Destination: BulgariaUncategorized Bulgaria Destination Guide by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande July 9, 2014 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande An increasing number of tourists are choosing Bulgaria as an alternative to the Alps during the winter and summer seasons for its skiing, scenery and natural wonders. Once they’ve arrived in this beautiful Southern European nation of contrasts, they discover the culturally rich cities of Sofia and Plovdiv, and a wealth of ancient monuments and monasteries, in one of the oldest countries in the world. Rhodope Mountains Two of the best property offerings in the Rhodope Mountains offer first class ski chalet accommodation. Villa Gella in Gela, Rhodope Mountains enjoys all the warmth and comfort of a log fire combined with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. A converted farmhouse, it retains laid back historic charm – think wood panelling, sun terrace and trestle table – combined with utterly modern glass baths, Jacuzzis and under-floor heating. The luxury complex at Chalets Village Pamporovo is perfect for both families and larger groups seeking proximity to other members of their party across several villas. Both the ski chalets and the whole Pamporovo resort have a fairytale feel. The snow cover has been excellent over the last few seasons, and it’s a particularly good resort for beginner and intermediate skiers, or those seeking a good value place to learn to ski. Rhodope Mountains There are many other sights and activities in this richly historic, ancient region in addition to the ski resorts. Bachkovo Monastery and Rila Monastery are both must-sees in any season: two of the biggest and oldest European Eastern Orthodox monasteries. The pristine wilderness is one of the last corners of Europe to have brown bears and wolves as well as otters, bats and birds of prey. During the summer, the Rhodope Mountains come into their own as a walking destination, with Roman ruins and historic villages to admire. Natural attractions include Trigrad Gorge, pine forests, and cave complexes including the Yagodina Cave and the evocatively-named Devil’s Throat Cave. Bachkovo Monastery Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second city and cultural heart, is the nearest large city to the Rhodope Mountains. The Old Town offers an immediate immersion into the town’s fascinating history, with great shopping and dining opportunities its picturesque ancient streets. Dating still further back, its Roman amphitheatre is still in use today. Plovdiv’s Ethnographic Museum offers a helpful introduction to the complex history and folklore of the region in the sensational setting of a traditional Plovdiv Baroque stately home. Nearby archaeological sites like Nebet Tepe and Assenova Krepost offer beautiful, evocative ruins set in a landscape full of natural wonders. Further afield but unmissable, charming, cosmopolitan capital Sofia is also home to some exceptional places of worship, including the Church of Saint Nicholas, with its 700 year old frescoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a baroque masterpiece in the city’s centre. The perfect conclusion to a Sofia city tour is a meal at Chef’s, a much-loved restaurant overlooking Pasarel lake. Russian Church Sofia Back in the Rhodope Mountains, the distinctive cuisine includes homemade yoghurt, baked river trout and Cheverme – tender lamb roasted on an open spit. Local red wine Mavrud provides a superb accompaniment. The facilities at Pamporovo and Gella provide the perfect setting to experiment with the wonderful cuisine of the region, as well as an ideal skiing and hiking holiday home. Chalet Villa Gella Blog post by Phileas French July 9, 2014 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Destination: FranceTravel News 5 unusual things to do in Paris by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande July 3, 2014 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande You’ve been to Paris and have seen the usual tourist sights like the Eiffel Tour, Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre. But this fascinating city has so many personalities that with each visit, another completely different side to it can be explored. Why not try seeing this exciting city from another angle? We suggest 5 unusual things to do in the City of Lights: 1. See Paris from above Everyone knows that some of the best views of Paris can be enjoyed from the top of some of the city’s most popular tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower, the Basilica of Sacré Coeur, the Arc de Triomphe and the Tour Montparnasse. But how about taking sight-seeing to a new level by feasting your eyes on the breathtaking views of Paris from 150 metres up in the sky in a hot air balloon? Ballon de Paris offers a unique bird’s-eye view of Paris on board the world’s biggest hot air balloon. What better way to see Paris from a completely different angle 2. Go underground Under the hustle and bustle of Parisian streets lies a surprising underground world. 