by Editor | Mar 1, 2009 | Europe, Frankfurt, Germany, Simon and Baker Travel Review
Named Tschifflik, meaning small palace in Turkish, for the former property built on the grounds by the Polish king who had it constructed it, this small restaurant was the most sophisticated of several attractive places to entertain the palate at the Romantik Hotel Landschloss Fasanerie. Everywhere we ate during our two-night stay at this woodside hotel was a delight. From the breakfast buffet to the hotels’ Mediterranean (Restaurant Orangerie) and regional (Restaurant Landhaus) restaurants every meal was a success.
by Editor | Mar 1, 2009 | Europe, Frankfurt, Germany, Simon and Baker Travel Review
An hour long drive from the Frankfurt Airport led us down highway and country roads to the BollAnt´s im Park Romantik Hotel and Vital Spa on the edge of Bad Sobernheim. Between the few words of German we knew and the reception desk staff person’s English we were able to check in with relative ease. After a short wait in the adjacent bar while our room was readied (we arrived in the early afternoon) we settled into a centrally located comfortable room.
by Editor | Mar 1, 2009 | Europe, Frankfurt, Germany, Simon and Baker Travel Review
Sandwiched between a hill and a river the Spa Bollant’s position made Feng Shui enthusiast happy, according to Nicole Prass-Anton, the spa manager. The understated reception belied the spa’s spacious facilities. Once inside, we discovered a variety of rooms, decorated oriental style, that filled the various floors of the modern building. Although it was located in a village at least an hour’s drive from a major city, the spa was sold out during our Monday afternoon visit in late winter.
by Editor | Mar 1, 2009 | Europe, Frankfurt, Germany, Simon and Baker Travel Review
A young and enthusiastic chef whose love for and ability with fish and seafood were evident made this restaurant stand out. Our romantic window side table faced Lake Constance, allowing us a sunset view of the lake and, in the distance, the lights of nearby towns across the lake in Switzerland. A single white rose in full bloom and a tall white candle were the sole adornments on our round table, allowing us to focus our attention on the parade of pretty dishes and handsome dinnerware the staff served us. Small touches like a moist towel to cleanse our hands before beginning the meal, a diversity of pre and post meal palate teasers and the staff’s enthusiastic attitude enhanced our dinner experience.
by Editor | Feb 1, 2009 | Auckland, Oceania, Simon and Baker Travel Review
Perched midway up New Zealand’s North Island on a narrow isthmus of rolling hills between two major bodies of water, Auckland is a city resolutely focused on the sea. On its eastern coast, the Hauraki Gulf leads to the South Pacific Ocean, while its western side overlooks the Tasman Sea. This privileged seaside location has fostered in Aucklanders a long-standing love affair with the sea.
by Editor | Dec 20, 2008 | Europe, France, Paris, Simon and Baker Travel Review
From the outside this small restaurant on a quiet Paris street revealed little of the gourmet treasures and extraordinary service hidden inside. It was a brutally cold day when we last visited Guy Savoy’s main establishment. We arrived early and were waiting across the street for the restaurant to open when we observed other guests entering. We quickly followed them in to find welcoming staff just inside the doors at a reception desk. They whisked away our coats and guided us to a small dining area in the rear of the restaurant.
