Wine Regions in Spain

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turlendu in Spain/Portugal

Wine Regions in Spain

I plan wine trips as a profession, so I have plenty of experience trying to do this in a week. I do think Rioja is a MUST. There are a wide range of bodegas from old school (Muga and Tondonia) to quite progressive ones with amazing architecture (such as Baigorri and Finca Valpiedra). The scenery is spectacular, restaurants are amazing, and towns like Laguardia are what we call "impossibly charming." There are a range of hotels too from quite reasonable properties to unique four- and five-star properties. Folks here speak less English than in most parts of Spain. A lot of people don't know that the best bodegas are located in Alava, which actually is a Basque province. Riojan cuisine is AMAZING. Now the question is what to pair that with. Frankly I would not pair Rioja with Ribera del Duero. Yes, the wines are great..not denying that, BUT it's not terribly pretty and the infrastructure for visitors is just not there yet. I find it boring. There are a couple of options if you really want to be aggressive. One is to fly to Barcelona which you can do from Bilbao VERY inexpensively on Spanair. A simply amazing wine region is Priorat - 2 hours sw of BCN. It is pristine, incredibly beautiful (very steep vineyards where everything must be done by hand). It is much, much smaller than La Rioja and some incredible wines are being produced there (primarily Rhone and Bordeaux varietals). It is a very, very nice contrast to Rioja in my view. Of course, a great week is to do San Sebastian + La Rioja. While this only gives you one major wine region, San Sebastian is great - a world-class food town. You can visit Txakoli bodegas in the incredibly beautiful green coastal mountains just 30 mins from San Sebasitan. These all are family-run and you can't just wander in. Penedes just 45 min outside Barcelona is not worth the journey. It's nice, but not comparable in my view to Priorat although we love Pares Balta!! If you really are 100% committed to a week of wine, I would pair La Rioja (fly into Bilbao) and Priorat and spend a night or two in Barcelona. That's my take. Enjoy.

turlendu in Spain/Portugal

Has anyone been to Eataly in Turin?

I was in Eataly in May 2011. It would be a nice spot to look around and have lunch, but I don't think it is the most amazing place in the world and frankly don't think it is a MUST SEE when visiting Torino. I frankly preferred the Saturday market at Porto Palazzo, which is perhaps the most impressive market I've been to in Italy. It certainly is the largest. If you have a great gourmet food shop in your city such as Sutton Place Gourmet in Washington, DC or even a larger Dean and Deluca, I'm not sure Eataly is going to wow you. I doubt you'll actually end up buying anything. My $.02.

turlendu in Italy

Alternatives to L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon

Well...I certainly have generated responses. Perhaps a bit more background is helpful to help convince the cynics that I'm not a vampire looking to suck dry the collective wisdom of this esteemed community of experts and semi-experts. Our handcrafted programs include a whole lot more than dining and given our volume, we''ve posted here very few times. We do private culinary lessons with Michelin star chefs, customized epicurean walking tours, wine estate visits hosted by owners and head winemakers, and more. It's quite impossible to know every restaurant in our portfolio of destinations that includes the U.S. West Coast, numerous countries in Europe and Argentina/Chile. If we ever did receive what we thought was valuable input on one particular spot, we'd gladly post it. When you create a 20-day program for very busy, very high-end clients, the feedback that you might get on one particular restaurant typically is not worthy of posting on here. "Amazing," "fantastic," are great bits of feedback, but I think people are looking to Chowhound for more than 1 word responses. Chowhound is a resource we use to fill in gaps, but certainly is not the primary resource we use in developing customized dining programs for our clients. Our clients expect us to consult multiple sources and we don't think any other boutique company like ours invests as much time in this endeavor. We certainly value the input and will continue to consult the experts here (and we will continue to be HONEST about why we seek the information). Obviously it is your choice whether you wish to provide a response. I appreciate those who have provided guidance. You will help a charming couple have that much more of a memorable experience during their first visit to Paris. At the end of the day, I think that is what this board is all about. Cheers.

