Travel with Symphorose Photography

Krung Thep - Paris

2011-03-29T16:44:00.010-04:00

Thai food is definitely a favorite of mine and no one does it better than Krung Thep in Paris. Yes, in France!

I had heard about this so called "dive" from many other bloggers and several restaurant rating websites and decided to try it out on my last trip to Paris. Although this place is tucked away on a side street in the 20th Arrondissement area called Belleville, it was not a dive in my book. This was an elegant and tasteful restaurant with a unique seating arrangement in joyful colors and an authentic Thai vibe throughout.

Even though it takes a tad of contortionism to place one's bottom and legs correctly into the communal table environment, once settled I was pleased by the food, the service, the dishware and decor, the ambiance and the company around me.

First of we ordered the pork satay which was cooked to perfection and accompanied by a delicious peanut dipping sauce. Next I devoured my Gang Khiew Whan Ghai ( Green Curry Chicken ) and Jasmine Rice that had real Thai vegetables that were delightfully fresh and not at all overcooked. Of course we sipped on Singha Beer which creates a perfect balance between the tangy and spicy and refreshes the palate. Other dishes I was delighted to witness were the Tom Kha Gai with Shrimp and the Ginger Beef, both quickly consumed by the delighted customers beside me.

I had read some scathing reviews of this place but I disagree. I will definitely return to Krung Thep for more tasty goodies in the future.

Khob Kun Kha!

Chez Paul

2011-02-22T11:04:00.010-05:00

Looking for the ultimate in classic French cuisine at a reasonable price in a dreamy hideaway atmosphere?....make sure you head to the 11th arrondissment and try out one of my favorite Parisian bistros: Chez Paul on rue de Charonne.

I was delighted with all of the fare offered on the à la carte menu but after a thorough review I decided on the in the very authentic soupe à l'oignon. Imagine a perfectly oniony broth filled with to-die-for gooey gruyère and moist floating baguette slices... yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

I then indulged in sardines grilled with sel de guerande on a watercress salad accompanied by the most delectable gratin dauphinois à la noix de muscade.....I tell you what there was moaning at my table!

I was also lucky enough to try the pâté de foie de volailles and the steak au poivre, all completely perfect and in such a quaintly cute French entourage. Not a word of English was spoken but the air was clear of snootiness. The men at the table across from me were dressed with iconic French details: one sported a typical white and blue striped marine shirt and the other a foulard....all that was missing was a man wearing a beret.

So hop on the metro and stroll the dreamy streets of the Bastille area and don't forget to stop by Chez Paul for dinner one night. You will not be deçu ( disappointed )!

This place is so good I just realized I already wrote about it in 2009 when I started my blog...:)

Bouillon Racine

2011-01-30T13:21:00.007-05:00

Gluttony was the word and feeling du jour after visiting Bouillon Racine in Paris....

escargots, red wine, crunchy baguettes, fois gras with fig jam, suckling pig, melt in your mouth agneau in a cocotte with drinkable sauce..creme caramelle! Miam miam!!

I'm still rolling in the luxury of it all! This fine meal was enjoyed in the company of delightful crew members. What a better way to live than to find oneself in Paris, after working all night, snoozing for 4 hours then amongst kindred spirits, relaxing in the art deco ambiance and savoring life's delicacies.

I love my job!

Higuma

2011-01-09T20:19:00.005-05:00

You might say, why would one eat Japanese food while visiting the City of Lights? Well, when you've lived in Paris for many months, visited there for over 26 years and layover for work in Paris more times then you can count and sometimes more than once a week ( like me ) then eating food other than French is just a normal way to live.

Do you eat a Hamburger in the US everyday?

How about Wienerschnitzel in Germany over and over? Not so much!

So when I get that urge for good, filling, tasty and inexpensive food, I usually grab a few friends and head to Higuma. After waiting in their quick but consistent line, you can escape with stomach and pocketbook full at around 12 euro tops, 17 with beer...;)

This is a typical Japanese place, very similar to the places I've frequented in Narita. You select between lamen (noodle), donburi (rice) or itamemono (saute) bowls with your choice of meat and veggies. The sets come with salad, miso soup and pickled veggies. Big bottles of their only available beer, Asahi, are a must.

For authenticity go to their rue Ste Anne location and for modernity, the Palais Royal location. Both serve identical menus and please the palate, every time. Arigato!

Basta! ( Enough! )

2011-01-02T17:25:00.006-05:00

What better way to ring in the New Year than amongst great friends, delicious drinks, tasty treats and in a restaurant in Stuttgart, Germany aptly named, Basta! with my good friends Michael and Dieter.

Basta in Italian means "enough" and is a shortened version of the word: abbastanza.

The 5 course 'Sylvester' menu for New Year's Eve was incredible. We started out with a delectable hot goat cheese salad drizzled with lavender honey and sliced black truffles. The second course was a scallop concoction, next followed a quaint quail plate, then a succulent veal with gratin dauphinois and finally a chocolate mousse and poached pear dessert....incredible!

All was enjoyed in a festive bistro ambiance and paired with a fresh Riesling!

According to German tradition "the night of the Holy Sylvester, the last night of the year, has always been the night of fools and a funny good time." I am so glad to have been able to share this funny foolish and delicious night with good friends!

