My personal highlight: Relaxing in the oasis of wellness & health famous for its 36.5 degrees Celsius water – Flying my senses high with an exceptional fine dining experience at IGNIV

Bad Ragaz is a cozy small village in the canton of St. Gallen. It is the home of a famous natural spring. It’s a popular spa and health resort destination in Europe. Beside the wellbeing factor you find wonderful art & sculptures all over the Resort and the tiny village. This place is home of The Swiss Triennial Festival of Sculpture, called Bad RagARTz. An event of international fame visited from artists all over Europe.

Discovered accidentally in 1240, the salubrious effects of Pfäfers’ mineral springs were recognised early on. The famous natural scientist, physician and philosopher Paracelsus, who is regarded as the first spa physician of Bad Pfäfers, worked there in 1535 and wrote an entire book on the therapeutic effects of the water with a temperature of 36.5 degrees Celsius. 

Spoil your soul in the Thermal Water World

Experience a holistic wellness program that suits to all that want to maintain health or improve it, need relax or simply love to enjoy a swim. In the “Thermal Spa” you will find an extensive water world with the Helenabad (35°C) or Sportbad (29°C) pools. The Tamina Therme is the cherry on the top. It’s a public wellbeing oasis and haven of relaxation! Get more on the spa offer here. Enjoy their Garden Pool with an outdoor bar from May to September.

Get to know the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz

Located about three hours by car from Munich and one hour’s drive from Zurich you will find an excellent variety of hospitality. There are 4 different Grand Hotels. Three five stars: The Grand Hotel Quellenhof (as of 1000 CHF), the SPA Suites (suites as of 890 CHF), the GRAND HOTEL HOF RAGAZ (rooms as of 450 CHF) and the Palais Hotel (Relais & Chateaux Bad Ragaz) (Rooms as of 450 CHF). Further There is a Medical Center & Clinic Bad Ragaz, Thermal Spa’s and an Events & Conference center. From classic, opulent, traditional to purist design. Find an option for every taste.
For your culinary experience: choose out of seven restaurants, four bars, a bistro, a café and sushi takeaway for a variety of delights! Don’t miss the exhibition that brings you closer the complete history around the Grand Resort especially created in occasion of the 150 years of anniversary!
More on the culinary experiences in the blog post below!

The resort is also very popular among golfers. It is the only resort in Switzerland to have two golf courses of its own. One is suitable for beginners, the other for professionals.

The Grandhotel Quellenhof – My design eye-catchers

Last July, after only five months of construction and an investment of CHF 45 million, the completely renovated Grand Hotel Quellenhof once again opened its doors. The famous Swiss interior designer Claudio Carbone redesigned the Grand Hotel Quellenhof with a concept focussed around both the hotel’s history and its thermal water.
The 16 metre high chandelier is one of the highlights. 2500 impressive blue and white spheres made of mouth blown glass shines in the stairway.
The design and size of the wine counter around the entrance of the Restaurant Verve by Sven captured my attention, too. Not to mention the fabulous modern and elegant interior of the restaurant Verve by Sven made with natural materials paired with warm colours, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere!

Accommodation at Grand Hotel Quellenhof

Choose between different sized rooms as the Junior suite with 50 m2 with an elegant and seductive atmosphere! The materials and colors used for the interiors transmit the art of tradition meeting modernity with the special luxury touch. Explore the minibar with delicious soft drinks or and delicate red wine. What captured my attention was the bathroom! An image of the astonishing “Tamina Schlucht” overlooking the bath tube, an exceptional craftsmanship result lasered on a natural black stone. The parquet is made of Swiss natural wood and a dream to walk on. The view from the room overlooks the beautiful alps and is just the perfect setup for a peaceful treat.

A warm thank you to Grand Hotel Quellenhof for giving me the opportunity to be the first guest sleeping in the new suite!

Beside the Junior suites you find Junior suites Deluxe, (both 50 m2), Corner Junior suites (60 m2), Suites (80 m2), Grand Suites (100 m2), Royal suites (200 m2,  spacious lounge, living room, fireplace) and the legendary King Suite (270 – 600 m2 for luxury at the highest level).
Get more on the rooms here.

Gourmet Highlights at Grandresort Bad Ragaz

Choose out from local Swiss food to Asian specialities all the way to a modern fine-dining sharing experience and French haute cuisine. At Grand Resort Bad Ragaz you experience indulgence and style. Culinary art and atmosphere. The restaurants and Bars to choose out are:

• VERVE BY SVEN (Health & Lifestyle Cuisine & refined mixed drinks and cocktails)
• MEMORIES (Natural, local & fresh, delicate and puristic Cuisine)
• IGNIV BY ANDREAS CAMINADA (1 Michelin Star, Sharing Fine Dining Experience)
• OLIVES D´OR (sophisticated Mediterranean cuisine)
• NAMUN (A masterpiece of Asian cuisine. With 13 GaultMillau points)
• ZOLLSTUBE (Traditional & Charming, typical Swiss Cuisine & Swiss Beers)
• SCHLOSS WARTENSTEIN (Fresh seasonal & regional Cuisine with the majestic view)
• GLADYS (Club House Classics,
• Snacks, Sushi & Salads at Golf Bistro, Café Therme or Sushi Take away Koiso
• Bars, Get your drink at one of the 4 Bars at The Grand Resort Bad Ragaz: Verve by Sven Bar, Hof Bar, Salon Davidoff, Golden Wave Bar at the Casino Bad Ragaz

Absolutely to recommend: Get breakfast & lunch at “Verve by Sven”
The breakfast of my choice: Verve
Enjoy the healthy thermal drink water (36.5 °), a green smoothie.
Chia lone seed pudding, Granola with bee pollen, berries, a poached bio egg on a home made sour dough bread, tomato jam, Swiss tofu cream with lovage cress.

For lunch you can choose of daily menus that are prepared with healthy, ad fresh and seasonal ingredients. Absolutely to recommend: their cocktail with or without alcohol!

Fine Dining Experience at IGNIV by Andreas Caminada

IGNIV by Andreas Caminada is the place where your valuable time gets enriched by enjoyment and culinary temptations. This 1 Michelin star restaurant surprises and seduces you with a fine dining sharing experience prepared by Chef de cuisine Silvio Germann & his staff. Every course comes in small plates and is perfectly combined with a wine chosen from Chef de Service and Sommelier Francesco Benvenuto. I love the fact that most of the wines are local and let evolve every bite of the carefully prepared dishes to a high level of taste.
The ambience at IGNIV is stylish, modern with the special touch of a traditional ancient living room. The candy shop captured my attention immediately! These hand made sweets are THE must take home after the dining experience!

Try the Fine Dining sharing experience at IGNIV

The name IGNIV derives from the Rhaeto-Romanic word “nest“. Materials such as brass elements and wood as well as the arrangement of the tables give the guest the feeling of being in a nest. Every course served as for example the egg royal (served in an egg shell) makes you experience this element of the nest.

We had a 3 course sharing experience with 5 surprise components! The Sharing experience comes with a variety of very delicate prepared veggies, most of them grown local or regional. Same for the fish and meat. The dining concept is a true pleasure to share with friends, family or with your love!

