After 600 years, the Antinori Family, arguably Italy's most well-known wine family opened their newest estate winery to the public in early 2013 (by appointment). The cellar is located about 25 minutes from Florence and 30 minutes from Siena. While this is a large winery (67,000 square feet), its physical footprint is barely seen because the entire winery and parking facilities are located underground and are built into the side of a hill. The … [Read more...]
Extra Fancy Sauce: Pebble Beach Food & Wine
I can honestly say that I’ve never been to an event quite like Pebble Beach Food & Wine. Over. The. Top. As I pulled up to the Grand Tasting in my Honda CRV, I giggled at the sign which read, “Free valet parking when you drive your Lexus,” and knew that I was in for something completely different at this tasting event. As I walked from my car to the enormous white tents hosting the festivities, I had a momentary concern that my … [Read more...]
Four Days in Italy
In March or April of 2003 I received a registered letter from the Israeli lottery telling me I had won a four day trip to Rome for my wife and myself, which included travel, the hotel—bed and breakfast. Tours and entertainment, which looked very enticing, were extra. We didn’t know if we’d ever visit Italy again, so I signed on immediately for the whole kit and caboodle. The travel company invited all the winners down to their offices in Tel … [Read more...]
Save the Date! 9th Annual Pebble Beach Food & Wine Returns March 31 – April 3 2016
A tradition that embodies the sophistication and refinement of the world’s finest culinary talents and restaurants in the world is set to arrive this spring for a once-in-a-lifetime food and wine celebration. WHAT: Pebble Beach Food & Wine, the preeminent food and wine festival attracting the most revered and talented chefs from across the globe, returns to Pebble Beach Resorts for the ninth year in a row, March 31 – April 3, 2016. Presented … [Read more...]
Art Destinations of Bogota
Paris and Florence: art destinations. Sure. But Bogota, Colombia? Absolutely! Lisa was fascinated to discover so many artist hot spots in Bogota. Don't miss these on your trip! Graffiti Street Art Tour- Graffiti art is allowed in Bogota and can be seen all over the city. Tour Guide Federico Ruiz explains that the city provides blank canvases for many street artists with large, plain walls. The Kiss is a piece of graffiti art from 2013 that is … [Read more...]
The Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival 2015
The Los Angeles Food and Wine Festival has quickly become one of the city's most prominent food and wine events; it is a big deal - you probably saw the billboards scattered around town leading up to the festival. This event recently celebrated it's 5th year in a row with three nights of culinary excellence combined with world class wine. Each day features a number of events including cooking demonstrations by celebrated chefs (this year a … [Read more...]
Mom’s Weekend in NYC: Press Reset
It’s become a cliche that moms don’t prioritize themselves enough, but that doesn’t make it any less true. It’s difficult to hear your own thoughts, needs and desires when someone else’s needs keep needling into your brain, demanding milk, socks and Zerby Derby. As with triage, the most urgent desires get attended to first and lesser urges, namely your own, get relegated and relegated until they begin to atrophy. A weekend away may seem a … [Read more...]
Rudkobing, Denmark… Wedding Destination?
Red doors welcome guests into warmly decorated homes, basket bicycles sit in front of flower gardens, cozy houses are perched along rocky streets, a colorful market full of fresh goods and happy people and a harbor full of boats waiting to leave for new adventures - all await visitors in the charming town of Rudkobing, Denmark. Rudkobing, located on Langeland Island also hosts many sports and nature related activities similar to other Nordic … [Read more...]
Drive with a View: Colorado Scenic Roadtrips
DENVER - Spending a long amount of time in the car for a road trip can sometimes be uneventful, but not a road trip through Colorado. The state is home to 25 Scenic and Historic Byways (11 of which are also America’s Byways) celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2014 along with other roads and passes that offer amazing views. Summer through fall is the perfect time of year to travel the byways, roads and passes of Colorado. Following is a … [Read more...]
‘Someday’ – When Europe called
It was sometime in early 2011. I was having a chat with a couple of friends centered on a quote from the Tom Cruise starrer ‘Knight and Day’. Not exactly the kind of movie to throw up quotes worthy of discussion or much thought. But surprisingly, it did have one particularly special quote– moving, thought-provoking, enigmatic and slightly frightening if I may say so. “Someday. That's a dangerous word. It's really just a code for 'never'. … [Read more...]