The year 2010 was certainly not one of my favorites although it was memorable for medical issues, family drama, higher bills and lowered income....all that is about to change in 2011 because I have had it with the "old", in with the new so BASTA to all things bad, bring in the good! I'm ready and receptive! Happy New Year to you all!

La Carta de Oaxaca

2010-10-26T14:39:00.003-04:00

La Carta de Oaxaca did not disappoint my extreme urge for authentic Mexican food while on a layover in Seattle.

This place is an amazing restaurant in the heart of Ballard near downtown Seattle...I had the Entomatadas...awesome carne similar to asada style with tortillas, beans, rice, cheese and a red sauce. The accompanying guacamole and salsas were delectable and a traditional margarita added the perfect touch to a perfect meal.

Voglia di Pizza

2010-08-04T10:11:00.006-04:00

Voglia di Pizza near Campo di Fiori in Rome was truly a pizza dream come true! Whether you eat gluten free or not, the two brothers from Sardegna have really gone out of their way to please all lovers of pizza and haven't forgotten those of us needing to eat gluten free!

I had to ask them three times if they were sure that my Capricciosa pizza was really gluten free because it was as good if not better than other pizzas that I have eaten in Italy. I can't imagine how good there regular pizza dough must be! The pizza was akin to the fabulous thin crust yumminess that I've experienced at my former favorite hole in the wall pizza joint: Pizzeria da Baffetto.

I sat facing out onto the busy walking street of Via Giubbonari where the place is located and thoroughly enjoyed myself while washing down the delicate flavors with a tasty Spanish gluten free beer: Estrella's Daura. Which by the way was also the best gf beer I've ever tasted....so overall I am so happy to say that I can live a normal and pleasing existence even when in Rome....I am doing/eating as the Romans do and can!

Orgullo Espanol

2010-07-07T13:51:00.012-04:00

Madrid often strikes me as too traditional and historical of a city to be a relaxing party getaway but this past Saturday I was pleasantly surprised by all things Spanish during my recent visit to Spain's capital city during a weekend that hosted both Madrid Gay Pride and The World Cup.

I thought I would first check out Chuecha, Madrid's Gay 'barrio' and watch the Pride Parade. Sexy and scantily clad people sashayed around holding huge "Big Gulp" size cups of Sangria. One thing was missing, I didn't have any of my gay friends with me to enjoy the view.

And...I couldn't possibly down a Sangria that large without some tapas in my stomach so I seeked out some and fell upon La Casa del Abuelo. This historical and decorative bar specializes only in seafood snacks and two house wines including a sweet vino tinto that was a tad too sweet for my liking until the flavor balanced out the garlicky shrimp that I devoured. I unfortunately could not indulge in the crusty white bread to soak up the yummy sauce due to my gluten sensitivities... :(

La Casa del Abuelo ( Grandpa's House ) is on a list of Restaurantes y Tabernas Centenarias de Madrid

(Madrid's Restaurants and Taverns over 100's years old ). When visiting Madrid visit www.restaurantescentenarios.es for a complete list of these beautiful eateries and drinking spots.

I then made my way to the food chain Museo del Jamon which, although having a vibe similar to a fast food joint, always satisfies me at a cost that is almost laughable...if you are looking for inexpensive and medium quality food to fill you up during the early evening before the real tapas bars open. ask for a plate of jamon serrano and a glass of either vino tinto or vino rosso and you'll escape satisfied for under 5 euros.

I later sauntered down the street and stumbled upon a house party where locals were watching Spain play in the World Cup...I was grabbed ( in a friendly appropriate way ) off the street and immediately absorbed into the fun loving atmosphere and another type of pride celebration, that of local Spaniards celebrating their teams' win in the semi finals of World Cup 2010, a first for them.

Overall I left with a positive vibe and can't wait to return to this proud and historical place!

La Ranarita ( Milano )

2010-06-17T17:42:00.004-04:00

Thanks for your patience everyone, I've been out of work for several health reasons and I'm just starting to feel a tad better.

La Ranarita was a wonderful hidden ristorante/pizzeria that I stumbled upon during my last visit to Milan. La Ranarita means 'little frog' but we definitely didn't eat any!

Instead we treated ourselves to the most perfect pizzas made in a classic brick pizza oven.

My good friend Michael has always raved about the La Brera neighborhood, near the famous Pinoteca La Brera...You could have easily missed this terrific hideaway as the windows were covered in white curtains. I was with a group of hungry crewmembers and we were delighted to find this gem upon our stroll through the nearby park. The pizzas were delicious and perfectly cooked with the bubbly blackened crust from the fire and the pastas were excellent al dente perfection. A quiet, non touristy local spot to visit on your next jaunt to Milan. Enjoy. Auguri and more later.

Gluten Free Discovery

2010-05-24T23:37:00.002-04:00

I've been gone for a while since I recently found out that I have to start a gluten free diet for health reasons. I know, I know! I've probably consumed too many croissants, pizzas and local beers and that has put me over the edge. Well, I've done a lot of research and even though I can't just walk into any patisserie for the moment while strolling in Paris, my Dr. has told me that I should only have to do this for about a year.

