Mara Papatheodorou, your Tastes and Traditions Expert

Situated in the Canadian province of Quebec, the secret to the magic of Montreal is the irresistible blend of its French Old World  “joie de vivre” and its New World cosmopolitan zip. Named after the triple-peaked hill located in the heart of the city, Mount Royal or Mont Real is also an amazing park where you can take in the stunning vistas at Kondiaronk Lookout. The beautiful Montreal Botanical Gardens (Jardin Botanique de Montreal) features 31 specialized gardens and over 20,000 different types of plants and sport buffs can visit Olympic Park (Parc Olympique) the base for the 1976 Summer Olympics and current home of the Montreal Expos. For indoor activities, the cultural diversity of this fine city is on view at any one of the various art museums. The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (Musee des Beaux-Arts) shows off impressive Canadian collections while the Contemporary Art Museum (Musee d’art Contemporain) highlights modern works and Pointe-a-Calliere Museum is actually an archaeological site that traces six centuries of the area’s history, peoples and artifacts. And if its trains that intrigue you check out the Canadian Railway Museum that houses over 150 locomotives, railway cars and memorabilia.

Stroll and shop in charming Vieux Montreal (old town) or the trendy Quartier Latin for tasty mementos (see below) and gifts. Besides terrific restaurants, cafes, bistros and wine bars, there is also Marche Jean-Talon, the city’s large open food market with great produce and stalls for savoring snacks and small bites (see below). And Montreal is a bilingual metropolis so whether you speak French or English, you’ll be fine. Enjoy!

SAIL: Montreal Before sailing away, bring the region’s flavors and flair home. The red maple leaf is the country’s symbol for a reason and this is the place to buy maple syrup since Quebec produces three-quarters of the world’s supply! And don’t miss the other sweet specialties from here “la tire de neige” also known as maple taffy and bottles of La Pomme de Glace or Canadian whiskey.

SIP: La Pomme de Glace: A local treat made from ripe frozen apples, this golden colored alcoholic cider smells like honey and tastes like a happy blend of applesauce and candied fruit.

SAVOR: Anything French! Have a crepe, a croissant a baguette sandwich, French Onion soup or escargots. Stretch your taste buds and try Poutine a dish found uniquely in Quebec. It is French fries topped with brown gravy and fresh cheese curds. Other ingredients such as lobster, shredded pork or beef can be added as a modern day twist to this Canadian classic. Bon Appetit!!

By Mara Papatheodorou, your Tastes & Traditions Expert  

As the capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, cultural Barcelona beckons and the delights of Catalonian cuisine abound. Enjoy art, architecture, cathedrals, tapa bars and restaurants. Revived thanks to the 1992 Summer Olympics, the traditional and modern looks blend well here and walking is the best way to absorb the unique artistic beauty of the areas. The monument of Christopher Columbus points you in the right direction to stroll the tree-lined concourse of Las Ramblas with its shops, cafes and pantomime artists. Explore Barri Gotic, the city’s old town with medieval designed Romanesque buildings or head to Parc Guell to view the architectural wonders of Antoni Gaudi commissioned by industrialist Count Eusebi Guell. Besides seeing Gaudi’s extraordinary creations around the vicinity or in the Guell Palace, his personal effects are inside the Casa Museu Gaudi. He also built Caso Batilo that is worth a visit. But it is the Church of the Sacred Family that is his most recognized Gothic masterpiece. Picasso lived in Barcelona in his youth and the impressive exhibits at Museu Picasso show pieces from his Rose and Blue Periods.

Try delectable dishes from the Mari I Montana (the sea and the mountains) combining fresh fish from the Mediterranean and pork and beef from its fertile plains. Sip sparkling Cava (see below) or Spanish wines like red Rioja or white Albarino while savoring tasty tapas (see below) and indulge in a crema catalan (custard) for dessert. Brava Barcelona!

SAIL:  BARCELONA. Before sailing away, bring the city’s flavors and flair home. Colorful Ceramica with Moorish designs, Gaudi glass, pimento (paprika) de la vera (smoked) or dulce (sweet), bottles of Cava or sherry vinegar fortified from Spanish wines recreates delicious memories.

SIP:  CAVA (sparkling wine). Catalan for “cellar”, cava is the official name for sparkling wine produced in Spain’s Penedes area west of Barcelona. Crisp and fruity, it is Spain’s quenching answer to champagne. Salud!

