Monthly Archives: June 2017

Relais & Chateaux World Tour: “Europea”

Me and my hubby indulging in Europea's 12-course chef's dinner
Me and my hubby indulging in Europea’s 12-course chef’s dinner

I recently traveled to Quebec in Canada and fell in love!  The whole Province is French speaking and everything about Quebec is simply charming.  The architecture, rich history, food, art, and culture, it is not what I expected for Canada.  My first stop was to the city of Montreal , and on the first night my husband surprised me with a romantic dinner at a renowned Relais & Chateaux restaurant.  I did not research for this trip at all (and on purpose) and had zero expectations, and I had no idea what was in store!

europea relais and chateau foodWe pull up to Europea in a charming neighborhood.  I am immediately drawn to the old world look of the building.  When we enter they take us upstairs to an intimate table for two.  As I look around I see a few couples, some business people, and all looked very entertained and pleased.  I glance at the menu (in French) and before I had to make any decisions my husband said “Let’s have the chef’s tasting dinner!”  Lo and behold, a 12-course meal was in queue plus wine pairing!  Celebrity chef Jerome Ferrer and his team of highly trained and engaging servers certainly put on a show.  An almost theatrical kind of affair one would say.  Each course had a surprise.  Courses were served in books, boxes, clay pots for us to hammer open, there was steam, and fire, and grand finale cotton candy trees.  Every plate was a work of fine art and tasted delicious.  They love their fois gras in this town and their dessert too.  Plus, the wines they chose were absolutely exquisite and the perfect enhancing match for each entrée it was served. We were overly stimulated I must say but in the best way and they even sent us home with wrapped gifts!

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John Hardy Workshop Tour In Bali!

john hardy workshop 1My love for John Hardy jewelry is so strong I had to fly across the world to Indonesia to visit their workshop!  Ok, my husband and I just happened to be honeymooning in Bali and lo and behold the jewelry company has a workshop in the country hills of Ubud on the island of Bali!  How convenient and coincidental for us!  “Rich in nature, beauty, creativity, tradition and culture, Bali continues to be our universal source of inspiration,” says the folks at John Hardy. It is known as the island of wonders.

john hardy workshop2Talking about entering a magical land!  This place might just be the most zen work environment I have ever experienced.  Taking it all in this atmosphere beyond the rice and bamboo fields is enriched with greenery and traditional Bali-style buildings. They have animals onsite such as rabbits for compost and every day over 700 workers are fed a wholesome vegetarian lunch prepared on property using fresh farm ingredients.  My hubby and I also experienced the sumptuous al fresco dining experience. It might have been the freshest meal I have ever enjoyed and in the company of the workshop’s senior management! Side note….through John Hardy’s  “Jobs for Life Program” they provide vocational training, financial support, and job opportunities to disadvantaged Balinese orphans.

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