Viewing by month: January 2009

Qantas fare sale and Australia/New Zealand itineraries.

A few years ago, we traveled throughout New Zealand and Australia in April, and the weather was gorgeous. It’s a lovely time to visit the wineries in New Zealand, and still warm enough to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef.

Right now, Qantas is offering fares from Los Angeles or San Francisco to Sydney, Brisbane, or Melbourne starting at $760 for travel between February 1st and September 21st 2009.  But you have to act fast.  This fare sale ends January 31st.  For more information, visit www.qantas.com

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Posted by Molly Ottersen on 01/29/2009 at 5:04 AM | Categories: Transportation - Food and Wine - Australia/New Zealand - Hotels - Accommodations - Attractions -

Restaurant Weeks offer fine dining for less.

If we seem a little pre-occupied with food, it’s because, well, we are. One of our favorite pastimes, at home or away, is enjoying a fabulous meal.  And if it’s a great price – even better.

If you’re a foodie and live near a large city, you’re in luck. Restaurants across the country are currently trying to draw in customers with their annual Restaurant Week, usually held around the end of January or beginning of February (each city varies).

Participating restaurants offer a 3-course Prix Fixe meal, for a special price. Many also offer flights of wine specially chosen to accompany the meal for an additional fee.  It’s a great way to try out those places you’ve admired from afar but haven’t visited yet.

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Posted by Molly Ottersen on 01/23/2009 at 7:07 PM | Categories: Food and Wine - USA - Dining -

Impeccable service and delicious Italian food in Malibu.

Sometimes we get a jonesing for authentic Italian food, and fortunately, here in Southern California, good Italian restaurants are plentiful.

One of our favorites is Tra di Noi, in the Malibu Country Mart.  Owned by Tarcisio Mosconi  and Antonio Alessi, the restaurant has a main dining room, a wine room, and a great patio – perfect for people watching, and star gazing (both kinds).  Mosconi, a nattily dressed Italian, often greets you at the entrance to the patio, just off the often noisy playground, at least during the day. The Chef, Francesco Velasco, prepares a wide variety of dishes from both Southern and Northern Italy.


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Posted by Molly Ottersen on 01/22/2009 at 12:12 AM | Categories: Food and Wine - USA - California - Dining -