turlendu in France

Alternatives to L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon

Thanks folks! This is the poster. Sorry - this is NOT a business dinner. I operate a culinary and wine travel company (CORK & FORK Epicurean Travel). Thus, this is a handcrafted travel program for independent travelers...NOT a business meeting. I wouldn't do Josephine for a business meeting either. It has absolutely delighted every client I've sent there.

turlendu in France

Alternatives to L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon

My very high-end clients are spending three nights in Paris. I wish to provide a varied dining program, so have booked Le Cinq for an unforgettable classic Parisian dining experience and also Josephine Chez Dumonet for a classic Bistro experience. The obvious third choice in my mind is something more on the contemporary side. The obvious choice for me was L'Atelier de JR, but these clients don't want to dine at 6:30 or wait for a table otherwise, so I'm searching for alternatives, but I don't want anything too trendy or too inventive. While I value concierge input, I realize the bias. Moreover, I know many French (particular in the hospitality industry) simply REFUSE to provide real opinions (they'll just say, "Well, these two restaurants are very different."). Here's what the concierge of their five-star hotel gave me for alternatives to L'Atelier de JR. COMMENTS? Of course, I'm open to other suggestions. THANKS HOUNDS!

Spoon Food & Wine: Not wild about a Ducasse concept restaurant.

Market: probably too trendy

Dominique Bouchet*: I'm quite interested in this one based on the chef's pedigree.

39 V:

L’ Arôme*

turlendu in France

Help with Midweek Lunch in London

Hopefully this is pretty simple. I'm looking for a nice, VERY BRITISH spot for lunch which isn't going to be a 2-hr affair. An old spot serving traditional British cuisine would be perfect, BUT Rules or Wintons are too involved..menus too big. Going to the theatre this same night and having pre-theatre dinner, so lunch can't be so huge or so long, but needs to be at a nice spot. Something in Mayfair would be nice. Thanks, Chowhounders.

turlendu in U.K./Ireland

London - One Memorable Dinner for Couple in Mid 70s

they know London ok. Walking distance is nice, but not necessary.

turlendu in U.K./Ireland

London - One Memorable Dinner for Couple in Mid 70s

Hi Chowhounders. I operate a culinary and wine travel company in the U.S. (CORK and FORK Epicurean Travel) and we don't do much work in London (Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Paris, San Sebastian, Napa...yes.. London no!).

I have some very high-end clients who will be in London for just two nights in September. As they are doing the theater their second night, they are looking for an exceptional and highly memorable dining experience for their first night (which unfortunately is the day they arrive from an overnight flight from the U.S.)

They are in their mid 70s and love formal/elegant surroundings, exceptional service and great cuisine. Unique environments are great too. They are staying at Claridge's for what that is worth. I do not want to recommend a restaurant that is too French in focus. I also don't want a place that is too trendy or one that has the least bit of attitude. I want a place that is going to be a sure thing for these clients. In Paris, that place was Le Cinq, which they loved. Lastly, I don't want a place that will take three hour given it is their day arrival.

Do you know of just the right place? I'd be most appreciative if you could share your thoughts.

turlendu in U.K./Ireland

Looking for Best Pre-Theatre in London

In researching Les Deux Salons, I came across a restaurant I dined at 20 years ago (I'm from the States). J Sheekey. I loved it then and it still seems to be quite popular. These folks won't care about the trendiest, new restaurant concept. Any comment on the quality of the experience at J. Sheekey?

turlendu in U.K./Ireland

Looking for Best Pre-Theatre in London

Thanks for that...Les Deux Salons looks nice. More of a bistro menu than a brasserie menu, but that works! This actually is for my clients and you made me chuckle when you made the comment that it was a strange request given the show! We've developed a 20-day VIP golf travel program for them in Scotland and Ireland. Trust me - VERY high end! They just like musicals!

turlendu in U.K./Ireland

Looking for Best Pre-Theatre in London

Attending Jersey Boys at Prince Edward Theatre on a Thursday night. Money is not an issue..and location is not a big deal as we will have car and driver, but don't want to be too far away. Looking for great food, relatively formal spot with an upscale pre-theatre clientele. Help!

turlendu in U.K./Ireland

Le Grand Vefour vs. Lasserre vs. Alternative Suggestion (fill in the blank!)

