Fondation Louis Vuitton

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….

Bonjour Paris

February 28, 2016March 1, 2016 Categories: Architecture · Art · France · Paris · Travel

Only an hour and a half away by Thalys high speed train from Brussels – how could I resist swinging by Paris for a few days? It’s been three years since I was last here and there’s a new gallery I have been wanting to see (at the same time, visit again two of my favourites) and of course, the food! One of my favourites is the Musee Picasso. It’s been more than ten years since I was last here. The other Museum I will never forget was the Musee Rodin. I was extremely contented just being able to walk through the gardens and did not…

Art Nouveau & The Abbey

February 27, 2016April 1, 2016 Categories: Accommodations · Architecture · Belgium · Brussels · Food · TravelTags: architecture · Art Nouveau · Brussels · Horta Museum · The Dominican

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…

Brussels

February 26, 2016March 20, 2022 Categories: Belgium · Brussels · TravelTags: Belgium · Brussels · Travel

One compact city, Brussels was brought into the world spotlight when it became the European Union capital in 1992. Inspired by Art Nouveau and Surrealism, Brussels is not an easy city to know. However, it has great museums, comic strips, chocolate stores on every block, wonderful beer, and haute cuisine without the Paris prices. The Musees Royaux des Beaux-Arts houses many art greats that are remarkably homegrown. The Rubens and Brueghel collections are impressive and the size of the museum would not make one feel overwhelmed.

Ghent

February 25, 2016March 12, 2016 Categories: Belgium · Food · Ghent · TravelTags: Belgium · Ghent · Travel

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.

February 23, 2016March 20, 2022 Categories: Accommodations · Art · Belgium · Bruges · Food · TravelTags: Art · Belgium · Bruges · Food · Hotel · Travel

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…

Bruges

February 22, 2016March 20, 2022 Categories: Belgium · Bruges · TravelTags: Belgium · Bruges · Travel

Awarded a World Heritage status by UNESCO, enchanting Bruges is a charming confluence of canals, medieval streets, and Gothic architecture. In the middle ages, Bruges was one of Europe’s most prosperous cities and it has been restored and preserved to its former glory. It is a wonderfully walkable city with enchanting views from every corner.

Welcome to 2016!

December 31, 2015March 20, 2022 Categories: California · San Diego · Travel

As we enter a new year – a time for new hopes and dreams. To more travels, food and excitement! All the best for 2016!

Food and Rest at the Cape

October 18, 2015 Categories: Accommodations · Cape Town · Food · South Africa · TravelTags: Aubergine · Cape Cadogan · Cape Town · La Petite Ferme · South Africa · Test Kitchen

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…

V & A Waterfront

October 16, 2015October 16, 2015 Categories: Cape Town · South Africa · TravelTags: Cape Town · South Africa · V&A Waterfront1 Comment

The Victoria and Alfred Basins date from 1860 and remains a working harbour. Recent developments at the V & A Waterfront have cemented this precinct as tourist-oriented with shops, restaurants, bars, and other attractions, making the waterfront as a visitor’s favourite. My favourite spots are the Market (similar to a fast food concept, with interesting food stalls) and the Watershed, which features locally made and designed handicrafts and products. Both of these areas attract less tourists.