Destination: ItalyDestinationsFamily TravelFood and DrinkSpecial Offers Did you know that pasta was first produced in Sicily? by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande February 23, 2016 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande The town of Trabia in Sicily is mentioned in historical documents as the birthplace of pasta. In 1154, the Arab geographer Al Idrisi, while travelling around Sicily on behalf of the Norman King Roger II of Sicily to study customs and traditions of the Sicilian population, described in the famous “Tabula Rogeriana” the existence of a town called Trabia and its local production of pasta: “To the west of Termini there is a town called Trabia (‘At Tarbiah, the square), an enchanting place to live, abounding in streams that drive numerous mills. Trabia sits in a vast plain with many great estates, where great quantities of pasta (in arab – itriya – spaghetti) are made and exported everywhere, especially to Calabria and other Muslim and Christian lands; many shiploads are sent. In the port of this town they catch that big fish which is called tuna”. With this historical testimony, it is then confirmed that the dry long pasta called “itriya” (spaghetti) used to be produced, even before 1154, in the laborious town of Trabia, a place known for its manufacturing, commercial and marittime activities. If, as so commonly reported, the Arabs really did introduce the technique of drying pasta into Sicily, it would appear that the Sicilians quickly surpassed their teachers and perfectioned the art like nowhere else in the world. [Ref. “Pasta: the story of a universal food”, S. Serventi, F. Sabban, Columbia University Press, 2002] “The origins of pasta” – video (in Italian only): “The origins of pasta”. Castle of Trabia Come and discover Sicily with Villa Giardini del Principe Guided tours to the historical highlights of Palermo and Monreale can be organised with English speaking guides (art historians) -private transportation by bus for up to 18 people. Together with Villa Giardini del Principe , a luxury villa located Trabia immersed in manicured gardens and with three swimming pools, we have designed six routes to explore Palermo during different periods (Arab-Norman, Baroque, Liberty), Monreale and the 10th century Castle of Trabia built on the sea rocks, which has seen illustrious international guests such as Aristotele Onassis, the Agnelli family or writer Tomasi di Lampedusa. Cooking classes can also be organised. To find out about Villa Giardini del Principe and how to book guided tours of Sicily, please contact us: booking@passepartout-homes.com https://www.passepartout-homes.com/holiday/italy/villa-giardini-del-principe/187 The villa sleeps up to 22 guests. Villa Giardini del Principe February 23, 2016 2 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Destination: ItalyDestinationsFood and DrinkOur PartnersRecipes Bistecca alla Fiorentina, and 4 other dishes you should eat in Tuscany. by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande February 9, 2016 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande Italy is world famous for its amazing cuisine, with numerous regions constantly vying for the title of the ‘best Italian food.’ Although it would be impossible to pick an absolute winner, Tuscany is one region that has to be in the discussion. Although there is absolutely no shortage of amazing Tuscan food options, here are just a few of the dishes we think you definitely shouldn’t miss. 1. Bistecca Alla Fiorentina Bistecca Alla Fiorentina, the world famous Florentine T-bone steak, is equally as mouthwateringly delicious as it is overwhelming to look at. Traditionally, these steaks should be at least 1.5 inches thick (4cm) and weigh around 2 pounds (1kg), but it’s not the size that makes them special; it’s the quality of the beef, which comes from grass-fed, native Tuscan Chianina cattle. Although preparation varies from restaurant to restaurant, the best Bistecca Alla Fiorentina is grilled over an open wood fire and served with a local Chianti. A single Florentine T-bone generally feeds 3 to 4 people and is sure to set your mouth watering as the waiter begins carving it up at your table. 2. Fagioli all’uccelletto Fagioli all’uccelletto (which technically means ‘beans in the style of little birds,’ although it’s generally referred to in English as Tuscan-style beans) is a delicious, hearty dish of beans cooked in a tomato and sage sauce. Traditionally this is a vegetarian dish, but more and more restaurants are beginning to add their own unique touches, like delicious Tuscan sausage. If you’re looking for something Tuscan down to its core, this ancient dish is about as authentic as it gets due to the region’s affinity for beans (Tuscans are often referred to as ‘mangiafagioli’ or bean-eaters by other Italians). An excellent, hearty dish that’s perfect for warming you up on a cool autumn or winter evening. 