Wine With Wanda

Culture is Always in Fashion at the NY Times Travel Show

Traveling the world in a New York minute was a breeze at The New York Times Travel Show. From Alaska to Zambia, more than 500 destinations and travel companies gathered at the Javits Center this weekend with the hope of enticing curious travelers. In addition to adding some new places to my travel wish list, I was captivated by the traditional attire worn by many of the exhibitors and performers. Here are a few photos of my favorites.

   
India

The Ukraine

Hawaii

 

Dominican Republic

Mexico

Panama

Bhutan

Sri Lanka

Blame it on the Dolce: Sweet Treats from Italy

When desserts are truly excellent, there's no need to feel guilty about indulging your sweet tooth. Thanks to Francine Segan, the USA Spokesperson for the Italian Confectioners Association (whom I have affectionately nicknamed The Dolce Diva), I have been guiltlessly blissing out on the most delicious sweets from Italia. From crunchy cookies to creamy chocolates, I am amazed by the rich variety of Italian treats made using simple, fresh, and natural ingredients. Here are a few of my favorites. You can find them at your local gourmet shop or online. Mangia and take your tastebuds on a trip!

Venchi Chocolate: Founded in Turin in 1878, beautifully wrapped Venchi chocolates please the eye and seduce the palate. I've been enjoying their 75% pure extra dark chocolate - just a little square is so satisfying. Venchi's nougatine, ground and candied hazelnuts covered with chocolate, is legendary.

Vanini Chocolate: Each square of Vanini tells a delicious story. Founded in 1946 in Lake Como, their collection includes a wonderful selection of single origin chocolates from Madagascar, the Dominican Republic, and Ecuador. For something really special, try the Vanini Liqueur Pearls filled with grappa, limoncello and other Italian spirits.

Falanga Cookies: Talk about buttery goodness, these all-natural Sicilian treats are simply divine. Falanga's assortment includes an absolutely perfect Chocolate Covered Pistachio Macaroon. Falanga's Pistachio Almond Crisps won the top prize at the 2008 Parma Fancy Food Show.

Vicenzi Amarettini Cookies: Tiny and crunchy, these almond flavored cookies get their distinctive flavor from bitter apricot kernels. Not too sweet, these sophisticated little treats are addictive.

Corsini Cantuccini: We may know them as biscotti, but if you want to sound authentically Tuscan, call these crunchy treats cantuccini. Sure, you could have these with coffee or tea but go ahead and enjoy cantuccini Italian style and dip them in Vinsanto - a sweet, fortified Tuscan wine. The almond cantuccini are a classic but Corsini also bakes these biscuits with both chocolate and orange pieces.
P.S. To learn more about Italian desserts, read my article about Francine Segan's talk on the history of Italian sweets. For example, did you know the world famous BACI chocolates were invented by a woman?

Shoo, Jimmy Choo: Save Money for Your Next Vacation

Let's face it, even budget travel requires money! Whether you are saving for a weekend escape or your dream vacation, join The Black Dress Traveler for a special evening with Catey Hill, author of Shoo, Jimmy Choo: The Modern Girl's Guide to Spending Less and Saving More.

This fun evening will take place on Tuesday, March 2 at the Williams Club (24 East 39th Street bet. Park and Madison Avenues) at 6:30 pm. The cost is $15 per person and includes hors d'oeuvres, beer, wine and soda. To reserve your space, please send an e-mail to [email protected] and let them know The Black Dress Traveler sent you. Once you have made your reservation, you can pay cash at the door.

Catey will show you how to evaluate why you spend, tweak your spending habits (without completely depriving yourself), get out of debt, create a savings and retirement plan that even lets you splurge sometimes (because, really, who can live without at least the occasional mani-pedi or brand-new dress?) and how to make your travel dreams work with your fiscal reality.

Catey Hill is the money editor for the New York Daily News online. Previously, Hill was the marketing manager at Plum TV and the author of The Plum Wealth Report, a specialized blog focusing on the purchasing behaviors of affluent consumers. She first realized her need to kick her shoe habit and get her finances in order when working as the financial marketing manager for Forbes magazine.

