Here are some personal favourites and some new discoveries from our recent trip to Paris! We had a long list of recommendations however only 4 days. Some places we wanted to try were closed for their Summer break or weren’t suitable for kids aged 6 & 8. The kids discovered a love for duck and pigeon which was a delightful surprise! In planning our stay we used a few sources, mainly friends in the industry who had been in the past 12 months, David Lebovitz blog and wine suppliers in France. As with any recommendations though, they are just that, and may not be everyone’s cup of tea, so a bit of reading beforehand is a great idea to make your list if you are planning a trip, or just wing it! We left our hire car in Valence and took the TGV to Paris which was super convenient and stress free. We walked a lot, used the metro on the weekend and a few taxis at night when everyone was too tired to walk anymore! The restaurants we visited are not Michelin starred however not inexpensive. If you don’t want to over do it, I suggest do some research beforehand and perhaps choose one to experience the menu, the tasting menu is always our pick. Small traditional bistrot’s are a great choice if you prefer to eat light and stay on a budget and have a typical Parisian experience - when I visit Paris on my own that is usually what I am looking for – however as this was Matteo’s first experience he was quite keen to fit in all he could! READ OUR RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW .....   STAY HOTEL COSMOS 35 rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud 75011 Paris Tel +33 1 [...]

Our food journey begins in Matteo’s home region of Emilia Romagna! Famous for it’s food & hospitality! Matteo’s home is a 20 minute drive from the Adriatic Coastal towns of Milano Marittima, Cervia and Cesenatico or well over an hour in peak summer season. Italians and foreigners flock to these seaside destinations for the sun and to be seen, Milano Maritima being the most famous for VIPs and people watching. Personally I prefer the beaches on the Mediterranean coast in Liguria however it is well known the hospitality you will discover in Emilia Romagna is far superior. August is the peak summer season, I would try to avoid it as it’s the most expensive and sometimes the beaches have to be closed because of the water quality…ahem yes which can be quite uninviting. Italians, as I discovered, don’t necessarily go to the beach to swim and for crystal clear waters, more for the right “Bagno” with a good bar/restaurant to meet up with friends. Milano Marittima comes alive at night time with bars, restaurants and shops staying open till late in the summer season. Cervia is possibly more beautiful in winter especially when the sun is shining, I have great memories of long walks along the canal after a long lazy lunch… Matteo’s first kitchen job was in Milano Marittima at a bar/restaurant called “Loco Squad”, we still love going there in summer time with it’s casual yet romantic setting, delicious food and a great wine selection. It is always first on our list! Perhaps the most historic produce from the region is the Sale di Cervia from La Salina Camillone, sea salt has been harvested here since Etruscan times (pre-Roman). In summer from June to early September you can take a guided [...]