tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3117907964587814932024-02-08T07:35:34.767-06:00Sally Knows Italy and MoreRandom tips and comments from a travel counselor of more than 25 years.Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08060836999479356472noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-311790796458781493.post-48244814194126858462011-04-10T20:54:00.003-05:002011-04-10T21:02:26.379-05:00If near BWI Airport, best crab cakes ever!I was just at an Association of Retail Travel Agents board meeting held at a Baltimore-Washington International/BWI area hotel. One of the locals in the group steered us to G and M for our lunch break. Wow! Located in a strip mall, but enormous and nicely decorated inside. And truly, the best crab cakes ever. Eight ounces each of almost pure crab. The scallops also looked fabulous. Salads are huge. Extensive menu. They also ship nationwide. Enjoy!<br /><br />G and M<br />804 N. Hammonds Ferry Road<br />Linthicum, MD <br />410/636-1777<br />www.gandmcrabcakes.comSallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08060836999479356472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-311790796458781493.post-4230676176434729222011-02-17T08:37:00.005-06:002011-02-17T09:16:22.482-06:00Ceremony of the Keys at Tower of LondonDid you know that you can attend the nightly <span style="font-weight:bold;">Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London</span> free of charge? It's an event that takes place about 10 PM nightly...and has done so for over 700 years. You have to apply several months in advance for the limited number of places.<br /><br />To quote from thelondontraveler.com: "Originally a very practical event, where the Tower was locked every evening, it is now a very private ceremony. The ceremony has in fact never been photographed. It takes just around five to ten minutes, and is really quite simple.<br /><br />A Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) meets the Tower’s military guard, is escorted to the Tower Gates, where the Yeoman Warder locks the entrance. Upon return to the main part of the tower the party is challenged by yet another guard. Upon proper response, the party then goes to the central area of the tower where Last Post is played.<br /><br />A small group of people are able to watch this ceremony each evening. You must apply in writing two to three months in advance, with all of the details of the people that would like to attend...<br /><br />I can’t express just how fascinating experience seeing the Ceremony of the Keys was for me. It takes place just before 10pm, when that part of London is incredibly dark and quiet. Then seeing this ceremony take place in the same place with the same cobbled stone walk and castle walls that it has done for seven hundred years is just incredible. I highly, highly recommend it if you’re able to plan it ahead of time."<br /><br />See http://bit.ly/fjWW41 for details.Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08060836999479356472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-311790796458781493.post-72731933683229176872011-02-15T08:46:00.000-06:002011-02-15T08:47:40.615-06:00Tour Houses of ParliamentThe Houses of Parliament are now open to overseas visitors for 75 minute guided tours year-round on Saturdays. Hours are 9:15 A - 4:15 P. This is in addition to the annual 'Summer Opening" in August and September when Parliament is not in session. Ticket prices are 15 GBP for adults (10 GBP for those over age 60 and for students), 6 GBP for children -- or 37 GBP for a family. Pre- booked tickets are available by phoning 0844 847 1672 or through Ticketmaster, http://bit.ly/fLOq1TSallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08060836999479356472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-311790796458781493.post-67763582168643332582011-02-04T09:27:00.000-06:002011-02-04T09:27:00.713-06:00Roman Assisi<span style="font-weight:bold;">A very interesting article from Rebecca Winke, writing for "Italy: Beyond the Obvious."</span><br /><br />www.italybeyondtheobvious.com/2011/01/roman-assisi.htmlSallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08060836999479356472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-311790796458781493.post-47228612594243529872011-01-31T09:20:00.001-06:002011-01-31T09:20:00.714-06:00If you lived in Italy instead...