My New York: The Black Dress Guide to the Big Apple

When I'm not traveling, I love exploring my hometown. Here are a few events happening in the Big Apple where you might run into me wearing a little black dress! Get out and have some fun!



Drink Ribera. Drink Spain.
Tuesday, February 23. 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. $55.
Taste wines from 100 classic and boutique wineries from Ribera del Duero at the Puck Building. With an extreme climate perfectly suited for quality grape-growing, Ribera del Duero wines represent the pinnacle of Spanish winemaking and the ultimate expression of Spain’s most noble red grape: Tempranillo. 

French Conversation Rendez-Vous at the French Institute
Tuesday, February 23. 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. $12
Mix and mingle with other Francophiles. Speakers at all levels are invited to enjoy wine and snacks while chatting in French. 

Hold Me Tight and Tango Me Home
Thursday, February 25. 6:30 pm. $30. includes a copy of the book, snacks, wine, beginner’s tango lesson & tango music.
Join author Maria Finn in celebrating the release of her new book, Hold Me Tight and Tango Me Home! A true tale of surviving a broken heart, Maria Finn's husband was cheating. First she threw him out. Then she cried. Then she signed up for tango lessons. It turns out that tango has a lot to teach about understanding love and loss, about learning how to follow and how to lead, how to live with style and flair, take risks, and sort out what it is you really want. 

Food in Film: Flavors from the Silver Screen
Thursday, February 25. 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm. $40.
A perfect event for movie buffs and foodies! Just in time for the Academy Awards, food historian Francine Segan hosts  an amusing lecture on the meaning behind famous food scenes in favorite films, view hilarious film clips and participate in a movie trivia contest (with prizes). Talk includes a taste of the delicious pasta pie (timpano) featured in the classic foodie movie Big Night.



The Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra Goes Carioca
Friday, February 26 – Saturday, February 27. 8:00 pm. $35.
The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra goes Carioca features guest Music Director Cliff Korman, and friends. The evening will be a celebration of the Samba, the Bossa Nova, and other Afro Brazilian rhythms.

The New York Times Travel Show
Saturday, February 27 – Sunday, February 28. $15 per day.  
Travel to over 500 destinations without leaving New York City! The New York Times Travel Show features information about getaways, deals & giveaways, live cultural performances, tastings, seminars and more! Some of the biggest names in travel will be in attendance, including Arthur and Pauline Frommer, Susan Orlean, and Valerie D’Elia.

Pauline Frommer Inspires & Informs at Women & Wanderlust

Close to 70 travel loving ladies (and a few fellas) joined The Black Dress Traveler at the Williams Club in NYC on February 18th for the first Women & Wanderlust: Travel Talk & Expo! Each guest was greeted with a glass of champagne - the perfect way to start this elegant and fun evening! Pauline Frommer, the award winning author of guide books and co-host of the nationally syndicated radio program The Travel Show, shared a captivating slideshow of her recent travels to Mexico and Hawaii along with great money-saving tips.

“Women can go almost anywhere men can go and no longer be looked at like harlots or hussies like they were just 20 years ago,” stated Frommer. Don’t over plan, “get lost for one day and explore,” she proclaimed. However, she recognized that personal safety is often an important issue for women and advised that traveling with women’s tour groups is a great way to get out and see the world for women who prefer not to travel alone.

Thank you to everyone who attended Women & Wanderlust! A special thank you to our exhibitors - The Tourist Office of Spain, JG Black Book of Travel, Rock Hall, and Italian Days. One lucky guest won a facial and message courtesy of Lia Schorr Day Spa, and another one a complimentary mid-week stay at Rock Hall. Each guest also received a special gift from Moxie. What a night! Enjoy the photos. Hope to see you next year! 

Sarah Mansourian (Romero & Miller Wines) and Nagore Espinosa (Tourist Office of Spain)


Pauline chats with guests and signs books.

 
The Black Dress Traveler & The Elegant Tightwad - style maven Pamela Parisi.

Guests get more info about Rock Hall from Stella Somers.

Italian Days shared info about their luxury getaways.

 
Allisson Griesedieck & Emily Westaby from JG Black Book of Travel.
  
