The Black Dress Traveler

Welcome to the Black Dress Traveler! Destinations, Dresses, Drinks & More!

Wanda Mann Founder


Image: Missy Photography

 No matter where I travel, I always have at least one little black dress in my suitcase. More than a garment, the LBD is a reminder to live life with a dash of flair whether you are traveling to work or circling the globe. Travel is a state of mind and even our hometowns can elicit feelings of wonder and inspiration. Films, food, wine, books, fashion and music all have the power to transport us to new places. Try to have a little black dress approach to life no matter where you are or what you are wearing. Remember, adventure is always in fashion!



 

 

Sophisticated Sip: Ponzi Vineyards 2010 Pinot Noir

The new tasting room at Ponzi Vineyards

Are you looking to fill your glass with a sophisticated wine that is big on flavor and short on pretension? Then I submit Ponzi Vineyards 2010 Pinot Noir ($35) for your consideration. Founded in 1970 in the renowned Willamette Valley, Ponzi is female owned and one of the oldest wineries in Oregon.



Personally, I'm often underwhelmed or outright disappointed with Pinot Noir but Ponzi left me smiling and wanting to sip more - 2nd generation winemaker Luisa Ponzi does right by this tricky grape. A blend of LIVE sustainable fruit from several of Ponzi's vineyards, the 2010 Pinot Noir has beautiful bright notes of cherry, plum, and licorice with a mellow earthiness imparted by the 11 months it spent in French oak barrels. I sipped mine with a lunch of grilled lamb but this wine is very versatile and doesn't overpower food. And, forget what you've heard about red wine not pairing well with seafood - Ponzi Pinot Noir would be a great match. This light red wine is also ideal for those warm summer days when you are craving a red that isn't too heavy.


2nd generation winemaker Luisa Ponzi

If you're planning a wine trip to Oregon, Ponzi is not far from Portland and they will open a new modern tasting room in Sherwood on June 15th. Guests can enjoy the sensational views year-round on a wrap-around heated terrace and an amphitheater is the perfect setting for a vineyard-side picnic or game of Bocce ball during the summer months.

For more information, visit the Ponzi Vineyards website.

Quiet Paris: A Thoughtful Guide to Dodging Tourist Traps in the City of Lights

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 can also search the index by arrondissement. Quiet Paris is definitely a must-pack on your next trip to Paris. Just flipping through the book has inspired me to get back to Paris as soon as I can!

Siobhan Wall is a writer and artist and also the author of Quiet Amsterdam and Quiet London.

The Chic Taste of Le Luxe Rural: Languedoc Wines from Domaines Paul Mas

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 three Jean-Claude Mas began helping his father Paul and grandfather Raymond in the cellars of their estate. The family has been making wines since 1892 and Jean-Claude assumed the helm at Domaines Paul Mas in 2000 and his modern approach to winemaking has earned him many accolades - including being recognized as one of the Top 30 Winemakers of Tomorrow by France's esteemed L'Express Magazine and Winery of the Year by the UK's The Guardian. Jean-Claude's winemaking is influenced by his philosophy of Luxe Rural (Rural Luxury) and he is committed to crafting wonderful wines at affordable prices that stimulate the senses and emotions.

If you're new to Domaines Paul Mas wines, I would like to recommend one white & one red to get you started. I am certain that once you start exploring their lovely and expressive Languedoc wines, you'll want to taste more and their affordability makes it easy to do so!


Paul Mas Estates Picpoul de Pinet 2011
$10.99


Picpoul - the name of this perky little grape just rolls off the tongue and the taste is just as vivacious. One of the oldest Languedoc grapes, Picpoul has great appeal for modern palates. Expect vibrant citrus with notes of lemon and grapefruit balanced by a bit of minerality. This wine is a perfect pairing with oysters and other shellfish. This cool sip is perfect for the spring and summer season.

Domaines Paul Mas GSM 2011
$13.99


For a regal red that won't break the bank, give Paul Mas Estate GSM 2011 a try. A blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre, it satisfies the craving for a wine that is a bit more complex but still approachable. Expect notes of dark & lush berries with a hint of spice and a subtle earthiness. This would be perfect with grilled meats, BBQ and aged cheeses.



If you're planning a trip to Languedoc, make a visit to Château Paul Mas and dine at their restaurant Côté Mas. The restaurant showcases the cuisine of Chef Taichi Megurikami and, of course, all dishes are perfectly paired with Domaines Paul Mas wines. Originally from Japan, Chef Megurikami brings a modern approach to the cuisine of Languedoc. Côté Mas is the #1 rated restaurant in the area on Trip Advisor. 



For more information, visit the Domaines Paul Mas website and Facebook page.

Dreaming of Sunshine & Spa Pampering at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale

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 of lush desert on the north slope of Camelback Mountain overlooking Paradise Valley, Sanctuary features 105 casitas and seven private homes. It was voted the #1 resort in Arizona by Travel + Leisure Magazine and is also a AAA Four Diamond Resort. 


The first order of business on my dream trip to Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain would be a full afternoon of pampering at their 12,000 sq. ft. spa. The spa offers a menu of Asian–inspired services in twelve indoor & outdoor treatment rooms and also features a zen meditation garden, tranquil reflecting pond, and private Watsu pool.


I would end each day at Sanctuary with a delicious meal at their elements restaurant where Executive Chef Beau MacMillan (Food Network regular & Iron Chef America winner) showcases farm-fresh American cuisine with Asian accents. Of course, before returning to my luxurious room I would have a nightcap at their jade bar or edge bar.

Ahh, just writing about Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa made me feel less grouchy. I think it is time to check my schedule & airfares and head west! 

 

In the Bag: A Life Changing Tote and Two Captivating Books

 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 midst of grief. Court of the Myrtles ($11.99) focuses on two women who meet every Friday morning in a cemetery. One is grieving over the tragic and early death of her mother and the other is mourning the loss of her daughter. The older women guides the younger woman through the stages of grief and shows her that miracles do happen. Anyone who has experienced the loss of a love one will be touched by this beautifully written book that takes the reader on an emotional journey. I confess to shedding a few tears. The title, Court of the Myrtles, refers to the famous outdoor patio at the Alhambra in Spain.  

Americashire: A Field Guide to a Marriage

What could possibly go wrong when an American woman and her British husband decide to buy a 200-year old cottage in the Cotswolds? If you've ever fantasized about giving up city life for the bucolic pleasures of the British countryside, Jennifer Richardson's Americashire: A Field Guide to Marriage ($15.95) will show you that country life brings drama cloaked in corduroy and tweed. Part memoir and part travelogue, the book is interspersed with field guides to narrative-related Cotswold walks. The book also explores Jennifer's ambivalence about motherhood and dealing with illness. 

Cool, Coastal, and Muy Delicioso: Chilean White Wines from Concha y Toro

 
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 2000, I took my tastebuds on a trip to Chile's cool coastal areas with each sip of their charming Chardonnays and sassy Sauvignon Blancs. As the weather warms up, these wines are ideal sips for the season! Here are two that I highly recommend.

Casillero del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc 2012
$12


Very crisp and clean, this zesty Sauvignon Blanc has a subtle grassiness and lively notes of citrus and a refreshing acidity. It will pair brilliantly with oysters, ceviche, and sushi. 

Marques de Casa Concha Chardonnay 2011
$23


A light lemon-yellow the shade of sunshine, this 100% Chardonnay is medium-bodied and quite fruity with a subtle oakiness and mellow minerality. Wine Spectator awarded Marques de Casa Concha Chardonnay an outstanding 90 Points. If you've been staying away from Chardonnay, this could be the wine that wins you back. Pair this beauty with chicken, fish, and fresh cheeses. 