The amuse bouches
Lettuce, dill – macaron, sour cream, cucumber – cabbage turnip, withe fish – egg royal

Champagne Résonance Marie Courtin

The starters
Char, radish, butter milk – Beef tartar with potato chips – lettuce, parmesan and herbs – foie gras, chocolate – mackerel Sahsimi on a table BBQ, celery – IGNIV salad –
The surprise starter: the chicken Nuggets with BBQ choco sauce

Wine: Sauvignon Blanc Opoka 2014 – Marjan Simcic

The mains
Zander filet – Beef êntrecote from Grison, celery, onions – Veal cheeks, gremolata, young carrots, bramata – Cauliflower, Grüscher Trüffel

Wine: 2017 Chardonnay Martha und Daniel Gantenbein (Fläsch) – 2010 Pinot noir “H”, Christian Hermann (Fläsch)

The Desserts
Egg royal with strawberry & basil – Cocos ice cream, Verveine – Millefeuille with cherry & pistachio, chocolate & sea ​​buckthorn – Quark Soufflé – almond apricots sphere

The costs of the menu per person: CHF 148 for the 3 course, additional you can choose 3 surprise sharing components for additional CHF 40 or 5 surprise sharing components for additional CHF 60.

My personal highlights

The dinner at IGNIV was without doubt my absolutely memorable highlight. Each course was prepared with care and love. On the one hand, this is visible by admiring the presentation of the plates, including the artistic crockery and even more as a taste experience on the palate.
The way the all the staff welcomed me at the Grand Resort from the check in to check out is warm and attentive. Thank you Grand Resort Bad Ragaz especially Mrs. Astrid Hüni for having me.

In the mood of other accommodation suggestions? Visit my travel guide!

www.resortragaz.ch

My personal highlight: Get the comfort & relax you need at the residences, enjoy the freedom to be super close by the sea & restaurants

Opting for privacy and tranquility in an affordable boutique style accommodation Seascape Luxury Residences is the best choice. It is located in Aigia Pelagia. This seaside fishing village built in the centre of a picturesque amphitheatric bay offers crystal waters and a great choice of restaurant, cafés, boutiques & shops. Agia Pelagia lies right in the middle of Crete. This makes it easy to use it as a base for tours and excursions. From here you can reach some beaches in walking distance. Read more in my blogpost about what to do and where to go around Agia Pelagia. The airport of Heraklion is only about 20 min. drive by car.

Accommodation

Find 31 apartments with modern equipment, TV, super comfy beds and bright rooms in various categories (Superior double room, Deluxe Apartment Sea or Pool view). Some apartment offer a private garden terrace, too. All apartments are different and are perfect for couples or families.
Get your morning swim or relax time at one of their two pools. The residence is located 5 minutes from the beach and the village of Agia Pelagia, therefore perfect to explore the place without car.

Price start as of ca. 110 Euro/night for an apartment. Get your offer and details about all sizes of the apartments here.

Breakfast at the bar

The residence has a pool bar where delicious breakfast is served. Absolutely recommend to try the Cretan breakfast. I could not find a more traditional one than at Seascape all around Agia Pelagia. The breakfast is served at the pool bar and this spot is excellent to get in contact with other guests for a chat if you like.

A big than you to Dimitris and all of the staff for having me and taking care of all of my wishes. I felt very much at home!

My personal highlight: living the Cretan wisdom. The last two things you take with you when you die is what you see and what you eat.

My food tour guide Eva from Urban tours/intrepid travels could not describe better, the motto of my life.

This 5 day trip to crete aims to inspire and experience the island with all of its flavors, colors and cultural history. A program that suits to travel or food lovers aiming an appetizer Crete offers. Get to understand better the mentality and way of life Cretan nurture! Crete’s culture and food is strongly influenced by Roman, the Byzantines Empire, Arabs, the Venetian Republic, and the Ottoman Empire. This explains a lot, how diverse the place is compared to other greek islands.
A warm thank you goes to my two local guides and new friends Phil Buttler and his wife Mihalea that introduced me to this mediterranean pearl! Check Phil’s blog Argophilia for more travel insights about Crete!

Crete is the  largest island of Greece and lies to the south of the mainland. You can reach it either from the International Airport Chania, located in the south or the International Airport Hiraklio (the one I recommend) in the north. Absolutely recommended to rent a car for traveling around the island.

The island offers some of the most stunning landscapes and famous historical sites: Mark this one in your historical site bucket list: Knossos!
Knossos flourished for approximately two thousand years. It’s the must see archaeological site located 5 km southeast of the city of Heraklion. Here back in time the dynasty of Minos ruled (roughly 2700–1420 BC). Curious to experience the magic of the Minoan lifestyle? Visit a show at the Minoan Theater at Karteros. Read more about the show here.

Cretan hospitality teaches best, how to be truly wealthy. The life motto: siga siga (slowly slowly) makes me smile every time I hear it.

Beaches to reach by feet or car around North Crete

If you are after beaches, Crete has hundreds of beaches to suit every taste.
Lygaria Bay, Mononaftis bay, Kladissos bay, Made beach, Psaromoura beach, Fylakes beach, Ammoudi to name the most important ones. Though there are several (little and almost hidden) beaches in the area.

To mark on your beach bucket list: Aigia Pelagia.
Surrounded by mountains and hills, Agia Pelagia lies right in the middle of Crete. This makes it easy to use it as a base for tours and excursions. This seaside fishing village built in the centre of a picturesque amphitheatric bay offers crystal waters and a great choice of restaurant, Cafés and shops. (More on that in my food suggestions below). From here you can reach some beaches in walking distance.

Where to sleep in Agia Pelagia

Opting for privacy, tranquility in an affordable boutique style environment? Seascape Luxury Residences is your choice. Add it now on your accommodation bucket list!
Find 31 apartments with modern equipment, TV, super comfy beds and bright rooms in various categories (Superior double room, Deluxe Apartment Sea or Pool view). Some apartment offer a private garden terrace, too. All apartments are different and are perfect for couples or families.
Get your morning swim or relax time at one of their two pools. The residence is located 5 minutes from the beach and the village of Agia Pelagia, therefore perfect to explore the place without car. Make your booking here.

Breakfast at Seascape – Try the Cretan breakfast

My absolute favorite choice: The Cretan breakfast. It comes with local products and reflects best, what food is about in Crete! Rich and healthy flavors as tahini, honey and home made orange or quince jam to spread on the bread. Greek yoghurt and biscuits made of carob flour.
Sit at the large table in front of the pool and have a chat with other guests. This makes the difference at Seascape compared to an anonymus hotel atmosphere! 

Ever heard about the Cretan Diet?

Did you know, that Crete is world famous for its Diet? I am a food explorer and not really following a diet. Traveling through this region however, made me best understand, what it means to be surrounded by premium products. It’s an art to know, how to prepare these exceptional quality products. A large variation of citrus fruits, tomatoes, mainly goat and sheep cheeses, olive oil, snails, fish, wholemeal bread make this cuisine exceptional. (You’ll very rarely find cows in Crete or even Greece for that matter, they can’t handle the rocky terrain). By the way, it is recorded that over 500 types of greens and herbs are used raw in salads or cooked in small and large pies in various ways. Talking to different Taverna owners made me understand, that the preparation of food is made with passion and care about every single ingredient.

