One of the challenges of visiting an iconic destination like Paris is that the large number of tourists flocking to the must-see sights can make the city feel overcrowded. Instead of just wandering around aimlessly looking for a quiet and off-the-beaten path to escape the crowds in the City of Lights, let Siobhan Wall's thoughtful little guide, Quiet Paris ($19.95) show you the way. A compact 144 pages, Quiet Paris features lively descriptions and lovely photos of more than 120 museums, galleries, shops, libraries, restaurants, parks & gardens, and much more. The book is organized by location type and you... Continue reading

4th Generation French Winemaker Jean-Claude Mas Getting behind the label and spending time with the winemaker always adds a new level of pleasure to each sip. Guided by Jean-Claude Mas, I recently had the chance to take my tastebuds on a delicious journey to the Languedoc region of Southern France. We may have been in Manhattan but his Domaines Paul Mas wines transported me to Mediterranean vineyards. A view of the vineyards and the ancestral home Château de Conas. This has been the Mas family home for more than 1,000 years. A fourth generation winemaker, at the tender age of... Continue reading

The temperature here in New York City is unusually cool for May and I confess to feeling creaky, cranky, and in desperate need of some sunshine and pampering. Last fall, I had an amazing trip to Phoenix and Scottsdale and I find myself craving that warm desert air. I did not have a chance to visit the highly acclaimed Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa during my trip but it sounds like the perfect escape for this weary woman. Waking up in this room with a view at Sanctuary would definitely improve my mood! Situated on 53 breathtaking acres... Continue reading

Whether I'm hopping the subway or flying across country, a great tote bag and engrossing reading material are essentials. Here are my fabulous finds! THE BAG Looking good and making a difference is easy breezy with this stylish tote from FEED. A collaboration with designer Rachel Roy, the purchase of each bag provides 100 school meals to children in India. The bags are 100% cotton and handmade by Indian artisans. $78 THE BOOKS Court of the Myrtles Author Lois Cahall draws from her own life experiences in this moving work of fiction about the enduring power of love in the... Continue reading

The Limarí Valley in Chile Chile has gained a stellar reputation for the excellent quality of their red wines, but don't ignore the whites! I recently had the pleasure of sampling several white wines from Concha y Toro - one of the world's three leading wine producers and South America's single largest exporter of fine wines. Chef Ruth Van Waerebeek is the Executive Chef for Concha y Toro. Born in Belgium, she has traveled the world cooking and teaching. In a tasting guided by the very charming and knowledgeable Chef Ruth Van Waerbeek, Executive Chef for Concha y Toro since... Continue reading

During a recent conversation with jewelry designer Katey Brunini about her stunning designs, she spoke not of carats and bling but of spirit animals, strength and searching. Katey has traveled the world from Italy to India searching for inspiration and self-awareness. Inspired by the earth, her travels, and the raw beauty of the natural world, K. Brunini Jewels are life affirming luxuries created from rose gold, opal, diamonds, gemstones, pearls, and other treasures. Here are a few of my favorite pieces from her Spring 2013 Twig Collection - a stunning array of wearable art that draws inspiration from the volcanic... Continue reading

“Prosciutto di Parma is really a unique product that speaks so much to the place it is from and contributes so much to the culinary richness of the Emilia-Romagna region. The idea that the same process is used to cure this product as they did 2000 years ago is pretty amazing. There is nothing in the world like Prosciutto di Parma and I am proud to have it on my menus and in my home.” Chef Michael White (Chef & Owner Altamarea Group and National Ambassador, Consorzio del Prosciutto del Parma) Last week, I joined an exuberant and ravenous group... Continue reading

Have you ever met a gorgeous guy in a perfectly tailored Italian suit with a dubious background? Well, fraudulent olive oil falls into that same too-good-to-be-true category. I recently attended a very informative olive oil tasting hosted by the Italian Trade Commission and UNAPROL (the largest Italian olive growers association) and learned some great tips on making sure that the extra virgin olive oil I purchase is truly made in Italy. More people are incorporating extra virgin olive oil into their meals - not only for the delicious taste but also for the health benefits - it is chock full... Continue reading

