Sunday, December 17, 2017

Orange Carpaccio, recipe, my insights for you!

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Orange Carpaccio with fresh basil and mozzarella, ready in 15 minutes to serve, vegetarian ! 


photo of home made orange carpaccio served on my table at home

One of my favorite recipes for this time of the year, a great, easy to make and healthy appetizer.


Hey guys,


its that time of the year again, Christmas is about to come and finally time to spend some time with your loved ones. And what is better then to have dinner with family and friends?

I got this recipe from a friend of mine, which visited Stockholm recently for travel and got this dish in a restaurant while exploring the city. 

This home made recipe is just easy to prepare and you also get extra credit points as normally no one ever tried it before. Beside that recipe is easy to make and needs only really good and fresh ingredients theres nothing more really to have in mind.  Thanks to the oranges, it gives you an extra vitamin fill up for the cold winter times. 

Carpaccio - an Italian dish- was invented at "Harrys Bar" in Venice back in 1950. Normally Carpaccio is a dish of raw meat or fish, thinly sliced or pounded thin and served mainly as an appetizer. This recipe is the vegetarian alternative for you, even if you are not a veggie (I totally love Carpaccio also with beef) it is just a great option to check out. 

For the ingredients please only buy and use really the best you can get, as this dish taste is living threw the high quality of the ingredients I would recommend you to only buy bio orange, basil and only - really ONLY - buffalo mozzarella. Once again its all about the taste. 

Ingredients Orange Carpaccio (2 persons)
1 tea spoon salt
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoon olive oil 
1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
1/2 bunch fresh basil, leaves only
250 g of buffalo mozzarella
2 big oranges 

Directions
1. cut of both ends of the oranges, start removing the orange peel running your knife along the sides, turn the orange upside down and remove any white membrane that is still attached to the orange. Then slice the orange into very thin slices. Prepare the slices on a large serving platter.


photo of 2 big oranges

photo of oranges thinly sliced

photo of orange slices decorated on large plate

2. cut the buffalo mozzarella into small pieces.


photo of buffalo mozzarella


3. place mozzarella slices on the orange carpaccio.


photo of mozzarella pieces put on orange slices on a plate

4. combine oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper in a jar with a tight-fitted lid, shake well. Drizzle over oranges and mozzarella; sprinkle with the fresh basil leaves.


photo of fresh basil leaves

5. Depending on your taste you can also add some more freshly grounded black pepper over the orange carpaccio.


photo of ready to serve dish plate  "orange carpaccio"

6. Enjoy your appetizer. I serve along Italian bread, ciabatta, and a great match is rose wine.  


photo of Italian bread, ciabatta.

Cheers,
Melaines-Insights
www.melaines-insights.com




Sunday, October 29, 2017

Welcome to the "MASTERS HOME" in Munich, my insights for you!

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Masters Home, one of my favorite places to be in Munich!



photo of the view to the restaurant at the dinner table in the Masters Home Restaurant in Munich


Hey guys,

do you know the places you experience once and never get out of your mind? This one is definitely one of them.

If you are looking for a place to dine out in Munich, this is your spot. The restaurant "Masters Home" is just fitting every purpose, if it is just to have a drink at night time at the fancy bar, is it to dine out with your favorite person or even for a company dinner.

The place itself is hidden behind the famous "Viktualien market" in central downtown Munich. You walk only 5 minutes from Marienplatz to reach this wonderful location.


photo of the entrance from the masters home restaurant and bar in Munich


The interior is, as "Masters Home" the name is already telling you, a place with great interior all designed in "colonial style", which makes the place really unique and comfy.

When entering the location you need to go down the stairs and arrive right in front of the restaurant, which is separated from the bar areas.


photo of the interior restaurant Masters Home in Munich


The main bar area is having a huge propeller placed over the bar. The bar covers every drink or cocktail you can wish for. Please don't miss to ask the great bar crew for recommendations. 

