Thursday, January 26, 2012

Timeless Settings: Garden Sojourns

The memories we bring back from our travels....
....are an essential part of the journey. Long after returning home, the beauty of a setting, and the sense of discovery remain to be savored on a winter's evening. A richly rewarding surprise on a recent trip to London: Kensington Roof Gardens - adjacent to Sir Richard Branson's Babylon Restaurant. 

Spring is a fine time to see the wisteria blooming above an ornate arched portal.
For information on scheduling a visit to this hidden green sanctuary in the heart of Kensington
 ... visit my web site. 

Friday, January 20, 2012

Fabulous Tour: Mallorca & Menorca

The Pacific Horticulture Foundation is offering a wonderful tour highlighting the gardens, cuisine, and art of Mallorca and Menorca, escorted by Katherine Greenberg.

Photo © Courtesy Katherine Greenberg
For more information...
visit the 'Tours' page on the Pacific Horticulture web site, and click on 

There are a few spots open as I post this announcement.
 What an incredible experience of the Balearic Islands this tour promises to be!

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Celebrate Truffles! Napa Truffle Festival



My knowledge of truffles has its limits, despite the delight I take in savoring cuisine boasting the flavor of the extraordinarily renowned fungus.
The Second Annual Napa Truffle Festival promises to add to my familiarity of all aspects of the strangely beguiling yet homely truffle, be it the black Perigord winter truffle or the summer species known as Burgundy: 

In botanical nomenclature, that's Tuber melanosporum or Tuber aestivum/uncinatum.

The Westin Verasa, Napa hosts the festivities that bring together expert scientists and shining stars of the culinary realm. Participants will have opportunities to partake in the culinary bliss of gourmet meals and in stimulating seminars out and about at Robert Mondavi Winery, Raymond Vineyards and Robert Sinskey Vineyards.

Italian Truffles


Michelin Chefs working their own magic at lunch & dinner events are certain to draw serious food aficionados and wine lovers to reserve a place at the table to they'll in elegant menus prepared by Ken Frank of La Toque; Suzette Gresham-Tognettini, Chef/Proprietor of San Francisco's Acquerello; Michael Cimarusti of Providence, Los Angles; Italy's Marco Gubbiotti of La Bastiglia; and Andrew Zimmerman of Sepia, Chicago.


Images, Courtesy Napa Truffle Festival / American Truffle Company


More to follow on Alice's Garden Travel Buzz...

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Red Urns .. Water Features: Sonoma Travel

Our Christmas holiday this year...


....encompassed a getaway to Sonoma & Napa Wine Country: Courtyard water feature at the Sonoma Valley Inn.
On this restful sojourn we savored meals at fabulous restaurants and discovered great wines.
Fabulous weather, too, as the rainy season seems temporarily suspended, with blue skies and brilliant sunshine.

Hazy, however, as wood burning fireplaces contribute polluting particles, leading to 'Spare the Air' days. 

Friday, December 23, 2011

Angels are Gathering in the Garden...

I woke to find angels perched on the living room mantle... 
and cavorting in my garden!

A reminder to wish all my virtual friends a Happy Holiday Season.


Warmest wishes for a brilliant 2012!