Entries from October 2008 ↓

Being invited to a crowded birthday party is always an honour, but not always a favour.
Manu and I have been recently invited to the 40th birthday party of my cousin, a great fellow, nice and clever person, but unfortunately we meet more or less only twice a year.
Being invited to his party means arriving to a place where you maybe know someone: your other cousin who is already incredibly busy going around in an intense PR activity. Your uncle, who will be talking about his last hunting trip in Bosnia. Your aunt’s sister who is trying to have an intellectual conversation about the benefits of wine for an artistic exploit.
Then you also know those guys that used to play volleyball with your cousin when they were 17 and you were a only a shy 14-years-old girl. You recognize them despite their baldness or their overweight, but you absolutely don’t remember their name. They absolutely don’t remember you of course, so half of the conversation is like “I’m P.’s cousin, do you remember…” “Oh.. sure! Nice to see you! How are you?” “I’m doing fine and you?” “I’m also fine… Oh – sorry – need to say hello to…” and while they turn their back to greet an old friend with a big hug, you stay there like an idiot, turning around your eyes, looking for a reason to be there at all.
That’s why after less than five minutes Manu and I turned our attention to the rich buffet.
“Let’s have some Prosecco”
“Good idea”
Sipping…
“Mmm, it’s a very good one, I like it”
“I like these cheeselets”
“Oh, and did you taste these mini-pizzas? They are delicious…”
With the glass in our hands we went also to the garden, admiring those marvellous trees.
Then we kept each other busy with the story of my family (now he had some living examples to admire).
Very quickly our glasses were empty again.
After five or six approaches to the buffet and consequent refillings of Prosecco we were tipsy enough to have a perfect nonsense conversation, having a lot of fun together, as a couple of friends that hadn’t met for years… Holy Prosecco!

Last weekend we were in Florence, we spent a couple of days at Illy’s sister’s home. Each time that I’m in Tuscany I always observe the same aspect: that region preserves the territory with right, restrict laws and behaviours. In fact, Tuscany is one of the best regions in Italy. It is a little wild, very quiet outside the towns and genuine, authentic.
On the other hand, Florence is invaded by tourists and the city is a kind of attraction for them. But outside, the hills and vegetation are preserved and each panoramic view is fascinating. You can see almost totally green, plants, grapes and few houses. I’m pointing out this last aspect: only a few houses because there are many rules that prevent to build everywhere thanks to a lot of natural reserves. You can see from this picture:

Recently a colleague asked me some advise about Paris, where to sleep and to eat and things to see.
Regarding hotels I didn’t give her much advise, because as in every big city there is a wide choice, depending on the area, the hotel and price category. Actually I have never slept in a really good hotel in Paris that I would suggest to others. Although I’m fully aware there are excellent hotels, but not really affordable for anyone…
Regarding restaurants I have two favourite places. My top favourite is Kinugawa, a Japanese restaurant in Rue du Mont-Thabor, not far from Place Vendôme. I have been there twice and I was never disappointed. They propose the traditional cuisine of Tokyo in the most authentic and refined way that I have ever tasted in Europe until now. Significant is the fact that Kinugawa has mainly Japanese customers. Like every good Japanese restaurant it’s not cheap, but if you appreciate their cuisine, you will remain enormously satisfied. Also because the service is excellent, which is not obvious in European big cities.
Another delicious restaurant that I like for its traditional French cuisine is Cocotte Jolie. Nice and cosy place, very friendly owners and good food. Located in one the most lovely streets of Paris, Rue Dauphine, not far from Pont-Neuf, it’s a real pleasure going there for dinner.
Needless to say that one of my favourite areas in Paris is Le Marais. I love this district not only for the marvellous Place des Vosges, but also for the friendly and calm atmosphere in the streets, the small restaurants and cafés, the jewish shops, the art galleries, the artistic environment. The Musée Picasso is surely worth a visit.

Another place I really like in Paris is the Palais de Tokyo, an eclectic museum for contemporary art, with many exhibitions, a very amusing shop (definitely not just a book shop!) and a nice restaurant.
Talking about Paris, my favourites list could be endless. I just told Manu that it’s time to go back again….

Last Saturday we drunk a second bottle that we brought with us from our holiday in France. The first we opened was Champagne Godart and this one was a Bourgogne white wine. The wines of that region impressed us because the smell and the taste of their Chardonnay are so good. Maybe because of the territory, the climate and the ground together with their winemaking technique. Before uncorking the bottle I tried to do a little presentation with glasses and corkscrew.

We bought this wine after a tasting in Louis Latour. This company produces this wine and many other Bourgogne white and red wines, in my opinion its white wines are delicious. This bottle white Bourgogne “Poully Vinzelles” bottled in Beaune by Louis Latour has accompanied a slice of salmon for our gourmet dinner of last Saturday.