From the main bar you can go in different rooms, which are decorated in different styles. So if you don't like to sit at the bar you can take your drink and enter the "library", "sleeping room" or the "bath room". Literally you can take a drink at the bed or the bath tube, which is quite a good location for your social media feed. 


photo of the bar area "liberay" from the masters home in Munich

photo of the bar area "bath room" at the masters home restaurant and bar in Munich


Also the bar is offering pizza from the stone oven, if you don't choose to go to the restaurant. 

The restaurant is separated from the bar area in a wonderful romantic setting with many fresh rose flowers and candles. Make sure you place a reservation before. 


photo of the decorations fresh flowers in the restaurant of the masters home in Munich

photo of me sitting at the restaurant, our table, at the Masters Home in Munich


The family "Crocamo" running the Masters Home is a well known gastronomy Italian family in Munich, which is famous for high quality food and style. 

The restaurant has not a normal menu, it offers you much more. At the beginning of the menu you get asked if you have allergies or you don't like any special food. The menu is existing of 8-courses. Each course costs 8,50 Euro and you can jump any time you want to the dessert. 


photo of the dinner table at the Masters Home restaurant in Munich

The food is amazing, so I would always recommend you to try out the menu unchanged. I would say it is typical Italian food touched with modern elements. 

Just take a look at the pictures, it is stunning.


photo of my first course "tuna carpaccio" at the menu in the masters home in Munich
Tuna Carpaccio
photo of my second dish "truffled vegetables" from the menu at the restaurant Masters Home in Munich
Truffeld vegtables 

photo of my third dish "homemade pasta served in a parmesan basket" at the restaurant masters home in Munich
homemade pasta served in a parmesan basket

photo of my fourth dish "homemade pasta in truffle sauce with fresh truffles" at the restaurant masters home in Munich
homemade pasta with truffle 

photo of my fifth dish "sorbet" at the restaurant Masters Home in Munich
Sorbetto 

Make sure you also check out the wine recommendations, from the best service, "Silvio", you can ask for.

I also entered the kitchen as I was curious how this fantastic menu is done. Entering the kitchen the team and the boss himself was preparing the dishes. I think one of the things why it is such a wonderful place, because the owners put the heart in every detail.


photo of the kitchen behind the scenes at the restaurant Masters Home in Munich, the chef Pino Crocamo.

Im sure we will come back soon and for everybody who hasn't been there, make sure on your next trip to Munich you will visit this amazing restaurant "Masters Home".

Cheers,
Melaines-Insights
www.melaines-insights.com




Friday, September 22, 2017

Relaxing in the mountains? My insights from "DAS KRONTHALER" in beautiful Austria

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Austria, "DAS KRONTHALER", my insights! 


Achensee, Tyrol, here we go!


photo of my glass of welcome bubbly at das Kronthaler in Tyrol, Austria, Achensee.

Hey guys,


sometimes you just need some days off or even if not - treating yourself with wellness is always a good option.

For me I just wanted to spend some relaxing days active in the mountains with a great stay at a wellness hotel. As I checked the internet about "where to go" travel options I found a wonderful place in Austria called "DAS KRONTHALER".

The hotel itself offers great design and a great spa, but also the location of "DAS KRONTHALER" has a wonderful setting directly on the Achensee (15 minutes walk) with great mountain views.

photo of the hotel "das Kronthaler" outside terrace and exterior.

For a reason it is called a "lifestyle" hotel, it has a beautiful interior design - really modern but also with influence of the alpine lifestyle, which makes it really comfy.

photo of the sitting area and welcome are at "das Kronthaler" hotel in Austria, Achensee, Tyrol.