3. Cacciucco Cacciucco is a fantastic seafood stew that originated in Livorno more than 500 years ago, which is where it is still most popular. You’ll also frequently find in around Viareggio, but each town’s version is quite distinctive. Depending on what’s available, cacciucco often contains a variety of seafood, including octopus, prawns, shrimp, cuttlefish and various types of smaller saltwater fish, all of which are cooked in a garlic, tomato, and white wine sauce. A good cacciucco is generally quite thick and chocked full of fish, making it perfect for seafood lovers. Due to its thick, hearty nature, most Tuscans eat it mostly in winter—although it is served year round. Cacciucco, photo courtesy turismo.intoscana.it 4. Pappa al Pomodoro One strange thing you’ll realize when visiting Tuscany is just how well they make use of stale bread, with pappa al pomodoro being one of the best examples. This extremely thick soup or stew is made from the aforementioned bread, mixed with tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and basil, and literally translates into tomato mush (pappa is also the word for baby food). It can be served hot, cold or room temperature, and you’ll find so many incredible variations that you’ll never be able to choose a favorite. Still, if there in the summer, don’t miss out on trying Panzanella, a cold bread salad made of mostly the same ingredients. Pappa al Pomodoro, photo courtesy of ricettedellanonna.it February 9, 2016 0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Business TravelCorporate VenuesDestination: BulgariaFamily Travel The perfect chalet in the Rhodope Mountains by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande January 15, 2016 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande Bulgaria’s Rhodope Mountains have justifiably found their place on the global ski map in recent years, thanks to an unusual and appealing combination of reliably fantastic winter conditions, great value and compelling folk history and cuisine. Though there are a rising number of charming accommodation options, very few are as sumptuous or on such a scale as the landmark Villa Gella. Sleeping up to 15 guests across six bedrooms, the dimensions of the property across four floors allow for a wide range of potential uses. Ideal for a larger family holiday or celebration, the space and the intense sense of peacefulness also means that it functions as a wonderful corporate retreat. Villa Gella Indoor heated pool Pamporovo is the local ski resort and despite its appealing isolation the villa is extremely well-connected to both the resort and, by private transfer, Plovdiv Airport. Pamporovo enjoys its reputation as Bulgaria’s sunniest ski resort, and it is also a gentle environment that is excellent for beginners and novices. Once the slopes have been enjoyed, back at Villa Gella each bedroom is carefully crafted to offer modern conveniences whilst retaining all the charms such a skilfully converted farmhouse can offer. One bedroom has two four poster beds plus two expansive sofas, creating a perfect family suite. The bedrooms benefit from walk-in closets, real wood fireplaces and stunning baths for a long soak after a day on the slopes. As is crucial in an environment catering to larger parties, the communal spaces are also welcoming and bespoke to the needs of guests. There are two separate dining areas, one offering a larger and potentially more formal setting and the smaller one seating five, for intimate supper parties or children who like to dine and gossip in their own special unit. The living room is a serene open space flooded with natural light. An unusual, and really marvellous, feature of Villa Gella is the wood-panelled library. With the winter sun or moon streaming through the window, what better place to decompress with a book in an armchair and ease aching muscles, or to try your hand at the resident poker table? As with the desks in the bedrooms, it also offers the opportunity to catch up on corporate obligations in a relaxed setting, particularly useful during a working holiday or executive retreat. In addition to the daily maid service, there is an in-house organic chef. High spec facilities supporting the chef include a professionally-equipped kitchen and a fabulous fresh herb garden on one of the external terraces. It’s the perfect place for an introduction to Bulgarian cuisine, including traditional bean or cold cucumber soup, shopska salad, kebapche, roast lamb and banitsa, the delicious, anything goes stuffed breakfast pastry. There are also exceptional local wines to discover, including Terra Tangra from the owners’ own vineyards. The grounds are spacious, well-maintained and lovely, including an extensive outdoor sports centre for everything from basketball to boules. To enhance the year-round appeal of the property there is also an indoor swimming pool, as well as a steam room, Jacuzzi and small gym. With its wildflowers and mountain meadows, the Rhodope Mountains are just as appealing in spring as they are under their winter snow blanket, and Villa Gella is the perfect spot to enjoy them in any season. Pamporovo ski area Phileas French, Travel Writer January 15, 2016 0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Destination: MauritiusDestination: MexicoDestination: ThailandDestination: VietnamDestinationsExperiencesTravel NewsTravel TipsVenues for special events Five Perfect Places to Spend New Year by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande December 31, 2015 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande There is no bigger party night than New Year’s Eve, and no better place to celebrate than a perfect private villa. Five exceptional villas worldwide have the festive edge, but are also ideally suited for any special gathering in the new year of 2016. L’Ile Paradis, Roches Noires, Mauritius Perhaps the most stylish and luxurious way to see in any new year is on a private tropical island, and this is precisely what L’ile Paradis in Mauritius can offer. Rising on volcanic rock from an azure lagoon, a causeway leads from the mainland to a magical retreat. Though the modern amenities inside the property are outstanding, from the satellite TV to the American-style refrigerator, L’ile Paradis is ultimately all about communion with nature. The sea is the private pool, and supper takes place under the trees and the stars. There is a discreet but attentive household to ensure that splendid isolation is enjoyed in tandem with every need being satisfied. Peacock Island, Berry Islands, Caribbean, Bahamas The Indian Ocean only has one real rival in the provision of incredible boutique luxury islands, and that’s the Caribbean. One of the very best is Peacock Island in The Bahamas, both for its idyllic natural setting and its scale. For those wanting to spend New Year with a larger group, twelve residents can enjoy the three beautiful houses, fitness centre, water sports and yoga platform. It’s an unforgettable place to snorkel, swim, or simply gather around the outdoor fireplace with superb food, drink and company. Villa Silk, Phuket, Thailand Phuket has long been recognised as a premier luxury beach and spa resort. Five bedroom Villa Silk’s many attractive features combine to make it the perfect base in this lively Thai region. The BBQ, infinity pool and outside lounge might be too enticing for any partygoer to venture indoors, but that would be a great pity, because the villa’s magnificent interior includes a home theatre and a dining table seating sixteen guests. While everything is in place for sumptuous self-catering, there is also a chef to hand specialising in haute cuisine versions of local specialties. Da Nang Ocean Front Villa, Danang, Vietnam On the fabled, beautiful and seemingly infinite Non Nuoc Beach in Vietnam, Da Nang Ocean Front Villa represents one of the most exquisite of many lovely properties. In addition to the dreamlike coastal environment, villa guests enjoy privileged access to all the amenities of the five star resort it’s within. The private pool and manicured, expansive grounds are the perfect place to pop open a celebratory bottle of champagne. The beach has truly astonishing sunsets to enjoy, and on New Year’s Eve itself, revellers brings the whole ocean front alive. Villa Maroma, Riviera Maya, Mexico Villa Maroma Mexico has an impressively varied and comprehensive staff headcount even by the most luxurious international standards. The lucky inhabitants of its five bedrooms have access to a round-the-clock butler, chef, housekeeper, kid’s club attendant, several external professionals and perhaps most importantly of all after a hard night partying, an on-call masseuse. The stunning pool and powerful five jet Jacuzzi system, and of course the peerless ocean views, offer the perfect backdrop to seeing in a milestone date. By Phileas French, Travel Writer, Editor December 31, 2015 0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Destination: family-friendly villasDestination: ItalyTravel NewsTravel Tips Why I stopped booking hotels by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande December 17, 2015 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande I had the pleasure of talking to Cristina Abriani – Marshall, Owner at Chic-ca Fashion Showroom in London, representing Italian fashion labels in the UK. Cristina and her family travel frequently abroad for both pleasure and business. As a trendy couple Cristina and her husband Andrew used to stay in fashionable hotels. But with the arrival of their child, their choice shifted towards luxury holiday villas. I find out from Cristina why she stopped booking hotels for their family vacations and opted for rental accommodations. HOW OFTEN DO YOU TRAVEL PER YEAR, BOTH FOR PLEASURE AND BUSINESS? I travel between 6 and 10 times a year, so quite frequently. If I travel alone on business, I may lodge in a hotel, but for family holidays I choose to stay in a rental accommodation such as private villas or city apartments. WHEN DID YOU LAST STAY IN A VACATION RENTAL ACCOMMODATION? We last booked a holiday villa in August 2015. We went to sunny Spain and stayed in a spacious secluded villa with pool, surrounded by intoxicating Mediterranean vegetation. In the summer we travel with our young boy and two older daughters. Grandparents often join us too so we need a large accommodation