My favorite haunt in Rome informed me that the dieta senza glutine is very popular in Italy and is mostly requested for the benefit of children suffering for gluten sensitivity. In most restaurants in Rome it is common to ask for gluten free bread and pasta. So I'm learning the ropes and will be back to you soon with a new find that will be food friendly for everyone, including our gluten free friends. I promise not to disappoint.

The Best Taco Stand EVER~!

2010-04-21T19:39:00.007-04:00

The best taco stand EVER! can be found on the corner of Articulo 123 and Balderas streets near the Reforma area of Mexico City! I always indulge in the 6 pesos Chile Rellenos Tacos which are usually sold out by 11am every day. This stand is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day and please don't let its street food scene scare you! The tacos here are divine! I about had a conniption fit on my last visit at 10 am when they told me they were not making the Chile relleno tacos that day! So I survived on a boiled egg taco instead. Not as tasty and original but filled me up nonetheless. Here you will also find an array of choices that range from Tongue ( lengua ) to (Chicarrone = Pig Fat ) as well us other 'meats' so you can't be shy. Note: The salsa is so incredible that once the guy working there filled a plastic bag with the stuff and sent me on my way! All the locals stare at me when I eat here especially when I smother my taco with the salsa ranchera in question. It is best to eat these tacos like the locals with chopped onion, cilantro and of course the red magic salsa! Please visit!

La Opera - Ciudad de Mexico D.F.

2010-03-23T13:29:00.012-04:00

La Opera Bar and Restaurant, was highly recommended to me by a very good friend and his suggestions are always right on! In the center of Mexico City between the Reforma area and Zocalo, I was pleasantly greeted into this historically intriguing eatery. (see the link above)

I ordered the Carne Asada Tampinquena and was completely satisfied. The meat was perfectly medium and the accompanying side dishes made for a delicious meal. I created my own tacos amidst the varied selection of ingredients on my plate: fresh made tortillas, nopalitos, guacamole with cotijo cheese, mole sauce (that smothered a side enchilada), marinated onions, jalapenos, verde salsa and limes. Don't forget the Indio beer for refreshment.

Satiated, I rolled out of the decorative and calming ambiance into the festive 80+ degree streets of la Ciudad de Mexico, ignoring the protesting groups marching to loud speakers, by the omni-present machine gun clad guards, drooling past the window displays of the multiple pastelerias and back to the comfort of my layover hotel to rest before my 4 am wake up call and another 14 hour duty day in the sky.

Pleasant Ridge Reserve Deliciousness!

2010-03-18T19:46:00.007-04:00

My dreams of retiring into cheese making ways were once again inspired this past week with a delightful discovery of the delectable cheese: Pleasant Ridge Reserve.

Described as: Semi-hard non-pasteurized cow milk cheese made from a single herd in Wisconsin; I was lucky enough to consume this at McCrady's in Charleston, SC last Monday evening. When I saw their artisanal cheese and extensive wine selection, I knew I'd be pleased. I was.

Not quite on the economic side price-wise but you really get a whole lot of bang for your buck with this one!

Tangy, salty goodness with a sweet caramelly after taste that leaves you begging for more!!!

The cheese was very well paired with the Tempranillo, Seis de Luberri, Rioja 2007 that I was sipping along with the savory treat....this will be my next big splurge. Instead of a candle, give me cheese! (and wine! possibly more costly than the candles I love!)

Happy Hour Milano Style - Pasticceria Clivati

2010-03-09T14:44:00.008-05:00

One of my favorite places for Happy Hour in Milan is definitely Pasticceria Clivati on Via Coni Zugna, 57. This quaint and delightful mom and pop pastry stop is a must on the walk along the tramway towards the Zona Navigli area of Milan.

Happy Hours in Milan are varied and popular but this one takes the 'cake'!

I was able to share my favorite pre dinner drink, the Spritz, with 6 of my fellow ( or women ) crewmembers and an large assortment of nibbly treats! Since the owners recognize me there I always ask them to bring out something special! We were sampling peperoncino savory shortbread ( click link for recipe! ), marcona almonds, tuna cream toasts and fresh foccacias and puff pastries filled with olives and ham. Many other appetizers adorned the bar such as nuts, chips and olives and the price is definitely right: 5 € for each drink with the yummies included! Not to be missed!

Snow in Rome!

2010-02-15T12:20:00.004-05:00

For the first time in 25 years, snow fell on Rome. I only captured this image on the way to the city center from the airport. I had hoped to capture images of snow on the palm trees but we arrived once this fleeting experience was melting away...I can't help but turn this into an instant metaphor of how I need to remind myself to enjoy the 'now'.

I have a small child and she changes so very quickly that sometimes I can't keep up with the progress! Since I travel out of the country every week, I miss her day to day developments as I'm sure many parents also do by working a day job. Kids change so rapidly, as does life itself. One moment can make a difference and change a life for better or for worse.

I sometimes have to remind myself to remain present in the moment since my life is always moving, literally.

I'm on a perpetual ''round-trip". Yet every time I return, something has changed, if ever so slightly. I embrace change yet I cherish something constant and solid. That is why I enjoy cuddling up with my favorite cushion and blanket on the couch and sitting in the same comfortable spot after lighting a favorite candle in order to signal the end of a very long day.

I realize it is ok to order the same carbonara 50 times in a row at the same restaurant and request the same table because that may be the only thing that stays the constant in my ever changing life.

