There are mushrooms, and then there are mushrooms. Deemed one of the world’s most valuable edible fungi, “white truffles” are found in a few areas of the world, one of which is Alba, a small town in Italy’s Piedmont region that’s south of Milan. On this front, the word “found” is more than apt, for the white truffle defies cultivation, making it more like a precious metal than a crop.
If you’re still at a loss about where to spend vacation next year, look no further than southern Italy’s Amalfi coast and the Island of Capri – the perfect place for a week-long getaway. If you’re interested in a one-week sojourn on the Amalfi Coast and Capri, let me tell you a bit about my trip to the area.
Amsterdam is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but it might soon be adding another feather to its cap – namely, that of becoming a gastronomical getaway. It’s all thanks to double taxation agreements that have prompted many umbrella companies to set up shop here. If you’re paying taxes in the Netherlands, you’re not obliged to pay taxes in your home country as per the terms of the double taxation agreements.
It’s a city with ugly architecture, clogged traffic, sweltering heat that averages about 30 degrees a year, abrupt rainstorms, and almost unbearable humidity, but that doesn’t stop millions of tourists from coming every year.
Several years ago, world-famous chef Ferran Adria’s restaurant El Bulli was a roaring success. Many chefs downed their tools to rush and learn about his understanding of molecular cuisine. Ferran, an intriguing personality and a gastronomic genius, has long since drawn the curtains on El Bulli, but those who have worked with him or adopted his ways now dominate the restaurant scene in Barcelona.
I was lucky enough to explore the city a couple of times with a Berliner and got a chance to sit down for a meal or two in some very interesting restaurants. And thanks to my Berliner guide, I got a peek at the places frequented by the German capital’s residents.
Bodrum is the Turkish version of St Tropez of France, full of many local small restaurants and international restaurants like Nobu, Zuma, Hakkasan, and Papermoon, and hotels like Mandarin Oriental, Kempinski operational, and Four Seasons to come soon.
I’ve been to the city famous for its rain a number of times, but each time, I was on my way somewhere else. One trip, I finally got the chance to give Bologna my full, undivided attention. Lo and behold, it has some great restaurants that you’d do well to look up if you’re ever in the neighborhood.
I hadn’t been to Bordeaux in a very long time. On my first visit, the city seemed tired, lifeless, and far from its former grandeur. But in the years since, a major urban restoration has brought new energy. Many run-down areas have been revived, and I now believe Bordeaux is worth visiting not only for its châteaux but also for the city itself.
Cape Town is ideal as a nice, warm get away during the North Hemisphere’s cold winter months. In South Africa, the time between January and March are the best days of summer. For a summer resort to be nice for me, the moisture level should be near zero and Cape Town, with its warm, dry, and breezy weather, fulfills my expectations.
Hotels in Positano and Capri have private speed boats that can take you directly to Capri. And if you’re in the mood to indulge yourself to some luxury, board the boat; that way, you can dive into the waters of Capri as soon as you arrive while the hotel bothers with your luggage to your room.
These three small towns are very near to one another. They are all about an hour away from İzmir on the Turkish west coast. There are three places I need to mention in this area, one from each small town.
This time, I happened to find myself in a realm far away, Copenhagen. The city might be cold and northern, but I discovered this amazing place and its extraordinary dishes.
Without question, Florence is the most important city in Tuscany, but more than that, it is a city of unparalleled significance in both Italy and Europe. The spiritual home of the renaissance, it also has plenty of restaurants,
It’s no secret that I generally opt to visit cities with excellent restaurants, but this time, I plumped for something different: Cuba. I spent days immersed in all the dancing and music that Cuba has to offer, joining the locals who somehow manage to live happily despite everything they lack. Just don’t ask about the food.
I was many years younger the first time I visited Hong Kong. The view is absolutely stunning when you gaze at the island from the mainland, but it’s not the same when you do vice versa.