20 metres underneath the pavements of the City of Lights, there’s a vast labyrinth of dark and sinister subterranean tunnels stretching for kilometres. A 2-kilometre section of these tunnels is the site of the catacombs of Paris, a collection of millions of skeletons which were exhumed from overcrowded Parisian cemeteries at the end of the 18th and beginning of the 19th centuries. Another popular underground tourist sight is the Paris Sewer Museum where visitors can learn about the history and construction of the capital’s sewer system while roaming through a part of this vast 2000-kilometre sewer network. 3. Go to the beach Every summer the beach comes to Paris. Since 2007, Parisians and tourists alike have been able to enjoy four weeks of sun and sand when the banks of the Seine are covered with 5000 tons of sand. Decked out with palm trees, beach umbrellas and deck chairs, this one-kilometre stretch of urban beach draws millions of sun-worshippers and fun-lovers. Office goers work on their tans during their lunch breaks or join a game of pétanque or beach volleyball. Evening concerts give this annual summer event a festive ambiance. In 2014, Paris Plages is happening from July 19th to August 17th, every day from 8am to midnight at three city locations: Louvre/Pont de Sully, Port de la Gare and Bassin de la Villette. 4. Take a tour in a 2CV Who doesn’t love the 2CV? This quintessential French car is known and loved for its timeless and elegant retro style. What better way to experience the streets and lights of Paris than in a vintage Citroen 2CV with the top down, driven by your own Parisian guide? There are several companies offering this unique tour experience which take in the city’s best-known landmarks, as well as a few unusual ones, like a tour of ‘secret Paris’ which takes visitors to the city’s many charming but less known squares, canals and cobble stoned streets. There’s also a ‘Paris gardens’ tour for nature lovers and ‘Paris by night’ for those who want to experience the magic and charm of nocturnal Paris. 5. Take a walk in an elevated park The world’s first elevated park, the Promenade Plantée is a scenic 5-km nature walkway which runs along a disused railway line. This is a paradise for walkers and joggers, who pass through flower gardens, bamboo groves and rose trellises along the way, while taking in the views of the Parisian skyline and scenes of city life happening below. The tree-lined cycle path and many picnic spots and benches offer the perfect place to take some time out in this urban oasis. Blog post by Isabel Putinja. July 3, 2014 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Destination: Italy Venice Destination Guide by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande May 20, 2014 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande Venice is one of those rare destinations where almost every first time visitor has strong preconceptions about how it will look and feel. Although the miraculous first glimpse of this beautiful wonder on the water matches everybody’s dream of Venice, it’s a vibrant, living city with surprises around every corner too. The first revelation is that Venice, charming though its iconic gondolas and vistas are, is not all about the water. It’s a treasure trove of historic architecture and gaudy, palatial residences and churches. View over San Giorgio from Ca’ Salvioni. The attractions of Venice guarantee steady visitor traffic throughout the year. It can be extremely hot and crowded in the summer months, although a shady spot offering pizza, Prosecco or paintings is never more than a few steps away. It’s best to embrace the reality that this wonder of the world of on every traveller’s wish list, and that the surges of awestruck admirers around Piazza San Marco and the Ponte dei Sospiri are part of the universal experience of this city. By contrast, Venice by night, particularly in the winter months, becomes a mysterious, incredibly evocative place to explore. When a whole city looks like a giant film set, finding your own way around is half the fun. There are, however, a few special places that ought not to be missed. One way to get a taste of the grandeur of the Doge’s Palace while bypassing the main line is simply to pay admission to the current art exhibition. It hosted a major Manet exhibition for four months in 2013, all beautifully curated within some of the vast Palace rooms. For twentieth century culture, the Peggy Guggenheim collection has an internationally important cross-section of Modernist, Futurist and Cubist masterpieces, housed in her gleaming