In this issue:

In Destinations: The island of Santorini supported a very sophisticated civilization more than 5,000 years ago. Today, Santorini is one of the most successful Aegean islands on the cruise boat circuit. The caldera rising straight up off the blue sea, with the whitewashed buildings of four villages precariously clinging to the rim of the chasm, is one of the most awe-inspiring views in the Mediterranean.
By Manos Angelakis             Read More...

In The Arts section: Often called the Mona Lisa of the North, Johannes Vermeer’s painting of the Girl with a Pearl Earring is not the only masterwork currently on special exhibit at The Frick Collection. The painting is one of a group of 15 world-renowned canvases on loan to The Frick Collection from the celebrated Royal Picture Gallery of the Mauritshuis. By Barbara Angelakis                              Read More...

Also in Destinations: “Paris is always a good idea” to quote Audrey Hepburn. Although it was early fall, flowers bloomed in formal gardens validating writer Henry van Dyke’s observation: “Paris is a woman’s town with flowers in her hair”. We made a list of things to do besides buy scarves and visit the Mona Lisa and booked a boutique hotel in the Latin Quarter. By  Carol Stigger                                  Read More...

Also in Gastronomy: Two of America’s iconic food firms are in a celebratory mood. Chicken of the Sea celebrates its 100^th anniversary, and Colavita, its 75^th. By Morton Hochstein               Read More...
 

In Hotels & Resorts: European grand-dame hotels are judged not only for their location and distinctive décor; elegant public spaces; luxurious and spacious rooms and suites; recreational facilities and gourmet restaurants, but above all for the dedication to service their well-trained staff abundantly provides. So it was with our recent visit to the Corinthia Palace Hotel and Spa in the island country of Malta.
By Barbara Angelakis          Read More...

In the Oeno File: I was sitting at an outdoor café in Castellina, the center of production of Chianti Classico in Tuscany, with three or four top Chianti winemakers. But, what we were drinking was not Chianti or a white Tuscan wine; what we were drinking was Franciacorta, a golden sparkler from the heart of Lombardy that has become one of Italy’s most prized wines. By Manos Angelakis            Read More...

In the Gastronomy section: Search through your pantry of household staple foods or open your refrigerator doors and you will surely find them – Olives from Spain. But did you know that olives can be enjoyed not only as a toothsome appetite teaser or as a condiment during the meal, but also as one of the prime ingredients utilized in preparation of the meal? By Barbara Angelakis          Read More...

Also in The Arts section: For the 22^nd consecutive year The New York Botanical Garden’s annual Holiday Train Show is open to delight and dazzle children of all ages. This is your once-a-year chance to re-live your own childhood - or if a small one is handy, see through the eyes of a child. By Barbara Angelakis                              Read More...