Friday, July 29, 2011
On the Menu...Mesón del Asador, Jerez (Spain)
Whether you're in the mood for having a few tapas at the bar, or for a sit-down meal in the restaurant, you are sure to enjoy both the food and rustic atmosphere at the Mesón del Asador. The restaurant is known not just for the fine quality of its grilled meats, but also for the generous portions served and the friendliness of its staff - all offered at reasonable prices. At the tapas bar be sure to try the cola de toro (oxtail), chistorras (Basque-style sausage), morcilla (blood sausage), and carillada (pig's cheek). Mesón del Asador is truly a meat-lover's paradise.
Avda. de la Cruz Roja, 20 Phone: (956) 311-404
Jerez de la Frontera, Spain Web: Mesón del Asador
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Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Next Stop...Salamanca (Spain)
Salamanca is a true gem of a city, located about a 2 hour drive northwest of Madrid. It is well known for its beauty, culture and the ambiance that is rooted in its world-renowned university.
The University of Salamanca, which was founded in 1218, is the oldest university in Spain and the third oldest university in Europe. The city has a vibrancy and pulse that is quite unique, and stems from the buzz created by the students that come from all parts of Spain, and from around the world, to study at this esteemed institution.
Salamanca has been nicknamed "La Dorada" (the Golden City) due to the golden color of the sandstone used in many of its buildings, which is quarried in the nearby town of Villamayor. In the sunlight, the buildings give off a warm glow that only adds to the beauty and enchantment of the town. It's no wonder that Salamanca has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage City. For more information from the Salamanca Tourist Office click here.
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Monday, July 25, 2011
Checking In...Hotel M'AR De AR Aqueduto, Évora (Portugal)
The city of Évora is the capital of the Upper Alentejo region. It has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visitors can get a glimpse of its rich and varied history in the city's many monuments and churches.
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Friday, July 22, 2011
On the Menu...Portugal's Other Wine: Vinho Verde
Most people are familiar with Port wine, the fortified wine named after Portugal's second largest city. But there is also another uniquely Portuguese wine produced in the Minho region called vinho verde, which literally means "green wine." The name "green" refers to the freshness of the wine, and not to the color, as the grapes are picked late and it is intended to be drunk within a year of bottling.
Vinhos verdes are light and fresh, have a lower alcohol content, and are a little bit fizzy. There are both red and white varieties; the reds are deep red in color and tannic, and the whites are lemon or straw colored, with fruity and floral aromas.
Vinhos verdes are served chilled, and go well with citrus-inspired foods and seafood. They are a perfect summer wine.
A few Minho region vineyards - click on name for their website:
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Sites to See...Igreja de São Francisco, Porto (Portugal)
Built between 1383 and 1410, the
The church's ordinary-looking Gothic exterior belies what you will find once you step inside, which is the most extraordinary church interior in Porto, and unquestionably one of the most lavish church interiors in all of Europe.
Rua do Infante D. Henrique Phone: (222) 006 493
Porto, Portugal
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Monday, July 18, 2011
Checking In....Alhambra Palace Hotel, Granada (Spain)
The Alhambra Palace is a 4-star hotel that is located on the Alhambra hill. It was inaugurated by His Majesty the King Alfonso XIII in 1910, and is just a five minute walk to the Alhambra (14th C. Moorish palace) and the Generalife (summer palace & garden retreat).
The hotel offers Standard rooms, some of which have balconies and sweeping views of the city, as well as Garden Suites, which have sitting areas and a separate bedroom.
As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.
Friday, July 15, 2011
On the Menu...Restaurante Oliver, Granada (Spain)
After visiting the treasures of the Cathedral, take a short walk to Restaurante Oliver to sample the delicious local cuisine. You can take in the ambiance alongside the locals who frequent this restaurant and make a meal of the many savory tapas (small appetizer portions) served in the bar area.
If you prefer a more leisurely meal, you can sit in the dining room or terrace area and enjoy some of the specialties on the menu, including Andalusian gazpacho, mixed seafood paella, lamb chops, or one of the many fish dishes.
The wine list includes selections from the famed wine regions of La Rioja and Ribera del Duero, as well as some local wines from the Granada region. Be sure to finish off your meal with a homemade dessert, such as rice pudding, flan, or a popular Andalusian dessert called tocino de cielo (heavenly treat) made from egg yolks and sugar.
Plaza Pescadería, 12 Phone: (958) 262 200
Granada, Spain Web: Restaurante Oliver
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Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Time to Save...Lisbon Card (Portugal)
On your next trip to Lisbon, get more for less by purchasing one or more of the special discount cards available to visitors:
The Lisboa Card has a wide range of benefits, including:
- Free admission to 26 museums, monuments and places of interest
- Free use of the Metro and some other buses and trams
- 10% to 50% discounts on local services and cultural places of interest
- 5% to 10% discount in some shops
There is also a Lisboa Restaurant Card which provides cardholders with discounts of 10% or more at its 36+ subscribing restaurants. Cards are valid for 72 hours, and range in cost from €6.15 (single) to €10.75 (family).
Lastly, there is the Lisboa Shopping Card which provides cardholders with discounts between 5% and 20% at over 200 member shops. Cards are valid for either 24 or 72 hours, and range in cost from €3.70 to €5.80.
The more you spend, the more you will save, so purchase your cards today! For more information on all three Lisboa Cards click here.
As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.
Friday, July 8, 2011
On the Menu...Cozinha de São Humberto, Évora (Portugal)
Located just off the Praço do Giraldo in an old wine cellar, this cozy and atmospheric restaurant has been delighting diners since it opened in 1971. The traditional dishes served highlight the many specialties of the Alentejo region, including the Sopa de Cação (shark soup with bread and coriander), baked duck rice, Alentejo pork with clams, and regional lamb stew, to name just a few.
Évora, Portugal
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Monday, July 4, 2011
Checking In...Hotel Casa Romana, Seville (Spain)
It was converted to a boutique hotel and maintains all of the charm and elegance of the original private home, including a tranquil interior courtyard that is framed by columns and stone arches, along with traditional ceramic-tiled floors.
After taking in the sites of this beautiful city, you can enjoy the peaceful oasis of the rooftop terrace, where there is a solarium and Jacuzzi waiting to help you relax. The Casa Romana will truly be your home away from home in Seville. For more information on the hotel click here.
As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Next Stop...Palacio Real de la Granja, Segovia (Spain)
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Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Sites to See...Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago (Spain)
Overlooking the Plaza del Obradoiro in the heart of the old town is the majestic Catedral de Santiago, which was completed in 1211. The Cathedral is the largest Romanesque church in Spain, and one of the largest in Europe.
The Cathedral is the destination point for the millions of pilgrims who follow the Way of St. James each year, a route that begins in France and traverses northern Spain. They make the pilgrimage to visit the Cathedral, which holds what are believed to be the remains of the Apostle St. James. Legend has it that St. James’ remains were brought back to Galicia in 44 AD, after he was beheaded in Jerusalem. For more information click here
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Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Next Stop...Queluz (Portugal)
Only 20 minutes northwest of Lisbon is the town of Queluz. It makes a perfect day trip out of Lisbon and is easily accessed by car, train or bus. When you arrive, head straight for the Queluz Palace.
In the early 1800s the town's proximity to Lisbon and pristine country setting made it the perfect location for the royal family's estate and hunting lodge. In the latter part of the century the country estate was converted into a grander Summer Palace by the Infante Dom Pedro, and was the home of Queen Maria I during her reign. Today the Summer Palace and its gardens remain one of the finest examples of late 18th C. Portuguese architecture; it is often referred to as the "Portuguese Versailles." For more information on the Palace click here
If you would like to experience what it was like to stay in one of these fine buildings firsthand, you now can, as one of the buildings on the palace grounds once used by the Royal Guard of the Court is now a hotel - the Pousada de Queluz (Dona Maria I). For more information on the Pousada click here
As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Checking In...Hotel Pestana Porto, Porto (Portugal)
Located along the Rio Douro, the 4-star Pestana Porto Hotel is as charming as the city of Porto. This boutique hotel was formed by combining 11 traditional buildings dating from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
On The Menu...Tarta de Santiago (Spain)
When you visit Santiago, be sure you leave room for dessert, because you don’t want to miss the famous treat that takes its name from the St. James cross that adorns it.
The Tarta de Santiago is a delicious almond cake that you will see displayed in bakery and restaurant windows throughout the city, and should be on every visitors’ gastronomic “must try” list during their stay. The recipe for the cake dates back to the 16th C. and traditionally is made with exact proportions of Mediterranean almonds, sugar, and eggs.
Pasteleria Casa Mora, located a short walk from the Cathedral at Rúa do Vilar 34-60, is known for being the first pastry shop to adorn the cake with the Cross of St. James in 1924, and some say they make the best Tarta de Santiago in town. We’ll let you be the judge!
However, if you don't feel like waiting for your next trip to Spain, why not try this recipe at home:
Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ lb. (1 ¾ cup) of whole almonds
- Zest from 1 lemon
- Confectioner’s sugar for dusting