 
    Travel agent Patricia Jones (center) and friends!

Clamoring for more info on Spain's many splendors!
  

Stella Somers (Rock Hall) & Wanda.

A good time was had by all!

Women & Wanderlust: Travel Talk & Expo with Pauline Frommer

Thursday, February 18, 2010, New York City

6:00 pm: Doors open. Refreshments and Tour Company & Destination Exhibitions

6:30 pm: Presentation by travel expert Pauline Frommer

7:30 pm – 9:00 pm – Networking, Refreshments, Exhibitors, & Book Signing

$10 per person with reservation in advance. $15 at the door (space permitting).(includes wine and light hors d’oeuvres). All ticket purchases are strictly final sale. Click here for more details and to purchase your ticket.
Several of Pauline Frommer’s books will be available for purchase and signing at the event.

Join The Black Dress Traveler for a great evening of travel information and inspiration! Whether you are a seasoned traveler or just starting your journey, don’t miss the Women & Wanderlust: Travel Talk & Expo. Network with other travel loving ladies while getting expert advice on everything from travel safety, traveling on a budget, popular destinations, and more. Get valuable information that will help you plan your next girlfriend getaway, solo trip, dream vacation, or long weekend.

Our guest speaker, travel expert Pauline Frommer has been traveling since she was four months old. Daughter of famed budget travel author Arthur Frommer, Pauline has written her own award winning series of travel guides. Pauline Frommer's London was named "Best Guidebook of the Year” by the Society of American Travel Writers.

A select group of tour companies and destinations have been invited to display their information at Women & Wanderlust and representatives will be available to answer your questions. Confirmed destinations include the Tourist Office of Spain, Italian Days, JG Black Book of Travel, and Rock Hall. One lucky attendee will also win a one night stay (midweek) at Rock Hall or choose to receive a complimentary night with a paid reservation. Each guest will also receive a special gift from Moxie (gorgeous and girly feminine hygiene products.)

Click here for more details and to purchase your ticket.

My New York: The Black Dress Guide to the Big Apple

When I'm not traveling, I love exploring my hometown. Here are a few events happening in the Big Apple where you might run into me wearing a little black dress! Many of these events are free or very affordable, so get out and have some fun!

Sommelier’s Secrets: 
Secrets of Wine & Food Pairing with Marnie Old
Wednesday, February 17. 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. $95
Learn wine and food pairing 'tricks of the trade' that will surprise and delight in this unique interactive wine seminar. Marnie Old is one of the country’s leading wine personalities, known for her common-sense approach, energetic performance style and incisive insights. She is Director of Wine Studies at Manhattan’s renowned French Culinary Institute and an expert on drinks of all kinds. Cheers!

Women & Wanderlust: Travel Talk & Expo
Guest Speaker: Pauline Frommer
Thursday, February 18. 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
$10 includes wine & hors d’oeuvres
Join The Black Dress Traveler for a fabulous evening of networking with other travel loving ladies. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or just starting your journey, don’t miss this great event. Get expert advice on everything from travel safety, traveling on a budget, popular destinations, and more. Our guest speaker, travel expert Pauline Frommer has been traveling since she was four months old. Daughter of famed budget travel author Arthur Frommer, Pauline has written her own award winning series of travel guides.

Harlem Fine Arts Show
Saturday, February 20 and Sunday, February 21. Adult admission is $20.
The Harlem Fine Arts Show is an exciting, interactive exposition showcasing contemporary works created by African-American artists in a variety of mediums.




2nd Annual Chocolate Day at the Morris Jumel Mansion
Saturday, February 20. 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. $20.
Enjoy your chocolate with a side dish of history at Manhattan’s oldest house – the Morris Jumel Mansion. Carol Ward will present a lecture entitled “Social Drinking in 18th Century France & America.” Then watch as Susan McLellan Plaisted creates chocolate using tools and techniques that date back 2000 years.

