Travel - The Hungry Nomad

A Design Driven Boutique Hotel in the Heart of Florence (Italy)

October 27, 2013 2 Comments

There are many beauties to revel at in Florence and the hotel experience should be something that adds to the experience. On our latest trip to Florence we stayed at the JK Place Firenze– a centrally located hotel which oozes style, design and class. The hotel is situated right on Piazza Santa Maria Novella, one of the many beautiful squares in Florence.

Location:

For convenience sake, the hotel is a 5 minute walk from the local train station in case you, like us, are arriving on the train from another Italian destination. The square has one of the most stunning Basilicas which can be seen from many of the rooms facing the square.

There are no signs at JK Firenze. It is discreet and unassuming and only those in the know will find their way inside. Once inside, guests are left with the impression of being in a home away from home. That is if your home is styled to the nines and is designed to perfection.

Decor:

Guests are greeted at the door by the friendly doorman and walked through the hallway to the ‘front desk’. Except, the front desk is actually a one man desk located in the middle of the hotel surrounded by a dark wood library filled with books, videos and information pamphlets. Check in felt more like arriving at a friend’s home. An ice cold glass of lemonade was handed to us, a thoughtful touch, given that Florence in August is scorching hot.

The framed life drawings, sculptures, images and books remind us that we are in the center of the renaissance art world. At this point, we make our way through the hidden elevator up to our exclusive two-level suite with a view to die for.

Rooms:

Our room was so pleasant, welcoming and beautiful that we just melted into our bed and had to really push ourselves to leave. The first floor featured a beautiful working desk, leather couch and television. The stairs lead up to the second floor bedroom area, bathroom and closet. The high painted ceilings, paneled walls and the modern pieces of furniture made this room one of the nicest during our European journey.

What made the room so special was the carefully selected furniture, design and view on to the square.

Dining:

Continuing with the family-style approach, breakfast was served in a covered courtyard at a communal table encouraging all guests to interact with one another. A buffet filled with fresh fruits, cheese, bread and yogurt is at our disposal. The table is then used throughout the day to offer guests refreshments, cakes and fruits. The big hit was the ice cold watermelon which hit the spot after a long walk around town on a hot August day.

Amenities include:

• Fresh seasonal organic fruit basket in your room

• complimentary mini bar (soft-drinks)

• Daily newspaper

• Buffet breakfast

• Complimentary organic coffee and tea during the stay

• Free Homemade finger food and cakes from J.K. Buffet

• Free WI-FI internet access

• Free access to the exclusive Olimpo SPA Steam Bath (located in via Tornabuoni, two minutes walking)

• Free access to Florence Fitness Gym (located in via dei Fossi, one minute walking),

• Free entrance to all Fiesole museums

• Cd\Dvds selection

JK Place Firenze is located at Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, 7 50123, Florence, Italy, +39 055 264 5181

Andalusia, Granada, Spain, Spanish, Travel

A Walk Through Moorish Granada (Andalusia, Spain)

October 15, 2013 No Comments

Stepping off the train into the heart of Spain’s Moorish country was an all at once intoxicating feeling. The dramatic setting of Granada in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada with its steep climbs and eclectic neighborhoods crowned by the mystical Alhambra Palace makes it one of those places that takes your breath away at first sight.

The UNESCO Albaicin district rising steeply is covered with powder white houses and slender streets and turns filled with North African shops, tea houses and nargilleh bars. Walk a little further past Albaicin and you will reach the most underrated but most interesting and picturesque neighborhoods in Granada, the Sacromonte. Sacromonte is located on the Valparaiso hill and is known for its gypsy population. Homes are set up in whitewashed caves cut into the mountain and still used as residences. At night the sounds of the spanish guitar and flamenco performers vibrate through the neighborhood.

Walk further and you will officially make the religious pilgrimage to the Abbey of Sacromonte and the College of Sacromonte founded in the 17th century.

For where to stay see my post on Hospes Palacio de Los Patos.

Food, Madrid, Paellas, Spain, Spanish, Tapas, Travel

A Foodie’s Guide to Tapas in Madrid (Spain)

October 10, 2013 No Comments

Day 1:

Madrid can be summed up in one word: energetic. As soon as we left our luggage at our hotel we were off to discover what was in store. Of course, we were more interested in food than anything else and after inquiring were told to walk to La Latina- a neighborhood in Madrid known for its wine, innovative tapas bars and night life. Also in the same area are many famous restaurants offering traditional Madrid fare. On our way to La Latina we made a few pit stops to fill our empty stomachs and just because we couldnt resist all the seducing window displays of cured legs of ham. It was hard to focus and get to our destination without caving in and walking in to one of the many jamonerias and tapas bars.