Greetings,

I have clients who will be in Paris the last week in September. They have done research on their own and would like to book at table at Le Grand Vefour OR Lasserre. Could someone elaborate on the differences? I gather that both are quite traditional and quite formal. Personally, I prefer the location and "older" feel of Le Grand Vefour, but at these prices, the meal better knock their socks off. Any comments on a comparison would be appreciated and can you suggest an alternative option that is in the same traditional style. I gather they are looking for some romance - La Grande Cascade sounds like an interesting option. Finally, what is the pricing difference among these 3? I see that Lasserre has a 185 tasting menu, but couldn't find same for Le Grand Vefour. I will be sending them to a range of different places such as Chez Josephine. This is the big splurge night.

turlendu in France

Piège to Leave Les Ambassadeurs Next Month: Alternative suggestion?

When I tried to book a table Les Ambassadeurs/Hotel Crillon, I received the following:

We inform you that our Chef, Jean-François Piège, will leave the Hôtel de Crillon in August to focus some personal plans.

We are searching currently his successor and so the restaurant “Les Ambassadeurs” will be closed during this period. The Brunch on Sunday will be maintained as well as the other Food and Beverage outlets.

We have booked Le Cinq for another night and am looking to replace Les Ambassadeurs with a "relatively conservative" ** or *** restaurant. L'Arpege is just too expensive. I'm thinking Le Meurice, but La Grande Cascade sounds interesting because of the setting. I have nixed Ledoyen because I've heard too many comments that the place needs a facelift. Bottom line is that I'm looking for consistency - a "sure thing" - which is why Le Cinq has been selected for another night.

Look forward to suggestions. THANKS!!

turlendu in France

Paris Dinner Dress

This board has been most helpful in selecting restaurants. Could you comment on my assumptions on DINNER dress? I'm most interested in understand what the MAJORITY of people at these restaurants will be wearing.

Jacket and Tie

Le Cinq/Le Meurice
Restaurant du Palais Royal

Smart Casual

Josephine Chez Dumonet
L'Ardoise
Pinxo
Fish La Boissoniere

What about dress at Le Souffle, L'Absinthe, Goumard

Off the dress topic, I'll take another Sunday seafood restaurant dinner recommendation (other than FISH or Goumard). THANKS HOUNDS!!

turlendu in France

dress code-BCN

this board has been quite helpful with dining recommendations. Could you advise dress code for dinners.? Do I have anything wrong below.

LUNCH:

Can Roca (assume there will be a mix of smart casual, jacket only and jacket and tie, but expect most will be smart casual)

DINNERS:

Cinc Sentis, Drolma, La Dama, Botafumeiro, Windsor, Roig Robi (jacket and tie)

Can Majo, Fonda Gaig (smart casual)

I realize anything goes in BCN at many spots, but would appreciate knowing what MOST PEOPLE will be wearing for the one lunch and dinners in September.

turlendu in Spain/Portugal

Goumard, Rest. du Palais Royal

There's not so much on either of these restaurants. I gather that Gourmard totally re-formulated itself not too long ago, but still retains its seafood focus. The setting for Restaurant du Palais Royal is very appealing, I think. Any comments on either of these if you wanted to stay in the 1st or nearby? We are doing other top restaurants on other nights.

turlendu in France

Can Roca, Gaig, Cinc Sentis

So you would recommend Fonda Gaig above Gaig itself?

