In this issue:

In the Restaurants section: We had the chef’s Spring tasting dinner at Equus Restaurant one evening, and breakfast the next morning. The menu was very interesting with dishes that brought to mind countryside tastes from Italy, Spain, and France. Quite remarkable. By Manos Angelakis                           Read More...

Also in Destinations: Beijing and Shanghai are must-see stops for visitors to China, but another city should be added to the mandatory itinerary.  In contrast to those capitals of modern urbanity, Hangzhou offers breathtaking vistas and a medley of cultural options. By Sharon King Hoge             Read More...

In the Oeno File section: Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. In 2013 the members of Chianti Classico approved some very important changes to the regulations of the denomination leading to a new, higher quality, super premium version of the Chianti Classico wines. By Manos Angelakis   Read More...

Additionally in Restaurants: No matter which position the Brits place El Celler de Can Roca restaurant, either the best or the second best restaurant in the world, I still think that dining there is an experience that no self-respecting gastronome and oenophile should eschew. By Manos Angelakis              Read More...

In the Summertime Tips section: The long hard winter finally roared to a close and happily its time to turn our heads towards warmer weather and travel to distant locals… but travel presents its own set of challenges and so here are a few tips to make things a bit less stressful. By Barbara Angelakis        Read More...

In Destinations: Ancient civilizations; remarkable art; spectacular natural scenery; mythical caves and natural mineral springs; friendly people; traditional villages; nine UNESCO World Heritage sites; great food and even better wine. I’m talking about Bulgaria. By Barbara Angelakis       Read More...

Also in Restaurants: Located just off Times Square between 6^th and 7^th avenues, I consider Le Maraís a find. Right by the entrance, an in-house butcher shop showcases the prime cuts this French-style Brasserie has to offer. By Manos Angelakis             Read More...
 

In Hotels & Resorts: Every once in a while, serenity finds me. Sipping a frothy cappuccino at Old Edwards Inn in Highlands, North Carolina, I’m relaxing on the emerald lawn, listening to a bird symphony. White magnolias and lavender hydrangeas adorn the Inn’s splendid gardens. By Sharon Spence Lieb    Read More...

In Restaurant Notes: My work as a food and wine writer allows me to travel to all kinds of destinations and try all kinds of remarkable foods and wines. But while each destination might be special, not every place is necessarily exotic or full of glitz and glamor. By Manos Angelakis                     Read More...
 

In Gastronomy: Sweet New York City; the city is definitely a chocoholic’s paradise. All forms of chocolate are available at all times, including desserts and pastries. Traditional Viennese style cakes and tortes, donuts, muffins, bars, truffles, pralines, ice-cream, gelato...
By the Staff               Read More...