Wine With Wanda

Read It & Eat! Di Palo's Guide to the Essential Foods of Italy

 

"I don't just sell the food in my store - I live it. This book is about living it." Lou Di Palo

When Lou Di Palo's great-grandfather Savino opened his latteria (dairy store) in New York City's Little Italy 104 years ago, could he have imagined that his family would nurture and grow the business into one of the City's most treasured culinary destinations? More than just a store, Di Palo's is a valuable link to the foods & wines of Italy and a reminder that small family businesses make a priceless contribution to the culture of NYC. 

Before you discount Little Italy as a tourist trap, I challenge you to pay a visit to Di Palo's. From  the luscious Prosciuttos dangling in the window, to the endless array of cheeses & salumi behind the counter, and the bounty of pastas, olive oils, vinegars, sauces, and sweets that fill the shelves; you'll quickly see that Di Palo's is the real deal. Di Palo's loyal following includes neighborhood old-timers (THE Martin Scorsese wrote the foreword to the guide) and the new generation of "foodies" in search of authenticity.


I had a chance to congratulate Lou Di Palo in person at a book party that the Italian Trade Commission hosted for him in New York City.

I first met Lou Di Palo at a culinary event a few years ago and was immediately impressed by his humble demeanor and encyclopedic knowledge of Italian food. When I see Lou at an event, I know that the food will be delicious and that I'll learn something new. A book from Lou has been absolutely long overdue, so I am thrilled that Di Palo's Guide to the Essential Foods of Italy: 100 Years of Widsom and Stories From Behind the Counter ($28) is now a reality. Part family memoir and part history of Little Italy, the guide is a tremendous resource in helping readers understand the diversity of foods produced in Italy's twenty regions. Since taking his first trip to Italy in 1973 to honeymoon with his wife Connie, Lou's visited all of the country's regions. Lou personally knows the purveyors for the products that he stocks and shares the knowledge that he has gleaned with his customers and in the book.

image courtesy Di Palo's

Truly, a visit to Di Palo's is a must if you love Italian food and wine. Chances are you'll be warmly greeted by Lou, his siblings Marie and Sal, or his children Caitlin and Sam. (Lou's daughter Allegra is actually a Contessa by marriage and his two grandsons are actually Counts!) Be warned that the photos, descriptions, and recipes in Di Palo's Guide to the Essential Foods of Italy will make you hungry and inspire you to race to their store, or shop their website, for some Italian treats. Mangia!

A Tasty Shortcut to Speaking French: The Farm to Table French Phrasebook

I speak just enough French to flirt and order some basic foods but I'm always eager to learn more. While making no promises to snag me a French beau, The Farm to Table French Phrasebook (Ulysses Press, $15.95) will make it easier to communicate my culinary cravings en français.

Written by French native Victoria Mas and illustrated by Meera Lee Patel, this lovely little book is chock full of phrases & definitions that make dining and conversing a la française a breeze. From the fishmonger to the farmers' market and from the butcher shop to the bistro; The Farm to Table French Phrasebook is a great resource for shopping for food and dining out in France. I found the sections on cheese and wine exceptionally useful - did you know that France produces more than 300 types of cheese and that they are categorized by their structure and crust? This book would have been so useful on my 2013 trip to Provence. 

Whether you're traveling to France or dining out at your local bistro, The Farm to Table French Phrasebook will enrich the experience. And the book has some simple recipes for dishes like La Soupe à l'Oignon (Onion Soup) and Le Poulet à l'Estragon (Tarragon Chicken) that will add some savoir faire to your homecooking.  This book is also a great gift for the Francophiles in your life!

 

A Book to Savor: French Regional Food by Joël Robuchon & Loïc Bienassis

Beautifully written & illustrated, French Regional Food ($40) is a treasure trove of France's rural culinary traditions and recipes. Transporting the reader to Alsace, Burgundy, Corsica and beyond, French Regional Food is an essential if you're smitten with France and its cuisine. A collaboration between culinary icon Chef Joël Robuchon (he has more Michelin stars than any chef in the world!) and French historian Loic Bienassis, French Regional Food is like a master class contained in 312 hardcover pages. Twenty years of research went into this book and the richness of detail and vivid photos express that commitment.

