The Black Dress Traveler

Take Me Away: Divino Tuscany

Did your last trip to Tuscany include lunch at a private villa owned by Sting and Trudie Styler? Well, this seemingly far-fetched fantasy can become a reality if you book your trip to Divino Tuscany. Scheduled for May 17-20 in Florence, Divino Tuscany bills itself as a one-of-a-kind 4-day celebration of the very best in Tuscan wines, food, and culture.

Curated by James Suckling, former Senior Editor and European Bureau Chief of Wine Spectator and one of the world's most influential wine critics; Divino Tuscany will offer a distinctive program that highlights premium wines: wine tastings with Tuscany’s top winemakers, seminars and grand tastings special luncheons and dinners prepared by Michelin-starred chefs and entertainment organized by IMG Artists, one of the leading producers of cultural and lifestyle festivals. Participating winemakers include the amazing Marchesi Antinori, Frescobaldi, Mazzei, Ricasoli, Il Borro, Petrolo and Castello Banfi, and more.

Divino Tuscany Highlights:

• Festive welcome dinner to open the second edition of Divino Tuscany with the Italian premiere screening of James Suckling’s and James Orr’s film Heart and Soul of Cuba, recently shown to rave reviews at the Sonoma Film Festival, live music from Havana’s hottest pianist, Ernán López Nussa performing with his trio, and Grappa tasting with Cuban cigars
• Gala dinner at the opulent Palazzo Corsini on the banks of the Arno.
• Grand Tastings at the Grand Hotel Villa Cora poured by the winemakers and proprietors themselves.
• Saturday night dinners in the private Palazzi of the most well known Tuscan wine families.
• Join James Suckling as he escorts you through private tastings with winemakers he has personally invited for this intimate experience.
• Divino Tuscany will close with a relaxed country lunch at the private villa Il Palagio, courtesy of owners Sting and Trudie Styler.
  
  

Tickets: The Full Pass Package for Divino Tuscany is €1900 per person, including applicable VAT/IVA. (When I checked the exchange rate, that was about $2500 USD.)

Click here for more information about Divino Tuscany and to purchase tickets.

image of Florence courtesy of Alessandro Moggi.

Sophisticated Sip: Wine by CHANEL, Label by Lagerfeld

CHANEL fashions are the very definition of chic and their signature fragrances smell divine but what would a CHANEL beverage taste like? Well, if you guessed a fine French wine you would be correct! I was surprised to learn that CHANEL actually owns a winery - the Château Rauzan-Ségla. Located in the Margaux appellation, the winery was founded in 1661 by Pierre de Rauzan and acquired by CHANEL in 1994.

On its 350th Anniversary and to celebrate the exceptional quality of the 2009 vintage Château Rauzan-Ségla has announced a very special – one time only – collaboration with Karl Lagerfeld (Creative Director, CHANEL). To honor the anniversary and exceptional vintage, Lagerfeld has brought his iconic drawing style to the label with a rendering of the Château Rauzan-Ségla. This Grande Cru Classe Margaux will be available in March at fine wine merchants nationwide for $129 per bottle and can also be pre-ordered.

This wine definitely sounds worthy of pairing with a chic little black dress! Would you expect anything less from CHANEL?

A Royal Getaway: The Queen's Diamond Jubilee

Apart from my inappropriate crush on Prince Harry, I am not a huge Royal watcher but I do love some pomp & circumstance and nobody does that better than England. Did you know that 2012 marks 60 years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign? The Diamond Jubilee celebrations will center around an extended weekend in England from June 2–5, 2012 but there are plenty of activities happening throughout the year. If England is on your travel itinerary, here are a few Diamond Jubilee events you may want to check out. 

Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant 
Sunday, June 3
A procession of 1,000 boats will travel down the River Thames, from Battersea to Tower Bridge, flanking the Royal Barge which will transport the Queen. The procession, which will include vessels of all shapes and sizes from around the world is expected to be the biggest televised event ever to take place.

Sixty Photographs for Sixty Years - The Drawings Gallery, Windsor Castle
Opening on February 4. Open until January 2013.
An exhibition of 60 photographs of The Queen, including the work of leading press photographers of the past six decades, will go on display at Windsor Castle. The exhibition presents a portrait of The Queen’s reign as captured in fleeting moments on both official occasions and at relaxed family gatherings.