Sometimes the predictablity is the comfort itself while I appreciate the differences I experience every day!

Beer Fix in Roma

2010-02-01T18:02:00.009-05:00

Another weekend with beer on the brain and surprisingly this time, I was in Rome! Open Balandin is a new bar/restaurant featuring 38! micro brews on tap and 100+ in bottles! The beers definitely rival those of microbreweries that I frequented in my college days. I tried a great Pale Ale and was very pleased. I literally ran into this place while galavanting around the Campo di Fiori area. I'd been wanting to check it out and was glad that I did. The people that work there are lovely, the ambiance is fun and modern and for a kitschy feel go upstairs to the rooms decorated like the homes of Romanian gypsies, interesting fun and so euro-rustique ( new word? ). Yes I did continue the evening with a lovely glass of red wine in a small quaint bar before my habit of thin pizza consumption, yet it is fun to think outside the box now and again and try something new. I think the Italians know what quality means when it comes to literally everything and now I can add beer to that list. Stop by on your next trip to Rome and coming soon to 57th street in the N.Y.C. in June 2010.

(Recently visited in November of 2010 and the "birrificio" is on Via degli Specchi, although the website will guide you to Piazza Luglio which is frequently missed on a map...)

Hurricanes and Beer

2010-01-25T23:15:00.005-05:00

Speaking of Hurricanes...I was lucky to spend a layover New Orleans, right on Bourbon Street, this past Saturday night. The pre Saints' football game mayhem was well underway hours before I struggled through the drunken crowds to any place serving food within the hour that I sat down. My intention was to try the local seafood at ACME Oyster House or Deanies but a two hour wait after working all day was not on my agenda.

I enjoyed some tasty fried crawfish tails along with one of my favorite beers: Abita RESTORATION Pale Ale.

This is a lovely smooth pale ale with a slightly sweet finish. A perfect way to wind down and "debrief" as we call it in the airline business.

After I started, and only finished, a third of a Big Gulp sized Icee-style Hurricane slushy drink that quickly went to my head; I caught a myriad of beads and boas that were thrown at me as I walked by.

This hyper-touristy part of the French Quarter makes you feel like you were invited to one BIG EASY party even if you find yourself solo. Albeit, tacky and not even remotely French, it's fun to enjoy a little traditional Americana stateside once in a while and say that you can knock it off your 1000's things to do before you die list. So there you have it!

2010-01-18T22:42:00.017-05:00

I will be supporting the relief efforts in Haiti by donating some of my photographs to the

Hearts for Haiti Etsy shop that recently opened.

This shop will send the proceeds from all sales directly to DoctorsWithoutBorders.

This is a group volunteer effort, from individual Etsy shops such as mine, that I am proud to be a part of. Please visit this site for a variety of items to purchase from jewelry to clothing and of course, photography.

I have purchased a few items myself.

100% of the sales of our donated artwork, excluding etsy and paypal fees, will be offered to this very important cause. We are also donating our shipping fees so shipping is free!

Thank you for your support. This is truly shopping for a cause and not just 'because'!

Freni e Frizioni - Roma ( Trastevere )

2010-01-11T11:04:00.006-05:00

I spent a beautiful 'happy hour' at Freni e Frizioni ( Brakes and Clutches ) in Trastevere this past Saturday night. I love this out of the way, non touristy spot with a elegant allure and industrial twist. Right next to the Piazza Trilussa near the banks of the Tevere River. We relaxed to ultra modern tunes (they have a live DJ) while sampling the very tasty and healthy happy hour buffet that is offered along with your 6 euro ticket for any type of drink you desire. The crowd is young and hip and the ambiance is fresh and funky. This is a great stepping off point before a scrumptuous dinner at one of the many pizzerias or trattorias in the area. I would suggest Dar Poeta which I will feature in an upcoming blog. Arrive around 7pm to beat the ultra trendy crowd that goes from 10 to 100s in seconds flat. This location is perfect in the warmer months as there is a very large terrace and staircase attached to the bar that fills up with cocktail goers and lends to many hours of watching the gorgeous hipsters of Rome.

Gadgets/Trucs/Accessori

2010-01-06T14:20:00.011-05:00

I'm obssessed with kitchen gadgets! Should I color coordinate them or go with the flow? Should they be all the same brand or are different brands good for different purposes?

Since I love to eat it's no surprise that I also love to cook!

I'm currently in the market for the perfect lime green lime juice squeezer. I've seen them in the Mexican markets. I just bought a mandoline today for the perfect grilling slice or shredded veggie.

My mother gifted me a meat tenderizer as a gift after the birth of my daughter ( very strange! )

I have an olive wood and a bamboo cutting board which I both use.

My knives must be sharp at all times! My quiche pans are from France and my pistal and mortar set is from Mexico....I've got a pan for every occasion! So on my next trip to Rome, wish me luck while visiting the C.U.C.I.N.A. store which sells an item I'm convinced that I truly need (as pictured above).

The name for it in Italian sums up how I feel right now at the start of the New Year:

"Con Beccuccio Salvagoccia" which translates as "a spout that saves every drop"......

I feel both overflowing with abundance but yet needing to savor what I have and use it all before I deserve to acquire more.

