I’m crazy about the gluten-free, nut-intensive little pastries sitting temptingly in a jewelbox case at the front of Lulu’s – both the Octagon and “old” Lulu’s. Sensuous, fresh-baked, these artisanal gems offer delicious ways of enjoying some elegant bite of pastry with your macchiato, and yet leave gluten far behind.
Topped with walnuts or almonds, each is based upon heirloom recipes and made to enlighten your tastebuds.
Check these out!
Another terrific dining spot—also a great bar scene—next to La Scala and around the corner from my hotel in Milan was the Trussardi Cafe, downstairs from the more formal Michelin spot.
Airy and accessible, the Cafe was always open for espresso, wine and meals—small and large.
One lunch there was memorable for its lovely creation involving halibut on a bed of shaved asparagus, with a luscious asparagus puree over the top.
As beautiful as any of the dishes was the basket of bread (above) that arrived along with my balloon of dark Sicilian wine. Housemade crackers, two or three varieties, a soft white roll and crunchy breadsticks all made waiting for the main course a lovely event all unto itself.
Italy just owns style, and more than that: (more…)
The end of an era, one in which the play was the thing. Until it wasn’t.
Those of you who enjoyed this season of Shakespeare Santa Cruz performances in the atmospheric Festival Glen, also enjoyed the final season of this 32-year cycle of lively, innovative, often charming, always literate plays.
Perhaps its day was done, but when it was good it was very very good.
Thank you Audrey!
[Required reading on this subject, a well-reasoned reposte, printed in the SC Sentinel, by savvy citizens aghast at UCSC’s decision.]
Location is everything, especially when traveling alone. Planning for my trip to see Wagner’s incomparable “Ring” cycle this summer in Milan, I made sure I found a hotel situated within easy walking distance of the opera house, a few choice restaurants, and art works I planned to visit. Hotel Star filled the bill! But who knew that the two short blocks from my hotel would also offer not only two versions of the Michelin starred Il Trussardi, but an inviting cafe/restaurant literally adjoining the Teatro la Scala itself?
The offspring of the celebrated il Marchesino, the Ristorante Teatro alla Scala was everything a single visitor could want. The outdoor seating in front was invitingly glamorous, the indoor seating was open afternoons and evenings. And an elegant coffee bar with pastries and liqueurs started serving at 7am.
In addition to making single diners feel completely comfortable—mille grazie!—the Marchesino menu offered lunchtime dishes in two sizes, small and full-sized. Here was heaven for the inquiring grazer. I could easily sample two dishes per meal and not waddle out the chic front door. Wines by the glass were reasonably priced and offered a quick tour of the Piedmont and Lombardy.
One day I began with a cool smoked salmon salad (more…)
Il Trussardi is so stylish it makes your teeth ache, and your palate whet. I had made my lunch reservation online, timed for one of the days off from my “Ring” marathon at Teatro alla Scala.
I was personally escorted up one floor by a young woman in a snug grey suit, then handed over to another handler/server who introduced me to the Hugo Boss model who seated me at a window overlooking the opera house.
Inside a glass exhibition kitchen, the chef and his team were in the throes of dramatic food prep. As I perused the three-course “business” lunch (60 euros), the San Pellegrino arrived, a huge balloon of Chianti riserva arrived, and another Hugo Boss model offered me my choice of exquisite rolls. I sank back and let myself be pampered.
The meal began with one of the best pasta (more…)
Why am I not surprised that a man who has been in therapy for 50 years is committed to the past as destiny? And when that man is a master filmmaker, well the results are either nihilism, existentialism, or….a Woody Allen film. Blue Jasmine—powered by Cate Blanchett’s remarkable performnce—is one of the most sobering films of the past decade. A searing indictment of a life wasted, Blanchett’s character traces (backwards and forwards in time) the stages of one woman’s ruin, and ultimately offers us no hope that mistakes which detonate the lives of others can ever be atoned.
Former socialite and wife of fast-track investment svengali Hal (Alec Baldwin in a pitch perfect performance as a slick cad), Jasmine finds herself suddenly fallen into poverty and depending upon the kindness of her estranged sister Ginger (Sally Hawkins in a brilliant brilliant performance as a sweet good time girl).
We quickly get the picture. And yes, Streetcar Named Desire oozes (more…)
A book of sensory adventure: The rituals, passions and discoveries of an engaged life.