Highlighting 27 distinctive regional cuisines, French Regional Food makes a special effort to showcase the lesser known specialties. So instead of a recipe for the delicious but ubiquitous Quiche Lorraine, you'll learn about delicacies like Lard Nantais (Nantes bacon) and La Roulette de Bugey (rolled pork breast). I've spent a few hours just flipping through the pages of French Regional Food and it has a classic & accessible feel that is missing from many of today's gastronomy books - even the cover has a simple yet elegant vintage feel. The recipes are easy to follow and the historical information is conveyed in a lively, almost conversational matter. French Regional Food is a book to ooh la la about!

A Decade of Delicious: The 2015 Michelin Guide to New York City Restaurants

Culinary stars were shining bright on stage at the gala celebration for the tenth edition of the Michelin Guide to New York City restaurants. Of course, the Michelin Man was there too!

There is certainly no shortage of places to dine in New York City but only 73 restaurants can currently boast that they're Michelin-starred! First published in France in 1900 to help hungry motorists find the very best meals on the road, Michelin introduced the NYC guide 10 years ago and their team of anonymous inspectors annually place a spotlight on the Big Apple's culinary stand-outs. Whether you're a local or a visitor, the Michelin Guide is a great resource for navigating New York's culinary landscape.

Not just a showcase for world-famous three-star eateries like Jean-Georges, Le Bernardin, and Masa; the Michelin Guide New York City 2015 ($18.99) lists 874 restaurants and more than 60 types of cuisine from Argentinian to Vietnamese. Every New Yorker knows that a great meal does not have to cost a fortune and the 2015 guide includes Bib Gourmand selections throughout the five boroughs that represent the Michelin Inspectors' favorites for good value. 

I attended the gala celebration for the 2015 Michelin Guide NYC and the extravaganza included tasting stations with beautiful bites from restaurants like Lincoln Ristorante, Telepan, NoMad, Jean-Georges, and the Spotted Pig.

It was an absolute pleasure to meet Chef Jonathan Benno of the elegant Lincoln Ristorante (1 Michelin Star) at Lincoln Center - I've dined there and the food & service are impeccable. At the gala Chef Benno served a hearty chic creation - Smoked Eel and Foie Gras Terrine with Apricot Mostarda and Brown Bread.

 

It's been years since I dined at Telepan (1 Michelin Star) but Chef Bill Telepan's dish of Heritage Pork 'BBQ-Style' with Pork Belly, Smoked Shoulder and Creamed Corn has definitely inspired me to visit soon!

At the gala, I ran into the incredibly talented Chef Manuel Berganza of the modern Spanish restaurant Andanada (1 Michelin Star).  (This may be my first "selfie" with a Michelin starred chef!) I promised Chef Berganza that I would visit Andanada again soon for his innovative interpretation of cuisine from Spain. (Click here to read my 2012 interview with Chef Berganza).

Could one (or more) of this fab foursome of young chefs from Jean-Georges earn his own Michelin star one day?

To learn more about the 2015 New York Michelin selections, visit the Michelin website.

 

 

 

 

Related articles

Make Plans with Michelin: Great Guides for Globetrotters

Take a Delicious Bite of the Big Apple with the 2014 Michelin Guide

Behind the Label - "Rioja: Conversations with Winemakers" eBook

Miguel Ángel de Gregorio of Finca Allende is one of the captivating Rioja winemakers profiled in the eBook Rioja: Conversations with Winemakers. His family has been producing grapes for five centuries.

The popularity of wines from Spain continues to grow, particularly those from Rioja. Do you want to know a little more about the vino you're sipping? The informative eBook Rioja: Conversations with Winemakers ($4.99) is a juicy source of information.

