The name of this Italian hill town in Tuscany, Montalcino, is derived from the Latin “Mons Ilcinnus,” or mountain of holm oak and it is the oak tree that appears on the commune’s logo. In the Middle Ages (5th – 15 century), the area was dotted with tanneries used for shoes and leather goods. Today […]
A Lunch @ Randolph’s by Warwick
Restaurants that are part of a hotel are frequently considered a convenience rather than a gourmet dining destination, however, Randolph’s at the Warwick Hotel distinguishes itself as a really good place for lunch on Manhattan’s Westside. Curious Name The restaurant is named for William Randolph Hearst, a Harvard College drop-out who was infamous for his […]
Manahttan Pop-Up Party: Wine and Mattresses
Emerging Designers Discovered at Wanted Design – 7th year
“Imagine a world with no original design. Where everything would be a copy and nothing would be new. This notion seems like a dire warning from ‘Atlas Shrugged,’ but is not an unrealistic prophecy in an environment where creativity and originality is not encouraged or protected.” http://www.bernhardtdesign.com/discover/be_original.html On January 12, 2017, if you were not having […]
Budget Travelers: Rejoice!
Rome, Italy: Food, Food, Keats & Shelley
If you do not like to eat, and eat well, then you may want to consider another destination. Since the beginning of time, food has been an important part of the daily life of Romans. Ancient Roman cuisine was influenced by the Greeks and, as the empire expanded, the citizens of Rome were exposed to many […]
Boutique Hotels: From Boring to Sensational
Despite a relative slowdown in the global economy, boutique hotels appear to be outperforming competing corporate chains. New investors as well as established hotel operators are stepping into this space. Changes in the habits and interests of the traveler suggest that consumers are becoming more aware of design, expect a higher level of service and are […]
Wine All Day. No Problem in Paso
Paso Robles (means Oak Pass), CA has emerged as a perfect destination for oenophiles and wanna-bees. Located between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Paso is noted as a US leader in Rhone varietals and offers unlimited access to wines that are equal to or better than wines from any other part of the planet. With 32,000 […]
More than Bubbles and Fizz: Prosecco DOCG
I recently attended a Prosecco Superiore DOCG seminar at A Voce Columbus in New York. The sunny morning was deliciously focused on tasting the marvels of the Glera grape that delivers a crisp, fruity and bubbly taste experience with overtones of almond and citrus, melon, lemons and honey. The event was designed to share the […]
Lebanon Wines: Up – Down – Up
While there may be challenges for travel to Lebanon, there are no problems in celebrating the wines of a country that has been producing wines since the beginning of time. Prophet Hosea (780-725BC) is noted as urging his followers to return to Yahweh so, “they will blossom as the vine, (and) their fragrance will be […]