former home, Palazzo Venier dei Leoni. Given the demand, gondoliers can pretty much charge what they like, and do so. Getting out on the water is a must, but there are constant commuter boats and vessels used by everyday citizens which provide a more cost-effective alternative. Towards the end of winter, normally February, Carnevale is an interesting time to take small children to Venice. It’s enormously popular and not ideal with a stroller, but little ones adore the parades, masks and atmosphere. By contrast, the decadent “grown-up” balls and parties operate on the mantra “a Carnevale ogni scherzo vale”, which is essentially the Italian take on “what happens in Vegas…stays in Vegas”! Justified and increasing reverence is being granted to the regional specialties within Italian cuisine, signs of an astonishing culinary diversity. The whole Veneto region is strongly associated with polenta and tiramisu. Rixi e bixi, a risotto with peas and ham, is a ubiquitous and much-loved rustic offering which has inevitably been treated to a gourmet upgrade in many smart Venetian restaurants. Venice also demonstrates notable flair in its preparation of local seafood delicacies such as molecche (soft shell crabs), sardines and cuttlefish: Osteria da Fiore in San Polo offers a Michelin-starred take. It would be a great pity to overlook some other urban highlights of the Veneto region, because Verona and Padua are two of Italy’s loveliest cities, each an easy day trip from Venice. Verona’s ancient arena is a global must for opera lovers, and for all other lovers there is always the kitsch site of the fictional Juliet’s balcony. Romeo may be nowhere to be seen but if you’re lucky you might spot a real life marriage proposal taking place. Padua boasts the fragile, extraordinary Giotto frescoes of the carefully-guarded Cappella degli Scrovegni, a lovely old town, and both Europe’s largest piazza and its oldest botanical gardens. Hand made shoes in Veneto by CB Made In Italy. Of course, back in the Venetian lagoon, there are many islands to explore too. Burano’s multi-coloured buildings and beautiful light are a gift for photographers, and the island has a strong lace-making tradition. Murano has long been synonymous with glass manufacture and still offers appealing purchases for the canny buyers. For many, though, the loveliest island is Torcello. Largely a nature reserve apart from the scenic and ancient Basilica di Santa Maria Dell’Assunta, the cathedral’s campanile, with its fabulous scenic perspective, is the perfect place to take a deep breath before hailing a vaporetto back into the heart of the city. Post written by Phileas French. Passepartout Homes is a private members’ club catering to the high-end holiday rental market. We match carefully-targeted owners of private residences with highly discerning guests. To find your perfect villa, visit our website. May 20, 2014 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Destination: ThailandTravel News Koh Samui Destination Guide by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande May 7, 2014 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande Koh Samui’s laid back tropical charm has placed it on the travellers’ map since it became a hippy trail favourite fifty years ago. It is Thailand’s third largest island and easily reached by air from the capital, Bangkok. The secret is out nowadays, as the island has fantastic transport connections and a wide range of dining options and attractions, but there are still pockets of unspoiled tropical greenery around almost every corner. It also benefits from a near-perfect climate. Any visitor to Koh Samui will never forget the uniquely gentle, humid sensation of the sun’s tropical warmth. The received wisdom about the best time to visit Koh Samui is to make the most of the dry season, and plan a trip between December and April. However, the island’s wet season is nowhere near as wet as the tropical monsoon seasons elsewhere, and it’s worth considering as a destination at any time of year, indeed, there’s something to be said for visiting outside the most popular months. March to May can be extremely hot, though, and the European school holidays of July and August push prices and crowds up. For keen divers, Koh Samui is a dazzling paradise of tropical fish-watching, but poorer visibility during the peak of the rainy season makes this a time to avoid. The fact that Koh Samui didn’t even have any roads until the early 1970’s gives an indication of how easy it is the get around the island as well as how recently it was that any development started on the island. Many choose to hazard getting around by motorbike, but’s also an easy and pleasant care journey to most of the sights on the island. Of course, the very best mode of transport is the most historic one, too: boats. A day trip