Rioja: Conversations with Winemakers shows that wine education doesn't have to be stuffy and overwhelming. The book explores seven of Rioja's top wine estates and presents candid conversations with the winemakers. From traditionalists employing ancient techniques to modernists with a more experimental style, Rioja: Conversations with Winemakers highlights the diversity of Rioja. The book also includes video links to short segments that transport you to the vineyards and the cellars.

The personality and culture of the winemaker are crucial partners with Mother Nature in the process of transforming grapes to vino. As a wine drinker, knowing the story behind the label can greatly enhance the tasting experience and help you understand why you love or loath a particular wine. If you're planning a trip to Rioja, the book's dining & hotel recommendations are very useful. Published by Grape Collective, the Rioja book is the first in a planned series of eBooks showcasing winemakers from Barossa Valley to Napa Valley.

Thank You, Dr. Maya Angelou

"Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends."

 

Dr. Angelou, reading "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" at boarding school filled me with so much inspiration - it was the first book I read in high school with a voice like my own, from an author with roots like my own. Reading your other books later on, your journey made everything seem possible. Meeting you years later when you were honored at an event that I produced, was a moment I'll never forget. I'm sure your green room up above is abundant with white orchids and Kendall Jackson Chardonnay! Rest in peace and thank you, thank you, thank you.

Provence Food & Wine: The Art of Living

It is hard to believe that almost a year has passed since my unforgettable journey to Provence. From the fragrant lavender fields to the chilled glasses of rosé, I have vivid memories to last a lifetime. And, thanks to the authors of Provence Food & Wine: The Art of Living ($19.95), I can experience a bit of Provençal magic wherever I am.

Written by François Millo and Viktorija Todorovska, Provence Food and Wine captures the allure of this region of southern France through recipes, stunning photographs, and historical facts. A great primer for understanding the traditions and wines of the region, Provence Food and Wine also features 47 recipes, made with an abundance of healthy fresh ingredients and olive oil, for signature Provençal dishes like aioli and tapenade. Provence Food & Wine is really a perfect book for anyone planning to visit Provence or wanting to add the delicious flavors of the region to their culinary repertoire. 

Make Plans with Michelin: Great Guides for Globetrotters

Did you know the Michelin Man's name is Bibendum? He is quite cuddly!

 When yours truly was invited to be a Brand Ambassador for Michelin Guides, it was a dream come true because I've loved their guides for years. Even in our world of apps and online guides, I still refer to traditional guidebooks when planning a trip and Michelin excels at delivering detailed information in a user-friendly format. I used Michelin guides extensively on my recent trip to France and they were indispensable for navigating our way to major sights and places to eat. And, for the past few weeks, I've been flipping through the Michelin 2014 guide to New York City restaurants for their reviews on some on my favorite places to eat and for tips on new places to dine. I'm also in the early stages of planning a trip to Italy in 2014 and I'm doing some armchair traveling with Michelin Guides as a supplement to the advice (some unsolicited!) I've been getting from friends.

Michelin is hosting a fall sale and for a limited time their guidebooks are 25% off. Go ahead and save a little money on a great gift to yourself and for the travelers in your life!

 

 

Related articles

Take a Delicious Bite of the Big Apple with the 2014 Michelin Guide

Michelin Moment: Chef Marcus Jernmark of Aquavit

Off the Beaten Path: Explore London's Charming Villages

On your next trip to London, why not get off the beaten path and explore the charming villages of this sprawling metropolis? With the lovely little book London Villages: Explore the City's Best Local Neighborhoods ($15.95) as your guide, before you know it you'll be wowed by local markets, restaurants, pubs, shops, and gardens that very few tourists venture out to see. Written by Zena Alkayat, former Shopping & Style Deputy Editor for Time Out London, London Villages features descriptions for 30 villages/neighborhoods, full color photographs by Kim Lightbody, and illustrated maps by Jenny Seddon. From Marylebone Village to Primrose Hill, Chelsea Green to Victoria Park Village and Little Venice; London Villages is an elegant and informative guide to these unique enclaves. I'm hoping to take my next trip to London in 2014 and this book will definitely come along. Until then, I'll enjoy flipping through the pages of London Villages while sipping a good cuppa!