We worked backwards. Our first stop was dessert. It looked so good it was hard to resist this pastry shop on an empty stomach. This dessert shop has been around for centuries and is located in the west end of Plaja del Sol. Two orange balls covered in sugar and a Napolitanas de Chocolate were quickly inhaled and we were off to our next destination.

Next while criss-crossinng through the streets while attempting to find our way to La Latina we arrived at Plaja del Mayor. A large pedestrian square, lined with restaurants and is surrounded by three-story residential buildings having 237 breathtaking balconies facing the Plaza. Sounds of foreign men selling annoying whistles and flying glows also covered the square (we were soon to realize that at each tourist filled square in each town and city in Europe we would again run into these men).

The square was so beautiful that we had to stop again. “But we haven’t reached La Latina” I complained to the Count. “Have you seen the inside of this place?” he said. The place he was referring to was the Museo de Jamon, translated to the “Ham Museum”. Seriously? A museum dedicated to ham? The place was covered with cured meats on walls and ceilings, slot machines and men carving legs of ham under bright lights. A large crowd of tourists and locals filled the restaurant and filled every empty seat available on the outside facing the Plaza. It was intoxicating. This was our first exposure to the ham obsessed Spaniard culture, one that both of us adapted to with ease and passion. And one that while I write this I wish was a daily part of my life.

We were seated facing the Plaja del Mayor and ordered a plate of jamon and a basket of bread served with two cervesaz. It was the perfect introduction to our Spanish adventure. But I was a woman on a mission: destination La Latina for some world famous tapas!

We passed through one of the many arches of the square and walked a few more minutes down to Cuchilleros, crossed Segovia and continue on to Cava Baja, the main street famous for its tapas. We first walked in to a jamon shop. The Count who at this point was only familiar with the Italian term ‘prosciutto’ was in Jamon-heaven. He even approached a salesman to ask whether he could ship a whole leg to America, sadly he was refused. “Lo Siento” said the Jamon man. That was the first Spanish phrase the Count leaned on our trip.

I was a kid in a candy store. Well, more like a carnivore in a butcher shop. But you get the gist. A foodie’s paradise (and not your vegan or veggie foodie, but your meat-loving one). So many great places to choose from. But that was the thing. We had to choose one. Based on recommendations we walked into Casa Lucas, a cozy, sleek tavern offering a range of wine and innovative yet traditional tapas. Here we got the fried calamaris, brought to us served whole and chopped up bar-side and mixed with the black squid ink. One word: amazing.

Casa Lucas is located at: Cava Baja, 30 28005 Madrid, Spain, +34 913 65 08 04

After our calamari dish and wine we walked down a bit further and had more Spanish wine. I was floating on cloud 9, so happy and so in love with Madrid. We were the only foreigners in a sea of spaniards which made ordering somewhat of a challenge but I’ve found pointing to objects and using hand signals really work in these dire circumstances.

We spent the evening in La Latina, walking back late at night to our hotel located by Plaja del Sol. Except, it didn’t feel so late. Crowds of people roamed the streets and the squares were filled with performers (and those undesirable salesmen mentioned above).

Day 2:

Our tapas adventures continued on the next evening starting off with the famous fried cod at Casa Labra. I had read about this place in travel guides but came about it quite randomly while taking a wrong turn off of Plaja del Sol. Cod an cod croquettes are the specialty served in a room that has remained almost untouched since the 19^th century. The crowds and the smell of fried cod made it hard to resist. We walked in and ordered from the friendly man at the counter. Beer and delicious, hot pieces of fish were served to us at the standing bar.

Casa Labra is located at: Calle Tetuan 12, close to El Corte Ingles Store located in Sol

The night then turned into a sea of tapas when we made our way to Mercado de San Miguel. Crowds of hungry and thirsty people stormed the various tapas bars lining the glass walls of this foodie market. I felt right at home and ordered one dish from each and every merchant, making this foodie experience deserving of a post of its own.

