WINE - PIEMONTE

Today I want to share an excellent article I had the opportunity to read, about the  best 101 wines of Italy. 
This article inspired me .....
Let's try to go into the huge diversities offered from the different regions of this beautiful country!

PIEMONTE: Literally, it means 'at the foot of the mountains'. A territory surrounded by hills and valleys, rivers and lakes, mixing up large grapes extensions, hazelnut trees,truffles and rice.

Its wines are austere and well known all over the globe.
The  region is plenty of family owned and managed wineries, having small scale production with a great quality.


The grapes as Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto and Moscato are part of the variety of Piemonte.

Let's check out some of them:

The Massolino family runs their business from 1896 in  Serralunga D'Alba. Their elected wine is the Barolo - Vigna Rionda Reserve 2005. The domain is as beautiful as the region, worth a visit. www.massolino.it


Further,  the  Azienda Agricola Elvio Cogno situated in Novello is listed with the Barolo Ravera 2006. The 'azieda'  is known by the range and high quality of Barolo. Beautiful place, I suggest you to book a visit and a wine tasting section.www.elviogogno.it 

On more selected winery, also located in Novello, is listed with the wine Vietti Barolo Ravera 2011. 
Once again a family tradition that can delight you.
Tours are available to be booked online at www.vietti.com

In the famous region of La Morra, surrounded from huge hazelnut extensions, Renato Ratti's domain represents a pearl with the Abbey of Annunziata and a museum of wines. The wine chosen to figure on this select list is Barolo Roche  2004.www.renatoratti.com


Facing Alba, worldwide known truffles capital, Bruno Giocosa's Winery lies on Borgonovo.
Their recommended wine is the Barolo Le Rocche del Falletto Reserve 2005. 
The particularity of that domain is the blend of grapes from Serralunga D'Alba, La Morra and Barbaresco areas. www.brunogiacosa.it

BOOK

My order arrived!!!! 

My friend Alda Ribeiro, a Brazilian living in Portugal, is a psychologist for more than 45 years, and just launched her first book! I am so proud that I wanted to share  with you.

Alda works with self knowledge and personal development. I believe that her experience of years brought her an inspiration  to write this book. Easy to read and helpful, it is a delightful play of childhood - hopscotch - that takes you little by little to a path of own development.

If you want to check it out, you can order as I did: www.chiadoeditora.com/livraria/you-can-be-your-best-coach 

MOUNTAIN & SNOW

Winter time: snow, mountains and a warm fireplace....

February is a fantastic month to enjoy the mountains. Possibly  temperature is giving a break and light period starts to get longer, giving the chance to enjoy the terraces and gardens.

Courmayeur, charming ski station, facing the Italian side of the impressive Mont Blanc, immediately broke into my heart.  Offering a magnitude of choices like skying, rafting, climbing and why not fishing or simply relaxing in thermal water in a nice spa. Paradise of climbers, you can have much more information checking www.montebianco.com

The center of Courmayeur is plenty of shops and cafes. You can taste a 'just-out-of-the-oven' delicious focaccia at Pan Per Focaccia and have a macchiato at Cafe de la Posta.

If you decide to  dine in the center, I recommend the Ristorante Aria just located in the center in Hotel Maison Saint Jean. The owner has Courmayeur's largest wine cellar with a correct price, without mention that food and service are excellent. www.msj.it

For those that  are ready for a short and romantic moonlight walk, I suggest to  take a lift until Plain Checrouit and have dinner at Chateau Branlant. You can also decide to enjoy its beautiful terrace during the day. www.chateaubranlant.com

An lovely decorated restaurant, with hearts hanging everywhere, offering great food, mixing Sardinia's and Valle d'Aosta tastes that you should not miss, is Chalet Plan Gorret. Paola feels you feel at home and serves a delicious Pecorino cheese with honey! www.chaletplangorret.it

Want some ideas where to go? I have a few....
Spring and summer, this is a beautiful area to visit. 

Walk or take a car up till Val Ferret is an excellent idea for sunny days. Arriving there, you  relax seeing the Mont Blanc and taking sun before lunch in the terrasse. www.chaletvalferret.com
Polenta in several tasty ways, and a tray of salumi Valdostani including the famous Prosciutto de Bosses.... is a must! www.debosses.it

Ready to continue? Next stop: Val Veny. The winding road  to arrive there make you discover the other side of Mont Blanc and a small beautiful church: Notre Dame de la Guerison. Full of ex-voto, this sanctuary is really worth a visit! 

Some ideas where to go around: 



Pré-Saint-Didier - Just few minutes  by car from Courmayeur, this small village is well known for  its thermal baths. Thinking to relax, check out the place and book your massage! www.termedipre.it 

As you are around, if vertigo is not a problem for you, cannot miss the new skywalk on the Orrido of Pre Saint Didier....www.lovevda.it/it/banca-dati/7/laghi-cascate/pre-saint-didier/orrido-di-pre-saint-didier/2553

Arvier - Ten minutes towards Aosta, I fully recommend an absolutely 'worth-a-ride'   restaurant. Revisited excellent 'valdostana' food, using almost only local suppliers, in a cozy restaurant. Cantina du Clou is a beautiful surprise in the middle of Aosta region.www.hotelleclou.it

Sarre - A little bit further to the Aosta Valley , you can be surprised at the Trattoria di Campagna. Run by the Cortese  family during more than 35 years, this restaurant has delicious food and the feeling that you have inside.....is just to be one more of their family , believe me. 
Summertime, there are tables placed on the terrace. http://www.trattoriadicampagna.it

BARCELONA

When the subject is travelling, I am always ready  to share my tips, where to go, what to see, a new restaurant, etc. 

Today a friend of mine called to ask a name of hotel in Barcelona. In two minutes, I was travelling to Barcelona in my mind.  But now I share with my readers....


What to see:


For sure the masterworks of Gaudi: La Sagrada Familia, Casa Battlo, La Pedrera and Park Guell are the most visited and I suggest you to buy the tickets on-line (some places offer the possibility fast track)
www.sagradafamilia.org
www.casabattlo.com 
www.lapedrera.com 
www.parkguell.cat

If you want to see more Gaudi, there are 3 more places that I recommend: Casa Vicens, Casa Calvet and the Cascada Fountain (Park de la Ciutadella).

The Palau de la Musica Catalana is the best surprise place in Barcelona, in my point of view. If you have time, the tour is worth. www.palaumusica.cat

The Gothic Quarter is the heart of the city. Restaurants, tapa bars, shops and also de the Picasso's museum www.museupicasso.bcn

Explore the district of El Born - plenty of nice and originals shops , tapa bars, this redeveloped area is a place to be.


Where to eat:

El Quim de la Boqueria - The market of Boqueria is a must and I suggest a good fish or seafood 'a la plancha'.A must-go place, but take care of your bag. Lunch time.www.elquimdelaboqueria.com


Cal Pep - The best-loved tapas restaurant , at least for me. Take a place in the bar and let it go. Perfect for dinner. www.calpep.com

Cervecería Catalana - A classic of Barcelona. All kinds of tapas, you can check while waiting your table - no choice as they never make a reservation.


Agua - This restaurant almost in the sands of Barcelona has a great view. www.grupotragaluz.com

At Barcelone beach, there are many restaurants, the best thing is walking around and let the inspiration goes with you. Maybe you are going to discover a new one to tell me!


A MUST  - My niece that lived there for few months recommends: see the sunset at Bunker del Carmel. She knows what she talks about!

Night Life (by my niece):

Opium Barcelona - Fridays & Sats www.opiumbarcelona.com

Razzmatazz - It's a reference in Barcelona www.salarazzmatazz.com

MEDITATION

I think that the calm and good energy of this lake in Myanmar are still with me every single morning. I still feel the peace and serenity of this place. A nice and energetic week for all. 

LOVE & FRIENDSHIP

Today is Valentine's day.

A  day to express love. I particularly want to thank to my beloved partner and my friends that are supporting me in this blog.

One of my friends asked me how I began. My answer was : it was part of me, maybe I was waiting some courage or occasion to launch.

Being in a couple or not, enjoy that day being surrounded by people that counts in your life.
Happy Valentine's!

FOOD AROUND PLACES!

Sushi around the world. Carlota loves sushi and there are some ideas ....

Are you in Rio de Janeiro? If yes or planning to go, Sushi Leblon is the place. Exotic sushis, out of the traditional, they  are very creative. Always crowded, you have 2 choices: go for lunch or have patience at evening. If you need to wait, taste a Caipirinha. The place is worth waiting.

www.sushileblon.com.br

What about eat sushi in Maui? Yes, so close to Japan that many Japaneses came to the island to work.....and surf. One time there, I was charmed by the surfer/sushi chef Masa-san from Osaka. The ability that he does the sushis and sashimis ....I feel till now the taste of his exquisite food. The restaurant calls Cafe O'Lei @ Kihei and believe worth to go. If possible sit on sushi bar and don't go after 8 p.m. ....Masa goes away 8:30 p.m. to surf next day early.

www.cafeoleirestaurants.com

I love NYC. A friend of mine that lives there introduced to the famous Sushisamba. I swear that this Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian restaurant is amazing. The mix of the cultures with Sergio Mende's music in the air is just fantastic. You can choose a Caipirinha, Sake or Pisco and eat fantastic sushis & ceviches.

www.sushisamba.com

Tel-Aviv & Sushi! Why not? The sushi bar of Fu Sushi is always busy. People in Tel-Aviv  loves to get out. This Japanese restaurant is delicious and if you are alone in the city, I recommend the sushi bar.

www.fusushi.co.il

Milan & Sushi, do you believe? I do. If you are around the city, try Kyio. I know that is difficult to recommend any other type of food when you are in Italy. But this restaurant worth, with a high quality of fish and great ambient, it surprises! www.kyio.it

Do you think that is possible to eat an excellent sushi in the country of Fondue? I tell you: Yes. If you are in Geneva, Kakinuma is a place to go. A traditional Japanese restaurant that serves a very good sushi/sashimi and many others specialities.  

