaxkin spa. And that’s exactly what I did, with the 45-minute Pakal treatment, a Maya healing ritual focusing on the head and the upper body. The soul is also soothed by an initial prayer in Mayan language by my charming therapist. I loved the fact that the room was very large, not one of those cubicles where on feels locked up. The outside garden was present in the room with the use of various herbs and plants, including a refreshing aloe vera jelly applied on the face.Totally relaxed, I finished the afternoon by lingering by the superb swimming pool, large and square as I like them to do laps at length. .Recycled and chemical-free water added a guilt free sensation to the overall pleasure. Time went by and before I knew it was time to meet the general manager for a grand tour of the property, including the restored church where weddings can be organized, surrounded by the beautifully maintained vegetation).
  No wedding the evening of my stay, but I still felt like a very special person, enjoying an evening drink on the beautiful front patio at the sound of a traditional trio singing deep from the heart local ballads.
  For dinner, I ventured across the street to the humbler Villas Areological hotel (http://www.villasarqueologicas.com.mx/chichen-itza.html)
  that I wanted to check out for its restaurant serving a variety of traditional dishes from Yucatan. The best, by far, was the cream of Chaya soup and I appreciated the selection of Mexican wines. The night was young, but the day had been long, so I was eager to return to my beautiful room for a good night sleep. At 8:20 Am, I recuperated my ticket to visit the site and was guided to the private entrance specific to the Hacienda. I was alone when I crossed the gate and after a ten-minute walk, I was facing the beautiful Mayan pyramid with the company of a couple of iguanas, but not another human soul.      The morning air was cool, and the silence only broken by singing birds. All the merchants on the way were focused on unpacking their things, leaving me unburdened. Besides the famous pyramid, I loved walking through the gigantic ball game field practically alone As well as discovering the sacred cenote (sinkhole) and the perfectly aligned columns without the eye sore of groups of tourists ruining the geometry of the monuments.    After three hours of walking at my own pace, I went back to the Hacienda, walking against the growing flow of visitors and the solicitations of the souvenir vendors, they were in full swing mode, trying to sell their T-shirts and miniature statues probably made in China!
  The heat had risen and a last dip in the pool after a refreshing outdoor shower felt like pure bliss. At noon I was packed and ready to leave this magical place.                                       
  A short taxi ride took me to the small town of Piste where I tasted a delicious and original pozole de coco, lightly sweetened and perfectly chilled (pic 20), then hopped on a collective to reach Valladolid after 24 hours of total serenity, visiting the most famous Mayan site in the best way possible…
  the nontouristytourist way! Text and photos by Philip Sinsheimer   HACIENDA CHICHEN RESORT AND YAXKIN SPA http://www.haciendachichen.com Tel: +52 999 920 8407       Posted in travel | Tagged Chichen Itza, Mexico | Leave a reply Edit A ‘HYGGE’SUMMER IN COPENHAGEN Posted on July 8, 2018 In summer Copenhagen is an ideal destination: favorable weather, long and sunny days, smiling, polite and serene people. It seems that everyone here discovers the secret of happiness: hygge, a Danish word that invites you to enjoy the simple pleasures of life and live alone or with friends, at home or outside, special and happy moments.
  Find yourself singing on the beach around a bonfire, have a nice picnic at the park, attend an outdoor concert, participate in a street festival or take a bike ride … these and more are the little pleasures of life that feed the hygge spirit in the life of the Danes. To find out right away just do this test . The result is a real personalized treatment based on hygge, released with all the tips on how to get it on a trip to Denmark.
  Useful and precious, a true friend! I’m talking about the Copenhagen Card, a pass that allows you to visit as many as 86 museums and attractions, use all public transportation for free and benefit from discounts on tours, bars and restaurants.
  I also used it for a tour of the canals and the port. 1 hour, audiogude in all languages, a show of ancient and modern architecture, a sea of photos. passing the numerous bridges of the city. But pay attention to be seated: the bridges are very low and the risk to bump your head on it, it s quite possible.
   Tivoli
      The oldest playground in the world. You will skip over breathtaking roller coasters,you will be projected into space, you will remain suspended in the air more than a thousand other rides in the charming gardens where the oriental facade of beautiful
  Hotel Nimb stands out. After the aerial acrobatics, I finally relaxed in the Brasserie, famous Nimb restaurant,
  French cuisine, refined menu, excellent wine list, good service and relaxing atmosphere (apart from the crowded side room that celebrated a noisy birthday…) I tasted the Chef’s specialties, a delicate mollusk bisque served with scampi and carrots, a crunchy turbot à la meunière, sprinkled with lemon drops, ending with a puff pastry stuffed with strawberries and cream, all paired to my favorite Sancerre Domaine de La Garenne, deliciously fruity, In short, a dinner worthy of the unique atmosphere of the location.
  Copenhagen history boasts of royalties and magnificent castles,Here my favorites
  Amalienborg Palace, a must for anyone with a taste for royal history and the life of Denmark’s royal family who still resides inside the palace. Experience royal history at the museum and sense the present of one of the world’s oldest monarchies from the beautiful palace square where you can watch the changing of its famous guards called Den Kongelige Livgarde. Every day you can experience the changing of the guards, as they march from their barracks in 100 Gothersgade by Rosenborg Castle through the streets of Copenhagen and end up at Amalienborg, where the changing of the guard takes place at 12:00 noon.
  Christiansborg Palace famous for its hall covered with 17 giant tapestries, which tell 1000 years of Danish history, It is a gift from The Danish business community in occasion of Her Majesty Queen Margrethe 50th birthday,. Bjørn Nørgaard painted the full-size sketches upon which the tapestries were woven. These impressive royal rooms host the official receptions in the presence of the Queen, between a sparkle of uniforms and great evening gowns. Better to avoid arriving by car or taxi, the protocol prefers that the guests present themselves in a carriage…   As a food lover, I could not resist the temptation to descend into the legendary Royal Kitchens to discover the background of an official banquet, browse the Queen’s recipes and admire one of the largest collections of copper crockery in Europe.
      To be or not to be…
  I recommend a small excursion outside the city. Helsingør 30 minutes by train.
  The famous Castle of Kronborg, better known as Hamlet’s house, reigns there. In fact, here Shakespeare set his drama. Gossips say that the writer had never been there, but would have been an actor in his company to tell him about this mighty fortress, from whose park, littered with cannons, you can glimpse Sweden. Suddenly the walls resound with the voices of the characters of Hamlet, which appear, like ghosts, perfectly interpreted by talented actors who bring to life the tragic events of the drama, You could spend a whole day in Kronborg, and live many experiences, guided tours through the casemates and the halls, explore the passages and towers, see a play and relax admiring the sea – but if you prefer, you can get an idea Kronborg concrete even in just one hour. Kronborg is open all year round (except 1st January, 24th, 25th and 31st December) from 11am to 4pm. In the summer (June, July and August) the schedule is extended: from 10.30am to 5.30pm.
  After all that drama I needed a…great meal and I went to the renowned restaurant Brasserie 1861, where I met the Chef. His name is Casper Stuhr Sobczyk I can describe him as a gentle viking with the sweetest smile and… smoked sardines tattooed in his arm.
  They called him ‘the king of herbs ‘for his passion for vegetables and fresh products from the field. His passions are: fish, molluscs, entrails as lamb’s brain, (not so popular in the quite skeptic Northern Europe), He started with French cuisine, passed to the molecular and ended up with mixing them two styles. ‘I like to play with the ingredients, says Casper, like for example, pairing strawberries to balsamic vinegar. I worked in Danmark a lot, including the Copenhagen National Library. I got good reviews and I started my new adventure here at Marienlyst Hotel, In my my fridge at home, there is always place for eggs, probably because my wife loves them, lot of vegetables and of course several max sizei Pepsi. I Love Pepsi… ‘His friendly Verona born partner Fabio Ciccarelli started serving a surprising appetizer: a revolutionary version of the traditional blini, made with caviar white sturgeon, to be mixed to crème fraiche on herbal waffle. The ingredients just melt perfectly together.                                                                      Then a salted unusually cooked burned salmon, followed by a mackerel with foie gras, green peas. As a main dish , I tasted halibut with asparagus that burned for few minutes to maintain the crunchiness. Every dish was so intense, so fresh and so herbal.
  No wonder why Chef Sobczyk is the ‘king of herbs…
  ’In the summer, Denmark is a foodies paradise with its festivals and gastronomic events Do not miss the Copenhagen Cooking & Food Festival from August 24th to September 2nd, during which Copenhagen becomes a huge Nordic restaurant and definitely stop at the new street food Reffen, an urban playground recently opened, that mixes crafts and culture. Reffen is a place where the people of Copenhagen are invited to take part in the development. 54 start-ups in the form of food stalls, bars and creative workshops many confirming the dogmas “Reduce and Reuse”.   Mermaid yes or no?
