So here I am, end of July in an uncertain London weather, my summer holiday a long gone memory. It's been a very Mediterranean one though, with Greece, Italy and Southern France's sun, sea and food doing some real good to my body and mind. A little tan, I think, makes one always feel confident and happy. Plus I have been to some of the simplest, yet fantastic, accomodations and small restaurants. So here they are, my memories and suggestions for relaxing, eating and sleeping....
Paros Island, Greece
Athens, Gazi quarter
If one is obliged to stay in Athens for a night to catch the ferry or a flight to the islands, the Baby Grand Hotel is a good option, but the real surprise of the trip was the Gazi quarter, a trendy area around the old gasworks of the city with restaurants and bars where to enjoy classics such as fried squids, roasted sardines with oregano at Sardeles sipping a local beer that was surprisingly crisp and refreshing or local lamb and other cured meats at The Butcher Shop.
Naples, Pasticceria Scaturchio
On the piazza San Domenico, this traditional Pasticceria serves all the delicious classics: pastiera, baba', sfogliatella, and even a chocolate medallion called Ministeriale. yum!!
Bologna, Amerigo dal 1934
I have dedicated an hommage to this place on the hills outside of Bologna a few months ago. I wanted Oscar to try it too, as the food was so delicious. This time we also stayed at their Locanda, in room n. 1 and I can only confirm what I previously wrote about the food. Outstanding!
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| copyright Amerigo dal 1934 |
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| copyright Amerigo dal 1934 |
Nice, Bistrot Antoine
The place to go for authentic southern France food in a frendly and casual bistro. Great food and great value for money in a city and area (the old town) that rarely satifies the real foodies. Very hard to get a reservation though! The unmissable from my list are the Tomatoes salad "a' la Antoine" (tomatoes of different shapes and colours simply with basil and extra virgin olive oil), the Cocotte de Cochon (stewed pork served in its pan on a bed a soft polenta), Fresh sardines on toast and even a Risotto with Truffle Oil! There is a daily market menu which features specials both "de terre" and "de la mer". and featuring the most fantastic greens from the nearby daily market of Cours Saleya. Sipping rose' wine from Ramatuelle.
Nice, Desert and Autour du monde
After all this sun and sea and food (loads of food), I found time for a little shopping in Nice. Two of my favourites are Desert (rue Alphonse Karr) which features the French effortless icons Isabel Marant, Vanessa Bruno, Chloe', Repetto...) and more cool fashion brands. And Autour du monde, the shop of iconic Bensimon sneakers that celebrities such as Jane Birkin or more recently Naomi Watts all have worn. I have one for each of my favourite summery colours: blue, sand, coral!
Eze, Anjouna restaurant
Before flying back to London, a touch of super (expensive) chic on the lovely Anjuna beach and restaurant in Eze, a small village nearby Nice. Cool people, great food! We've had the most amazing Poulet fermier roti and Baked Seabass ever! Sipping an organic rose from the area of Cassis.
Nice, Lucy in the sun
And finally a small and well deserved tribute to Lucy, my 11 years old Jack Russel Terrier, who enjoys the seaside just like a labrador would do. As a matter of fact, her "sister" is Emma, my parents' black lab!
Wonderfulsister!
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