We had a wonderful "Chalet" room, which has a lot of space and a wonderful balcony with direct view towards the mountains / lake of Achensee as well as in the woods.
My absolut highlight from the room was the bath tube placed in front of the big windows with a wonderful outlook to the Austrian nature. We had also a own sauna for us, which was quite luxurious. 

photo of our "Chalet" suite at das Kronthaler in Austria, Tyrol, Achensee

photo of our Chalet suite at das Kronthaler and the bath tube with a view at the wonderful nature at Austria, Tyrol, Achensee


The hotel itself offers beside the great spa and wellness area weekly sport activities, also a own personal trainer as well as a lifestyle shop, own chapel and a hairstylist. I found in every spot of the hotel something special, so  make sure to check everything out while being there. 

I found a great bracelet which I love now to wear and always reminds me on our beautiful stay. As well I got an appointment at the hairstylist, which I can only recommend. Also I did a body treatment in the wellness area, which has been so relaxing and a great experience you should not miss out. Speaking about not missing out - you need to see the hotel own chapel, it is so lovely decorated and holds every religion in it. 

photo of the shop in the hotel das Kronthaler

photo of the own hotel chapel at das Kronthaler

photo of the chapel at das Kronthaler


We booked also the so called "Kronthaler-all-in" option, which means you have breakfast, light-lunch, some snacks in the afternoon and also a 5-course-dinner in the evening. Throwout the day water is always for free available. 
During our stay the food was high quality and well chosen, also you have healthy options as freshly baked low carb bread. 

photo of my dinner dish at das Kronthaler in Austria, Tyrol, Achensee.

photo of my gnocchi at "DAS KRONTHALER" in Tyrol, Austria, Achensee


The restaurant offers tables on the window, which I personally loved while being there. Especially in the evening the setting of the restaurant is really romantic. 
Throwout the hotel I really loved the great design in every detail. 

photo of me and the view from the dinner table at das Kronthaler hotel in Austria, Tyrol, Achensee

photo of the dinner table in fron the the big glass window facing the mountains at "das Kronthaler" hotel in Austria, Tyrol, Achensee.

photo of the table dinner decoration at "das Kronthaler" in Austria, Tyrol, Achensee.

The hotel offers also two bars, one is in front of the restaurant area and the second is on the roof top terrace. Which offers again another great view on the nature surroundings. 

photo of the roof top terrace bar from the "das Kronthaler" hotel in Austria, Tyrol, Achensee.

photo of the interior from the roof top terrace bar at the hotel "das Kronthaler" in Austria, Tyrol, Achensee.

The indoor pool area is also a great place, they offer many sauna options - my favorite was the "Himalaya" sauna. You can also choose from different tea options and fresh apples, which are also included during your stay. 

photo of the wellness area at "das Kronthaler" hotel in Austria, Tyrol, Achensee


photo of the pool outdoor area at the hotel "das Kronthaler" in Austria, Tyrol, Achensee

photo of the indoor pool from the hotel "das Kronthaler" Austria, Tyrol, Achensee

When we came we got our welcome drink at the outdoor terrace, as the weather conditions have been really good and the sun was out. So we were lucky to enjoy our light lunch also on this great venue. 


photo of me a the outdoor terrace at the hotel "das Kronthaler" facing the mountains and nature of Austria, Tyrol.

When your active there are so many sport options. Many hiking roots are starting from the hotel and if you are into skiing or snowboarding this is your destination.

If your looking for great service, wellness and active options make sure to spend some days here. Im sure I will come back soon! 

Links to the hotel: "DAS KRONTHALER" (please click on the link and you will be forwarded to the landing page). 

Cheers,
Melaines-Insights
www.melaines-insights.com




























Friday, September 8, 2017

Looking for the perfect Hideaway in Italy? Vitigliano Tuscan Relais & Spa, my insights!

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Heaven on earth, hideaway Vitigliano, Tuscany !   

 

photo of the view from the lunch table at Vitigliano Tuscan Relais & Spa overlooking the nature of Tuscany, Italy


Looking for the perfect Hideaway to stay in Italy? Vitigliano Tuscan Relais & Spa, my insights !


