Hotels With a View

Breathtaking views, luxurious accommodations, international cuisine and endless hours of pampering. Is there a better cure to riding yourself of the remaining winter doldrums than surrounding yourself with an endless ocean of blue? Nothing is more serene or therapeutic than a holiday spent in a romantic hotel overlooking the sea. With these six stunning hotel selections, I’m sure you will find a hotel to suit!

An oceanfront grotto in beautiful Jamaica, The Caves is one of the most romantic hotels in the Caribbean.

Toronto Dining Alfresco

Tucked away in a picturesque cobblestoned courtyard is where everyone dreams of lounging on a nice sunny day. This week I’ve done just that. Not once, not twice, but for three days straight I have sat on a patio enjoying delicious food, great company, and fine wine.

The spring sunshine, which this year feels more like summer, has inspired me to drive all over the city in my convertible exploring the many diverse neighborhoods that make up my city’s blueprint. Toronto has become one of the most ethnically diverse cities on the continent, with lively neighborhoods, festivals, and restaurants to match.

From delicious homemade spaghetti alla chitara in a tuna, caper, onion and fresh tomato sauce; to gourmet burgers served with blue cheese and red onion balsamic reduction; to wood burning oven pizza covered in arugula, prosciutto, parmigiano and fresh olive oil with a radicchio, fennel and mandarin salad. I’ve eaten it all this week and it’s still only Thursday! And let’s not forget that all this delicious alfresco dining has been enjoyed in the company of none other than the season’s finest white wines: Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Gewurztraminer, and Riesling.

If you’re not familiar with Toronto, then you should become acquainted! Toronto is sophisticated, chic, stylish, safe, and clean. It also has remarkably hip restaurants, fashion, and nightlife scenes. There’s a reason why Toronto doubles for New York City on movie sets, and it’s not just because of the budget.

I don’t know about you, but for me exploring my own city is the perfect remedy when I am unable to get away. It allows me to escape and to explore; two very important things that fuel my passion for travel.

Who says you have to hop on a plane to escape? Why not start by exploring what’s in your own backyard. You’d be surprised by what you find!

Places to try:

Recipe of the Week: Linguini with Clams

LINGUINI CON VONGOLE

One of my favorite meals to enjoy when visiting Italy’s stunning coastline is Linguini con Vongole. In contrast to North American restaurants who often prepare this dish in a heavy tomato sauce, Italian’s focus on the pasta itself. Their exquisitely light and simple version is packed with garlic, red pepper flakes, fresh clams and good quality olive oil. The result is utterly delicious!!!!

In Italy, the clams used are most often the small-shelled variety known as carpet-shells. In America, the best substitute is littleneck clams.

Try this simple recipe at home and taste for yourself - Buon Appetito!

INGREDIENTS FOR 6 SERVINGS:

·         1 pound linguini

·         Salt

·         1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

·         4 garlic cloves, minced

·         1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (you can use less or more depending on your preference of spice)

·         2 dozen littleneck clams, scrubbed

·         1/4 cup water

·         1/4 cup finely chopped parsley

·         Freshly ground black pepper

METHOD

1.    In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the linguini until just al dente, then drain the pasta well.

2.    Meanwhile, in a large, deep skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper and cook over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is lightly browned, about 1 1/2 minutes. Add the clams and water, cover and simmer until the clams open and are just cooked through, 5 to 8 minutes. Discard any clams that don't open.

3.    Add the linguini and the chopped parsley to the clams in the skillet and season with pepper. Toss over moderately high heat just until the linguini absorbs some of the juices, about 1 minute. Transfer the linguini and clams to pasta bowls and serve right away.

Tip: If you prefer, shell the clams before tossing them with their juices in the pasta.

PAIRING SUGGESTION: A full-bodied white wine with a nice edge of acidity is ideal for this olive oil–infused clam pasta. Try an American Sauvignon Blanc, Italian Pinot Grigio or a lovely Verdicchio.

(Photo by Simon Watson.)

Vineyard Vacations

What could be better than enjoying leisurely days spent swilling and savoring, surrounded by breathtaking sun-burnished vineyards, multi-course tasting menus and wine therapy treatments? Perhaps nothing!

Vineyard Vacations are quickly becoming a favorite among savvy foodies and enoturism lovers like me. I always include a country escape as part of my travel itinerary whenever possible and with great vineyards on virtually every continent, the choices are endless.

So whether you prefer full-bodied Chianti or an aromatic Gewürztraminer, there’s something on the menu for every palette.


Here are my favorites:

In the heart of the Rioja wine region, the MARQUÉS DE RISCAL is set at a 150-year-old winery. Designed by Frank Gehry, his touches reflect that influence. An example is the roof, constructed from curved plates of titanium to symbolize a grapevine just before the fruit is harvested. The hotel itself is a true work of art!

MARQUÉS DE RISCAL