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Travel Sommelier - Luxury Safari Travel and Bespoke Wine Tourism
Newsletter | March 2015
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We travel. The best food and wines don’t. Travel to meet them!
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Dear <<Nickname / Preferred Name>>
Food and Wine reveal a great deal about a destination. When I explore any city, one of my first stops is a fresh food market which is often a great meeting center for citizens. I strive to replicate this on Travel Sommelier’s platform … to provide our travelers with ‘insider’s experiences' in both food and wine. In that regard the theme of this month’s Tipsy Traveler is to showcase what we deem to be the best epicurean experiences across our portfolio. Educational, fun, immersive … and above all authentic. Enjoy a journey to meet a destination’s best gastronomy and oenology because you KNOW that the best offerings never leave their locale. Taste a sense of place.
Best Regards,
Darren & The Travel Sommelier Team
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THIS MONTH
- WHERE TO GO | South Africa
- WHERE TO GO | Mozambique
- Lunch in the Land of a Thousand Hills
- Fine Dining at its Best!
- Scottish Trails
- Wine and Dine on Safari
- Visiting Bo Kaap – the Heart of Cape Malay Culture in Cape Town
- Recipe of the Month
- Pictorial Gallery
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CLIENT FEEDBACK
Darren had arranged the most wonderful trip for us to South Africa a few years ago so we turned to him in hopes that he could put together a trip for us to South East Asia. He did and we had yet another Travel Sommelier "beyond words" trip, this time to Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand. Darren arranged for us to have wonderful guides, extraordinary experiences and beautiful accommodations. One of the many most memorable high lights- giving an elephant a bath in Thailand.
~ Lisa and Spike Lipschutz
read more | Client Feedback
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WHERE TO GO | South Africa
I am absolutely convinced that within the next few years (if it isn’t already happening right now under our very noses) that South Africa will become a culinary destination in much the same way that Tuscany, Provence and The Basque region are revered by gastro tourists. The best showcase of the country’s culinary landscape has long been Le Quartier Francais. Aside from adults being able to learn in and tour one of the country’s most prestigious kitchens, the property offers kid-centric cooking experiences … baking, pizza making (perfect while Mom and Dad are visiting Vineyards). In the heart of the Bushveld, guests can learn expert techniques to prepare all sorts of venison dishes as well as Ostrich at Tswalu’s exclusive Tarkuni Villa. These two experiences are just a small window into a culinary world in a country that enjoys cooking influences from France, Portugal, Italy, and Malaysia (among many more) - a melting pot that is distinct and different from anywhere else on the globe.
read more | South Africa
websites | www.tswalu.com | www.lqf.co.za
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WHERE TO GO | Mozambique
Aside from ornate - yet crumbling - architecture, departing Portuguese colonialists left behind a cooking culture which when combined with the bounty of the indian Ocean creates the finest seafood dishes in Africa. At Villa Santorini guests have the opportunity to learn the art of crafting expert Sushi dishes, making Peri Peri sauce from scratch and creating innovative seafood dishes from the freshest fish imaginable … washed down with Alentejo’s finest Vinho Verde!
read more | Mozambique
website | www.santorinimozambique.com
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TRAVEL JOURNAL | Lunch in the Land of a Thousand Hills
Visiting a family in the outskirts of Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital city, can be a reality check. Many of the people live in mud brick huts with the cow in the adjoining room with no running water, indoor plumbing, electricity or refrigeration. The meals are prepared in the traditional way, over an open wood fire and ingredients are fresh, delicious and served with a true welcoming graciousness while sharing information about life in the Rwandan countryside.
read more | Lunch in the Land of a Thousand Hills
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TRAVEL JOURNAL | Fine Dining at its Best!
Whether you have just arrived in Johannesburg preparing for your African journey or have returned after a fabulous safari or a wine tasting schedule, a dining experience at five hundred at The Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa -"Worlds Leading Boutique Hotel" since 2001 by World Travel Awards. Five hundred has received "Best of" Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator in 2014 and 2nd place 2014 EatOut Food Network Restaurant Awards among other awards.
read more | Fine Dining at its Best!
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TRAVEL JOURNAL | Scottish Trails
A little side bar inspired by Travel Sommelier’s focus on culinary travel and my personal love of Scotland. Traditionally the combination of food and Scotland conjures up visions of haggis, deep fried Mars bars and fish and chips, but times have changed dramatically, as some of Europe’s most dynamic culinary experts have put their stamp on Scotland. Discover the landscapes, people and culture that make Scotland’s food heritage so unique.
website | Scottish Trails
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TRAVEL JOURNAL | Wine and Dine on Safari
When helping our clients select a safari destination, our main focus is, of course, the wildlife! Balancing different ecologies, wildlife opportunities, and density of game viewing. We also want to make sure the clients are happy with the ambience at the lodge – contemporary or classic for example. The lodges also focus on providing our clients with a superb culinary experience! If you have not yet been on safari, let me assure you – you will NEVER be hungry. Each meal is unique and serves a distinct purpose.
read more | Wine and Dine on Safari
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TRAVEL JOURNAL | Visiting Bo Kaap – the Heart of Cape Malay Culture in Cape Town
On my recent visit to Cape Town, I was delighted to have the opportunity to undertake a walking tour of Bo Kaap, an area of the city characterized by its brightly coloured homes and stunning Table Mountain as its backdrop. The Cape Malay people are primarily descended from the slaves brought back from the Far East by traders stopping in Cape Town, and still maintain the culture, Muslim faith and traditions infused with their now blended South African heritage. They have brought serious contributions to the city’s growth over the centuries with strong traditions.
read more | Visiting Bo Kaap – the Heart of Cape Malay Culture in Cape Town
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RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Bobotie – a Cape Malay Classic
Another great Cape Malay classic, and considered one of South Africa’s national dishes. Here’s a recipe, courtesy of bbcgoodfood.com, which was delicious!
read more | Bobotie – a Cape Malay Classic
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Pictorial Gallery | Travel Sommelier's World [view all]
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For more information on any of the items above or other travel requests contact:
Darren Humphreys
Travel Sommelier
+1 203 286 8338
info@travelsommelier.com
www.travelsommelier.com
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