Food and Drink
Michelin dining in the Dolomites
The Relais & Châteaux Hotel Castel Fragsburg is celebrating their much anticipated first Michelin Star, just published in the 2010 Michelin Guide. Since his arrival in 2007, Chef Luis Haller has dazzled diners with his culinary virtuoso performances ? resulting in a marked increase of gastronomic visitors to the smallest luxury hotel in the Dolomites.
Thinking of a holiday in Spain? ‘Finca’ Andalucía!
The Spanish use olive oil as a standard accompaniment to most meals, so why not stay in a wonderfully restored 200 year old olive mill in Andalucía for a chance to experience some of Spain’s most exquisite food.
Grown up skiing holidays in France
If you don’t have young children, and have no desire to be surrounded by other people’s children on your skiing holiday, Boutique chalet specialists The Alpine Club have ear marked a number of Adult Only weeks exclusively for fine dining and good company.
An alternative New Year on the Isle of Man
Why not do something different for New Year’s Eve this year and see in 2010 with a visit to the Isle of Man, one of the best kept secrets of the Irish Sea. The Isle of Man offers the perfect alternative to the usual New Year antics.
Drinkable installation to open in London this month
The Emperor’s Shrub has been chosen as the punch that fills the Courvoisier Architectural Punch Bowl, a drinkable installation so large you can boat across it. Alex James will be among the first to toast this incredible feat of engineering and raise the first glass of this bespoke Courvoisier punch.
Make way for eager explorers
Could the all inclusive era soon be over with Brits now going abroad to speak the lingo, sample the delicacies and see the sights? Contrary to the British tourist abroad stereotype of sun, sea and sangria, it seems we are a nation of explorers.
Take a gourmet tour of Japan
Specialist tour operator Japan Journeys is celebrating the news that Tokyo has leaped ahead of Paris as the city with the most Michelin-starred restaurants, by running its first ever Gourmet Tour of Japan in May 2010. Japan Journeys is the first tour operator to offer a specialist gastronomic tour of Japan.
Stock up on festive fizz at Reims Christmas Market
Stock up on some festive fizz during a last minute wine-tasting weekend to Reims Christmas Market with specialist operator Grape Escapes.
Bristol shoppers treated to a taste of Cornwall
Tourism Newquay teamed up with VisitCornwall and Air Southwest to tempt visitors to Cornwall this winter as they launched the first Taste of Cornwall Roadshow on 24 November in Bristol. Taking advantage of the festive crowds, Tourism Newquay and VisitCornwall set up a demonstration kitchen in Bristol’s Cabot Circus to give stressed out shoppers a break from present buying with a taste of Cornwall.
Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester introduces ‘The Twelve Gifts of Christmas’
Treat yourself this Christmas by booking a table at Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester and you will have the chance to win one of the decadent gifts being given away in ‘The Twelve Gifts of Christmas’ competition.
New cookery school opens in South Devon
A new, ultra-modern cookery school on the edge of Dartmoor, South Devon, has opened its doors this autumn. The Ashburton Cookery School boasts newly built, custom-designed premises, with three new state-of-the art teaching kitchens equipped with the latest Siemens appliances.
White sparkling nights at Four Seasons Hotel Prague
Four Seasons Hotel Prague invites guests to join in the magic this festive season with a series of special dinners and parties for all ages – from a sparkling Velvet Eve New Year’s Party and a Teddy Bear Tea Party for children to fine dining at Allegro restaurant. In addition to special menus, buffets and afternoon tea, the hotel offers a whole range of festive indulgent delights from roasted chestnuts, Giandua hot chocolate, mulled wine and home made nougat served in the lobby from 24 through 26 December 2009.
Malta's Phoenicia Hotel selected for prestigious hotel guide
The luxury five-star Phoenicia Hotel in Malta is now part of the prestigious 2010 Condé Nast Johansens Recommended Hotels & Spas Europe and Mediterranean Guide.
New budget Champagne tours that won’t break the bank
Break out the bubbly – specialist operator Grape Escapes has uncorked a new budget range of Champagne tours for 2010 for cash conscious wine lovers. The new packages offer a flexible and affordable introduction to the Champagne region and its celebrated wines from just £184 per person.
Kashmiri cuisine on the menu at Le Méridien Al Aqah
Le Méridien Al Aqah’s Indian restaurant, Swaad, will offer a selection of traditional Kashmiri dishes during December, while Taste Thai Restaurant will sizzle with a delicious variety of Sizzling Platters.