The Wild, the Beautiful and the Damned at Hampton Court Palace
April 5 –September 30, 2012
This royal-themed exhibition tells a story about the fascination of love, glamour, celebrity, lust and power and involves some of the key characters that lived, loved and died at Hampton Court Palace – Charles II, James II, William III & Queen Mary II and Queen Anne. This temporary exhibition will contain magnificent artworks to reveal the stories and scandals, and will include items from the Royal Collection and other public and private collections, many of which are not currently on display.

The World Comes to Windsor Castle
May 10, 11, 13
Held on the private grounds of Windsor Castle, the Diamond Jubilee Pageant will pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II’s 60-year reign in a performance that brings together over 500 horses and 800 international performers, dance, music, military and equestrian displays from around the world.

A Capital Celebration – London’s Exhibitions
In addition to the river pageant, London will be host to several exhibitions on the Royal Family and the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Showing at the V&A from February 8 – April 22, Cecil Beacon’s Royal Portraits will include 60 photographs depicting the Royal Family at home and on official occasions. A new permanent exhibition opening at Kensington Palace on March 26, Victoria Revealed, will look at the life and reign of Queen Victoria – England’s longest-reigning monarch - while Tower Bridge will be re-presenting the Crown Jewels exhibition for the Jubilee year, with new displays showing the jewels like never before.

For more information on the many Jubilee events in England, visit www.visitengland.com/jubilee.

 

Glam Giveaway: Lumene Skincare Travel Kit

Can't make it to the Sundance Film Festival? No worries, thanks to my friends at Lumene one lucky reader will experience a bit of the glamour. Leave a comment below for your chance to win the same travel size kit of luxurious Lumene skincare products that will be given to celebs who pop by the Lumene Rejuvenation Lounge at Sky Lodge during Sundance. Lumene skincare is made in Finland and harnesses the power of Arctic berries. 

The Lumene travel kit includes:
 - Radiant Touch Moisturizing Cream Cleanser with Arctic Cloudberry
- Radiant Touch Moisturizing Toner with Arctic Cloudberry
- Pure Radiance Day Cream SPF 15
- Firming Day Cream SPF 15
- Sensitive Touch Cleaning Wipes with Soothing Arctic Linen Seed
- Radiant Beauty Drops

To enter the giveaway, leave a comment below by 5:00 pm EST on Friday, January 27, 2012. One winner will be selected by random and notified via e-mail. The prize can only be shipped to addresses in the United States. Good luck! 

Chic & Tasty: Dinner at La Promenade des Anglais in NYC

Getting to know a restaurant is a form of courtship. A good first impression is vitally important but it takes more time to determine if your culinary crush has the potential to bloom into a full-fledged, committed, delicious love affair. After two visits to La Promenade des Anglais, I feel good about our future and that we will continue yummily ever after!






I have been a fan of Chef Alain Allegretti's upscale yet soulful cuisine for several years but his sexy new restaurant in NYC's Chelsea neighborhood is by far the best showcase of his talent and personality. A native of Nice, Allegretti honed his craft in France and New York and has worked alongside the legendary Alain Ducasse and other culinary icons.

In November I had a fantastic lunch at La Promenade des Anglais and looked forward to heading back for dinner to taste some additional dishes. In addition to the expanded menu, the evening ambiance is very vibrant and festive. Joined by a friend, we settled into our velvet cushioned booth and took our tastebuds on a trip to the Mediterranean.

Kale and Red Cabbage Salad
Duck Prosciutto, Pomegranate, Shaved Mushrooms & Cheese, Candied Walnuts
I ordered this salad at lunch and enjoyed it so much that I insisted we have it for dinner. The crispiness of the kale and cabbage, the crunchy sweetness of the walnuts and pomegranates contrast nicely with the savory duck prosciutto,mushrooms, and cheese. And, look at those gorgeous colors - everything is so fresh!

Prosciutto and Clam Croquettes
Espelette Chili Oil
Don't try to be dainty - skip the knife and fork and eat these perfectly fried croquettes with your hands. Take a bite and prepare for the crispy exterior to yield to a seductively creamy interior of very finely chopped littleneck clams, prosciutto, and bechamel.  Creamy, salty, and crispy - these croquettes are a trifecta of deliciousness.

