The Black Dress Traveler

Delicious Every Season: Vermont Wine & Dine

Honora Winery & Vineyard, Vermont

 Allow me to quickly move past the obligatory poetic language about Vermont's snowy ski slopes, majestic maple trees, and quaint country inns and get straight to the point: they make wine! I was recently invited to an event hosted by Ski Vermont in NYC and was completely surprised to learn that the Green Mountain State has a flourishing wine industry. Also, many of the ski resorts offer world class-dining that make Vermont a great year-round destination for foodies.

Gorgeous colors of autumn at Okemo Mountain Resort

  It is pretty unlikely that you will see me swooping down a ski slope but I can absolutely picture myself in a beautiful Vermont ski resort sipping wonderful wines. For local wines, I highly recommend Honora Sauvignon Blanc (notes of citrus and grass) and East Shore Traminette (fruity & slightly sweet) - these refreshing & easy-to-drink whites are perfect for the summer season. Both wineries welcome visitors at their tasting rooms.

Are you wondering what Vermont chefs are cooking up to pair with wine? I was able to sample three dishes created by chefs from Vermont ski resorts and was very impressed by their commitment to using local ingredients and creative fusion of traditional and modern flavors.

Green Mountain "Madison Blue" Cheese Stuffed with Maple Cured Smoke Trout on Micro Greens with Lemon Confit & Smoked Tomato Water
prepared by Chef Scot Emerson of Okemo Mountain Resort. Their Coleman Brook Tavern is one of only four restaurants in Vermont to receive Wine Spectator's Best of Award of Excellence.  - their wine list features almost 600 fine wines from around the world.

Fried Local Foraged Wild Mushrooms with Onion and Pickled Pepper Relish and Lemon Aioli
prepared by Chef Gerry Nooney of Sugarbush Resort

    
Baby Veal Osso-Bucco with Soft Nitty Gritty Polenta and Vermont Butter & Cheese Marscapone
prepared by Chef John Carter of Jay Peak Resort

For tips on planning your delicious Vermont getaway, visit the Ski Vermont and Vermont Tourism websites.

I've Never Been to Piemonte But It Tastes Delicious!

Maybe the major media missed this story but last week there was a Piemonte (Piedmont) invasion in NYC! Although I've never been to this region in northwest Italy, I surrendered my tastebuds to their wonderful wines and cuisine at two Piemonte focused tasting events.

 
Any discussion of Piemonte must begin with an homage to their impressive wine tradition - there are 20,000 wineries in the region producing a wide variety of vinos from sweet whites to voluptuous reds. I attended the Piemonte Land of Perfection Grand Tasting and tasted several varietals.



Bold and complex, the noble Barolo is perhaps Piemonte's most famous red wine but don't overlook Barbera d'Asti for an excellent everyday wine or Brachetto, a sweet & sparkling red that is ideal for the summer season.

Asti and Moscato D'Asti are two Piemontese white wines that have become increasingly popular in the U.S. Both wines are on the sweeter side and Asti is a bubbly/sparkling wine and Moscato D'Asti is lightly sparkling (fizzy). To learn more about the wines of Piemonte, I encourage you to visit the Piemonte Land of Perfection website.


Of course, wines are meant to be paired with food, so to broaden my knowledge of Piemontese cuisine I also attended Undiscovered Italy: Piedmont's Langhe Roero. Presented by cookbook author and culinary historian Francine Segan at the 92nd Street Y, this tasting was a delicious survey of the region's foods. Langhe and Roero are territories within the Piedmont region and towns within that zone include Alba, Barolo, Bra, and Verduno.

Toma Piemontese Cheese

Piemonte means "at the foot of the mountains" and the region's cheeses have a lushness imparted by the rich milk produced by cows who nibble on the fragrant grasses of the Swiss Alps. The Slow Food movement began in Langhe Roero and the area is world famous for white truffles.

