restaurant

Soso – Paros, Greece

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Paros is a less known Cyclades island and a true gem. Much more relaxed than Mykonos and a lot less busy than Santorini, it offers everything you would hope for when island hopping in Greece AND everything is really good value for money.

Being in Greece for our honeymoon, we thought we would treat ourselves to a dinner in one of the best restaurants on the island. We headed to Soso which is rated #2 in Naoussa on Tripadvisor. It was delicious, very charming, extremely tasty and CHEAP! The whole dinner with wine came to about 50 euros.

Want to join us for dinner? Follow the narrow streets of Naoussa.

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Take a sit at the most charming terrace. Everywhere you look offers  a picture opportunity.

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If the food is as good as the place is charming we were in for a treat, and I was very excited!

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So excited that I actually forgot to take pictures so you will have to take my word for it – I am French, I like to eat and I am telling you, this place is good!

We started with a selection of Greek spreads and appetizers. Tsatsiki, fish rillettes, beetroot and courgettes salads.

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We then ordered the most delicious fava topped with octopus.

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We also had the most delicate filo pastries.

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All this was followed by a few more dishes, all delicious and complimentary dessert (how nice!).

After such a satisfying dinner, we enjoyed a digestive walk. Wandering around Naoussa and heading to the beach to enjoy the sunset. Pure bliss.

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If you are in Paros, Soso absolutely worth the detour, you won’t be disappointed!

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A weekend in Rome – part 3

Claire2 Comments

On day 1, we explored the Antique Rome, on day 2, we visited the Vatican, and day 3 was all about the ‘everyday’ Rome.

After a morning lazing around the pool of our hotel. We headed to the city centre for a last stroll before our flight.

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We first looked for a nice spot for lunch and found a great place just off the Piazza Navona. I talked more about Cul de Sac, there.

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After a very satisfying lunch, we went to explore Piazza Navona and its surroundings.

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The atmosphere of Rome is just intoxicating, you cannot help but feel happy walking in the yellow cobbled streets.
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We walked through the city centre on the look for gelatos.
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And we ended our trip at the Pantheon, one of Rome oldest building still standing!

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It was my third time here and I can say that Rome really never disappoints!

Caffe Napoli

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Italian colours on Italian buildings.

Monopoli – 2016

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What’s – Kyoto, Japan

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If you happen to be visiting Kyoto and fancy some beef, I may just know the place you want to go to!

What’s in Kyoto is one of those restaurants you would probably miss while walking around Kyoto city centre. It is in a quiet back street about 10-minutes’ walk from Shijo Dori, Kyoto main high street, and it really worth the detour!

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Once inside the waiters will warmly welcome you. Everybody is very friendly, at What’s, and genuinely interested in where you are coming from, how you are finding Japan, and if you enjoy your time there.

If you are sitting upstairs, you will be asked to take your shoes off, very common in Japanese restaurants.

You will then be taken to your table which is more of a private booth than a table. Everything there is made so you can quietly and privately enjoy your dinner. No curious table neighbours staring at your plate here!

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To order, just use the little bell on the table! As I said, the staff wants to make sure that you are not being bothered unless it is necessary. Japanese people are very considerate which extremely pleasant!

We were first treated to an appetiser, beef tongue, the name may not be appetising for all but it was delicious!

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Once the grill was ready, we ordered the shoulder sirloin for me and the Selection of the Chef for Andrew.

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All meats are served with a selection of soy sauces, salt and wasabi.

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I find that cooking your own food make you appreciate it even more.

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For sides, we went for some kimchi (fermented cabbage and radishes, so good!) and the steamed vegetables. Who knew steamed cabbage could be so delicious?

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It was truly one of our favourite meal in Kyoto! From the beautiful indoors, to the delicious food and the lovely staff, What’s really worth a visit!

Terrace

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Nothing like an al fresco lunch with a view of the Mediterranean. Pass me the rose!

Porto Cesareo – 2016

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Poseidone

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I have that thing for vintage signs.