Whipped Ricotta
Thyme, Honey, Grilled Country Bread
So simple yet so sublime - perfectly grilled high-quality bread waiting to be lavished with a blend of creamy ricotta, thyme and honey. As a native New Yorker, I have to say this would make a great schmear for a bagel! I might try to whip this spread up at home.


Provencale Fish Soup
Garlic Croutons, Gruyere, Classic Rouille
This soup is the dish that I most associate with Chef Allegretti and it is one of my favorites - I first tasted it years ago at one of his former restaurants. It may look simple but it is a perfect composition of saffron, garlic, and seafood that has been simmered to perfection. And, those garlic croutons with lush gruyere are meant to be placed in the bowl of soup to soak up all the rich flavors. This is comfort food at another level. I recently dined at another French restaurant and their fish soup was a major disappointment - Chef Allegretti's excellent version is my benchmark.

Arctic Char with Duck Fat Potatoes
Chef Allegretti is smart enough to know that a really good piece of fish does not need to be fussed with too much - just cooked perfectly and seasoned lightly. The skin on the Arctic Char was  crisp and the duck fat potatoes are a nice touch of decadence.


Pork Belly
Balsamic Glazed, Grilled Radicchio, Chestnut Polenta
Pork belly is popping up on menus everywhere and this is one of the best interpretations that I've tasted. The subtle sweetness of the balsamic glaze is the ideal contrast to the saltiness of the pork. And, the earthiness of the chestnut polenta tastes like winter. This appetizer is substantial enough to enjoy as an entree.

La Promenade des Anglais is located at 461 West 23rd Street in New York City. I highly recommend it for the sophisticated yet unpretentious food and lovely setting. Another plus - the restaurant is just steps away from the must-visit High Line park.

Take Me Away: $599 for 2 Round Trip Tix to Istanbul on Turkish Air

Years ago I was invited on a trip to Istanbul and had to decline because of a professional commitment - it remains one of my biggest travel regrets. Several of my friends have been to this magical city that borders Asia and Europe and have shared their tales of the delicious food, bustling bazaars, and stunning architecture. If Istanbul has also been on your wish list, this amazing offer from Turkish Airlines can't be beat.

Just in time for Valentine's Day, for $599 you can book 2 round-trip tickets on Turkish Airlines from Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, or Washington, DC. The two passengers must travel together and the tickets must be purchased by January 23, 2012. The special promotional fare is available for outbound travel between February 1-29, 2012. Fare includes all taxes. Seat capacity for this promotion is limited.

FYI, Turkish Airlines was voted the number one airline in Europe by SkyTrax - the world's largest airline review site.

For more details, visit the Turkish Airlines website.

Healthy Snack on the Go: Orchard Bar

I devote beaucoup space on my blog to rich food but I like to keep it healthy too. When traveling, it is so easy to fall into the trap of grabbing whatever greasy, sugary, and fatty snack is at hand. But, with a little planning, you can satisfy your hunger pangs and sweet tooth without loading up on empty calories.

I was just introduced to the Orchard Bar ($1.49-$1.99) and I am loving every bite. The juicy taste of the Orchard Bar is a nice alternative to dry granola. Vegan and gluten free, Orchard Bars are loaded with good-for-you fruit, nuts, and flax seeds. Low in sodium and high in Omega 3, Orchard Bars are available in 3 delicious varieties: Blueberry Pomegranate & Almond, Pineapple Coconut & Macadamia, and Strawberry Raspberry & Walnut. These bars are made in Washington State's orchard country by century old company Liberty Orchards. They really are delicious! Keep an Orchard Bar in your bag and you'll always have a great snack at hand.

Captain Coward: Thoughts on the Costa Concordia Cruise Tragedy

image: Max Rossi/Reuters

I've been waiting to weigh in on the recent Costa Concordia cruise tragedy. The footage of the sinking ship, the loss of life, and the startling stories of the survivors left me stunned, sad, and scared. Now, that I know more details, anger has been added to the mix. Not only was the disaster caused by Captain Francesco Schettino's reckless handling of the vessel but he then abandoned the ship, leaving the passengers to fend for themselves. Utter cowardice. 11 lives were lost and 22 people remain missing.