  The most celebrated mermaid statue of The Little Mermaid from Hans Christian Andersen’s children’s story, sitting on a stone at Langelinie in the harbor of Copenhagen, Denmark. Honestly I saw her from the boat and I have to say that the invading ‘selfie addicted crowd’ didn’t appeal to me… So I went at night, and here she was, alone, shining on the dark, mysterious and looking like wanting to splash in the water any minute,
  That, I call a magic encounter with Miss Mermaid…for more info
  #visitdenmarkstories @govistdenmark. Posted in travel | Tagged Copenhagen | Leave a reply Edit Hamburg, Germany, Why go there and where to stay, what to eat Posted on July 7, 2018 I started my Hamburg experience with an avalanche of photos and selfies on board of the Stadtrundfahrt double-decker bus, providing earphones in all languages. In a couple of hours you’ll know the city, get off when you want, visit and get the next one. An indispensable tour, also in a mini-cruise version with Harbor Cruise You will enjoy the aquatic view of the city, of the immense port and of the colossal cargo ships with gigantic containers.
  Hamburg means bricks, red bricks, so my next stop was Speicherstadt.   Almost a kilometer of old warehouses with typical red bricks, used as storage for incoming goods: oriental carpets, tea, raw coffee, cocoa, tobacco, spices. Among the attractions: a kaffeerösterei, an old coffee roaster, where you can also enjoy decadent cakes with strawberries and cream.       Chocoversum,  a true chocolate triumph,
  Manufactum a trendy shop and the Spice Museum  where you will find and taste everything: European spices, Asian and Indian flavors, exotic perfumes, 50 varieties of pepper, cloves, cinnamon, turmeric, mustard seeds and the most expensive ones: orchid vanilla and saffron.   Miniatur Wunderland Models of trains and landscapes in miniature? I was doubtful …well, I was amazed. Two huge floors where landscapes and cities of all the world have been meticulously reconstructed with airports, motorways, railways in great turmoil and crowded by a thousand minuscule people, including a team while washing Pope Francis car…       Travel and read.
  130 bookshops stocked with second hand books! Passengers are allowed not only to read them during their journey ,but also to take them home.   Elbphilharmonie
  Extraordinary glass structure, with windows that look like eyes. With its perfect acoustic, hosts concerts and shows. You get there with a spectacular 82 meter escalator that runs through The Plaza, from which you can enjoy a great view.
  Perfect location for a drink or a snack at the Beer & Dine and a little shopping in the well-stocked book, music and souvenir store. Tickets can be booked 18 weeks in advance and children up to three years do not pay.
  Hamburg and its museums. I chose two. Kunsthalle, 700 years of art, from the great masters of the Renaissance until 1800 with Manet, Caspar David Friedrich, up to the German expressionism (which I adore) and the contemporary avant-garde .
  MKG  Great museum with unusual exhibits: famous deco posters, precious vintage pianos, sketches and 30s dresses, a space dedicated to design furniture, photo galleries avant – garde and much more.
  It is true that the hamburger was born in Hamburg?
  The most famous meatball in the world is ‘made in the USA’ or ‘made in Hamburg’?
  The name would leave no doubt, but the Americans boast its paternity.
  The Germans claim that it was cooked in the houses of Hamburg and then it was exported to the USA, while for the Americans it would be born in the port of Hamburg, a municipality located in the state of New York and the inventors would have been the Menches brothers who in 1885 would propose the first sandwich stuffed with meat during the country festival Erie County Fair.
  Legends aside, here you will find space burgers. The best from Burger Lounge, Jim Block Jungfernstieg, Dulf’s Burger , Otto’s Burger Grindelhof and Schanze . WHERE TO STAY
  I tried two hotels, both experiences were great!
  
  Novotel Hamburg City Alster Hotel
  4-star hotel in the modern rooms and suites with a desk and free WIFI
  Central location and U-Bahn station on our doorstep make the Novotel Hamburg City Alster hotel the ideal base in Hamburg. 5-minutes away from Alster-Schwimmhalle and within 20 minutes of English Theatre Of Hamburg. Highlights at this hotel include in-room free WiFi, free high-speed Internet, and LCD TVs. All 210 soundproofed rooms feature sofa beds, satellite TV, and separate bathtubs and showers. You’ll find nice touches like soaking tubs and free toiletries to enhance your stay. Coffee/tea makers, free newspapers, and safes are also available. Enjoy the fitness centre, Turkish bath/hammam, and sauna. Business amenities include a meeting room and a business centre. Added amenities include free WiFi in public areas and laundry facilities. Each morning excellent buffet breakfast is served between 6:30 AM and 10:30 AM. Sights within a 20-minute walk of this 4-star Hamburg-Nord hotel include Museum of Arts and Crafts Hamburg and Mundsburg Center. Enjoy the comfort of the sauna and the video games area. Rooms are spacious and bright, Super comfy bed…I slept like a baby!
  Dining in is an option with room service, and minibars provide refreshments. I had a great lunch at the hotel stylish restaurant Novo2, and a nice chat with the executive Chef, who told me that his menu focuses on seasonal products and evergreen tasty meat. and suggested a juicy and tender La Maracho Rump Steak with sauteed vegetables  and … a silver swan (just for decoration…) Novo2 is an innovative combination of a bar lounge , that offers delicious seasonal dishes and light snacks are served from 6.30am to 9.30pm. A cool spot where where you can have a nice glass of wine, like i did!
  INFO     Luebecker Strasse 3 22087 HAMBURG Germany HafenCity. It is the new futuristic district of Hamburg, area of ​​creatives and artists,
  To get there they have specially built the metropolitan U4 line. in 3 stops from the center you have already arrived. Here you can breathe fresh air, the spaces are open and many Hamburgers get away from work to go for a drink or a snack.
    I stayed at the brand new 25 Hours HafenCity Hotel where I had a great time. I felt like a sailor, the rooms look like a ship’s cabins, with prosperous painted models on the bathroom walls.   Here atmosphere is easy and relaxed , The motto says  COME AS YOU ARE! There is also free access to a spectacular spa in stones and wood. In the morning a rich buffet breakfast is set up, there you can find everything, including rote gruetze, my beloved raspberry, blueberry and cherry sauce served on lean yogurt. Yummy!       What does a real Hamburger drink?
  Beer, of course! It has been produced in Hamburg for over a millennium and has become an icon of German culture. Here some popular ones.
  Ratsherrn, one of the city’s most famous artisan breweries From pilsner to light beers. Galopper des Jahres, popular and animated. The members of the staff are true fan of craft beer, so be sure to ask for their recommendations: they know what to suggest for every taste and palate. Blockbräu, a terrace with a wonderful view.
  My favorite? Altes Mädchen An incredible variety of excellent local and around 70 international beers, also combined with tasty German specialties.Remember, the real Hamburger does not drink Coca Cola! The preferred alternative is fritz-kola, rich in caffeine and lemon. It was born in 2002, invented almost for fun by young friends Lorenz and Mirco and produced with a really amateur process. Imagine: the labels were photocopies and they were glued by hand on the bottle …
  Today it is the national soft drink.     Red lights …
  night and day! The St. Pauli district was once a bad area full of noisy pubs, frequented by criminals, sailors and prostitutes. Today the taverns have become artistic skyscrapers, like the Dancing Towers, which seem to really dance, while the smoky haunts of the past have become fashionable places. But the raunchy survived: sex shops, theaters, striptease, burlesque and the inevitable bouncers who invite you to enter. In addition to the ‘sensory’ attractions, the neighborhood is full of super-trendy shops, new boutiques, hip clubs and bars Keep walking around the St.Pauli district,
  head towards Markstrasse and the surroundings of KarolinenvIertel. There You will find small bars, self-managed restaurants, flowers, perfumes, mini boutiques and lots of vintage. If you are ‘bio’ dive into the Rider Markt Halle, and a relaxing drink from Zoe the bar of the different sofas. For more chic and exclusive products, head to Hole Bleichen.       Then it comes the time for…
  beauty and relaxation. After a long walk, it is right to take a relaxing break in Jungfernstieg, in the heart of Hamburg with a fantastic view of the Alster river. Here Nivea Haus awaits for you, this is the official store of the famous face cream, born in Hamburg in 1929. Here you can find classic or brand new creams for face and body, cosmetics, revitalizing treatments, relaxing massages, as well as manicures and pedicures.   Plus a really cute souvenir: your ‘Nivea’. You ‘ll be photographed and in a second …you’re on the cover of the famous blue box. I couldn’t resist …     So, what do you think?
  Am I fine for a cream cover?       Posted in travel | Tagged Hamburg | Leave a reply Edit MATERA, Italy. The city, the Sassi and the best Lucanian dishes Posted on May 30, 2018
  Matera is one of the oldest cities in the world. By day the sunlight enhances its white. At night, it looks like an immense nativity set up under the starry sky.