So I think I'll buy myself one of the beautiful glass olive oil dispensers and savor every drop of the fabulous Italian olive oil that I put in it! Just as I now savor the time I have with my gorgeous daughter, the lovely hand cream from a hotel I'll never get to visit again, the beautiful scent of the Diptyque Thé candle that my dear friend gifted to me for my birthday and so on.

Happy New Year/Buon Anno Nuovo

2010-01-01T19:22:00.006-05:00

Happy New Year everyone! I was lucky enough to see the year out in Rome after a luscious but very reasonably priced dinner at La Danesina on Via Governo Vecchio. I was reluctant to try the Carbonara as that is truly my favorite and I do have a secret favorite Hostaria that serves it pefettamente al dente. To my delight the dish was exactly the same at half the price!

We enjoyed pasta and a bottle of chianti followed by Sgroppinos ( a lovely after dinner drink made of lemon sorbet with a shot of vodka and prosecco...YUM! ) and to top off the end of 2009, Tiramisu!

The evening ended with a viewing of five seperate fireworks displays from the balcony of our hotel. The rain deluge prevented us from remaining in the piazza for a closer look.

A lovely evening indeed. I hope you had a great New Year's Eve as well! Cheers to Health, Love and ( Money)...

Bool BBQ

2009-12-29T18:30:00.004-05:00

Speaking of Tacos and their 2nd cousin of sorts, Brazilian Pastels...I encountered a dream of a fusion style food truck/van while recently visiting a great friend in the Venice Beach area of Los Angeles. It was first Friday and we perused the wondrous selection of different food selections along the Abbot Kinney strip after dark. Bool BBQ was the first place we tried and we kept coming back to it! Imagine a mix of all things you love about Brazilian Pastels and Korean BBQ and then you have it....it was incredibly tasty, very reasonably priced and satisfyingly tangy! I wish I they were a nationwide chain. So make a trip to L.A. on the first Friday of any month and don't forgot to stop by...you will be so glad you did! You can see their tacos pictured here and get the idea! Photo courtesy of the Bool BBQ website

Yo Amo Los Tacos!

2009-12-20T16:47:00.008-05:00

I just love the street food in Mexico City. The spa was closed so I wandered the streets to seek out my favorite street food stand near the artisan market close to Paseo de la Reforma. They serve the most amazing 6 pesos (50 cents ) chile relleno tacos and really the only chile relleno tacos I have ever seen. Amazing hand made corn tortillas, a little bit of rice, a queso=filled relleno pepper topped with a spicy red salsa...lunch for a $1 and always fresh! Once the stand is out of these healthy and hearty masterpieces, no more are made so I always try to get there before noon. I then strolled by Esmerelda church and witnessed the beautiful pre-Christmas service with a flashing Christmas tree next to the preacher. I bought a little statue of San Judas de Tadeo which is supposed to bring me a better work life and more money; who doesn't need or want that?
Tonight I will be venturing out to the rotisserie chicken taco stand for a $1.50 meal before my early bedtime. On the way back to the hotel I stopped by the Christmas fesitval in Alameda Park and enjoy a Tlacoyo...which is a blue corn tortilla topped with your choice of beans, cheese, onions, cilantro, nopalitos ( cactus ) and zucchini flowers....what a traditional treat!...Photos of these places coming soon once I return! Hasta la vista.

Taverna Capranica Roma

2009-12-15T19:51:00.005-05:00

Strolling through the streets of Rome this past weekend. I took an alternate route than usual and skipped walking by the beautiful Pantheon...instead I walked along a street in front of it and was happy to stumble upon:

Taverna Capranica .

Although the service was slower than we all desired ( I was with most of the flight crew and with an early pickup in the morning, we all wanted to get back to the hotel fairly early ...), the food more than made up for the wait. Most of us ordered pizza and were delighted to be served incredible oval shaped concoctions that were easily 12" long and 6" wide! Yet we all managed to eat one a piece! The wine selection is extensive and there is no 'house wine' since they are in fact an enoteca. A tad pricier but your head won't hurt in the morning. Off the beaten path, non-touristy and right up my alley! At least the new alley I was walking on that evening.

The perfect evening ended with gelato at Giolitti, but more on that place later!

Cornetto Perfetto!

2009-11-30T20:00:00.004-05:00

Even though I grew up eating various croissants from the ones in the bakery I worked in: Boulangerie ( the first official French bakery in Seattle ), to real French croissants in Paris ( where I lived in 1985 )....I have to say that I absolutely adore the delicate orangeflower icing and lightly buttery flavor of the semi-flaky and semi-chewy Italian 'Cornetto Simplice'. There is nothing better than to start a day with one of those and the most amazing cappuccino, that can basically be found anywhere in Rome. So there I said it, I might like Italian style croissants better than French ones; at least for now!

La Vineria and Zena- Milano

2009-11-11T22:00:00.010-05:00

La Vineria is a quaint wine and olive oil shop offering 1 euro glasses and 3 euro bottles of wine that can be consumed while using the wine barrels as tables. A place where comingling with the locals is expected and welcomed.

I met 3 local milanese who 'adopted' me for the evening and dragged me ( oh poor me ) to a wonderful dinner of exquisite ravioli and coniglio ( rabbit ) with a large consumption of vino rosso at Zena also a place I would highly recommend.