Yesterday, the transcript was released of the radio conversation between Schettino and the Italian Coast Guard and it is a jawdropper. Over and over, the Coast Guard port official orders Schettino to return to the ship and he makes every lame excuse in the book to avoid his responsibility. Click here to read the full transcript.

 Captain is not just a title. The job description goes beyond the mechanical function of steering the ship. To be a Captain is to have a solid moral compass, a strong code of ethics, and exemplary leadership qualities. When we we fly or sail, we put our trust in the Captain to follow the rules designed to keep us safe and to manage an accident with poise and strength. Based on the evidence presented so far, Schettino failed on every count.

 

High Heels & Hot Rods: Prada's Vintage Cadillac Inspired Spring Shoes

Designers find inspiration in the darnedest places! Prada, the quintessentially Italian fashion house has found an unlikely muse in the All-American vintage Cadillac for their new collection of spring shoes.



As described in The New York Post, "The shoes, including several different examples of pumps, sandals and wedges, are pure greased lightning. Sky-high stilettos feature a red, bullet-shaped tail light. A wedge is tricked out with exhaust-pipe flames shooting out the back. A third style has a wedge shaped like a tail fin of a vintage Cadillac. The collection of strappy, high-heeled shoes comes in hot-rod red and racing green with a shiny car-paint finish, and jeweled brooches on the front instead of hood ornaments."

Costing up to $1450 a pair (wow!), these wearable hot rods won't hit the stores until this spring.

What do you think: fierce or fuhgeddaboudit?

Click here to see more images from the Prada 2012 collection.

 

A New York Minute: Fab Events in the Big Apple

As a native New Yorker, I confess to occasionally taking my hometown for granted. So, I've decided to take a little break from daydreaming about my next getaway to see what's happening in my own backyard. Whether you are a visitor or a local, here are some fun Big Apple events. Get out and enjoy!

Chucho Valdes and The Afro-Cuban Messengers with special guest Buika at Carnegie Hall
Saturday, January 21. 8:00 PM
$25-$75
Eight-time Grammy Award winner Chucho Valdes will spice up Carnegie Hall with his vibrant Latin jazz. Joining him as a special guest is the amazing singer Buika. The daughter of immigrants from Equatorial Guinea, Buika was born in Palma de Mallorca (Spain). Buika's music mixes Flamenco with soul and jazz and her vocals are rich. Also, if you join the event page on Facebook, you will be automatically entered into a contest to have a song written for you by Buika. Me gusta!

Broadway Week - 2 for 1 Tickets
January 17 - February 4
Seeing a Broadway show can be an expensive proposition so act fast to take advantage of this amazing 2 for 1 deal. Participating shows include Anything Goes, Chicago, Chinglish, Memphis, Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark, Seminar, and more!

New York Restaurant Week
Through February 10th. (Mondays-Fridays)
Dine at some of New York's best restaurants without going broke. In celebration of the 20th anniversary of Restaurant Week, participating restaurants will offer $24.07 lunches and $35 dinners for 20 days. Tax, gratuity and beverages not included.

Can't Escape the Golden Globes: Fave Red Carpet Looks

I really tried to avoid blogging about the Golden Globes but the red carpet was too strong to ignore! Since the awards program is hosted by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association I could make the argument that it promotes some type of global understanding. But, lets be honest, I watched the show for the dresses. Here are a few of my fave looks from the evening.

Claire Danes looked absolutely stunning in this elegant number by J. Mendel. It looks relatively simple from the front but the bejeweled back elevates this dress to va va voom. The red lips, sleek hair, and Bulgari jewels complete the look. Congrats to Claire - she won the Best Actress award for her amazing work in Homeland - I'm addicted to that show.


Viola Davis shows off her fabulous shape in this goddess inspired design by Emilio Pucci.The rich bordeaux color is very flattering and the thigh high split shows off her great legs and those Jimmy Choo shoes!


I love a red dress and Reese Witherspoon is absolutely sizzling in this Zac Posen creation. She has really come a long way from her cute Legally Blond days - Reese is officially a bombshell!


Wow - Jane Fonda clearly practices what she preaches. I can not believe she is 74 years old. This beautiful black dress by Jack Guisso perfectly hugs Jane's slim and aerobicized silhouette. Timeless and sexy.


Helen Mirren is another great example of a woman of a certain age that is as sexy as ever. I love the details on this Badgley Mischka Couture dress - the dress is dramatic but not overwhelming.


Tilda Swinton looks like a beautiful alien ice queen in this sky blue fitted jacket and skirt by Haider Ackermann. On someone else this could look like a mother-of-the-bride ensemble but Tilda's androgynous look elevates this dress to high fashion.


Queen Latifah dazzles in this sparkly black dress by Rani Zackhem. The fit on this dress is perfect and proves that you don't have to be a size zero to look absolutely gorgeous!


A platinum dress is not easy to pull off but Nicole Richie looks celestial in this Julien Macdonald dress. From her playful hair to her Jimmy Choo shoes, Lionel's little girl has secured her place as a red carpet princess.


PS. If I had to choose a red carpet date Golden Globe best actor winner Idria Elba would top my list! He looks beyond handsome in his double breasted black tuxedo. Love the black flower on the lapel! And, that smile.....





 
 

Take Me Away: Culinary Institute of America presents Wine Lovers Boot Camps in Napa Valley

I'm a big believer in continuing education, especially if the curriculum is fine wine! If you are passionate about wine and want to broaden your knowledge, the Culinary Institute of America's Wine Lovers Boot Camps could be perfect for you.

Wine Lovers Boot Camp will debut in spring 2012 in the heart of Napa Valley at the CIA at Greystone. Home to great vineyards and wine estates, I can’t imagine a better location in the United States for such a program. The two courses launching this new series are Wine Lovers Boot Camp - Basic Training and Wine Lovers Boot Camp - Tasting Like a Pro.

Wine Lovers Boot Camp—Tasting Like a Pro is a two day program and will teach the casual wine drinker how to adopt professional approaches to tasting wine. Participants will be guided through proper tasting technique and how to recognize important wine attributes that determine the quality and style of still, sparkling, and sweet wines. Through structured tastings, students will discover the influence on flavor of winemaking techniques, from barrel fermentation to fortification. Blind tastings will ultimately test their ability to identify wines like professionals. Initial class dates for 2012 are February 2–3, February 29–March 1, March 26–27, April 13–14, and May 17–18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuition is $895 per person, and the class is open to students 21 years of age and older.

 Wine Lovers Boot Camp—Basic Training is a five-day exploration of the joys wine can bring to one's lifestyle, and is designed to elevate participants' overall understanding of wine. Working with the CIA's renowned faculty, students in this Boot Camp will taste the world's major white and red wine grape varieties as they learn to decipher wine labels from regions near and far. They will discover how a vineyard's location and a winemaker's influence can impact the flavor, style, and price of wine. Through tastings, participants will learn how to evaluate wine "flavor" and place it skillfully in the context of a meal. This newfound understanding will ultimately be put into practice in the kitchen as students prepare a multi-course meal with paired wines. Initial 2012 class dates are February 13–17, April 16–20, and May 21–25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuition is $2,195 per person, and the class is open to students 21 years of age and older.

On select class days, students in both Wine Lovers Boot Camp programs will enjoy dinner at the on-campus Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant.

Yes, these boot camps are a little pricey but if you are serious about your vino it sounds like a great investment. And, how cool would it be to say you attended the Culinary Institute of America, even if only for a few days!

Click here for more information about the Culinary Institute of America Wine Lovers Boot Camp.

images courtesy CIA/Keith Ferris

Perk Up Your Packing: Practical & Pretty Organizers

Any frequent traveler will tell you that the secret to packing well is having a system that keeps you organized. In addition to maximizing space, a well-organized bag makes it easier to locate items. Here are two items that make it a little more fun to get your bag perfectly packed.

ShowOffs Travel Bags
Available at Brookstone.com and ShowOffsTravelBags.com
$14.99 - $35.99 (a single kit of ShowOffs is currently on sale at Brookstone for $11.99)
Created by a lady who shares
my frustration with the TSA's insistence that any liquids carried on a plane must be packed in a quart-sized Ziploc bag, ShowOffs meld style with compliance. Resealable and reusable with a leak resistant closure, ShowOffs come in a variety of fun colors and patterns and are available in quart and gallon sized. Each set comes with a combination of bag sizes and refillable 3 ounce plastic bottles. Practical and pretty!

CupCase Your Bras
$24.95
A good bra can cost a small fortune so protect your investment with a CupCase. Instead of just tossing your bras in your bag, secure them in a CupCase to prevent creasing, crushing, and crimping. How does it work? CupCase Your Bras™ “butterflies-open” with one easy zip and stores up to three bras with additional safe storage for hair ties, jewelry, and other small accessories. Pretty clever!

So Much Snow & Hot Deals in Lake Geneva, Switzerland

Summit of Leysin, Switzerland

Instead of swooshing down the slopes, skiers across the Northeastern United States have been grounded by the lack of snow. If you know a skier, give them a hug - they wait all year for winter and the warm weather has ruined it. I haven't skied since I was 10 years old (first and only time) but I do love the idea of sitting by a roaring fire in the ski lodge, drinking hot toddies, and laughing with friends.

Well, it may not be snowing substantially in upstate New York or New England but there is plenty of deep, fresh snow in the Lake Geneva region of Switzerland. According to Lake Geneva tourism officials, "The ski season has just begun, but Lake Geneva Region resorts are reporting impressive snowfall totals. The resort at Les Diablerets has already received eight feet of snow to date, while Leysin has six feet, Villars-Gryon has more than five feet and Chateaux d'Oex (pictured) has nearly four feet of snow. The good news is that the forecast is calling for even more snow in the Lake Geneva Region in the next few days. With stunning mountain views across Lake Geneva, cozy chalets serving authentic cheese fondue, and fast scenic rail connections from Geneva Cointrin Airport to the mountain villages in less than two hours, the Lake Geneva Region offers the ultimate Swiss ski vacation. Thanks to more than 500 miles of marked ski runs, the resorts of the Lake Geneva Region can offer slopes for skiers and boarders of all abilities."

Some of the ski deals being offered in Lake Geneva include free one day rentals of skis or snowshoes for those staying in participating hotels and trying the sport for the first time.  Also, complimentary ski passes and free accommodations in their parents' rooms are being offered for children up to 9 years old.

For more information on planning your Swiss ski getaway, visit www.lake-geneva-region.ch.

 

 

Ready for Adventure: New Essentials for the New Year

Happy New Year! I hope that 2012 takes each of you on glamorous adventures, near and far. My resolutions include to dream big, travel far and do good. That sounds pretty simple, but sometimes I let the mundane details of everyday life distract me from my goals.

A wise friend sent me a lovely New Year's note that told me to get ready for the success that will come my way. That is a powerful message and it made me think about both the little and big things I can do to prepare myself for an amazing year. With that in mind, each of the items listed below is not only pretty but serves as a reminder to be ready for adventure when it comes my way!

Aspinal of London Metallic Gold Snakeskin Passport Cover
$35
One of the things that I must do soon is renew my passport before it expires in September 2012. Some countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond the dates of your trip and I have known of people to be turned away at the airport for not meeting this requirement. When I get my new passport, I think it will look fabulous in this snazzy silk lined leather cover from Aspinal of London. It can even be personalized with initials.

Samsonite xSpace Exandable Spinner
On sale at eBags.com for $159.99. Also available in red.
My favorite red Samsonite is still sturdy and has been on some amazing trips with me but I've been coveting a bag with spinner wheels. These multi-directional wheels allow 360 degree upright rolling - making it much easier to navigate in tight spaces. And, I love the powerful purple color - it will stand out in a crowd!


Nuova Vita Cotton Jersey Dress
$155
Of course, a new year requires a new little black dress! I'm already a proud owner of a Nuova Vita long evening dress but this short version is perfect for travel. Made of washable cotton with a touch of spandex, this flirty little frock can be dressed up or down.

Sonia Kashuk Animal Print Travel Duffle
$39 at Target
This colorful duffle is perfect for a spur of the moment weekend getaway. Lightweight and roomy, this is the bag I carried when I spent the holidays at my Mom's. It includes two medium sized removable clear plastic pouches that make it easy to organize and locate toiletries.