Travel Tips for Italy

Here are some travel tips that I always pass on to my clients.

• Make 2 copies of your passport – take one with you and leave the other copy home with a family member.
• I suggest everyone get a visa debit card – if you do not have please apply for one as soon as possible. Alert your bank that you will be using your visa debit card in Italy. Otherwise your account may be frozen and you will not be able to access euros.
• Use the visa debit card to obtain euors while in Italy.
• When making purchases use your credit card
• Make two copies (both front and back) of your credit card and visa card. Bring one copy with you and leave the other copy home with a family member.
• Expect cool mornings and evenings so be prepared to layer your clothing.
• Always bring an umbrella. I cannot guarantee sunny weather.
• Wear or bring comfortable shoes since we will be doing a lot of walking.
• You may wish to buy ear plugs to use during the flight to Italy.
• You may wish to go to your bank to obtain a few euros before you leave.
• Travel insurance is highly recommended. Purchase Travel Guard here.
• Verify your medical insurance coverage before you leave the states.
• Leave copies of your itinerary and copies of your passport with responsible individuals at home.
• Access the State Department website for current information concerning your proposed travel locations.

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A Brief Stay in Puerto Rico

A little stressed out?  What do you do?  You go to Puerto Rico!  My daughter decided she needed a break and left me an email that read:  Wanna go? with the web link of El Conquistador, which is owned by  Waldorf Astoria and Hilton.  So we searched for flights and in less than a week we were sitting by the pool.

Between the sun, palm trees, a little breeze, and a cocktail it was easy to relax. It sure felt good!  Our time there was brief but we managed to do a lot:  Toured and hiked the Rain Forest ( well worth it), took the ferry to the beach, and booked the spa!

The rain forest was quite interesting and our guide was very informative.  The hike was about 2.5 miles so put on your hiking shoes if you plan to go!  The bus departed at 9am and we did not return until 2pm.  So I had my exercise for the day!

The next day we decided to take the ferry to the private beach.  What a location!  It comes equiped with a restaurant/bar, water sports, beach chairs and more.  Just bring your sunblock!

After relaxing in the sun we took the ferry ride back to the hotel and hiked to the spa for our treatments.  What to treat yourself on vacation?  Book a spa treatment at the Golden Door Spa.  After 80 minutes later we were refreshed and ready for the evening!

We both enjoyed our stay at this hotel of over 700 rooms.  We would be concerned if the entire complex would have been filled to capacity which it can be during certain weeks of the year.  Great place for families.

We definitely would go back to Puerto Rico again but stay in another hotel to get the chance to experience another part of the island.  Puerto Rico is a great 3.5 hour flight and a lush and green island. This island has so much to offer and some wonderful hotels.  Oh and let us not forget the golf courses!

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A Fabulous meal at La Estacion in Puerto Rico.

While taking a short break this March my daughter, Elana, and I headed to Puerto Rico.  We stayed at El Conquistodor (more about that in another post) and decided to venture off the grounds and go to a fabulous small restaurant not far from the entrance to the hotel grounds.

La Estacion is owned and operated by Kevin Roth, a Culinary Institute of America graduate and his wife.  Both have many years experience in the restaurant business.  After many years in NYC and vacationing in Puerto Rico they decided to move to Puerto Rico and open La Estacion.  This restaurant bar was once a gas station hence the name La Estacion.  The chef uses only the freshest and local  ingredients.  The menu may change a bit according to the season.

We took a chance and hired a taxi to take us to this restaurant.  It was crowded and they told us it would be a 2 hour wait.  That did not discourage us at all.  We sat at the bar and had a drink to pass the time.

We had the Jumbo Shrimp Pinchos and the Grilled Red Snapper which was enough for three people.

The food was so good we decided to go again the next night and again we had to wait a bit but who cares.  We were on vacation!  We sat at the bar and ordered each a Fajardo Sunrise (Tequila, Passoa (local passion fruit liquor), passion fruit juice and guava juice).

 

Before long we were seated and we decided to go local this time as both taxi drivers suggested we order Mofongo.  Elana had the mahi-mahi with shrimp and I ordered the BBQ chicken.  Mofongo is a garlic mashed plantains.  Of couse this evening we had a wonderful bananna dessert with ice cream.