Picture Perfect Paris: Magnifique Moments from the City of Lights

Breathtakingly beautiful, energetic, and chic; Paris is one of the few places on the planet that actually exceeds the hype. The only rule to traveling in Paris is to be open to seduction because all of your senses will be teased. Your taste buds will be tantalized by fine food and wine, your vision dazzled by the stunning architecture and stylish residents, your ears will buzz with the musical sound of French, and luxury is at your fingertips in the form of a fine silk scarf or a crusty artisan baguette.

The famous "Love Locks" on the Pont des Arts. Hopeless romantics proclaim their undying love by writing their names on locks, attaching them to the bridge, and tossing the key into the Seine. Litter conscious lovers opt for padlocks. 

My last trip to Paris was in 2007, so my recent visit there was akin to a reunion with an eternally chic friend. Unlike last time, I took this journey to Paris with a friend of 20+ years and sharing the experience with someone dear to me made it even more special. Together, we sought out familiar places and new experiences.


The very ornate Pont Alexandre III is now one of my favorite bridges in Paris - it is adorned with many stunning statues and gold accents.

The first new experience was our lodging: instead of booking a hotel, we rented a Paris apartment on Airbnb. I'll admit to being a little apprehensive about this process, but it enhanced our trip in countless ways. We gave up hotel amenities like room and maid service but we gained our very own stylish pied-à-terre in Paris. Also, renting an apartment was much less expensive than a hotel and we had more space. There are many Paris apartments available on Airbnb, from luxurious to modest, and the site has many protections in place to make sure that you don't get scammed.


Our Paris rental apartment was in the Rue Montorgueil neighborhood. Located in the 2nd arrondissement, it had a lovely pedestrian walkway lined with cafes, bakeries, and shops.

Paris is, without a doubt, one of the world's great walking cities and a comfy (but cute) pair of shoes and an excellent guide book are indispensable. I highly recommend the Michelin Paris Guide from their Green Guide Series - it was in my bag everywhere we traveled in Paris. We used it frequently to learn interesting facts about the sights and the maps helped us to navigate our way around by foot and Metro. For example, as a Hemingway fan, sipping a café crème at  Les Deux Magots was on my must-do list. The Michelin guide confirmed that the cafe was in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, provided a map of the area, walking directions to the cafe, and a brief description of Les Deux Magots as a long time gathering place for Left Bank intellectuals and artists.

Perhaps the most magical thing about Paris is how history surrounds you at every turn. Yes, it is a bustling modern metropolis but the roots of Paris go way back to 30 BC. It is impossible not to feel the pull of the past in winding cobblestoned streets and the soothing rhythm of the Seine.

One of the many winding paths in Père Lachaise cemetery.

Paris's past is strongly felt at the serene and beautiful Père Lachaise Cemetery. Easily reached by Metro, it is the final resting place of Edith Piaf, Jim Morrison, Colette, Richard Wright, Chopin, Balzac, Oscar Wilde, Isadora Duncan, and many others. Navigating the 99 acre cemetery can be very confusing and the map & legend in the Michelin guide were much needed companions to the free, but not incredibly detailed, maps available for free in the cemetery office.


  After a quiet morning with the silent residents of Père Lachaise, the energy of Paris is especially intoxicating. I spotted these newlyweds walking towards the famous pyramid, and their future, in the Louvre courtyard.

These were a few of my favorite sights in Paris - what are yours? Stay tuned for my upcoming post on dining in the City of Lights.

 

Summer Sip: Wonderful White Wines from Spain

A refreshing glass of chilled white wine is a must on a hot summer day, but don't fall into a rut. If you need a break from Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, white wines from Rioja will definitely perk up your tastebuds. Located in north central Spain, Rioja is considered Spain's premier winemaking region. Rioja's red wines have quite a reputation for excellence but their whites are pretty delicious too. Here are two white wines from Rioja that will pair beautifully with summer days and meals. Salud!