<span style="font-weight:bold;">Kind of a fun list of things that would be different for someone living in Italy instead of the US:</span><br /><br />www.ifitweremyhome.com/compare/US/IT?sms_ss=twitter&at_xt=4d3a1a38c12e10ba,0Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08060836999479356472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-311790796458781493.post-50924731557463855242011-01-29T09:07:00.002-06:002011-01-29T09:08:09.270-06:00How to Spot ATM Card Skimmers<span style="font-weight:bold;">I've never had a client fall prey to an ATM card skimmer while abroad, but Bootsnall has a fine article on how to recognize and avoid such</span>. <br /><br />http://www.bootsnall.com/articles/10-04/atm-skimmers-how-to-protect-yourself.htmlSallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08060836999479356472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-311790796458781493.post-42251419353680519022011-01-24T09:28:00.003-06:002011-01-24T09:35:34.799-06:00Train Travel in Italy, from www.italylogue.com<span style="font-weight:bold;">Thanks to Jessica and Why Go Italy for this lovely tribute to travel travel in Italy.<br /><br />http://bit.ly/gStTvv</span>Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08060836999479356472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-311790796458781493.post-88704150792799685912011-01-06T12:17:00.000-06:002011-01-06T12:17:00.309-06:00Italy really did ban plastic bags as of January 1stShopkeepers in Italy have been banned from giving out plastic shopping bags to reduce "white pollution." Italians use about 20 billion of those plastic bags a year and they are non-biodegradable. The new law took effect January 1. Stores can only give out plastic bags till they run out.There have been similar restrictions on the bags in about 200 Italian communities but now the ban is nationwide. If you are travelling to Italy this year, pack a cloth shopping bag to carry around. (Association of Retail Travel Agents newsletter)Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08060836999479356472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-311790796458781493.post-53698993174435901612011-01-04T09:43:00.002-06:002011-01-04T09:43:00.383-06:00Smoking prohibitions in Spain as of January 1, 2011<span style="font-weight:bold;">From Jaunted.com newsletter</span>: Warning to smokers: Don't light up in public places when traveling through Spain anymore. The country has enacted a ban on smoking in enclosed public spots, including restaurants and bars.<br /><br />If you get caught puffing away, it will cost you; a first-time offense carries a $40 fine, and repeat offenders will have to cough up as much as $134,000 after the third strike. However, enclosed spots aren't the only places where where your pack of cigs and lighter are prohibited. You also can get slapped with a fine for smoking in some outdoor areas as well, including playgrounds and near hospitals.<br /><br />This is a big change for the formerly haze-filled country, which was one of the few last remaining Western European nations to allow smoking in public places. Plus, according to the Christian Science Monitor, government officials estimate that 35 percent of residents above 16 are regular smokersSallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08060836999479356472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-311790796458781493.post-55177146949359433212011-01-03T08:08:00.000-06:002011-01-03T08:09:09.877-06:00Buy Paris metro tickets on the other sideDid you know that if you're taking the EuroStar from London to Paris, you can buy Paris metro and RER tickets right at St. Pancras station before boarding? They are available in the departure lounge, and even on the train.Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08060836999479356472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-311790796458781493.post-87915028086970851172010-01-22T15:37:00.025-06:002010-01-30T15:52:11.267-06:00National World War II Museum, New OrleansToday I visited the <span style="font-weight:bold;">National World War II Museum in New Orleans</span>, and can highly recommend it - and highly recommend that you plan to have lunch there.<br /><br />Under the name of the National D-Day Museum, the facility opened on June 6, 2000. In 2003, it was designated the National WW II Museum by the U.S. Congress. There is now a second building across the street, with plans for yet further expansion. All through the buildings you see American veterans acting as volunteers. <br /><br />Touring is self-guided, with the largest focus on D-Day preparation and operation. The first building has three floors, with large galleries and a good museum shop. Music everywhere is from the war period.<br /><br />Across the street in a newer building are the <span style="font-weight:bold;">Victory Theater, Stage Door Canteen and American Sector cafe.