Piemontese hazelnut treats paired with Barolo Chinato

From pasta to sweet treats, hazelnuts also appear frequently in Piemontese cuisine. In addition to the celebrated Barolo, Piemonte also produces Barolo Chinato - Barolo that has been fortified with herbs and spices to create a distinctive flavor. Barolo Chinato is perfect as a digestivo or aperitivo and also pairs beautifully with dark chocolate. To learn more about Langhe Roero, visit the tourism website.

 

 

 

Barcelona, Beyond Beautiful: My Article in 25A Magazine

Panoramic view of Barcelona from Mt. Tibidabo
image courtesy Turisme de Barcelona

Yours truly was invited to contribute an article to 25A Magazine about one of my favorite places in the world - Barcelona, Spain. If you're planning a trip to this magnificent city, take a moment to read my piece, Barcelona: Beyond Beautiful, for some great tips on luxury accomodations, fine dining, architectural highlights, museums, and more. If you live on Long Island's Gold Coast, look for your free copy of 25A at area businesses.

Tasty Travels: Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival

   "It is always a great pleasure to be back in Newport. 
For me, it is like going to Versailles by the sea."
Jacques Pépin

Newport, Rhode Island is already one of the most fabulous places I've ever visited but the 7th Annual Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival clearly takes the wow factor to another delicious level. Presented by FOOD & WINE Magazine, the celebration is scheduled for September 21-23rd and features a full weekend of events hosted at breathtaking historical mansions. Be dazzled at demos from celebrity chefs Emeril Lagasse and Jacques & Claudine Pépin, taste exceptional wines at the Grand Tasting featuring over 100 vintners, and enjoy gourmet cuisine from fine restaurants and artisan purveyors.


Marble House is the former summer "cottage" of Mr. and Mrs. William K. Vanderbilt. The Grand Tasting will be hosted outdoors on the grounds of this stunning property. 

Highlights of the Festival include the Wine & Rosecliff gala (scenes from The Great Gatsby were filmed at Rosecliff), the two day Grand Tasting on the lawn of Marble House, and a Collectible Wine Dinner at The Elms. You can also broaden your knowledge of all things vino at wine seminars, including the Bubbles & Breakfast Champagne tasting hosted by Laura Maniec, Master Sommelier.This all sounds pretty amazing, don't you think?

To experience the entire menu of offerings, a Wine Lovers Weekend Package is available for $795. Tickets to the Grand Tasting, seminars, and other key events can also be purchased separately. For complete pricing info and additional details about the Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival, visit their website.

Dazzling Dubai & Captivating Costa Rica: Fantastic Travel Packages from Friendly Planet

Dubai
Friendly Planet's 9-day tour of Dubai & Bangkok starts at $2,299 and features world-class shopping and dining.

Are you in a rut and ready to shake things up? Embark on an adventure with your friends and make some new memories by taking the trip of a lifetime. Friendly Planet Travel is a leading full-service tour group operator that offers vacations to premier destinations at affordable prices - all of their tours include round-trip airfare, deluxe hotel accommodations, many meals, comprehensive sightseeing and more. Several of the packages are perfect for girlfriend getaways thanks to the leadership of Peggy Goldman, CEO of Friendly Planet. From Ireland to Kenya, Costa Rica to Dubai- get your little black dress ready to embark on one of these Friendly Planet getaways.

Venice

Incredible Italy
This 10-day tour starts at $3,099 and takes travelers through Venice, Florence, Pisa, Rome and more. Travelers will enjoy the Italian countryside, visit wineries and see Italy’s most famous art.

 

Captivating Costa Rica: This 7-day tour starting at only $1,179 is the perfect getaway for girlfriends looking to soak up the sun! Explore tropical rainforests, jungles, cloud forest, volcanoes, mountains and more of the natural wonders that define Costa Rica.

Kenya Safari Express: This 8-day tour takes travelers on an unforgettable whirl of Kenya's abundant wildlife and gorgeous landscape. Starts at $2,299.