sailing to the pristinely beautiful Ang Thong Marine Park, for example, is an unmissable highlight of any stay. For those travelling with children, it is virtually the ideal beach holiday destination, with warm, clear sea, powdery sand and very child-friendly local people and venues. Maenam and Bo Phut are two excellent beaches for families: they both have shallow water and plenty of other prospective little playmates. The Samui Butterfly Garden is a lovely attraction for small children, and grown-ups too. Paradise Park Farm on the island’s highest mountain has a very welcome swimming pool as well as deer, ponies and birds. Elephant rides and Thai boxing are available for older children in addition to the great shopping and partying experiences. If there is one thing that Thailand is as famous for as its beaches, it’s the food. Twenty first century Koh Samui offers some of the country’s finest dining experiences. Saffron at Banyan Tree, Samui, fusion restaurant Namu at W Retreat and the breathtakingly scenic Dining on the Rocks (the clue is in the name…) are just three of literally dozens of world class restaurants on this relatively small island. Koh Samui’s take on bird’s-nest soup is a highly distinctive culinary experience for the more adventurous travellers. Five Islands offers a luxurious introduction to the making of the soup as well as a wonderful longtail boat tour. Nocturnal festivities and hedonism are an important part of the Koh Samui experience too. Chaweng Beach is without doubt the nightlife hub of the island, and though some tourist traps lurk, Q-Bar has a glamorous international clientele and Green Mango is a reliably enjoyable large dance venue. After a heavy night clubbing, the spa facilities, at every hotel and on every street, come as a welcome antidote. Koh Samui is one of the best spa destinations in South East Asia and the range of options can be slightly overwhelming. Most of the spa resorts offer a fantastic service, so a better way of making a selection is to decide on whether a destination spa, medical spa, or a more low key day spa is the most suitable bespoke service. With so much to offer a decision to never leave the island would be understandable, but it would be a shame to miss out on some other beautiful nearby attractions. Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan offer first rate snorkelling opportunities. Koh Phangan is also just a short boat trip away. Famous as the Full Moon Party island, it has many other charms too, especially the pretty beach at Thong Nai Pan Noi. On returning to Koh Samui, the very best way to round off the day is watching the sunset from one of the western beaches. Posh Bang Por offers stunning views, and stars of every variety including the celebrity variety, with both David Beckham and Bill Gates choosing to have homes in the vicinity. Nikki Beach Club on Lipa Noi offers sensational cocktails to sample while the sun goes down. Lipa Noi’s splendid isolation also brings home how many untouched areas of beauty remain in Koh Samui. The road back to the island’s more bustling hubs winds through coconut plantations, with wildlife scurrying away from passing cars. The journey captures some of the spirit and sensations of this unique place. Post by Phileas French. May 7, 2014 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Travel News Thinking of renovating a holiday home? 5 things to consider by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande April 30, 2014 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande Ever come across a gorgeous old farmhouse or a charming rundown villa while on holiday and dreamed of transforming it into your own holiday getaway? Many of the owners of the luxury holiday homes in Passepartout Homes’ exclusive property portfolio have turned this dream into reality. In our on-going interview series , our property owners have been sharing their stories of how they fell in love with an abandoned or dilapidated property with lots of charm potential and transformed it into their dream holiday home. Renovating a rundown property into a chic holiday escape takes a lot of time, effort and, of course, funds, along with big doses of passion and perseverance. Le Pratola in Tuscany – Before (Photo copyright of Margherita Piliero, Le Pratola) Today we share 5 tips for revamping that charming ruin into a dream holiday home: Check the fine print. Before getting to work, be thorough checking legal obligations and requirements, especially if the property is located in another country where you are unfamiliar with local laws and rules. Is planning permission required for a renovation project? What are the tax implications of renting out your holiday home? It’s vital to get sound advice from a credible lawyer who’s on top of the latest rules and regulations. Beware of