Bodegas Dinastía Vivanco Blanco 2011
($12)


A blend of Viura and Malvasia grapes, this perky white wine has an earthy aroma with hints of grass, green apples, and pear. Balanced by a subtle minerality, this is a great match with salads and fresh seafood.

Inspiración Valdemar Tempranillo Blanco 2011
Bodegas Valdemar ($20)


For something truly special, give this unique White Tempranillo a whirl. If you've had red wine from Spain, you were probably sipping Tempranillo but the white incarnation of this variety is far less common. Aged one year in French oak, this wine has luscious aromas of honey, lemon, and pineapple. It is well-rounded with an appealing acidity. A great match with more complex seafood dishes.


To learn even more about the wines of Rioja, visit the Vibrant Rioja website and pick up a copy of Ana Fabiano's beautiful hardcover book The Wine Region of Rioja. If you're planning a trip to Spain, the Rioja region is ideally located about one hour from Bilbao (home of the Frank Gehry designed Guggenheim Museum) and also one hour from the foodie mecca of San Sebastian.

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

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


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

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

Vineyards in the countryside around Imola

Quiet Paris: A Thoughtful Guide to Dodging Tourist Traps in the City of Lights

One of the challenges of visiting an iconic destination like Paris is that the large number of tourists flocking to the must-see sights can make the city feel overcrowded. Instead of just wandering around aimlessly looking for a quiet and off-the-beaten path to escape the crowds in the City of Lights, let Siobhan Wall's thoughtful little guide, Quiet Paris  ($19.95) show you the way.  A compact 144 pages, Quiet Paris features lively descriptions and lovely photos of more than 120 museums, galleries, shops, libraries, restaurants, parks & gardens, and much more. The book is organized by location type and you can also search the index by arrondissement. Quiet Paris is definitely a must-pack on your next trip to Paris. Just flipping through the book has inspired me to get back to Paris as soon as I can!

Siobhan Wall is a writer and artist and also the author of Quiet Amsterdam and Quiet London.

In the Bag: A Life Changing Tote and Two Captivating Books

 Whether I'm hopping the subway or flying across country, a great tote bag and engrossing reading material are essentials. Here are my fabulous finds!

THE BAG


Looking good and making a difference is easy breezy with this stylish tote from FEED. A collaboration with designer Rachel Roy, the purchase of each bag provides 100 school meals to children in India. The bags are 100% cotton and handmade by Indian artisans. $78

THE BOOKS

 Court of the Myrtles

Author Lois Cahall draws from her own life experiences in this moving work of fiction about the enduring power of love in the midst of grief. Court of the Myrtles ($11.99) focuses on two women who meet every Friday morning in a cemetery. One is grieving over the tragic and early death of her mother and the other is mourning the loss of her daughter. The older women guides the younger woman through the stages of grief and shows her that miracles do happen. Anyone who has experienced the loss of a love one will be touched by this beautifully written book that takes the reader on an emotional journey. I confess to shedding a few tears. The title, Court of the Myrtles, refers to the famous outdoor patio at the Alhambra in Spain.  

Americashire: A Field Guide to a Marriage

What could possibly go wrong when an American woman and her British husband decide to buy a 200-year old cottage in the Cotswolds? If you've ever fantasized about giving up city life for the bucolic pleasures of the British countryside, Jennifer Richardson's Americashire: A Field Guide to Marriage ($15.95) will show you that country life brings drama cloaked in corduroy and tweed. Part memoir and part travelogue, the book is interspersed with field guides to narrative-related Cotswold walks. The book also explores Jennifer's ambivalence about motherhood and dealing with illness. 

Style Big Shot André Leon Talley Celebrates the Little Black Dress

 An ode to the little black dress features prominently on the list of books that I plan to write one day but style guru André Leon Talley has beat me to the punch. A compilation of photos and essays, his Little Black Dress (Rizzoli, $50) tome traces the evolution of the LBD and shares insights from Talley and other writers, including Pulitzer Prize winners Maureen Dowd and Robin Givhan. Featured designers include Chanel, Yves St. Laurent, Ralph Lauren, Balenciaga, Proenza Schouler, and many more.

Dolce and Gabbana
image: Adam Kuehl

If you are in New York City on Monday, April 15th, you can hear Talley discuss his book at FIAF (French Institute Alliance Française). His talk, Celebrating the Little Black Dress, begins at 7pm and books will be available for purchase and signing. Tickets are $25. Talley's talk is certain to entertain - he never holds back and his knowledge of fashion is encyclopedic. Not one to rest on his couture laurels, Talley recently left Vogue after 30 years to forge a fashionable new path as the editor-in-chief of Numéro Russia.

Raise a Glass to Rock and Vine: A Gorgeous Book Celebrating the Next Generation of California Winemakers

Besides sipping it, one of the things I love most about wine is getting to know the people who devote their lives to transforming grapes from a humble fruit into an enticing elixir. Rock and Vine: Next Generation Changemakers in American Wine Country is a fantastic new book that showcases young Napa and Sonoma winemakers that are the descendants of some of the region's most iconic wine pioneers. Their wine roots are strong but this next generation is rocking the grapevines and forging their own path.

Flipping through the pages of Rock and Vine, I was swept away by the stories and gorgeous photos of winemakers like Dalia Ceja of Ceja Vineyards - the first Mexican owned winery in Napa. And, I had no idea that Envolve Winery was founded by Ben Flajniik of The Bachelor and his friends Mike Benziger (yes, of THE winemaking Benzigers) and Danny Fay.

Dalia Ceja of Ceja Vineyards is one of the changemakers featured in Rock and Vine.

Written and published by Chelsea Prince (Chelsea Print and Publishing), Rock and Vine showcases the photography of Mary Steinbacher and includes an introduction from Master of Wine Christy Canterbury. A portion of the proceeds from the purchase of each book will benefit Wine to Water - a non-profit organization committed to providing clean water to people around the world.

So, take time out to savor a great glass of wine from a next generation California winemaker while learning more about these trailblazers with a copy of Rock and Vine. 
Click here to learn more and to order your copy of Rock and Vine ($28.95).

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! 

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."

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.

 

Hidden Gardens and Forever Paris: 2 Great Guides to the City of Lights

I racked up millions of miles as an armchair traveler before finally visiting Paris in 2007. All those years of reading Hemingway, Josephine Baker bios, and countless magazine articles really paid off when I finally landed in the City of Lights because it felt magically familiar. Even if a trip to Paris isn't in your immediate future, Hidden Gardens of Paris and Forever Paris, both written by women, are two guidebooks that will enhance your knowledge of this legendary city. Put on your chicest walking shoes or get comfy in your favorite armchair and explore!


Hidden Gardens of Paris: A Guide to the Parks, Squares and Woodlands of the City of Light
by Susan Cahill
$19.99
Even if you think you know Paris like the inside of your favorite Chanel  bag, Susan Cahill's book is certain to surprise you with several hidden gems. Arranged by the geographic sections of the City, Hidden Gardens of Paris showcases 40 oases that are easy to miss unless you have the inside scoop. Featured spaces include Jardin de l'Atlantique out of sight on the roof of the Gare Montparnasse and the Jardin de la Vallée Suisse which is invisible from the street and only accessible if you know how to find the path. Hidden Gardens of Paris is very thoughtfully organized - each section contains information on the nearest Metro station, a beautiful photo of each location by Parisian photographer Marion Ranoux, a vivid description and background, and nearby places of interest.

Forever Paris: 25 Walks in the Footsteps of Chanel, Hemingway, Picasso and More
by Christina Henry de Tessan
$14.95
Would you like to have a cocktail in one of Ernest Hemingway's favorite bars or visit the markets and patisseries that inspired Julia Child? Or would you like to explore Edith Piaf's Belleville or the late night haunts of Josephine Baker and Pablo Picasso? Then Forever Paris is a must-pack on your next trip. The book includes photos & full-color maps, detailed directions, and compelling historical details. Ooh la la!

GAIA - Photos from Space by the Creator of Cirque du Soleil

If you've ever been to a Cirque du Soleil performance you probably described it as out of this world. So, it isn't too surprising that the creator of Cirque du Soleil, the fearless visionary Guy Laliberté, would leap at the opportunity to visit space as part of the International Space Station in 2009. LaLiberté celebrates and chronicles his journey in GAIA - a stunning book published by Assouline that shares 149 images of the Earth captured by Laliberté during his 11 day space journey in 2009.

Guy Laliberté, Creator of Cirque du Soleil, Space Traveler, and founder of One Drop.

I had the opportunity to chat with Mr. Laliberté at a book party co-hosted by the Italian Trade Commission at the Kiton townhouse in New York City. I was really curious to learn about his journey from street musician, to the founder of Cirque du Soleil, and now, space traveler.

"I had always dreamed of traveling and the fastest way I found to get on the road and discover the planet was picking up an accordion of my father’s and start to be a musician on the street. And, then I discovered the pleasure of entertaining people – this is where I came from. And, obviously, all my life, I wanted to discover new places and space was the ultimate traveling experience," said Laliberté.

The images in GAIA are truly stunning - our planet looks both abstract and familiar, powerful and vulnerable. GAIA is $65 and there is also a special edition offered for $875 and a limited edition for $7000. Proceeds from GAIA benefit One Drop, an organization founded by Laliberté to promote global access to clean water. 

The Light of Venice

I recently crossed over into the world of E-books and while enthralled, I remain deeply in love with old-fashioned books. Nothing can compare to actually holding a book, feeling the weight of it in your hands, and the smell and texture of the paper. My E-reader is wonderfully convenient and clever but some books demand the timeless elegance of ink on paper - The Light of Venice is such a book.

Hardcover with 132 pages and over 60 illustrations, The Light of Venice features the black & white photographs of Jean-Michel Bert. "I always try to give my photographs a feeling of timelessness…. I never know the photograph I’m going to make, the photograph comes to me, it finds me," said Berts.
The Light of Venice features the architecture, bridges, and canals of La Serenissima in the ethereal light of dawn. Published by Assouline, The Light of Venice is $65 and available for pre-order. This is the 5th book in the The Light of series and the other featured cities are New York, London, Istanbul, and Tokyo.


Images courtesy of Assouline.

Woo Hoo! The Black Dress Traveler Featured in CRAVE New York City

Can you guess what I have in common with Academy-Award winning actress & ping-pong impresario Susan Sarandon, clothing designer Liz Lange, makeup guru Laura Geller, and trainer-to-the-stars Tracy Anderson? We're all featured in the very first edition of CRAVE New York City! I am absolutely honored and excited to be included in "the ultimate guide to women-owned businesses in New York City, featuring entrepreneurs YOU need to know."

If you are not familiar with CRAVE, serial entrepreneur and unabashed start-up junkie Melody Biringer  published the first guide in 2002 to showcase women business owners in her hometown of Seattle. (Melody knows a thing or two about business - she's built over 20 companies. You can learn more about her journey and get some great business advice in Melody's new book Craving Success, which includes 132 tips for ambitious entrepreneurs.) CRAVE guides are now available in multiple cities, including Amsterdam, Atlanta, Dallas, San Francisco, Vancouver, The Hague, and now for the first time in New York City.

The CRAVE NYC guide features a dynamic and diverse group of women that really embody the essence of New York - creative, bold, and fearless. Whether you are looking for an events planner, photographer, personal trainer, life coach, jeweler, baker, makeup artist, organizer, or decorator; there is an amazing woman in CRAVE that is ready to dazzle you with her talent and expertise.