turlendu in Spain/Portugal

Can Roca, Gaig, Cinc Sentis

I do love El Born. I stumbled upon La Vinya del Senyor one night and fell in love with the place. These folks are going to Senyor Perallada one night. Any recommendations on other, more traditional restaurants in the Born?

turlendu in Spain/Portugal

Can Roca, Gaig, Cinc Sentis

thanks for the response..the clients will be in Girona anyways (I think it's a wonderful city!!)...I do appreciate the comment about two many BIG dinners. I'm sending them to Paco Meralgo and Bar Mut for lunches. They really want to be in L'Eixample. Roig Robi is another one I'm looking at. They'll do Senyor Perallada for lunch another day. Thinking about maybe Can Mojo for a dinner, but obviously that's not in L'Eixample. I'm not thinking I'll do Can Roca still, but not Cinc Sentis perhaps as Can Roca may be enough experimentation for them! Thoughts always appreciated..

turlendu in Spain/Portugal

Can Roca, Gaig, Cinc Sentis

So there are plenty of postings on here re: Can Roca in Girona and Cinc Sentis. I'm advising some clients on dining options in BCN and have a few questions (pardon my ignorance!!). 1) Do you find that non-foodies enjoy/appreciate the more avant-garde cuisine? 2) Is it safe to recommend that they try the classic menu at Can Roca, which I think is 3 courses and probably includes some "funky" amuse-bouches but is not as revolutionary as the tasting menu 3) related to the previous question, is it really the tasting menus that are going to give you the most avant-garde of experiences at these restaurants?. The bottom line is that I'm looking to help these folks dip their toes in this cuisine. I'm sending them to a few traditional Catalan spots like Windor and La Dama, but want to mix things up. I want to make sure they enjoy themselves! They enjoy great food, but I wouldn't classify them as foodies.

Gaig, I gather, is similar to La Dama and Windsor in terms of a focus on traditional Catalan cuisine, but I get the impression that it is a bit more modern in terms of the modern twists that are applied to the classic recipes..but certainly not as "aggressive" as the avant-garde restaurants. I'd appreciate any comments on Gaig in comparison to the top non avant-garde restaurants in the city.

turlendu in Spain/Portugal

Casual Lunch/L'Eixample, BCN

I'm looking for casual lunch spots as close to Casa Fuster as possible (within 10 minute walk). This is for an older couple (70s) and I don't want to over feed them with huge dinners and large lunches! I'm worried Bar Mut is too crowded/noisey. I want a place that takes reservations and is good/nice, but not too formal and involved for lunch. Exceptional tapas would be great. Paco Meralgo is on my list (but I really don't consider that close enough for these folks to walk from Casa Fuster, so closer to PdG and Ave. Diagnonal would be appreciated). GRACIAS!!!

turlendu in Spain/Portugal

Pub Grub in Edinburgh

Simple request I hope: I'm looking for the most atmospheric (loads of character) pub lunch experience in the Old Town of Edinburgh (preferably near Edinburgh Castle). I assume most of these spots are frequented by tourists, which is ok if this is a "real deal" pub - lots of character and good food. We have a group of 8 gents. THANKS!!!

turlendu in U.K./Ireland

Wines from Provence?

I do love the Roses of Cote de Provence - hard to beat on a nice warm day. There are some fine estates between Avignon and the Riviera, but really the best area for wine touring centers around Chateauneuf du Pape (Grenache-dominant Rhone blends). I recommend the restaurant just below the castle (top of town). There are Roman-era winery ruins in the town. Beaucastel is a MUST visit. In addition to CdP, Gigondas (very cute town) and Beaumes de Venise are other key wine regions in the area. Avignon is a great base to experience Rhone Valley wine country, but I would avoid the place in August (droves of people!!!!). We have a good wine guide we use there.

turlendu in France

Help:Loire Valley Food and Accomadation

Isabella..the Chow police prefer to focus this dialogue on chow, so please email me for counsel on accommodations..info@corkandfork.net .

thanks,

turlendu in France