Puglia – 2016

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Cul de Sac, Rome, Italy

Claire3 Comments

Looking for a nice little spot for a refreshing glass of wine in Rome, away from the touristy crowd? Follow me!

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There is that little spot I know, right off Piazza Navona.

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Head south of the Piazza. Walk past the touristy restaurants and head to the tiny Piazza di Pasquino. This is where you will find Cul de Sac (‘dead-end’ in French). The name may be French but the products are very Italian!

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The wine bar is not huge but it has a lovely terrace. We decided to grab a bite inside as it was pretty hot on that day and we could do with an hour in the shade.

Grab a sit a choose from the thousands of bottles of wine surrounding you! We went for rose (of course!).

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Once the beverage of your choice on the table, order as many sharing platters as your belly can handle! Everything is delicious!

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Nothing fancy there, just very high quality products.

Where to eat in Puglia?

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Food is delicious everywhere in Italy! In Puglia you have the added bonus of the extremely good value for money, hello 2.5 euro prosecco glass!

If you are planning to spend a little bit of time there this summer and are looking for tasty seafood and filling lunches, look no further and keep reading.

In Gallipoli, I highly recommend Al De Pace, their speciality is seafood. You enter the place and the theme is set with a very simple interior decor yet very sophisticated.

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The dishes reflect the overall atmosphere, simple plates and sophisticated flavours. Everything was delicious.

We started with le fave, le cicorie, la alici. SONY DSC

My favourite, favourite, FAVOURITE dish was the il polpo, la sua acqua, il limone… It was to die for! Some sort of octopus version of spaghetti carbonara, as delicious and as comforting. I am still drooling looking at the picture.SONY DSC

It was difficult to top the pasta dish but the ‘secondi’ dishes didn’t disappointed and we ended with a safe Tiramisu.SONY DSC

Another great place for delicious Puglia food and completely off the beaten track is Sciamu Moi. The place was empty when we arrived but Italians eat late and we were off-season so don’t be deceived by the empty dinning room.SONY DSC

They use only local ingredients and everything was a discovery! Pick the thing you are the least familiar with on the menu and enjoy!SONY DSC

Pugliese food involves a lot of seafood, with the Mediterranean sea a couple of kilometres away, it will never disappoint.
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We were less adventurous with desserts and pick some classics, yet the presentation surprised us in all the right ways!
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Finally if this is a lunch spot you are looking for? And if you happen to be in Lecce, I just know the place!

L’Angolino di Via Matteotti serves one of the best puccia in the whole of Lecce, and probably in the whole of Puglia.

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Pick your toppings and take a sit on the comfy terrace. SONY DSC

Bite into the most delicious ‘sandwich’ ever!SONY DSC

The Mr went for the meat version with meatballs, I went for the vegetarian one. Both excellent.SONY DSC

I hope I gave you enough reasons to go to Puglia! Now book that flight, you know you want to!

Buon appetito!

Agriturismo Tenuta Yala – Italy, Puglia

Claire8 Comments

I have been going to Italy for years, and every time I go, I make sure to stay in an Agriturismo.

Agriturismos are family owned farms transformed into B&Bs and they really never disappoint! It is usually great value for money, you have the opportunity to try local cuisine and spend time with the family who will give you all the area insider tips! It is like stepping into a movie.

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When we planned our trip to Puglia, I immediately went on the Agriturismo website and it didn’t take me long to find this gem.

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Tenuta Yala is lost in the middle of the vineyards and only a 15 minutes drive into Gallipoli which offers plenty of entertainment and restaurants.

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The place is just dreamy…

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It is good to note that the family doesn’t really speak English or French, so a lot of comical miming was necessary at times. But you will still make friends!

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The rooms are big and beautifully decorated.

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The swimming pool is the perfect place to make the most of the sun.

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And the flat roofs of the farm are the perfect spot to enjoy the sunsets!

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They also have a restaurant which offers simple but delicious local cuisine. Unfortunately I didn’t take any picture as I was too busy stuffing my face with pasta.

Tea time

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Turkish tea is so good and super efficient! Your new breakfast best friend!

Istanbul – 2015

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