which provides ample space and privacy for each of us. Fun at the villa, Spain WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO STAY IN A RENTAL HOME RATHEN THAN A HOTEL? My husband sleeps frequently in hotels while on business so for family holidays he prefers instead the comfort and flexibility offered by a private home. I like the freedom that a private villa gives us as well . I like the time we spend at the house. When staying in hotels it often means retreating back to your room after dinner with little else to do. If you stay in a home you have more choice, space and privacy. And… no more running to the sun -lounger by the pool to occupy the best seat. You always have the best poolside seat! Staying in a home means also not having to eat restaurant food for a fortnight. Sometimes you just want a simple light meal. You are not bound to specific restaurant timetables. You can pretty much eat what and when you feel like. We can choose to eat in, out or order a chef to cook for us. Traveling with kids has also changed our priorities. A villa can be a safer place for children to run around and without disturbing other guests. HOW DO YOU CHOOSE A VACATION HOME? I do a thorough research on-line to find the property which best matches our requirements in terms of location, amenities or additional services. The web is my first point of call. I also listen to friends’ recommendations. DO YOU USUALLY BOOK DIRECTLY WITH THE OWNER OR VIA A PROFESSIONAL AGENT? Both really. WHICH ARE THE MOST SPECIAL PROPERTIES YOU STAYED AT? Masseria il Trullino in Puglia and Villa Costa dei Gabbiani in Capoliveri, Tuscany. Masseria Il Trullino, Salento WHAT MADE THEM SPECIAL? Direct contact with nature and exclusivity. The villas were both unique and located in wonderful parts of Italy. DID YOU HAVE ANY BAD EXPERIENCES WHILE STAYING IN A RENTAL ACCOMMODATION? Luckily not! WHICH DESTINATIONS WOULD YOU LIKE TO VISIT IN 2016? We hope to visit Greece next summer. Cristina Abriani, CEO CHICC-ca Fashion Showroom, London December 17, 2015 0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Destination: family-friendly villasDestination: FranceExperiencesFamily TravelNew Year's SpecialSpecial OffersVenues for special events New Year’s Special at Villa La Tosca – exclusive to PH by Michelle December 3, 2015 written by Michelle The prestigious Villa La Tosca in Lanton, Aquitaine, France is still available the whole week of New Year’s and we are pleased to offer you a one-time 30% off the regular price! Exclusive to Passepartout Homes! Villa La Tosca, lovely, warm, and sheltered from the elements, is the perfect venue for families to have a memorable Christmas and New Year’s Celebrations. The villa will be decorated tastefully with festive decorations, including a beautiful Christmas tree – you only need to arrive! Villa La Tosca is a prestigious beach-front luxury accommodation offering exemplary service in the reinvigorating atmosphere of marine life and pine forests. It guarantees a feeling of well-being and promises a vacation full of memorable, magic moments. Upon arrival, guests can indulge in the reinvigorating atmosphere and its exemplary five-star services, including transfers, welcome drinks & treats, daily French breakfast, concierge services, regular tea service, many of the on-site activities, and so much more! A private chef and waiter are available upon request, for an additional fee. The villa sleeps up to 16 guests in 8 double bedrooms en-suite. Rates start from €8,720/week. To book your stay at Villa La Tosca, contact our Villa Specialist: booking@passepartout-homes.com +32 50 699910 December 3, 2015 0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Gift IdeasTravel Tips Five Luxury Stocking Fillers by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande November 30, 2015 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande Just as the pre-Christmas season seems to extend annually, so too do the range of tantalising retail options available during November and December. It can be difficult to unpick truly luxurious items of lasting quality, particularly when shopping for appealing stocking fillers rather than sure-fire large items. It is also surprisingly easy to fall into the trap of putting together a mishmash of small gifts which somehow add up to less than the sum of their parts. One way to avoid this pitfall is to create a strong theme for a stocking, and a particularly strong and appealing theme is luxury travel. Crème de la Mer lip balm, image via neilmoodie.com The Crème de la Mer skincare range has a longstanding cult following both on the road and off it. One of their more portable items is the Lip Balm, pretty much guaranteed to delight any recipient, male or female, and containing a Miracle Broth that entirely lives up to its title’s promise. It’s perfect for counteracting dehydrating flights and fits into the lightest of cabin baggage. Their Hand Treatment, whilst more costly, is also unbelievably replenishing and indulgent. The Tiffany luggage tag, image via tiffany.com To make a strong luggage style statement, Tiffany have a