SAVOR: Tapas (small bites). “Tapa” means lid from the 18^th century when bar owners put a piece of bread on top of a drink to avoid flies. Today’s tapas can be olives, slices of chorizo sausage or jamon ham, manchego cheese, fish bites and meat pies. Enjoy all with a glass

By Mara Papatheodorou, your Tastes & Traditions Expert

Singapore sizzles on every level. This multi-cultural metropolis is a prosperous port and financial hub that flaunts great food, shopping and sights to see. A former fishing village that became a British trading colony in 1819 thanks to Sir Simon Raffle, the National Museum highlights its intriguing history and the Singapore Flyer, the largest observation/ferris wheel in the world shows off the city’s stunning vistas. The Singapore Botanic Garden is a tropical plant wonder and animals abound at the Singapore Zoo, Jurong Bird Park and the Night Safari Park. Shoppers can swoon with choices whether at glossy boutiques on renowned Orchard Road, at Marina Bay Sands or in the colorful markets of Little India or Chinatown (the Night Market is fun too). Singaporeans are an ethnic blend of Chinese, Malaysians and Indians and that diversity translates to a tasty tapestry of spiced foods and flavors at the table called Peranakan Cuisine. Dine at a restaurant or visit the very clean and appealing Hawker Stalls that offer an array of seafood, curry and noodle specialties.

SAIL: Singapore. Before sailing away, bring the city’s flavors and flair home. Items that have Chinese or Indian influences are here ranging from beautiful silks to tabletop pieces like trays and tea sets. Assorted teas, spices and dried chilies are also abundant and delectable culinary mementos.

SIP: Singapore Sling: Originally created in 1915 by Raffles Hotel bartender Mr. Ngiam Tong Boon, this foamy fruit iconic cocktail packs quite a “punch” from the blend of pineapple juice, gin, Cointreau, Benedictine, cherry liqueur and grenadine topped off with a splash of club soda. Cheers!

SAVOR: Anything with noodles or rice! They are served over and under everything, on their own or in soups. Try Laksa a spicy noodle soup with fresh seafood or chicken or the national favorite Chili Crab with noodles.

By Mara Papatheodorou, your Tastes & Traditions Expert

As the gateway to Scandinavia and the capital of Denmark, charming yet contemporary Copenhagen, mixes the old with the new. Danish for “merchants harbor”, waterways and small islets dominate this City of Spires known for its glorious palaces and churches. Overflowing with culture and cafes, stroll picturesque 17th century Nyhaven Harbor or shop stylish Stroget Street. And be sure to rub the bronzed tail of the city’s most famous symbol, the Little Mermaid – a hometown tribute to fairy tale master Hans Christian Anderson.

The historic core of the metropolis is the small island of Slotsholmen where Bishop Absalon founded the famous castle in 1167. The area has remained the center of regal rule and is home to the famous Christiansborg Complex. There are numerous museums here too, featuring sculpture, wartime memorabilia and porcelain.

Have fun at famous Tivoli Gardens where the oldest Ferris wheel in the world still turns, a big roller coaster still rolls and colorful horses still go round the merry-go-round. Stroll the gardens and enjoy the music and art there too. Excellent eateries grace the grounds, from casual, for a sausage roll or a pastry, to refined including restaurant Paul, which has one Michelin star.

Other tasty moments abound. For one of the city’s best smorrebord (open-faced sandwich) with smoked salmon, ham and cheeses, try Ida Davidsen’s, still a family run restaurant five generations later and frequented by the Danish royals. Dinner can be quite the experience as the city has 13 Michelin starred restaurants. Obviously, the dining options are fantastic and NOMA, featuring Nordic specialties is currently considered the best restaurant in the world and well worth the splurge.

SAIL: Copenhagen. Before sailing away, bring the city’s Danish flavors and flair home. Shop for tabletop pieces or trinkets from traditional blue and white Royal Copenhagen Porcelain or modern silversmith designer Georg Jensen. Danish butter cookies make a great gift as does a bottle of Danish Aquavit, a distilled white liqueur flavored with herbs like cardamom, caraway or dill.

SIP: Beer. Danes love their brews and beer remains the city’s number one export. Sip the local star Carlsberg or visit their famous brewery, founded here in 1847, and taste the various ales. And if you really want a sipping adventure, the Danes enjoy a shot of aquavit followed by a beer chaser!!

