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!



 

 

Wanda's Wine Whirl: Grooner Grüner Veltliner

The carefree days of summer are the perfect time to get out of a wine rut and just have fun experimenting with new varietals. Forget being a wine snob - you don't have to spend a fortune for a delicious wine with personality. For a sassy sip that is incredibly food friendly and only $12 a bottle, give Grooner Grüner Veltliner a whirl.

Fruit forward with balanced acidity, Grooner shines with frisky notes of crisp green apple and vibrant citrus. This incredibly versatile white wine takes the confusion out of food pairing - you can pair Grooner with virtually everything from oysters on the half-shell to spicy bbq. If you enjoy Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio, Grooner will tickle your fancy.

The delicious brainchild of Vienna-native Monika Caha and New Yorker Toni Silver (she's the "Grooner Girl" on the label), Grooner is a partnership with Austrian winemaker Meinhard Forstreiter - his family has been making wine since 1868. Fun and affordable, Grooner is also a well-crafted artisanal wine made from hand-harvested grapes using sustainable agriculture. This wine is a winner!

The terrific trio behind Grooner - Monika Caha, Meinhard Forstreiter, and Toni Silver. They look like such a fun group - I'd love to share a glass with them!

 

Wanderlust Wish List: Dreaming of Trentino

Do you dream of the hiking the Dolomites or lounging by Lake Garda with a glass of vino? A journey to Trentino will make those fantasies a reality. An autonomous province in Northern Italy, Trentino offers a wide variety of activities for lovers of the outdoors and connoisseurs of fine food & wine. Whether you want to swoosh down the slopes or escape with a spa treatment, Trentino has what you're looking for!

Have you tried Trentodoc sparkling wines? These beautiful bubblies were the first (after Champagne), to receive the prestigious D.O.C. acknowledgement for their metodo classico sparkling wine production. The Trentodoc trademark was established in 2007 and groups together 39 of the region's sparkling wine producers. In Trento (the capital), you can taste the various Trentodoc brands in the 16th century halls of Palazzo Roccabruna - home of the Enoteca Provinciale of Trentino.



A borderland since the times of the Roman Empire, Trentino is also castle country. Under Trento’s powerful prince-bishops, Gothic castles were often revamped in graceful Renaissance style and the region also has many Austro-Hungarian forts on mountain ridges. You can add a regal flair to your vacation by visiting one of Trentino's many castles that have been converted into museums, wine estates, restaurants, and settings for concerts and historical re-enactments. 

 

Combining beautiful music with stunning scenery provided by Mother Nature, The Sounds of the Dolomites (June 29 - August 30) is Trentino's most prestigious summer festival. A magnificent series of open-air concerts staged in the natural amphitheatre of the Alps, the festival showcases Trentino’s musical calling and Alpine heritage with eclectic concerts performed on grassy banks beside a spectacular lake, inn or peak. Fun fact: Stradivarius selected the choicest spruce from the forests of Trentino for his legendary violins.

Are you also intrigued by Trentino? To learn more about this very unique region of Italy and to plan your getaway, explore the Visit Trentino website.

images courtesy Visit Trentino

Gotta Have It: New Travel Essentials from SHOLDIT and Pür Minerals

Isn't every jetsetter's goal to pack less without sacrificing style and function? I'm always on the lookout for nifty new items that make traveling more streamlined. Here are my latest fabulous finds!


SHOLDIT Clutch Wrap Purse
$49-$79
At first glance, the SHOLDIT may resemble any other stylish infinity scarf and therein lies the brilliance of this must-have accessory. Beautifully combining fashion and function, the SHOLDIT has a hidden zipper pocket that frees you up from toting a purse. The discreet pocket is roomy enough to securely hold several valuables so that you can keep your passport, mobile phone, boarding pass, cash, and even your favorite lipstick near and dear. You can also wear the SHOLDIT in various ways; from headwrap to crossbody AND it also can transform into a clutch purse. The SHOLDIT is great for travel and anytime that you don't feel like schlepping a bulky purse. Available in a variety of colors and patterns.


Pür Minerals CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 40
$38
I think the TSA is responsible for a certain amount of premature aging by forcing travelers to decide which beauty products to cram into the tiny confines of a Ziploc bag - inevitably some coveted lotion or potion must get left behind. One product that will definitely make the next trip with me is Pür Minerals CC Cream with SPF 40. I've done quite a bit of experimentation with BB creams but, after the initial infatuation wore off, I started to feel that most of them were just tinted moisturizers with a new name and a higher price. CC creams truly take it to the next level by helping to correct skin problems. I was sent a sample of Pür Minerals CC Cream and I'm very impressed.

The formula is silicone-free, has a natural matte finish, and just a little dollop provides great coverage. Incorporating clinically advanced plant-based ingredients, this one little tube moisturizes, brightens, primes, conceals, and protects. Pür Minerals CC Cream balances skin tone and works to erase pesky brown spots, blemishes, and fine lines. Wear it alone or under foundation or powder for fuller coverage. Available in 4 shades from light to dark.

Yours truly wearing Pür Minerals CC Cream in Dark.