  Its quarter I Sassi, ancient dwellings dug into the tufo, where the roofs serve as a base for the houses that have developed on higher levels. These were dug entirely into the rock and represent one of the most striking examples of exploitation of natural resources to obtain suitable conditions for the life of a large community. In the caves often lived more families and despite the lack of space, almost all daily activities took place in the cavities of cave-houses: from handicrafts to weaving, from food storage to animal care (dogs, chicken, pigs, horses and donkeys were living with the family as primitive source of heating). The temperature was constant and guaranteed by the characteristics of the sea tufo , so the inhabitants did not suffer too much from the cold in winter and found a shelter from summer heat. This way of life for years has been seen as a sign of backwardness and incivility. The inhabitants of the Sassi were often considered as primitives living like animals. In 1952 Sassi was considered “the Italian national shame”and abandoned in the late ’50s, Sassi was able to be redeemed until they became Unesco World Heritage in and will be the 2019 European Capital of Culture. Its amazing scenario has been used s a set for Mel Gibson “The Passion” Pier Paolo Pasolini “The Gospel According to Matthew “King David”, Christ The Lord: Out of Egypt “, and the remake of “Ben-Hur “. I took the Gran Tour of Sassi,
  an intense 3 hours guided tour and I learn so much about the history of this amazing city. The tour begins in front of the Cathedral, in the upper part of the City, and then goes deeper into the tangle of narrow alleys, caves, cellars, churches, small gardens, tiny squares and districts. I was able to discover in detail these unusual dwellings partly carved out of the limestone. It s a long walk, so wear comfy shoes. Matera is also well now for its cooking tradition, a classic example of Italian peasant cuisine, using free ingredients combined with a fair amount of labor and know-how to  turn an odd edible food into a delectable dish.
  Here my choices:
   ll Terrazzino  
  View, ambience, real food, rich menu, moderate prices and …did I mentioned the view? Welcome to Il Terrazzino, one of the oldest deck restaurant in Sassi Eustachio Persia welcomed me with a dish of local cold cuts, including my fav lampascioni, bulbs of a common wildflower in southern Italy, then I ordered lamb, and…surprise! iIt came wrapped in yellow strawpaper.
  ‘This place used to be a cantina, told me Eustachio, just wine, no food.So people used to cook it at home and take it here, all wrapped up in paper tto keep it warm, then tear the bag and eat it paired with a nice glass of wine.Then came the crapiata a soup of different legumes, cereals and potatoes typical of the Basilicata cuisine of rural tradition, prepared in great quantity every year on the first day of August in the district La Martella, close to the cultivated fields and served to the inhabitants. Eustachio took me downstairs, to the 17 century cellar, which incorporates the typical architecture of the Sassi and was refurbished to retrace moments of daily life of the peasant life, Baccus
  Simple yet elegant restaurant Located in the Sassi area, Baccus is well know for its Chef Carlo Pozzuoli who likes to reinterpretate typical local dishes and flavors of the past  in a modern way.     Starting with super crunchy chips of red peppers, followed by fagots of ziti with cream of yellow and red peppers, bundled in a slice of sweet scamorza cheese topped by goat ricotta curlS.     A soupy Dish with tagliolini pasta with black and white chickpeas, considered ideal fro pregnant women, since it contains a lot of iron.
  The menu dedicates an attentive search of local herbs, like the cicoriella, the sivone and other fresh leaves variously used in cooking: in salads, minestrone, simply boiled with oil and lemon, or as a filling of ravioli and pansotti or excellent omelettes.       Carlo and his wife Mariella were wonderful hosts. Not only keeping me company at the table but also surprising me with a taste of a sweet heart shaped Sporcamuso, (begrime the face) a dessert so full of cream that I inevitably ended up with hot pastry cream all over my face.  
  Da Mario
  ‘We represent the tradition. My family managed this restaurant since the 50’s’ told me Anna, owner of the popular Ristorante Pizzeria Da Mario ‘Since then we are always been loved by the people from Matera and from all over the world. Many celebrities have eaten here: Richard Gere, Mel Gibson just to mention few’                                              I went there for lunch and followed Anna’s suggestions, starting with a tasty orecchiette alle rape with anchovies and toasted breadcrumbs, then I tried home made strascinati pasta with cardoncelli mushrooms and garnished with the typical crunchy peperone crusco, fried red pepper. Da Mario is know for its pizza. I tried a baby Margherita, perfectly cooked. ‘I love my town, peaceful and quiet, I run the restaurant a cosy BnB called Sassi Belvedere although sometimes I need some noise… some that’s why I have a place in Milan, where I go , like an escape little vacation, but then I am happy to be back in my Lucania ( the ancient name of Basilicata) Sorry I still call it Lucania.. perhaps it’s because I like the old things…
  I don’t blame her..
  Where I stayed.
  Residence San Gennaro, located in the inner courtyard of the old “neighborhood”, once the fulcrum of the days of the inhabitants
  Super friendly host Francesco delighted me with anecdotes about the city, gave me tips took me to the prehistoric hypogeous cave below the residence, embellished with a precious Nativity and prepared a great breakfast that included fresh local products. I stayed in Guerricchio suite, that has a kitchenette, a delightful double bedroom, a private bathroom and a cute little balcony to enjoy the view on the enchanting Sassi of Matera. It is At the entrance an artistic work of great value welcomed me. “Girasoli di Guerricchio”, a Lucanian artist to whom the suite is dedicated. I also loved Casa Noha
  An amazing gateway” to the city, charting its history thanks to an innovative communication project, where the walls, the ceilings and the floors will take to an extraordinary journey through the history of Matera from its origins to the present day.
  MUSMA
  (Museum of Contemporary Sculpture Matera)
  This unique museum provides the perfect environment for the symbiosis of sculpture and the characteristic carved sites in the Sassi; the exhibition galleries, in fact, consist not only of the rooms of the Palazzo, but also the vast hypogea, where the works of art are revitalized by the strength and beauty of the surrounding rock hewn spaces             Posted in Food, travel | Tagged Baccus, Basilicata, Da Mario, Il Terrazino, Matera, Sassi | Leave a reply Edit
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  see full article see full article see full article see full article see full article                                                       see full article see full article see full article see full article BOUTIQUE HOTEL CASA ANGELINA,  AMALFI COAST
  by Cesare Zucca http://www.torrettas.com Three ‘Nobel’ days in Oslo Stay at the Grand Hotel
  3 HOTELS ROOF TOPS you don’t want to miss
  by Cesare Zucca   Discovering beautiful Poland POZNAN by Cesare Zucca INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL Phnom Penh
     
  BEST ‘KIDS FRIENDLY’ MUSEUMS IN NEW YORK
  Children’s Museum of The Arts (103 Charlton St) invita all’arte, coinvolgendo i bambini in disinvolte classi di pittura, ceramica, scultura e musica.
  New York City Fire Museum (278 Spring St) organizza Safety Tour, una vera lezione sul fuoco con tanto di simulazione di incendio, dove un vigile newyorkese insegnerà le tecniche di salvataggio.
  Children’s Museum of Manhattan (212 West 83 St) è un immenso asilo stile Disneyland con cinque piani di attrazioni, giochi educativi, passatempi intelligenti e divertimento, daLet’s Dance, spazio interattivo dedicato ai bambini che amano ballare, a Art, Artists & You  dove i piccoli si improvvisavo artisti .
  Natural History Museum (CPW/79 St) ospita The Butterfly Conservatory, una foresta con più di 500 farfalle da tutto il mondo.
  You just don’t realize how lucky you were when your join the guided 3,30-hour food tour organized by VisitLLjubljana.com managed by the Tourism Office of Ljubljana until you experience it.           They offer numerous guided city tours  including the Historical City Centre and Ljubljana Castle revolving around history, art and landmarks, whether on foot, bicycle or on a boat cruising the river. There is no other way to sample the incredible diversity of Slovenian food in so little time and in such a fun and well-paced way.
  Slovenia is a small country yes, but it counts no less than 24 gastronomic regions. Ljubljana, reminding me of Paris in a way, is pretty much in the center of the country and, as a capital, has attracted many food vendors and restaurateurs to benefit from the largest concentration of population (and tourists) of the country. But, right off the bat, let me tell you that, at no point, do you feel shepherded to a pasture of touristic traps you would have found on your own. The choice is balanced between food shops and restaurants, clearly very carefully picked. Also, it isn’t a gorging party:
  at the end of the tour, you feel satiated, without ever feeling over full!. As all good cooking requests, things started with the sourcing of ingredients: the market!
  And Ljubljana is blessed, right in its center with a human sized, yet substantial farmer’s market, with one section dedicated to only certified organic vendors. I had noticed on my way to the tour some beautiful chanterelle mushrooms, as well as yellow broad beans that I had never encountered before. Lucky enough, I was able to find them again and was met with the most charming smile the seller could have shared. Then, we got to visit the permanent covered market, a beautiful building along the riverbank. That was like entering a world of its own. Gorgeous charcuterie, cheeses, breads (got a loaf of this dark and dense bread, yet moist and oh! so tasty). A separate section is dedicated to fish, perhaps for temperature and odor control. Whatever the reason might be, I was really impressed by the display of fish available and the absence actually of any strong fishy smell. Slovenia is known mainly as an inland country, but it does have a little bit of coast on the Adriatic Sea and they sure know how to source the best of what can come out of it. Everything looked so fresh, a real temptation for any cook.