One of the basic difference between the cretan diet and diets of other mediterranean areas is the huge consumption of fruits.

The best way to get in contact with Cretan food is to experience a guided tour. For your Food tour Bucket list:
Book a 4 hour tour with urban tours and stroll through the city of Heraklion. You get introduced to some historical sites, churches and spots where the locals meet. A particular point of interest you may come across when walking the walls, is the tombstone of Nikos Kazantzakis. He was perhaps the most influential writer in Crete and even Greece.

What your food tour includes:

• Taste home made biscuits in one of the oldest bakeries in town
• Get a typical Cretan coffee (which seemed very turkish to me). 
• Hit the backstreets and hidden pathways saying “yassas” (“Hi” in greek) to the local fish market man.
• Try the local meze and get your olive oil tasting in a local food shop. Absolutely recommended: Visit the food store Vourgiali. It’s the ultimate address to get in contact with Cretan products. The family owned business has all you can dream of! The selection of dakos ,a typical cretan bread used for aperitife, light lunch or dinner is impressive! On the dakos come chopped tomatoes, feta crumbles and some extra virgin olive oil. Find best local wines, honey and cheeses.
• A local sweet you can’t miss on your tour: bougatsa! Get a delicious one at the bistro Kirkor (Platia Eleftheriou Venizelou 31-32). Order a portion half cream and one half cheese and find out which you love more! My heart went boom for the cream version!

Bougatsa is a traditional Greek dessert made with the creamy custard or goat cheese wrapped in golden brown crispy phyllo, sprinkled with melted butter and garnished with icing sugar and cinnamon.

Dinner in Heraklion with a majestic view overlooking the harbor and fortress Koules (Venetian Castle)?

Restaurant Trata (Eikostis Pemptis Avgoustou 10, Heraklion) is a secret hint. It offers a superb view overlooking the harbor and delicious local food at a valuable price. Order local meze as fried graviera cheese called saganaki, eggplant salad or a grilled octopus. Try snails here! They are fired in olive oil with plenty of rosemary. A pure delight! Cretan snails have a special taste, since they live attached at olive trees!

Graviera cheese is slightly sweet and nutty in the taste. The Cretan version is made with sheep’s milk or sheep’s milk with a small amount of goat’s milk. It’s delicious eaten with thyme honey!

Restaurants & Bistro in Agia Pelagia

• Tavern O Nikolas
  (Address: Agia Pelagia 715 00, Phone +30 281 081 2090)
  Local food, very authentic style where locals go, fresh fish/catch of the day, very good price. The staff is friendly.
• Almyra bar & food
  A perfect spot to have an aperitivo, cocktail or dinner overlooking the sea. Chic & surely a trendy spot. The dishes are prepared with fresh and seasonal ingredients. The card is mixed with traditional cretan and international cuisine.
• Restaurant Alati
  An authentic restaurant at the beach to try different local meze and sea food. I had the Crème trilogy with the classical split peas with onion, tzatziki with cucumber and smoked eggplant salad. As a main a fried octopus that was crunchy and super fresh.
• Café & Restaurant The home
  The kind of place that makes you feel in a good vibes only environment. I love the positive quote and fancy decor everywhere. Very nice for a lunch to try some local dishes as eggplant salad and a homemade juice.

Make a trip to the traditional local village Fodele, talk to locals and eat a Taverna

Fodele is about 20 Km from Heraklion and absolutely worth visiting. Watch the old ladies doing needle works. We got invited to try delicious home made pickled bitter oranges and raki. Although the spot is touristic it has a relaxed atmosphere. Stop at the shops to buy some local cotton ware.

The village is the birthplace of the most famous Greek painter, El Greco. He has his own monument in the village next to a tree that is over a thousand years old! Make a visit at El Greco’s house where he was born. Today it has been transformed to a small museum.
On the way to the museum stop by at the Souvenir Shop of Maria! She is a lovely soul and has very cute little gifts (food & other things) to buy for your friends!

Your perfect local dinner in Fodele – Taverna Giasemí

Talk to Eleni the owner and let her advise you on the menu! Get some tasty dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), lamb chops (they are super tender) and different meat dishes as slow cooked pork or a creamy liver prepared with special herbs. The desserts are seasonal and made from Eleni every day. I had a delicious Orange cream tarte and a super soft and humid chocolate cake. Fruits will never miss after a meal and are a gift from the house in every restaurant.

Slow cooked lamb at Fodele Beach on a cozy Sunday?

The food experience at Taverna Opou Vastaxi is one of the most authentic on my whole Crete trip. Early in the morning the owner Stella and his husband prepare the fire where the pork and lamb slow cooks on the grill for at least 3 hours. Stella explains, that all animals are from local farms. The BBQ menu is available only on Sunday. Get some delicious sides as typical greek salad or dolmades. I appreciated the simplicity and authenticity and the very familiar ambience.

The beach of Fodele is close by. For families with kids: Stop at the water park at 2 Km distance and have some fun crazy slides!

Driving back from Heraklion to Agia Pelagia – Stop at Taverna Mitato to try Cretan bulbs!

I get more and more familiar, that on Crete the food is rustic and rich! It combines seasonal ingredients and balanced flavors. They reflect the bounty of Crete’s sun-blessed fertile land. At Anna’s Taverna you can find authentic local dishes as floral bulbs and a variety of stuffed vegetables. The menu offers a variety of grilled or stewed meat and fish, too.

They usually come fresh as a salad, dressed with oil and vinegar or lemon, pickled, or stewed with olive oil, vinegar and flour.

If you like to have a chat in German with Anna, she will be happy. She used to live in Germany. The interior of the restaurants is super vintage and reminds me of the living room of my aunt back in the 80s. 

“There us a kind of flame in Crete – let us call it “soul” – something more powerful than either life or death. There is pride, obstinacy, valor, and together with these something else inexpressible and imponderable, something which makes you rejoice that you are a human being, and at the same time tremble. (Report to Greco)” 
― N. Kazantzakis

See you soon Crete! Efcharistò to Seascape Manager Dimitris & his staff for having me. EyeWide Eservices – Minas & his staff for organizing the press trip. Mihaela & Phil Buttler for the memorable and fun time together.

In the mood of other travel stories? Check my travel guide here!

My personal highlight: A home full of history and positive energy decorated with attention and charm from Host Patrizia

Al Battistero D’oro is practically located in the old town of Parma. Only about 15 minutes by walk from the train station. The area is very quite and ideal to have a relaxing sleep.

Patrizia is the host and a charismatic and very hearty person taking care of every wish you have. The B&B is her private home and decorated with class and style reflecting the charisma and warm personality she has.

I enjoyed a delicious breakfast Patrizia prepared with fresh fruits, yoghurt, croissants and some Parmigiano cheese & aceto balsamico topping.

