Cellar Tours Blog

Gualtiero Marchesi….

We could write countless words about Gualiero Marchesi, THE real Maestro of Italian cuisine, but we prefer to quote him directly on how he describes himself:

“I think of myself as a fundamentalist in my relationship with food, because the three fundamental principles “simple, good and beautiful” travel together and each one needs each other”.

In Milan, at Castello Sforzesco an exhibition dedicated to Marchesi opens on April 17:  the “leit motiv” will be number 7, as musical notes (because Marchesi loves music), as days of the week, as brushstrokes by Hsiao Chin on the Marchesi menu, now his logo.

There will be also works of art by artists Gualtiero Marchesi loves and has been inspired by including Lucio Fontana, Alberto Burri, Piero Manzoni, Giancarlo Vitali, Velasco, Enrico Baj, Hsiao Chin, and Salvatore Sava.

A new book has recently been released for this important occasion called “Marchesi si nasce” (a play on words, as Marchesi in Italian means Marquis), where he talks about his life, his cuisine, his dreams …

Classy St Patrick´s Day Dinner Party Ideas

If dying your hair green, wearing “kiss me, I´m Irish” stickers” and  knocking back whiskey shots in Irish pubs just does not appeal this Paddy´s Day, why not celebrate St Patrick´s day this year with a civilized dinner party with good friends and family?

Here is how we will spending St Patrick´s day (March 17) this year, and it won´t be bacon and cabbage (!):

THE MENU-

Pre dinner cocktail- Irish Mist with ginger ale and lime

Appetizer (starter)- Mixed green salad with Gubbeen chorizo and St Tola´s Organic Goats Cheese.

Entree (Main Course)- Rabbit stew with cider, recipe in Clodagh McKenna´s wonderful Irish Farmer´s Market Cookbook

Side Dish-Irish champ with Clonakilty black pudding (from butcher Edward Twomey) and apple jelly, recipe here.

Dessert - Chocolate Guinness Brownies (Here is a recipe from Northern Irish chef Stephen Jeffers, also featured in this month’s Food and Wine magazine in Ireland)

Wines- the Irish wine geese will be our inspiration and we´ll serve the excellent Concannon Merlot (Livermore Valley) and Reserve de Léoville Barton 2005 (Bordeaux). Sublime. More on Irish American wineries here.

Cheese- the cheese plate will all be delicious Irish farmhouse cheeses like Gubbeen, Durrus and Killeen.

Coffee- Irish Coffee with Jameson Irish whiskey, but of course.

THE MUSIC- Some beautiful Irish music like Kila, Cork native Tim O’Mahony, Moving Hearts The Storm, Lúnasa Otherworld, Cathie Ryan, and Mary Black.

THE TABLE DECORATION- Stephen Pearce Irish pottery (made in County Cork), Kinsale Crystal stemware,  Newbridge silverware (cutlery) and Avoca table linens.

HISTORY OF ST PATRICK’S DAY- Here is a little background on this Irish national holiday and on Saint Patrick himself.

And if you will be in Ireland on St Patrick´s day this year then here are a few wonderful suggestions:

* See Kila live in Dublin on Paddy’s day at the Olympia Theatre. Other Dublin events here.

* Enjoy live music and the festival in Cork city

* Traditional music and a seriously fun atmosphere in Doolin, County Clare

The Val d ‘ Orcia, featured today in the NY Times, is quintessential Tuscany and utterly romantic.  Expect dreamy hills studded with cypress trees and ancient farmhouses; a smattering of gorgeous art cities and medieval towns in easy reach (Siena, Pienza, San Quirico D’ Orcia, Montepulciano, Montalcino); world class wine country (Brunello, anyone?); amazing cheese country (this is the land of Pecorino) and supremely atmospheric drives.

If you have not yet had the opportunity to visit this breathtaking region yet, then we cannot recommend it enough! This is also THE destination for special occasions- anniversaries, honeymoons, wedding proposals, family reunions…

A quick guide to the Val d’ Orcia for food and wine lovers:

WHEN TO GO: Autumn is the ultimate time to visit for wine lovers as the vineyards are at their most beautiful, the wineries have a real buzz, the weather is generally still sunny but deliciously fresh (perfect for the region´s rich red warming wines). Winter is very cold but a great time to enjoy the food and captivating landscapes without the stifling summer crowds. Spring is gorgeous.

WHERE TO STAY: You can use a few different places as bases, either in town or countryside. We love the Grand Hotel Continental in Siena for old world charm, the luxury Il Borgo at Castello Banfi (also a wine estate, near Montalcino) and the darling little Palazzo del Capitano in the delicious hamlet of San Quirico d’ Orcia.

WHAT TO DO: Wine tasting is obviously a big pull and many wineries open to the general public like Banfi, Barbi and Poggio Antico (which also has a great restaurant) in Montalcino.  For visiting  cult wineries (like Casanova di Neri) and more special visits, book a luxury private wine tour in Montalcino or lesser known Montepulciano. The artistic treasures in the towns of Siena and Pienza are also a “must”. Hiring a local art guide is a fantastic way to discover the local anecdotes and secret corners too.  Renting a villa for a week in Val d´Orcia and spending quiet days cooking, shopping at local markets, wine tasting and relaxing is also an unforgettable way to enjoy the region to the fullest.

WHAT TO BUY: Rare Brunello, artisan cheeses, wild boar cured ham (prosciutto di cinghiale), Terracotta in Siena: and then fine products from other parts of Tuscany (olive oil from Lucca, hand made masks from Florence, antiques and gold from the countless markets, etc).

More info:

Italy travel tips

Wineries in Tuscany

It´s Friday and you are day dreaming about where do take your next vacation… here are some images of one of our favorite regions on earth, La Rioja, to inspire you

Enjoy these shots of Rioja´s vineyards, medieval villages, rivers and mountains…

Find out more!

Rioja wine region

Rioja wineries

Rioja wine tours