With its unique Bosphorus view, historic texture, and postcard-like skyline, Istanbul is not only a favorite city for us but also a beloved destination for international visitors. In such a large metropolis, there are of course countless great restaurants to choose from. Whether you prefer meat or fish, Turkish or international cuisine, upscale or casual dining, the choice is yours.
East Asia is a different world in every way. Ever astonishing, the region perpetually has a surprise in store for the visitor. But among the region’s many features, I’m mostly interested in their spectacular cuisine.
London is one of the world’s foremost financial centers and is among the top destinations for business travelers. Although it is famous for its misty and rainy weather, with its museums, parks, and magnificent buildings, it is an extremely attractive city.
East Asia is a different world in every which way. The region always astonishes me – as well as everyone else. It’ll be no surprise to you, though, that one of the things that interest me most about East Asia is its spectacular cuisine…
Madrid is generally a flat city, which makes it great for walking. One of the nicest things about the city is how polite the people are. Something that might seem surprising is how easy it is to find a taxi.
When you set aside Sydney’s exuberance and head south to Melbourne, you encounter an entirely different spirit. Melbourne does not introduce itself loudly; it doesn’t try to impress. I
Mexico is no longer a developing country; in fact, it’s the 15th largest economy in the world thanks in part to its three strongest sectors: energy, agriculture and tourism.
Milan is a city that draws its fair share of business travelers. The Italian city, a world leader in the design, is a place where you can find boutiques and world-famous fashion brands side- by- side.
One of the world’s “best of best” restaurants, there’s no place quite like Osteria Francescana in Modena.
For various reasons, I find myself in New York often. As someone who loves both eating and cooking, the city has always felt like an inexhaustible pantry—layered, restless, and constantly renewing itself.
The south of France is a dreamy coastal strip with breathtaking towns and beautiful cities. Whether to the east or west of Nice, there are incredible views, delicious restaurants and impressive hotels.
Tokyo has pride of place in Japan, but the most important cities after the capital are Osaka and Kyoto. For people from Turkey, it’s never been easier to get to Osaka, as Turkish Airlines now flies there directly.
Paris, with its museums, architectural texture, magnificent views, and the romance it offers, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is possible to experience the finest examples of French cuisine—recognized as one of the world’s best cuisines—at the restaurants of Paris.
Rio de Janeiro is one of the most enticing destinations in South America; it’s also the city that has stolen my heart many times. But with its beautiful beaches, friendly people and surprising restaurants, I’m sure it would steal your heart too.
The second cheapest restaurant on the list, Dal Bolognese has been serving up typical Italian fare on Piazza del Poppolo for almost 70 or 80 years.
San Francisco is a charming city — although many of us already knew that from the old TV series “The Streets of San Francisco,” which introduced us to the city’s steep streets, trams and action-packed life. The city is home to one of the United States’ most iconic symbols, the Golden Gate Bridge.
Spain has taken great strides to become a center of gastronomy over the past decade. More than a few of the country’s eating establishments have risen to become some of the world’s most famous restaurants, including El Bulli, which I’ve mentioned on previous occasions.
Located just over 200 kilometers from São Paulo, Ilhabela is Brazil’s biggest island.
I first traveled to Seattle a quarter-century ago in the company of Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. I fell in love with their movie Sleepless in Seattle and, by way of the movie, the featured city as well.
At a time when fall is beginning to show its true colors in our As winter begins to make itself fully felt in the Northern Hemisphere, the warm days of summer start to bloom in the Southern Hemisphere. Snow in February here, August heat there.
As far as beach destinations go, Taormina is ancient. Located on the east coast of Sicily, Taormina was formed on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean 2,500 years ago, which means, of course, possessing a fantastic ancient theater that sits a good 3,000. Closer to the water, however, it also has a long, beautiful beach that affords one a great chance to swim come summer.
Verona is a historical Italian small city dating back more than 20 centuries. There is the famous "Arena" in the center of Verona , which is a Roman amphitheatre built nearly 2000 years ago and is still in use; it is famous for the opera and classical music performances given there in warmer months.
Located inside a city park in Vienna is Steirereck, a single- story restaurant run by a couple.