Snowy Mountains & Ski Vacations #twpics

March 10, 2011 by  
Filed under Destinations, Photos, Travel + Wine

Snowy mountains and ski vacations.

Here are your pictures from gorgeous snow destinations around the world. Where’s your favorite place to ski or play in the snow?

WhistlerCanadaWhistler Gals. Sonia and Melanie take a break from snowboarding at Whistler Blackcomb to smile for the camera in Whistler, Canada.

Frozen Tranquility - ©Lee Trujillo

Professional photographer Lee Trujillo sent us this beautiful landscape shot that he accurately titled “Frozen Tranquility”. It was taken on the top of a snowy peak popular with snowmobilers near Grand Lake, Colorado. Lee’s amazing photography work can be viewed at Reflection and Light Photography.

JulianCA

Kristine, @SpecialkSD on Twitter, sent us this great shot from Julian, California. She used the Instagram filter app to enhance the photo. She says:

“During a rare snowstorm in San Diego county, my family and I headed to a spot just outside the quaint town of Julian, CA. There was something so pure and simple about seeing everything dusted in white. Julian is a beautiful place any time of year and besides being known for its old-fashioned shops and the best apples around, it offers beautiful scenery.”

IsabellaEdmontonSnow isn’t just for adults. Little Isabella enjoys the fun in Edmonton, Canada.

SwissHandsBird. A very artistic creation of bird feet and hands in the snow, @eat_smart sent us this picture she took in Switzerland.

VanessaBlizzardVanessa confronts the blizzard in Boston with courage and great fashion.

Restaurant to offer iPads with live streaming from kitchen

December 16, 2010 by  
Filed under Food, Gear & Gadgets, Travel + Wine

Have you ever wanted a live, behind-the-scenes peak at what’s sizzling in the kitchen at a gourmet restaurant?

ipad restaurant la terrasseIf so, La Terrasse in Bern, Switzerland should be on your travel and culinary radar. Starting in January, chef secrets will be streamed directly to an iPad at your table!

What’s the idea behind this? Chef Gregor Zimmerman explains, “Guests can now feel that they are a part of the whole cooking experience, and still have an intimate dinner.” You’ll be able to say a quick hello, send your compliments to the chef, or offer constructive criticism right from the comfort of your table.

You’ll also be able to use the iPad to digitally browse the gourmet menu or to take a look at the historical guest book, dating back from 1936. Look carefully and you’ll find comments from Grace Kelly and Fidel Castro!

La Terrasse is part of the luxurious Bellevue Palace, a hotel known for its class, great service, and prime location in Bern’s city center.

(Photo Credit: Bellevue Palace)

An Exotic Swiss Wine: Clos de Chillon Grand Cru 2008

TravelPlusWine.com went to Switzerland and found a triumphant, one-of-a-kind, exotic white wine from the vineyards of Chateau Chillon.

The wine: Clos de Chillon Grand Cru 2008.

ClosDeChillonGrandCruWineI know, when you think of Switzerland you might think of elegant watches, delicious chocolate, and beautiful mountain scenery.

But if I’m ever trapped in the Swiss Alps and a Saint-Bernard dog is coming to rescue me, I hope he carries Clos de Chillon in his barrel.

The Clos de Chillon Grand Cru is produced exclusively by the vineyards of Chateau Chillon, located less than 20 miles south-east of Lausanne, in the western part of Switzerland.

It is a limited-production dry, fruity wine made from white Chasselas grapes, a native variety to this region.

Well-balanced and a bit tangy on the taste, Clos de Chillon makes a great aperitif wine. Additionally, it also pairs very well with gruyere cheese, fondue and raclette dishes.

And on a benevolent note, proceeds from the sales of Clos de Chillon Grand Cru go to the conservation and restoration of Chateau Chillon, a prestigious medieval castle dating back to the 12th century.

This exclusive wine can only purchased it at the castle shop or online. The wine’s price tag: under US$20 a bottle.

Due to its exoticness, unique taste, and great preservation cause, TravelPlusWine.com recommends buying this wine by the case.