Valencia - Spain’s Newest Buzz
Founded in 138 B.C. by a small band of Roman soldiers, Valencia has been sacked by the Visigoths, conquered by the Moors and re-conquered, in 1238, by Spanish King Jaime. It was forged as a prosperous trading center in the 15th century, expanded by returning Spanish Colonials in the late 19th/early 20th , then again redefined by modern hydrology and architecture. This charming city, a study in contrasts, is fine-tuned to high-wire transformations and multiple reinventions! Valencianos, friendly and welcoming, are fiercely proud of their city and ancestry. A trip here offers engaging explorations of past treasures, current innovations and ambitious plans for the future.
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How to relax & putter through Southern Tuscany
Tuscany's always ready for its close-up -- glorious landscapes, enchanting cities, matchless history, superlative art and great food and wine. Connoisseurs view Siena as the area's most beautiful city, Florence as its cultural Mecca and Pisa as a powerful tourist magnet attracting the entire world to its curious leaning tower. While these and other famous centers are spectacular, there's also a quieter side of Tuscany to explore. Dot some spots in the region's southern part, add brilliant bits of Etruscan Lazio and quintessential Umbria, then meander to connect the dots: You've got a travel plan!
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Sotiris Kitrilakis: From nuclear to nurturer
Charisma describes attributes of personal magnetism, charm and leadership. It’s a Greek word befitting a gorgeous Greek, Sotiris Kitrilakis, a man of warmth, sensibility and intelligence.An internationally renowned Greek food expert, Kitrilakis will visit Pittsburgh this week to create an authentic Greek feast in celebration of Slow Food Pittsburgh. His life reads like a textbook of super-achievement.
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Sophisticated International cuisine spices up London diners’ palettes
Centuries of dominance in world commerce shaped London into a cosmopolitan city. But until recently, the food scene remained notoriously a culinary wasteland. The exception was non-native cuisines — especially French, Indian and Chinese. But these foods came from small ethnic eateries and served only as a footnote to tourism. Not so today: The British dining market hungers for global cuisine and world-class local fare. Offering a cornucopia of modern, sophisticated restaurants, London now attracts destination diners.
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Rain or shine, Amsterdam is a city of substance
Pack your galoshes and wind-resistant umbrellas. Amsterdam is a delightful destination, except for its frequently wet and blustery weather. Always historic, aesthetic and scenic, variously trendy, quirky, boisterous and serene, this European city appeals to diverse interests. It’s easy to get to, frequently offered at bargain E-Saver prices, and compact – hence a good choice for an extended weekend.
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Eat your heart out: Tuscany tastes delicious
Superior local ingredients and a strong culinary culture make traveling in this region of Italy a memorable gastronomic adventure.
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Finding freshness at London’s Borough Market
Napoleon Bonaparte once described England as “a nation of shopkeepers.”
Nowhere does this British characteristic reveal itself more vibrantly than at London’s historic Borough Market. While boasting ancient roots — records suggest that a market in this vicinity existed as early as 43 A.D. — this unique emporium recently faced demolition. But tenacious traders and enlightened trustees saved it from demise and rebuilt its glory. Today the popular market bustles with more than 100 vendors and lively, munching crowds of local and visiting shoppers.Click here for complete article.
Where to Dine in London
Those heading to the Olympics can expect sparkling quality and amazing variety in the London restaurant scene.Culinary vitality now defines a city once held to ridicule for its paucity of fine dining and the dullness of menus. Choices are huge, but here are some recent — and not so recent — favorites.
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Olympic Dining - London Restaurants go for the Gold
Those heading to the Olympics can expect sparkling quality and amazing variety in the London restaurant scene. Culinary vitality now defines a city once held to ridicule for its paucity of fine dining and the dullness of menus. Choices are huge, but here are some recent and not so recent favorites. Check the websites: Many restaurants take reservations online, most run updated menus and note the nearest station on the London Underground. Transport for London provides an indispensable website www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/london2012/24401.aspx/ to get you from where you are to where you want to go. Competition is tough, but there are only winners on this list.
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Better butter? Get cultured!
What makes that breakfast brioche or croissant at your Paris boutique hotel so memorable? Of course, the pastry may be special, possibly freshly baked. But it's the nutty, tangy richness of the butter that excites the palate. The creamy complexity of European-style cultured butter startles in contrast to the meek flavor profile of common U.S. sweet-cream butter. Cultured butter tastes better, more nuanced and a bit funky. No way can an ordinary supermarket stick of fat compare.
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