A panel discussion recently held at the Austrian Consulate was marketed as: “European Union Quo Vadis”. The Latin term – Quo Vadis translates: Where are you going? (New Testament verse John 13:36). At the time I accepted the invitation I did not give much thought to the title of the program; however, it […]
Movie Star or Tourism Minister? Go to Pisa for the Answer
There are many amazing attributes to the Municipality of Pisa and one of them is the Minister of Tourism, Paolo Ghezzi. Pisa Minister of Tourism. The Honorable Paolo Ghezzi When I was introduced to him it did not “register” that this movie-star attractive and charming executive was the Tourism Minister. Although he is not […]
Discovering Pisa: Do it Now!
Pisa, for whatever reason, frequently comes under the radar screen… but it shouldn’t. I was doing floor exercises at my health club last evening and heard a member talking with his trainer about a recent trip to Italy. He mentioned Rome and Florence, Milan and Venice, but never uttered a word about Pisa. Pisa, for […]
It Sparkles. It Bubbles. Is it Champagne, Cava, Asti Spumante, Prosecco, Sekt? Does it Matter!
It sparkles. It bubbles. Is it Champagne, Cava, Asti Spumante, Prosecco, Sekt? Determine where the grapes are grown and how they are fermented 1. If they are from the Champagne region of France and are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay or Pinot Meunier – it is likely that you have Champagne in your glass (and the bubbles […]
Caribbean Tourism Opportunities: It’s a Big World
The Caribbean tourism industry, like all tourism industries, is subject to the whims of consumers who are easily bored, heavily marketed for their discretionary income decisions, easily deceived by what is instantly “hot,” and a moving target that is difficult (if not impossible) to corral. The value of emerging markets was discussed at a recent […]
Caviar and Bordeaux: Italy meets France at the table
The Taste of Planet Bordeaux recently held a wine/pairing seminar at restaurant BoBo in New York’s Greenwich Village. The event was hosted by Michael Madrigale, Ambassador for Bordeaux, who introduced us to the pleasures available to the eye, nose and palate by teaming Calvisiusm caviar with wines from Bordeaux. Bobo’s Chef, Nelson Maldonado, developed a creative menu […]
Perfect 4 Lovers: Italian Calvisius Caviar +Taittinger Champagne
Eat Like a Local on Columbus Avenue: NY’s Eclectic Westside
Alex Garcia opened AG Kitchen in 2012. As a noted restaurateur his credits include Erizo Latino, Calle Ocho and Babalu, hosting the TV “Melting Pot” on the Food Network and “Nuestra Cocina” on Vme, the Spanish language affiliate of PBS. Family Friendly and Expansive This neighborhood eatery is spacious and offers guests a 120-seat dining […]
Pisa. Go for the Tower. Stay for the Cheese. Busti Fauglia
There is a secret that the Italians know but do not share: Italian cheese rules the world. We are aware of the quality and popularity of Italian wines, Italian designs, Italian music and art – but the fact that Italy leads the world in cheese-making is not a fact that rises to the top of the list […]
Texas Wines. Are They Serious?
If you consider 8,000 acres of land devoted to viticulture (2012 USDA Agriculture Survey), then you will believe that Texas is very serious about its wine industry. In the Beginning The Texas wine story begins in the mid-17th century when the Franciscan’s established the first vineyard in North America at Ysleta on the Rio Grande […]