The Accidental Husband
Saturday, February 20. 2:00 pm. Free!
See this chick flick for free in SONY’s 73-seat HD theater. Firefighter Patrick Sullivan (Jeffery Dean Morgan) finds his life turned upside-down when his fiancée suddenly calls off their pending nuptials per the recommendation of radio love guru Dr. Emma Lloyd (Uma Thurman). Determined to get even, Patrick forges a fake marriage license accidentally marrying Emma, who’s already engaged herself. British heartthrob Colin Firth also stars.


Mardi Gras Dance Party featuring CJ Chenier
Sunday, February 21. Dance lesson at 6:00 pm. Show from 7:00 pm –10:30 pm. $22
If you can’t make it to New Orleans, I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Mardi Gras then grooving to the sounds of the “Crown Prince of Zydeco” - CJ Chenier. One of my favorite musicians, CJ Chenier is considered by many to be the best living Zydeco singer and accordionist. His powerful voice, soulful rhythms, and Louisiana charm make this a can’t miss event. Let the good times roll!

Savile Row: If It's Bespoke, Don't Fix It?

Why is The Black Dress Traveler writing about Savile Row - London's legendary tailoring district where men of refined taste and deep pockets have commissioned bespoke (custom-made) suits for more than 200 years? Blame it on Sundance. You see, I'm avoiding the mayhem of Fashion Week in NYC and while channel surfing I stumbled across the series Savile Row on demand. I couldn't resist the program description: "Three part series about Savile Row, the London street famous for its bespoke tailoring shops. The tailors fear for their future when giant company Abercrombie & Fitch arrives on the street." History, fashion, conflict - I'm in!

As a traveler, I am intrigued when I hear about historic areas that are being modernized. Not all change is bad but some changes are perplexing - I never could have imagined a Payless Shoes on Fifth Avenue or a McDonald's in the Louvre.

So far, I've watched the first episode of Savile Row and I've learned that women can also receive the royal treatment and be fitted for bespoke suits. And, why would anyone pay a minimum of $5,000 for a suit? According to the narrator, "a bespoke suit can make the Hunchback of Notre Dame look like Justin Timberlake." That's some suit! Imagine what they could do with a little black dress?

Savile Row premieres on Sundance on  Sunday, February 14. You can also watch it on demand.

The Ziplock Files: Fabulous Travel Worthy Beauty Products

How I miss the good old days when I could board a plane with a bag full of my must-have beauty lotions and potions! Aren't we all praying for the day when the TSA no longer thinks of perfume and shampoo as the enemy? Until that glorious day comes, I spend my time searching for products that are worthy of space in my Ziplock bag. Here are three great finds that meet the Transportation Security Administration's 3 oz. rule.

Pucker Up with NIVEA: Dry airplane cabins can leave your lips less than luscious. Bring the sexy back with NIVEA. Long known for their excellent body and hand creme, NIVEA has developed an affordable line of products that will hydrate, protect and add shimmer to your lips. I am a big fan of the Kiss of Shine line. Available in natural, red glossy, and pink glossy, NIVEA's A Kiss of Shine vamps up naked lips with a sexy and subtle sheen and also adds a sleek shimmer when applied over lipliner or lipstick. Priced at about $3.29 and available at drugstores, I keep one tube in my makeup bag and another in my gym bag. For a shine-free look, give NIVEA's A Kiss of Moisture, A Kiss of Protection, A Kiss of Relief, and A Kiss of Rejuvenation a try. Happy smooching! 


De-Puff and Brighten Up with EyeSlices: Eyebags are not the kind of luggage that you want to schlep around! Travel can really disrupt your sleep pattern and before you know it your pretty peepers are puffy and swollen. EyeSlices treatment pads provide a cooling sensation and reduces the appearance of red eyes, dark circles, and puffy eyes in 5 minutes. Re-usable up to 10 times and only $20 (with case), EyeSlices are a great value. Refills are $15.

Pack It Up with Giella: One of my favorite makeup lines is Giella Custom Blend Cosmetics. Do you have a beloved lipstick or nail polish that has been discontinued? No worries, Giella can duplicate it. Can't find a foundation or powder that is a perfect match for your skin? Giella can create it. Ready-to-wear colors are also available. Once you've selected the perfect products, pack them up in the Giella Travel Kit. Priced at $18, this sturdy plastic zipper bag contains empty travel-size containers to hold your favorite cleanser, toner, shampoo, and more. For $45, Giella offers a travel size skin care set with Vitamin E Cleanser, Vitamin C Toner, and other great products.