We went back to the hotel full and happy!

If you happen to stay at El Conquistor Hotel I do highly recommend you dine at this unusual restaurant.  You will not be disappointed at all.

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A Favorite Restaurant in Rome – L’Asino D’Oro

Whenever I go to Italy I always like to try new restaurants.  This fall when Gourmet Getaways brought 15 eager travelers to Italy I knew had to try some new restaurants when we arrived in Rome.  Br. Paul Diveny, from Delbarton School, and I knew that we would have some followers for dinner one evening.  I had been doing a lot of research before leaving the states and knew that I wanted to try L’Asino d’ Oro.

There were six of us that evening.  Since we were staying at the Palazzo Manfredi it was not a difficult walk from the hotel but I would suggest you take a cab.

Lucio Sforza, the chef, is originally from Orvieto so his cuisine is Umbrian.  He is very adventurous in mixing his ingredients.  His creations are over the top.  There was so much to choose from that it was very difficult to make a decision.  We all decided that we were going to order as many different dishes as we could and none of us were disappointed!

He has an extensive wine list that will not break the bank.  Everyone had an appetizer and main dish.  Of course we were very thrilled with the entire meal, including desserts.

If you are going with a small group I suggest you make a reservation.  Go a little early as the locals will fill up the restaurant later in the evening.

As we were leaving the restaurant I noticed the jar of biscotti.  The manager offered me two which I gladly took.  I  never refuse biscotti.  They were delicious and I wish I could have had more!  Crunchy and full of flavor!

I highly recommend this restaurant.  When I return to Rome I will definitely go back here!  Go with an appetite and be daring in your selection.  You will not be disappointed.

L’Asino d’Oro on Via del  Boschetto – go there on your next visit.  Maybe I will see you there!

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Take yourself to Salumeria Rosi in NYC!

A few weeks ago I ventured into the city for my hair appointment, of course.  Afterwards I met my daughter and we took a cab to Salumeria Rosi on Amsterdam Ave. 

We were lucky and we were seated outside.  We both ordered cocktails to celebrate the beautiful weather in hopes that it would continue for the rest of the summer.  Before long our order was before us.  I ordered a Porchetta Sandwich.  Delicious!  My daughter ordered a Poached egg served on top of creamy polenta. Bother were served with a small salad.  Of couse we were not leaving until we had dessert.  So we ordered a Semifreddo (translation – half cold) and  a plate of  Italian cookies.

See for yourself from the pictures.  You will not be disappointed.

And now for dessert!

So treat yourself.  Go to Salumeria Rosi located at 283 Amsterdam Ave.The chef, Cesare Casella did a wonderful job creating an appetizing menu !

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Cooking at Mamma Agata’s in Ravello!

One of the highlights of this past exclusive Gourmet Getaways tour was to go to Ravello and cook with Mamma Agata.

Our day began early as we had to depart from the Excelsior Victoria hotel in order to arrive in Ravello by 10am.  It was a beautiful day and the ride to Ravello was breathtaking.  Upon our arrival Chiara greeted everyone with a cheerful smile and encouraged us to sit on the terrace and have an Italian breakfast:  Mamma Agata’s famous lemon cake and a cappuccino.

Mamma’s house is built into the hillside of Ravello with beautiful views of the Amalfi Coast .  Pictures cannot due it justice!  One has to see this to believe this view!  I often wonder what it would be like to wake up to this view every day.  This family works hard to grow their own vegetables and  herbs.  They also have their own lemon trees .    The land is terraced so as to use every available space. 

After we had a chance to collect ourselves we went into Mamma’s kitchen and were eager to learn. Everyone was given an apron and folder with notepaper and pens so we could take copious notes. Mamma does not speak English so her daughter, Chiara, translates and together they make quite the team.   The first part of the lesson we concentrated on making eggplant parmesian and fresh tomato sauce.  I has to bake for one hour and then it must rest for about 45 minutes before eating!

Mid way we took a break and explored the working farm and took in the beautiful vistas.  Many of us just marveled at the amount of work that they have to do to  make this an ultimate cooking program. The family works together every step of the way and together they are quite the team.  Even Chiara’s children help during the season when another pair of hands are needed.