My daydream: moi enjoying a picnic in Hecht & Bannier's vineyard in Côtes de Provence. I was recently given a delicious bottle of Hecht & Bannier Cotes de Provence Rosé 2012 ($13) and before I even took a sip, I started to daydream. Just looking at the delicate and translucent pink wine shimmering in the bottle immediately swept me away to a picnic in a lavender scented field in Provence. Although, I enjoy Rosé throughout the year, I can't deny the special allure of a perfectly chilled glass of this wonderful wine on a beautiful spring or summer day. A... Continue reading

Lately, I've become aware of a very important truth - I could spend all of my wine drinking moments sipping only Italian wines and not cease to be amazed by their variety and quality. Last week the love affair continued when I took my tastebuds on a journey to the magnificently mountainous region of Alto Adige. Also known as Südtirol due to its bi-cultural Italian-Austrian heritage, Alto Adige is located in northern Italy and nestled between Austria and Switzerland. One of the oldest wine producing regions in Europe, Alto Adige is also one of of the smallest (about 1/3 the... Continue reading

Springtime makes me feel as carefree as these Three Dancing Maidens in the Conservatory Garden at Central Park. It is springtime in New York! Aren't you ready to come out of hibernation and enjoy everything that the Big Apple has to offer? Start the season off in style with a pretty Maggy London floral frock, an afternoon at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and delicious Tuscan food & wine at Felice 83. No trip to NYC is complete without a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. With so many treasures under one roof, it is impossible to see everything... Continue reading

Wouldn't you love to enjoy this beautiful view from Il Borgo Villa Bossi-Pucci with a glass of Tuscan wine? Susan Van Allen Have you daydreamed about indulging in la dolce vita in Tuscany with a group of women who share your interests in travel, food, wine and all things fabulous? Then you must consider signing up for a Golden Week in Tuscany (November 2-9, 2013). For women only, this Tuscan tour was designed by Susan Van Allen - author of 100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go and Letters from Italy: Confessions, Adventures and Advice. Susan's love for Italy... Continue reading

After taking a bit of a break, critics and consumers are starting to reignite their love affair with Australian wines. (Really, what worthwhile relationship hasn't gone through a time-out?) While some Aussie winemakers are absolutely guilty of flooding the market with gimmicky, jammy, sugary, high-alcohol fruit bombs, there are still plenty of fantastic wines from Down Under that are made with integrity. The next time you're at your local wine store, take a few moments to explore the offerings from Australia - you'll be impressed by the variety and quality. Here are two wines from Down Under that I tasted... Continue reading

"On St. Lucia, each mango offers a different flavor, texture and color. Each dictates its own culinary destination." Chef Allen Susser - author of The Great Mango Book and National Mango Board Spokesman Juicy, sweet, and simply irresistible, mangos always take your tastebuds on a trip to the tropics. Well, why not go right to the source in St. Lucia and indulge in some delicious mango madness at Jade Mountain Resort' s 6th Annual Mango Festival from June 7-11. Hosted by James Beard award-winning Chef Allen Susser, the Mango Madness Festival is also known as "1001 Things To Do With... Continue reading

Marmar Wines poured their delicious W2 Spanish Premium Wines from Castilla y León. Their white wine is a refreshing blend of 85% Sauvignon Blanc and 15% Verdejo. I've long been a fan of Spanish wines and I'm thrilled that the global spotlight is finally shining their way. From sparkling & crisp Cavas, tasty Tempranillos, and appealing Albariños, Spain offers an amazing variety of delicious wines at affordable prices. Earlier this week I attended the Spanish Wine Cellar event in NYC hosted by Wines from Spain and had the chance to mingle with 38 wine companies, representing over 115 wines from... Continue reading

This Exquisite Forest is one of the five Storyscapes featured at the Bombay Sapphire House of Imagination. The project allows people to create short animations in their web browser and build on the animations of others, creating a series of branching narrative trees that grow bigger as more people contribute. One of the most popular annual happenings in New York City is the Tribeca Film Festival. Founded in 2002, TFF is more than just a cinematic extravaganza - it is the catalyst for countless cool parties and events. If you're looking for something truly unique to do at the Festival,... Continue reading

An ode to the little black dress features prominently on the list of books that I plan to write one day but style guru André Leon Talley has beat me to the punch. A compilation of photos and essays, his Little Black Dress (Rizzoli, $50) tome traces the evolution of the LBD and shares insights from Talley and other writers, including Pulitzer Prize winners Maureen Dowd and Robin Givhan. Featured designers include Chanel, Yves St. Laurent, Ralph Lauren, Balenciaga, Proenza Schouler, and many more. Dolce and Gabbana image: Adam Kuehl If you are in New York City on Monday, April... Continue reading

image courtesy LUCKYRICE Save the date and rev up your appetites for the 4th Annual LUCKYRICE Festival in New York City. Presented by BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® EAST Gin and benefiting City Harvest, the Asian culinary festival returns to New York City from April 29 – May 5, 2013 before kicking off a national tour to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Miami. image courtesy LUCKYRICE LUCKYRICE festivities include the Night Market, Grand Feast, Cocktail Feast, and the new LUCKYRICE Parlor - a week of dinner parties helmed by chefs such as Danny Bowien (Mission Chinese Food, NY), Ivan Orkin (Ivan... Continue reading

If your travel fantasies include a 12th century Tuscan castle in the Chianti wine region, make those dreams a reality at Castello del Nero. Located on a 750 acre estate that produces wine and olive oil, Castello del Nero is just 30 minutes south of Florence, 30 minutes north of Siena, and walking distance from the shops and restaurants in the town of Tavarnelle Val di Pesa. And, if you are looking for a breathtaking site for a destination wedding, Castello del Nero even has a private chapel! The Castello del Nero hotel chapel, San Michele, is ideal for an... Continue reading

I must confess that I don't watch CNN too often, but I am one of those travel loving food fanatics who will tune in on April 14th at 9pm (ET) to check out their new show Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown. Few television personalities can spark wanderlust as strongly as Anthony Bourdain. I've been missing his old Travel Channel show No Reservations since it ended in 2012, so I'm hungry for his new one-hour lifestyle series on CNN. Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown will follow the chef, author, and raconteur as he travels across the globe to uncover non-touristy and off-the-beaten path... Continue reading

Viu Manent Winery in Chile's Colchagua Valley Like many of the places on my ever-growing list of dream destinations, Chile secured their status by winning over my taste buds. From Chardonnay to Carmenere, Chile produces an amazing variety of exceptional wines. I was thrilled to see one of my favorite Chilean winemakers, Viu Manent, featured in The New York Times travel section in the article Among the Vines in Chile,Villas and Views. From which vineyards to visit, where to stay, and what wines to sip, the article is a great start if you plan on taking a wine lover's trip... Continue reading

Credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Apparently, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt aren't content with being gorgeous, world-famous movie stars with impressive real estate holdings and a gaggle of beautiful kids, now they make wine too. I'll admit that I received the news with a bit of skepticism but I may have to reconsider after learning that the esteemed Wine Spectator rated their Miraval Côtes de Provence Rosé an outstanding 90 points out of 100 in a blind tasting. A blend of Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah red grapes with the white grape Rolle (aka Vermentino), Wine Spectator described Miraval Côtes de Provence Rosé... Continue reading

Console Generale Natalia Quintavalle and Dr. Aniello Musella Although I've never been to Italy, for the past few years the Italian Trade Commission has shown me la dolce vita. Led by Dr. Aniello Musella since 2005, the Italian Trade Commission office in New York does an excellent job of spreading the word about Italian cuisine, culture, fashion, and wine. Whenever I get an invitation to one of their functions, I do everything I can to be there. But last night's event at the Consulate General of Italy was a bittersweet one - it was a farewell party for Dr. Musella.... Continue reading

I've never been to Berlin but I've already picked out where I would like to stay: the Das Stue Hotel. Located in the former Danish embassy, Das Stue opened in December 2012 and is walking distance from shopping and right next to the famous Tiergarten and Europe's most visited zoo - the Berlin Zoo. Das Stue has 70 rooms & 10 suites and many offer views of the Tiergarten or the Berlin Zoo. This luxury boutique hotel also has a 2800 sq. ft. spa by Suzanne Kaufman. Das Stue's striking public spaces are the vision of Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola.... Continue reading