  But carrying fish on ice for the rest of the tour was NOT going to happen!
      We met our lovely guide Simona in Ciril-Metodov, the cobblestoned main street. She took us at Klòbasarna, where we had the first tasting: a warm smoked sausage form the Carniola region just South of Austria, in other words at the Northern end of Slovenia. Made of the finest pieces of pork, this sausage neither greasy nor too dry, just hit the spot accompanied by a light red wine, a little horseradish and mustard which I loved.     Simona took us in more that 7 venues, specialized in different specialties, from the syrups and the honeys of Dobrote-Dolenjske,  to the traditional cake prekmurska gibanica homemade at
  Gujzina I won’t be going in the detail of all the things tasted, either in gastronomic shops or in restaurants… I want you to go and experience it for yourself. Besides beef tongue, fried chicken, honey (Slovenia is Europe’s largest producer per capita), my heart will go for this humble dish of mashed potatoes with sautéed onions and bits of bacon that we tasted at a very special restaurant, Druga Violina, where all the members of the staff suffer from some form of disability or another. It felt really good to contribute to this effort to support the community and, let’s be frank, it also tasted soooo good, just by itself. With influences coming from all neighboring countries (Italy, Austria, Hungry and Croatia), tucked between sea, plains, forests and mountains, the small country of Slovenia is rich of diversity and, if this three-hour tour cannot cover everything, it sure serves as the best introduction one can hope to taste in this timeframe!
  Tours priced at 52€ everything included,
  To make a reservation
  For more info www.visitLjubljana.com Posted in Food, travel | Tagged Food Tour, Ljubljana, prekmurska gibanica, Tourism Office of Ljubljana | Leave a reply Edit GRAND HOTEL TOPLICE, JULIJANA RESTAURANT IN BLED, SLOVENIA Posted on October 7, 2018 Slovenia. Bled, about an hour North of the capital Ljubljana to the North-West of Slovenia. Rather than the town it is the beautiful lake that gives the name Bled, famous among the European elite as early as the 1930’s with the construction of a luxurious hotel providing  natural hot spring source knowned for health benefits.I am talking of the Grand Hotel Toplice, a venue that boasts a rich history, a magical location, gorgeous alpine and lake views and sumptuously comfortable, elegantly styled rooms.   Each of the rooms and suites at Grand Hotel Toplice has its own unique character and are traditionally styled with beautiful parquet floors, rich furniture and beautiful paintings with many of the rooms benefiting from breathtakingly beautiful lake views. The hotel has been recently renovated and restored to its former glory and is one of the best hotels in Slovenia as well as being a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection.           It has hosted many eminent guests and is frequented by celebrities such as  Vivian Leigh, Arthur Miller, Pablo Neruda, King Hussein of Jordan, Paul McCartney and…me, with my best friend-chef-writer Philip Sinsheimer, graciously hosted by Sava hotel and resort group that manage the venue. Starting from the impeccable reception. the hotel boasts luxurious accommodation, few restaurant, a bar  and the enchantment of Lake Bled. All rooms and suites are individually decorated in an enchanting and traditional style, lavishly equipped with an excellent range of facilities, a relaxing thermal swimming pool and benefit from different saunas, wellness services and a solarium among a private lido, where Philip (expert swimmer) dived in the limpid lake water while me (lazy man…) was indulging in a relaxing sunbathing. We dedicated the morning ( when the light is best) to row to the island where the minuscule baroque chapel.I was anxious to hear the bells rings, because  I knew about the legend wich narrates that around the year 1500, the leaseholder of Lake Bled at the time, Hartman Kreigh, disappeared. People said he was killed. Sad for the events, the Lady of the Castle collected all of her precious golden jewellery to be melted down and casted into a bell for the chapel on the island of the Lake, so that the bell would toll in remembrance of  beloved companion. They say the bell has a magic power, when it rings, you should make 3 wishes and wait for them to become real.  We did 99 steps and finally we arrived at the church, where the view is really breathtaking and, yes, we waited for the bell… Not sure my wishes are becoming a reality, we ll see…. A true wish coming true was the  splendid dinner we were invited for dinner at Julijana Restaurant where Chef Bertoncelj prepared a great dinner.
  I leave Philip the privilege of writing about it, since he is a chef and a food blogger.                                   GRANDE CUISINE BY THE LAKE
  This historic landmark now called the Grand Hotel Toplice, operated by the Sava hotel and resort group, has managed to preserve the relics of the past with grand salons adorned with memorabilia pictures and bring all the comfort of modernity at the same time.This delicate balance between past was brilliantly reflected in the cuisine of the executive chef Simon Bertoncelj and the whole crew under him. Having dinner at the gastronomic Julijana Restaurant, especially if the weather allows to eat al fresco facing the lake is a moment of bliss: the quality of service, attention to detail and classic decor evoke a certain respect of classical elegance. This doesn’t constrain the cuisine to old classics, and the chef’s creativity and modern techniques seem to find their place very naturally in this elegant environment. The mise en bouche consisting of a delicately baked oyster and a buttery giant shrimp had all the signs of what you can expect in a palace restaurant: prime quality ingredients simply treated. This seafood opening was in synch with the view of the water even though it wasn’t the sea. As I were to learn later by the chef, unfortunately, as beautiful as it is, the lake doesn’t often yield the quantity of fish needed to take place on the menu.   The mushroom cappuccino with porcini had the depth of flavor one can only get in top notch restaurants, served piping hot but adorned with the freshness of a few micro greens scattered on top rather than the old habit of a dollop of cream and a few chives. Fresh too was the vitello tonnato inspired salad, bright and lively. Here, as in all the great restaurants experienced in Slovenia, the wine list paid homage to the country’s fine wines, such as the 2017Verus Chardonnay from Stajerska, the western part of the Podravje region in the North of the country. At last a chardonnay that can showcase both concentration of flavors and freshness in the palate with a mere 13° alcohol content.The shining fish course was a thick and moist turbot filet, perfectly cooked and adorned by a beautiful composition of vegetables and foamy grapefruit sauce. Here again: classic base and modern composition. Though generous, nothing was heavy, and the beautiful matured saddle of veal served pink with a herb crust was still welcome. To finish, the iconic Bled Cream Cake, which recipe goes back to 1953 and is secretly kept by the Sava hotels group. The result was up to the legend. Even though I really do not have much of a sweet tooth, and I have had my share of mille-feuilles in France, this raised version of the classic with just two layers of perfectly crisp puffed pastry holding a firm custard covered by a layer of lighter whipped cream is to die for… Chef Simon Bertoncelj, who has worked under the commands of Gordon Ramsey, seems rather poised and discreet, but if you really want to find out, he opens his kitchen to a guest table of 2 to 6 people for a 7-course menu cooked and served, right before their eyes…and ears! For more info
  Julijana Restaurant
  Grand Hotel Toplice
  Cesta svobode 12, 4260 Bled, Slovenia
  +386 4 579 10 00 Contact Cesta svobode 12, 4260 Bled, Slovenija Reception +386 4 579 10 00 ghtoplice@hotelibled.com Reservations +386 4 579 16 00 info@hotelibled.com   Posted in Food, travel | Tagged Bed, chef Simon Bertoncelj, Grand Hotel Toplice, Juljiana Restaurant, Slovenia | Leave a reply Edit Hotel Hellsten, Stockholm. Memories of an exotic journey Posted on October 4, 2018 Hotel Hellsten is located in the heart of Stockholm and is the ideal starting point for all those who are visiting the City, since the attractions and sites of interest are reachable by public transport within easy reach including the subway that is just round the corner.
  The next street is the busy Sveavägen, Stockholm”s only real boulevard. The hotel is just around the corner from the underground (metro) stop Rådmansgatan. The locality is one of the most exciting in Stockholm, with a multitude of different restaurants within a few minutes walking distance. It is also a short walk from Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s historic and beautiful old town. I loved the area, and the next busy street Sveavägen, so alive and full of restaurants, shops and…barbers & haidressers,don’t ask me why, but very useful… The rooms are divided into various types depending on the services they offer, mostly in different styles, some have canopy bed, some are equipped with the classic Swedish fireplace called kakelugnar, light rays, wooden panels, even a private sauna,       The walls are painted with warm colors that span from orange to red, to blue, to purple.     All rooms have private new bathrooms, TV, telephone, free wired internet access and a hairdryer. They are non-smoking as well as the entire structure.   My room had a cosy little terrace. Here and there I found exotic touches, my guide explained that Mr.Hellsten, owner of Hellsten, Rex and the newest Hellsten Glashus, is an enthusiastic traveller who likes to collect items from his trips. I loved the african masks !       You have a colonial-style bar where coffee and tea are served 24 hours for free. Great idea! Every Thursday Hellsten Earth Bar transforms into one of Stockholm’s premier jazz venues. Exciting live acts on stage at 8pm and on the last Thursday of each month you are welcome to jam with the band, just bring your instruments or vocals, and the entrance is free.. Comfy beds and an excellent breakfast buffet that included pancakes, cold cuts, cheeses, eggs, lots of fruits and the traditional Swedish meatballs and served in a sunny and spacious veranda.