Mapuyampay Hostel Gastronómico and Cooking School

If you are planning a trip to Chile, Concha y Toro offers tours and tastings. And, for a truly unique food & wine experience, you can spend time with Chef Ruth in the kitchen at her Mapuyampay Hostel Gastronómico & Cooking School. Chef Ruth and her Chilean husband Vicente welcome 10-12 guests at a time to their spacious adobe-style home, just 2 hours south of Santiago, in the foothills of the Andes in the heart of Chile's wine region near Curico. 

Inspired by the World: K. Brunini Jewels

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 hillside towns of Mt. Etna, and Lanzarote in the Canaries and the archipelagos of La Maddalena, Istanbul, Jerusalem, New York, and La Jolla. K. Brunini Jewels are statement pieces with soul.









For pricing and more information, visit the K. Brunini Jewels website.

What a Ham! A Celebration of Prosciutto di Parma

“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 of food media and retailers for the 50th anniversary celebration of the Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma at Chef Michael White's Osteria Morini restaurant in NYC. Silky and luscious Prosciutto di Parma is not only delicious, it is truly a natural and minimally processed food - the only ingredients are pork legs and Sicilian sea salt. How many producers can honestly say that about their cured meats? The hams are salted by hand, held for 100 days in climate controlled refrigerators, and then rinsed and moved to airy rooms where these pampered hams cure in the dry breezes that waft through the region. Every leg of Prosciutto di Parma is aged for at least 400 days and up to 36 months. As Prosciutto di Parma ages, the flavor becomes less salty, more complex, and drier in texture. 


Prosciutto di Parma can be produced only in the gently rolling countryside surrounding the city of Parma, most notably in the area of Langhirano and only from three specially-selected pig breeds. Although Prosciutto di Parma has been produced the same way for thousands of years, the Consorzio was not founded until 1963 and today it represents 156 producers who supply 10 million of these coveted hams annually to markets all over the world. There may be many imitators on the market but every leg of authentic Prosciutto di Parma is branded with the regal Ducal Crown.


This melon cocktail with a Prosciutto di Parma rim was a very chic sip of salty & sweet.

Prosciutto di Parma is incredibly versatile - eat it alone, with fresh melon, in pasta dishes, and use it to add some wow to your desserts and cocktails. A great selection of recipes can be found on the Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma website. Don't feel like cooking? Well, if you can't make it to Italy, I highly recommend a visit to Osteria Morini - Chef White's menu features Prosciutto di Parma and delectable dishes from Italy's Emilia-Romagna region. 

Find the Fake: Is Your Olive Oil Really Made in Italy?

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 of good fats that the body needs. However, when buying olive oil, you can't just judge the bottle by the front label - the back label holds important information about the origins of the olives used to produce the oil.  Believe it or not, some manufacturers intentionally mislead consumers into believing that the oil within the bottle is 100% Italian when it actually contains a blend of olives from different countries. Blended oils are perfectly good (most of the time) but not if they are being misrepresented as 100% Italian. Many countries, including the USA, produce excellent olive oil, but many consumers veer towards Italian olive oil because it has a world-wide reputation for excellence. At my local supermarket, I often see large bottles of olive oil available for sale at ridiculously low prices. The bottles will have an Italian sounding name and a beautifully designed label but, lo and behold, turn the label over and you will often see that the oil is a blend -  some really brazen bottles may not have a single drop of juice from an Italian olive!

Guglielmi Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Puglia is the real deal!

I love trying oils from different countries but consumers have the right to know what they are buying.  Read your labels carefully and train your palate to identify bad oil - it will make it that much easier to identify high quality extra virgin Italian olive oil by taste. You can even try this little experiment at home: buy some bottles of authentic Italian extra virgin olive oil like Olio Guglielmi, Paladino, Redoro, and Trevi Il Frantoio and compare their flavor with one of the cheap blends. Believe me, your tastebuds will know the difference.

Dresses, Drinks, & Destinations: Daydreams of Provence

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 blend of Grenache (45%), Cinsault (40%) and Syrah (15%), Hecht & Bannier Cotes de Provence Rosé 2012 tantalizes with vivacious notes of lilac, clementine, and pink grapefruit with hints of raspberry and ripe currants. The fruit is artfully balanced with an elegant minerality and subtle herbal flavor that will pair perfectly with virtually all of your warm weather meals of seafood, grilled chicken, and salads.

Of course, in addition to a great wine, my picnic in Provence requires a fabulous dress. I'm loving this Floral Corset Style Dress ($79.95) from online retailer eShakti. Fitted at the bust with a flared full skirt, it is feminine without being too fussy. The canary yellow print is balanced out with the cream background - chic and perfect for the season!

To plan a trip to Provence, consider the luxury travel company Petite Peche & Co. In June of 2013, they are launching a seasonal B&B in Provence. Guests can choose between 6 and 12 night stays in their luxurious Bastide, breakfast daily, afternoon cocktails, full assistance with personal itineraries, and more. They can book you a cheese making class, wine tasting, sunset cruise along the Mediterranean, or a
Michelin-starred dining experience. You can also find useful information, at www.visitprovence.com.

Sophisticated Sip: Wines from Alto Adige

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 size of Napa Valley) and only accounts for 1% of Italy's wine production. But don't let Alto Adige's small size fool you - the region has a reputation for producing excellent wines from 20 different varietals and 98% of their wines have the prestigious DOC status. If wines from Alto Adige are new to you, here are two that I recommend to get you started. 

White: Viticoltori Alto Adige San Pietro Pinot Bianco 2012 ( about $15)
The perfect everyday white wine, Pinot Bianco is one of the most popular varietals in Alto Adige. Aged in stainless steel, this vibrant San Pietro Pinot Bianco delivers crisp and clean flavors of peach and apple without being too sweet - a supple taste of sunshine with a hint of minerality. San Pietro Pinot Bianco is an easy summer sip and a perfect match with seafood. Established 1984, Viticoltori Alto Adige is an umbrella organization comprised of six cooperative cellars.


Red: Tramin Lagrein 2011 (about $15)
One of the most important red varietals in Alto Adige, Lagrein is used to create light rosés, medium-bodied reds, and more full-bodied red wines. The 2011 Tramin Lagrein is a great introduction to this grape - it is a beautiful shade of ruby and entices with aromas of violets and blackberries -  it would pair perfectly with a juicy grilled steak!

Founded in 1889, Cantina Tramin is one of the oldest wine cooperatives in Alto Adige. If you visit Alto Adige, Tramin has a tasting room with views of the vineyards.


To learn more about the food, wines, and sights in Alto Adige, visit www.altoadigewinesusa.com.

Springtime in New York: Impressionism at the MET, Floral Frocks, Al Fresco Dining at Felice 83

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 in one visit but the Impressionism, Fashion, and Modernity exhibition is a must-see for lovers of art & fashion. Impressionism, Fashion, and Modernity presents a revealing look at the role of fashion in the works of the Impressionists and their contemporaries. The exhibition showcases eighty major figure paintings along with period costumes, accessories, fashion plates, photographs, and popular prints. Learn about the vital relationship between fashion and art during the pivotal years, from the mid-1860s to the mid-1880s, when Paris emerged as the style capital of the world.

Maggy London Pansy Print Fit and Flare Dress ($128)
A fun frock that evokes Monet's flowers is the perfect choice for a visit to the Impressionism, Fashion, and Modernity exhibition at the MET. Later on, you'll be a breath of fresh air wherever you go in the Big Apple.


Felice 83's extensive wine list includes wonderful selections from throughout Italy, including their vineyard in Tuscany. 

Felice 83's Tagliere Misto Di Formaggi E Salumi: Chef’s selection of imported cured meats & cheeses.

After a day at the MET, I recommend taking a 10 minute walk east to Felice 83  (1593 First Avenue at 83rd Street) for a delicious glass of Italian wine and a bite to eat. One of my favorite places, Felice is a casual restaurant with seriously good food. From handmade pastas to organic wines, the menu showcases the best of Tuscany. They currently serve dinner and weekend brunch, but weekday lunch service will begin on May 13th. The weather should be perfect by then for sitting on their outdoor terrace. Click here to read my full review of Felice 83.

Spend a Golden Week in Tuscany with Author Susan Van Allen

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 stems from her maternal grandparents, who emigrated from Southern Italy. She has been hooked on Italian travel ever since stepping off the train into Roma Termini in 1976 and has thoroughly explored Italy countless times. During the Golden Week in Tuscany, Susan will lead attendees on an inspiring adventure in the Tuscan countryside where you will celebrate the olive harvest, indulge your taste buds with delicious traditional food and wine, stroll through hilltop villages, view world famous masterpieces, shop for artisan treasures, and relax in natural thermal springs.

          The luxurious Il Borgo Villa Bossi-Pucci is just 30 minutes south of Florence.

Space is limited to 14 participants, and the price for the Golden Week in Tuscany is $3995 for one person in a private room with a private bath and $3595 for two people in a shared bedroom with a private bath. Airfare is not included but the Golden Week in Tuscany does include:
- Arrival and Departure transfers from Florence train station or airport
- 7 nights’ accommodations in a lovely, spacious Tuscan residence, Il Borgo Villa Bossi-Pucci, with living room, breakfast kitchen, terraces opening to spectacular valley views of olive groves, vineyards, and distant castles
- Arrival antipasti and wine reception
- Daily Traditional Breakfasts, delivered to your room in a basket
- 7 multi-course meals, including Tuscan wine
- 5 Excursions

Doesn't this sound like an amazing journey? For more details about the Golden Week in Tuscany, visit Susan Van Allen's website.

Worth the Sip: Give Australian Wines Another Go

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 recently and would happily drink again. To learn more about Australian wines, visit apluswines.com.

Hope Estate Shiraz 2011
$10
Shiraz remains one of my all-time favorite varietals. Don't let a few bad experiences with too-sweet and jammy Shiraz keep you away - when Shiraz is made right it is a thing of beauty and Hope Estate does it right. Hailing from Australia's acclaimed Hunter Valley wine region, Hope Estate Shiraz delivers peppery and spicy notes balanced by the rich flavors of berry and plum that are the hallmark of Shiraz.

Peter Lehmann Margaret Semillon 2005
$26
A white wine varietal that ages with grace, Semillon may be closely identified with Bordeaux but the grape also has a long history in Australia. Deep yellow, dry and fruit-driven, Peter Lehmann Margaret Semillon from the Barossa wine region is a fabulous choice when you want a different sip that delivers beautiful flavors - an elegant detour from the ubiquitous Chardonnay.

Mango Madness in St. Lucia at Jade Mountain Resort

"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 Mangos Before You Die."  The festival includes an interactive mango cooking class, a Mango Madness Cocktail Party, a tasting trip with Chef Allen to sample 10 varieties of St. Lucia mangos, the Night of the 1000 Mangos -  a 5-course exotic dinner at the Jade Mountain Club, and many more mango-centric events.


A Condé Nast Gold List winner, Jade Mountain Resort rises majestically above the 600 acre beach front resort of Anse Chastanet.  The property expands upon architect & owner Nick Troubetzkoy's philosophy of building in harmony with Caribbean nature.

To learn more about Jade Mountain Resort and the Mango Madness Festival, visit their website.

Create Your Own Cellar of Fabulous Vinos with Wines from Spain

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 more than 28 wine regions such as Rias Baixas, Ribera del Duero, and Priorat. Many of the wines that I tasted are not yet available in the U.S. but keep an eye out for them - and certainly give them a try on your next trip to Spain. Enric Vives was in New York City representing his family's Catalan winery Trossos del Priorat. Their 2009 Le Món red wine was truly special - a blend of 60% Grenache, 15% Carignane, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Syrah that has been aged for 12 months in French/American oak and 10 months in the bottle. Full bodied, smooth, and luscious dark berries with hints of spice and licorice.