signature light teal luggage tag in fine textured leather. The tag is a beautiful and well-made classic in its own right, but also forms a lovely accompaniment to the “Return to Tiffany” range of bone and heart sterling silver tag pendants. No matter how far you travel, the Tiffany brand will remain synonymous with world class craftsmanship and design. Charbonnel et Walker products are a sinful delight all year round, but they really come into their own in the festive season. Of many inspiring potential stocking fillers in their current range, the Pink Marc de Champagne Truffle Cracker is perhaps the most decadent and fun. Their Billionaire Shortbread Truffle Box runs a close second and despite being wonderfully rich, it’s very difficult to share. The perfect pick-me-ups on solo long haul trips. Charbonnel et Walker Pink Marc de Champagne Truffle Cracker, image via johnlewis.com Scented candles are perhaps the fastest way to lift and customise a villa room or ski lodge. Diptyque offer a lifetime’s worth of different glorious home fragrances. The Liquidambar candle by Diptyque, image via candledelirium.com Their Liquidambar candle might be the very best, sharing the long burning time and mellow light of the whole range but lifted by an extraordinarily complex, intoxicating and festive fragrance. Stella McCartney’s Stone Wild Cat key chain, image via stellamccartney.com In addition to an industry-leading ethical stance and wild creativity, Stella McCartney has staked her name upon year after year of highly covetable accessories. Her current collection includes all sorts of wonders, but it’s hard to imagine an item giving greater pleasure than one of her latest concept key rings, the Stone Wild Cat. This super-shiny, rock and roll little item will lift the spirits on any adventure, and it’s also the perfect item to jangle by the home lock when you finally return from your latest voyage of discovery. By Phileas French, Travel Writer, Editor November 30, 2015 0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Destination: ItalyDestinationsExperiencesFamily TravelFood and DrinkIdeal for CouplesTravel NewsTravel Tips Autumn in Umbria: Season of Food and Wine by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande November 3, 2015 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande The lovely Italian region of Umbria sees several particularly engaging festivals at the beginning of autumn. Acquasparta hosts a medieval banquet annually in September, and it’s also a good time to see the Historical Games and Food Festival in Gualdo Tadino. Historical Games and Food Festival in Gualdo Tadino via protadino.it The September Onion Festival of Cannara hosts a fantastic street market, and has become more and more innovative in the many inspiring and unexpected uses it puts the humble onion to. Whilst many of us have enjoyed dishes such as lamb and onion or roasted onions before, a crostata of candied onions and dried fruits for a dessert is probably a revelation for most. The Onion Festival of Cannara, via deliciousitaly.com Foligno has had the wonderful idea of creating an Italian First Course Festival. Often the most wonderful elements of an Italian meal are the “primi piatti”, and the festival celebrates rice, soup, polenta and, of course, pasta. Foligno deserves kudos for hosting not one but two quirky autumn food festivals, as it also welcomes the Red Potatoes Festival in September. Italian First Course Festival, via trgmedia.it Amongst Umbria’s many wine festivals, intriguingly, the town of San Elena di Marsciano is said to have hosted the first ever wine festival, the Festa dell’Uva, which still takes place every September. The charming spot of Torgiano hosts an Italian wine judging competition but also has its own wine museum, which provides some helpful context on the complex history of mankind’s relationship with the vine. Despite these stand-out September offerings, it’s October through to December when the food festivities really peak in Umbria. Sagre di Olio, via sagreneiborghi.it Of the many November festivals, one of the largest and best known is the Festa di Olio in Trevi, celebrating the superb quality olive oil harvest, best enjoyed with the simple and timeless accompaniment of piping hot bread. Orvieto hosts another major olive oil event, Le Vei Dell’Olio, while the Sagre di Olio runs in Montecchio. Offering the opportunity to get really close to the producers of the oils, the Frantoi Aperti in the first weekend of November allows visitors to see inside several major local presses and meet the producers as well as, of course, enjoy tastings with expert guides. Chestnuts are a vital component of many Umbrian dishes and a huge part of its history and heritage. Montecchio celebrates chestnuts as well as olive oils with their own festival. The San Martino Festival in Sigillo offers free tasting sessions of chestnuts and local wines over the course of nine days. However, those these are focal points, in reality all of Umbria celebrates the chestnut throughout October and November. White truffles in Città di Castello, via aromacucina.com