  Add Hotel Hellsten on your next trip to Stockholm!
  For more info
  http://hellsten.se/en/Hotel_Hellsten   Posted in travel | Tagged Hotel Hellsten, Stockholm | Leave a reply Edit Industrial or design? A posh stay in Hamburg Posted on August 16, 2018 In my last trip to Hamburg I got the chance to visit and stay in Hotel Gastwerk and The George, two great properties owned by Fortune Hotels Group.
  They have different style and decor, both friendly, welcoming and worth to spend one (or few) nights there.Let’s start with the industrial red bricks Gastwerk. The name says it all, It was a squared and rigorous red bricks gas factory. Roughly 120 years ago, the old gas plant provided light to the streets and houses in West Hamburg. In the impressive and carefully restored industrial building, built with brick and steel, modern design and historical architecture form a fascinating harmonic setting. Gastwerk is first Hamburg’s design hotel. The building welcomed me with a large hall with a wide, meticulously well lighted reception and two unforgettable metal elevators, one red and one yellow lighted.                                                 The industrial adventure was already starting…             141 rooms, lofts and suites, some with modern walls with a contemporary feeling, some with bricks walls (I love them), like the loft-like one where I was staying, giving the perfect atmosphere of and warehouse. In addition to that Gastwerk boasts a configurable conference area, the Mangold restaurant (I didn’t dine there, so no idea of the food) the L.BAR, the beautiful SPA, free parking spaces in front of the hotel and underground.   Here and there you’ll discover classy touches of fresh flowers, old  black and white pictures, original gas machines, and a splendid old water boiler.               The second Fortune Hotel is The George, located in the hearth of the vibrant Saint George area.                                                        This venue is a triumphant tribute to the apotheosis of a ‘boutique hotel’ concept, where design meets furniture, lighting and that smell of trendyness…               This reinterpretation of English style in Hamburg results in rooms swathed in warm colors ranging from cocoa to Champagne, lamps with delightful pleated shades and stylish wallpaper in a variety of designs.                             Super comfy mattresses, a nice view of the Lake Alster, not to mention that sweet & cute ‘Welcome Cesare’… The George Hotel is a four-pearl property flush with a Great-Britain-in-the-’60s design, with 125 stylish rooms that all have flat-screen TVs, minibars, and free weight, a party-vibe bar, the supercool rooftop Campari Lounge in the terrace with a spectacular view of the Alster, a defined breakfast buffet that included a fine selection of cold cuts, imported cheeses, fruits and vegetables, and…   Yes! there is Da Caio, italian restaurant (where I could not resist peeping at the menu, which I found correct in dishes choices and…right spelling, which is always a good sign for an Italian eating in an Italian restaurant abroad… Here info
  Hotel Gastwerk
  The George,
  Fortune Hotels Group. Posted in travel | Tagged Da Caio, Fortune Hotels Group, Gastwerk Hotel, Hamburg, The George Hotel | Leave a reply Edit Two memorable days in Pula Posted on August 15, 2018 Great history, mild climate, smooth sea, unspoiled nature, dream beaches, friendly locals, smiling people, amazing food and…best teeth on hearth!                                                                                               Welcome to Croatia! I spent only two days in Pula, but, believe me , I ‘ll go back!. Pula is the largest town on the Istrian peninsula and offers a diversity of attractions to lovers of culture. The rich itinerary of its three thousand year old history, where every step you take through the Old Town is a landmark, begins and ends with the Roman amphitheatre. The city has a long tradition of winemaking, fishing, shipbuilding, and tourism.
  The Arena. Pula’s amphitheater was built around the end of the first century before Christ. It was August with a very hot weather. That s why my lovely guide Rossana met me there early in the morning , immediately after they open the gate. I suggest you to do the same. Rossana told me a quite cute legend about a raw linen made tent (they called it velarium) that used to be opened up to protect from the sun and give some shade to the audience while watching the show, or function as a bug umbrella in case of rain. Actually the morning is he best time to come to the arena  as well the sunset time. Often the Arena hosts operas, concerts and performances. The acoustic is amazing: Tenors Giorgio Pavarotti, Placido Domingo and Beniamino Gigli said the this place was one of the most suitable for their voice and for the public. In the Arena have been performing great music legends such as Tina Turner, Joe Cocker, Sting, Simply Red, Robert Plant, Status Quo, Massive Attack, just to mention few. Every summer, Pula host a superb Film Festival in the Arena,
  Celebrity town. Pula was also the residence of many Italian celebrities, from Italian singer Sergio Endrigo, to Italian actress Alida Valli who was celebrated as one of the most beautiful woman in the he world. Pula girls!
  The legacy of Alida Valli keeps the tradition. Beauty, charme, and those beautiful legs, so famous all over the world, make the local girls  into dreamgirls ! Writer James Joyce
  choose Pula as his residency for several years. After a full day of historical sightseeing you will find many coffee shops on the street Forum including Café Uliks is a must for any fans of James Joyce, the Irish author who worked in Pula as a teacher in the early 20th century. Wines and food Wines top quality wines including Malvasia (one of my favorites) the most famous Istrian wines produced from indigenous white grapes. and Teran, a  rich red wine, intensely purple colored, able to compet with the Italian ones but less expensive. A big time specialty is the  zgvacet ragout. It is a sauce of diced chunks of chicken meat. In Pula, just as in most towns of Istria, be sure to taste seafood specialties, of which dishes rospi (monkfish), sea bass or delicious buzara Kvarner scampi only a small number of delicacies on offer. In Pula you should try and shells, thanks to the clear waters are a special flavor mussels, scallops or kanaštrele excellent fish stew, and definitely should try the black risotto with cuttlefish. Lovers of oily fish to taste anchovies to savor. This dish is eaten cold and fried sardines topped with sauce, oil, onion, vinegar and spices.In Pula you should try and maneštras traditional thick soup whose main ingredients are potatoes and beans with added mixture of bacon and garlic.
  Truffles!
  Many Pula’s restaurants carry the highlight of gastronomy: the white truffles. Try them with fusi or gnocchi with truffles or shaved over meat or cheese. But the real combo, the Romeo and Juliet of the choiche should be truffles and eggs! Bars, shops, market and flea markets Have fun, look around, bargain!
  Smile! Dental tourism, is hot in Croatia, organized groups come here and put their teeth in place  with low-budget, cheaper prices, excellent quality, good materials and expert dentist. How to contact them who contact them? Or you can see on the websites or call the local tourist agency that will give you advice on the best places or to be so lucky to have a  friend who has already been here already. Do not!
  Croatia has its own currency: the kuna.
  Don’t change your money in the street, you may get useless Balcanian or Bulgarian money…
  Go into a bank and change there! Where to stay I stayed at Amfiteatar Hotel, located in the heart of the Pula city, hotel Amphitheater is at a 2 minutes walking distance to the Arena and 5 minutes walking distance to the city cathedral, with the harbor also in the close vicinity. Beach and the airport are only 10 minutes away by car. Very close to the arena and within a short walking distance to all the other attractions in the  old town. I had dinner in the outdoor restaurant, Owner Chef and culinary star Deniz Zembo prepared delicious local dishes with a twist. I loved the grilled octopuss and  delicious cake. I would like to thank the lovely ladies Viviana Vukelic and Adriana Bajic from Ente Nazionale Croato per il Turismo in Milan and the super cool Goran from the Tourism Office in Pula, Chef Deniz Zembo and my amazing guide Rossana. They truly contributed to make my Pula’s visit memorable, fun and wonderful. For more info
  ENTE NAZIONALE CROATO PER IL TURISMO
  https://croatia.hr/en-GB TOURISM OFFICE PULA http://www.pulainfo.hr/     Hacienda Chichen: discover the most revered Mayan site the smart way! Chichen Itza, located inland of the Yucatan Peninsula, about 200 km East of Cancun, is one of the most visited archaeological sites in Mexico with over 2.6 million tourists in 2017.
