Philadelphia: A Diner, A Chapel, A Fountain

Cold Spring Village: Americana on the River

Hubby and I decided that we had neglected the motorcycle far too long.  This lazy Saturday afternoon, we rode north along the Hudson River and landed at the village of Cold Spring NY.  It's a pretty town across the water from West Point military academy.  

We stopped for lunch at the Cold Spring Depot (where it listed "Washington Drank Here" instead of the usual  "Washington Slept Here" popular with many Bed & Breakfasts.  They had a delicious "Plymouth" turkey burger mashed with cornbread and a cranberry aioli.  

The park leading up to the river was lovely.  Due to the town location, one saw many a patriotic tribute. The cat above slept in peace knowing it was protected by the brightest soldiers to be across the river.  

The main street was lined with cute cafes and antique shops.  My favorite was Country Clocks.  The owner, Howard would answer any question with enthusiasm.  He clearly had a love of his product, painstakingly restored unique timepieces from around the world. 

MIAMI: Bikini Central, Fashion Week

My quickie 48 hour trip to South Beach was to attend Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim. I must say, there is quite a difference in culture from Miami Fashion Week and NY Fashion week.

First, I have never seen so much plastic surgery in such a small space. Second, I have never seen so many women try to maneuver stilettos in the sand. Third, a lot more amenities for attendees here than in NY.

My gal pal Fab Ritzy and I stayed at the seemingly see-and-be-seen Hotel Gansevoort. The rooftop pool was home to many a pool party and fashion show (and where no one actually goes to swim). There was a great VIP lounge where Ritzy and I took advantage of the catering and complimentary beauty services. We ended our stay at the Palms Hotel, which had a cozier, classic art-deco Miami feel. The pool was one where we actually went swimming at 2 AM.

Celebs in town were the Kardashian sisters debuting their Beach Bunny line. Kendra the Playboy Playmate launching her book, Phoebe Price, Donald Pliner, and a smattering of NY Fashion regulars (though missing most of the big editors). The smaller presence of NY VIPs was fortuitous for Ritzy and myself. Our seating assignments were much better in Miami than New York.

Did I mention the plentiful open bars in every corner?

The Raleigh Hotel's gorgeous art deco pool was the setting for an old-school synchronized swimming performance on the last day. See the video below. Check out the MsFABulous coverage of Miami Fashion Week.  MAP

Rome: Beauty in Antiquity

The Trevi Fountain is the iconic setting where Marcello Mastroianni cavorted with Anita Ekberg in La Dolce Vita. The entire fountain was silenced the day Marcello died to honor his work. The Trevi fountain marks the junction of three roads to the ancient aqueducts that supplied water to Rome. At the late hour of 11 pm, I had assumed it would be quiet. I was very much wrong.

Every tourist in the city of Rome had converged on this spot. Overpriced gelato spots surrounded the circle. Aggressive vendors attempting to sell you toys, wilted roses and Polaroids of yourself harassed you from all angles. If you have the New York attitude however, they were easy to ignore.

Vatican City on the other hand, was much more serene at night. It was majestic to approach and scenes from Dan Brown's Angels & Demons came to mind.

MAP

Panzano: Rustic Italian Cooking - Girls Night In

A culinary fantasy come true...  My mother, sister and I took a cooking class at the Tuscan cottage where we stayed (see my previous post for pics).  Our chef was the very sweet Stefania who often partnered with our B&B proprietor Giulietta on catering events.  I had a mission of learning how to make fresh pasta in Italy.  My sister, already a well-trained amateur chef was just happy to eat.  My mother had a goal of making a scrumptious local dessert. 

The menu was a medley of local vegetables,  pork roulade cooked in milk, spinach and ricotta ravioli with butter sage sauce and a Tuscan apple cake.

The herbs were picked outside on the grounds.  The olive oil used was pressed from the proprietor’s own olives.  The lemon used in the cake was still warm from the sun…Gorgeous, no?

Kneading the pasta was quite the workout, but I realized that with Italian food, it’s pretty simple once you know what you’re doing.

Since returning home, I have made ravioli several times and the apple cake twice.

Cooking lessons and B&B: http://www.fagiolari.it/

Greve in Chianti: Weekend Market

Artisanal cheeses, fresh organic produce, spices and dried goods. Each vendor showed pride in their product and was happy to have you taste why. This market carried everything one would need, from clothing, fashionable shoes, groceries.

For tiny towns as small as Panzano and Greve, the market brings all the essentials to the residents so they don't need to disturb their rural lifestyle by having to go to the city.

Panzano: Celebrity Butcher, Dario Cecchini

What is a celebrity butcher? I watched an episode of Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations on my ipod during the bus ride from Florence. His sarcastic description of Tuscany's treasures featured Dario Cecchini. Jack Nicholson proclaimed the best hamburger he has ever eaten was consumed here. Mario Batali counts Dario as a mentor.
He was described as an expert of traditional Italian cuisine, classic butchering techniques and a performer of Dante. The chefs of my B&B spoke mostly of his passion for food.
Upon visiting his shop in Panzano, we were welcomed with open arms and immediately offered a glass of house wine.

The best way to taste the results of his culinary passion is to visit his restaurants. There is a steakhouse and Antica Macelleria Cecchini. For 30E at Antica, one joins a tightly-seated communal table to taste dish upon dish of the freshest meats and vegetables you could hope for. This endless feast is accompanied by wine, ends with olive oil cake and then the party continues across the street at the shop for some grappa. A wonderful value, the servers and guests make the night with their enthusiasm and sense of humor.
MAP