Gorgeous Gardens & Wonderful Wine Trails: Great New Guides to Italy

Italy provides endless inspiration for armchair travelers and jetsetters alike. And, let's not forget the writers who fuel our wanderlust with their odes to Italia's many charms. Lest you think that every possible angle has been exhausted, The Best Gardens in Italy: A Traveller's Guide and The Wine Trails of Italy (Michelin), are two essential additions to your collection.


Stop to smell the roses of Lazio, the tulips of Piedmont, and more of Italy's flora by flipping through the glossy pages of The Best Gardens in Italy: A Traveller's Guide ($40). No, this impressive coffee table book isn't a scratch and sniff, but the color photographs by Primrose Bell are so vivid that you may start to feel that you're actually in Italy. Written by historian and biographer Kirsty McLeod, this 256 page beauty showcases more than 100 of Italy's gardens from Genoa and Sicily, from the Renaissance to the present. Best of all, every garden featured is open to the public. Although The Best Gardens in Italy is a bit bulky to actually tote on your trip to Italy, it is certainly a wonderful resource for planning your garden getaway. And, it makes a great gift for the Italophiles in your life!

  Barolo, Amarone, Montepulciano - no trip to Italy would be complete without savoring the country's stellar portfolio of wines. Let the travel experts from Michelin assist you in your vino quest with their new guide Wine Trails of Italy ($21.99). This compact guide flows with useful information and includes listings of vineyards and wineries, colorful maps, suggested Michelin driving tours for wine routes, and suggestions on where to eat and stay.

Vineyards in the countryside around Imola

Wanda's Wine Whirl: Queulat Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir

Viña Ventisquero’s vineyards in Chile's Casablanca Valley

So many wines, so little time. I make it a priority to take my tastebuds on a journey even when I can't hop a plane to my dream destination. I recently "traveled" to Chile, courtesy of Queulat wines from Viña Ventisquero. Their head winemaker, Felipe Tosso, was recognized as Chile's best so I knew that I was in for a treat. Wondering about the name? Queulat is southern Chile's most spectacular hanging glacier, a natural wonder that is described as both imposing and elegant.

Queulat Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2012 ($17.99)
Sauvignon Blanc is one of my favorite varietals - I just adore the vibrancy of this grassy scented wine. A very satisfying sip for these warm summer days, Queulat balances out Sauvignon Blanc's signature grassiness with flirty citrus notes of lime & grapefruit and a nice mineral backbone. A medium-bodied white wine, Queulat 100% Sauvignon Blanc has a great mouthfeel. Sip it alone as an aperitif or pair it with your favorite summer salads and seafood.

Queulat Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2011 ($17.99)
Queulat's 100% Pinot Noir beauty tantalizes the palate with notes of dark cherry and fresh strawberries that are balanced with a subtle earthiness, whisper of spice, and gentle tannins. A great match with salmon, roasted chicken, and spicy Asian cuisine, Queulat Pinot Noir is a versatile wine with pizazz.


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Wanderlust Wish List: Hotel de Paris Saint-Tropez

Who says advertising doesn't work? Thanks to those ubiquitous Bain de Soleil suntan oil ads from the early 80's, I have long been enchanted by the thought of frolicking in Saint-Tropez. While yours truly doesn't need any help in the tanning department, I would certainly love to experience this fabled playground of well-heeled sun seekers in the South of France. If Saint-Tropez is also on your travel wish list, consider a stay at the Hotel de Paris Saint-Tropez.




  Hotel de Paris was a très popular Saint-Tropez destination in the 1960's for celebrities and this five-star property just re-opened in February 2013. Only 90 minutes from Nice International Airport (of course, you could also arrive by yacht) and a 2 minute walk from Saint-Tropez's famous port; Hotel de Paris has 52 rooms, 38 suites, a restaurant orchestrated by 3 Michelin star Chef Georges Blanc, and a rooftop terrace with a clear-bottom pool suspended 15 meters above the atrium. The elegantly colorful schemes of the guest rooms were inspired by the 60's and 70's. Sounds pretty swanky, oui?




If you book a stay at Hotel de Paris for the months of September and October 2013, the added incentives include a $60 voucher for the hotel's Spa Clarins, breakfast buffet, complimentary parking, and more. The offer is valid for stays Sept.1 - Oct. 31 (except Sept. 28 - Oct. 5). For more information, visit the Hotel de Paris Saint-Tropez website.

Summer Sip Italian Style: Aperol Spritz

As the weather warms up, a time out with a refreshing cocktail is one of the highlights of the season. From classic quenchers to modern wonders of mixology, throughout the summer I'll showcase great drinks from around the globe. Let's get cocktail hour started with a signature sip from Italy - the Aperol Spritz.

If you've never tried an Aperol Spritz, I highly recommend this vibrant aperitif. The soul of the spritz is the classic Italian spirit Aperol  - a truly tasty and balanced infusion of sweet orange peel, hints of mandarin, orange, and an array of herbs and spices. The Aperol Spritz is the perfect alternative to drinks that are too sweet. And, Aperol has a much lower alcohol content than many other spirits - just 11%.

To create the spritz, simply mix 3 parts Prosecco, with 2 parts Aperol, and a splash of soda water. Serve over ice and garnish with an orange slice - before you can say la dolce vita, you'll have a fabulous tasting Aperol Spritz. And, the beautiful shade of orange calls to mind sultry summer sunsets.

For more information about Aperol and additional cocktail recipes, visit their website.

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.