Dublin

Taste of Ireland: This 7-day tour takes travelers through Dublin, Kerry, Limerick and Kilkenny. Enjoy the quaint Irish towns, explore the rolling green hills and end the day with a cold pint of Guinness and lively Irish music. Starts at $1,799.

 

 

A Tranquil Oasis in Venice: Francesca's Secret Gardens

A beautiful oasis has bloomed in the heart of Venice thanks to Francesca Bortolotto Possati. A native Venetian and CEO of the BAUERs Hotel Group in Venice, Francesca has recently completed the development and restoration of three acres of abandoned land on Giudecca Island and created lovingly landscaped gardens that are attached to her Palladio and Villa F hotel properties. A tranquil blend of modern and traditional elements, Francesca's secret gardens feature meditation pools, fruit trees, vines, rows of antique roses and more. Francesca visits these gardens daily to enjoy a respite from her hectic life as Venice's only executive level female hotelier. If you are planning a trip to Venice, be sure to visit Francesca's gardens (guided tours are also available). Hotel guests can also enjoy the gardens at sunset while enjoying an aperitivo. Until then, take a time out from your busy day and escape vicariously through these beautiful images.

 



Don't get between a lady and her gardens!
Meet the lovely Francesca Bortolotto Possati (CEO, BAUERs Hotel Group)

Oasis presents London Love Letters: Limited Edition Fashion Collection

With the 2012 Olympic Games just around the corner, all eyes are on London! Why not put yourself in the spotlight by tastefully showing off in pieces from the limited edition London Love Letters collection by Oasis. The Oasis design team collaborated with illustrator Lizzie Prestt to create a selection of bespoke illustrations that paid homage to the brand's British roots by drawing inspiration from London's iconic landmarks. The fabulous end-result is a cheeky and chic collection of 10 premium pieces and five accessories. Here are a few of my fave pieces from London Love Letters - the entire collection can be viewed and purchased at the Oasis website. 



London Conversational Print Dress ($140)
I love the retro style and playful print of this cotton dress. The figure-flattering sweetheart neckline and full 1950's skirt are accented by a metallic belt at the waist. I would absolutely wear this for an afternoon cocktail with Prince Harry!



Another winning look from the London Love Letters collection is the London Cityscape Dress ($120). The classic silhouette of the sheath is updated with a cut-out detail on the back and a London city sketch print - sexy and fun.


Accessories are also featured in the collection, including this fun London Love Letters Shopper ($21) and the Street Scene Scarf ($35).


 

Bring These to the Beach!: H&M Swimsuits, pluggz Flip Flops, Tradewinds Iced Tea

We are deep into the hot, hazy and little bit lazy days of summer and the beach beckons! Here are a few essentials to keep you cool and chic by the sea.


Want to add some fun new pieces to your swimsuit collection without spending a fortune? Stop by your local H&M from July 19 -August 1 and you can pick up two ladies swimsuits for the price of one!



Starting at just $4.95, H&M has all the latest swimsuit trends - fun prints, neons, and sexy one-pieces. Go ahead and mix & match! 

Stay grounded in a pair of pluggz. Available in black, gold & silver. $39

Perfect for the beach and kind to your feet, pluggz flip-flops have arch support and a unique grounding technology. Embedded into the sole of each pluggz blown rubber shoe is a carbon and rubber plug that connects you to the earth by allowing free electrons to pass through to the soles of your feet. When you wear pluggz on sandy beaches, city streets, or anywhere; you are grounded. Science shows that being grounded makes you feel good - that is why it feels so amazing to walk barefoot in nature. I'm no scientist but I was sent a pair of pluggz and have been wearing them around the house for a few days - they are very comfy! I will definitely pack them for a trip to the beach. 


Lest you think I only quench my thirst with wine, I am a huge lover of iced tea and drink it year-round. Recently, I was invited to sample Tradewinds Real Brewed Iced Teas and it is pretty delicious. A little on the sweeter side, it tastes like home brewed tea. Very full-bodied, it is made with with premium tea leaves and real sugar - simple yet satisfying. The Tradewinds Sweet Tea really reminds me of the tea I used to guzzle as a little girl on trips down South. Available in a variety of flavors, including unsweet and diet green tea with honey. 

Where the Wine Is: Wine Spectator Honors World's Best Restaurant Wine Lists

If wining and dining are important parts of your travels (and they should be!), be sure to consult the upcoming issue of Wine Spectator. For culinary adventures near and far, Wine Spectator's fine-tuned roster of the World's Best Wine Lists is a valuable resource - the 3,795 winners span all 50 states and more than 70 countries. Four U.S. dining spots—A Voce (Manhattan), Acquerello (San Francisco), Commander's Palace (New Orleans) and Sierra Mar at the Post Ranch Inn (Big Sur) have joined an elite group of 71 other restaurants that currently hold Grand Awards as the world’s top wine destinations for diners. Restaurants with the prestigious Grand Award designation generally offer 1,500 or more selections and have also passed a rigorous inspection that evaluates the overall quality of their wine program, cellars, service, ambiance and cuisine.

Black Dress & Bubbly: Megan Hilty Rocks a London Times Frock, Sips Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne

Megan Hilty looks very chic in this London Times little black dress. And, it only costs $88 - wow!


I tend to avoid featuring celebrities on this site, but when I received this image of the marvelous Megan Hilty rocking a little black dress by London Times and sipping Nicolas Feuillatte bubbly, I decided to bend the rules - she seems to be a girl after my own heart! An amazing vocalist, I tuned in to NBC's SMASH every week to hear Megan sing her heart out and unleash her inner Marilyn Monroe. 


Megan recently wore this London Times Crochet Detail Dress to the SMASH Season 2 kick- off dinner. She looks like a million bucks but the dress only costs $88 - you don't need to go broke to look stylish! Available in sizes 2-16, it features great details like a high-low hem and a lovely lace applique at the back yoke. It pairs beautifully with Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne - one of my favorite bubblies.

Dresses, Drinks & Destinations: The Heat Wave Edition

Summer is my favorite season but even I feel a bit daunted by the hair-wilting heat waves that have been sweeping the nation. However, sky high temperatures are not an excuse for subpar fashion choices. I've seen some truly scary fashion violations on the streets of NYC - really, there reaches a time in a lady's life when she must bid adieu to hotshorts and midriff shirts! Instead, on a scorching day, reach for a simple white dress for a look that is sexy, elegant, and refreshing.

The Dress

Victoria's Secret Convertible Tube Dress
$49.50

 This simple strapless white dress will keep you cool and chic on sandy beaches and city streets! Designed to be worn as an empire waist dress or a flowy skirt, this travel friendly garment is made of soft cotton knit with a hint of modal.

The Drink




One of my favorite summer sips is a perfectly chilled glass of sparkling rosé. Recently, I had a glass of R. Dumont & Fils Brut Rosé and it is superb. A stunning shade of deep pink, R. Dumont & Fils produces their beautiful bubbly with 100% Pinot Noir. It is full-bodied and juicy with notes of strawberry and pomegranate. R. Dumont & Fils is classified as a grower Champagne - Champagnes that are produced by independent growers using grapes from their own their estates as opposed to larger houses which tend to purchase their grapes from various sources. Available for $36.99 at Wine Authorities.

The Destination:
Anyplace with white sand and sea breezes sounds divine. What about Palma de Mallorca in Spain's Islas Baleares? I haven't been there in over 20 years but I can still picture those stunning blue waters.

Alcudia Beach, Palma de Mallorca
image courtesy seemallorca.com

Summer Chic: Sunny DIANE Fragrance, DVF Dress & a Philip Stein Timepiece

Ooh, I just heard that one of my favorite dress designers, the incomparable Diane von Furstenberg, has just launched a new fragrance: Sunny DIANE. Just in time for summer, Sunny DIANE, is described as a crisp, sparkling, and playful combination of mandarin, frangipani, and driftwood. Spritz yourself in a light veil of Sunny DIANE, wrap yourself in a DVF dress, and work it! This fragrance sounds like it will put you in a vacation state of mind wherever you are! Sunny Diane Eau de Toilette is available now at Sephora and at Bloomingdale's starting August 1 - $55.
Sunny DIANE would pair beautifully with the DVF Julieta Dress ($385).


