by Editor | Jan 11, 2010 | Luxury Travel, Restaurants
Article and photos by Josette King
Victorian gems are being restored to their original charm
It is said in Savannah that when its founder General James Oglethorpe departed for England in 1743 he left instructions not to change anything until he returned. He never did. And although the city expanded in the centuries that followed, it retained the grid pattern of verdant squares linked by broad avenues envisioned by Oglethorpe. Today, under its iconic canopy of ancient live oaks fluttering with Spanish moss, Savannah remains a languid antebellum city of elegant colonial mansions and Southern charm.
But while history resonates at every turn, so does the creative energy of the city’s art scene stimulated by the students, faculty and alumni of the booming Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Their inspiration is very much in evidence at the college’s own store, shopSCAD (300 Bull Street). This unique emporium is bursting with cutting-edge paintings, photographs, pottery, jewelry and wearable items; reasonably priced creations of the students, faculty and alumni of the college.
Historic colonial homes line the squares of Savannah
Creativity spills over into other areas of the city’s life as well. Young chefs put their own original spin on Southern classics and old favorites from around the world that have settled over time in the historic port city of Savannah. I enjoyed several lovely meals during my recent visit, most notably a dinner at Local 11ten (1110 Bull Street). Since he took over the kitchen in early 2008, Chef Jeff Rodgers has worked closely with a handful of trusted small suppliers to source the best locally grown and harvested products he showcases in his refined yet unpretentious menu.
Scallops seared to perfection at Local 11ten
And word has been spreading that something wonderful is happening at Local 11ten. A friend who had recently visited Savannah recommended it, “and make sure to try the scallops,” he said. I did. The four gigantic sea scallops were so fresh and sweet they required only the slightest bit of searing. They were served on a bed of crisp asparagus and barely wilted endive, drizzled with a warm sweet pepper vinaigrette, their tartness the perfect foil for the sweetness of the scallops. But equally palate-thrilling were the amuse-bouche: a generously-sized lobster cake served with a glaze of horseradish and sherry sauce. We unanimously declared it worthy to become one of Chef Rodgers’ signature dishes.
The Honey House, a favorite stop for discriminating foodies
For creativity in retailing, my personal award goes to the Honey House (104 Broughton Street). Opened in 2008 as the flagship store of a local artisanal honey producer, the Savannah Bee Company, this Historic District storefront has already established itself as a required stop for local and visiting gourmets and other discriminating shoppers. The shop was a visual feast, brimming with artfully arranged displays of all things honey. The company’s signature tapered bottles lined the walls, filled in many shades of gold, from deep sourwood to rich tupelo to pale acacia honey and several hues in between.
The Bonaventure Cemetery is famous for its elaborate monuments
The stacks of body-care offerings were equally irresistible, from Royal Jelly body butter to bees wax and nail salve and mint julep lip balm. Deeper into the store a floor to ceiling hive playroom invited children to pretend they were bees, while adults browsed the tempting array of bee themed toys and children’s clothing. Bee-keeping jumpsuits, hats and other paraphernalia were also available. Feeling weak from so many choices, I repaired to the bar for a honey cappuccino and honey tasting (the full-bodied Tupelo honey was my favorite), but for me the ultimate indulgence was the honeycomb sampling tray. Who would have thought a sliver of honeycomb on a slice of sharp cheese, or tart green apple, could taste to wonderful?
The Waldburg, a charming Queen Anne home overlooking the park
Meanwhile, there is also much happening on the architectural preservation front, which is gaining momentum around Forsyth Park, Savannah’s Central Park at the southern edge of the Historic District. This is the Victorian District where graceful 19th Century houses overlooked for decades are now being painstakingly brought back to their original loveliness. I had the pleasure to stay in one of them during my visit to Savannah: The Waldburg, a charming Queen Anne house overlooking the park.
It was recently the object of a thoughtful renovation into two elegant vacation apartments, clearly with the comfort and enjoyment of their guests in mind. Conveniently located within walking distance from many of the most sought-after tourist attractions in Savannah, it was an ideal base from where to experience the gracious essence of this most Southern of cities. Click here to read more about my recent visit to Savannah, and my most enjoyable stay at The Waldburg.
by Editor | Oct 5, 2009 | Accomodations, Restaurants
By Elena del Valle
Photos by Gary Cox
The Romantik Hotel Relais de la Poste in Alsace
We arrived in La Wanzenau, a small town just north of Strasbourg, one of France’s easternmost cities, on a cold and rainy day. Soon after we arrived we took shelter from the weather at the Romantik Hotel Relais de la Poste, a family owned hotel in a historic building with a gourmet restaurant on the ground floor.
It took us slightly longer than we expected to reach the village due to the slow traffic caused by heavy rain and we missed lunch by five minutes. Since most of the town was closed down for the afternoon the hotel staff was kind enough to offer us a snack. A few minutes later, they served us a shared deli platter of yummy cold cuts, cheeses and green salad in the ground floor lounge (the restaurant had closed).
We reached our second floor room via a small elevator or a narrow staircase which led to a quiet circular foyer with doors all around. Beyond our door, Room 18, the 250 square feet of private space where we spent the night, had putty color carpeting and eggshell color textured walls.
Room 18 at Romantik Hotel Relais de la Poste
The bathroom in our top floor room
I imagine the room had been updated from the original many times since the construction of the building in 1789. The modern looking room had two single beds set together and against a colorful velour and satin covered headboard. Small white wood night tables framed the beds. In front of the beds, three comfortable armchairs, a wood armoire, mini refrigerator, and built in wood table with a flat screen Loewe television made up the living section of the room. There was also a balcony facing the main part of the building and adjacent street. We enjoyed stepping out to see the area although because of the chill air we returned quickly to the warmth of the interior area.
Dinner was an elaborate affair in the hotel’s gourmet restaurant where we had a three-course menu. We sat in a handsome glass enclosed terrace and were looked after by a young and pleasant waiter. Following the amouse bouche, we had home made goose liver foie gras au torchon, a goose liver dish, served with warm brioche bread and local sweet wine. The main course was a stout codfish prepared with chorizo, white beans and a delicious savory seafood broth. Three wonderful cheeses, a blue, Munster and Swiss Gruyere aged two years, followed.
Our cheese course at the Relais de la Poste restaurant
Our main course at the Relais de la Poste restaurant
Dessert at Relais de la poste
Dessert consisted of a variety of flavors in a sampler platter including banana ice cream with a cookie spoon, a creme brulee mini tarte, and a small tarte tatin. We completed the meal with the obligatory cappuccino and herbal tea and walked out pleasantly satisfied.
The Romantik Hotel Relais de la Poste (21, rue du Gal de Gaulle 67610, La Wantzenau, France, Tel +33 (0)3/88 59 24 80, www.romantikhotels.com/La-Wantzenau or relais-poste@romantikhotels.com) is one of 200 independently owned and managed Romantik hotels and restaurants in 11 European countries.
by Editor | Sep 14, 2009 | Restaurants
Article by Elena del Valle and photos by Gary Cox
The dining room at Le Cinq
Dishes at Le Cinq were pretty to look at and eat
Ever since he arrived at Les Elysees du Vernet in Paris, France we became fans. There was passion and culinary ambition in the way he cooked and served his tasty delights at the understated restaurant steps away from the famed Champs Elysees. Every meal we had at the restaurant while he was there was a treasure so we felt a loss when he left. At the same time, we were thrilled that he was migrating to one of our favorite restaurants in the city, Le Cinq.
After lunch we enjoy hot beverages just outside the Le Cinq dining room
A few months after he arrived at the larger than life restaurant of the Paris George V Four Seasons Hotel we eagerly visited Le Cinq. As soon as the first bites arrived at our table we recognized his touch. We immediately forgot the rainy weather outside and focused on the joys of the meal. We were delighted. Every dish was pleasing. Once again Chef Eric Briffard has met and surpassed our expectations. We look forward to new dishes and repeat meals at his new venue. Click here to read more about our dining experience at Le Cinq.
by Editor | Aug 10, 2009 | Restaurants
The cheese course at Taillevent
Taillevent Restaurant Manager Jean-Marie Ancher
Petit Fours at Taillevent
For years Taillevent was the restaurant of choice for many Parisians and among visitors to Paris, especially Americans. Over time it became less desirable and in 2003 when our foodie team dined at the well known restaurant they were disappointed.
A new chef, Alain Solivérès, joined the restaurant and in 2004, Taillevent redecorated the interior. By 2008 when our team returned Chef Solivérès, Jean-Marie Ancher, the restaurant manager, and their team had the right combination of quality food and service for the posh neighborhood and the city’s picky gourmet crowd. Click here to find out what our team liked about their lunch at Taillevent.
by Editor | Aug 3, 2009 | Luxury Travel, Restaurants
A private entrance at the foot of the Eiffel Tower leads to Le Jules Verne
A Jules Verne treat
Few places are more distinctive and reminiscent of Paris, the capital of love, as the iconic Eiffel Tower. Our team dined at the popular (rumor is that reservations require three months advance planning) Le Jules Verne, a revamped and renovated gourmet restaurant within the Tower. They reached the restaurant through a private and well marked entrance at the foot of the famed monument. After being cleared by a restaurant staff member at the ground level reception they were escorted by a young man in a private elevator to the restaurant lobby.
Sweet temptations at Le Jules Verne
On their return, they raved about their meal which was outstanding even in a city whose citizens have for centuries venerated gourmet experiences; and a setting that was ideal for romance. Le Jules Verne stood out for its attractive dinning room, handsome dinnerware service, delicious dishes and a meal with one of the most memorable views in Paris. Click here to read more about why they would return to Le Jules Verne.
by Editor | Jul 27, 2009 | Accomodations, Books, Ecotourism, Luxury Travel, New Articles, Products, Restaurants, Spas
Lions at Rattray's
Many travelers familiar with luxury safari lodges in South Africa know of or may have stayed at the Mala Mala Reserve, one of the oldest reserves within the larger Sabi Sand Reserve. The well known reserve fronts a fenceless portion of the http://simonandbaker.com/kruger.
A vigilant kitty at Rattray's
Our team's suite at Rattray's
The family owned property offers accommodations for 54 guests in the Mala Mala Main Camp . Nearby there are exclusive luxury accommodations at Rattray’s, an eight suite fenced lodge for guests 16 and older with a fitness center and swimming pool. Click here to read about our team’s impressions during their most recent visit in a dedicated article about Rattray’s.