  Do the math…                                                   .That’s on average over 7000 visitors a day. Even though the site is not limited to the iconic Kukulcàn pyramid (photo 1) and covers a very large area (over 300 hectares), that is a lot of human flesh roaming around! Especialy when one considers that the most popular way to visit the Unesco world heritage site is via tour operators organizing day trips from Cancun or Merida, creating a huge influx of fully loaded buses arriving around 11 AM or so every day. Arriving with the sun at its hottest among hordes of tourists had always been a deterring idea to me. I had sacrificed the visit of wholly site during my passed 3 visits of Yucatan, favoring the ruins of Tulum and Cuba, less crowded and still awesome examples of the might and splendor of the Mayan civilization. For this fourth visit this last spring, I was determined to visit the legendary Chichen Itza in the best way possible. Staying overnight at the Hacienda Chichen revealed to be the smartest answer possible. Smart because by staying overnight in this historic hotel located a few hundred feet from the archeological site enables to start exploring the grounds as early as 8 AM, before the arrival of the crowds. Smart, because the hotel combines genuine elegance and great service while respecting authenticity and ecological responsibility. Follow me, let me show you the way…When I arrived from Tulum around noon at the Chichen Itza bus terminal, I was left at the main entrance of the site in one of the largest parking lots I have ever seen: hundreds of buses still unloading their loads of tourists from every continent. The line to the ticket booth was long, the heat dreadful. Instead of joining the frenzy, I hopped in a cab and 10 minutes later, I was discovering the old-world charm of the Hacienda Chichen. The check in was a breeze and the welcoming cocktail made of pineapple and Chaya leaf juice refreshing as heaven (pic 3). I was later to learn that it had been freshly made from the organic garden of the property, providing a lot of the fruits, vegetables and herbs used by the kitchen   The front desk offered to arrange the purchase of my ticket to visit the site the next morning, without any surcharge, avoiding the hassle to wait in line. They also offered the possibility to have a legitimate private guide for the visit, but as usual, I declined in order to feel totally free and visit at my own pace. The afternoon was mine to relax and enjoy what the Hacienda had to offer. The 28 rooms set in a total of 12 cottages spread out on the lush grounds were originally built to host archeologists who helped excavate the site. Now they are opened to all offering soothing air conditioning, large bed, beautiful sheets, large bathrooms, fresh flowers and hammocks on the front porch for those eager to adopt the Mayan way to take a nap at the sound of singing birds       Another way to relax in a horizontal way is to indulge in one of the treatments at the Yaxkin spa. And that’s exactly what I did, with the 45-minute Pakal treatment, a Maya healing ritual focusing on the head and the upper body. The soul is also soothed by an initial prayer in Mayan language by my charming therapist. I loved the fact that the room was very large, not one of those cubicles where on feels locked up. The outside garden was present in the room with the use of various herbs and plants, including a refreshing aloe vera jelly applied on the face.Totally relaxed, I finished the afternoon by lingering by the superb swimming pool, large and square as I like them to do laps at length. .Recycled and chemical-free water added a guilt free sensation to the overall pleasure. Time went by and before I knew it was time to meet the general manager for a grand tour of the property, including the restored church where weddings can be organized, surrounded by the beautifully maintained vegetation).
  No wedding the evening of my stay, but I still felt like a very special person, enjoying an evening drink on the beautiful front patio at the sound of a traditional trio singing deep from the heart local ballads.
  For dinner, I ventured across the street to the humbler Villas Areological hotel (http://www.villasarqueologicas.com.mx/chichen-itza.html)
  that I wanted to check out for its restaurant serving a variety of traditional dishes from Yucatan. The best, by far, was the cream of Chaya soup and I appreciated the selection of Mexican wines. The night was young, but the day had been long, so I was eager to return to my beautiful room for a good night sleep. At 8:20 Am, I recuperated my ticket to visit the site and was guided to the private entrance specific to the Hacienda. I was alone when I crossed the gate and after a ten-minute walk, I was facing the beautiful Mayan pyramid with the company of a couple of iguanas, but not another human soul.      The morning air was cool, and the silence only broken by singing birds. All the merchants on the way were focused on unpacking their things, leaving me unburdened. Besides the famous pyramid, I loved walking through the gigantic ball game field practically alone As well as discovering the sacred cenote (sinkhole) and the perfectly aligned columns without the eye sore of groups of tourists ruining the geometry of the monuments.    After three hours of walking at my own pace, I went back to the Hacienda, walking against the growing flow of visitors and the solicitations of the souvenir vendors, they were in full swing mode, trying to sell their T-shirts and miniature statues probably made in China!
  The heat had risen and a last dip in the pool after a refreshing outdoor shower felt like pure bliss. At noon I was packed and ready to leave this magical place.                                       
  A short taxi ride took me to the small town of Piste where I tasted a delicious and original pozole de coco, lightly sweetened and perfectly chilled (pic 20), then hopped on a collective to reach Valladolid after 24 hours of total serenity, visiting the most famous Mayan site in the best way possible…
  the nontouristytourist way! Text and photos by Philip Sinsheimer   HACIENDA CHICHEN RESORT AND YAXKIN SPA http://www.haciendachichen.com Tel: +52 999 920 8407       Posted in travel | Tagged Chichen Itza, Mexico | Leave a reply Edit A ‘HYGGE’SUMMER IN COPENHAGEN Posted on July 8, 2018 In summer Copenhagen is an ideal destination: favorable weather, long and sunny days, smiling, polite and serene people. It seems that everyone here discovers the secret of happiness: hygge, a Danish word that invites you to enjoy the simple pleasures of life and live alone or with friends, at home or outside, special and happy moments.
  Find yourself singing on the beach around a bonfire, have a nice picnic at the park, attend an outdoor concert, participate in a street festival or take a bike ride … these and more are the little pleasures of life that feed the hygge spirit in the life of the Danes. To find out right away just do this test . The result is a real personalized treatment based on hygge, released with all the tips on how to get it on a trip to Denmark.
  Useful and precious, a true friend! I’m talking about the Copenhagen Card, a pass that allows you to visit as many as 86 museums and attractions, use all public transportation for free and benefit from discounts on tours, bars and restaurants.
  I also used it for a tour of the canals and the port. 1 hour, audiogude in all languages, a show of ancient and modern architecture, a sea of photos. passing the numerous bridges of the city. But pay attention to be seated: the bridges are very low and the risk to bump your head on it, it s quite possible.
   Tivoli
      The oldest playground in the world. You will skip over breathtaking roller coasters,you will be projected into space, you will remain suspended in the air more than a thousand other rides in the charming gardens where the oriental facade of beautiful
  Hotel Nimb stands out. After the aerial acrobatics, I finally relaxed in the Brasserie, famous Nimb restaurant,
  French cuisine, refined menu, excellent wine list, good service and relaxing atmosphere (apart from the crowded side room that celebrated a noisy birthday…) I tasted the Chef’s specialties, a delicate mollusk bisque served with scampi and carrots, a crunchy turbot à la meunière, sprinkled with lemon drops, ending with a puff pastry stuffed with strawberries and cream, all paired to my favorite Sancerre Domaine de La Garenne, deliciously fruity, In short, a dinner worthy of the unique atmosphere of the location.
  Copenhagen history boasts of royalties and magnificent castles,Here my favorites
  Amalienborg Palace, a must for anyone with a taste for royal history and the life of Denmark’s royal family who still resides inside the palace. Experience royal history at the museum and sense the present of one of the world’s oldest monarchies from the beautiful palace square where you can watch the changing of its famous guards called Den Kongelige Livgarde. Every day you can experience the changing of the guards, as they march from their barracks in 100 Gothersgade by Rosenborg Castle through the streets of Copenhagen and end up at Amalienborg, where the changing of the guard takes place at 12:00 noon.
  Christiansborg Palace famous for its hall covered with 17 giant tapestries, which tell 1000 years of Danish history, It is a gift from The Danish business community in occasion of Her Majesty Queen Margrethe 50th birthday,. Bjørn Nørgaard painted the full-size sketches upon which the tapestries were woven. These impressive royal rooms host the official receptions in the presence of the Queen, between a sparkle of uniforms and great evening gowns. Better to avoid arriving by car or taxi, the protocol prefers that the guests present themselves in a carriage…   As a food lover, I could not resist the temptation to descend into the legendary Royal Kitchens to discover the background of an official banquet, browse the Queen’s recipes and admire one of the largest collections of copper crockery in Europe.
      To be or not to be…
  I recommend a small excursion outside the city. Helsingør 30 minutes by train.
  The famous Castle of Kronborg, better known as Hamlet’s house, reigns there. In fact, here Shakespeare set his drama. Gossips say that the writer had never been there, but would have been an actor in his company to tell him about this mighty fortress, from whose park, littered with cannons, you can glimpse Sweden. Suddenly the walls resound with the voices of the characters of Hamlet, which appear, like ghosts, perfectly interpreted by talented actors who bring to life the tragic events of the drama, You could spend a whole day in Kronborg, and live many experiences, guided tours through the casemates and the halls, explore the passages and towers, see a play and relax admiring the sea – but if you prefer, you can get an idea Kronborg concrete even in just one hour. Kronborg is open all year round (except 1st January, 24th, 25th and 31st December) from 11am to 4pm. In the summer (June, July and August) the schedule is extended: from 10.30am to 5.30pm.
  After all that drama I needed a…great meal and I went to the renowned restaurant Brasserie 1861, where I met the Chef. His name is Casper Stuhr Sobczyk I can describe him as a gentle viking with the sweetest smile and… smoked sardines tattooed in his arm.