Hey guys,


I have been many times to beautiful Tuscany, Italy, but this time I was searching for a so called "hideaway". The definition of a hideaway for me is the perfect combination of peace, romantic, privacy and luxury. I started my research on the internet and came across the homepage of Vitigliano.

The romantic former village "Vitigliano" lies on a hill overlooking the breathtaking landscape of Tuscany. It is located in the most privileged region of the Chianti, Tuscany, half way between Florence and Siena.


photo of the view from the outdoor pool at Vitigliano Tuscan Relais & Spa facing the old village and hideaway of Vitigliano


The history goes back to the 1085. That means the oldest building - still in existence today - is 1,000 years old.


photo of a dinner table at the Vitigliano hideaway in Tuscany


In 2008, Vitigliano, was rediscovered as the last Verrazano gem in Chianti, by Marion Hattemer who awoke it from its slumber and elaborately and extensively renovated the property in a way that does justices to its historic significance.

I read on the homepage the wonderful interview of the owner, Marion Hattemer and I really fall in love with her attitude about her work and her understanding from life. It took her 2 years of negotiations before she could fill out the contract and 4 years of renovation work before it was completed to the state in which you see it today.


photo of the outdoor exterior at the Vitigliano Tuscan Relais & Spa



The location is stunning and so is the hideaway. Surrounded by 5 hectares including an olive grove and oak forest, the resort distributes many amenities. The cypress-lined driveway leading to the estate is like something you would find in a picture book. 


photo of the 12,5 acres at Vitigliano Tuscan Relais & Spa including olive grove and oak forest


To me it is no surprise, that Vitigliano is a World Luxury Hotel Awards winner and mentioned in different high class magazines for travel and luxury worldwide. 

Vitigliano is offering 6 suites for the visitors. Which means they can provide you the perfect service experience and you feel really private while being there.

Speaking about the rooms. The rooms are all facing the wonderful nature of Tuscany. The marvel bathrooms and every detail of the suites are well picked and showing the love and the good design taste of the owner. 

We stayed at the wonderful suite called "Torre", which is a 2-room maisonette-suite. I loved the combination of the modern and the historic elements, it feels more then a second home instead of a hotel room.


photo of our sleeping room at the suite Torre at Vitigliano Tuscan Relais & Spa


photo of our living room at Vitigliano Tuscan Relais & Spa


You can really fell the passion and love in every detail of your stay. The service is unbelievable.
Throwout our stay we more felt like friends instead of guests.

If you are into wellness, make sure to book a wellness treatment in the wonderful wellness area. The wellness of Vitigliano received the "world luxury spa awards" for a good reason. 


photo of the dining are outdoor overlooking the Tuscan nature at Vitigliano Tuscan Relais and Spa



We loved to stay at the outdoor pool, you can relax there and just enjoy the wonderful view towards the amazing nature of Tuscany. One of my personal highlights, between all the highlights we experienced there. 


photo of the outdoor pool at the Vitigliano, Tuscany, hideaway


Sitting in the wonderful whirlpool after doing some sports is just only one thing you can do while staying here. 


photo of the whirlpool at the hideaway Vitigliano Tuscan Relais & Spa, Italy


The food options are high quality and regional food. You can choose breakfast, lunch and / or dinner. The restaurant serves only guests.


photo of my lunch melon and ham at Vitigliano Tuscan Relais and Spa, Italy


The service and the chef are doing such a great job, I loved the dinner - because it is such a romantic setting.


photo of my lunch salad with the great wine from Tommaso Cavalli at Vitigliano Tuscan Relais & Spa in Italy


I love wine and this is of course the perfect setting for it. The wine cellar is stocked with a private label wine created especially for Vitigliano by Tommaso Cavalli, a neighbor and son of the fashion designer Roberto Cavalli. You need to try this wine, it is wonderful! 

So if your planning on going to Tuscany, make sure you stop by Vitigliano for some days !

Cheers,
Melaines-Insights
www.melaines-insights.com