Did I forget to mention that I had already had a yummy ravioli dinner Trattoria alla Vecchia Maniera (via Alzaia Naviglio Grande, 62) and was heading back to the hotel for the night when I stumbled into this fine establishment and new friends.

This small wine boutique and bar is quintessential of the Naviglio area: convivial, local and typically Italian, a locale where many unique wine bars and restaurants fill the area. Most tourists and even people I travel with who have been to Milan countless times, don't make it to this area.

This is, what I consider to be, one of the best neighborhoods of Milan.

There are numerous pasty shops and small artsy boutiques that you pass as you walk to this area or you can ride a tram that dates from 1928 right to the canals. Called the Venice of Milan, Naviglio Grande never ceases to please.

La Vineria

via Casale 4 Milano

Naviglio Grande

Zena

Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 37 Milano

Wordstyle Custom Names and Letters

2009-11-11T14:23:00.005-05:00

Wordstyle on Etsy by Duane Georges

I am so proud of my husband and his new shop on ETSY...you can custom order any 3 dimensional word, name or letter and have it handmade by him in practically any font and color. This is an incredible gift idea for the holidays for a one of a kind item for you and your home, family or friends ( or their babies! and children ). He will take your request and create a unique work of art for you. Letters start at around $10 each! Just look at the one he made for me, I love it!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Wordstyle

also visit his work site for signage, lighting and sculpture at

www.georgexdesign.com

Spice of Life Blog

2009-11-05T12:58:00.008-05:00

My good college friend who now lives in Stuttgart, Germany, has also started a fabulous travel blog called Spice of Life.

Please check it out and check him out too...he is an incredibly intelligent and stylish individual with flawless taste in all he does.

His recommendations are better than any boutique travel book out there.

For more fabulous haunts, I'll be traveling to Milan this weekend and I'll be back with some more surprising delights from a city that people often pass over...I love the 'happy hour' scene in Milan and the shopping cannot be beat. The canal area ( zona naviglia ) although the place to hang out in the warmer months, has a unique charm in the colder months and many great restaurants to indulge in. Check back next week and find out what I discovered.

Il Baffetto

2009-10-16T18:38:00.002-04:00

This pizzeria named after a moustache near Piazza Navona in Rome will definitely serve you a delicious pizza that will leave its remains on your upper lip! You will be licking your chops and hoping for more. This is a real dive and a touristy spot but nonetheless the pizza is flawless, thin crusted and induced with flavor that will satisfy the pickiest pizza connaisseur. I definitely suggest the 'Il Baffetto' pizza which basically has everything on it. Get there by 630pm so as to not wait in line. This is a great place alone or with friends for a quick bite and they are not shy to get the tables turned over to make a buck. Still worth a try through all the fuss.

http://www.pizzeriabaffetto.it/

La Piogga a Roma ( Rain in Rome )

2009-10-14T14:30:00.008-04:00

I love the rain and got caught in it or up in it while walking the cobblestoned streets of Rome this past weekend. In between two cappuccinos and a great glass of Barbera d'Asti, I got to splash through the puddles, slip on the shiny pavement, savoring the crisp air and feeling of autumn that is my favorite season in Europe. The fall is much past the tourist traps and ripe with visions of average daily life. This is the time that you witness what it is to be truly European, as families huddle in warm ristorantes consuming their favorite meals, artisans work diligantly in their shops creating pre holiday wares, stylish couples stroll the streets together under umbrellas, cafe windows steam up with customers sipping espresso and indulging in prosecco, the buildings reflect their mood onto the puddles positioned precariously close the narrow sidewalk you are manoeuvring as you make your way to meet a friend or have a meal. The rain gives me a feeling of sweet melancholy bordering on the mood of hibernating with a good book or favorite beverage.

Caffeine CURE

2009-10-05T15:27:00.006-04:00

So we are finally back from our "vacation" in the South of France....although there were many good moments, our visit was overshadowed by our daughters 4 day stay in a Hospital in Bagnols sur Ceze. Instead of focusing on the negative you have to admire this photo of the coffee service offered to us in the ER ( Urgences ) at the Centre Hospitalier Louis Pasteur. After my daughter had an IV in her vein one of the nurses ( or the waiter? ) asked me "Vous voulez du cafe?". I had to nervously laugh at this incredible adherence to typical French tradition of graciousness. No matter where you go in France, you are always offered something...and when you are invited to someone's home for dinner or a party, bringing a gift is expected. The town of Bagnols sur Ceze is a great small town with lots of pedestrian streets and I got to look down upon the town and the moon shining above it while I lived in the hospital with my daughter as the "accompagnant". Although my worries were sometimes personally overwhelming and my daughters pain was too real for words, I had to smirk when I opened my meal to find a fabulous warm quiche lorraine, salade frisee, baguette, camembert and red wine!!! as I dined next to my daughter who was imbedded with tubes and catheters. Not your average hospital fare but not your average relaxing vacation either. And as I sit here still jetlagged from the experience, I'll make myself another cup of coffee and CURE myself of fatigue once again.