unscrupulous agents and lawyers who try to take advantage of foreign buyers who may be oblivious to local laws. The best way to find an adviser you can trust is through a recommendation by someone who has experience with their own renovation project. Find a project manager who speaks the language. There are many good reasons to hire the services of a local project manager. You may not be able to speak the local language fluently or be constantly on-site to oversee things, so a project manager is essential. He or she will already have experience working with local contractors, and importantly, have those essential contacts in the construction industry. Plan wisely but expect the unexpected. Renovating a property abroad is a lot more stressful and time-consuming than many people imagine. Plan wisely and set a realistic budget with extra funds set aside for unforeseen expenses. Come up with a renovation schedule with the contractor and project manager and insist on it being following. Despite good planning, expect the unexpected and be ready for potential setbacks: workers not showing up, certain supplies not being available locally, potential problems which were not identified beforehand… just about anything can happen! Do you need a caretaker? A holiday home often requires work all year round, not only during the holiday season. While it’s easy to lock up an apartment until the next season, a house or larger property needs more attention. Consider hiring a local caretaker who can help with the general maintenance of your holiday property while you’re not there. Do it with love. Make your holiday home something special by investing not only your time and money but heart and soul into making it a unique retreat offering all the comfort and calm you’d expect from a luxury holiday. Having found a special holiday escape in a place you love, you’re sure to cherish the time you spend there and the many memorable holidays with family and close friends. These returns on your investment are truly priceless! Le Pratola – After Passepartout Homes is a private members’ club catering to the high-end holiday rental market. We match carefully-targeted owners of private residences with highly discerning guests. To find your perfect villa, visit our website. April 30, 2014 2 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Destination: Greece 5 things to do and see in Santorini by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande April 11, 2014 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande One of the main islands in the Cyclades, Santorini is a stylish destination and one of the most romantic places in the world. This stunning volcanic island offers picture-postcard panoramas of white-washed houses and blue-domed churches typical of the Greek islands, with the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea as a backdrop. Santorini is a must-visit destination to add to your bucket list if you haven’t been to this spectacular Greek island already. Here are 5 things to see and do while in Santorini: Laze on a black sand beach. Santorini is unique for its fantastic volcanic beaches. Kamari beach on the east coast has a long stretch of black powdery sand and is the island’s largest beach. There’s another picturesque black sand beach worth visiting at Perissa. Another beautiful beach is the unique red sand beach near Akrotiri, sheltered by a dramatic red rock cliff face. These beaches are great for those who love snorkelling too. Take a boat to volcano island. The volcano is still active here and can be easily reached by boat. After a climb to the top, stop in the nearby hot springs for a swim in the warm waters heated by the volcano which also have healing properties. A boat trip is worth it just for the spectacular views of Santorini island on the way back, which you would have missed if you arrived by plane. Watch the sunset. The picturesque town of Oia on the northern edge of the island is famous for its spectacular sunsets. This is the perfect place to toast the end of the day with an apéritif or enjoy a romantic dinner while watching the sun make its slow and majestic descent into the Aegean Sea. Shop to your heart’s content. The narrow cobble-stoned lanes of the main town of Thira are bustling with stylish boutiques offering jewellery, designer clothing and handbags, as well as many tavernas and cafés for a lunchtime break. Visit the ruins of Akrotiri. This important archaeological site showcases the remains of an ancient 3500-year-old Minoan town destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 17th century BC. Like Pompeii, the ancient streets, squares and buildings of the town are preserved in volcanic ash, taking you back in time. Post by Isabel Putinja, Travel Writer April 11, 2014 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Destination: BulgariaDestinationsInterview Series with our Homeowners Villa Gella: nature’s playground in the heart of Bulgaria’s scenic countryside. by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande February 21, 2014 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande Passepartout Homes’ property portfolio showcases a very exclusive collection of unique luxury holiday retreats located in 15 countries on four continents across the globe. What’s unique about each of our exclusive holiday villas is that every one is a home which has been lovingly built, rebuilt or renovated by its proprietors who invested their hearts and souls into creating a unique and special atmosphere for their guests. In this interview series, we meet the property owners who tell us the stories behind their exclusive holiday homes. Located in the scenic Rhodope mountains of southern Bulgaria, Villa Gella offers the perfect luxury escape for those who love to be close to nature. A stay at Villa Gella is a delight during any season, and there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy and make the most of the outdoors. The luxury villa has beautifully landscaped gardens and four terraces perfect for lounging in the sun or al fresco dining with the stunning natural mountainscape as a backdrop. Inside the villa, the many large picture windows offer views of beautiful natural scenery, reminding visitors that they are at nature’s doorstep. The villa’s luxurious interiors are tastefully decorated in a cosy contemporary style, with 6 double bedrooms and many pampering touches like a wood-burning fireplace, indoor swimming pool and steam room. The in-house chef delights guests with exquisite dishes of traditional Bulgarian cuisine cooked to perfection. Trekkers will love the many hiking trails in the area which lead to nearby lakes like Dospat and Smolyan and other natural highlights like the Devil’s Throat waterfalls and its canyon, and the mountains of Mount Perelik and Mount Orpheus. Bulgaria has nine UNESCO world heritage sites, all of which can be easily reached from here. The owner of Villa Gella tells us how this derelict mountain farmhouse was transformed into a unique, trend-settling luxury holiday home. How did you discover this beautiful part of Bulgaria and what made you fall in love with it? My uncle and aunt had been looking for a place in the Rhodope Mountains to settle down to deal with an asthma condition my uncle developed after his retirement, when they came across the ruins of a mountain farm in the hamlet of Gela. They fell in love with the pristine nature and stunning views, and decided to buy it then and there. A few years later I joined them to launch Villa Gella. After working at Aman Sveti Stefan in Montenegro, I took some time off to care for my newly born granddaughter in Florida, US and then decided to come back to Bulgaria. Now my uncle, my aunt and I split our time between Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, and Villa Gella in the Rhodope Mountains. Our offering of an authentic luxury experience is hailed as trend-setting in Bulgaria, and this is for us both a recognition and a challenge. We spend most of our time developing and executing custom tailor-made stays and itineraries according to the interests and preferences of our guests, spanning relaxation and the great outdoors, history and archeology, music and cuisine. Did you build or renovate the property? What was this process like? The initial intention of my uncle and aunt was to restore the ruins of a mountain farmhouse they fell in love with and bought, but in the process they discovered that there was little that could be salvaged. A complete rebuild was necessary, and using the footprint of the original farm the villa was built in a contemporised version of a traditional Rhodope mountain house adding all the modern conveniences a luxury retreat must have. The building work took much longer than expected given the mountain conditions, difficult roads and builders who were not used to the quality and details we expected. The use of local materials and traditional building methods resulted in an authentic look for the villa, while the ideas of a leading London-based designer added modernity and timelessness. What is unique about the area? The Rhodope mountains reveal their beauty during each of the four distinct seasons of the year. The spring brings the view of trees in bloom against the snowy caps of the mountain peaks. The mountains in the summer are deep green and lush with flowers and fruit. The autumnal colours are as rich as the palette of an impressionist artist. The winter embraces everything in its wholesome whiteness. Pristine nature, pure air, natural food, traditional cooking, slow living – guests can enjoy nineteenth century living in a twenty-first century setting. The