Accommodation

The B&B has 2 double rooms and 1 apartment. I slept in the room: LA STANZA DUCHESSA. The room offer Air conditioning, cable TV, WiFi, safe, mini fridge stocked daily with water, bathroom courtesy services, hairdryer, kettle with selection of herbal teas, tea and coffee.

REINA, LA SUITE is the the suite overlooking the old courtyard of the house allowing direct access to the dining and living room. If you are looking for a more large space opt for the “APPARTAMENTO CATTEDRALE.
The apartment in a seventeenth-century building just a few steps from the Cathedral of Parma. Consisting of a double bedroom, a living area, an equipped kitchen, a wardrobe in the dining room and a bathroom with a large shower. The most striking features are the tall windows and its beautiful vaulted ceiling.

Price vary from ca. 120 Euro/night for the double rooms and the flat. Get your offer directly here.

In the mood to discover more accommodations in the Lovefoodish guide ? Zurich, Hamburg or Munich ? Get them here.

My personal highlight: Discovering an enchanting pearl full of culture & extraordinary delicacies only a few hours by train from Zurich!

How much do you know about this Italian Culture & Gastronomy City located 5h by train from Zurich?

Parma has been shaped along the centuries by great painters as Correggio & Antelami. In the national gallery of Pilotta you can find some works by Da Vinci, Barbieri, Allegri, van Dyck, and many others from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. The unique piece from Leonardo da Vinci called ‘La Scapigliata’ from 1508 all made in oil on a wood panel captured my heart immediately.
For Opera lovers it’s absolutely recommended to visit Teatro Regio. It’s one of the most renowned and high-quality opera houses in Italy. It has been associated with many great composers, such as Giuseppe Verdi and Gioachino Rossini. This venue continues to serve the great Italian musical tradition, staging four operas every season and hosting a yearly Verdi Festival in October!
Another landmark of Parma is their Teatro Farnese. The theatre is one of the most renowned example of a wooden theatre that stands today. Created in the 1600’s, at the time it was also the largest theatre in the world and could hold a crowd of 3’000 people. It’s absolutely recommended to go there fro a throwback in time!

During the Middle Ages, Parma was ruled by the Franks and was part of the Holy Roman Empire. During the 1800’s, the city was annexed by France under the rule of Napoleon, and then finally became a part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1860.

Guess why Parma has been nominated a City of Gastronomy?

On December 11th, 2015 Parma was officially invited to take part in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, becoming the first Italian Creative City of Gastronomy (The network includes more than 70 cities in 32 countries). Parma is a true Foodvalley, A. because of their king of Cheese called Parmigiano Reggiano that has its origins here and B. because of the world famous Parma ham. More than that, Parma is home to the top school of Italian cooking called Alma!

Foodie hint: You recognize the original Parma by it’s 5 pointed crown branded onto it’s skin.

Emilia-Romagna is the European region with the highest number of PDO and PGI products, and it is described by Forbes “Italy’s greatest gastronomic treasure.

Ever heard about the delicacy Culatello di Zibello?

It is the precious piece made from the large muscle mass in the rear leg of the pig. Creating it means destroying the possibility of making a prosciutto!
Its tremendous aging time, the fact that it’s the best part of the leg, and the expertise required to make it one of the most expensive salumi in Italy, particularly if it adheres to the DOP regulations to be a Zibello culatello.
The best way to experience the history & an exclusive tasting of the Culatello is to visit the Culatello Museum. The Museum is located in the court where the historical & gastronomic hideaway Antica Corte Pallavicina Relais has its domicile. The old fortified castle built by the Pallavicino family in 1320, is a place where love for good food and local products has always been a distinctive mark.
I suggest booking a night at their fantastic hotel for ca. 220 Euro/night.

Enjoy a typical dinner at their 1 Michelin Star Restaurant and go for a walk around the castle admiring the Po river and an impressive nature.

The ambience at the restaurant is special. The glass front gives a super special light and atmosphere and embraces the natural beauty of the Po river. The restaurant received the Michelin Guide Star since 2011 and represents the best of the refined Bassa Parmense. Chef Massimo and Luciano Spigaroli use most of the raw materials produced directly in the ancient court of Pallavicina according to traditions of the surrounded lands.

My personal highlight was the walk in their cellar looking at hundreds of Culatello di Zibello beautifully hanging down the ceiling. At the restaurant I enjoyed the podium of Culatello from the “White Pig” aged over 18, 27  and over 37 months. The truffled Guinea Fowl cooked with Culatello in the Po river’s clay served with vegetables from the garden was of an outstanding tender and aromatic taste!

Book a tasty bus tour to experience the traditional production of Parmigiano Reggiano DOP and Parma ham or get a customized tour!

The best way to dive into the heritage of Parma’s artisan food is to book a tasty tour. Our press trip organized by Comune di Parma and OMNIA Relations took place with the company Maestro Travel Experience. The tour takes 4 hours and brings you by bus to all production sites. The Cheese factory we visited is a small family business consisting of exactly 3 employees! It’s a unique experience to see with how much care and ability the 50 kilo heavy loafs of Parmigiano are processed all by hand! Learn how this cheese, devoid of any chemical additive, can be aged for years to improve its quality. You will recognize the various aging stages thanks to the tasting led by an expert.
On our second stop we visited a parma ham producer. The family-run factory presented all the steps from the meat processing to the flavors of the curing rooms. I am very happy to have learnt all facts to recognize an original Parma ham. Every tour is of course accompanied by a delicious tasting! The tours are the best stops to buy your souvenir for home. A big thank you to Elisa that explained to us so many details and included plenty of tasting occasion on the trip!

Another must do on your program: Visit ALMA the International School of Italian Cuisine where best Italian Chefs graduate from and book one of their Masterclasses!

Welcome to the world’s leading international training centre for Italian Cuisine, founded by the Italian Master Chef Gualtiero Marchesi. Walking around in the beautiful Palazzo Ducale of Colorno makes you feel in heaven. Surrounded by an intense variety of smells that constantly stimulate my senses I feel that here is where the magic happens! We had the chance to visit a class in the first year of education learning cutting techniques, an other class was creating beautiful chocolate sculptures made all by hand!

ALMA covers an area of 5’000 square metres. The classrooms are fully equipped for training professionals.

ALMA educates chefs and pastry chefs, bakery chefs, assistants for restaurant, bar managers and food & beverage managers coming from all around the world. Annually 1100 students graduate at ALMA. This is probably the best investment ever for a future as well as an extraordinary training experience.

Their events and some of the classes are open to everyone. I absolutely recommend to book one and experience this unique surrounding live! Get more about the available events here.

How to get to Parma

From Zurich it’s easy to take the train to Milan. SBB offers a good time table with attractive prices. From Milan you can choose the Frecciabianca Train that takes you to Parma in only 1 hour. For the future new direct connections to Bologna are planned. I like to express a big thank you to SBB & Trenitalia for the excellent and smooth ride to Parma.

Where to sleep in Parma

I spent a night at a very authentic and charming B&B located in the middle of the city close to the “duomo” called Al Battistero D’oro. Patrizia is the host and a charismatic and very hearty person taking care of every wish you have. The B&B is her private home and decorated carefully with class and style reflecting the charisma and warm personality she has. The place is peaceful and quit and located in the historical city centre.
Get in contact to ask your quote. Price vary from ca. 100 Euro/night. Find more accommodation suggestions here.