Not just the other great luxury local product, white truffles, but also other important woodland products are celebrated in a festival in Città di Castello in the first few days of November. It’s a very significant venue for truffle tasting, but also offers excellent and often hard to come by forest honey, mushrooms and wild berry conserves. It’s the ideal spot for pre-Christmas food shopping, too, as is the festive feast of St Nicholas in early December in Bevagna. It showcases the region’s excellent and very tasty pastries, amongst other specialities. With this unique range of riches on offer, it’s truly the ideal time to learn more about this stunning and quintessentially Italian destination. November 3, 2015 0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Destination: ItalyDestinationsExperiencesFamily TravelFood and DrinkIdeal for CouplesTravel Tips Piemonte Food Festivals by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande October 22, 2015 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande October marks the beginning of the three month high season in Piemonte, and the surge in popularity is all down to the wine harvest and truffles. The grape harvest takes place in October in Piemonte, and Castagnole Monferrato hosts the best known harvest festival, with the whole town breaking out into celebrations of the fruits of the vine. Photo via italian-dream-vacation.com Almost exactly mapped against the high season in terms of its duration, Alba’s International White Truffle Fair is the oldest and most significant of dozens of Piemonte celebrations of its celebrity product. The Alba Truffle Fair is even responsible for setting the official price of truffles. It would be a pity to miss other slightly less headline-grabbing truffle festivals, though, particularly those at Montechiaro and Moncalvo, the latter coming up at the end of this month. White truffles, via italyrivieralps.com Many world famous Italian foodstuffs can trace their origins to Piemonte, not least the humble and ubiquitous grissini, or breadsticks. The dangerously delicious creamy dessert zabaglione also hails from this northern corner of the country. For a crash course in the equally delicious but less widely exported regional delicacies, the picturesque town of Asti hosts a Wednesday morning market which showcases the very best food and drink in an intriguing and accessible way. Food market in piazza del Campo del Palio in Asti. © Riccardo De Luca, via grandvoyageitaly.weebly.com The Piemontese have their own version of fondue, fonduta, made with cheese, milk and eggs, and representative of the importance of dairy, especially butter, in the region, rather than the olive oil more typically associated with Italian cooking. Piemonte has also just celebrated its biennial homage to cheese, the Bra Cheese Festival. Bra’s historic centre hosted 300 exhibitors and 270,000 visitors keen to sample artisan cheeses, wine pairings and innovations. Bra Cheese Festival, Piemonte, Italy via theguardian.com Slow Food is a sponsor of Bra, and has been a hugely important influence on the cuisine of the region. Almost 20 years ago, Slow Food selected Turin to hold its inaugural Salone de Gusto, and the precepts underlying the movement, of local, sustainable produce, non-intensive methods and high quality, are deeply important to many Piemonte farmers and chefs. Polenta at the Monastero Bormida, via giovanigenitori.it One of Piemonte’s great charms is the numerous small local festivals honouring food passions which take place throughout the year. The historic and picturesque village of Monastero Bormida has a March festival honoring polenta, as does Bubbio, and in both cases they are enlivened by music and parades. Castiglione d’Asti hosts a medieval festival in which the specialty foodstuffs of hazelnut and chestnut cakes play an important role, while tiny hamlet Quaranti has a monthly chickpea and Barbera festival. Every June, Mombaruzzo’s reputation rests partly on its Minestrone and Torta Verde Festival but the town is even better-known as the home of the Berta Grappa distillery and the Amaretti biscuit. Photo via piemonte-casa.com Piemonte’s speciality cuisine extends to many important wine varieties as well as fine dining. The globally familiar brands Cinzano and Martini are bottled in the region, as is party beverage Asti Spumanti. Long a source of admiration amongst sommeliers, Piemonte’s red wines are growing in popularity exponentially, with Barolo and Barbaresco now readily available worldwide. Though October is particularly popular, committed gourmets will find that any month is the right time to visit this fabulous foodie’s paradise. Piemonte, via commons.wikimedia.org Where to stay: Baita 1697 , a beautiful 17th century Piedmontese farmhouse, exquisitely renovated by its owner, an internationally acclaimed luxury interior designer . Property so special, it was featured in the best international interior design magazine – Architectural Digest (AD). By Phileas French, Travel Writer, Editor October 22, 2015 0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail