The Black Dress Traveler

Summer Sip: Champagne Lanson White Label

For me, champagnes are like little black dresses - I have my favorites but I'm always willing to try something new. Recently, I was introduced to Champagne Lanson White Label and this refreshing and elegant bubbly is a great summer sip. A new addition to the Champagne Lanson portfolio, their White Label is the first champagne specifically designed to pair with and enhance the aromas of fresh natural flavors such as raspberries, mint, and orange peel. A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the fermentation process of the Champagne Lanson White Label preserves the original aromas of the grapes to create a perfect environment for the addition of fresh flavors.



Serve Champagne Lanson White Label well-chilled in a large wine glass, not a flute, so that the aromas have room to circulate. Add your favorite natural ingredient, swirl the glass so that the aromas are released, and enjoy! I tasted Champagne Lanson White Label with a sprig of mint and found the combination crisp and flavorful - the zestiness of the mint paired beautifully with the wine.  

If you are not familiar with Champagne Lanson, the house was founded in 1760 and cellar ages their bubblies for 3 years, more than double the required minimum. Champagne Lanson is the official supplier of Champagne at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships - what a delicious way to celebrate a victory and soothe a defeat!

Champagne Lanson White Label retails for $59.99 per bottle and $124.99 for a magnum.

What Are You Waiting For? Win a Copy of 1,000 PLACES TO SEE BEFORE YOU DIE

Do you dream of staring down the Sphinx, ascending the Alps, roaming the Rhone Valley, or trekking to Timbuktu? If you want to add more locations to your travel wish list, I highly recommend the book 1,000 PLACES TO SEE BEFORE YOU DIE and I am giving away 3 copies of the book to some lucky readers. (Contest details below.)

Written by veteran travel journalist, Patricia Schultz, 1,000 PLACES TO SEE BEFORE YOU DIE is a valuable resource for globetrotters and armchair travelers. First published in 2003, the #1 New York Times bestseller has been recently updated and features 200 new entries, 28 additional countries, 200 more pages, and more than 600 full-color photographs. There is also an interactive companion app for the iPad. 

The video below gives you a sneak peek into 1,000 PLACES TO SEE BEFORE YOU DIE'S coverage of  the French Quarter in New Orleans- one of my favorite places.



I recently received a copy of 1,000 Places... and have had fun flipping through the pages and reading about places I've been, where I live, places I want to go, and places I've never even thought about visiting. More than just a list of destinations, 1,000 PLACES TO SEE BEFORE YOU DIE also includes the restaurant scenes in Lyon and New Orleans, having beer in Belgium, and indulging in a Swedish smorgasbord as must-do's. Also included in the book are helpful tips on where to stay, the best times of the year to visit, and budget-conscious suggestions.

Contest Info
I will be giving away 3 copies of 1,000 PLACES TO SEE BEFORE YOU DIE. Each book has a retail value of $19.95. To enter the contest, just leave a comment below OR on my FACEBOOK page by 5pm Eastern Standard Time on Tuesday, July 3rd. Three winners will be selected at random and each will receive one copy of the book. The prize can only be shipped to addresses within the United States or Canada (no PO Boxes). Good luck! 

Little Treats: Skinnygirl Bath Collection & Kushyfoot Open Toe Flats to Go

You don't always have to spend a fortune to treat yourself - sometimes a tiny indulgence is all you need to brighten up your day. Here are some little treats that deliver big smiles.


Skinnygirl  Bath Collection
$15
Let's face it, reality tv star turned business mogul Bethenny Frankel certainly doesn't need me to plug her Skinnygirl products. And, I'll admit to having mixed feelings about the whole notion of skinny as a goal instead of healthy girl or happy girl. However, I do admire Ms. Frankel's brilliance at turning her brand into an empire. (Maybe, I'll market Curvy Girl Champagne? Any investors out there?) But I digress.

 

I absolutely love deliciously scented bath products so I said yes when I was offered the chance to give the Skinnygirl Bath Collection a try. I am happy to report that they don't smell like someone soused you with booze but capture the juicy and fruity notes of Sangria and Margarita. Each kit contains shower gel, body lotion, and exfoliating body scrub. The Margarita scent is a little zestier with notes of lime that make it very invigorating - a perfect pick morning pick me up. The Sangria scent is sweeter and reminds me subtly of cherries  - perfect for a relaxing shower or bubble bath.

Kushyfoot Open Toe Flats to Go
$9.99
I always keep a pair of portable flats in my bag and Kushyfoot has become one of my favorite brands. The new open toe version of their popular flat is fabulous! Sleek and supple, the open toe is ideal for summer and showing off your pedicure. Like all Kushyfoot flats-to-go, they come in a cute little plastic carrying case so you can toss them in your purse and grab them when your feet need a rest!

Will Travel for Food: Culinary Festivals & Tours

Culinary tourism is bigger than ever and planning a trip around your appetite can make your next getaway especially delicious! Skip the calorie counting and enjoy one of these fantastic food themed events.   

The Chardonnay Symposium
Santa Maria Valley, California
Friday, June 29 - Sunday, July 1. $15-$95
You're probably not too surprised to learn that Chardonnay is America's most popular wine - it appears on virtually every wine list. Learn more about California's most planted and most produced varietal at this celebration of all things Chardonnay! From a Grand Tasting featuring Chardonnays from 50 wineries to a BYOC (Bring Your Own Chardonnay) gourmet barbecue, the Chardonnay Symposium sounds like the perfect California escape. Santa Maria Valley is nestled in the foothills of Santa Barbara wine country in the heart of California's Central Coast.

St. Martin's Courtyard Global Food Festival at Covent Garden
London
Saturday, July 14. Noon-5PM
Free!
Leave the heavy duty workouts to the athletes training for the Olympics - get your workout wandering from one delicious dish to another at the St. Martin's Courtyard Global Food Festival. Paying tribute to the cultural diversity of London, Bill's, Cantina Laredo, Dishoom, Dalla Terra, Jamie's Italian and Suda restaurants, will be hosting tastings, demonstrations and activities that will transform St Martin's Courtyard into a vibrant open air street food market in the heart of London. Enjoy complimentary Lime Paloma El Jimador Tequila Cocktails, free cucumber sandwiches, and more. In between snacks, get your exercise shopping at boutiques like L.K. Bennett, Massimo Dutti, and Pretty Ballerinas.

Atlantic City Food & Wine Festival
Thursday, July 26 - Sunday, July 29.
Individual tickets $45-$149. Packages, including hotel accommodations starting at $960.
The Boardwalk, the beach and plenty of eats - the Atlantic City Food & Wine Festival has it all! Events include a Bizarre Brunch with Andrew Zimmern, Gospel Brunch with Paula Deen, Meat Loaf Live at the House of Blues, Dinner Impossible with Chef Robert Irvine, wine tastings and much more!


A Taste of Tuscany - Culinary Tour
July 1-7, October 14-20, and December 28 - January 3.
Prices start at $4295 for double occupancy ($795 single supplement). Includes first class accommodations, all breakfasts, some lunches & dinners, land transportation during trip, cooking classes, and more.
Take your tastebuds to Tuscany and visit with a cheesemaking shepherd, take a cooking class in a farmhouse kitchen, stroll vineyards in Chianti, and taste locally pressed olive oil in Montepulciano. The tour also includes visits to legendary sites such as the Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio, and village streets depicted in the popular book Under the Tuscan Sun. This tour is offered by Classic Journeys - a highly regarded tour operator that was included in Travel+Leisure magazine's 2011 list of "World's Best Tour Operators." They also offer culinary tours in Provence, Amalfi, Napa, and Sonoma.

Sophisticated Sip: Champagne Barons de Rothschild

From titans of finance to creators of champagne - Baron Eric de Rothschild, Monsieur Phillipe Sereys de Rothschild, Baronne Phillipine de Rothschild, Baronne Ariane de Rothschild, Baron Benjamin de Rothschild

Is there anything the Rothschilds can't do? This legendary family dynasty is renowned for their financial finesse but their winemaking skills are also quite impressive. So, when duty called for me to put on my little black dress and head over to the trés chic La Grenouille restaurant in NYC for a tasting of Champagne Barons de Rothschild, I happily accepted my mission.

Although the Rothschilds have been making wine for years, the champagne is a new venture that unites three branches of the family. Champagne Barons de Rothschild stands out in the marketplace with the advantage of a well-known name and I am happy to report that the taste lives up to the expectation of excellence and elegance. Fairly new to the United States, Champagne Barons de Rothschild currently has three non vintage bubblies in their portfolio - Brut, Blanc de Blancs and Rosé. The striking bottles bear the Rothschild name and crest while the champagne within is the result of their close alliance with Champagne families with generations of expertise in creating beautiful bubblies.

Champagne Barons de Rothschild Brut
$100
This well-rounded and smooth Brut is made by blending Chardonnay (primarily Grand Crus from the Cote des Blancs), Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier wines that have been aged at least three years. I found the wine to have very fine bubbles and a subtle aroma of toasty notes with hints of white flower. Perfect as an apertif or paired with light seafood dishes, chicken, and risotto.

Champagne Barons de Rothschild Blanc de Blancs
$125
More and more, I find myself really enjoying Blanc de Blancs champagne - bubblies made with 100% chardonnay grapes. I love the purity of the taste and Barons de Rothschild Blanc de Blancs does not disappoint. A golden-yellow color, the taste is defined by supple citrus with a pleasing minerality - quite lovely. Recommended pairings include seafood platters, grilled sea bass, and lemon tart.

Champagne Barons de Rothschild Rosé
$125

I could sip this rosé all day long - not too sweet & not too dry, it is a tasty blend of over 85% Chardonnay with Pinot Noir. A beautiful shade of salmon pink, the aroma hints at strawberries and rose petals with a trace of citrus zest. The bubbles are very fine and the wine goes down very smoothly but it has great body. The versatility of this rosé makes it a perfect pair with sushi, fresh strawberries, and even a sweet rhubarb tart!

I loved this rhubarb tart paired with the Rosé. The colors and taste of the dessert were harmonious.

New York Minute: International Migration Art Festival

Forgot what you learned about not playing with your food! In NYC until June 19th, the International Migration Art Festival (IMAFestival) consists of Art Your Food, an international art contest whose theme is food and migration, and Sport Your Food, an exhibition combining art, food, sport and technology. Conceived by Rossella Canevari (Artistic Director) and Elena Maria Manzini (Producer), this playful festival has a serious goal -  discovering new talents and putting a unique spotlight on the cultural and social dimensions of migration. The Festival opened in Milan and, after its run in NYC, it will land in London during the period of the Olympic games.

IMAFestival organizers Rossella Canevari and Elena Maria Manzini with Italian chef Cristina Bowerman and her dish inspired by discus throw.
image: Arturo Stanig

Sport Your Food will be on display at NYC's Italian food & cultural mecca EATALY until June 19th. The idea behind the exhibition is that great artists and great chefs often share the genius that enables them to grasp the zeitgeist and the course of history. Five chefs and five artists teamed up in pairs to work on the Olympic games theme by creating recipes and works of art. The works are introduced by their creators’ holograms, which appear in full-scale, discussing art, haute cuisine and sport. For example, three Michelin-star chef Massimo Bottura and the award-winning New York photographer & sculptor Gregg LeFevre, teamed up and drew their inspiration from pole vaulting. Apulian chef Cristina Bowerman and Sicilian painter Fulvio Di Piazza collaborated on an interpretation of discus throw.

I plan on popping by EATALY to check out Sport Your Food - it sounds deliciously interesting!


Holograms of Massimo Bottura & Gregg LeFevre
image courtesy Arturo Stanig

For more information, visit www.imafestival.com.

Kick Off Your Heels at the Craddock Terry Hotel

Any hotel that has a gorgeous red high heel in their logo is certain to catch my eye! Selected as the "Best Boutique Hotel" in Virginia by Virginia Living Magazine, the Craddock Terry Hotel and Event Center in Lynchburg is a modern hotel in a former turn-of-the-century shoe factory.


The Craddock Terry's 44 guest rooms have a unique layout that respect the unique architectural details of the original structure. All rooms feature a stylish modern decor and large windows with views of historic downtown, the James River, or the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can relax in your room and enjoy the view while starting your day with the complimentary breakfast that is delivered in an old-fashioned wooden shoebox.


The Craddock Terry's bathrooms (and that plush terry robe)  look very inviting - I love the gorgeous combination of tile, granite, and exposed brick.


The Craddock Terry even has an adorable hotel dog named Buster Brown. Soon, guests will be able to sign up to take Buster Brown for walks on the trails throughout the Historic District right outside of the hotel.


The Craddock Terry is located near many area attractions including the Academy of Fine Arts,  Legacy Museum of African American Heritage, Renaissance Theatre, and Blackwater Creek Trail.

Craddock Terry is offering a Girlfriend Getaway Package starting at $309 (plus tax) per night for 2 guests in Deluxe and Premium Rooms. The package is available thru 12/30/2012 and includes a bottle of Little Black Dress Wine waiting for you in your room, a manicure and pedicure for each of you at the Zen Micro Spa and Salon, a $50 gift card for dining at the onsite restaurants Shoemakers American Grille or Waterstone Pizza, and two $5 gift certificates to purchase a treat in the hotel gift shop.

Cool Travel Product: Downy Wrinkle Releaser

Downy Wrinkle Releaser

BEFORE

No matter how neatly I pack my clothes, it never fails that something gets wrinkled. And, the last thing that I want to do on vacation is spend precious moments ironing little black dresses! I'll admit to being a little skeptical when I was approached about sampling Downy Wrinkle Releaser but I am happy to report that this product really works. It is an "easy-to-use spray that reduces wrinkles and helps keep your clothes looking neat without the hassle of ironing. Its unique formula relaxes fabric fibers, helping to release wrinkles."

AFTER

The Downy folks included an intentionally wrinkled t-shirt in their package. As you can see from the before picture, the cotton t-shirt was dramatically wrinkled. I sprayed a bit of Downy on each wrinkled section and gently tugged and smoothed. I only spent about a minute spraying and tugging but I think the end result is pretty impressive. The product has a very subtle and fresh scent that dissipates pretty quickly. I will definitely pack Downy Wrinkle Release when I travel.

Downy Wrinkle Releaser is available at Target, Walmart, and stores nationwide. The 3 oz. travel size is only $1.99!

 

So You Think You Want to Be a Travel Writer?

 

I have no idea of who designed this clever infographic but when I saw it floating around online, I immediately chuckled in recognition. So many of my friends think that my life is a non-stop whirlwind of wine tastings and endless adventures but maintaining a blog isn't all fun and games - there are deadlines to meet and the constant search for new ideas. And, you quickly learn that press trips aren't free vacations where you can just relax on the beach with a tropical drink and flirt with cabana boys. Nonetheless, I love what I do - I get the opportunity to indulge my curiosity and share my views with a readership that encourages me to keep it up. Thank you!

If you want to learn more about my thoughts on travel writing, check out the article Around the World in 80 Ways: The Changing World of Travel Writing. I was honored to be interviewed along with several other female writers and the article shows the diversity of options within the field.

Another valuable resource for you aspiring travel writers is The Travel Writers Handbook: How to Write-and Sell-Your Own Travel Experiences. Now in its 7th edition, this acclaimed tome by Jacqueline Harmon Butler and the late Louise Purwin Zobel, is a very handy resource. It includes great tips on how to craft a story that will inform and intrigue your readers, what to pack - from equipment to travel documents, how to utilize apps and social media, and much more. I think one of the best points made in the book is that "You don't have to travel to exotic places to be a travel writer. That which is "down home" to you may be glamourously distant to to others."

Regal Reds: Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon and Maggy London Sarong Dress

Maggy London Sarong Dress
$108 at Nordstrom

 

Who says you can't match your wine to your dress? After all, the frock you wear and wine you sip are both reflections of your taste and mood. I recently tasted Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 and it was love at first sip. An elegant and voluptuous wine, it reminded me of a beautiful red dress - bold, sexy, and classic.

Jordan Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
$52
Many of us instinctively reach for chilled white and rosé wines  during the summer months but Jordan Vineyard & Winery's Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 is a perfect choice year-round. Full bodied enough to pair perfectly with grilled meats, this racy red is fruity enough to sip on its own or with lighter fare. A winning blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot, expect seductive cherry and plum aromas and a berry driven flavor with a subtle hint of spice. This oak-aged beauty is a delicious representation of fine California winemaking. The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon is ready to drink now but will also age gracefully. Established in 1972, Jordan is a family owned winery that just celebrated 40 years of winemaking - Happy Birthday! 

Dresses, Drinks & Destinations: Barcelona, I Miss You

Yesterday, I had lunch with a treasured friend - a globetrotting genius that I affectionately call Guapo (good looking). As it often does, the conversation turned to Barcelona and our academic year there long ago as high school juniors (thank you School Year Abroad!)

As awkward but adventurous 16 year olds, we roamed Catalunya's capital city from Mt. Tibidabo down to the end of Las Ramblas where it meets the sea and from the majestic boulevard of Paseo de Gracia to the narrow & winding streets of El Barrio Gótico. Sadly, I've only been back to Barcelona once since my study abroad experience and that breaks my heart. Yet, I am confident that I will make it back to Barcelona one day. And, perhaps even revisit it at some point with Guapo by my side eating Xuxos (an addictive sugary custard-filled pastry). Until then, it's never too soon to start thinking about where to stay, what to wear, and what to sip when I get there!

ABaC Restaurant & Hotel




Offering only 15 luxurious rooms and suites, ABaC is located in the northern part of Barcelona in the swanky Sarriá-Sant Gervasi neighborhood - not far from where I lived as a student. Led by Chef Jordi Cruz, the hotel restaurant boasts 2 Michelin stars and was selected as the Best Restaurant of 2011 by the Catalan Academy of Gastronomy. The hotel amenities include a Zen garden and a spa offering treatments by Elemis Spa Therapy. ABaC has been included on the Condé Nast Traveler Hot List and was a runner up for Best Spa Hotel 2011 at the Boutique Hotel Awards.  


EAGLE NEWSNING dress ($115)
by Custo Barcelona
Ok, maybe choosing a Custo Barcelona dress is a tad obvious but the label was started by Barcelona bred brothers Custo and David Dalmau, so why not! Custo Barcelona clothes are on the edgier side of what I normally wear but I think this psychedelic black & white frock is perfect for a playful night out in Barcelona.


Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut ($12)
 I would absolutely toast my return to Barcelona with a chilled glass of Freixenet cava. Yes, I know there are trendier drinks on the scene but this was the sparkling white wine that I sipped on New Year's Eve with my host family - I can even picture and hear the commercial with handsome tenor José Carreras (remember The Three Tenors?). Freixenet was founded in 1861 in rural Catalunya and their sparkling wines are world famous. Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut was rated an impressive 87 points by Wine Spectator who praised its subtle juiciness and finesse.

PS. If you plan on visiting Barcelona, it is important to know that there are two official languages, Catalan and Spanish, so don't be surprised if you are greeted with "Bon Dia" instead of "Buenos Días." Most people are bilingual so you will be able to communicate in Spanish but a few words of Catalan may win you some fans!

Chanel's Little Black Jacket in New York

Model Joan Smalls is artfully wrapped in two Chanel little black jackets.
image: Chanel

You can't mutter the words little black dress and not think of Chanel but darling don't forget those iconic jackets! If you find yourself in NYC's Soho neighborhood June 8-15, pop by the Chanel boutique from 12-7pm to view the exhibition The Little Black Jacket: Chanel's Classic Revisited. More than 100 celebrities including Sarah Jessica Parker, Yoko Ono, and Lady Gaga were photographed by Chanel's Creative Director Karl Lagerfeld and styled by Carine Roitfeld (the former editor of French Vogue) wearing a fresh interpretation of a Chanel little black jacket. The images will also be featured in a book scheduled to reach bookstores this fall. I'm already having fantasies of sitting outside at a Paris cafe, sipping Champagne, and looking ever-so-chic in a Chanel little black jacket. Until then, I'll enjoy the exhibition while wearing my favorite Chanel red lipstick!
Sarah Jessica Parker is ready for her close-up with Karl Lagerfeld.
image: Chanel

For more details and images, visit thelittleblackjacket.chanel.com

Travel Inspiration: Condé Nast Traveler Photographs -25th Anniversary Collection

"One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things."
Henry Miller


Perhaps the next best thing to going on a great trip is being immersed in gorgeous images of faraway places. Get some grand inspiration for your next journey with the latest entry in Assouline’s Condé Nast Traveler series. This 250-page  retrospective with over 110 illustrations celebrates the magazine's 25th anniversary with stunning images by renowned photographers such as Helmut Newton, David LaChapelle, and Brigitte Lacombe. It also includes essays from notable authors like Paul Theroux, plus maps and annotations from the magazine's editors and the photographers themselves. Go ahead and spark your wanderlust with striking works of architecture, lions and elephants, big skies, and compelling portraiture.

Condé Nast Traveler Photographs: 25th Anniversary Collection ($95) is available for purchase at ASSOULINE boutiques worldwide and online.

 

Dresses, Drinks & Destinations: I'll Take Manhattan

"If you wear a short enough skirt, the party will come to you."
Dorothy Parker





The legendary Algonquin Hotel has just reopened after undergoing some significant renovations. Located in Midtown Manhattan, the hotel will forever have a place in history as the meeting place of The Round Table aka The Vicious Circle- an informal club of famed and very influential writers like the incredibly witty Dorothy Parker.

Drop by the Lounge or the Blue Bar for a classic cocktail in a plush setting. The Blue Bar is filled with artwork by the famed caricaturist Al Hirschfeld that depicts Broadway shows past and present. Be sure to greet the Algonquin's most famous guest, Matilda the cat!

Cynthia Rowley Forced Perspective Floral Tank Dress ($395)
Count on Cynthia Rowley to create a sweet floral dress that is edgy enough for the Big Apple. Although she is an Illinois native, Rowley launched her brand in NYC and lives in Manhattan. She has a lovely boutique in NYC's West Village at 376 Bleecker Street.

Manhattan Cocktail


Toast the city that never sleeps with a classic Manhattan.
2 ounces Rye Whiskey + 1 ounce Italian Vermouth + 2 dashes Angostura Bitters = Cool & Delicious
Click here for full recipe.