villa offers six double en suite bedrooms, a library, a small spa with indoor swimming pool, as well as outdoor badminton and pétanque courts, and several terraces and Jacuzzis, which can be used year round. Multiple hiking trails, horseback riding stables, fishing lakes, off road biking tracks, and many nearby caves provide for an amazing array of outdoor activities. Yoga, massages, and the steam room can help relax both mind and body. The Rhodope mountains were at the centre of the little-known Thracian civilisation and the home of its well-known musician, hero and philosopher Orpheus. Even today one can visit many sites associated with the myth of Orpheus and follow in his footsteps in search of Eurydice into the other world. What type of visitor does Villa Gella suit? Villa Gella is the perfect location for a gathering of a family or a group of friends, for a romantic retreat or a corporate board offsite, or as a secret celebrity hideaway. It can suit those who look for a quiet abandon away from the stress of modern life or those who would like an active break outdoors away from daily routine. It can also be attractive to those who are seeking to immerse themselves in the rich history of Bulgaria, which started with the Thracians, followed by the Romans and the foundation of the Bulgarian state in 681AD, the adoption of Christianity and creation of the Cyrillic alphabet, through the Ottoman empire, the World Wars and the communist state to its more recent membership in the European Union. The legacy of Orpheus is a powerful folkloric music tradition, with haunting bagpipe music and unique singing, which was later incorporated in medieval Orthodox chant. All of these aspects of Bulgarian history and culture can be explored during a stay at the villa. Also, the delicious but little known local cuisine paired with outstanding Bulgarian wines can be a welcome complement to all activities or a culinary exploration in its own right. By Isabel Putinja – http://isabelwrites.wordpress.com/ February 21, 2014 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Our PartnersTravel News Cantuccini – my grandmother’s secret recipe by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande January 24, 2014 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande Tuscany, land of great culinary traditions, so many recipes to learn and try in your home kitchens, much better after having visited our beautiful region. When speaking about Tuscan typical desserts, the first coming to your mind is “Cantuccini con Vinsanto”, for sure. These twice-baked almond cookies are usually offered in restaurants at the end of lunch or dinner, together with a small glass of Vinsanto, a dessert wine with a strong personality. You will never forget their rustic but really gorgeous flavour, their balanced mixture between sweet and salty which combines perfectly with Vinsanto “bitter sweetness”. History The origins of the cantuccini date back to the 16th century and their name seems to come from “canto”, part of a set or from “cantellus”, Latin for “piece or slice of bread”, a salted cracker which Roman soldiers ate on their military campaigns. Biscuits in their “sweet” version made their way in Europe starting from the 14th century as a consequence of the so called “sugar boom”, followed by the widespread cultivation of sugar cane in North Africa and Southern Europe. Starting from the second half of the 16th century, the cantuccini made their appearance at the Medici court, even if, as researches carried out on the recipes of the time show, they still did not contain any almonds, being very similar to the already well-known biscuits from Pisa and the related “Genoese biscuit”. The 18th century was characterised by the spreading of the cantuccini in various forms but it was only from the 20th century that production of cantuccini with almonds started all over Tuscany. The use of butter and leavening agents in their recipe rendered them long-life products. My recipe comes from my grandmother’s little book where I always find traditional inspiration for my dishes. The secret ingredient which elevates the taste is just a splash of Vinsanto in the dough, it really makes the difference! THE RECIPE Difficulty: Intermediate – Cooking time: 50 min – Preparation time: 30 min Ingredients – serves 6-8: – Unpeeled almonds – 250 gr – Butter 100 gr – Plain wheat flour- 500 gr – Eggs: 4 whole + 1 yolk – Caster sugar – 300 gr – Salt – a pinch – Baking powder – 5 gr Roast almonds in the oven at 190° for 3-4 minutes and let them cool down. Melt butter and let it cool. In a big bowl whisk 4 whole eggs and 1 yolk together with sugar and a pinch of salt until the mix becomes soft. Add melted butter and sifted flour with baking powder and stir until it becomes crumby and soft. Chop up the almonds and add them to the dough. Form 