Mercado de San Miguel is located at: Plaza de San Miguel, (+34) 915 42 49 36

Barcelona, Food, Spain, Spanish, Travel

A Feast for Your Eyes (and stomach) at Mercat de la Boqueria (Barcelona, Spain)

September 21, 2013 2 Comments

Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria located off of Las Rambla is a 17th century marketplace housing everything from candy stands, butcher shops, fresh fish, fruits herbs and best of all tapas bars. If you are looking for boundless supply of fruits, fish and even a sheep’s head with eyes in tact you will find it here at the Mercat de la Boqueria.

Dirección:
Rambla, 91 08001 Barcelona Google Maps
Teléfono:
93 318 25 84
Horarios:
Lunes a sábado: 8:00 – 20:30 h

Barcelona, Hotel, Spain, Travel

An Exceptional 5 Star Boutique Hotel- The Mercer Hotel (Barcelona, Spain)

September 12, 2013 No Comments

If you want to experience true Gothic Barcelona in a luxurious, design-driven setting then Mercer Hotel is just the place for you. Built in 2012 into the ancient Roman walls that once enclosed Barcelona, the Mercer Hotel is one of the most exceptional boutique hotels to hit town and is even listed as a historical monument.

Location:

Located at number 7 on Calle Lledó, the building incorporates part of the Roman walls of the ancient city of Barcino, some of which date back to the 1st century A.D. What’s more hotel guests have exclusive access to the medieval paintings of the 28th defence tower. Another of the historical features of the hotel is the library on the ground floor. This part of the building has great historical significance in that it used to be on the sentry route between the 28th and 29th watchtowers of the Roman walls and features mediaeval frescoes uncovered during the renovation process. This means you will absorb history and culture in your sleep!

Decor:

Imagine Spanish meets Scandinavian. Not sure what that means? You will once you stay at the Mercer Hotel. Medieval columns and restored frescoes have been brought up to date by Spanish architect Rafael Moneo’s streamlining of old and new. The glass courtyard, Scandinavian furniture and pale wood floors create a contemporary vibe.

The Rooms:

The guestrooms are spacious, and the beds are supersized not to mention the egyptian cotton sheets and down blankets which really made it hard to get up in the morning. Although sleekly minimal in style, each of the 28 rooms has its own special feature, such as Catalan vigas, exposed brickwork, a private terrace or a two-person bathtub. Luxe detailing abounds, from the touch-sensitive Finnish beechwood bedside lamps and deep-pile rugs to the Loewe products in the minimalist bathrooms.

Facilities:

The terrace is located on the fourth floor of the hotel, between the two watchtowers, from where you can pick out the dome of the Santa María del Mar church, the Basilica of San Just i Pastor and Barcelona’s Gothic Cathedral. Here you can take a refreshing dip in the pool,or enjoy a drink at the poolside bar. At dusk, the terrace opens to the public, providing a unique setting for enjoying a cocktail whilst taking in the unparalleled view over the most ancient rooftops of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter.

Service:

The staff is exceptionally professional, courteous and friendly. Everyone from the doorman to the concierge were more than helpful, giving us insider tips on how to get around and where to go to dodge the crowds. The concierge was fluent in several languages and made sure that we were comfortable and had everything we needed everyday. He even went out of his way to get us into our room before check-in time. They upgraded us to one of the nicer suites without us even asking. Every evening we walked in to our room to find a little treat. The first night was a bottle of champagne and strawberries with a personal note from the staff. We really could not have asked for a better experience.

Dining:

The breakfast was served in the glass enclosed gallery in the middle of the hotel. While a table of cakes, cheeses and fruits was displayed in the middle, it was in no means a buffet style service. Each guest was asked to choose from the table along with anything else from the wide range of options on the menu.

More information:

The Mercer Hotel

http://www.mercerbarcelona.com/

Calle dels Lledó 7

08002 Barcelona (España)

Tel +34 93 310 74 80 Fax +34 93 310 23 87
info@mercerbarcelona.com

Notes: This review was written for our stay in July 2012.

Some photos are courtesy of Rafael Moneo at http://www.homedsgn.com/2013/01/04/mercer-hotel-barcelona-by-rafael-moneo/

Food, Lisbon, Pastries, Portugal, Travel

Egg Tarts at Casa Pastéis de Belém in Lisbon (Portugal)

September 8, 2013 3 Comments

The moment you take the first bite into a sweet Portuguese egg tart (better known as ‘pastéis de nata, or “cream tarts”’) you know you will be coming back for more. And if Portugal isn’t home, you will make sure to find your nearest Portuguese bakery wherever you may live to get your weekly dosage. I fell in love with natas while living in Switzerland where there is a large Portuguese population resulting in delicious Portuguese bakeries and restaurants. This famous sweet can be found all over the city in Lisbon — and country, and in Portuguese colonies like Brazil, Goa and Macau. But the best place to really taste it is in Lisbon. And the best place to taste it in Lisbon is at Pastéis de Belém in the Belem neighborhood- just a ten minute tram ride from the center of Lisbon. This is where the original and oldest natas recipe can be found. The line up is long yet moves quickly and is well worth the wait. Once at the counter you can point to what you want or just ask for the Pasteis and they will quickly wrap up the warm, sweet and creamy custard tart dusted with sugar and cinnamon in a little blue and white box for you to treasure.