And, I must say bravo to the team from La Rioja restaurant in Astoria, Queens for the delicious Spanish food they provided at the tasting - fabulous Tortilla Española, Bacalao Croquetas, Gazpacho, Jamón and many more tasty tapas. I can't wait to visit their restaurant.


To learn more about Spanish wines, take a few moments to browse the Wines from Spain website - it has great information on regions, gorgeous photos, and even an online shop.

Storyscapes: Bombay Sapphire House of Imagination at the Tribeca Film Festival

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, check out the BOMBAY SAPPHIRE House of Imagination: Storyscapes  from April 18-21.

Free and open the public, specialty BOMBAY SAPPHIRE cocktails and artisanal snacks will be served throughout Storyscapes - an all-new juried section at this year’s Festival, which honors transmedia and interactive innovation across genres. The launch of this collaborative installation encourages interactive public participation within the five Storyscapes selections. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to share personal accounts of Hurricane Sandy, engage with insomnia, or even create their own documentary with robots!I know, it may sound a little out there, but click here to read descriptions of the Storyscapes - they're pretty intriguing.

General Admission Hours:

4/18: 6pm - 10pm
4/19: 1pm - 6pm
4/20: 12pm - 5pm
4/21: 12pm - 5pm

Click here for the location of the Bombay Sapphire house of Imagination and to register. All visitors must be 21 or over. 

 

Style Big Shot André Leon Talley Celebrates the Little Black Dress

 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 15th, you can hear Talley discuss his book at FIAF (French Institute Alliance Française). His talk, Celebrating the Little Black Dress, begins at 7pm and books will be available for purchase and signing. Tickets are $25. Talley's talk is certain to entertain - he never holds back and his knowledge of fashion is encyclopedic. Not one to rest on his couture laurels, Talley recently left Vogue after 30 years to forge a fashionable new path as the editor-in-chief of Numéro Russia.

Bet Your Dining Dollars on the 4th Annual LUCKYRICE Festival in NYC

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 Ramen, Tokyo) and Saipin Chutima (Lotus of Siam, Las Vegas) at the old Bowery Station in downtown Manhattan. The LUCKYRICE Culinary Council is a veritable dream team of chefs and includes José Andrés, Daniel Boulud, Anthony Bourdain, Floyd Cardoz, David Chang, Susur Lee, Anita Lo, Masaharu Morimoto, Eric Ripert, Marcus Samuelsson, and Jean-Georges Vongerichten. 




In honor of 2013 as the Year of the Snake, all LUCKYRICE events will feature the signature Bombay Sapphire East 'Snake in the Glass Cocktail.
1.5 oz. Bombay Sapphire EAST
1/2 oz. Lemongrass Infused Snake Shochu
3/4 oz. Cinnamon infused Martini Rosso
3/4 oz. Fresh Mandarin Juice
Pinch of Mandarin spiced tea - sprinkle over lit match or flame to toast onto cocktail.
Lemongrass Stalk Garnish
Shake and serve on the rocks. (Rocks Glass)

LUCKYRICE VIP Festival Passes are $400 but many events are available a la carte for $88 (did you know 8 is considered a lucky number in many Asian cultures?)  Click here for more information on how to eat, drink and get lucky at LUCKYRICE. 

Take Me Away: Castello del Nero in Tuscany

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 intimate and elegant wedding ceremony.


Castello del Nero has 50 luxury rooms, including 18 suites. Some of the rooms' unique features include historic frescoes, slanted wooden beam ceilings, and marble & mosaic bathrooms.


To pamper yourself in style, you can book a treatment at Castello del Nero's 10,000 sq. ft. ESPA spa - the largest in Italy. Many of the signature treatments incorporate local natural ingredients such as olive oil and rosemary.


Castello del Nero has some special deals for travelers - stay at least 3 nights and you'll get one night for free. This offer is valid until May 31, 2013 on breakfast inclusive rates.

To learn more about planning your Tuscan getaway, visit the Castello del Nero website.