</span> You first view a lead-in to the movie in an anteroom, then are taken into the Victory Theater with lovely leather seats, an enormous screen and high-tech effects. That total experience is about 45 minutes with shows every hour on the hour, is narrated by Tom Hanks, and very well done.<br /><br />On Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoon, there is <span style="font-weight:bold;">"Let Freedom Swing,"</span> a jazz and swing production in the Stage Door Canteen, with brunch or dinner before...and dancing. See http://bit.ly/StageDoorCanteen<br /><br />The <span style="font-weight:bold;">American Sector cafe</span> is by local chef and restauranteur ("August" is the name of his New Orleans restaurant) John Besh, and is exceptionally good, I thought. Besh was named one of Food and Wine's "Top 10 Chefs of America" in 1999, and "Best Chef in the Southeast" by the James Beard Foundation in 2006. Filled with light and having female wait staff in typical 1940's 'diner waitress' attire (complete with the seam up the back of the hose), the food is American Classic with ample twists. I had a grilled vegetable sandwich with a side of 'Southern Greens," all served in a nice presentation and being quite tasty. People at the table next to me were raving about the Chicken and Dumplings. All desserts are house-made, too. This place is definitely worth a stop.<br /><br />"The Road to Victory: A Vision for Future Generations" capital campaign has been launched to expand the current museum and will include four prominent exhibit pavilions which will portray all campaigns of the war on land, sea, and air, and each branch of the U.S. military services, and a public parade ground. This $300 million expansion project will quadruple the size of the existing facility and will add state-of-the-art programs and exhibit space, library and archives, and collections and conservation space.<br /><br />There are myriad events at the museum. You can <span style="font-weight:bold;">check the calendar here</span>: http://bit.ly/MuseumEventCalendar<br /><br />And here's your unknown fact for the day: at the beginning of WW II, America had the 18th largest armed force in the world....behind Romania.<br /><br />The museum carries the address of 945 Magazine St., but actually faces onto Andrew Higgins St. between Magazine and Camp. It is open 7 days a week, 9A-5P, except for Mardi Gras Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas. There is ample parking in a lot directly in front of the newer building, for $ 6. The American Sector restaurant is open Monday through Thursday 11 A - 9 P, Friday and Saturday 11 A - 11 P, closed on Sunday.Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08060836999479356472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-311790796458781493.post-30678202231624511532009-10-18T21:15:00.009-05:002009-10-18T21:28:37.781-05:00Useful travel finance website for foreign travelFrom Twitter today I learned of a <span style="font-weight:bold;">very useful website about travel finances when abroad, credit card fees and more.</span>. The <span style="font-weight:bold;">'credit card foreign transactions fee comparison" chart</span> is especially a winner. I have a personal writeup that I provide my clients about use of ATM's and credit cards abroad, whether to exchange Euros in advance, etc., and this link will be a great addition.<br /><br />There are also helpful links of all sorts on the site. <br /><br />The general website is www.travelfinances.com and the chart mentioned is at http://bit.ly/37PXS0Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08060836999479356472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-311790796458781493.post-10547542769901841142009-10-13T10:02:00.003-05:002009-10-13T10:22:37.436-05:00Vermont for the LeavesMy Texan son and his Yankee Bride were married in Connecticut on October 14, 1995...perfect for 'the leaves.' And I was lucky the week after to spend time at my co-in-laws ski house in Vermont. I fell in love with Vermont then, and have managed to go back twice. My most recent trip was October 3-9, 2009, and the 'color' timing was perfect. We spent three days in the Ludlow area, then headed way north to Montgomery, which is only 10 miles from the Canadian border. Driving <span style="font-weight:bold;">Hazen's Notch Road/VT 58</span> was a special treat in a series of joyfully beautiful days. I also don't think it's possible to get a bad meal in Vermont, anywhere!<br /><br />I'm sharing photos of some of the scenery with you. You do NOT have to sign in to view them. Simply click on "view photos," then on "play slideshow.' Enjoy the splendor!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">http://tiny.cc/VermontLeaves <span style="font-weight:bold;"></span> </span>Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08060836999479356472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-311790796458781493.post-84741837197266615132009-09-19T19:31:00.002-05:002009-09-19T19:33:41.734-05:00Very cool map for New England Fall Foliage!<span style="font-weight:bold;">My son found this map online and sent it to me, since I'm 'going to see the leaves' in Vermont soon.</span> <br /><br />www.yankeefoliage.com/foliagemapSallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08060836999479356472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-311790796458781493.post-11895236746049586422009-09-14T08:12:00.003-05:002009-09-14T08:15:51.481-05:00Top 10 World Cities for Pickpockets<span style="font-weight:bold;">This helpful reminder list comes from www.traveldailynews.com, an industry publication that I read regularly.</span><br /><br />European cities run off with majority of top 10 and Spain snags two spots<br />TripAdvisor points out top 10 places worldwide to beware pickpockets<br />Monday, September 14, 2009<br /><br />TripAdvisor, the world's most popular and largest travel community, announced ten cities to beware pickpockets, according to TripAdvisor travelers and editors, and five tips to avoid getting pickpocketed. Visitors would do well to watch their bags particularly in major European cities, where many popular outdoor attractions are tourist havens – and prime targets for purse-snatchers.<br /><br />1. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Fear and Loathing in Las Ramblas: Barcelona, Spain</span><br />One reviewer actually compares Barcelona pickpocketing to a generally practiced and accepted sport, like soccer. For those who'd rather stay off the field, take caution: Las Ramblas, the famous wide, pedestrian walkway full of life, music, and people at all hours of the day and night, is the perfect place to get your purse poached.<br /><br />2. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Rome Rascals: Rome, Italy</span><br />With its ancient buildings and astounding historical and cultural attractions, Rome is full of both tourists and incredible things to sightsee. With thousands of people admiring the Trevi Fountain or the Pantheon, it's easy for a pickpocket to lift a camera or purse with a quick snip of scissors or some clever handiwork with a zipper. Travelers beware: 5 of Rome's top 10 most popular attractions according to TripAdvisor's Popularity Index are busy, outdoor attractions.<br /><br />3. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Cash or Czech: Prague, Czech Republic</span><br />The famously beautiful Charles Bridge is lined with 30 baroque-style statues, as well as thousands of tourists who crowd its ancient stones each year, making a perfect recipe for pickpocketing. Before taking in the view of the Vltava River and the Prague Castle beyond, be sure valuables are strapped down. Travelers beware: 6 of Prague's top 10 most popular attractions according to TripAdvisor's Popularity Index are busy, outdoor attractions.<br /><br />4. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Madrid Mischief: Madrid, Spain</span><br />El Rastro fleamarket and the crowded metro are often cited as spots where unfriendly pickpocket schemes can put a damper on a visit to this beautiful city. However, travelers should also beware that in museums (Madrid has many) pickpockets can be crafty as well, preying on distracted tourists.<br /><br />5. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Poaching in Paris: Paris, France</span><br />The City of Light draws enormous crowds from the base of the Eiffel Tower to the steps of Sacre-Coeur and everywhere in between. But enormous crowds can also be found below ground, in the city's metro system, where travelers should be especially cautious.<br /><br />6. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Italian Job: Florence, Italy</span><br />It is certainly easy to see why tourists would be distracted by the majestic beauty of Michelangelo's David and the other incredible and awe-inspiring works of art and pieces of history all around Florence. When admiring Michelangelo's creation, or at its replica in busy Piazza della Signoria, be alert that others may have their attention on your wallet.<br /><br />7. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Don't Cry for Me: Buenos Aires, Argentina</span><br />Buenos Aires is a vibrant and culturally rich city with much to offer, from the famed Teatro Colon to the city's many distinct neighborhoods. However, if while sightseeing you find you are suddenly covered in "bird droppings" (likely mustard) and a "friendly" local (likely a thief) happens to be standing by with napkins to help you clean up, beware. Travelers beware: 5 of Buenos Aires's top 10 most popular attractions according to TripAdvisor's Popularity Index are busy, outdoor attractions.<br /><br />8. <span style="font-weight:bold;">No Dutch Treat: Amsterdam, Netherlands</span><br />It's easy to get carried away in Amsterdam with so many fun things to see and do, but don't be too taken in by the canals and the friendly, laid-back atmosphere – pickpocketers have been known to take advantage of countless tourists in this enchanting city.<br /><br />9. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Greek Tragedy: Athens, Greece</span><br />This legendary city features countless ancient monuments, many of which are outdoors. Whether visiting the Parthenon on the Acropolis, or anything else in this magnificent historic city, keep the bags close to the vest while your eyes admire the rest. Travelers beware: 5 of Athens's top 10 most popular attractions according to TripAdvisor's Popularity Index are busy, outdoor attractions.<br /><br />10. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Hands On in Hanoi: Hanoi, Vietnam</span><br />The capital of Vietnam has its charming Old Quarter, littered with monuments and colonial architecture, and the city also features 600 temples and pagodas, making it a beautiful and unique place to visit, but also a place to stay alert for mischief. Travelers beware: 5 of Hanoi's top 10 most popular attractions according to TripAdvisor's Popularity Index are busy, outdoor attractions.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">TripAdvisor's Top 5 tips to avoid being pickpocketed</span><br />1. Never keep your wallet or valuables in your rear pocket, even if it buttons – it's by far the easiest target.<br />2. Beware of the distraction tactic. Dropping something near you, squirting something on you, or simply jostling you. Be on guard when in crowds, and secure your belongings.<br />3. Pickpockets often work in pairs or groups and it's not just the usual suspects. Be cautious with any strangers—sometimes people who don't look like they'd be a threat, such as children or the elderly, can be part of larger operations.<br />4. Stay alert in confined spaces and near passageways. Try to avoid standing near the doorways of trains as groups of pickpockets can rush at you when the doors open.<br />5. Before you set off on a trip, pare down the contents of your purse or wallet as the smaller the bulge, the less likely pickpockets are to covet it.<br /><br />"Not always a basic 'lift-and-run' operation, expert pickpocketing can sometimes involve more complicated scams," said Christine Petersen, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor. "Travelers need to be aware of all kinds of tricks meant to distract them from their belongings while enjoying popular world attractions."Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08060836999479356472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-311790796458781493.post-27241956587975020192009-07-19T19:52:00.005-05:002009-07-19T19:54:28.493-05:00Very Typical Venetian Drink: The Spritz<span style="font-weight:bold;">I'm borrowing today from Jaunted.com, one of my favorite websites. Learn about one of the most Venetian of drinks...how to pronounce it, how to order it, what's in it, and a good place to get it!</span><br /><br />Where To Drink Jaunted's Favorite Spritz Cocktail In Venice<br />Where: San Polo 2807, Campiello San Tomà , Venice, Italy<br />by JetSetCD on July 17, 2009 at 3:29 PM<br /><br />While the summer is at its peak and you're no doubt tired of chugging bottled water under the sun at tourist sites, we're going to hit some of the world's best watering holes and down their famous summer cocktails. Bottoms up!<br /><br />As dusk hits the lagoon of La Serenissima, tourists retire to their hotels for naps or plain cooling down from hot days under the Adriatic sun, spent museum-hopping and souvenir shopping. This is the cocktail hour in Venice, when it feels as though the locals emerge after lying in wait for the tourists to tire. To celebrate the beginning of another evening of socializing and good food, the cocktail hour usually focuses around Venice's signature local drink: the Spritz.<br /><br />Based on either Campari or Aperol—with Campari the typically male version and Aperol (order "Spritz al Aperol") for women—a Spritz is a happy little red-ochre potion which can be found year-round in Venetian bars. Nonetheless, summer turns us away from our usual Prosecco and towards the fresher comforts of a Spritz at the Ciak 1 bar in the San Polo district.<br /><br />Ciak 1, left out of most guidebooks and online bar listings, is a spot we've discovered after much Venice trial-and-error in terms of finding a great atmosphere, great drinks, and a place which also sells the Frittelle specialities of the February Carnevale. Nestled in the Campiello San Tomà, a small square which seems to magically appear when you're on the verge of becoming very frustrated with attempting to navigate Venice, Ciak 1 is our highest recommendation for sitting with a friend and savoring a simple Spritz.<br /><br />Here's how to mix your own at home:<br /><br />· Dump some ice into a lowball glass<br />· Pour 2oz of Prosecco from Treviso (ok, or any sparkling white wine)<br />· Add a touch of sparkling water <br />· Finish with 1.5oz of either Campari or Aperol<br />· Garnish with an orange peel and serve<br /><br />Or, go truly summer cocktail with a little alternative we've come up with ourselves, even though we won't pretend to be the first the mix the ingredients. It's a result of much time spent in hot Italian weather. Enjoy it the Jaunted way:<br /><br />· Dump a fistful of ice into a highball glass or larger<br />· Pour in the contents of one of those cute Campari Soda bottles<br />· Empty a can of Lemon Soda in there as well<br />· Mix and serve; it's like a fizzy grapefruit-ish cocktail!Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08060836999479356472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-311790796458781493.post-69008965361766513182009-07-02T09:20:00.003-05:002009-07-02T09:24:04.582-05:00World's Most Scenic Train Rides<span style="font-weight:bold;">The American Society of Travel Writers has come out with a fine list of what it considers the World's Top 10 Train Rides. See http://ow.ly/glYw<br /><br />And another good list from The Travel Editor, http://ow.ly/gm00 </span>Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08060836999479356472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-311790796458781493.post-87715496137002660292009-07-01T19:58:00.003-05:002009-07-01T20:00:56.426-05:00World's Most Spectacular Wine Tasting Rooms<span style="font-weight:bold;">Thanks to Travel + Leisure for this lovely look at some of the world's most spectacular sites for wine tasting! </span><br /><br />http://bit.ly/mto2pSallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08060836999479356472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-311790796458781493.post-62914789781415733902009-06-28T20:37:00.001-05:002009-06-28T20:39:17.863-05:00Tipping Advice from Fodor's<span style="font-weight:bold;">The only thing I would add to this good advice is to check first to see if a tip is already included in your restaurant bill. 15% is included in Italy, for example...but it's considered good manners to still leave several Euros more to 'round up.</span>'<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">www.fodors.com/news/story_3373.html </span>Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08060836999479356472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-311790796458781493.post-72807056121702546242009-06-28T19:59:00.002-05:002009-06-28T20:01:44.714-05:00When Kids Fly Solo<span style="font-weight:bold;">My grandsons, ages 6 and 9, will be flying from Austin to BWI on their own in a few weeks, so I took special notice of this Dallas News article with good tips. Thought I'd share.<br /><br />http://bit.ly/KuNKs </span>Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08060836999479356472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-311790796458781493.post-70970011619798838382009-06-08T11:25:00.001-05:002009-06-08T11:27:25.632-05:00Small restaurant in Paris<span style="font-weight:bold;">I have had this place in my Paris Notes for Clients since 2003, and was delighted to see that it is where the Obamas ate in June 2009 – someone advised them well! <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">La Fontaine de Mars</span>, 129 rue St-Dominique, 7th, metro: Ecole-Militaire. Always reliable, old fashioned bistro, chic clientele. Good traditional cooking, friendly welcome, good value; terrace seating in summer. See www.fontainedemars.com <br /> </span>Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08060836999479356472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-311790796458781493.post-62462884827795691262009-03-12T21:24:00.002-05:002009-03-12T21:28:15.579-05:00Dial 112 in 27 European countries in emergency<strong>The system isn't perfect yet, but this is useful travel information: for what you would call 911 for in the USA, you can dial 112 in any of 27 European countries for help. Only 19 ountries can answer in English so far, but that is improving.</strong> <strong>For more information, see http://tiny.cc/jf3Iz </strong>Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08060836999479356472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-311790796458781493.post-23889679581940821512009-03-05T10:09:00.002-06:002009-03-05T10:11:13.625-06:00Venice Organ Concerts for LentThanks to my friend Nan McEloy in Venice for alerting us to a wonderful series of Lenten organ concerts in Venice. How I wish I could be there for a few!<br /><br />http://tiny.cc/kf7YQSallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08060836999479356472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-311790796458781493.post-56630764997888599582009-02-18T10:20:00.002-06:002009-02-18T10:30:34.895-06:00From Budget Travel: "Paris: Eating Haute for Not A Lot"L'Atelier and La Table de Joël Robuchon One of the country's most famous chefs came out of retirement a few years ago to open the left-bank L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon (5 rue de Montalembert, 7th arrondissement, 011-33/8-26-10-12-19) and the right-bank La Table de Joël Robuchon (16 avenue Bugeaud, 16th arrondissement, 011-33/1-56-28-16-16). Neither is strictly haute, but both are undoubtedly hot. L'Atelier draws most of the attention, thanks to edgy design and open kitchen theatrics. La Table, however, boasts one of the best deals in town. You'll find many of the same dishes as at l'Atelier but for half the price at lunch. The €55 ($70) menu includes a glass of wine, hors d'œuvres and a main dish, plus cheese, dessert, coffee, and mignardises. As an added (and rare) bonus, both places are open every day of the year.(Budget Travel Online)<br /><br />La Table carries two Michelin stars. 16, av. Bugeaud, Paris, 75116<br />01 56 28 16 16. See also http://tiny.cc/A3BzlSallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08060836999479356472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-311790796458781493.post-4586082762540302102009-01-15T09:08:00.006-06:002009-01-15T09:28:51.326-06:00Divina CucinaMy friend Judy Witts Francini, aka "Diva," is going to be doing cooking class on the West Coast of the US soon. How I wish my schedule allowed me to be present for at least one!<br /><br />Diva is a treat: an American who moved to Florence in 1984, fell in love with Italy and an Italian, ran a cooking school in Florence for many years. She now offers Market Tours at the wonderful Florence market -- doing that with her is such fun, as all the vendors know her and she can tell you what booth has a third-generation butcher, what booth sells her special blend of herbs, etc. Judy also does three-day or week-long cooking classes in the Chianti area, and there's truly no telling what she will come up with next!<br /><br />Diva's website has wonderful tips for restaurants and shops in Florence and the Chianti area, a "Strada del Vino" route with suggestions for each town...see <a href="http://www.divinacucina.com/">www.divinacucina.com</a> . And of course, a fun blog at <a href="http://www.divinacucina.blogspot.com/">www.divinacucina.blogspot.com</a> <br /><br />And oh yes, that US West Coast Cooking Class Schedule:<br /><br />Feb 12,13 and 14th- Ramekins Cooking School- Sonoma<br /><a href="http://www.ramekins.com/">www.ramekins.com</a><br /><br />Feb 15 and 16th -Arroyo Vista Inn B&B and cooking school-Pasadena<br /><a href="http://www.arroyovistainn.com/">www.arroyovistainn.com/</a> A B&B with its own wine cellar!<br /><br />Feb 19- guest chef Angeli Cafe in LA ? to be confirmed still<br /><a href="http://www.angelicaffe.com/">www.angelicaffe.com</a><br /><br />Feb 21- Cavallo Point Cooking School- Sausalito<br /><a href="http://www.cavallopoint.com/cooking_school.php">www.cavallopoint.com/cooking_school.php</a><br /><br />Feb 22 - Slow Food Dinner in Marin ( members only)<br /><br />Feb 25 - Cooks, Pots and Tabletops Cooking school- Eugene, Oregon<br /><a href="http://www.cookspots.com/contact_us.php">www.cookspots.com/contact_us.php</a><br /><br />Feb 27 and 28- Diane's Market Kitchen- Seattle<br /><a href="http://www.cookspots.com/contact_us.php">www.cookspots.com/contact_us.php</a>Sallyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08060836999479356472noreply@blogger.com3