Vacances en Provence

2009-09-15T14:16:00.008-04:00

I'm off to Provence in a few days for my first vacation in years and a 3 day celebration for my upcoming birthday. Many of my family and friends will be joining me from all over the globe. Friday is Moroccan night, Saturday is a Tahitian Fenua and Sunday is a Country Western BBQ....We'll be dancing and eating or way through the eventful weekend. I lived in Tahiti for a while and part of me is still there. At the end of this post are some recipes of some of the authentic dishes we will be having at the Saturday Party. My friend we are staying with in Provence has ordered the entire pig to roast now let's get ready for a toast! Enjoy the info and if you can make it to French Polynesia....do it! By the way I won't be posting to my blog until I return the first part of October. See you then. Click on the links for more info about what we'll be eating for my birthday party.

Tahitian Food. Recipes: Tahitian Rum Punch. Poisson Cru. Poulet Fafa.

Bella Rustica Market Giveaway

2009-09-14T23:32:00.003-04:00

Check out the giveaway on http://bellarustica.blogspot.com/ Kim is giving away a beautiful, handmade burlap pillow with a map of Italy on it. Gorgeous!

St Germain Liqueur

2009-09-13T22:14:00.005-04:00

One of my new favorite things...St Germain liqueur. I am buying a bottle on my next trip to Paris. I tasted this lovely elderflower liqueur mixed with Champagne and lemon juice at the Viceroy Hotel Bar in Palm Springs this past weekend. Love at first sip! Kind of like a Margarita but not as sour and a touch of flowery flavor. Hard to describe, just give me another round!

By the way, I highly recommend a drink at the swanky bar of the Viceroy in Palm Springs. Diego, the GM of the hotel, runs a beautiful place.

Pasticceria La Cova a Milano!!!

2009-09-06T10:17:00.007-04:00

One of my favorite things about Milan is the way they do "happy hour" and the absolute best place to get it is at Pasticceria La Cova on Via Monte Napoleone.

The magnificent quality, ambiance and incredible selection of complimentary appetizers more than make up for the haughtiness in the air; attitudes stem from the Gucci and Prada clad clientele in this famous bar/cafe/pastry shop and the anti-photo policy of the management.

I keep going back again and again for the fresh 'foccacia', 'pizzette', mozzarella balls, chunks of 'salumi' and monster size 'capri' among many other delectables to enjoy with the best 'Spritz' in Milano. Io amo Italia!

www.pasticceriacova.it

I won!

2009-09-02T20:52:00.008-04:00

I am now the proud winner of a beautiful sign by Mammabellarte! She creates these wonderful, whimsical custom signs that I wish I could hang in my future Tuscan Villa. I love the artful simplicity. Visit her blog for more on her creations.

http://mammabellarte.blogspot.com/

Thanks Rita!!!

Bistro Incroyablement Bon!

2009-08-29T15:19:00.005-04:00

Wow, another great Paris layover with some excellent bistro fare. Le Baribal near Metro Pasteur was a hit with all four of us. I got the suggestion from another traveling francophile recently who raved about the Escalope de Veau au Roquefort. She was more than right. The rich and slight crustly Roquefort cream sauce smothered the succulent veal escalope accompanied by thin green beans and pommes de terre. All washed down with red table wine, we were all soaking up the extra sauce with the crusty french baguette slices. I was so glad to be able to share this wonderful meal with 3 others since I'll start to fly to Rome again starting next month...Cabonara here I come. Stay tuned!

Je vous embrasse.

Roma=Amore

2009-08-24T12:58:00.009-04:00

I'm dreaming of Roma. The romantic Rome of winding cobblestone streets, bright stucco walls, thin crust pizza with burnt edges bursting with flavor, incredible uomini decked out in three piece suits even when it's 90 degrees, pasta cabonara that tastes like an entire wedge of parmesan melted inside of it, inexpensive fine red wine & my favorite aperitif...un 'Spritz' ( Campari, Prosecco and soda with an orange twist! )

mamma mia vorrei andarci stasera!!!!

To express the romantic essence of Rome, I am sharing my collection of Marian art around Rome. When strolling the streets you find them mostly on the corner of buildings.. Many depict the image of Mary by herself, others of her with baby Jesus.

A little history on Marian art:

http://www.fisheaters.com/images.html

CHAMPAGNE CHAMPAGNE CHAMPAGNE!!!

2009-08-19T12:06:00.005-04:00

J'adore le champagne! I love champagne...

And I'm a stickler for making sure when I ask for champagne, I am not being served sparkling wine. There is a difference. I also love all the different type of glasses this fabulous beverage is served in...that aside.

As you know, champagne is only made in France and since I'll be spending my birthday in France this year, I've already asked my friends to order me a case from a local producer to be chilled and ready for consumption upon my arrival. I can't wait! Fresh baguettes, beurre au fleur de sel, jambon de bayonne

( more on all that later! ). This article is a fun description of what I am talking about:

http://www.foodandwine.com/articles/triumph-of-small-champagne-growers

A LITTLE HISTORY AND INTERESTING FACTS ON CHAMPAGNE and THE WORD 'CHAMPAGNE'

There are many sparkling wines produced worldwide, yet most legal structures reserve the term champagne exclusively for sparkling wines from the Champagne region, made in accordance with Comité Interprofessionel du Vin de Champagne regulations. In the European Union and many other countries, the name champagne is legally protected by the Treaty of Madrid (1891) designating only the sparkling wine produced in the eponymous region and adhering to the standards defined for it as an Appellation d'origine contrôlée; the right was reaffirmed in the Treaty of Versailles after World War I. This legal protection has been accepted by numerous other countries worldwide.