Events to mark in your agenda this September:
Settembre Gastronomico Traiettorie
Cena dei Mille
Giardini Gourmet

A special thank you goes to the city of Parma and our press trip organisator OMNIA Relations/Ilaria Tortora as well as all involved person that made our trip the perfect gastronomic holiday.

In the mood of other travel stories and food trips ? What about a wine tour in Piedmont? Find all you need to organize it here in my Piedmont blog story.

My personal highlight: Feeling home in the midst of 33,000 books. In a sea of ​​poetry and history I fantasize about what happened in the beer brewery Hürlimann back in the year 1836. 

Do you know the feeling of forgetting every thought around you while time looses its value? This is what happened to me during my stay at B2 Boutique Hotel in Zurich. The hotel is built in the former Hürlimann brewery and full of history and architectural highlights. The Wine Library at B2 Boutique Hotel is memorable. On the ceiling you find lamps constructed from old original beer bottles. All books that fill the hotel library – 33000 of them – come from the inventory of a former antiquarian bookshop in Zurich. This boutique hotel is ideal if you are traveling to Zurich for a business trip or a SPA weekend. It is connected with a thermal bath and a marvellous temple of relax.
The thermal bath offers 3500 sqm of pure joy for body & soul. Take a bath in the rooftop infinity pool overlooking the city of Zurich. The fresh thermal water bubbles directly from Zurich’s “Aqui” spring and offers guests relaxation with valuable minerals in 35 to 41 degree warm water. A delight especially in cold winter days.  Find all of their packages here.

B2 Boutique hotel in a glimpse

• 51 rooms and suites between 28 sqm – 55 sqm, book a room here
• Meeting rooms for up to 18 people as well as a large room for events called Machine hall / 370sqm. A historic, landmarked event location for up to 100 persons as an extraordinary backdrop for special events, such as expositions, film or photo shootings, openings and presentations
• Wine Library and restaurant with selected Swiss Wines from Caduff’s Wine loft.
• Personalized Guest Ambassador service
• Direct access to the Spa & thermal bath with 3500 sqm of Roman Bath and an infinity pool on the rooftop

Accommodation

The hotel offers 51 modern rooms in different categories. Each room is characterized by the industrial history of the house, yet so authentic that you feel thrown back in time. The rooms are specious and offer a warm interior. The parquet invites to walk around barefoot. Selected designer armchairs with classics ranging from Artifort to de Sede to Willudsen and Dixon lamps create a sense of urban living in an avant-garde atmosphere. The cherry on the top is the Hürlimann beer that waits for you in the mini-bar.

Food & Drinks

Small dishes even at exceptional times. The food choice is small but special and ideal for lunch or dinner. Get some vegetarian or meat ravioli, a burger with Swiss Cheese or just an apéro plate to accompany with a glass of delicious Swiss wine. Discover exclusive Swiss wines at the Wine Library designed by the famous restaurant in town called Caduff’s Wine Loft. It includes wines from well-known Swiss wine makers as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot gris, Pinot noir or Cabernet.

The breakfast is regional from the Zurich Oberland and offers a buffet with fresh bread, fruits and vegetables as well as homemade Bircher muesli and fresh juices.

In the mood to discover more accommodations in the Lovefoodish guide ? Zurich, Hamburg or Munich for example? Get more here.

My personal highlight: Relaxing mind & soul in a secret hideaway – Enjoying Contemporary Thai food with a unique view overlooking Zurichlake in a sea of lights!

Where do you travel to if you are in the mood of a Spa Weekend? Sometimes a short car drive is preferred. The hideway has to be away from the city hustle. Th wellness resort Panorama Resort & SPA in Feusisberg is what you are looking for.

Here fascinating worlds of harmony and balance come together. Its location is fantastic. High above Lake Zurich you will find enjoyment, relaxation and a warm hospitality. The view is magic to admire either from the infinity pool, from the hotel room or by having dinner at the Contemporary Thai Restaurant Loy Fah. In their Rooftop bar called Mongomoon Sky Bar for a moment I thought to be in Bangkok. Watch the movie to understand why!

What makes The Panorama Resort & SPA special?

Being countryside makes one immediately feel serene because the pace is slower! No matter if the desire is relaxation of mind & body, excellent food ora a romantic weekend. Feusisberg is a small village about 35 kilometers distant by car from Zurich, easily to reach by train in less than an hour. The place is known for being the ideal conference place, too.

An absolute highlight is the infinity pool. It’s heated up to 30 degrees. I could not stop keeping my eyes away from all of the little bright lights shining over the lake!

The Akari SPA offers all you need when it comes to spoil your body. Find a wellness paradise on over 2000 m2 including outdoor & indoor pools, whirlpools, jet bubblers, seven different saunas and steam baths, foot whirlpools, cozy rest areas, a healthy spa buffet, spacious outdoor area and a professional gym. Absolutely try the offer of massages, too. It’s the cherry on the top after a wellness day.

Find their weekend specials as of 310 CHF/night (Book until Dec. 21, 2018). More details are available here.

Panorama Resort & SPA in a glimpse

• 102 luxurious rooms & suites
• Price start as of 200 CHF (classic Single room, incl. breakfast)
• Contemporary Thai Restaurant Loy Fah with a stylish Mangomoon Sky Bar at the top of the resort, as well as the gourmet Restaurant “Collina”
• 10 plenary rooms & 8 meeting rooms of various sizes, all with magnificent views over the Lake of Zurich
•  Ideal place for wedding reception or other family celebrations
• Wellness & Spa on over 2000 m2S
• a hearty and service oriented staff

Accommodation

The hotel offers 102 modern rooms in different categories. I found the ambience in the Asian Junior Suite very warm decorated and spacious. The interior is equipped with natural materials as wood and fabrics combined with matching light colors.  Find all details for the booking here.

Food & Drinks

Try one of the three different restaurants or get a fancy drink with typical Thai ingredients as ginger, mint, butterfly pea flower or essences of lemon grass at the Mangomoon Sky Bar. For food there is a choice between the Restaurant Collina, the Contemporary Thai Restaurant Loy Fah or the Restaurant Körnlisegg, about 15 minutes drive from the hotel.

My experience at Contemporary Thai Restaurant Loy Fah

The interior at Loh Fay Restaurant is astonishing. Its design radiates cosmopolitan flair, at the same time it embodies the culture of Thailand. Loy Fah Thai Chef Pich Tongurai and his staff spoiled us with a 4 course dinner, a delight for belly and eyes. Get an interpretation of traditional Thai cuisine in a surprising way. Authentic ingredients of the highest quality and freshness are used: Explore exquisite seafood or extravagant vegetarian dishes. No problem if you are more into meat, everybody finds the perfect choice.

4 course dinner to recommend

Appetizer

Tuna Tatar “Laab” – A fresh Tuna tatar with spices from the north-east region Isaan, with crispy fried mushroom & tapioca chips

or

Ceviche salad “Share Nham Pla”- Thai style king fish ceviche (raw) with lemongrass, sea grapes & chili lime dressing

First course

“Tom Kha” Cappuccino – comes with Galangal root and coconut broth, Thai herbs served with a grilled scallop

or

Pomelo Salat Vegi “Yam Som O” – Thai pomelo salad with grilled palm hearts, toasted coconut flakes & Thai basil

Second course

Sea bass “Pla Ob Kamin”  – In baking-paper steamed sea bass “Thai papillote” with Thai vegetables, turmeric & galangal root butter

or

Beef Curry “Massaman Nua” – Braised beef cheek in Mussamun curry, coconut gnocchi, edamame bean salsa & cashew nuts

Dessert

Mango-Stickyrice “Khao Niau Ma Muang” – Comes with a spring roll, flamed mango & black sesame ice cream

or

Thai Sago Pudding “Phuket Style” – The pudding (tapioca) comes with young coconut and mango ice cream

The restaurant is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 6 – 11 pm. The costs from the menu (set menu or free selection from the menu) are for the 3 course menu 80 CHF and for the 4 course menu 95 CHF.

My personal highlight: the Beef Curry “Massaman Nua”. The beef cheek was extremely tender and the exotic coconut gnocchi combined with a not too intense curry an the ideal contemporary interpretation.

Absolutely try the SPA buffet, too. I loved the fact that plenty of products, including the breakfast buffet are hand made and very genuine in the taste. The scrambled eggs were super creamy, the jams and the “Butterzopf” of excellent softness.

In the mood to get inspired by other travel & food stories? Find more here.

My personal highlights: 48 hours wine trip in the UNESCO heritage Barolo discovering wine rarities & meditative landscapes in Langhe

When you hear the word Italy, the chances of being surrounded by good food & drinks are very high. I am very thankful of my Italian origins, they thaught me to appreciate and recognize a pure taste. There are several facts about True Italian Taste and its provenience that need to be known.

In occasion of a campaign promoted from the Italian Chamber in Zurich I got in touch with the topic “True Italian Taste” and “Italian Sounding”. This is how the Barolo Trip in Piedmont organized by “Strada del Barolo e grandi vini di Langa” came along.

What means Italian Sounding?

Italians sounding is the marketing of food and beverage produced worldwide, often labelled with Italian names and misleading Italian words and pictures. This misleading information is extremely dangerous for our Italian heritage! Reason enough why the Italian Government realized a unique mark against fakes. The project considers a brand to print on the product’s labels to fight forgery, starting from the food industry.

Important quality products have their origins in Piedmont. The world knows Barolo, the white Alba Truffle or Fiat. All of these brands have been created in this region.

Let’s mention Fiat first, since I had the pleasure to travel with a cozy Fiat500 Cabrio, Anniversario edition all the way to Alba. FIAT was founded in Turin in 1888. The Anniversario edition is dedicated to the 60th birthday of the Fiat 500. It comes in a fresh Riviera green! This retro model caught much attention all around the Langhe Piomentesi! We cruised through the valleys feeling safe. What a fun having the wind blowing through the hair listening to legendary Italian songs. The car trunk offers enough space to bring back home exquisite wine bottles! Thanks FCA Switzerland for this great opportunity! Get more information and facts about the Fiat500 Anniversario Model here.

Let’s dive into the culinary part of my travels.

Discovering Barolo & Barbaresco – UNESCO World Heritage since 2014

UNESCO rewards this region of Italy not only for being a land of vineyards, castles and medieval towers, but also for the labor of men and women down the ages. The soil of Langa has always been difficult and demanding to work: the malora, a term used by Beppe Fenoglio to describe a painful condition, reminds that the farmers who used to live in Langhe in the 1950s, had a lot of difficulties working the land.

The UNESCO site comprises the Barolo DOCG communes of Barolo, Castiglione Falletto, Grinzane Cavour, La Morra, Monforte d’Alba, Novello & Serralunga d’Alba, including the Barbaresco DOCG communes of Barbaresco and Neive.

The charm of the landscape and the geographical viticulture add ideal circumstances and incredible value to this travel experience.

During every wine tasting I appreciated much the way all the winemakers presented and shared their precious knowledge. The sparkles in their eyes can not be overseen while they explain the history of their winery. Some of the history goes back hundreds of years.

Standing between the yards, absorbing the smell and colors with all senses allows a whole picture on what wine making means.

On our Barolo trip we visited 5 wine yards in 48 hours!
That was a real challenge. Thanks to the perfect organization of  “Strada del Barolo” we managed to absorb all the facets offered by this region.

Piedmont red wine: appreciated and popular in the whole world –
What means DOC and DOCG?

It lays down the rules for its production and for admission to the market, that it has this fame. Barolo and Barolo Riserva wines have obtained the DOC with DPR 04.23.1966 and subsequently the DOCG with the DPR 07/01/1980 (Italian law). These laws and the subsequent amendments define the Production Regulation of Barolo wine.

Important characteristics of Barolo DOCG wine:

• It’s made exclusively from Nebbiolo grapes, grown in the territory of 11 municipalities  designated by the mentioned Production Regulations.
• It must be bottled and can age only in the defined municipalities.
• The minimum aging of the Barolo wine is 38 months and 62 months for Barolo Riserva wine. 18 month must follow in a wooden barrel.
• The release for consumption is permitted from 1 January of the fourth year following the harvest for Barolo wine and from 1 January of the sixth year following the harvest for the Barolo Riserva wine.
• The grape yield must not exceed 8 tonnes per hectare.
• The yield of wine per hectare must not exceed 5,600 liters.

The Barolo and Barolo Riserva wines must also have the following characteristics:

• minimum alcohol content 12.5% by volume
• They must have a ruby red color
• The taste must be dry taste and full, elegant and harmonious.

This regulation may explain, why so much hand work is put into the production of these wines.

Piedmont Food delicacies

Everyone know, the famous White Truffle of Alba or hazelnuts, (one of the best quality hazelnuts in the world and main ingredient of many handmade sweets of the local tradition). What about Dop cheeses, hand made pasta or any kind of salumi? Gastronomy in Langa is robust and tasty. The dishes are simple and genuine.

How to plan your Piedmont tour in Barolo – Langhe – Roero and Monferrato

This blog article shall inspire to offer a good mix in term of size and region of the wineries. It can be used as a help to book a wine trip on your own. Find all the coordinates below.

Important: Absolutely schedule tasting appointments in advance, you will be grateful to all the attention and precious knowledge the winemakers can share with you. If they know about a visit, they can plan and organize this accordingly.

The partner that organized our tour was “Strada del Barolo e grandi vini di Langa“. Mario put together a tailored wine tasting experience that led through Langhe, Roero & Monferrato. You can check for a driver that makes all of the transfers.

How many wineries to visit during your weekend trip?

I recommend 2 wineries per day, if possible focus on a one area per day. With this agenda you have time to enjoy the cultural offer around the region, too. Explore some hiking or biking. Go for a shopping afternoon in picturesque Alba.

The season to travel if you’re in love with truffles is October. Spring is recommended, too. This time is less touristy and gives you the chance to see blooming wine yards!

How to find wineries for your Barolo wine tour

In this section you get introduced to a selection of wineries I have visited personally and absolutely recommend.

• Azienda Agricola Malvirà – Roero

The grapes cultivated at Malvirà are: Nebbiolo, Arneis, Favorita, Chardonnay and a small part of Barbera.
Malvirà cultivates 42 hectares and exports all over the world, (Switzerland included). Today the estate is run by two brothers, Massimo and Roberto Damonte and their sons.
Plenty of the wines produced are 100% organic. All of them follow the defined strict regulation of Barolo. When you walk into a cellar of such a size you understand how much work is behind that business.

My personal highlight: Enjoying a dinner with one of the founder, Roberto Damante. Exploring the pairing of precious drops with delicate ingredients as the white Alba Truffle or local beef tartar. This combination makes evolve the palate with completely new flavors!

Contact:
Azienda Agricola Malvirà dei F.lli Damonte
Via Case Sparse, 144, Loc. Canov, 12043 Canale d’Alba (CN), Tel. +39.0173.978145, e-mail: malvira@malvira.com

Accommodation:
For your first night I recommend to stay at Villa Tiboldi. It is managed by the same family of the winery. The house is surrounded by a breathtaking view over the hills of Langa and Roero. The boutique hotels offers 10 comfortable rooms around 170 Euro/night. A restaurant and a swimming pool with a view over the Langhe make your stay memorable!  Experience the ideal pairing of exquisite traditional Piemontese Food with premium wines!

•  Josetta Saffirio, Loc. Castelletto 39, 12065 Monforte d’Alba – Langhe
  This winery is located at Monforte d’Alba on Castelletto hill, facing south east, for a total of 5 hectares of vineyards mostly planted as Nebbiolo. In the early twentieth century, Josetta’s father, Ernesto, began cultivating the vineyards inherited from his father. 1952 she creates a unique Barolo, which in the nineties amazes the Italian wine scene. Josetta is the first woman giving a label to the Barolo wine. The gnomes decorating the bottles are inspired by childhood stories she was told by her father!
  
  My personal highlight: Putting on boots to walk inside the wine yards gives makes you smell the earth! Marco, one of the managers, guided us through his favorite hill called “Persiera”. From here you admire the complete Langa valley. Lange means tongue (IT: Lingua).  This is the shape of the wine yards! I am taught, that the color of the leafs explain the sort of a grape.

Check their project called: adopt a row! You can buy your own row and experience onsite the huge work that lies behind winemaking. Learn all the steps of wine making as the harvesting, the aging and finally the bottling. More details here.

Contact:
Josetta Saffirio Farm, Località Castelletto, 39, 12065 Monforte d’Alba (CN), info@josettasaffirio.com,
Tel. + 39 0173 787278

• Agricola Gian Piero Marrone, Langhe
  The Company “Agricola Gian Piero Marrone” is a Family for four generations dedicated with passion to the works in the vineyards. The business is in hand of three sisters in the 4th generation. Here you experience a friendly and honest hospitality with genuine and home made dishes at reasonable prices. This place is very authentic. Find excellent products as wine olive oil, truffles and local sweets at reasonable prices.The winery is beautifully located in the middle of the Langhe hills and has a admirable terrace facing the wine yards. The restaurant invites to take a seat at tables “between” the wine barrels.
  For those who love cooking: Attend a cooking class in the winery and learn the secrets of this typical cuisine! Get more information here.

My personal highlight: Tasting an excellent Langhe doc Chardonnay “Memundis” and learning from Marco Bertone one of the managers that sulfates (mostly in white whine) are often cause of headaches. They remove oxygen from the stomach, which in turn takes it from the brain. The lack of oxygen causes headaches! Now I know where my headaches come from: no wines with sulfates, please!

Contact:
Agricola Gian Piero Marrone, Frazione Annunziata 13, 12064 La Morra (CN) Italia, tel +39 0173 509288, e-mail: marrone@agricolamarrone.com

• Cantina Cascina Castlèt – Between Alba and Asti
  Costigliole d’Asti is one of the most enchanting centers in Alto Monferrato. From the valley of Tanora the landscape rises to gentle hills up to the 300 m above sea level. M. Frazione San Michele, from where you can enjoy a magnificent view to the Alps. The soil conditions are ideal for viticulture.
  Local grape varieties are: Barbera, Moscato, Uvalino and Nebbiolo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. This variety has been grown in Costigliole since the late 18th century. Cascina Castlèt used to belong to the Borio family for generations. Mariuccia inherited it from her father in 1970.
  
  My personal highlight: Exploring a wine cellar with a mystic touch. It reminds me of a place where the magic happens. The wine is refined until it gets to the result to be a rubin red Barbera.
  
  Contact:
  Cascina Castlet
  Str. Castelletto, 6, 1405 Costigliole d’Asti, Tel.: +39 0141 966651, Email: info@cascinacastlet.com
  
  Accommodation:
  Villa Loreto, Strada del Loreto, 33, 14055 Castigliole D’Asti – www.villa-loreto.com
  A little paradise for your relax with an amazing view managed by a Swiss couple that fell in love with this region. The stylishly furnished homes with private pools are located in a private estate of 35’000 m2. Maria introduces me into the exploration of Asti Spumante in food recipes! I love to share my favorite Piedmont Dessert with you, it’s prepared super fast and easy!

Zabaione al Moscato d’Asti

Ingredients: 1 egg, 4 egg yolk, 1dl Moscato d’Asti, 50 grams of sugar

Preparation:
In a saucepan placed in a bain-marie, add the Moscato d’Asti and the sugar to the egg yolks and the whole egg. Use a wire whip to mix slowly until it gets warm, stir until the mixture is soft and creamy. Remove from heat and immediately strain with biscuits or a hazelnut cake.

• La Casaccia – Monferrato
  This area is somewhat overshadowed a bit by Barolo and Barbaresco. Be prepared of very exclusive and delicate wines made with the Grignolino or the Freisa grapes. At La Casaccia they produce elegant traditional drops interpreted in a modern way. Giovanni loves to experiment with the grapes and offers very intellectually wines that reflect the positive elements of the character of Giovanni and his family.
  The winery La Casaccia is located in a house from the 17th century. Today it is renovated to a jewel including a cozy B&B. Walking in the base where the wine cellar is feels like visiting an ancient museum. Some bottles are hundreds of years old. The cellar excavated in the underground is a rarity. It made this region become a World Heritage Site of UNESCO, too.

Do you know the Grignolino grape?
I did not. It’s a famous grape from the region of Monferrato. It is a wine of character and full of discoveries. With its natural spiciness it’s perfect for those who love the intriguing flavors. Grignolino is very delicate wine and difficult to cultivate. The grape is sensitive to diseases and requires a lot of care and attention.

My personal highlight: Try their wines at dinner, spend a night at their cozy B&B and get spoiled by the traditional and genuine cooking skills of Elena. I absolutely loved their La Casaccia metodo classico sparkling wine made of Chardonnay grapes.

