Posts Tagged ‘Italy’

My Little Silver Box – Champagne Wishes & Caviar Dreams

Tuesday, May 1st, 2012

Now that I’ve dated myself with the “Champagne Wishes & Caviar Dreams” title, I must thank Mr. Leach for introducing me to Monte Carlo and the finer things in life.   My quest to maintain and nurture that introduction has come full circle with my travels and career in the wine industry.

As the Director of Marketing and Special Events at MacArthur Beverages, my relationship and approach to wine is that of a living work of art.  This qualitative and character base assessment of wine dances quite well with my philosophy of life and tastes – - give your best and accept only the best.  This is where my encounter with Silversea, my little silver box began four years ago.

Silversea & Gonet-Medeville

Friday, May 13th finally arrived and I was all set to embark on another Silversea cruise in the Mediterranean with food, wine and opulence as the priority.  Before the appointed day of embarkation, I relied on my past travel experiences to lead the way by arriving several days ahead of the actual departure date, something you must consider to avoid any mishaps with luggage, flights and missing the ship.  I did and the choice of lodging was the incredible La Réserve de Beaulieu.

The following series of postings will began with day 1 in Beaulieu-sur-Mer and end with day 11 at the port of Civitavecchia.

Please sit back, relax and allow this unhurried voyage to unfold through my unhurried posts.

Ciao

Michele Satta’s 2004 I Castagni – A Treat Worthy of a Repeat!!!

Tuesday, March 27th, 2012

There I was Monday, 3/26 as I passed this bottle several times trying to find a reason to justify the purchase and consumption.  Out of context, this would be seen as compulsive and down right hedonistic, not to mention really expensive but, I realized this was work and my palate deserved it – - need I say more!!!!

Michele Satta:

Michele Satta I Castagni 2004

 

If you have not had the pleasure of allowing this wine to grace your lips and envelop your palate, you are in for an experience that’s mythical. With ever changing depth, finesse and elegance, balanced by dark sweet fruit and tannins this wine is a study in greatness.  My only disappointment was the purchase of one bottle and not two.  Ahh….but a new day is dawning and I’ve another chance to experience this palate pleasing phenom.  If you are interested and I truly see no reason as to why you wouldn’t be, track this one down.  Trust me, you will not regret it.

Ciao!!!

Lake Garda, c.’05

Friday, July 15th, 2011

I’m near the water today in San Francisco and heading to Meadowood in Napa tomorrow.  The combination of the two reminded me of a life changing experience I had in Lake Garda.  My stay at Villa Fiordaliso was excellent.  Spending time in the kitchen with Chef Ricardo Camanini and then sous Chef Laurent Paccini allowed for a greater understanding of what goes on before the perfect plate arrives.  Seeing and experiencing the kitchen’s dedication and hard work to create something special and exceptional redefined perfection.  It’s all about the process!!!!  More on this experience and others will appear at Terroir 55 in the near future.

Ciao!!!

Lake view

 

Fresh Herbs

 

Herb Inspection - Laurent Paccini

 

Salad

 

Laurent & Ricardo

 

Chef Ricardo Camanini - Porcini lesson

 

Chef Ricardo plating

 

Boating

 

Afternoon Boating - Great backdrop

 

View at sunset

Quattro Passi

Monday, July 11th, 2011

This weekend brought on memories of my visit to the bay of Nerano while touring the Mediterranean.  After stopping in at BlackSalt and heading home with stuffed Branzini and crab cakes, my only wish was to close my eye, count to 3 and open them at Quattro Passi.  If you’re looking for another piece of paradise – - here it is.

Quattro Passi – This little piece of heaven in the bay of Nerano, is located between Capri and Positano.  I had the opportunity to tour its amazing wine cellar, carved out of the tufa rock and to sample some of Chef Tonion’s delicious cuisine.  If you’re looking for an escape…..this is it!!!

Quattro Passi

With Chef Tonion and Tony

I've never met a stranger!!!!

 

Cheese

 

Bruschetta

 

Zucchini

 

Cellar

 

Cellar

 

Cellar

 

Cellar

 

La Cucina

 

Dining

 

Book Signing

 

Paradise

 

Bibiana e la mia casa

Monday, April 4th, 2011

Discovering that special place where comfort in great food, wine and friends are never short in supply, can be a challenge and sometimes impossible. If you haven’t found yours, meet me at mine – - Bibiana. I’ve never been one to just “hang out” but, I guess the frequency level of my being at Bibiana qualifies as “Hanging Out.” This past Friday between courses, I made my way to the kitchen and got a few shots of Executive Chef Nicholas Stefanelli as he brought another great meal to life. We both agreed and interview is overdue but, the food and wine keep getting in the way. Stay tuned…..we’ll make it happen soon. By the way, I usually avoid desserts but, Pastry Chef, Douglas Hernandez has me hooked on his Torta del finanziere. This dessert isn’t always on the menu so, always order two if your lucky enough to be there when it’s on the menu. I had to wait several months — Good Luck!!!

Chef Nicholas

Chef Nicholas

Lobster

Lobster

Octopus / Squid

Sommelier Francesco Amodeo & Chef Nicholas

Sweetbreads

Schreckbichl Colterenzio Pinot Noir & Pork Shoulder

Cannoli

Torta del Finanziere

Torta del Finanziere

Pastry Chef Douglas Hernandez