Austria - September 2014: Im Weissen Rossl

Im Weissen Rossl

Im Weissen Rossl (The White Horse) is one of the most famous hotels in Austria. It wonderful location on a lake amid the mountains and lakes of the Salzkammergut it truly wonderful.

A band were playing traditional Austrian music on our first night in the hotel.

The Zweigelt (von Haus) - a bottle of the house Zweigelt.

We had traditional soup to start.

And a small display (trio) of cakes to finish.

Florence - May 2014: An evening in Florence

An evening in the romantic city of Florence

A table with a view, from which we could watch as Florence bustled or wandered past on this warm summer evening.

The wonderful Vino Nobile di Montepulciano - such an easy pleasure to drink, although it is a 'big' wine and not to be under estimated.

This was a stunning dish - cappachio of swordfish with blood oranges and fennel - such a fresh tasing dish, incredible flavours.

Some bubbles as well...on such a romantic evening.

A range of Tuscan dishes, very distinctive.

A beautiful city and full of activity and spectacle.

We had to try the desserts.

I enjoy a 'pick up me' yet again.

We decided to finish with some Lemoncello, not our usual choice but really refreshing.

Florence - May 2014: Overlooking the River Arno

An early dinner beside the River Arno

We ate early to get a table in the restaurant, one with the most stunning views in Florence. The food and service was excellent and we decided that we would try and come back again - perhaps to get a window seat. We were in this exceptional city and this was an exceptional restaurant- worth re-visiting to enjoy again.

We loved the label of this Chianti Classico Reserva when it came. Like all chianti it needs a little time to breath and the waiter had already opened it and was kind enough to remind us to wait a few moments before enjoying it. It was worth the wait.

How can something so simple be so good - a question we often ask in regard to the 'magic' Tuscan ingredient, their white beans which add key flavours to so many regional dishes.

A beautifully presented and flavoursome dish. Wonderfully executed and a pleasure to enjoy such simple ingredients beautifully prepared.

I had to try some classic pasta, to try and experience the flavours of the sauces and the textures of the pasta itself. We imitate these dishes but what do the originals taste like and how are they presented. It was a pleasure to put this one to the test.

Pasta to enjoy...

Florence - May 2014: Gucci Museo

Gucci Museo, Florence

On a warm Florence evening, this was a great place to stop for dinner.  Here we were able to relax over dinner and watch the world go by. The life in the city of Florence (including massed police busy providing escort for a local politician) was busy and interesting. From our seats we had architecture, culture, food, drink, fashion and atmosphere (plus a little drama).

And of course we had some Chianti Classico Reserva to enjoy with our meal.

The first course of cappacchio of polpo (octopus) was exquisite and set the tone for the evening perfectly. The salty vegetable was similar to samphire in taste but very different in texture.

Tuscan white beans combined with pork. My wife had been waiting to try some of their famous beans and was not disappointed.

Wonderful pasta to be enjoyed. Simple and sustaining - a continued joy to experience the real thing in this beautiful setting.

Whilst the cheese and honey was always tempting, we had to experience the desserts. Something to linger over as we concluded our meal.