If you are planning a longer time off from home and are interested in helping in the wine yards, this is a place to do such a project. Get in contact with them!A specialty we tried was a flan made of broccoli, a veal involtino stuffed with artichokes and some fresh cheese and salumi. Feel like eating at a family table. We shared lovely stories of life zipping on our glass. The breakfast in the morning is the cherry on the top. A lukewarm hazelnut cake made only with egg white and local hazelnuts! No butter and practically no sugar. Thank you Giovanni, Elena, Margherita and Marcello for this very hearty evening spent with you sharing our stories of life.

Contact:
Azienda Vitivinicola La Casaccia, Via Barbano Dante 10, Cella Monte, 53010, Tel. 0039 (0)142 489 986, E-Mail: vini@lacasaccia.biz

Accommodation:
Simple but very cozy and authentic rooms. It’s a very typical historical building in Cella Monte from the 17th century renovated with much love. Get more here.

Interested in other travel stories? Visit my travel section here.

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There are several ways to organize the ideal holiday. What I appreciate most is a specialist that gives me a choice and support in finding the perfect location and activities for my holiday.

What runs through your mind when you think of an individualized travel adventure? What does it include? How could this work?

Sometimes we have a rough idea in our mind on where to spend our holiday. We use google to find out more about the country or a lonely planet. We get lost in the million available options.

What if we could have some support in preparing our perfect holiday?

How about having support and inspiration from an experienced operator? A service that helps to organize an individualized holiday easy and fast at home on the computer.

A specialist that has contacts to local suppliers and gives us plenty of options for accommodations or maybe culture and adventure packages. I found this new way from ebookers very helpful and exciting, since it inspires me with many different ideas by using a very simple holiday online guide.

WIN your holiday: Are you interested in knowing more about the new individualized travel experience by ebookers?

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My personal highlight: Eating warm ricotta cheese liquid and fresh coming directly from the pot – a foodie’s once in a lifetime experience

Planning a trip with a friend bringing you to his hometown means: be ready for plenty surprises. It’s the best way to discover a place. Who loves the feeling of getting lost and feel welcomed from locals. Read more about what happened to me during the trip in Sicily this may.

My friend asked me what I would love to do and see in Palermo. My reply was simple: it has to do with food! That is why the city welcomed me with a traditional brioche gelato! Have you ever tried a soft sweet bread filled up to the top with artisan ice cream? Well, than that is the first thing to do in Palermo! Ice Cream Sandwich! Get the best one at Brioscià. What you get here is absolutely outstanding. Don’t forget to ask for a special topping! That is what makes this brioche gelato unique.

Streetfood & morning stroll at the food market ballarò

Welcome to Palermo! Here the duty is to go for snaking through the city blocks southeast of Palazzo dei Normanni. I guess it’s Palermo’s busiest street market. The mix of noises, smells and street life is fascinating. It’s the cheapest place for fresh prepared food, souvenirs, Chinese padded bras. Get regional and national food products as olives, salami or cheese. The absolute must try and healthy snack is a long pumpkin with lemon juice on top.

Palermo: A splendor of an Arab-Norman-Byzantine Culture

Strolling through the city makes you understand how many different cultures have influenced the city. 2 1/2 centuries of Arab rule (from 827 BC at the end of the Eleventh century) gave to the city of Palermo magnificent palaces, mosques, minarets and gardens. After the Normans took possession of this splendor. Today, the heritages of these two cultures are intertwined and indistinguishable. Creating the so-called Arab-Norman style. The influence is reflected also in the food. This makes all my discoveries vey precious!

Palermo has a unique flair, there is no lovelier experience than sitting on a square in front of one of the beautiful churches, be surrounded by live musicians making you forget time.

Where to have artisan & local made Sicilian dishes

Osteria Mangia & Bevi – La cucina che parla siciliano (The kitchen that talks in Sicilian)

Get a diversity of typical dishes as the Pasta fritta (fried pasta served in a pan) or the Bucatini con sarde alla Palermitana, this is dedicated to sardine lover!

If you like to stay with a starters plate choose out of their veggie, fish or meat appetizers and order different plates to share!

Antica Focacceria San Francesco – Panino con la milza (Sandwich with veal spleen)

The street food of Antica Focacceria San Francesco is suitable for any time of the day: Here is where you need to try the Palermitan Speciality made following a tradition from 1834 called Focaccia Maritata (married focaccia) It’s a soft bread filled with veal spleen, fresh ricotta and caciocavallo cheese. The spleen is prepared in a big pot, slow cooked for hours until it gets super tender. It was my first spleen ever eaten in my life! Absolutely recommend this dish! If you love to go for a classical snack, take the Arancina with ragù  (fried, rice stuffed with meat ragout and peas).

Travel suggestions – how we did it

Fly from Zurich to Palermo or take to train to Milan, enjoy a half day in the city and fly to Palermo from there. You will spend max 150 Euro depending on the time of booking. I always love to use skyscanner to check my flights in advance by the way! For the accommodation I recommend to use airbnb, there are really lovely apartments

More discoveries in Sicily: the village of Castelbuono

When traveling big cities there is always the desire to see small authentic villages. Having the privilege that my best friend Annasole is from Castelbuono gave me perfect excuse discover this spot on my Sicily journey, too.

Castelbuono is a 10’000 hab medieval village in the Park of Madonie. It’s about 90 km from Palermo and very close to the Thyrrhenian City of  Cefalù. The old town is still well preserved and captivates you from the very first moment. The town develops around the castle of Ventimiglia, near a Byzantine hamlet called Ypsigro. The village is a paradise for foodies. Beside excellent Michelin Star restaurants as Nangalarruni or Palazzaccio you can find the well-known pastry producer Fiasconaro. They’re famous for excellent nougat, creams and  panettone filled with delicious creams made of the mana ash-tree or pistachio.

Visiting Castelbuono with a local friend made my wish come true. I got introduced to the production of ricotta cheese. Standing in the small cheese dairy San Nicola with the father and son of the company was my personal highlight. Yes, the smell is intense, but the taste of this still hot and liquid creamy cheese reaching my mouth, indispensable.

An other adventure on the private food tour was the visit of the biscuit manufacture Tumminiello.

Italian have a typical way to make breakfast, a coffee and some biscotti! This is how I grew up.

Tumminiello uses all local ingredients, less sugar and aromatize mostly of their biscuits with Sicilian products oranges or lemons. Find all of their selection here.

A funny fact about Castelbuono you should know

The village is the only one in the world that uses a very unique way to clean-up their waste. It’s a Zero Waste project by the help of donkeys! They have managed to develop an innovative system to marry sustainability, social work and economics. A traditional donkey-breed from Sicily called Ragusa collects waste in narrow streets!A funny fact about Castelbuono

In the mood for a cost trip – Choose Cefalù

Cefalù is notable for beautiful sunsets and unpretentious charming restaurants located in beautiful alleys. One of Cefalù’s magnets for tourists is the duomo. An imposing two-towered Norman cathedral. This building mighty dominates the historical centre. The piazza with restaurants and coffee’s invites to have a stop and enjoy the vibes of the city. Find plenty artisan shops, too around the village to buy your favorite souvenir.

In the mood to read about my travels and get inspired? Find more stories here!