THE LAND OF PLENTY

Posted on 2010-09-06

Autumn has traditionally always been a time for harvest and feasting. Our favourite destination to honour the changing of the seasons would have to be somewhere you could witness a full colour explosion as the leaves turn. For us, the fall in Québec is second to none: huge swathes of forest shed their leaves and in the amber autumnal light the tranquil lakes glisten just that little bit more.

Down tools and escape to Québec to mark a year of hard work with a feast of home-grown delights. For starters, sample the apple cider. Québec’s first settler literally planted the seed for the province’s love affair with all things apple related on the site of what is now the hub of Canadian contemporary culture, Québec City, and they haven’t looked back since. By October the apples have ripened and are ready to be pressed: cue mellow evenings enjoying the fruits of the springtime’s labour. For something even more refreshing, hold out till January to swig the regional ice cider: the apples are left to freeze naturally resulting in a drink that is 100% pure. Prefer your apples non-alcoholic? Try a steaming apple and maple syrup tart freshly baked at one of the pâtisseries in Montréal’s Mile End neighbourhood and you’ll be converted.

Québec is also famous for its farmhouse and artisan cheeses, uniquely combining French and English cheese making practices to perfect the semi-firm surface-ripened cheese. The Quebecoise take their fromage very seriously indeed, hosting the prestigious annual La Fète des Fromages d’ici in Montréal. (This year’s event saw sixteen Québec cheese masters showcasing over 40 of their expert Quebec cheeses for public and panel scrutiny). Our local favourite has to be the famous Pied-De-Vent.

And what could go better with a slab of creamy blue than a glass of local wine? In the last 20 years Québec’s small but perfectly formed wine industry has emerged as a strong contender on the world wine map, with many vineyards family run for that personal touch. Pitch up for something straight from the cellar.

Cultivate your appetite in Québec this autumn. For more information and to book, visit www.blacktomato.co.uk or call on 020 7426 9888.

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SKIES ON FIRE

Posted on 2010-08-30

If you don’t think there’s much to celebrate about the approach of winter, time to change your thinking. If there’s one place to make the most of the evenings drawing in, it’s Iceland.
Reykjavik is a city break with a big difference. Not many capital cities can boast bubbling thermal pools and dramatic frozen glaciers, plus this is just the tip of the, well, iceberg…

Around now, a little after dark, you can catch the wonder of nature in the Aurora Borealis. Adoringly named after the ancient goddess of dawn and the Greek word for the north wind, these sweeping swathes of neon coloured light will leave you mesmerised. For a front-row seat, hike the rugged landscapes of Thingvellir National Park, where the legendary ultra-violet sunsets are so extraordinary you’ll start to wonder what planet you’re on.

The city is full of creative innovation; it’s hard to ignore. By day, explore contemporary art galleries and rummage around in hidden boutiques for the niche brands that keep the locals looking so stylish. When the sun goes down, the Icelanders are experts in cutting edge nightlife, and staying at the chic Hotel 101 you’re perfectly placed to explore this city’s edgy after-dark spots.

To clear out that morning-after-the-night-before feeling a dip in the blue lagoon is definitely called for. Or, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, quad bike across lunar landscapes, scuba dive between tectonic plates, or head into the wild on a snowmobile.
Make the most of autumn evenings, and experience a chic weekend away in Iceland.

For more information about Iceland and to book, visit www.blacktomato.co.uk or call on 020 7426 9888.

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SAIL AWAY, SAIL AWAY, SAIL AWAY

Posted on 2010-08-23

The Owl and the Pussycat went to sea in a beautiful pea green boat… OK, so a year and a day might be a little too long, but wouldn’t we all very much like to sail away and dance by the light of the moon (the moon, the moon)?

In these dog days of summer we’ve been inspired by all things oceanic. And to be honest we’re a bit spoilt for choice…

To take a front row seat for some wondrous whale watching head to California’s west coast. Right now until October you can catch a glimpse of graceful blue whales and lumpy humpbacks off the Big Sur coast from the comfort of your schooner. They’re big. (These blubbery giants are the largest animals inhabiting the earth). Their hearts alone are about the size of a VW Beetle. Make your own beat faster as you experience one of the most amazing sites nature has to offer.

A little closer to home there’s the (often overlooked) volcanic island Lanzarote. Banish images of rows of beer-label parasols, this black sand beauty boasts top notch diving and from the deck of your private yacht you can feast your eyes on some seriously sci-fi landscapes.

What’s the best bit about sailing? We reckon it’s probably the freedom to throw down your anchor in a secluded bay and bathe in crystal clear waters as though they were a private infinity pool. Croatia’s coastline has this covered. Dip into the secluded bays of the Pakleni islands to discover hidden restaurants serving seafood so fresh that it’s still blinking.