Casa Pastéis de Belém is located at: 84 Rua de Belém

+351-21-363-7423

pasteisdebelem.pt

Madrid, Spain, Travel

Chocolate Con Churros at San Gines (Madrid, Spain)

August 11, 2013 1 Comment

Madrid is a foodie haven. Especially more so for tapas loving foodies. While tapas hopping around the city it is an absolute must to finish off with some Chocolate Con Churros. Madridians have this sweet dessert usually after a long night out at the bars on their way home at dawn. Tourists like me on the other hand seem to enjoy it after a nice meal (or endless tapas). he most popular place for this delicious treat is San Gines -one of the oldest churrerias in Madrid serving one and only one thing: chocolat con churros. A warm crispy deep fried dough served with a cup of thick chocolate. The reason why this place is so special? The dough and cup of chocolate seem to have the perfect balance of sweetness. Not overly sweet but enough to leave you wanting more. The location is quiet hidden on the end of a side street yet with good directions and a sense of smell you will find your way there.

San Gines is open everyday 24 hours

Pasadizo de San Ginés, 5 · 28013

Phone: +34 91 365 6546

Big Groups Booking Phone : +34 91 366 3733

reservas@chocolateriasangines.com

franquicias@chocolateriasangines.com

Granada, Spain, Travel

Hospes Palacio de los Patos in Granada, Spain

August 8, 2013 1 Comment

The Hospes palacio de los Patos was the perfect choice for our stay in Granada. The hotel is set in a 19th-century palace, 650 meters from the Granada Cathedral and steps away from one of the main shopping streets. The UNESCO-protected building features a garden with Arabian-style fountains, spa and dining.

Location: The location is perfect. A 10 minute walk to the main square leading up to the Alhambra but along the main street which is lined with shops, restaurants and cafes. It is the perfect way to see a bit of Granada outside of the tourist trap shops and restaurants. A few minutes walk from the hotel is City Hall behind which is one of the main tapas streets crowded with locals and tourists that have ventured far enough to enjoy some authentic food.

Hotel Decor: The hotel is split in to two separate buildings housing 42 beautifully decorated rooms. One is the restored mansion which is connected to a modern new wing through a garden and courtyard with pools and fountains. It is really nicely done and the architectural coherence between the buildings is impressive. Inside the mansion large central marble stairways led up to a very limited number of hotel rooms. Large doors opened into spacious bright entrance. The bedroom was separate from the bathroom and closet area. It was just perfect. The design is modern yet extremely elegant. The room had laundry and dry-cleaning service, free wireless Internet, flatscreen television, office area, coffee machine, complimentary coffee, tea and water. The hotel also has a spa and full dining area and bar in the new building and in the beautiful courtyard.

Service: Staff members went out of their way to make us feel at home and comfortable. They were all very nice yet not over bearing. They gave us advice as to where to dine and gave us clear directions each day on how to make the best use of our time. Each evening the shades were pulled down and lights turned on for our return. They really spoiled us.

Hospes Palacio de Los Patos is located at:

Solarillo de Gracia, 1
18002 Granada
T +34 958 535 790 | F +34 958 536 968
palaciopatos@hospes.com

Food, Lisbon, Portugal, Travel

The Mercy Hotel (Lisbon, Portugal)

July 31, 2013 1 Comment

Lisbon is a magical place full of charm and beauty. If you are lucky enough, the hotel you choose will only add to the experience. On our latest journey to the city of bacalau and polished marble we stayed at the 5 star boutique hotel, Mercy Hotel, located in the ever so fashionable Chiado district.

Location:

The location could not be better. One street away from all the action in Barrio Alto on the edge of Chiado, but far enough to enjoy some peaceful sleep. One block down is a major metro station which connects you to the airport and other destinations. On the right of the hotel and 6 minutes down the scenic stairs is the Rossio train station connecting you to picturesque and a must-see village of Sintra. Great restaurants and bars are within 5 minutes walking distance. And great fado bars and cafes located on the parallel street.