Book a Babymoon: Six Luxury Getaways for Moms-to-Be

Ooh baby! Finally, pregnant women can get the special pampering they deserve when traveling. Babymoons are the perfect escape for moms-to-be in search of round-the-clock TLC. Just imagine - room service at your beck and call to cater to your midnight cravings and a masseuse to massage those swollen ankles. From New York City to Parrot Cay, these six destinations are just what the doctor ordered.

Parrot Cay
Parrot Cay’s three-night Babymoon Package is designed for couples to have some alone time before the little one arrives. Indulge in a 75-minute prenatal massage, an hour-long private yoga session, and a COMO Shambhala Massage that uses blended oils to calm the mind and rejuvenate the body. You and your sweetie can snuggle up for some alone time with a castaway picnic or private tiki hut dining. Prices start at $3,070 per couple.

Metropolitan London
Head to London for the royal treatment at the Metropolitan. The Met-Mum-to-Be package includes a visit to the Urban Escape spa for pre-natal massage incorporating a specially-designed ‘Body Cushion’ for support and relaxation during your treatment. Packages from £319 per night for a Deluxe City Room include mineral water in the room at turndown and a healthy breakfast for two.

Rosewood Mayakobá
The luxurious Mexican Riviera will seduce your senses at this swanky property where ocean, jungle and sky meet. Book the four-night Babymoon Package for two and receive daily buffet breakfast, a prenatal yoga instruction session with consultation for two, a romantic candlelit beach dinner, and more. Rates start at $1,183 per night including tax and service for a minimum five-night stay through December 15, 2010.

Nantucket Island Resorts 
Looking for a quaint getaway? Reserve a Nantucket Babymoon Package for two nights at either The Wauwinet or White Elephant. Relax with a one-hour soothing prenatal massage. And, Mr. Mom can use a “Daddy Coupon” of $25 towards any treatment at either spa. Other goodies in the package include, the White Elephant's signature "Trunket" stuffed elephant, celebration cigars for the big day, and complimentary gourmet Continental breakfast at The Wauwinet.

The Peninsula Spa by ESPA
Do you have only a few hours to spare? Spoil yourself with a Maternity Massage at The Peninsula Spa by ESPA, New York. This gentle massage is designed for mothers-to-be after the first trimester, relieving tension in stress-prone areas such as the lower back and hips. Indulge in 60 minutes for $195 or 90 Minutes for $295. The Peninsula Spa by ESPA in both New York and Chicago also offer a special Pre-and Post-Natal Treatment for $320.

ESPA at Acqualina Resort & Spa
Bask in the Florida sunshine with your beautiful baby bump! Book a room at the Acqualina Resort & Spa through December 23 and take advantage of the resort’s Babymoon Package and ESPA spa. The package includes an 80-minute Maternity Massage and an 80-minute Deep Tissue Massage. From now through April 4, the Babymoon Package starts at $675 for an Intracoastal Hotel Room and includes daily continental breakfast for two with a minimum stay of three nights.

My New York: The Black Dress Guide to the Big Apple

When I'm not traveling, I love exploring my hometown. Here are a few events happening in the Big Apple where you might run into me wearing a little black dress! Many of these events are free or very affordable, so get out and have some fun!

 Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls 4th Annual Rock & Roll Auction
Tuesday, February 9. 8:00 pm. $25 general admission, $75 VIP.
Help support the next generation of female rockers by attending this fun and worthwhile event at the Knitting Factory. Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls is a non-profit music and mentoring program that empowers girls and women through music education and activities that foster self-respect, leadership skills, creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration.

Yappy Hour: A Benefit for the Humane Society
Tuesday, February 9. 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. $50
Join Wendy and Lucky Diamond (Pet Lifestyle Expert, Animal Rescue advocate, TV personality) to celebrate the release of her new book, It’s a Dog’s World. Yappy Hour® is the premiere cocktail party for people looking for true puppy love. It’s the only place where pet parents can party like animals with their animals.