2 or 3 small rolls (depending on the wished cookies dimension) directly on a baking tray covered with baking paper and cook them in the oven for about 20 minutes at 190°C. Remove the baking tray from the oven and let the rolls cool down for some minutes, then cut them crosswise in the wished thickness in order to form the cantuccini. Put the cookies on the baking tray again and cook them in the oven for further 20-25 minutes at 170°, turning them after 10 minutes. Let them cool down and taste cantucci by dipping them in a little glass of Vinsanto wine. They can be stored in a tin box for several days without losing their flavour. By Gianna Strambi, your personal chef near Bolgheri, Livorno, Etruscan Coast – Tuscany January 24, 2014 0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Travel News Digging for Black Gold: Truffle-hunting in Europe by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande December 23, 2013 written by Paola Fiocchi Van den Brande They’ve been called ‘black gold’ and ‘diamonds of the kitchen’, truffles are one of the most sought-after – and most expensive – gourmet delicacies in the world. Looks are deceiving… the truffle resembles a small bumpy potato and its distinctive pungent smell has been likened to damp earth, rotten wood, and even dirty socks! These images are not exactly appetising – but once you have your first whiff and taste of the truffle, its something your senses will eternally remember and even crave. No wonder the truffle is a connoisseur’s delight and a highly prized delicacy. Called ‘tartufi’ in Italian and ‘truffe’ in French, the truffle is never cooked or heated but most often grated or shaved onto food, especially pasta, risotto and meat dishes. It’s also commonly used to flavour oils and cheese. Truffle-hunting The truffle is a tuber, a type of fungus or mushroom which grows underground in very particular climatic conditions. Its very hefty price tag is due to the fact that it’s not easily available: it only grows in a few regions in Europe, including the Piedmont region of Italy, south-western France’s Drôme region, and the region of Istria in north-western Croatia, bordering on Slovenia. While the black truffle can be found all year round, the highly-prized white truffle is only available during the autumn and winter months, from September to January. It is the ‘Tuber Magnatum Pico’, also known as the ‘white Alba truffle’, which is especially appreciated for its strong pungent scent and flavour. The white truffle grows underground in the damp forests of these regions of Italy, France and Croatia, especially near the roots of certain trees like oak, hazelnut, linden, poplar and willow. Truffle hunters depend entirely on their specially trained dogs to find these gourmet treasures. The Lagotto Romagnolo is best known for its heightened sense of smell, making it a sought-after breed for truffle-hunters. Wild pigs were also used traditionally for truffle-hunting but this is less common today because of their tendency to devour truffles as soon as they find them. Today truffle-hunters rely on their well-trained but easy-to-control dogs to sniff out truffles buried underground. White Truffle It’s the white truffle’s elusiveness which gives it a certain mystique and prestige – and significant price tag. While there have been some successes cultivating the black truffle, the white truffle will only grow naturally in a very specific climate. The going rate for the Tuber Magnatum Pico white truffle is 1000 to 2000 Euros per kilogram, depending on its ‘class’ or category, which is determined by its shape, size and scent. This makes the white truffle one of the most expensive foods in the world. The 2013 truffle harvest has been a good one thanks to ideal climatic conditions. Truffles like to grow in semi-damp earth and truffle hunters say that rain during the second half of August means a promising truffle season. This year’s harvest is an improvement to last year’s which was affected by the very dry summer months, resulting in less pungent truffles. The delight of gourmets around the world, the truffle is bought, sold, tasted and celebrated at the many truffle fairs and festivals held each year during the autumn and winter months in Northern and Central Italy, Southern France and Istria, Croatia. The best know is probably the International White Truffle Fair held in Alba, Italy each year from October to November. Truffles taste best when eaten fresh, within a few days of harvesting. For this reason, it’s worth visiting the truffle-growing regions of Europe between September and January to taste and experience this unique gourmet delicacy. Written by Isabel Putinja, http://isabelwrites.wordpress.com Photos by Isabel Putinja, all rights reserved. December 23, 2013 1 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail