Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Next Stop…Córdoba, Spain
Córdoba is a former Roman city that is perhaps best known for its Mezquita (mosque), which was built between the 8th and 10th centuries, at a time when Córdoba was the largest and most prosperous city in Europe. For several centuries it served as a striking symbol of the Moors’ conquest of the peninsula and Córdoba’s importance as the center of Muslim power in Spain.
Many people will make a stop in Córdoba on their way to or from Sevilla in order to see the magnificent Mezquita. But Córdoba has so much more to offer than just the Mezquita, and visitors who linger here for more than a few hours will get a chance to enjoy the charm that can be found by wandering through its picturesque streets. Besides the historic treasures found in this city, there is also a lively social scene that can best be enjoyed in the bars and restaurants that abound. For more information from the Córdoba Tourist Office, click here.
As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Checking In…Pousada de Alvito – Castelo de Alvito (Portugal)
The town of Alvito is nestled in the Alentejo region, about 178 km southeast of Lisbon. Alvito received its feudal rights in 1280, and grew to a total of 1,700 inhabitants by the early 16th C. It was around this time that the Castle of Alvito was rebuilt, using a combination of Manueline (Portuguese late Gothic) and Mudéjar (Arab-influenced) styles that are typical of the region.
The Castle of Alvito was converted into a hotel in 1993 and today welcomes visitors as part of the Pousadas group. The hotel offers Standard rooms, larger Superior rooms, and one Suite. The Suite dates back to the 15th C. and used to be the Queen’s suite.
As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.
Friday, September 30, 2011
On the Menu…Restaurante La Almudaina, Córdoba (Spain)
Located near the Mezquita you will find La Almudaina. The restaurant is housed in a 16th C. palace that was constructed by Leopoldo of Austria, who was the Bishop of Córdoba and the uncle of Emperor Carlos V. Beautifully restored, the interior has a series of attractive dining rooms, including an interior patio that is topped with a glass-roof ceiling.
The menu at La Almudaina is representative of the traditional Córdoba kitchen, which uses fresh ingredients that are sourced from local markets.
You can start off your meal with a bowl of Salmorejo, a local favorite chilled soup made with tomatoes, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and bread, which is topped with chopped eggs and diced Serrano ham.
For a main dish, try the Rabo de Toro Cordobés (oxtail stew), Solomillo al Foie (sirloin with foie gras), or a fresh fish, such as Lomo de Bacalao (cod fillet) or Lomo de Merluza con Hortalizas (hake fillet with garden vegetables).
There is also a good selection of homemade desserts to choose from, and a wine menu that features a wide range of wines at reasonable prices.
- Pl. Campo Santo de los Mártires, 1
- Córdoba, Spain
- Phone: (957) 47 43 42
- Website: La Almudaina
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Time to Save…Porto Card, Porto (Portugal)
Friday, September 23, 2011
On the Menu…Restaurante A Ceia, Braga (Portugal)
Just a short walk from the Cathedral of Braga, in the old center of town, is Restaurante A Ceia. This rustic style adega (wine tavern) has a casual and inviting atmosphere. On the menu you will find traditional Portuguese dishes, including Cozido à Portuguesa, a classic Portuguese stew, and cod dishes such as Bacalhau à Zé-do-Pipo (made with layers of cod, onions, mashed potatoes, and mayonnaise that are oven baked), and the house specialty Bacalhau à Ceia.
The restaurant also serves specialties of the Minho region, including Alheira de Caça, a light, garlicky sausage made of chicken or game, and Papas de Sarrabulho, which is a dish that is made with pig's blood and is only served in the winter months.
- Rua do Raio, 331
- Braga, Portugal
- Phone (25) 326 39 32
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Checking In…Pousada de Estremoz – Rainha Santa Isabel, Estremoz (Portugal)
Located in the Alentejo region about 170 km east of Lisbon is the town of Estremoz. The region is known for its vast rolling hills, cork production, and marble quarries, and Estremoz is the largest of the marble towns that dot this region.
Friday, September 16, 2011
On the Menu…Restaurante O Dezaseis, Santiago de Compostela (Spain)
Restaurante O Dezaseis (which means “16″) is a perfect place to have some tapas or a sit down meal after you’ve been visiting the sites in the casco antiguo(old town). Located just a short walk from the Cathedral, you will find O Dezaseis by descending a stone-lined staircase that leads you down to a rustic and charming 300 year-old dining room that once served as a stable.
In addition to the ambiance, the locals come here for the food. They are well known for their empanadas, which are pastry-covered pies that are often filled with fish or meat. The house specialty at O Dezaseis is the tuna empanada, which is round in shape and filled with tuna and flavored with paprika. The tapas menu has many other local dishes to choose from, including the pulpo a grela (grilled octopus), which gains rave reviews from all who try it.
If you’re looking for slightly larger portions, you can also choose from the selection of raciones offered, which are larger portions that can be shared. Some of the stand-outs on the menu are the lacón (the local cured and cooked ham), the razor clams, and the oxtail stew, just to name a few. Leave room for dessert, and try some of the local cheeses, or the cheese flan.
- Rúa de San Pedro, 16
- Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Phone: (981) 564 880
- Website: O Dezaseis
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Next Stop…Toledo, Spain
Perched on a hilltop and surrounded on three sides by the Rio Tajo (Tagus River), Toledo is located in the center of Spain and is the capital of Castilla-La Mancha. In the 6th C. it served as the capital of Spain, but later lost its political prominence in the 16th C. when the capital was moved to Madrid. Over the centuries, the influence of the Arabs, Christians and Jews have been prominent, and as a result, Toledo has been known as the "city of the three cultures."
Friday, September 9, 2011
On the Menu…Don Sebastião Restaurante, Lagos (Portugal)
Located in the heart of the historic town of Lagos, on a pedestrian cobblestone street not far from the waterfront, you will find Don Sebastião Restaurante. Since opening in 1979, the restaurant has attracted a loyal following of customers who come for the traditional Portuguese cuisine, fresh seafood, and local ambiance with warm, friendly service. The interior dining rooms feature a rustic décor with traditional brick archways, or you can dine al fresco on the lovely outdoor terrace.
Friday, August 26, 2011
On the Menu...Restaurante 100 Maneiras, Lisbon (Portugal)
If you venture over to Lisbon's trendy Bairro Alto neighborhood, make sure you visit one of the city's new hip restaurants, 100 Maneiras, which is Portuguese for "100 ways." The Bosnian-born chef Ljubomir Stanisic has won over both customers and critics alike with his modern interpretation of Portuguese cuisine.
He uses only the freshest ingredients, which are sourced daily from the local market. The menu offered is a 10-course prix fixe tasting menu that is sure to delight any foodie. The restaurant's intimate atmosphere, professional wait staff and inventive menu offerings are sure to leave you with a true dining experience. Be sure to make a reservation, since this small restaurant is sought out by many, and you won't want to be turned away.
Rua do Teixeira 35, Bairro Alto Phone: (21) 099 04 75 Lisbon, Portugal Web: Restaurante 100
As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.
Friday, August 19, 2011
On the Menu...L'Estimat Restaurante, Valencia (Spain)
Paella is one of Spain's best known dishes and is served in restaurants throughout the country. But Valencia is the birthplace of this quintessential Spanish dish, so no visit to this city would be complete without sampling this local favorite.
L'Estimat Restaurant is a family owned restaurant that was established in 1927 and today is run by the 3rd generation of its founders. It is located on the Paseo Neptuno on Las Arenas beach. Here you will find so many different types of paella to choose from, that one visit may not be enough. If you're not sure where to start, the traditional Paella Valenciana, that contains chicken, rabbit, snails and vegetables, is a good choice, or you can opt for the Paella Marinera, that contains a variety of fresh seafood, including mussels, calamari and shrimp. Whatever type of paella you choose (seafood, meat, vegetable, or a combination), you will not leave hungry.
Paseo Neptuno, 16
Valencia, Spain
Phone: (963) 711 018
Web: L'Estimat Restaurante
As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Next Stop...Guimarães (Portugal)
The picturesque medieval town of Guimarães is located about 30 miles northeast of Porto, in the heart of the Minho region. It is the birthplace of Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, and was the country's first capital. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and will be the European Capital of Culture in 2012.
On a hilltop just outside of town is a 12th C. Augustinian monastery that was built by Teresa, the mother of Afonso Henriques. There is also a Manueline church that still offers Mass on Sunday, along with extensive grounds and beautifully maintained gardens.
Today the monastery welcomes guests as the Pousada de Guimarães, Santa Marinha. It is one of the most impressive hotels in the Pousadas group, and was awarded the coveted Europa Nostra prize for its renovation and restoration. The Pousada has 49 rooms and 2 suites that are outfitted in traditional Portuguese style and have been equipped with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy the views of the city below from the beautiful outdoor swimming pool and gardens that surround the hotel.
As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Time to Save...Barcelona Card (Spain)
Friday, August 5, 2011
On the Menu...Casa Lucio, Madrid (Spain)
Cava Baja, 35 Phone: (91) 365-8217
Madrid, Spain Web: Casa Lucio
As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Checking in...Hospes Palacio del Bailío Hotel, Córboda (Spain)
The city of Córdoba is a former Roman city that is best known for its Mezquita (mosque), as well as the narrow, cobblestone streets of its charming Jewish Quarter. Córdoba has the second largest Old Town in Europe, and visitors enjoy strolling through the picturesque streets, taking in the whitewashed houses with their beautiful patios and balconies.
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
As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.
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.
As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.
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.
As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.
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
As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.
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
As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.
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
As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page
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)
As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.
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
As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.
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
Friday, June 24, 2011
Foodie Friday...Cafe Majestic, Porto (Portugal)
Entering through the doors of the Café Majestic, diners are transported back to the Belle Époque period of the 1920's when the café opened its doors, with its marble walls, ornate cherubs, and gilded mirrors.
In its heyday, intellectuals, bohemians, and Porto's high society all met at this café, located on the Rua de Santa Catarina, a pedestrian street that is at the heart of the city's main shopping area. Today, locals and tourists gather to sip their morning espresso, have their afternoon tea and rabanadas (a Portuguese version of French toast), or enjoy a traditional dish of "Bacalhau á moda do Porto" over a leisurely dinner. Bom apetite!
Rua de Santa Catarina, 112 Phone: (22) 200 38 87
Porto, Portugal Web: Café Majestic
As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Next Stop...El Escorial (Spain)
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Cheers...History of Sherry, Jerez (Spain)
Sherry is the fortified wine produced in the Jerez area of the province of Cádiz. Its origin dates back to 1100 B.C. when the Phoenicians brought the first vines to the region. The name "sherry" is derived from the name "Sherish," which was the 12th C. Arabic name of the city.
In 1933, the Consejo Regulador was created to protect sherry's consistency. The EU ruled in the 1990s that all EU nations must recognize that Sherry only comes from this region of Spain. Today visitors to Jerez can visit a number of the sherry "bodegas" or cellars to learn more about the different types of sherry and how they are made, and of course enjoy a sherry tasting.
Just a few bodegas you may want to visit - click on name to visit their website:
As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Next Stop...Palmela (Portugal)
Palmela is also an important wine growing region, producing table wines and a fortified wine called Muscatel of Setúbal. If you visit at the beginning of September, don’t miss the grape harvest festival that takes place, offering processions, performances, and the release of bulls.
The 12th C. fortress has been converted into the Pousada de Palmela, so you can see what it’s like to stay in a castle.
As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.