3 Rue Henri-Blanvalet, Geneva 

No website : see Kakinuma on Facebook

ART& ARCHITECTURE

Here & there

I am a fan of art, architecture & design. My curiosity brings me to visit and watch the world. Today I am sharing 2 masterpieces that I consider a 'must-see' .

Instituto Cultural Inhotim - Minas Gerais, Brazil
This museum has a concept unique in the world. A great collection of Brazilian contemporary art is exposed on original and different architectural projects. All this in a huge countryside area with a botanical garden that today is a reference to the country. - www.inhotim.org.br

Vals Therme Spa - Vals, Switzerland.
The mix of the landscape and award-winning architecture's project is a gift that the swiss architect Peter Zumthor created on 1996. Even if it is not easy to arrive, the experience to dive in an open-air swimming pool at 36°C is fantastic, mainly in winter time. Worth the visit. www.therme-vals.ch

TRAVEL & ENERGY

When I was preparing my trip to Myanmar, I had a feeling that this trip would be special. Reading and studying about the history of this country, I felt the energy that confirmed when I arrived in Bagan. The surprises of this journey were fantastic and they are still with me. Bagan, Lake Inle, the monastery in Mandalay are recorded in my memory. I truly believe in energy and I hope that my photos transmit it.

FASHION

Introducing Kristina Ti.

Carlota really goes around. 

Anywhere I am travelling or passing through, I look around. 

Last summer, I found out this brand in a small multi-brands shop in Punta Ala . I know that my love for Italy is strong, but tell me if I am wrong..... www.kristinati.it

ITALY

I will continue with the Langhe.....

This region of Italy is known for beautiful mountains and great wines. On August 2014, La Morra became part of the World Heritage of Unesco. With an incredible landscape is a great place for biking and hiking.

Are you thinking about the food? For that i give you some tips:

Drogheria di Langa (Bossolasco)- www.drogheriadilanga.com Piemonteses specialities and also local products. On the weekends, you can listen a good music: jazz and swing. 

Trattoria Del Bivio (Cerreto Langhe) - www.trattoriadelbivio.it 

- A fantastic wine cellar and amazing food of this region.

Trattoria La Coccinella (Serravalle Langhe)

www.trattoriacoccinella.it - My favorite,my 'coup de coeur'. 

I think that I became in love with Italy in this place..... 
You need to check!

ITALY...

Living in Europe, I have the chance to travel a lot around. My love story with Italy began in 2013 and since then I continue to discover news jewels.

Till today I remember my trip to Piemonte's Area.

Among the grapes of Nebbiolo and Barolo, I discovered the romantic Bed & Breakfast of Constanza and Andrea: www.leduematote.com

With a warm welcome of the owners, you can enjoy the charming swimming pool, cozy rooms very well decorated  and a genuine Italian happy-hour. Oops, I almost forgot the fantastic home-made breakfast, I highly recommend this place.

FASHION

I was in Cambodia on vacation and suddenly I saw a shop window that caught my attention and when I came in....look my surprise : www.ericraisina.com

Party dresses, bags, scarves and many others creations. Using local silk and with a rare authentic design , Eric Raisina came from Madagascar and told me that in Cambodia he reached his place in the world. 

PHOTOS

Do you like photos? I love them. Surfing @Instagram, I came across amazing photos by a 16-years old guy who surprises us with his talent.

http://christopher-erhart.weebly.com

DRINKS & FOOD

A friend of mine from Reims decided to promote the bubbles of her region, I recommend. She knows what she is talking about, trust me.


Check it:

 www.flaveur.ch

STORY....... OF LOVE!

This is to my sister.... Do you know that? A love story just a week before Valentine's Day

On Valentine’s Day in 1922, an icon was born in that Italian workshop…Perugina Baci (the Italian word for kisses)! Co-founder, Luisa Spagnoli decided to utilize the abundance of leftover chopped hazelnuts by combining them with gianduia (luscious milk chocolate, whipped and blended with hazelnut paste), then topping them with one whole perfectly roasted hazelnut, and coating the entire confection in silky dark chocolate. The result was brilliantly delectable and put Perugina on all the lips of candy lovers and chocolate devotees. According to legend, Luisa would secretly wrap a love note around each Bacio she created for her sweetheart. Today, each Bacio is still hugged by a special message of love, written in five languages and tucked inside its silver and blue foil wrapper.

MYANMAR

Burma, Myanmar, Birmania....name it! In few words, Lake Inle exhales peace  in an incredible landscape. 

.