Amenities

The room had laundry and dry-cleaning service, free wireless Internet, flatscreen television, office area, espresso machine, complimentary coffee, tea and water. There is a business center with printers located in the basement.

Decor:

The decor inside the rooms are chic and modern. The rooms are perfectly sized with small balconies overlooking the Lisbon skyline with the bridge in the background. Beautiful, modern, clean and comfortable. Chocolate were left on our pillows every evening. The bathroom was spacious and separated from the rest of the space.

The lobby is covered in black walls however, oddly positioned mannequins surround the area. It was a bit strange to have mannequins eyeing you down while in the lobby but we were later told that the boutique hotel works with local fashion labels and the clothing displayed on the mannequins are for purchase. Nevertheless, it might shock you at first sight.

Service:

Staff members went out of their way to make us feel at home and comfortable. Riccardo and the rest of the team were so helpful, informative and were our unofficial tour guides, explaining in detail how to get to places, where to eat, what to do and not do. If we needed anything they were up at our room within minutes.

Food and Drink:

The daily breakfast was very basic. It included several different pieces of fresh bread, ham, cheese, omelet, coffee and boundless cups of fresh orange juice.

The Mercy Hotel is located at: Rua da Misericordia 76, Lisbon 1200-273, Portugal

E-mail hotel: info@mercyhotel.com

Tel: 00 351 212 481 480

Seville, Spain, Travel

An Andalusian Gem- Corral del Rey Boutique Hotel (Seville, Spain)

July 31, 2013 3 Comments

Tucked away in the narrow cobbled stoned labyrinths of the old quarter (Barrio Alfalfa) lies the Corral del Rey, a beautifully restored 17th century palacio converted into a bohemian chic boutique hotel.

The location

The Corral del Rey is located in the Barrio Alfalfa quarter, just minutes away from the Cathedral on foot but enough distance to make it a cozy retreat from all the noise and tourist traffic.

The Decor

The hotel is elegant, modern and wonderfully restored. The architectural highlights include the atrium patio, Roman marble columns and the original wooden carved beams. We walked in through moorish studded doorways to the atrium lit lobby with roman marble columns, terra-cotta tiles and rustic theme furniture. It was visually stunning and at first sight we knew that it was the perfect way to spend our sejour in Seville.

The hotel is divided between two adjacent buildings incorporating an exclusive 12 bedroom hotel and penthouse suite. The bedrooms are divided into four categories; superior, deluxe and junior suite and penthouse suite. Each room has its own creative design in which interior designer Kuky Mora-Figueroa has stamped her individual and particularly appealing style, combining an eclectic mix of ancient and modern. Our room was breathtaking and it took a lot of effort for us to gather the courage to leave every morning to visit the town. A large room with the most comfortable king sized bed at one end. A wood carved headboard accentuated the bed. The high ceilings were covered with original wooden beams. On the opposite end of the room was a kitchenette with all the amenities that one could need as a hotel guest. Across was a small work desk and lamp with international plug outlets for convenience. Through large french doors was the bathroom: my favorite part of the hotel room.

The outside of the hotel is discreet with no signs to lead the way. We were welcomed with a glass of freshly made lemonade while waiting for our luggage to be taken up to the room. In the meantime, we checked out the roof terrace with plunge pool where you can enjoy your breakfast while looking over orange tiled rooftops of Seville.

Service

Our hostesses went out of their way to make our stay as comfortable as possible. They took their time to show us the property and our room and later made sure we knew where to eat (away from all the tourist traps). We were welcomed to the hotel and Seville with a personally written card and a gift of estate pressed olive oil. Every evening we walked in to our room where the shades were pulled down, our ice bucket was full and chocolate was waiting at our night stands. It’s all about the personal touches at the Corral del Rey.

Food and drink

The bar/restaurant serves breakfast in a small area just off the central lobby. While the hotel does not offer a full service restaurant it does offer drinks and tapas. Not a big concern since minutes away you have the best tapas bars in the city.

The negatives

Our room was so special it was hard for us to leave.

Services

Private airport transfer service

Valet parking in nearby public under ground car park

Private guides

Tailored made excursions & activities for clients

Massages on the roof garden or in your room

Personalised Check In

Room service

Wireless Internet Access

Unique rooftop terrace with plunge pool