Friday, March 31, 2017

Avocado Salad - 30 min ready, my insights for you!

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Avocado veggie salad recipe, quick and healthy in only 30 min ready to be served! Vegetarian! 


Avocado veggie salad dish, picture food, food

Hey guys,


I just love Avocados, for me they are always on the list when it comes to a healthy dish.

Beside the fact that this is definitely something for Avocado lovers - Spring is already here and as everybody knows summer will follow, this is a great quick recipe that will make you look good in your beach outfit.

Its ready to be served in 30 min and really easy to make. Please click on the link to my facebook page and instagram feed for the making of video.

As this dish is only existing out of a few ingredients, please make sure you buy high quality and use only high quality products. 

Ingredients (2 persons)

Avocados (2, I always buy 3 to have one in spare if one is after cutting not the right quality)


Avocado, Avocado lovers, Avocado salad recipe


Red bell peppers (2)


Red bell peppers, bell peppers, recipe


Buffalo mozzarella (2, if you haven't eaten buffalo mozzarella before, try this one instead of the "normal" one - its really delicious)
Buffalo mozzarella, recipe

Pine nuts (50 g)


pine nuts, pine nut, recipe


Recipe (2 persons)

1. Preheat your oven to at least 200 celsius.
2. Put the pine nuts in a dry skillet and cook over medium
    low heat, stirring frequently, until golden in spots, about
    2 minutes. Make sure the skillet is not to hot, as the pine
    nuts are getting quick burned - also they burn after, so
    after roasting take them on a plate for cooling down. 
3. Cut the red bell peppers into squares.
4. Place the red bell pepper squares cut side down on a
    rimmed baking sheet, use parchment paper, in the oven
    - about 25 minutes. Check to make sure peppers have
    fully roasted.
    The skin should be charred and soft, and the peppers
    should look slightly collapsed. If they don't look ready, let
    them roast for a few more minutes. 
5. While your peppers are roasting you can take care 
    cutting the avocados. Start by cutting the avocado in two
    pieces. Make long one cut into the seed, all around the
    avocado. Use the knife to make a grid in the avocado 
    meat, make sure you only cut the meat not into the peel 
    or shell. Use a tablespoon to scrape along the inner steel
    of the avocado, the diced avocado pieces will easily fall 
    out. Place the pieces of avocado into a bowl.
6. After that you can cut the mozzarella in eatable pieces.
7. Now mix the mozzarella pieces, avocado pieces and pine
    nutes in a bowl.
8. Take the bell peppers out of the oven. Im always using a 
    wet kitchen towel, place this wet towel right after you 
    took them out of the oven and squeeze it on them for a
    bit. Make sure your fingers don't get burned, as they are 
    still hot. After taking away the wet towel you can start
    peeling of the skin of the peppers with a knife, which 
    should be now really easy because of the wet towel 
    technique. After peeling the skin away you can start 
    cutting the peppers into small slides.
9. Mix the slides of the peppers into the bowl with the 
    avocados, pine nuts and buffalo mozzarella. 
10. For the dressing I always use 2 spoons of native high 
     quality olive oil, some pepper & salt and the juice of
     a half lemon (which has a nice effect on the avocados,
     as the avocado doesn't get any ugly dark spots) or 
     balsamico if you like. 
11. Now its ready to be served - if you like you can serve 
     baguette with spices along. 

ENJOY!!!!!!


Cheers,
Melaines-Insights






Friday, March 24, 2017

Brunch at The Charles Hotel Munich, my insights for you!

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Sunday is Brunch day, my insights ! 



Entrance Sophie's Restaurant, The Charles Hotel Munich

 Hey guys,


I just love relaxing on Sundays and what I love especially on Sundays is to brunch. As everybody knows: Brunch without Prosecco is just a sad, late breakfast.

Today I will write about my Brunch experience at the "Sophia's" restaurant @ the famous five-star The Charles Hotel in Munich (Rocco Forte Hotel Collection)


Outside view to the Charles Hotel Munich


The Charles Hotel is located in the heart of the city, close to the historic Königsplatz overlooking the peaceful Old Botanical Garden of Munich. 

The entrance of the "Sophia's" restaurant is just to the right of The Charles Hotel. When I entered the hotel lobby the first thing that catched my eye was the wonderful decorated lobby and the modern classy style of the Hotel itself.