SAVOR: Smorrebrod (Open-faced Sandwich). Served on buttered hearty rye, topped with smoked fish or cold meats with slices of cheese, cucumber, red onion, tomato and hard boiled eggs, this is the traditional Danish lunch to try and even better with a beer!!

By Mara Papatheodorou, your Tastes & Traditions Expert

As the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, the heart and soul of Florence is all about the appreciation of art. Situated on the banks of the River Arno, this scenic city is truly a cultural oasis of fine frescoes, sculptures, paintings, palaces, churches and cathedrals. Its treasured talent dazzles with the works of Dante, Michelangelo, Galileo and Da Vinci. The Uffizi Gallery houses world-renowned artistic masterpieces while the Galleria dell Academia, Europe’s first school of drawing, features 15^th and 16^th century paintings and sculptures, most notably Michelangelo’s remarkable David. Florence’s most recognized landmark is the dome of the Duomo, a beautiful cathedral inside and out. For amazing views and photo opportunities, climb all 450 steps to the top and just adjacent is Giotto Tower with a mere 414 steps (!) for a great look at the Duomo on the horizon. The church of Santa Croce contains the tombs of Galileo, Dante, Machiavelli and Michelangelo while Pitti Palace, home of art benefactors the Medicis, highlights their impressive collections. Cross the 13^th century Ponte Vecchio (old Bridge), a site unto itself and home to goldsmiths and tanners who make shopping a fun adventure.

Strolling through the streets is a treat as around every corner is a picturesque piazza (square) flaunting cafes to sit and people watch while sipping an espresso or cappuccino, a negroni (see below) or a glass of vino (wine). After all, Firenze (Florence) is the gateway to the vines of Tuscany from which great Italian wines hail. The Chianti region is just south of the city where the Sangiovese grapes thrive and have been growing since the 13^th century. Chianti Classico or Chianti Riserva are premium red wines that are medium bodied and not as earthy or as bold as the Super Tuscan varietals. Antipasti meat & cheese platters and Crostini with various toppings complement the wines well. For a sweet memory, the creamy gelato (ice cream) is revered. Buon Appetito!!

SAIL: Florence. Before sailing away, bring the city’s Italian Florentine flavors and flair home. Shop for colorful ceramica tabletop or bring back vacuum-packed prosciutto, salami or cheeses like pecorino or parmesan as well as bottles of olive oil and wine. For fashion, if you love leather this is the city to buy purses, wallets, belts, bags and shoes or go for gold as fine jewelry gilded flatware and serving pieces abound.

SIP:  A Negroni. This is the ultimate Florentine cocktail so sip up!  When visiting the city in 1919, Count Camillo Negroni asked a bartender to add gin to his weak aperitif. Made with equal parts gin, sweet red vermouth and Campari stirred with ice than strained (or not!) into a glass finished off with a splash of soda water and an orange twist, the Negroni was born and has become a city classic. Salute!

SAVOR: Bistecca alla Fiorentina (beef steak Florentine style). Grilled over fire and served rare with white Tuscan beans or atop arugula, this thick porterhouse is on every restaurant menu. It is a true carnivore’s delight and divine with red wine!

By Mara Papatheodorou, your Tastes & Traditions Expert
Set atop craggy rocks of Southern France’s captivating coastline, Monte Carlo, the capital of Monaco, embellishes its international reputation as a glamorous playground for the rich and famous. Created in 1866 and named in honor of Prince Charles III, it is the 2^nd smallest country in the world and secured its place on the map when American movie star Grace Kelly married Prince Rainer III in April 1956. Their son HSH Prince Albert II now reigns over the principality where the Grimaldi family has been in power for over 700 years. Visit the Pink Palace, their family home and originally a 13^th century fortress, to see the regal and artistic splendors of the Throne Room, the Louis XVth lounge, the State Apartments, St Mary’s Tower and the Courtyard. At noon, the Changing of the Guard with all of its pomp and circumstance is a daily impressive ritual to observe. The beautiful Monaco Cathedral is also worth seeing as is the amazing Oceanographic Museum.

For a different daytime detour, take an excursion to other unique Riviera offerings. Monte Carlo is situated between Provence and Italy so heading off to the charming medieval cobblestoned villages of St Paul de Vence or Eze, the perfume factories of Grasse, the museums of Nice (Matisse and Chagall), the shopping streets of Cannes or the markets of San Remo are all memorable options. For lunch, sip local rose, a kir (white wine & cassis) or a pastis (anise) and order soupe de poisson (fish) or d’oignon (onion), a croque monsieur (grilled ham and cheese) or bouillabaisse (seafood stew).