Phew… For the sailors that don’t want to break a sweat there are the Keralan backwaters. Pootle past farmers plucking rice from paddy fields as you gaze at the ebb and flow of local life from the slow lane on your own little house boat. All aboard…

For more information and to book, visit www.blacktomato.co.uk or call on 020 7426 9888.

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SWEDEN’S SILVER ISLANDS

Posted on 2010-08-16

Once in a land not so far away, the sea was silver with herring. That’s according to the locals you’ll meet on the western islands of Sweden. There was once, apparently, a time when you could dip buckets into the water and they’d come up brimming with the country’s national dish. The fish have come and gone from Sweden’s west coast, but now they’re back (in slightly less legendary amounts) they make for a great dish and another reason to head this way.

There are literally hundreds of islands to pick from in the west, each with their own twist. Want to feel like you’re on your very own island? Pater Noster is small enough to throw a stone over (almost) and you can enjoy a glass of bubbly in an iconic 19th century red iron lighthouse to accompany the 360 degree views. Back down for a spin in the outdoor hot tub tops off a pretty perfect day.

If you’re searching for where the locals go, you’ll find them on Marstrand. Sweden’s summer escape. Walk passed the red-roofed houses and overflowing flower gardens – you’ve probably seen them on a postcard – to get to local cafés and boutiques. Classic seaside town? Check.

A hop over to Åstol Island, and you’ll know the names of half the residents after a few days (or hours; how outgoing are you feeling?). Don a cosy rug around your shoulders and take in some fresh sea air as Pia, Leif and their staff bring you smoked herring from their very own smokery. With a population under 300, they know every face. You’ll feel like a regular in no time.

Traditional Swedish schnapps, floating hotels and a private night in a floating sauna…yes please. At Salt & Sill hotel and restaurant, try a taster herring dish with a different flavoured schnapps to match each way the fish is cooked, and on your last night, take the floating sauna for a spin. You’ll be out at sea for a night of steaming away, bubbles on the balcony and sleeping to the sound of nothing but the local seals.

Whether it’s peace and quiet, a chilled community or a bustling local hotspot, our secret (until now) place to head is West Sweden’s islands. All the authentic, rustic charm you could want and none of the tourist hoards. Yet.

For more information about Sweden and to book, visit www.blacktomato.co.uk or call on 020 7426 9888.

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A CLASH OF OLD AND NEW

Posted on 2010-03-22

A heady mix of devastatingly beautiful landscapes, intriguing culture and sizzling hot cities. Yep – China is the destination when it comes to immersing yourself in the best of the old and new. Take an insiders tour from Hong Kong to Guilin for the ultimate Ying and Yang travel experience.

Begin in the urban playground of Hong Kong for a true taste of 21st century China. Hop over on the ferry to the downtown districts of Kwai Fong, Soho and Gough Street for quirky designer clothes, Chinese antiques and vibey al fresco dining.

After the hustle bustle and frenetic pace of the city, the mist-draped mountains, bamboo forests and ancient indigenous villages of Guilin await. An old Chinese saying even claims this scenery to be the “finest under heaven”. And we certainly don’t disagree.

Go the water way and meander along the Li River to Yangshuo or if your feeling slightly more intrepid head deep into the countryside for a stunning stay at the Li-An Lodge. This gorgeously ornate wooden structure, perched on the mountaintop of the ‘Dragon’s Backbone’, is the perfect place from which to spend your days exploring endless rice paddies and meeting the ethic people of the Zhuang and Yao minority tribes.

The perfect Asian adventure for the best of both worlds? Definitely.

For more information about China and to book, have a look at www.blacktomato.co.uk or call on 020 7426 9888.

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TEL AVIV CITY BREAK

Posted on 2010-03-15

Looking for an alternative city break to defy all pre-conceptions? Israel never sprung to mind? Well, trust us; it should definitely be at the forefront of your mind when planning your next cultural excursion. Rich atmosphere, heady beachlife, bustling shopping streets, markets, and hip bohemian neighbourhoods make Tel Aviv a multi-layered city with something for everyone.

From the designer shops of Shenkin Street, rich in cafés serving traditional coffee to linger over, to the boho Yemenite Quarter and the fortified port of Jaffa, the diversity here is unmissable. If shopping is on your to-do list but designer price tags aren’t, don’t miss Carmel Market: narrow avenues of stalls selling everything from fresh fruit to exotic spices and clothes.

For those art-lovers amongst you, spend a day immersing yourself in local galleries. Head to Gordon Street, the original hub of Tel Aviv galleries and the perfect spot for some serious art gazing.

In need of escaping the urban jungle? Stroll along the seafront from the shiny new marina and across the sandy beaches which stretch all the way from north to south and head for the historic port town of Jaffa (yes, where the oranges come from), where sun-bleached castles and turreted doorways greet you beside fabulous sea views.

Cutting-edge culture in the Mediterranean ‘city that never sleeps’. Get in quick, before the rest of the travel rabble catches on.

For more information and to book, visit www.blacktomato.co.uk or call on 020 7426 9888.

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