Gourmet Week In The French Alps

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Created on Wednesday, 13 March 2013 21:43

Fabulous for foodies, the Supertravel Ski Gourmet Week offers unique creations by innovative French chef Franck Pontais. Available across all chalets in the French resort of Courchevel, with the aid of top sommelier Ronan Sayburn, Pontais will be cooking at a different chalet every night of the week, as well as conducting master-classes and lessons in the afternoons. In addition, each chalet will receive a signed edition of his new cookbook, Terrines & Verrines.

Supertravel Skiis offering a seven-night ski break during Supertravel Ski Gourmet Week from £1,199 per person (saving £200), based on 10 sharing.Available for departure on 24 March, the price includes accommodation at Chalet Eboulis on a chalet-board basis. Situated just seconds from the piste and an exhilarating slalom course, the chalet boasts six bedrooms, an outdoor hot tub and sunny balcony. www.supertravel.co.uk/ski or tel: 020 7962 9933.

Peru - Aranwa Colca Resort & Spa

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Created on Sunday, 10 March 2013 11:48

Located on the banks of the Colca river in Peru, the Aranwa Colca Resort & Spa is due to open its doors in April. With a stunning backdrop of the Andean Hills and set in lush gardens, this 4* hotel offers guests a relaxing experience among Peru's natural beauty. Easily reached from the cities of Arequipa and Coporaque, this hideaway provides the perfect addition to any Peru tour. Guests can try their hand at cooking with the hotel's chef, go horseback riding and mountain biking in the valley and enjoy a soothing massage in the spa.

Tour operator DialAFlight (www.dialaflight.com / 0844 556 6060) is offering 10% off a three-night stay at the Aranwa Colca Resort & Spa in Peru from £249 per person. Valid for stays in May and June, the price includes 4* accommodation in a suite including breakfast. DialAFlight also offer flights to Peru from £595 per person.

Spain - Annie B's Spanish Kitchen

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Created on Sunday, 10 March 2013 11:47

Sherry is currently experiencing an unprecedented revival. With this in mind Annie B's Spanish Kitchen introduces a special week-long gourmet odyssey, The Ultimate Sherry Lovers' Tour (23-29 May 2013) based in the Andalucian white town of Vejer de la Frontera, on the edge of the 'Sherry Triangle'. Other dates are planned for later in the year.

Follow the Palomino grape on its journey as a simple white wine through the FAB (Fortified, Aged and Blended) process to become a deliciously complex Sherry wine. Guests will discover the three main Sherry towns – Jerez, El Puerto de Santa Maria and Sanlúcar - visiting several Sherry Bodegas from one of the largest, Barbadillo in Sanlúcar, to the family-run Gutierrez Colosia in El Puerto. The week will cover not just Sherry but the associated products of the Sherry bodegas - Brandy and Sherry Vinegar. Other highlights are a Tapas tour and a visit to local markets.

In the kitchen, Annie will host an array of hands-on cooking classes and Sherry tutorials. Learn to marry dishes with Sherry - enjoying the traditional pairings as well as experiencing new ones. Some of the dishes taught will include Gambas Ajillo (with Manzanilla), Blue Cheese, Pear & Bacon Salad (with Fino), Artichokes & Jámon (with Amontillado), Partridge and Quail (with Oloroso), Chocolate & Almond Cake (with Pedro Ximenez) and Lemon & Almond Macaroons (with Moscatel). Later guests feast on the fruits of their labour.

Price: €1,143 (euros) per person based on two sharing, including six nights' accommodation at Casa Amaro, five cooking classes, five lunches, four dinners, an evening tapas tour of Vejer, four escorted Bodega visits and all drinks during class hours with Annie B's Spanish Kitchen. Flights not included. www.anniebspain.com Tel: 0034 620 560 649

Sicily - Sunvil Discovery

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Created on Sunday, 10 March 2013 11:46

Italy specialist Sunvil Discovery has launched its 2013 real Italy & Sicily brochure, featuring a comprehensive range of handpicked accommodation, flexible fly-drives, rail and tailor-made holiday options.

Included in the brochure is a nine-night Wine Trail, showcasing the diversity and ingenuity of wine making in this sophisticated but often overlooked region.

Also new for 2013, Sunvil Discovery is offering the chance to pre-book simple cookery lessons at the Sorrento Cooking School in Sant' Agnello on the coast. Learn to prepare a typical Mediterranean meal of four dishes from £62 pp (from April to October). Also new for 2013, Sunvil Discovery is offering the chance to pre-book simple cookery lessons at the Sorrento Cooking School in Sant' Agnello on the coast. Learn to prepare a typical Mediterranean meal of four dishes from £62 pp (from April to October). www.sunvil.co.uk

Italy - Headwater walking and cycling holidays

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Created on Sunday, 10 March 2013 11:42

Headwater specialises in walking and cycling holidays and amongst their varied programme are two that will appeal to foodys.

Sorrento, on Italy's spectacular Amalfi Coast, is famed for its sweets, cakes, gateaux and pastries, with local specialities often linked to key events in the religious calendar. Visitors at Easter can sample the delicious casatiello and pastiera Easter cakes. Headwater's self-guided Amalfi to Sorrento Easter walk departs 31 March and costs £1187 (tour only)/ £1369 (inc return BA flights Gatwick-Naples) including: eight nights' hotel accommodation (3 and 4 star hotels), all breakfasts and three evening meals, local transfers, transport of bags between hotels, all maps and route notes and 24/7 local support.

Chianti: From 20 March until 20 June, Cantine Aperte ("Wine Days") are held throughout Italy – with some of the largest taking place in Chianti – and include parades, music, street food stalls and, of course, some serious tasting! On 26 May (International Wine Day), wine estates everywhere throw open their cellar doors to the public. Headwater's Chianti cycling and walking holidays depart every two days from 9 May to 14 October with prices from £1049 (tour only)/ £1349 (inc return BA flights Heathrow-Pisa) including: eight nights' half board hotel accommodation; local transfers; all maps and route notes; transport of bags between hotels, and 24/7 local support.

For bookings and further information, call Headwater 0845 322 4672 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

USA - New York

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Created on Sunday, 10 March 2013 10:00

Manhattan typically conjures up images of skyscrapers, but there are a lot of green and pleasant places tucked away between the blocks, on the city's rooftops and along its coastline. These parks, gardens and farms are feeding New York's new urban obsession for wild food foraging.

nyma, the New York Manhattan Hotel, is offering an exclusive foraging tour promotion on stays this June. Situated in Midtown Manhattan, between the Gramercy Park and Central Park, nyma, has paired up with one of the city's best known foragers 'Wild Man' Steve Brill to offer an exclusive package. Steve has been collecting food from parks since 1982, and now makes a healthy living from his weekly tours, in which he promises to produce a meal out of the berries, bark, mushrooms and herbs that he discovers.

Centrally situated on West 32nd street, nyma, provides guests with a host of free amenities, including free continental breakfast, free wi-fi and national phone calls, a free fitness suite open 24 hours a day and free stays for children aged 12 and under.

Enjoy a foraging tour with stays this June, from US$274.99 per room per night (which equates to about £91 per person). The rate is based on two sharing and includes one night's stay and a foraging tour per couple, worth $40. To book, call freephone 0808 178 6363 or visit www.thenewyorkmanhattanhotel.co.uk and quote the code FORAGE.

UK - Howard's House, Wiltshire

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Created on Friday, 25 January 2013 15:55

Howard's House believe that fine food and wine are among life's greatest pleasures and are offering a number of Foodie Feasts put together by chef Nick Wentworth and restaurant manager Simon Greenwood in celebration of a culinary theme. A wonderful way to discover some new and diverse flavours, theFoodie Feasts feature a drinks and canapé reception, followed by a tasting menu exploring the evening's theme.

Each event is priced at £50 per person, or £85 to include a flight of wines matched to each course. Or choose a favourite wine from Simon's list. Full details at http://www.howardshousehotel.co.uk/news.asp or http://www.howardshousehotel.co.uk/default.asp?sectid=1350

Headwater Holidays

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Created on Friday, 25 January 2013 15:54

Cycling in California

A 10-day self-guided Californian cycling trip is an absolute "must" for gourmets, wine buffs and lovers of the finer things in life!

On arrival in San Francisco transfer to Yountville: from here follow a leisurely linear route through classic Californian wine country - including the world-famous Napa, Alexander and Dry Creek Valleys - with tasting opportunities at every turn.

This holiday departs on selected Sundays from 7 April 2013 to 17 November 2013 with prices from £3,298 per person, including return BA flights, local transfers, bike hire and luggage transfer between high quality hotels throughout, or if preferred small, family-run B&B's. http://www.headwater.com/holidays/cycling/usa/C09CF.htm

Vines & Villages Cycling in Franche Comte

A 10-day cycling loop exploring the "golden triangle" of chef Raymond Blanc's home region of Franche Comte, a totally unspoiled and undiscovered region of France. Starting, and ending in the historic university city of Besancon, the cycling follows a gastronomic route through Salin-les-Bains, Arbois and Poligny - the respective capitals of salt, wine and cheese. Prices from £1,247 (tour only)/ £1,499 (inc return flights) includes 10 nights half-board hotel accommodation, local transfers and bike hire, all maps and route notes, transport of luggage between hotels and 24/7 support of local Headwater rep. http://www.headwater.com/holidays/cycling/france/C10JU.htm

Atlantic Canada

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Created on Friday, 25 January 2013 15:52

Luxury learning holiday for lobster lovers

Located in St. Andrews by-the-Sea, New Brunswick, the luxurious five star Kingsbrae Arms has launched a four-day/three-night culinary seafood package designed for those passionate about food and sustainability. Enjoy personal cooking demonstrations; receive first-hand tips on smoking, marinating and grilling seafood to perfection; visit the largest live lobster pound in the world and a salmon hatchery for an exclusive view of where responsibly-farmed salmon begins; and relax with ocean-front lunches and barbecues under the stars. Optional additional activities include sea kayaking and golf.

The course starts from $1,299 (approx. £812) per person when staying in a standard room, excluding airfare. For more information visit www.kingsbrae.com

Solos Holidays

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Created on Friday, 25 January 2013 15:49

Solos Holidays offer a wide range of holidays, among them several tours that combine the food and culture of various destinations. For example:

A Taste of Piceno, Italy, 5 nights, 30 May 2013, £1069 – included in this tour to the delightful medieval town of Piceno are opportunities to visit a local winery, an olive oil mill plus cookery demonstration, and the chance to see how the egg pasta Maccheroncini di Campofilone is made.

Gourmet Thailand, 7 nights, 5 March 2013, £2868 – included in this extensive holiday is a guided tour of local restaurants in the Bangkok district, cookery lessons at the renowned Blue Elephant and Amita cookery schools, a visit to an oyster and mussel farm and a visit to a vineyard on elephant back. www.solosholidays.co.uk

Grenada - Mount Cinnamon Launches New Epicurean Spice Tour

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Created on Tuesday, 20 November 2012 13:35

Grenada, the Spice Island of the Caribbean, produces many key ingredients that play a pivotal role in the everyday kitchen. Mount Cinnamon, the renowned Caribbean resort experience with 21 suites and villas providing spacious accommodation in magnificent garden settings, has launched a seven-day Epicurean Spice Experience, which will allow guests to visit the source, see the ingredients being prepared and eat the final product!

During the week, guests will be taken to the west coast of the island, to Mount Cinnamon's sister property, Mount Edgecombe (www.mountedgecombegrenada.com). The 17th century working plantation, with its striking colonial house nestled on the hillside maintains many traditional varieties of crops and fruits as well as exotic flowers and spices. Most ingredients find their way to Savvys - Mount Cinnamon's restaurant where Janice, the resort's chef and one of the island's epicurean talents, will give interactive master classes to guests, demonstrating and explaining how the island's ingredients play a key part in cooking.

Price starts from $2750 (£1,708) in a one-bedroom suite, based on two sharing. For full information visit www.mountcinnamongrenadahotel.com

UK - Wiltshire - Antique Weekend

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Created on Tuesday, 20 November 2012 13:31

Howard's House Hotel, near Salisbury, is holding an antiques weekend 'house party' Saturday 1 – Sunday 2 December featuring John Bly of the Antiques Roadshow. Also included is a 1920's themed tasting dinner on the Saturday, accompanied by cocktails from the 'Savoy' book, and on the Sunday a 'Memories of Empire' Victorian-style feast. Visit www.howardshousehotel.co.uk Tel: 01722 716 392

Channel Islands - Jersey - Michelin Star Experience

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Created on Tuesday, 20 November 2012 13:30

Jersey has developed an impressive reputation as one of the destinations to visit for luxury hotel breaks and fine dining.

The Jersey Michelin Star Experience is a three night stay at The Atlantic Hotel with dinner each evening at a different Michelin-starred restaurant on the island. The three night Michelin dinner, bed and breakfast break is from £375 per person based on two sharing (excluding flights). Offer runs till 23 December 2012 and then from 1 February to 28 March 2013.

The Luxury Jersey Michelin Star Experience brings together The Atlantic Hotel's Ocean Restaurant, Bohemia Restaurant at The Club Hotel & Spa and Tassili at Grand Jersey. For more information and to book visit www.theatlantichotel.com

India - Foody Experiences with Mahindra Homestays

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Created on Monday, 10 September 2012 10:51

Dive for lobsters and clams in Kerala! – The Vembanad Lake in Alleppey has calm waters dotted with green and purple water hyacinth blooms, take a house-boat ride and catch lobsters and shellfish! The Vembanad House Homestay is perched right on the edge of the lake.

Explore the Spice Market of Jaipur – At Palm Court homestay, the hosts can arrange for a special Tuk-Tuk to drive guests to the spice markets and share advice on what to buy and how to haggle to secure the best bargains.

Visit a Plantation – Ambady estate in Munnar offers a plantation stay situated in 75 acres of lush cardamom crops. Learn the life cycle of the vegetation from the hosts and join in the harvest.

Learn How to Cook Like a Pro - Near Nainital's Garden Valley homestay you can enjoy the creativity and skill of a Michelin chef who prepares Satvik food, Arabic, Thai, French and Italian with panache. The homestay offers food made mainly from organically grown fruits and vegetables from their own garden.

Mahindra Homestays have a portfolio of over 300 homestays experiences throughout India, giving guests the chance to enjoy a variety of dishes and foody experiences. Visit www.mahindrahomestays.com Tel: 020 3140 8422

Tastes and Flavours of Spain with Saga

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Created on Monday, 10 September 2012 10:50

Over 50s specialist Saga Holidays offers a culinary and wine tour through the heart of Spain.

This 13-night journey will take guests on a trip to discover the culinary delights and wines of Spain, stopping off at Castile and León, La Rioja, Ragon and Catalonia. Explore the medieval cities, discover the tapas-lined plazas of Logroño and award-winning vineyards plus wine tasting in the Rueda, La Rioja and Ribera del Duero wine regions. Journey through snow-capped mountains, experience the cosmopolitan buzz of Barcelona and relax on the Catalan coast. Prices start from £899 per person.

All holidays include travel insurance and cancellation cover, return economy flights, all airport fees and taxes, accommodation and meals, return transfer between overseas airport and selected excursions. Visit www.sagaholidays.co.uk or call 0800 300 500.

Culinary China

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Created on Monday, 10 September 2012 10:49

From Peking duck to Shanghai's soup dumplings to spicy hot pot in Sichuan each province of China has its own cuisine and specialties.

The China Guide strives to introduce visitors to Chinese cuisine through authentic local restaurants and snack shops. Guides help guests to order according to their tastes while pointing out which dishes are the restaurant's specialties.

In addition, the China Guide offers a number of food activities that can be added to any China tour. In Xi'an, while sampling the culinary delights of the Muslim district, visitors can also enjoy a noodle-making class; in Beijing dumpling classes are popular. Cooking classes are also available in a number of other cities.

Any tour can be customized to include various food-related activities. Visit www.thechinaguide.com

World Expeditions Food-Themed Itineraries

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Created on Monday, 10 September 2012 10:33

My Sri Lanka Culinary Tour - 14 days

This new culinary tour of Sri Lanka is led by Peter Kuruvita, the presenter of 'My Sri Lanka' on the Good Food channel. Stay in some of the island's most exquisite boutique hotels, and sample traditional street food delicacies, make egg hoppers and kottu roti, cook curry lunches in clay pots over an open fire, visit lush tea plantations, enjoy high tea on the lawn and dine under the stars.

Departs: 6 February 2013. Price from £3,250 per person.
www.worldexpeditions.com/uk/index.php?section=trips&id=760631

Flavours of Japan - 14 days

Experience rural, cultural and spiritual Japan. This trip takes guests through the beautiful region of Kansai to savour food and delicacies that are synonymous with the Japanese cuisine. Pop into local eateries, slurp noodles and toast with warm sake. Stay on a local farm to learn more about rice, take part in a traditional tea ceremony, stay in monasteries and traditional inns 'ryokan' and enjoy the hotsprings in Kawayu.

Departs: Monthly between March and October. Price from £3,590 per person.
www.worldexpeditions.com/uk/index.php?section=trips&id=347133

India Culinary Tour - 18 days

Staying at beautiful heritage hotels, this journey encompasses master classes with well-known Indian chefs while also dining in specialty restaurants across the country. From Kerala in the south to the bustling streetscapes of the capital New Delhi, the diversity of cuisine is equalled by India's contrasting landscapes and cultures. The tour includes traditional home stays, an overnight train journey and superb wildlife sightings at Periyar National Park.

Departs: 8 October 2012. Price: £3,990 per person.
www.worldexpeditions.com/uk/index.php?section=trips&id=363967

Morocco Cuisine and Culture - 15 days

Stay in stunning riads in Marrakech, visit historical monuments and gardens, explore the medina surrounded by produce stalls and enjoy a traditional Moroccan cooking lesson. Travel to Skoura to follow the route of 1,000 kasbahs, wander around the food market at Rissani and take a camel ride to the dunes of Merzouga to view the sunset and spend the night in a luxury tented camp. The trip ends in Casablanca after exploring the city of Fes and Morocco's capital, Rabat.

Departs: 7 October 2012, 27 April 2013. Price: £4,590 per person.
www.worldexpeditions.com/uk/index.php?section=trips&id=307142

Wine, Poets and Pilgrims of Northern Italy - 15 days

Discover the eno-gastronomic wonders of northwest Italy: Barolo wine, cured meats and hand-crafted cheeses. This trip is all about beautiful hotels, stunning walks, fascinating culture and exceptional food and wine. Experience a cooking class with a Piedmontese chef and meet with winemakers and local producers. Visit Parma, the gourmet capital of Emilia Romagna, walk part of the Via Francigena pilgrim route and discover an untouched area of Tuscany before descending to the Gulf of Poets to explore the quaint villages of Cinque Terre.

Departs: 19 April 2013. Price: £4,290 per person.
www.worldexpeditions.com/uk/index.php?section=trips&id=286587

For brochure visit www.worldexpeditions.co.uk or call 0800 0744 135. World Expeditions' all-inclusive policy ensures there are no local payments. Prices do not include international flights, however these can be arranged on request.

Mercer St Hotel, Seven Dials, London

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Created on Monday, 10 September 2012 10:23

Radisson Edwardian Blu Mercer Street Hotel has teamed up with iconic British brand Keep Calm and Carry On Ltd to offer guests the ultimate British package.

Keep Calm and Carry On Ltd has produced 350 exclusively designed mugs created specifically for the campaign. The mugs will carry the slogan 'Keep Calm at Mercer Street'. Guests will also be given a caddy of English Breakfast Tea produced by Newby of London. This classic blend of Assam, Ceylon and Kenyan Tea was made popular by Queen Victoria.

The newly refurbished Mercer Street Hotel is located at the heart of Seven Dials Village, close to Covent Garden and some of London's most elite dining, shopping and nightlife venues. In keeping with the area's stylish surroundings, the hotel offers five-star comfort and service at affordable prices.

The Patriotic Package will start at £201.12, based on two sharing, and will be available until the end of 2012. It includes one night's accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, two uniquely branded Keep Calm and Carry On Ltd mugs and a caddy of Newby English Breakfast Tea. Visit www.radissonblu-edwardian.com/mercerstreet or call 0207 836 4300.

Click here for the Mercer St Hotel chef's fabulous Chicken Confit and Prune terrine recipe. One of our recipe testers recently scaled down the quantities and made it for a Glyndebourne picnic supper, where it received rave reviews.