Cremeria Scirocco

“Cremeria Scirocco” are two words that mean heaven to me! Last spring when I was in Bologna, we took a trip to Cremeria Scirocco which is about 15 mins outside of the city (Bologna periphery).  The owner Davide, was a computer scientist who decided to unite his love of technology  with his love for Gelato. He developed a computer program which helps to create Gelato by using various inputs. He uses over 5 different kinds of sugar in his gelato’s.  He uses all natural ingredients to develops unique flavors. I tried several of his unique flavors, like Curry (tasted like eggo waffles!!), Green Tea, blood orange, peas… all of his flavors are incredible–the taste is genuine.  He also does torte’s and granitas. If you are in Bologna I highly recommend taking a trip out to this gelateria! It was voted best in Bologna and it truly is some of the best Gelato I’ve ever had!

For more information: http://www.cremeriascirocco.it/prodotti.php

10 Reasons to Celebrate--10 Great Villas with Low Rates!

Whether you are looking for a seaside villa in Costa Brava, or a Tuscan Retreat, we have properties to suit all of your needs and budget requests...
Here are 10 low budget properties for your next trip...

SPAIN
1. Gaucin, Andalucia---Villa Cielo mid season rates starting at $3,000

2. Gaucin, Andalucia--Villa Moro, mid Season Rates $3750

3. Blanes, Costa Brava--Can MarStarting at $2250

4. Blanes, Costa Brava---Safe Haven, rates at $3050

5. Pedrosa De Duero, Castillo y Leon---Villa Vinedo rates at $4,500

ITALY
6. Positano, Campania--Positano Villa rates at $4,000

7. San Gimignano, Tuscany--- Molino Santa Lucia, prices at $2,990

8. Castiglione, Umbria--Calamaio, Rates at $3,030

9. Cisterno, Apulia---Terrabona, Rates at $2750

10. Costa Smeralda, Sardinia, Costa Smeralda Villa, rates from $4510

Please contact us for more information and don't forget to visit our new website! http://www.elsolvillas.com/ Thank you,
The El Sol Team

Check out our New Promotional Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0uIZk1f4lI

Spain on the Road Again

For people who love food and travel, Mario Batali and Gwenyth Paltrow have put together a PBS 13 part series which is currently airing. The show is about Mario Batali and Mark Bittman, who are food obsessed people on the look out for great food and wine and cooking unique to Spain. In this TV series they will also feature Gwenyth Paltrow and Claudia Bassols. The four of them will travel together and make a fun showcase of the great country of Spain. This will include adventures on the road, the history, the culture and country's art along with music and any other exciting event that happens along the way. A new cookbook and DVD are available which feature the entire episode. The book has great photos and descriptions of the various regions of Spain along with recipes and great discussion about Spanish food. Find the activities on http://www.spainontheroadagain.com/

Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy

This Delightful Pharmacy leaves visitors inhaling for more....

This pharmacy has a deep history which begins with a group of Dominican Friars who began cultivating herbs upon their arrival in Florence in 1221. It wasn't until several hundreds of years later that Fernando di Medici agreed that the friars should open up a store in 1612. Since then this pharmacy has become famous worldwide for their herbal remedies, potions, and lotions. Many of the product formulas are the same--and the packaging is reminiscent of this ancient era. And the interior is just as exquisite as the products!

Products not to be missed:

• Almond Hand Cream (Called "almond paste")
• Pomegranate Bath Soap
• Orange Blossom Water
• Cleansing Milk

The Address: Via della Scala 16 - Firenze - Italy
It is adjacent to the Santa Maria Novella Church

E Cucina Ristorante

Bologna, Italy is famous for their cuisine, and is the home of many of Italy's finest restaurants. The Emilia Romagna Region is known for it's rich dishes being the home of Parmigiana Cheese, Tortellini, and Lasagna. E Cucina however differs from the rest! This restaurant is an experience from the time you walk in the door til your last sip of espresso. It is inspired by modern art and creativity which is expressed in the decor and food. The famous chef, Cesare Marretti, is always developing new and exciting dishes (there is no menu--3 pasta dishes are offered a day, and 3 meat dishes), in fact I've been there over 30 times and never had the same meal!

I mostly recommend it for lunch as they have a great Price Fix Menu (For 10 Euros!)consisting of
1.Pasta Dish
2.Salad
3.Either dessert or Side Dish
4.Wine/Water/Espresso
5.Delicious Bread

Some examples of pasta dishes I had there were--Cannolo filled with Spinach, Pasta alla Norma version Cesare (Pasta in tomato sauce with eggplant), Cold pasta salad with fresh vegetables, Polenta with Ragu sauce.

Some examples of desserts--Marscapone cream with chocolate chips, semifreddo with mint and chocolate chips, Apple tort, Chocolate tort with pear, Bigne in cream with dark chocolate.

This is really a fabulous restaurant which is not to be missed in Bologna! It is not only fabulous because the food is delicious but also because of the artistic decor and fabulous staff/Chef.

You can visit his website here (it's in Italian but gives an idea of his creativity):
http://www.cesaremarretti.com/

Tivoli: A lovely Day Trip from Rome

Rome is a beautiful city with many historical treasures and architectural delights to be admired. However many visitors miss one of the most enchanting parts of ancient Roman history, the UNESCO world heritage site of Villa d'Este. Only 1 hour outside of Rome this hilltop town boasts a Villa with meticulous gardens--a former summer residence of cardinal Ippolito II d’Este. The architects used an interesting combination of water and stone, as the property is dotted with dozens of fountains. In fact the city of Tivoli has an aqueduct which was engineered by the Ancient Romans. The design concept for the gardens was that of Ancient Babylon (the hanging gardens), one of the ancient wonders of the world.



Don't miss the chance to visit this hilltop garden paradise on your next trip to Rome!