If you love chocolate and Paris...

Salon du Chocolat 2012: New Worlds of Chocolate!

Chocolatiers and chocolate enthusiasts from across France and the far corners of the cocoa-producing world will soon converge on Paris for the Salon du Chocolat, which takes place at Porte de Versailles from October 31 to November 4, 2012.

Some 400 leading chocolatiers from around the world, among which more than 200 internationally renowned pastry chefs, will be on hand to present their chocolate creations, with plenty of tastings, samples and demonstrations throughout the five-day extravaganza.

The theme this year is “New Worlds of Chocolate,” with a focus on “new flavours, new countries, new ways of eating and new talent.”

Lectures, workshops and competitions are also part of the show, along with book signings (Patrick Roger, Christophe Michalak, Philippe Conticini, Christophe Felder…) and the famous chocolate fashion show.

 

What: Salon du Chocolat 2012 (Paris Chocolate Show)

Where: VIPARIS Porte de Versailles, Pavilions 5/2 and 5/3
When: October 31 to November 4, 2012
Métro: Porte de Versailles or Balard
Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
Admission: Adults, 13 euros; children 3 to 12, 6.50 euros; Free for children under 3.

For more information, visit the Salon du Chocolat official website.

The full article can be viewed here :

http://www.chocoparis.com/2012/09/salon-du-chocolat-2012-new-worlds-of-chocolate/#more-15451

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And after doing some further web research I came up with a list of some interesting prospects on your own self guided chocolate tour of Paris:

Ah, Paris! Strolling along the Seine, window shopping on Avenue Montaigne, gazing at the Mona Lisa.. Sure, you can do all those things when you travel to paris and I have! At some point, you should!

Moi, however? On my next visit to Paris I have another goal in mind....I want to sample as many of Paris' legendary chocolate and pastry shops as I can.

After my recent stumble on the above mentioned chocolate soiree in Paris I started looking up reviews at Paris Chocolatiers and Patissier's!

 

 

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Here's my sweet-tooth guide for a chocolate-lover's Parisian holiday

Angelina (226, rue de Rivoli; Metro: Tuileries)

This tea shop/lunchroom/pastry lover's delight is also the most famous place in Paris to enjoy a cup of chocolat chaud (hot chocolate). No thin, watery, instant powdered drink here. The divinely rich chocolat Africain is more like a melted chocolate souffle. Served in a little pitcher, with enough for about two cups, and accompanied by a bowl of thick whipped cream, this is hot chocolate overload!

Berthillon (31, rue St.-Louis-en-l'Ile; Metro: Pont Marie)

You can also enjoy a cup of hot chocolate here, but Berthillon is most famous for its ice cream. Once only available at this location, you can now find Berthillon glaces et sorbets throughout the city, but this is the original. A small boule of glace au chocolat is rich and deeply chocolatey.

Caf de la Paix (12 boulevard des Capucines; Metro: Opera)

When the weather's frosty outside, sit in the heated, glass-enclosed terrace and watch the world go by in front of the magnificent Opera Garnier while you choose between a hot chocolate that's fort en gout or touche delicate. My co-worker says they make to die millefeuilles - yummy custard!

Christian Constant (37, rue d'Assas; Metro: Rennes or Saint-Placide)

For the chocolate purist, Christian Constant offers three different tablettes of chocolate: milk, dark, and bitter (not bittersweet, mind you, but truly bitter). Great gor dark lovers.. but I may have to pass I favor white and milk.

Dalloyau (101 rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honore; Metro: Saint-Philippe-du-Roule)

There are other locations of this famous patisserie/traiteur/glacier. A varied selection of light, medium, dark, and mocha caramels. And oh my goodness do I love caramels. This stop is definitely a MUST for me!

Debauve & Gallais (30, rue des Saints-Peres; Metro: Saint-Germain-des-Pres)

Recognizable from its blue and gold exterior (and packaging), this shop first opened in the early 1800s, when chocolate was sold for its medicinal properties (the French were so ahead of their time!). Choose from an assortment of bonbons, or simply buy a bar (or tablette) to munch as you stroll down the street.

Delicabar, at Le Bon Marche (26-38, rue de Sevres; Metro: Sevres-Babylon)

Le Bon Marche I know I could spend a lot of time there. After finishing up with shopping you can head to the stylish new cafe, delicabar, for a chocolate pick-me-up. This creamy creation of chocolatier Sebastian Gaudard can be savored pure or with a shot of caramel.

Jean-Paul Hevin (231, rue Saint-Honore; Metro: Tuileries)

One of the famous names among French chocolatiers, Jean-Paul Hevin not only offers more traditional chocolates, but a line of aperitif chocolates--made with cheese. Hmm chocolate and cheese..

Laduree (75, avenue Champs-Elysees; Metro: George V)

A French institution, Laduree was Paris' first tearoom. In the 1950s, the pastry chef at Laduree invented the French macaron--two lighter-than-air cookies filled with a flavored cream (chocolate, lemon, pistachio...the flavors are seemingly endless). Order a small plate of cookies along with Laduree's chocolat chaud, served in a silver pitcher, and rest your sightseeing-weary legs.

Les Deux Magots (170, boulevard Saint Germain; Metro: Saint-Germain-des-Pres)

Sit on the terrace--heated in chillier weather--and watch tourists and locals alike streaming past the Saint-Germain-des-Pres cathedral, or hurrying along boulevard Saint Germain...this is your quintessential Paris postcard moment.

Michel Chaudun (149, rue de l'Universite; Metro: Invalides)

This sculptor of chocolates--with African statuettes, jewel boxes, animals, and more decorating his upscale boutique--also offers chocolates in more traditional forms, while continuing to experiment with new creations. Among his most recent: the Merida, an orange-flavored truffle, and chocolate nougat with almonds and Provencal honey.

Pierre Herme (72, rue Bonaparte; Metro: Saint-Sulpice)

This pint-size shop is filled with chocolates and pastries that literally look too beautiful to eat. Dubbed "le Dior des desserts," Herme is justifiably famous for his signature offerings, including his dark chocolate macarons.

Pierre Marcolini (89, rue de Seine; Metro: Odeon)

Famous in Brussels as well! These chocolates are not inexpensive; a small boite containing just three chocolates is about 5 euros, but well worth the price. Marcolini, once an award-winning patissier who has now dedicated himself to chocolate, uses as little cream and sugar as possible. Try the bittersweet chocolate with caramelized almonds, the chocolates flavored with honey, tea, jasmine, or spices. Or buy the elegant black tin of shaved chocolate to bring home to make your own chocolat chaud that will transport you back to Paris after just one sip.

 

In Love with London

On my first trip to London I did the traditional sightseeing that most yanks do when they travel over the pond.  I went to see the Changing of the Guard, visited the Tower of London to see the Crown Jewels. Then I wandered through the streets down to St. Paul's Cathedral and after a quick visit walked over to Piccadilly Circus. I walked through Hyde Park and walked by the Royal Albert Hall and on to the Natural History Museum. I ended the trip with a trip to the Imperial War Museum - which as a woman - was not high on my list, but it was quite impressive. I enjoyed it more than the Natural History Museum.

Since then I have branched out a bit and explored the famous Notting Hill, Little Venice and Hampstead.

On my next trip to London - I plan on visiting in December to see the Christmas lights and all the holiday decorations.My first start is going to be the Kew Gardens (Kew Gardens tube stop). Its beauty awaits me. I plan on strolling, through the gardens and stopping for lunch at The Orangery. I have heard rumors that there are amazing tarts made from a secret recipe dating from the time of King Henry VIII at a lovely little place called the Maid of Honour Tea Room.  Walking is going to be a big part of my next trip so I have a walk planned  along the Thames. I just have to find Strand-on-the-Green (Gunnersbury or Kew Gardens tube stop). It's a sheltered tree-lined path with quaint houses along one side, the river on the other.Sounds like the perfect photo opportunity to me!

The next day I am going to walk the museum mile explore a variety if 13 different museums from Euston Road and the River Thames. From the Charles Dickenson museum to the British Library.

The last day I am planning on hitting Victoria Embankment  and Camden Market for some shopping! I heard the place is amazing after dark and especially along the Camden Locks.

So these are my plans for my next trip to London. If you are looking for a great package to London - feel free to contact me through my blog and ask about the London and other sales starting at 1499.00 per person based on double occupancy. Prices are subject to availability.

Inclusions:

 -Round trip flight on available carrier based from New York cities (other cities available)
 -5-night hotel accommodations at the Grange Tower Bridge Hotel
- Harrods Vintage Open Top Bus Tour, which includes:
- City Tour on a Vintage Open Bus
- Cruise on the River Thames
- Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace with professional guide
- Champagne Tea at in the Georgian Restaurant at Harrods
- Continental breakfast daily

- Taxes and service charges 

 

If you are like me and love all things London, please contact me or feel free to send my blog on to your friends!

London for Free or nearly free!

Any one that knows me well, knows that I love everything English! Well maybe not the blood sausage. I digress.. anyway... people that know me know I love the accent, the history, the architecture - all of it.

So as I am perusing the internet for all things London - trying to map out the steps of my last trip to make sure I don't make the same mistakes. More importantly so I may see all the things tourist and local alike that I can!

During my search I found a couple of interesting tid bits-

1) http://www.southbanklondon.com/walkthisway/TheGuides.html
2) http://www.walklondon.org.uk/
3) http://www.londonforfree.net/walks/index.shtml

By now there is a theme - walking!  Which is great considering the copius amounts of English beer I will be drinking.  Here is a very cool link with free ipod downloads to accompany your walk.

4) http://londonwalks.libsyn.com/
5) http://golondon.about.com/od/londonforfree/tp/Best_Free_Museums.htm
6) Attend a debate at the British Parliament (not free but worth the price)http://www.parliament.uk/visiting/visiting-and-tours/overseasvisitors/

7) For Da Vinci Code fans out there - http://www.templechurch.com/ again not free but inexpensive a mere 4.00 BP
8) John Keats House 5.00 BP http://www.keatshouse.cityoflondon.gov.uk/220/Visit-us.html

  9) http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/ nothing better than a man in uniform!
10) Lastly something fun and educational for the kids http://www.bankofengland.co.uk/education/Pages/museum/default.aspx

So on your next trip to London, don't forget  these free or nearly free things to do! Ohhhh.. last but not least a couple of very cool maps of London!

http://www.london43.com/map-of-london/

Leadenhall Market made famous by the Harry Potter movies- free to visit also!

If you have London in your future and need help planning a trip, please contact me through this blog and I can help you set up a perfect vacation to London!

Burgos Spain - Land of Castles and Cathedrals

Recently while I was planning a trip for a client to Spain they mentioned going to a town I had never heard of before - Burgos. I let it slide in one ear and out the other until a couple weeks later someone else mentioned the same town. Then I had two young women asking about an extensive trip to Spain but they wanted to stop in other places rather than the big three - Madrid, Barcelona and Seville. So off I went on a quest for little known towns - at least to us!

Profile of Burgos

The lacy, gleaming white spires of its 13th-century Gothic Cathedral dominate the riverside city of Burgos and stand out as its most beautiful landmark. Burgos is halfway on the gourmet route between Ribera del Duero and La Rioja wine regions in Spain. The city is also a major stopping point on the “Saint James Pilgrimage”, an ancient Christian pilgrimage that has various routes beginning in France, Austria and the UK, which all finish in the glorious Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. One of the grand dames of Castilla y León, the largely rural area that lies immediately northwest of Madrid, Burgos is an elegant, refined city whose often tumultuous history dates to 884. Known for its imposing Gothic monuments and powerful role in Spanish history, Burgos is a favorite destination for lovers of art, architecture and history. Its rich culinary tradition makes Burgos a wonderful place for food and wine lovers as well.

When Burgos was founded by the king of León in the 9th century, it was meant to be a northern stronghold of the growing Christian empire that would eventually become Spain. A few centuries later the city became the capital of the powerful kingdom of Castilla y León, a title it held until the more southern city of Valladolid became capital after the reconquest finalized in 1492. Still, as an important stop on both the Camino de Santiago (St. James pilgrimage route) and on the Madrid-France road, Burgos never lost relevance. During the Spanish Civil War, it was bestowed with the dubious honor of being declared the headquarters for General Franco's fascist troops.

With its grand riverside promenades, character-filled old quarter, and outstanding collection of churches and monasteries, modern-day Burgos offers plenty to keep you busy. Begin a visit to the old city by crossing the Santa María bridge and passing through the ornate Arco de Santa María, a gate adorned with so many towers and turrets that it seems like the entrance to a fairytale castle. The magnificent Gothic Cathedral is the requisite first stop. Be sure to visit the tomb of El Cid, the famed Spanish warrior, and the opulent "Gilded Staircase", a golden Renaissance staircase that links the nave with a ceremonial door at street level. Also noteworthy are the Constable's Chapel, a lavishly decorated chapel with a tomb, and the central dome, dubbed "The Crossing" and towering high above El Cid's tomb. A leisurely visit to this masterpiece could take the better part of a morning.

Yet Burgos is more than its Cathedral. Nearby you'll find the Casa del Cordón, a 15th-century palace-turned-bank. This is the spot where Isabel and Ferdinand met Columbus after his return from the New World on his second voyage. Also in the area are a wealth of churches bestowed with intricate carvings and sculptures, Renaissance artwork, and gilded altarpieces. There's no need to visit them all, but you might want to seek out highlights like the 14th-century Iglesia de Nuestra Señora La Antigua de Gamonal (famed for its Moorish-inspired Mudéjar portal) or the 13th-century Gothic Iglesia de San Esteban. Just beyond the city proper are two lovely Carthusian monasteries, the Monasterio de Huelgas and the Cartuja de Miraflores.


So as you can see... when I visit Madrid this October I will be taking a day trip to the beautiful city of Burgos. :)

If you would like more information on booking a trip to Spain feel free to leave me a message or comment.
      

Visiting Ireland on a Budget

Five Tips for Visiting Ireland on a Budget

There have been times when traveling to the Emerald Isle meant a lot of green of a different variety. However, with the dollar rising, Ireland is now more affordable than it has been in years; Ireland has recently been named the leading travel budget destination by USA Today. Stretch your dollar even farther with these tips:

• Stay in an Irish B&B - most serve a traditional Irish breakfast which can fill you up for the day. An Irish breakfast usually includes: toast, fried bacon or sausages, eggs, grilled tomatoes, black or white pudding, fried mushrooms and sometimes baked beans.
• Order a carvery lunch - some pubs serve carvery lunches between 12:30-2pm for approximately 10 euros with a choice of pork, lamb or roast beef and two vegetable side dishes. With such a filling lunch, you will only need a light supper.
• Reclaim the VAT - for each $100 you spend on goods that you will be taking back to the U.S. you can claim about $17 as a VAT refund. You can get your VAT at the point of purchase, at the airport or by check once you return home. What makes Ireland an extra bargain is unlike the rest of the EU, there isn't a minimum purchase amount.
• Buy a Heritage Card - this card entitles you to unlimited admission to more than 65 attractions throughout Ireland for only 21 euros. Heritage Cards can be purchased locally.
• Visit the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin - for your admission fee you not only get an interesting tour on the craft of brewing, but some free samples and a
  360-degree view of the city from the Gravity Bar.

For the love of Lanai

As a travel planner-  part of my passion for travelling is that it appeals to my needs to explore and do things I have never done. On my recent vacation to Maui, I decided to visit the Island of Lanai. Lanai – At 18 miles wide and 13 miles long, Lanai is the most secluded island in the Hawaiian island chain. In my opinion, the best way to sample the island of Lanai is by taking a catamaran over with Trilogy Excursions  808-874-5649; http://www.sailtrilogy.com)
When you check in at the harbor, you can see the crew getting the catamaran ready for your adventure. We were greeted by Captain Chuck and invited to start boarding. On board they invited us to stow our bags and head up top for the best views.  Once we were all settled and accounted for we started out for Lanai. The water was a deep azul almost black in some places. Lanai was off in the distance with some low laying fog visible from our seats. The crew on my trip was Nick and his brother Dominic and a wonderful young lady named Alex.  After a few minutes a mouth watering smell of hot cinnamon rolls made its way up from the galley. While the cinnamon rolls were being served, Captain Chuck talked about the island and what the itinerary was for the day. Through out the ride over, the crew served us juice and kept us well fed with fresh fruit and later on delicious wraps.  Along the way we stopped to view the amazing spinner dolphins as they showed off their fins in the water and their fabulous dance moves as they dipped and dived in and out of the water. They were graceful as well as playful as they sped along in front of us.
Once we arrived in Lanai, we had the option of going straight to the beach or doing a local tour that took us into Lanai City. I decided to hop on the city tour. We had a fabulous local guide by the name of Moana who had live on and off Lanai for most of her life. She had fabulous knowledge of the history of the pineapple plantations and the growth of Lanai through the years.
While driving from the harbor to the town of Lanai City, it is hard to believe that you are on the same island. The landscape changes from tropical beach to wild west prairies on the drive to Lanai City.   We went from approximately 95 degrees on the beach to 75 and afternoon showers in town. Images in my head are of hot desert sand under my toes and cool green Cook Island pines (planted to collect moisture) in the fog  because water is scarce on the island.
Lanai’s central town – for a wonderful array of shops, restaurants and local businesses all centered around Dole Park. Depending on what you’re in the mood for, you can grab a cup of coffee from Coffee Works, dine like a local at the Blue Ginger Café, or enjoy other delicious fare at Canoes, Café 565 or Pele’s Other Garden.
After the tour we headed out to the beach to snorkel, snuba or just relax in the sun. Manele bay and Hulopoe Bay (recently named America’s best beach) are simple breath taking. Because they are protected by a reef they are great for snorkeling and swimming. The crew of Trilogy I had the snorkeling equipment set up and ready to go. My first two attempts at snorkeling were not very successful. So as I bravely asked for my size 8 snorkel fins they asked why I was so nervous. I said well I feel like I am suffocating. Alex offered to go out with me on a surf board and help me learn how to breathe using the mask so I could successfully snorkel. I cannot tell you how much I appreciated her patience and encouragement. She was fantastic! You could tell she loves her job. She paddled out with me and slowly walked me through how to fit my mask, how to use the breathing apparatus and gave me little tips like don’t smile under water otherwise water will get into your mask. I couldn’t help but smile! So naturally water got into my mask. She made my first successful experience snorkeling fun and safe! After time on the beach we head back toward the marina where they had a barbeque set up for us. The lunch was sumptuous with BBQ chicken, Chinese stir fry noodles with corn on the cob and a yummy dessert.
After a leisurely lunch, we all head back on board Trilogy I and sailed back to Lahaina with an amazing sunset for a backdrop and rainbows welcoming us in the clouds over Maui.
I loved my experience and I will be back to sail Trilogy again and visit the enticing island of Lanai. If you would like more information about visiting the island of Lanai or would like more information about booking a trip to Maui, please feel free to send me a comment or leave a message.

Mad for Molokai :)

As a travel agent - recently I had the pleasure of experiencing the island of Molokai. From Maui the easiest way to get to Molokai is by ferry. As I headed off to the harbor in Lahaina, I could just see the sun poking its head through the morning clouds over the mountains of Maui. It was a very early morning start with the Lahaina Cruise Company. The ferry I was on was the Molokai Princess. Of course being an explorer at heart, I headed topside for the best views. On the way over we were served a complimentary continental breakfast with juice, fresh fruit and muffins. When we arrived we were met by our tour guide Kalani. Today I was going to enjoy the Molokai Ali’i tour . This tour has an excellent overview of the island of Molokai. Highlights of my tour included the Kalaupapa Sea Cliff Lookout, Father Damien’s Churches, Purdy’s Macadamia nut plantation, Hawaiian Fishponds, an operating coffee plantation and quaint and eclectic Kaunakakai Town. We also enjoyed a nice lunch at the Hotel Molokai with amazing oceanfront views. Kalani’s knowledge of the history of the island was very impressive as well. All in all it was a perfect day.
After dropping everyone else back at the harbor, I was dropped off back at the lovely Hotel Molokai for the night. The agent at the front desk was Carly. She was very sweet and answered all my questions with a smile. I inquired about Halawa waterfall hike or other day trips. There is truly a lot to do on Molokai. After I received my key to room 221, I grabbed my bag for a short walk through the well manicured grounds of the hotel. Through out the property you can see plumeria trees in blossom. Right out front of the property are huge mango trees that I was invited to go pick fresh fruit from. My room was beautiful with high ceilings and wood beams and a huge bed with views direct to the ocean. Stepping out the sliding glass door to my lanai, I had amazing views of the ocean and the Pailolo Channel that looks across to Lanai. After getting settled in, I decided to go get something cold to drink from the bar and take a dip in their ocean front pool. The view from both the restaurant and the pool as the sun was setting was amazing. That night I ordered prime rib from the Hula Shores restaurant and it was the best I’ve had in my life. It was very relaxing just sitting on my lanai, drinking a glass of wine and enjoying the music that was being played by a live band by the pool.
The following morning, I picked up my car rental from the hotel. The young lady, Iris, was very charming as she talked about working for Enterprise at the hotel. First thing I did after I got in my rental was head back to this amazing coffee shop called the Blue Monkey. I had the most amazing cup of coffee called Toasted Coconut. After getting my much needed jolt of caffeine, I decided to head off to this lonely stretch of beach on the other side of the island called Papohaku Beach. This was the most spectacular beach I have ever laid eyes on. After walking on that lone stretch of beach I decided to head off to Halawa to view the waterfalls. The road on the way to the falls is mountains on one side and historical fish ponds, mango trees and taro patches and pure ocean on the other. My last stop on the way back from my drive around Molokai was to stop at Molokai Pizza Café. My guide told me that if I wanted the best burger in Molokai – this was the place. I was not disappointed. Big juicy burger layered with mushrooms, provolone and bacon almost as big as the plate! Sadly, I had to return my car and get back on the Molokai Princess and head back to Maui. From snorkeling to kayaking and horseback riding to hiking – There was so much to see and do that I have to go back!
My impression of Molokai is one of beauty and wilderness coupled with aloha cultural and sprinkled with grace and charm. The first thing you notice is the absence of background noise. My subconscious has so many images of Molokai. I basked in the feel of hot sun and cool afternoon breezes on my skin. The sound of slack key guitar was wafting into my room with the evening breeze. As well as the gentle gurgle and splash of the waves as they hit the beach. The sound of the night wind whispering through the windows. In the distance I heard the hollow sound of hand carved coconut wood chimes ringing melodically. The smell of sea salt air mixed with the tangy scent of mango trees and plumeria while watching the sun dip into the horizon as it fades from gold to hot pink while tiny crabs scuttle along the beach.
If you would like more information about visiting the island of Molokai, please feel free to email me.

Mahalo!
-Jill