Keep track of the time at home and your vacation destination with this chic Philip Stein Ceramic White Timepiece that boasts a dual time zone feature. Not only will the crisp all-white design match every summer ensemble, the ceramic case and strap will feel light and cool on hot summer days. Stars like Oprah Winfrey and Madonna have been spotted wearing Philip Stein watches. And, I was lucky enough to wear one a few years ago when a jeweler friend loaned me a Philip Stein timepiece for several months - parting with that watch was heartbreaking! Not just pretty, Philip Stein watches also feature Natural Frequency Technology that mimic natural frequencies in the body and many wearers have reported a feeling of increased relaxation and overall improved well-being. Suggested retail price $1595.

Perfect Plate: Emmi Roth Swiss Alp Panorama Cheese & Nicolas Feuillatte Brut NV

The cheese course is traditionally the grand finale to a meal but on a hot summer day, cheese paired with wine, fruit and bread is a light & delicious, no-fuss dinner that satisfies.

Many people have the misconception that Swiss cheese is exclusively that thinly sliced dairy product with holes that you purchase at the deli counter but Switzerland produces a wide variety of cheeses. I recently sampled Emmi Roth Swiss Alp Panorama Cheese and it is absolutely delicious. Panorama's rubbed-rind is edible and coated with savory alpine herbs that enhance the flavor of this tangy semi-soft cheese. Made from pure Swiss cow's milk, Panorama is matured a minimum of 4 months. If you love a strong but not obnoxious tasting cheese with a pleasant aroma, I recommend Emmi Roth Panorama. $18.99 for a one pound wheel.

Pinot Noir, Syrah, Gamay, Zinfandel and Champagne are recommended pairings for the Emmi Roth Panorama. During these sweltering summer months, I would reach for a split (1/4 bottle) of delicious Nicolas Feuillatte Brut NV ($10.95). This flavorful champagne is subtle enough to enhance, not overwhelm, the herbal flavors of the cheese. Round out your meal with strawberries, grapes, and salty nuts for a perfect plate!

Festive & Fabulous 4th of July Frocks

From backyard barbecues to swanky soirees, the dress code for Independence Day celebrations is all about rocking the red, white and blue. Go ahead and be a firework in one of these festive frocks!
 

Catherine Malandrino American Flag Dress
$425
Don't be shy about your patriotic feelings! This fun frock from French designer Catherine Malandrino tastefully interprets the Star Spangled Banner for a look that is vibrant and playful but not costumey. Don't be shocked that a French designer created such an all-American look - many historians tout the similarities between the French and American Revolutions and both flags are red, white & blue!


Tory Burch Berdine Dress
$375
For a more abstract yet still colorful salute to July 4th, this flirty little floral number from Tory Burch has got you covered.




Ralph Lauren Team USA Mesh Polo Dress
$198
Until the IOC recognizes flirting as an Olympic sport, these Team USA dresses are as close as I will get to being a part of the Games. Ralph Lauren's dresses will fill you with team spirit and take you from July 4th through the 2012 Olympics.

 

A New York Minute: The Library Hotel Collection & Lunch Hour NYC

The Library Hotel

The Library Hotel Collection
HKHotels, an acclaimed collection of boutique hotels in NYC, has changed their name to the Library Hotel Collection. Each of their four fabulous hotels (the Library Hotel, Hotel Elysée, Hotel Giraffe, and the Casablanca Hotel) also has a brand new website. Book your reservation online for a stay at any time in the future through the new websites by July 31, 2012 and they will treat you to a "Welcome to LHC Package " that includes a box of Belgian chocolates, a bottle of Cabernet

Hotel Elysée

Sauvignon, and a choice of one of four classic books, including Pride and Prejudice.