The nightlife of Monte Carlo is world-renowned and the sparkling Place de Casino does not disappoint (think James Bond in Casino Royale). Built in 1893, it is the work of architect Charles Garnier, who also designed the Paris Opera House. Roulette wheels, slot machines, Black Jack and other gaming tables are situated in different lounges decadently decorated with stunning stained glass windows, sculptures and paintings. For a divine dinner beforehand, a staircase from the Casino to the majestic Hotel de Paris will lead you to the 3 star Michelin restaurant, Louis XV Alain Ducasse.

Enjoy it all!

SAIL:  Monte Carlo. Before sailing away, bring the region’s flavors and flair home. As the waterfront of Provence, Cote D’Azur reminders include colorful Provencal linens, herbes de provence (dried herbs), miel (honey) infused with lavender or herbs and bottles of crème de cassis (a black currant liquer) or pastis (anise/licorice flavored liquer).

SIP:  Rose. Light bodied and slightly sweet, this pretty pink wine is the star of Provence vineyards such as Bandol or Cotes De Provence. It perfectly suits this sun-kissed area and its seafood specialties.

SAVOR:  Bouillabaisse. Refined yet rustic, this celebrated Provencal seafood stew was created by fishermen from their daily catch. Made with fresh fish and shellfish in an onion, tomato and white wine broth, it is served with slices of baguette.

By Mara Papatheodorou, your Tastes & Traditions Expert

What makes Uruguay unique? Although one of the smallest countries in South America, it is also considered the most European, thanks to the vast number of Spanish, Portuguese and Italian descendants who settled here in the early eighteenth century. The capital is Montevideo an important port also known for its gentle rolling hills and farmland. Cattle are abundant so meat is king and the role of the herding Gaucho (cowboy) and rodeo star play a vital role in the colorful culture.

These traditions are well highlighted at the impressive Museo del Gaucho y la Moneda.                                                            
Stroll Las Ramblas on the waterfront and head to the eastern side of the city where the Old and the New Worlds conjoin. Find your way to Plaza Independencia where a statue of General Gervasio Artigas, the father of Uruguay, stands as well as the Palacio Salvo, Montevideo’s tallest building of 26 stories. Just off the Plaza is Teatro Solis, the city’s impressive theatre. And a bit beyond is the ornamental gated archway of Ciudad Vieja (Old Town) with its narrow streets and colonial architecture. Sarandi, a pedestrian walkway leads to Plaza Martiz (also called Plaza Constitution) the heart of the area where cafes, shops, the renovated neo-classical Cathedral and El Cabildo Museum (the old City Hall) all stand. The homes of two of Uruguay’s most noted Generals are Casa de Rivera the former resident of the country’s first president and Casa de Lavalleja, the one time home of this hero from Uruguay’s 1825 War of independence.

A visit to Montevideo’s renowned Mercardo del Puerto is a must.  Built in 1868, this Victorian designed cast-iron structure houses numerous shops, bars and restaurants. Enjoy a Clerico cocktail or glass of medio y medio (see below) and a casual lunch at a small parillas (steakhouses) famous for grilled beef and Chivito sandwiches (see below) accompanied by a bottle of Malbec or Merlot from Uruguay’s fine Tannat grape. Afterwards, visit the various vendors for unique trinkets and mementos. Have fun!

SAIL: Uruguay, South America. Before sailing away, bring Uruguay’s flavors and flair home. Take home bottles of Tannat red wines, jars of divine dulce de leche (sweet caramel-like candied milk sauce) or packets of yerba mate tea. Wool items and leather goods with their “Manos del Uruguay” tags showing they are handmade are great keepsakes too.

SIP:  Medio y Medio. Natives have been sipping this local sparkling wine since the late 1800’s. Its golden honey color and taste results from the delectable blend of local moscato and pinot blanc grapes. Another favorite is Clerico, a fruit filled version of light Sangria made with white wine or medio y medio for that extra burst of bubbles. Salud!

SAVOR: Chivito. This is Uruguayans version of a subway sandwich! Hearty and filling on a bun spread with garlic and mayonnaise, it is piled high with grilled thinly sliced steak, mixed vegetables, cheese, olives, onions, lettuce and tomato. Bacon, mushrooms and ham can also be included in the mix. Save room for postre (dessert), indulge in Chaja a creamy syrupy sponge cake topped with whipped cream and crushed meringue.