My Blog

Yummy!  The "World's Best 50 Restaurants" will be announced later this month!!  Every year, restaurants all over the world are judged by a jury of food journalists and industry experts.  Restaurants are marked on their dining experience, innovation, creativity and of course, fantastic food.

One of last year's runners up was Chicago restaurant Alinea.  Here, head chef and owner Grant Achatz has an ultramodern approach to dining.  Everything about his restaurant is unique, from the unusual flavour combinations to the theatrical tableware - which includes test tubes, and multi-layered bowls that come apart!  An 18 course tasting menu includes delicacies such as urchins, venison and black truffles.  

Number ten on the 2011 list was Per Se.  This New York City restaurant boasts outstanding views of Columbus Circle - and a very impressive three Michelin stars!  Here, chef Thomas Keller changes his spectacular menu on a daily basis.  Dishes range from Oysters & Pearls to good old Mac & Cheese!  A must for any foodie visiting New York.

Last year's winner however was Noma, the amazing Copenhagen restaurant run by Rene Redzepi (the first chef to feature on the cover of Time Magazine.)  Everything about the restaurant is Nordic, from the location in an old whale blubber warehouse (?!) to their Icelandic skyr curd and Greenland musk Ox. 

Copenhagen is a charming place to spend an indulgent and leisurely weekend: explore the quirky shops of the city, head to one of Copenhagen's jazz bars, and visit Rosenborg Castle (it really is like something from a Hans Christian Anderson fairytale!)  It is also just a two hour flight from the UK - not too far at all for the world's best restaurant!

Contact Grand Tourist today for your "deliciously perfect trip"

    

 info@grand-tourist.com

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As the sun starts to shine and the garden springs into life I start to think about summer holidays and discovering new and fascinating places in Italy, France and The Alps.

I especially like Lake Annecy in France - and the charming village of Talloire (home to the legendary Pere Bise Hotel and Michelin-starred restaurant). Here on the shores of the lake you can enjoy magical views, incredible food and a sense of peace that you just don't get in the city.

    

 

 

 

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The Grand Tourist team recently jetted off to Cork and headed to Kinsale to enjoy a meal at the “Fishy Fishy Café” and it certainly lived up to our (already high) expectations! Kinsale in County Cork is an acclaimed gastro-hub of Ireland.

 

The fisherman we met on the quayside was a wonderful character and we spotted the harbour’s resident seal and learned he’s known as the “gourmet seal” only taking the finest pickings from the returning fishermen – rejecting pollock for monkfish!

Martin – the owner and chef at "Fishy Fishy Café" was fascinating and talked about the rich variety of seafood chowders and his simple yet wonderful approach to cooking working with the finest, freshest fish. Everything is prepared to order and served fantastically quickly… and the proof was in the tasting, which was quite delicious.

Needless to say "Fishy Fishy Café" is firmly established on the map as one of the best fish restaurants in Europe. When it comes to cooking fish, Martin's mantra is “no skin, no bones, no fear” and he has built up a brilliant reputation as a restauranteur in the esteemed Kinsale's Good Food Circle. He's also reached a wider audience especially with published cookery books and recent TV series.

The restaurant and food was even better than I’d remembered from my previous visit (Summer '97) when I devoured an incredible seafood platter under the parasol looking out across the harbour – yet another seriously fantastic and memorable meal!

Please contact catherine@grand-tourist.com for further information – for foodie fun in Ireland and beyond.

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It's Autumn now - the leaves are golden and the sky is blue - a perfect day for a walk across the fields or for truffle hunting in Tuscany! Thinking ahead you might like to join us on one of  our 'signature trip' Learn Italian in Tuscany courses which will run next year as follows:

23rd-30th June AND 15th-22nd September, 2012

   

If learning a language is not your thing how about a trip to the Monaco Historic Grand Prix - a must for classic car enthusiasts. To discuss your perfect trip to the Monaco Historic Grand Prix next May phone or e mail us now - Janet, Holly, Naomi and Catherine at info@grand-tourist.com

We'd love to welcome you in Monaco or Tuscany in 2012!

   

 

www.grand-tourist.com

 

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Just an hour’s drive from the cultural city of Florence there’s a magical world of rolling green hills, hill top towns and historic castles. This is the Valley of the River Arno, green and verdant, charming and authentic.

   

Here in the Tuscan hills Grand Tourist is delighted to offer short walking holidays (with walks in the Casentino National Park) and our signature trip ‘Learn Italian in Style’ (a one week language course designed to improve your Italian). 

Staying in a comfortable family-run country house hotel is the perfect way to experience the ‘real’ Italy.  Delicious food, friendly staff and incredible views – this really is a magical destination.

     

Nearby you can find fascinating Arezzo – with its incredible piazzas and palaces. On the doorstep there are characterful villages, weekly fruit & vegetable markets and small vineyards.

Magical Tuscany awaits you!

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After enjoying a delicious plate of oysters for lunch (we decided to treat ourselves to lunch at our local gastro-pub today!) I started to think about the Galway Oyster Festival....

Oysters have been hailed as a precious gourmet delight by food lovers throughout the centuries, beginning with the Roman emperors who paid for them by their weight in gold. The Greeks served them with wine and the Romans were so enthusiastic about these marvellous molluscs that they sent thousands of slaves to the shores of the English Channel to gather them.  Kick back on the west coast of Ireland at the Galway International Oyster Festival (23rd - 25th September 2011).  The festival began in 1954 and was recently described by the Sunday Times as "one of the greatest shows on earth".  Sip on champagne and enjoy fresh oysters as traditional Irish musicians, a colourful parade and "champion oyster openers" keep you entertained! 

   

Enjoy award-winning cuisine and some of the warmest hospitality in Galway (the City of Tribes) with Grand Tourist.  We will arrange private transfers and overnight accommodation in a luxurious and atmospheric hotel, and can arrange outstanding spa treatments, or even a round of golf - providing you with the perfect short break in this delightful part of the world.

Travel in style and fly into Galway from the airport of your choice on a luxury private jet.  A relaxed and convenient airport experience, polite and courteous pilots and complimentary refreshments on board - the finest experience in luxury travel awaits you.   Contact info@grand-tourist.com for your personalised trip.

 

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Are you struggling for inspiration - where to take a loved one for Valentine's weekend?  Then fear not as Grand Tourist can suggest magical locations.....

Situated high up on the green slopes of Mont Pèlerin, among Switzerland finest vineyards is a newly renovated hotel which combines inspiring views of the Alpine skyline, contemporary design and world-class service. The Mirador Kempinski offers a truly romantic setting with a great restaurant serving award-winning food, and a Givenchy Spa - a massage for two maybe?

The enchantment of the mountain air, the twinkling of the stars -  a night of peace, tranquility and romance for you and your loved one.

Contact one of the Grand Tourist team today for a personal quotation: +44 (0) 1829 751 038 or email info@grand-tourist.com

We hope that you have enjoyed the Christmas break and are ready for the exciting year ahead and what a year it will be with Grand Tourist!!

We have lots to look forward to including our fantastic 5-star package to the Monaco Grand Prix including welcome drinks, full VIP service and fantastic hair pin accommodation. With only 5 months to go don't be upset by leaving it too long......

We also have two jam -packed Learning Italian in Tuscany packages running this year in June and September 2011. Sample fantastic food and wines in this magical region staying in traditional Italian accommodation and of course learning the language.

We are also planning several new experiences including Istanbul and Gallipoli, excursions to the North Pole and desert safaris in Morocco. Just a small number of exciting trips you can experience with Grand Tourist in 2011.

Heres to an exciting year ahead...contact us for more details on 01829 751038 or email info@grand-tourist.com

 HAPPY NEW YEAR!! 

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Why not enjoy a luxury winter break with Grand Tourist. Travel through the Alps and stay at a wonderful chalet where you can enjoy hot tubs and skiing in the hills...

 Or why not venture to Austria and the Tyrol Mountains. Innsbruck is a stunning city full of culture and history and the Swarovski Crystal World is only a short distance away....

Or how about Switzerland and Lake Geneva? Wonderful hot air ballooning in January and fine wine and gastronomy by the shores ofthe lake is wonderful during the winter months...

 Any winter break, Grand Tourist can help. Contact one of the team today info@grand-tourist.com

 

 

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Why not take a late break to the wonderful country of Italy. Full of life and culture, this amazing place will leave you wanting more. You could visit the capital Rome with the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain or why not travel further south to Naples and the picture postcard Amalfi Coast? Further north you could explore the lush green countryside of the Tuscan hills or the shopping capital Milan. With so much to see and do, why not let Grand Tourist look after you. Visit www.grand-tourist.com or email info@grand-tourist.com