  They called him ‘the king of herbs ‘for his passion for vegetables and fresh products from the field. His passions are: fish, molluscs, entrails as lamb’s brain, (not so popular in the quite skeptic Northern Europe), He started with French cuisine, passed to the molecular and ended up with mixing them two styles. ‘I like to play with the ingredients, says Casper, like for example, pairing strawberries to balsamic vinegar. I worked in Danmark a lot, including the Copenhagen National Library. I got good reviews and I started my new adventure here at Marienlyst Hotel, In my my fridge at home, there is always place for eggs, probably because my wife loves them, lot of vegetables and of course several max sizei Pepsi. I Love Pepsi… ‘His friendly Verona born partner Fabio Ciccarelli started serving a surprising appetizer: a revolutionary version of the traditional blini, made with caviar white sturgeon, to be mixed to crème fraiche on herbal waffle. The ingredients just melt perfectly together.                                                                      Then a salted unusually cooked burned salmon, followed by a mackerel with foie gras, green peas. As a main dish , I tasted halibut with asparagus that burned for few minutes to maintain the crunchiness. Every dish was so intense, so fresh and so herbal.
  No wonder why Chef Sobczyk is the ‘king of herbs…
  ’In the summer, Denmark is a foodies paradise with its festivals and gastronomic events Do not miss the Copenhagen Cooking & Food Festival from August 24th to September 2nd, during which Copenhagen becomes a huge Nordic restaurant and definitely stop at the new street food Reffen, an urban playground recently opened, that mixes crafts and culture. Reffen is a place where the people of Copenhagen are invited to take part in the development. 54 start-ups in the form of food stalls, bars and creative workshops many confirming the dogmas “Reduce and Reuse”.   Mermaid yes or no?
  The most celebrated mermaid statue of The Little Mermaid from Hans Christian Andersen’s children’s story, sitting on a stone at Langelinie in the harbor of Copenhagen, Denmark. Honestly I saw her from the boat and I have to say that the invading ‘selfie addicted crowd’ didn’t appeal to me… So I went at night, and here she was, alone, shining on the dark, mysterious and looking like wanting to splash in the water any minute,
  That, I call a magic encounter with Miss Mermaid…for more info
  #visitdenmarkstories @govistdenmark. Posted in travel | Tagged Copenhagen | Leave a reply Edit Hamburg, Germany, Why go there and where to stay, what to eat Posted on July 7, 2018 I started my Hamburg experience with an avalanche of photos and selfies on board of the Stadtrundfahrt double-decker bus, providing earphones in all languages. In a couple of hours you’ll know the city, get off when you want, visit and get the next one. An indispensable tour, also in a mini-cruise version with Harbor Cruise You will enjoy the aquatic view of the city, of the immense port and of the colossal cargo ships with gigantic containers.
  Hamburg means bricks, red bricks, so my next stop was Speicherstadt.   Almost a kilometer of old warehouses with typical red bricks, used as storage for incoming goods: oriental carpets, tea, raw coffee, cocoa, tobacco, spices. Among the attractions: a kaffeerösterei, an old coffee roaster, where you can also enjoy decadent cakes with strawberries and cream.       Chocoversum,  a true chocolate triumph,
  Manufactum a trendy shop and the Spice Museum  where you will find and taste everything: European spices, Asian and Indian flavors, exotic perfumes, 50 varieties of pepper, cloves, cinnamon, turmeric, mustard seeds and the most expensive ones: orchid vanilla and saffron.   Miniatur Wunderland Models of trains and landscapes in miniature? I was doubtful …well, I was amazed. Two huge floors where landscapes and cities of all the world have been meticulously reconstructed with airports, motorways, railways in great turmoil and crowded by a thousand minuscule people, including a team while washing Pope Francis car…       Travel and read.
  130 bookshops stocked with second hand books! Passengers are allowed not only to read them during their journey ,but also to take them home.   Elbphilharmonie
  Extraordinary glass structure, with windows that look like eyes. With its perfect acoustic, hosts concerts and shows. You get there with a spectacular 82 meter escalator that runs through The Plaza, from which you can enjoy a great view.
  Perfect location for a drink or a snack at the Beer & Dine and a little shopping in the well-stocked book, music and souvenir store. Tickets can be booked 18 weeks in advance and children up to three years do not pay.
  Hamburg and its museums. I chose two. Kunsthalle, 700 years of art, from the great masters of the Renaissance until 1800 with Manet, Caspar David Friedrich, up to the German expressionism (which I adore) and the contemporary avant-garde .
  MKG  Great museum with unusual exhibits: famous deco posters, precious vintage pianos, sketches and 30s dresses, a space dedicated to design furniture, photo galleries avant – garde and much more.
  It is true that the hamburger was born in Hamburg?
  The most famous meatball in the world is ‘made in the USA’ or ‘made in Hamburg’?
  The name would leave no doubt, but the Americans boast its paternity.
  The Germans claim that it was cooked in the houses of Hamburg and then it was exported to the USA, while for the Americans it would be born in the port of Hamburg, a municipality located in the state of New York and the inventors would have been the Menches brothers who in 1885 would propose the first sandwich stuffed with meat during the country festival Erie County Fair.
  Legends aside, here you will find space burgers. The best from Burger Lounge, Jim Block Jungfernstieg, Dulf’s Burger , Otto’s Burger Grindelhof and Schanze . WHERE TO STAY
  I tried two hotels, both experiences were great!
  
  Novotel Hamburg City Alster Hotel
  4-star hotel in the modern rooms and suites with a desk and free WIFI
  Central location and U-Bahn station on our doorstep make the Novotel Hamburg City Alster hotel the ideal base in Hamburg. 5-minutes away from Alster-Schwimmhalle and within 20 minutes of English Theatre Of Hamburg. Highlights at this hotel include in-room free WiFi, free high-speed Internet, and LCD TVs. All 210 soundproofed rooms feature sofa beds, satellite TV, and separate bathtubs and showers. You’ll find nice touches like soaking tubs and free toiletries to enhance your stay. Coffee/tea makers, free newspapers, and safes are also available. Enjoy the fitness centre, Turkish bath/hammam, and sauna. Business amenities include a meeting room and a business centre. Added amenities include free WiFi in public areas and laundry facilities. Each morning excellent buffet breakfast is served between 6:30 AM and 10:30 AM. Sights within a 20-minute walk of this 4-star Hamburg-Nord hotel include Museum of Arts and Crafts Hamburg and Mundsburg Center. Enjoy the comfort of the sauna and the video games area. Rooms are spacious and bright, Super comfy bed…I slept like a baby!
  Dining in is an option with room service, and minibars provide refreshments. I had a great lunch at the hotel stylish restaurant Novo2, and a nice chat with the executive Chef, who told me that his menu focuses on seasonal products and evergreen tasty meat. and suggested a juicy and tender La Maracho Rump Steak with sauteed vegetables  and … a silver swan (just for decoration…) Novo2 is an innovative combination of a bar lounge , that offers delicious seasonal dishes and light snacks are served from 6.30am to 9.30pm. A cool spot where where you can have a nice glass of wine, like i did!
  INFO     Luebecker Strasse 3 22087 HAMBURG Germany HafenCity. It is the new futuristic district of Hamburg, area of ​​creatives and artists,
  To get there they have specially built the metropolitan U4 line. in 3 stops from the center you have already arrived. Here you can breathe fresh air, the spaces are open and many Hamburgers get away from work to go for a drink or a snack.
    I stayed at the brand new 25 Hours HafenCity Hotel where I had a great time. I felt like a sailor, the rooms look like a ship’s cabins, with prosperous painted models on the bathroom walls.   Here atmosphere is easy and relaxed , The motto says  COME AS YOU ARE! There is also free access to a spectacular spa in stones and wood. In the morning a rich buffet breakfast is set up, there you can find everything, including rote gruetze, my beloved raspberry, blueberry and cherry sauce served on lean yogurt. Yummy!       What does a real Hamburger drink?
  Beer, of course! It has been produced in Hamburg for over a millennium and has become an icon of German culture. Here some popular ones.
  Ratsherrn, one of the city’s most famous artisan breweries From pilsner to light beers. Galopper des Jahres, popular and animated. The members of the staff are true fan of craft beer, so be sure to ask for their recommendations: they know what to suggest for every taste and palate. Blockbräu, a terrace with a wonderful view.
  My favorite? Altes Mädchen An incredible variety of excellent local and around 70 international beers, also combined with tasty German specialties.Remember, the real Hamburger does not drink Coca Cola! The preferred alternative is fritz-kola, rich in caffeine and lemon. It was born in 2002, invented almost for fun by young friends Lorenz and Mirco and produced with a really amateur process. Imagine: the labels were photocopies and they were glued by hand on the bottle …
  Today it is the national soft drink.     Red lights …
  night and day! The St. Pauli district was once a bad area full of noisy pubs, frequented by criminals, sailors and prostitutes. Today the taverns have become artistic skyscrapers, like the Dancing Towers, which seem to really dance, while the smoky haunts of the past have become fashionable places. But the raunchy survived: sex shops, theaters, striptease, burlesque and the inevitable bouncers who invite you to enter. In addition to the ‘sensory’ attractions, the neighborhood is full of super-trendy shops, new boutiques, hip clubs and bars Keep walking around the St.Pauli district,
  head towards Markstrasse and the surroundings of KarolinenvIertel. There You will find small bars, self-managed restaurants, flowers, perfumes, mini boutiques and lots of vintage. If you are ‘bio’ dive into the Rider Markt Halle, and a relaxing drink from Zoe the bar of the different sofas. For more chic and exclusive products, head to Hole Bleichen.       Then it comes the time for…
  beauty and relaxation. After a long walk, it is right to take a relaxing break in Jungfernstieg, in the heart of Hamburg with a fantastic view of the Alster river. Here Nivea Haus awaits for you, this is the official store of the famous face cream, born in Hamburg in 1929. Here you can find classic or brand new creams for face and body, cosmetics, revitalizing treatments, relaxing massages, as well as manicures and pedicures.   Plus a really cute souvenir: your ‘Nivea’. You ‘ll be photographed and in a second …you’re on the cover of the famous blue box. I couldn’t resist …     So, what do you think?