We returned thirty minutes later.  Mamma then teaches us to make two pasta dishes: one with capers, tomatoes and olives and the other is with sausage, red and yellow peppers and cherry tomatoes. Next comes Mamma’s famous lemon chicken. All the ingredients are grown on the farm.

After many glasses of wines, eating  rolled eggplant and tasting the tomato sauces we sit down to a fabulous meal.  The eggplant is so light and tasty, the pasta is outstanding the chicken so juicy and tender. 

 Of course for dessert there is the  lemon cake and no one resisted having seconds.  With all the lemon trees abundant with lemons Mamma makes her own limoncello.  I think it is the best on the Amalfi Coast and I have tasted several brands.  This a winner!  Hands down!

After our dinner Chiara tells everyone about the farm, how Mamma cooked for very famous people and still does and other bits of information.  She kept our attention for quite a while.

Now it is time for us to leave. All of us wanted to stay, but before we departed  we gather for a group picture and hope that the memories of this special day will linger for a long long time. Chiara and Mamma make you feel that you are part of their family. 

This cooking class is the ultimate.  You will not be disappointed one bit!  I cannot wait to go back and will definitely put together another tour.

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A Fabulous Jewelry Store in Orvieto!

While staying in Orvieto this October I asked my friend Velia DeAngelis (more about Velia later)  if she knew of a great jewelry store in Orvieto.  Si Si ( si means’yes’ in Italian)she replied that her friend Monica Coscioni has a beautiful shop in Orvieto.  And ‘si’, ‘ si’ ,  my daughter and I went the next morning.  You can only imagine what we accomplished there!

We easily navigated through the streets and arrived on time at 10am in the morning.  We rang the bell and Monica greeted us at the door and welcomed us into her studio/store.  Much of her creations, and I mean creations, were on display.  It is best to have her explain her creations and show you how they can be worn.  She is quite clever and her jewelry is beyond beautiful.  You can even watch her as she creates her jewelry as her studio is part of her store.

Everyone in Orvieto knows Monica!  Lovely and creative woman.  I now have a favorite jewelry store in Italy.

Spazio Manassei Gioielli is located on Via Adolfo Cozza 11/13 in Orvieto Italy.  Visit her website and view all her creations. Let me know what you think!

  She is hoping to open a store in Rome near the Spanish Steps before the holidays.  On my next tour to Italy, this spring, which by the way is sold out, I am going to bring the ladies there so they can see her beautiful creation.  They, I know, will want to purchase  a creation or two!  I know I will add to my collection.  I have already recieved many compliments!

If you go to visit Monica in Orvieto please tell her that I sent you!  You will not be disappointed !

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Hand Made Pasta at Grato in Morris Plains, NJ

This past Sunday my husband and I ventured out to a new restaurant.  I decided that we had to go to Grato in Morris Plains, NJ.  I wanted to go here because their pastas are made by hand except the for the whole wheat linguine. 

I ordered a fig, arugala salad and my husband ordered the tri color chopped salad topped with slices of apples. 

 We decided to try the hand made pasta and both dishes were perfectly presented and were delicious! He ordered the Nonna’s Spaghetti Special and I ordered the Goat Cheese Tortelloni in a light tomato cream sauce.

The atmosphere is rustic and very comfortable and the restaurant offers a very good wine list, with many wines form Italy,  and wine by the glass.

I would definitely go back and next time I would like to try their pizza.  I know that JohnandElana would give this place a thumbs up!

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Girl’s Night Out!

Girl’s Night Out at the Bernards Inn on April 7, 2010 was a huge success!  Katie Borghese presented her Casa di Francesca line of home fragrances.  In November 2008, Katie launched her new fragrance line on the Home Shopping Network. Casa di Francesca brings Old World European excellence to homes through an array of Italian-made diffuser fragrances.

I was there to present some of my travel tales throughout Italy and to inform everyone  about traveling with Gourmet Getaways on an exclusive tour. No one wants to tour with 30+people when you can really experience Italy with just 10 eager travelers with a sophisticated palate.

Susan Van Allen, author of the best selling 100 Places In Italy Every Woman Should Go, enlightened everyone about how she fell in love with Italy.  Her book is a book that everyone, that loves Italy, should have.  At the end of the presentation Susan was there to greet and sign her books.

Watch for future Gourmet Getaways events!

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