There is no better value in London than The Devonshire’s set menu. For 29 GBP, you’re satiated with a prawn cocktail, steak with duck fat chips, complemented by a side of Bearnaise, and finally, the best sticky toffee pudding that’s served with ice cream, cream, or custard to your liking. Not for the number one…
Tag: trip planning
A Memorable Stay at the New BoTree Hotel in Mayfair
Where do I begin with the beautiful BoTree Hotel in London? New to the Hilton collection, we used points to test drive this jewel of a property in the Mayfair neighborhood of London. The day started with a glass of champagne in the light and airy lounge and exchanged a brief chat with the front…
Osteria Ca de Cindri: A Perfect Dining Experience in Iseo
Ahead of our trip to Iseo, I read about Osteria Ca de Cindri and knew that The Husband would love it as he has a penchance for anything “grill.” The simple exterior and iron signage set the scene for a rustic, but delicious meal to follow. The Husband selected a Tomahawk steak with with a…
Exploring Iseo: Market Vibes and Lakefront Dining
On an unseasonably sunny Saturday afternoon, we took a stroll through Iseo and despite the bustling market throughout the town, we decided that we must dine on the lakefront, so we “landed” at the Idrovolonte (sea plane) restaurant. While not always my vibe, it seemed like the perfect vibe for an Aperol Spritz and (always…
Cascina Doss, A Culinary Gem in Iseo
My favorite meal of our trip was at Cascina Doss, an easy (though dark) five minute walk from the Iseolago hotel. The simple farmhouse facade opens into a courtyard and exceptionally cozy restaurant with white table cloths and wood burning fire. The vibe was very romantic and was full of locals and a waitstaff whose…
Discovering Questione di Gusto: An Iseo Gem
On a beautifully, unseasonably warm Friday afternoon, we stumbled across the adorable Question di Gusto, a wine bar and bistro on a side street in Iseo. We took a table outside with a lovely view of the lake and struck up a conversation with the owner who had a real passion for wine. After the…
Iseolago Hotel Review: Vintage Charm by the Lake
On the return journey from the trip to Bologna, we decided to stop in the Franciacorta region to taste some favorite bubbles in their home region. What a better way to celebrate a first anniversary than with a celebratory glass. We opted to stay at the budget-friendly, yet old school Italian charming, Iseolago Hotel, right…
Solo Dining Delight: La Trattoria del Tempo Buono in Bologna
On my “fancy lady day” in Bologna I needed a break between Renaissance art and gift shopping for the family, I stumbled on La Trattoria del Tempo Buono. After a quick glimpse of the menu posted outside, I thought I’d try my luck with a table. Luckily, the crowded restaurant had one for and all…
Osteria Broccaindosso Bologna: Homey Italian Dining
After reading lots of local reviews, without wanting to walk into the city center, we landed on Osteria Broccaindosso on the outskirts of the university area. The small rustic room was about half full when we entered at it’s 7:30pm opening time. Throughout our meal, a number of walk-ins in addition to plenty of reservations,…
Il Portico di San Donato: A Hidden Gem in Bologna
In the need for a cheap and cheerful, but generously caloric meal after the long trek to Santuario Madonna di San Luca, we found the wonderful Il Portico di San Donato in our neighborhood. The hospitality was lovely and the main owner/manager of the restaurant didn’t speak English, but his warmth was felt during our…
Exploring Bologna: Aemilia Hotel Experience
For my first trip to Bologna, with the need to be in close(ish) proximity to the conference center, we selected the Aemilia Hotel. The hotel seemed to be full of pilots and flight crew as well as equipped with many meeting rooms and a lively bar that was well conducive for work. The common spaces…
Discovering Osteria dei Servi: A Parma Culinary Gem
On a gloomy weekday night, under the less than romantic market stalls and bus stops of central Parma, is Osteria dei Servi. A strange location, and greeting with a rather large grill (that I knew The Husband would love), this restaurant quickly became a favorite of the weeklong tasting of the Emilia-Romagna region. We were…