Assez!!! Let's toast to health, love and wealth !

2009-08-18T03:00:00.007-04:00

...and the winner of the Italian photo giveaway is.....Patsy DesChenes of Decorus Vita!!!!

Visit her blog at http://thedecoratedlife.blogspot.com/

Auguri!

Thanks for participating. You can see a photo of my beautiful daughter choosing the winner this morning.

This has been a week of training on airplanes and not flying on them. I'm on call this upcoming weekend and the sky's the limit. I could go anywhere. Stay tuned for details on my next adventure!

Cheers

Paris news and Photo giveaway!

2009-08-11T11:50:00.009-04:00

Back from Paris again and a wonderful meal at one of my favorite restaurants in the Bastille area, Chez Paul, on rue de Charonne.

We started some 'coupes de champagne' and a delightful 'salade frisee aux lardons avec un oeuf poche' and some 'escargots', followed by some amazing 'steak au poivre et gratin dauphinois' all washed down with, of course, 'du vin rouge'.

I'll be posting some more distant images of my Paris experience soon!

I'll be posting links to my favorites places in Paris under 'Paris favoris' to the right. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I must share the great meals I have with others so they can also enjoy the non-touristy places that I frequent. Enjoy!

Your comments to this post will enter you into my Photo Giveaway...PLEASE NOTE:

FOR ALL GIVEAWAYS, FOLLOWERS OF MY BLOG WILL BE GIVEN 2 ENTRIES FOR THE DRAWING

I'll randomly select a winner that will announced next week! Stay tuned...

2009-08-08T12:15:00.005-04:00

Bientot! Coming Soon!

look for this on August 11-12th

Fine Art Photo Print Giveaway!!

Comment on my future blog entry that will be posted the middle of next week and

I'll randomly pick a name out of the group to win a Free Fine Art Photo Print!

Bonne Chance! Good luck!

Rue du Faubourg Montmartre

2009-08-05T10:22:00.000-04:00

I'm back from one of my weekly trips to Paris...a few of the girls joined me at one of my favorite restaurants in Paris, Le Bouillon Chartier on rue du Faubourg Montmartre. There are many streets in Paris with the names starting with 'Faubourg'...they led to former 'suburbs' surrounding the old walls of Paris. This one leads to Montmartre and to the hilly area, home to the Sacre Coeur church and Place du Tertre.

Faubourg is an ancient French term approximating "suburb" ( now banlieue ). The earliest form of Forsbourg, derived from Latin foris, 'out of', and Vulgar Latin ( originally Germanic) burgum, 'town or 'fortress'. Traditionally, this name was given to an agglomeration forming around a throughway leading outwards from a city gate, and usually took the name of the same thoroughfare within the city.

Many Parisian streets have retained their ancient denomination in spite of city growth; today it is still possible to discern pre-1860 delimitations in Paris by marking the point where a thoroughfare's name changes from rue to rue du faubourg. For instance, the rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis used to be located outside of the city wall and was an extension of the rue Saint-Denis within the walls. The rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and rue du Faubourg de Montmartre came about in a similar manner.

Handstamped Custom Jewelry by Simag

2009-08-03T21:25:00.007-04:00

I would like to share the talents of Sima Gilady of Simag Jewelry on Etsy.

She does wonderful custom, hand-stamped jewelry for all occasions. She is a wonderful pleasure to work with and a bright soul making light-hearted, affordable art that you can wear. Visit her site on etsy ( link to the right ) to enjoy her offerings and order yourself or someone special a custom made product.

Sima is offering free shipping to anyone who mentions 'symphorose' when ordering from her!

visit her shop at http://www.simag.etsy.com active link on top right under 'kindred spirits'

Bella Rustica Market - bring Italian style to your home!

2009-07-31T14:02:00.007-04:00

I'd like to share with you the great talents of my good friend Kim Kelly and her shop Bella Rustica Market

She personally designs and locally fabricates her entire line of unique and Italian influenced home products including some incredible burlap pillows like the one you see here. Peruse her site to see the wonderful variety of nostalgic European style items for you home.

http://bellarustica.blogspot.com

http://www.bellarusticamarket.com

2009-07-25T10:26:00.005-04:00

Ah! the twinkling lights of Paris!

I'm back from Paris again; my almost weekly visit to the former 'Lutèce'.

I hope to take some more images of train stations in the next few weeks....but this time I was lucky enough to capture the beauty of Paris' most famous icon, the Eiffel Tower, while it was twinkling at me!

For many yearsnow, starting on the hour every hour, once the sun completely sets, the sky is lit up with little stars from the sparkling tower. A perfect backdrop to toast to life with a glass of bubbly!

2009-07-24T19:59:00.002-04:00

Welcome to my new blog!

Along with my etsy site and my flickr photostream, I thought it would be great to create this blog to capture my weekly travels abroad ✈.

I am lucky enough to be able to travel the world for work and bring my camera along to document the experience. Stay tuned for new photos from my upcoming visits to Paris.

Visit me also on these sites listed above on the right ➹