Barney’s Warehouse Sale
Thursday, February 11 – Sunday, February 28.
Enjoy 50-75% off designer clothing, shoes and accessories.

New York Flamenco Festival
Thursday, February 11 - Sunday, February 14. $35-$90.
New York’s annual flamenco celebration, now in its 10th year, features mesmerizing performances with renowned dancers and musicians direct from Spain!

 


Jane Birkin in Concert
Thursday, February 11 & Friday, February 12. 8:00 pm. $50
Accomplished singer and actress Jane Birkin returns to FIAF for two wonderful evenings of song. Birkin, who began her career in the 1960s with singer Serge Gainsbourg, will perform songs from her most recent album, Enfants d’hiver, as well as old favorites from her days with Gainsbourg. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Mae Tao Clinic, which provides free health care for Burmese refugees on the Thai border.

Unmasked: The Story of the Venetian Carnival
Thursday, February 11 – March 15.
The Italian American Museum presents “Unmasked: The Story of the Venetian Carnival.” The exhibition will feature actual Venetian carnival masks, as well as acclaimed photographer Anita Sanseverino’s colorful interpretive essay of the centuries-old tradition.

Chinese New Year Film Series
Thursday, February 11 & Thursday, February 18. Free!
MOCA presents a series of Lunar New Year Films from Hong Kong and mainland China that celebrate the New Year. All films are in Cantonese or Mandarin with English subtitles. Light refreshments will be provided at each screening.

Free Performance at Lincoln Center: Year of the Tiger (A Chinese New Year Celebration)
Thursday, February 11. 8:30 pm.  
Every Thursday the brand new David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center hosts FREE concerts. This celebration of the Chinese New Year features the amazing mask-changing, intricate make-up, and choreography of Chinese opera; the daring contortions of Chinese acrobatics; and the opulence of costumed folk dancers. 

I Hate Valentine’s Day Celebration at Nolita House
Thursday, February 11. 10:00 pm – 4:00 am.
Come to Nolita House and be one with the players, haters, lovers, singles and couples who share a common disdain for Valentine’s Day. What better way to shake off the stresses of love and relationships than to reject the institution of Valentine’s Day and eat, drink and shake your merry-makers until life seems, well, better. There is no cover charge. Nolita House’s late night bar menu will be available until 2am.

Aphrodisiacs Tasting with Culinary Historian Francine Segan
Friday, February 12. 12:00 pm. $20.
Just in time for Valentine's Day! Discover the foods reported to have unleashed passion in everyone from Cleopatra and the Marquis de Sade. Explore the stories behind aphrodisiacs like frog saliva, rhinoceros horns, oysters, truffles and caviar. Lecture includes a sampling of several aphrodisiac dishes!

Pre-Valentine’s Day Cognac & Chocolate Tasting
Friday, February 12. 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm. $75.
Enjoy fine cognac and chocolates at Cipriani Wall Street. This tasty event hosted by the Fifty Best features 5 ultra-premium cognac brands of various vintages-- VSOP and XO. Indulge in an abundant array of artisanal gourmet chocolates from elite producers such as Vosges Haut Chocolat and Neuchatel. An enticing selection of appetizers provided by Cipriani will be served during the event.

Romancing the Grapes Tasting at Italian Wine Merchants Saturday, February 13. 1:00 pm-3:00 pm. $75.
On the day before Valentine’s Day Italian Wine Merchants will be sharing some truly wonderful wines, starting with a lovely Sicilian sparkling rose and working their way up to the marvelous Montevertine Le Pergole Torte--with lots to love in between, including a rare white wine from the Guiseppe Quintarelli, the Bianco Secco Ca' del Merlo.

Valentine’s Day Zydeco Dance Party
Sunday, February 14. Dance lesson at 6:00 pm. Show from 7:00 pm –10:30 pm. $22
Celebrate Cupid with some authentic Louisiana Zydeco in the heart of the Big Apple.

Love in the Parlors: A Valentine in Concert
Sunday, February 14, 5:30 pm. $20
The Merchant’s House Museum presents a 70-minute program of romantic songs and arias by 19th-century composers performed in the Museum’s Greek Revival double parlors.

