During our trip to Sicily, a last minute change of plans had us spending 24 hours in Palermo. There was little time to look for accommodation and we needed a hotel that was relatively inexpensive but comfortable. Since we were arriving by bus from Mazara del Vallo and there was a stop near Teatro Politeama, [...]

When it comes to quality produce, there are two adjectives that weave their magic and elevate simple food to a higher level: seasonal and regional. Two simple concepts that are becoming rare in some parts of the world where we willingly exchange flavour for year round availability. But not in Italy. In the Sicilian town [...]

When it comes to accommodation in Paris, we are drawn to the 6ème arrondissement. The left bank area surrounding boulevard saint-germain has somewhat become our second home. Rich in café life, some favourite restaurants, bars, even a fresh market, this an area Paris that makes us feel less of a visitor and more of a [...]

This is a guest post by Andy. I’m not sure if it’s just that we were looking in the wrong areas, or just a trait of a typical tourist destination, but finding an easy meal in Luzern, Switzerland is no easy task. A cold October evening had my wife and I fervently scurrying down cobbled [...]

At Pane e Acqua in Milan, you won’t be confined to bread and water as the name suggests. The fashionable restaurant in the Magenta neighbourhood will take you on a culinary and arty journey reminiscent of a dining room set within an art gallery. From the soft-cushioned banquettes, you can rest your back against foam [...]

Think of Provence and you conjure up images of golden sunshine, lavender fields, undulating hills with citrus and olive trees. So how do you bring the essence of Provence back home? This collection of souvenirs arrived with family after their brief sojourn in the towns of Bonnieux and Gordes. The provençal bread basket tied with [...]

Paris has been one of the cities I have visited frequently be it either for business or pleasure with Ms Gourmantic. Equally important as its art and history is its food. Be it the top flight restaurants, the traditional bistro or an up and comer, as long as the food is treated with respect and [...]