  Am I fine for a cream cover?       Posted in travel | Tagged Hamburg | Leave a reply Edit MATERA, Italy. The city, the Sassi and the best Lucanian dishes Posted on May 30, 2018
  Matera is one of the oldest cities in the world. By day the sunlight enhances its white. At night, it looks like an immense nativity set up under the starry sky.
  Its quarter I Sassi, ancient dwellings dug into the tufo, where the roofs serve as a base for the houses that have developed on higher levels. These were dug entirely into the rock and represent one of the most striking examples of exploitation of natural resources to obtain suitable conditions for the life of a large community. In the caves often lived more families and despite the lack of space, almost all daily activities took place in the cavities of cave-houses: from handicrafts to weaving, from food storage to animal care (dogs, chicken, pigs, horses and donkeys were living with the family as primitive source of heating). The temperature was constant and guaranteed by the characteristics of the sea tufo , so the inhabitants did not suffer too much from the cold in winter and found a shelter from summer heat. This way of life for years has been seen as a sign of backwardness and incivility. The inhabitants of the Sassi were often considered as primitives living like animals. In 1952 Sassi was considered “the Italian national shame”and abandoned in the late ’50s, Sassi was able to be redeemed until they became Unesco World Heritage in and will be the 2019 European Capital of Culture. Its amazing scenario has been used s a set for Mel Gibson “The Passion” Pier Paolo Pasolini “The Gospel According to Matthew “King David”, Christ The Lord: Out of Egypt “, and the remake of “Ben-Hur “. I took the Gran Tour of Sassi,
  an intense 3 hours guided tour and I learn so much about the history of this amazing city. The tour begins in front of the Cathedral, in the upper part of the City, and then goes deeper into the tangle of narrow alleys, caves, cellars, churches, small gardens, tiny squares and districts. I was able to discover in detail these unusual dwellings partly carved out of the limestone. It s a long walk, so wear comfy shoes. Matera is also well now for its cooking tradition, a classic example of Italian peasant cuisine, using free ingredients combined with a fair amount of labor and know-how to  turn an odd edible food into a delectable dish.
  Here my choices:
   ll Terrazzino  
  View, ambience, real food, rich menu, moderate prices and …did I mentioned the view? Welcome to Il Terrazzino, one of the oldest deck restaurant in Sassi Eustachio Persia welcomed me with a dish of local cold cuts, including my fav lampascioni, bulbs of a common wildflower in southern Italy, then I ordered lamb, and…surprise! iIt came wrapped in yellow strawpaper.
  ‘This place used to be a cantina, told me Eustachio, just wine, no food.So people used to cook it at home and take it here, all wrapped up in paper tto keep it warm, then tear the bag and eat it paired with a nice glass of wine.Then came the crapiata a soup of different legumes, cereals and potatoes typical of the Basilicata cuisine of rural tradition, prepared in great quantity every year on the first day of August in the district La Martella, close to the cultivated fields and served to the inhabitants. Eustachio took me downstairs, to the 17 century cellar, which incorporates the typical architecture of the Sassi and was refurbished to retrace moments of daily life of the peasant life, Baccus
  Simple yet elegant restaurant Located in the Sassi area, Baccus is well know for its Chef Carlo Pozzuoli who likes to reinterpretate typical local dishes and flavors of the past  in a modern way.     Starting with super crunchy chips of red peppers, followed by fagots of ziti with cream of yellow and red peppers, bundled in a slice of sweet scamorza cheese topped by goat ricotta curlS.     A soupy Dish with tagliolini pasta with black and white chickpeas, considered ideal fro pregnant women, since it contains a lot of iron.
  The menu dedicates an attentive search of local herbs, like the cicoriella, the sivone and other fresh leaves variously used in cooking: in salads, minestrone, simply boiled with oil and lemon, or as a filling of ravioli and pansotti or excellent omelettes.       Carlo and his wife Mariella were wonderful hosts. Not only keeping me company at the table but also surprising me with a taste of a sweet heart shaped Sporcamuso, (begrime the face) a dessert so full of cream that I inevitably ended up with hot pastry cream all over my face.  
  Da Mario
  ‘We represent the tradition. My family managed this restaurant since the 50’s’ told me Anna, owner of the popular Ristorante Pizzeria Da Mario ‘Since then we are always been loved by the people from Matera and from all over the world. Many celebrities have eaten here: Richard Gere, Mel Gibson just to mention few’                                              I went there for lunch and followed Anna’s suggestions, starting with a tasty orecchiette alle rape with anchovies and toasted breadcrumbs, then I tried home made strascinati pasta with cardoncelli mushrooms and garnished with the typical crunchy peperone crusco, fried red pepper. Da Mario is know for its pizza. I tried a baby Margherita, perfectly cooked. ‘I love my town, peaceful and quiet, I run the restaurant a cosy BnB called Sassi Belvedere although sometimes I need some noise… some that’s why I have a place in Milan, where I go , like an escape little vacation, but then I am happy to be back in my Lucania ( the ancient name of Basilicata) Sorry I still call it Lucania.. perhaps it’s because I like the old things…
  I don’t blame her..
  Where I stayed.
  Residence San Gennaro, located in the inner courtyard of the old “neighborhood”, once the fulcrum of the days of the inhabitants
  Super friendly host Francesco delighted me with anecdotes about the city, gave me tips took me to the prehistoric hypogeous cave below the residence, embellished with a precious Nativity and prepared a great breakfast that included fresh local products. I stayed in Guerricchio suite, that has a kitchenette, a delightful double bedroom, a private bathroom and a cute little balcony to enjoy the view on the enchanting Sassi of Matera. It is At the entrance an artistic work of great value welcomed me. “Girasoli di Guerricchio”, a Lucanian artist to whom the suite is dedicated. I also loved Casa Noha
  An amazing gateway” to the city, charting its history thanks to an innovative communication project, where the walls, the ceilings and the floors will take to an extraordinary journey through the history of Matera from its origins to the present day.
  MUSMA
  (Museum of Contemporary Sculpture Matera)
  This unique museum provides the perfect environment for the symbiosis of sculpture and the characteristic carved sites in the Sassi; the exhibition galleries, in fact, consist not only of the rooms of the Palazzo, but also the vast hypogea, where the works of art are revitalized by the strength and beauty of the surrounding rock hewn spaces             Posted in Food, travel | Tagged Baccus, Basilicata, Da Mario, Il Terrazino, Matera, Sassi | Leave a reply Edit
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Planning your next Italian holidays? Fano is waiting for you…

Italy: Fano in the Marche Region, is the place where Roman and Renaissance histories blend with modernity and sweet life. From the Arch of Augustus to the Malatesta’s walls to the Roman Amphitheatre, to some peaceful beaches on the clear blue Adriatic Sea. In Fano you can also sample the local cuisine that offers a great choice of dishes.

What about fish?
A lot! From sea snails, molluscs, seafood, cooked in stew with tomato, mint and wild fennel or the stockfish cooked in abundant white wine, anchovy pesto, celery, carrots, onion, chilli, aromatic herbs, peeled tomatoes, black olives and potatoes and the iconic brodetto, a fish dish widespread in much of the Adriatic coast prepared in many different styles
Talking of brodetto, I stopped at the restaurant which has been awarded over the years as “Best Brodetto in Italy” and won again last year Fano Brodetto Festival. It’s called La Liscia da Mr.Ori , located in the premises of the 4 stars Augustus Hotel, an elegant venue in the center of Fano, boasting 22 rooms carefully prepared to welcome all year round guests from all over the world.

I stayed at the next door 3 stars Hotel De La Ville, owned and managed by the Augustus team with excellent level services and trained, professional and multilingual staff. Hotel De La Ville has 24 rooms, including 8 comfort, completely renovated, bright and equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV, mini bar and free Wi-Fi. Some have a sea view while others overlook the ancient city walls

Both hotels have free private parking and a bike sharing service by reservation. A gym with innovative equipment and a sauna for relaxing moments, as well as a quiet and private reading room and internet point are also available to guests of the Augustus Hotel.
Simplicity, exaltation of natural taste, freshness and genuineness combined with tradition and creativity: these are in summary the virtues that you will appreciate at the La Liscia Da Mr.Ori restaurant a certainty in the gastronomic panorama of the Marche region.