You can purchase your CRAVE guide at Amazon, or send an e-mail to [email protected] and I would be more than happy to send you a copy (while my supply lasts) for $15 (payable online via PayPal). Price includes shipping and handling to addresses in the United States only. If you want, I'll even sign my page for you!

PS - Since several people have asked, the black dress in the photo is by Nuova Vita, jewelry by SEVAN.

My Own Private Provence

Endless fields of lavender, fine wine, and exquisite food -  the Provence region of France seemingly has it all. Sadly, I have no immediate plans to hop Air France to southeastern France's version of Shangri-La, but I have found a way to create my own little Provence right in my Manhattan living room!

Drink: M. Chapoutier Belleruch Cotes Du Rhone 2010
$12.99
Technically, this delightful Rosé is from the nearby Cotes du Rhone, a region north of Provence, but because I enjoyed it so much please permit me the indulgence of inserting this sassy wine into my private Provence. (Please don't call the wine police!) Cotes-Du-Rhone is one of France's most celebrated wine appellations and Belleruche (beautiful beehive) is an affordable wine with a flirty personality. Belleruche's blend of grenache, syrah, and cinsault grapes create a lovely pale pink wine with zesty flavors of cherry and citrus.  The perfect summer sip! (Something really cool - the Belleruche label is also printed in Braille.)

Read: Death at the Chateau Bremont: A Verlaque and Bonnet Mystery
$14
While other books set in Provence focus solely on the beauty of the region, writer M.L. Longworth shakes things up by placing her murder mystery in historic Aix-en-Provence. The murder of local nobleman Etienne Bremont at his family's chateau bring together the unlikely crime solving duo of chief magistrate Antoine Verlaque and his ex-girlfriend law professor Marine Bonnet. Handsome, wealthy, and a wee bit of a snob, Verlaque simply can not live without fine wine and cuisine and Death at the Chateau Bremont lovingly describes perfect French meals. Bad brioche is simply not tolerated! In fact, Verlaque's investigative skills seem to improve with each freshly shucked oyster or flute of champagne! For those of us who have never been to Provence, Madame Longworth's vivid descriptions of the region, from Aix to Marseille, do a splendid job of taking the reader on an exquisite adventure. This book is the first in a planned series.

Eat: Arnaud Mixed Provencal Olives
$7
I recently discovered these delectable and juicy olives and they are a fantastic snack.  Perfectly marinated in red wine vinegar and thyme, the quality is superb. A true Provencal treat, the Arnaud family has been curing and selling olives for three generations. 



Indulge: Provencal Landscape Candle from L'Occitane
$19
Let this aromatic candle transport you to the fragrant fields of Provence. Packaged in a travel-friendly tin, "the resiny fragrance is reminiscent of the sun-drenched, scrubland of the south of France." C'est si bon!

Crazy About Candace Bushnell: Creator of Sex and the City

I just returned from such an only in New York kind of evening: cocktails and conversation featuring the fabulous Candace Bushnell. The candid and couture clad creator of Sex and the City, Candace was the featured guest at a very special event at Saks Fifth Avenue sponsored by New York Women in Communications. The room was abuzz with women of all ages and backgrounds who were united in our anticipation of hearing words from the woman who had created characters so relatable that ladies all over the world, at one time or another, have described themselves as a Carrie, Miranda, Samantha, or Charlotte. (Me, I'm a Carrie with a dash of Charlotte.)

Beyond being a big fan of Candace's books and the TV series, I am so inspired by her journey. How does one go from growing up in a small Connecticut town to captivating the Big Apple and beyond? As I listened to Candace speak, it became clear to me that it wasn't just her talent that took her to the top, it was her tenacity and her fearlessness. Candace said she had no mentors and no rules to follow - she did it her way. Or as she put it, "you have to do YOU."  Amen to that!

Be sure to pack Candace's most recent books, The Carrie Diaries and Summer and the City, in your travel tote. These Sex and the City prequels are perfect additions to your summer syllabus!