Save the Date!
Women & Wanderlust: Travel Talk & Expo
Guest Speaker: Pauline Frommer
Thursday, February 18. 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
$10 includes wine & hors d’oeuvres
Join The Black Dress Traveler for a fabulous evening of networking with other travel loving ladies. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or just starting your journey, don’t miss this great event. Get expert advice on everything from travel safety, traveling on a budget, popular destinations, and more. Our guest speaker, travel expert Pauline Frommer has been traveling since she was four years old. Daughter of famed budget travel author Arthur Frommer, Pauline has written her own award winning series of travel guides

Navarra in New York (and DC too!): A Wonderful Week of Wine & Food from Spain

Are you craving Piquillo red peppers, Rosado wine and Iberian pork? Don't worry if you can't jet off to Spain right now - New York City and Washington, DC are celebrating cuisine from the Kingdom of Navarra from February 6 - 14.

Located in the north of Spain, Navarra borders the Basque Country, La Rioja, Aragon and the Pyrenees. Known worldwide for the running of the bulls in Pamplona and immortalized by Hemingway in The Sun Also Rises, the experts state that the "climate and topography make Navarra an extraordinarily fertile region…an historic distinctive cuisine with multi-national influences. Navarrese cooking incorporates local products of the highest quality, with a great variety of mushrooms and other fungi; superb meats, game, and fowl; Cantabrian fish; regional cheeses like Roncal, Aezcoa-Valcarlos and Idiazabal; and locally produced olive oil." I say, DELICIOUS! 

During Navarra Gastronomic Week, acclaimed chefs and wine experts will host a variety of tastings and serve special menus. Participating restaurants in NYC include Boqueria, Casa Mono (one of my favorites), and Toledo. In DC, Jaleo, La Bodega, La Tasca and several other eateries are putting the spotlight on Navarra. Enjoy!
 
For more information, visit www.navarragastronomy.com.

Don't Forget to Pack Some Happy: Travel Tips from Gretchen Rubin (The Happiness Project)

Gretchen Rubin's book The Happiness Project is not just a #1 New York Times bestseller, it is a MOVEMENT. I keep hearing about how this book is really inspiring people to bring the happy back. Rubin describes it as "a memoir of the year I spent test-driving the wisdom of the ages, the current scientific studies, and the lessons from popular culture about how to be happy--from Aristotle to Martin Seligman to Thoreau to Oprah."

One of her tips for happiness is to take a vacation! Recognizing that relaxation is a must, Rubin made "resolutions to Be serious about play, Take time to be silly, Force myself to wander."  Other travel related posts on The Happiness Project blog include 5 Tips for Happiness Reinforced by My Family Vacation and Eight Tips for Items to Carry When Traveling with Kids.

Be happy, take a trip!

Grossest Vacation EVER: NY Post Reporter Gets Cozy with a Prosti-Dude in Nevada

I believe in going above and beyond for my career but New York Post reporter Mandy Stadtmiller must really love her job. The overly dedicated journalist hopped an overnight flight to Las Vegas and then drove 2 1/2 hours to rendezvous with Nevada's first-ever legal male prostitute - a 25 year old former Marine and greasy gigolo who calls himself Markus. 

Mandy shelled out $500 to spend 2 hours with Markus at the appropriately named Shady Lady Ranch. In spite of the fact that Markus trades sex for money, he insists "I'm not a hooker. I'm a surrogate lover." Ok......

I don't shock easily but I was stunned as I read Mandy's very detailed account of her "date", which included taking a shower with Markus and getting a massage. Although clothes were shed, Mandy insists that they did not go all the way. To make matters worse, she had to listen to Markus babble all kinds of nonsense. Mandy writes, "In addition to comparing himself to civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks (“I’m breaking through sexual segregation”), he also identifies with Lady Gaga (“I’m a performer”), van Gogh (“I’m an artist”) and Moby (“I’m an eccentric”)." Oh my.

Sorry Markus, but this is one trip The Black Dress Traveler won't be taking.

Click here to read the article "My Night with a Prosti-Dude."