Tapas, Paella y mas

Categories: Accommodations · Barcelona · Food · Girona · Spain · TravelTags: · · ·

Eating is an extremely important social activity in Spain. Barcelona is known for both its traditional and inventive cuisine — with lunch “rush hour” at 2:00 pm and a chic dining hour at 10 pm. El Fornet is good spot for desayuno (breakfast) as it serves fresh baked goods and bocadillos. There are a number of El Fornet‘s in the city.   Known for its traditional Catalan cuisine is Freixa Tradicio located in the Gracia district. Awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand, this restaurant has established itself as one of the city’s culinary institutions.   When I lived in Barcelona years ago, my…

Blimey!

Categories: Accommodations · England · Food · London · TravelTags: · · ·

British slang for My Goodness!             It goes without saying that London is one of the culinary capitals of the world and I enjoyed my meals tremendously (well, most of them). For a wonderful breakfast/brunch, I would highly recommend Paul Rhodes Bakery. With three Michelin stars under his belt, Paul Rhodes founded a bakery in 2003. One of these shops is located in Notting Hill.   Serving all day food is Caravan King’s Cross, located by Granary Square in King’s Cross. Set in a historical industrial building, they serve what they call “well traveled food”. Caravan is a busy…

C’est Bon

Categories: Accommodations · Architecture · Art · Food · France · Paris · TravelTags: · · · ·

Just walking through the streets of Paris can be as rewarding because every corner brings delight to the eyes. I also had the chance to do my “obligatory” walk through one of my favourite gardens — Jardin du Luxembourg.       It could be the time of the year – but restaurants in Paris were less crowded this time – there were no lines and it was not a challenge to get a reservation. I am not complaining. I was able to go back to a few of the amazing restaurants I tried during my previous visits (and some new ones) and I was not disappointed….

Fondation Louis Vuitton

Categories: Architecture · Art · Food · France · Paris · TravelTags: · · · · ·

One of the reasons I spent a few days in Paris is to visit the recently opened Fondation Louis Vuitton. Designed by architect Frank Gehry, this private cultural initiative’s mandate is to promote the contemporary arts. For those seeking to find leather products from this fashion house on display – you will be disappointed. Currently on exhibit until the end of August 2016 is a selection of works by famous contemporary Chinese artists from the Fondation’s collection. The restaurant located on the ground floor is called Le Frank and it serves wonderful French-inspired cuisine, with hints of dishes from other countries whose works are currently on exhibit….

Art Nouveau & The Abbey

Categories: Accommodations · Architecture · Belgium · Brussels · Food · TravelTags: · · · ·

In the late 19th century, Brussels was a centre for avant-garde design and architect Victor Horta created a new style, later labelled Art Nouveau. Featuring sensuous curves elaborated in wrought iron, mosaics, stained glass, murals and woodwork. Today, his former house has been transformed into a museum.     Brussels, and Belgium for that matter, has an impressive array of haute cuisine choices – without the Paris prices, as one commented to me.   I stayed at The Dominican in Brussels. A converted Dominican Abbey has found new life as a hotel that is a member of the Design Hotel group. It…

Ghent

Categories: Belgium · Food · Ghent · TravelTags: · ·

A day trip to Ghent from Brussels proved to be quite rewarding, despite the rain. A city rich with medieval buildings and treasures inherited from its days of a prosperous trading centre. First stop was the St. Bavo Cathedral which houses one of the greatest cultural treasure in Northern Europe – Jan Van Eyck’s “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb“. This huge polyptych is a 12 panel former altar masterpiece, that has been moved to a side room for preservation.   Stopping for lunch at Coeur d’Artichaut is highly recommended. An elegant old mansion by the canal serving high standard cuisine….

Flemish Art, Food, Etc.

Categories: Accommodations · Art · Belgium · Bruges · Food · TravelTags: · · · · ·

Two museums in Bruges that house some of the world’s finest collection of Medieval and Flemish art are the Groeningemuseum and the Sint-Janshospital. Both museums contain an impressive collection of Hans Memling and Jan van Eyck.     For food lovers, there are quite a number of excellent restaurants in Bruges. Many serving Flemish cuisine. There are also tea rooms that dot the city, serving tea, coffee, pastries, and of course, Belgian waffles.       I stayed at the Grand Hotel Casselberg Brugge, consisting of a 19th century building and a new wing, with rooms that face the canal. The hotel…

Food and Rest at the Cape

Categories: Accommodations · Cape Town · Food · South Africa · TravelTags: · · · · ·

Cape Town has established itself for its world-class fare, combined with great views and historical venues. It is quite unfortunate that I only had three full days in this city to try out its food. Three restaurants that I had my agent book a month and a half prior to my arrival are Test Kitchen, Aubergine and La Petite Ferme. Opened in November 2010, Test Kitchen is the 30-seater restaurant of celebrated chef Luke Dale-Roberts. British-born, Luke trained in Switzerland and England before heading to Asia for a five year stint, launching restaurants in Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, and the Philippines. Today, Test…

Dublin Eats (& Sleep)

Categories: Accommodations · Architecture · Dublin · Europe · Food · Ireland · TravelTags: · · · · · ·

Dublin is one serious food lover’s destination. Chalk it up to pure ignorance, but I was delightfully surprised at the number of excellent restaurants and eateries in town. My very first stop after I landed and checked into my hotel was to have the hotel concierge book me a late lunch at The Greenhouse located off St. Stephens Green. Chef Mickael Viljanen, who was crowned the Best Chef in Ireland 2015, prepares innovative Irish cuisine that is both sublime and “art” in itself.   Etto on Merrion Row was added to the Michelin Bib Gourmand list that recognize restaurants that offer…

NYC Gastro Weekend

Categories: Food · New York · USATags: · · · · · · · ·

There was some major catching up to do with old friends in New York last weekend — all the while we enjoyed libations and one excellent meal after another — from crochette di baccala, rabbit meat balls with ricotta, smoked duck with sour cherries and pistachio, garrotxa, red prawns, chorizo crepinette, whole boneless porgy ssam, heritage farms pork chop, salted cod and potato croquettes with aioli, and the list goes on…. and before I forget, the Popcorn Cake! Inspired by a rustic Roman pizzerie, chef Nick Anderer‘s Marta is definitely a must try – outstanding food, polished service and beautifully designed space!   After…