My Relationship with JDB Fine Hotels

Every year I have the privilege of attending the JDB seminar.  Who is JDB you ask?  JDB Fine hotels and resorts is my supplier for Italy!  I have been using this supplier for more than 15 years now and never have I had a disappointed client!  When I send my clients to Italy and use JDB they are catered to!  Judith Baer created this company about 33 years ago and stands by every hotel she represents.  Each year she brings the managers of these fine hotels to the US so that her agents, me, can personally meet everyone one of the managers and establish a working relationship with them. 

The benefits of booking with JDB!  Let me explain this little scenario:  As I was talking with one of the managers I explained how I wanted to book a family at his resort in Tuscany.  Both of us know that the internet can be your friend or enemy!  It is ok to do some research on the web but leave the booking to us agents!  HE reinforced my feelings about the internet.  When he gets a booking from the internet, and also one from JDB, understand that he is going to give the better room to the agent’s client that has booked his/her client through JDB! Enough said?  Also understand that my client will be treated with the utmost care and attention. 

Understand another fact:  Many of your friends that have been to Italy think they are the travel agent and can do a fantastic job planning your trip.  I don’t think so!  They do not have access to the best guides, restaurant suggestion etc.  Going to Italy once does not make a travel agent! Don’t be alarmed if your agent charges you a consultation/booking fee.  It is a small price to pay for their expertise and knowledge when putting together your dream vacation.

 I have been attending  these JDB seminars for more than 15 years and I cannot tell you how much I look forward to them.  I also enjoy Judy’s presentations each year.  She definitely is an inspiration. 

You can always count on Gourmet Getaways using the hotels that JDB represents.  I always have and always will.

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The Best Balsamic Vinegar

A few weeks ago a dear friend of mine gave me a gourmet gift.  She told me it was ‘delicious’ and that she just loved her little bottle of balsamic vinegar.  Of cousrse, I thanked her very much for thinking of me.

I do love salads and every day, well almost everyday, at lunch I make myself a great salad with fresh fruit, dried fruit, spinach leaves and whatever I find in the refrigerator.  This one day I decided to use some of this balsamic vinegar made with Sicilian lemons.  Needless to say, this vinegar is a product from Modena, Italy which is where all THE BEST balsamic vinegar comes from!

Well am I in love with this vinegar?  Oh indeed!  I could drink it.  As soon as I finish this bottle I am going on line to order more to fulfill my craving for the best balsamic vinegar.

It is imported by Gustare, so if you want to order some for yourself, or some of their other products, I have provided their link.  Go ahead and treat yourslef.  You will not be disappointed!

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A Good Pizza in Maplewood NJ

Finding a good pizza in the states is very difficult especially after having pizza in Italy.  My standards are high and I am always comparing what I have had in Italy.

One snowy Saturday I decided to drag my husband with me to Arturo’s in Maplewood NJ.  I wanted to try this little osteria for myself so off we went!  Upon entering I quickly surveyed the specials but had my heart set on eating pizza.

We sat down at the table and the waiter told us that the owner has spent a lot of time in Italy learning the art of pizza making in Naples and has traveled throughout Italy.  Piedmont is his favorite region.

We studied the menu.  First I ordered a salad topped with gorganzola cheese and dressed with a light vinegar dressing.  I think the salad greens were picked that morning.

  My husband decided that we would select two individual pizzas.  My husband chose the pizza with sausage and mushroom pizza drizzled with truffle oil.  Mine, of course, was a margherita pizza.

We were pleasantly surpised when we took our first bites.  The crust was thin and slightly charred on the bottom.  As it should be!  The toppings were delicious and as he bit into his pie he could smell the truffle oil.  Oh sooo good!

I could just about finish my pie so I took the rest home!

However, as soon a I got in the door, guess what I did?  I finished the two remaining pieces and loved every bite!

I will definitely go back and try another version.  I encourage you to do the same.  Well worth the trip.

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