Gazing and Grazing - Page 7 of 41 - Good Food and Views are Worth the Journey

Ajiro in Kyoto is the Temple for Japanese Buddhist Cuisine

March 21st, 2017

Michelin one-starred Ajiro is certainly the temple of buddhist vegetarian ("shojin ryori") cuisine with the foundation of its food being yuba, the tofu skin that Kyoto is famous for. I've been here in both winter and summer and have enjoyed both visits immensely. Beautifully presented dishes are brought forth as we scoop the yuba from a simmering box of soy milk. So this is non-stop yuba snacking punctuated by vegetarian presentations of meat dishes. And best of all, whether it's true or...

Lake Como’s Serene Side Along the Greenway Walk

March 21st, 2017

The Greenway Walk is a welcome diversion from the glitz, crowds and confection normally associated with Lake Como. This ten kilometre walk runs along the western edge of the lake, with some of the path cutting into the hills above the glamorous mansions. I did this walk last October, starting on the northern end, just outside Villa Carlotta although the most commonly mentioned start point is Colonno on the southern end. It's an easy walk that can be enjoyed by most folks and can be...

Villa Carlotta is another Lake Como Gem

November 13th, 2016

Among Lake Como's grand villas, the Villa Carlotta is one of the three key ones to visit. The villa dominates the landscape near Tremezzo, with its grand garden facing that of rival Villa Melzi's across the lake.

In our three day visit of Lake Como, we started with Villa Carlotta and I think this was the right move because the villa itself pales in comparison to the Villa Balbianello. This is because the Carlotta is not as well furnished and doesn't occupy that grand promontory over the...

Le Calandre, near Padua, is Worth the Detour

November 6th, 2016

Helmed by one of Italy's best chefs, Le Calandre is worth the detour to this modern Italian restaurant located in Rubano, on the outskirts of Padua. This was possibly the most fun 3-star Michelin experience I've had because the staff were incredibly fun and witty, very much in line with their boss, and the food was good, modern and yet, not too precious. Given the chance I would definitely come back here again.

We made the one hour drive to Le Calandre from Verona. We figured that we...

Alle Darsene di Loppia in Lake Como – Perfect Lunch in Bellagio

November 5th, 2016

At the far end of Bellagio's Villa Melzi garden is the little hamlet of Loppia where the restaurant Alle Darsene di Loppia serves up a perfect lunch. Picture this - a vine covered pergola, crisp white linen, fresh local seafood and wine on an early autumn day. While the weather may not always be as ideal as it was during my visit last month, I'd still make the Alle Darsene di Loppia a must visit eatery in Lake Como for its unpretentious cooking and warm and friendly service. The risotto...