The Charles Hotel lobby, entrance Charles Hotel Munich

Bar Charles Hotel Munich, The Charles Hotel Munich

The Charles Hotel Munich, flowers, flower arrangement at the bar


The Brunch the Charles Hotel is offering is high end luxury standard, which means you get really everything you could wish for on a high quality food and drink base.

The restaurant "Sophia's" is also really modern and has huge glass fronts overlooking into the Old Botanic Garden in Munich. I really liked the art they decorated around the restaurant. 


The Charles Hotel, Sofia's Restaurant, Breakfast and Brunch area, sitting area, tables and chairs

The Charles Hotel, Restaurant, Sophia's, table and chairs

The Charles Hotel Munich, sitting area, decoration, modern art

The Charles Hotel Munich, sitting area, modern art


The Brunch is set up as a buffet. You can order from your table coffee, tea, orange juice and different dishes as french toast or egg dishes. I ordered a egg benedict, which was excellent. All options are included in the brunch. 


The Charles Hotel Munich, Breakfast, Brunch, Buffett

The Charles Hotel Munich, Brunch, Breakfast, Buffett, choices

The Charles Hotel Munich, food, egg benedict close up, food photography


They have a own bakery, which delivers the incredible fresh breads and croissants. You can choose along various cheese, meat, sweets, vegetable and fruit plates on the buffet. Drinks included besides different water options are smoothies, freshly squeezed juices and Prosecco.


The Charles Hotel Munich, Brunch, Smoothies

The Charles Hotel Munich, fruit plate with smoothies, food photography


You can also buy a voucher for your loved ones from the Hotel for Brunch, I can highly recommend it as a present- because what is more precious then spending time with your loved ones in a beautiful classy surrounding and treat yourself good! 

Brunch is served from 7.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m, the hotel is also offering a kids club which you can check with the hotel.

Make sure you place a reservation before coming to Brunch, as the restaurant is highly busy due to the great quality and service.

Links are as always integrated in the text, by clicking on it you will be forwarded to the page.

Cheers,
Melaines-Insights





















Friday, March 17, 2017

Bavaria - Ammersee, my insights !

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Bavaria - Ammersee, my insights for you!


View, Ammersee, Strandbar, Biergarten, Fischer, Restaurant

Hey guys,


today I have a insight from beautiful Bavaria. When you think about Bavaria most people are thinking of traveling to Munich. But Bavaria has much more to offer then only one city.

"Fischer am Ammersee" is one of my favorite spots to spend some relaxing time, it is directly located at the amazing lake of Ammersee. Driving from Munich city centre you should calculate about 40 minutes. The style of the location is really modern and fresh. 

I can recommend anytime to come, but I just LOVE the breakfast at this place. They offer high quality breakfast with an amazing view to the lake of Ammersee. After breakfast you can also do some hiking or sports around the lake. 



Breakfast, Fischer, Ammersee, Restaurant, Winterlounge


During winter time they have a really romantic and cozy winter lounge with an own fire place, it is build up on wood each year new from October - April. 



View inside Fischer Ammersee, Restaurant, interior



They offer a nice "Biergarten" called "Strandbar" where you can sit outside on the lake and relax while having some traditional Bavarian snacks or international snacks. Normally it is opened up when the first ray of lights hit the Ammersee. They also offer blankets for you, if the temperature is not that high and you still want to enjoy your glass of bubbly outside. 




Ammersee, Fischer, Strandbar, view, outside, Biergarten, Bavaria, bar, restaurant

Fischer, Ammersee, Bavaria, Chairs, Bar, view to lake Ammersee


Also they have a great main restaurant where you can go for breakfast, lunch and dinner any time. The restaurant is offering regional and seasonal high quality food.


Restaurant, Fischer, Ammersee, interior, inside

Fischer, Restaurant, cakes, view, inside, interior

Ammersee, Fischer, Restaurant, bottles, wine, champagne, inside, view, wall


If you are planning an event you can also rent this place. 


Fischer, Ammersee, Strandbar, table, 2 glasses of wine, sitting, front row lake Ammersee, handbag

view lake Ammersee, nature, lake, Bavaria


Link is as always included in the text, please click on it so you will be forwarded to the page.

Cheers,
Melaines-Insights


Friday, March 10, 2017

South Africa - Grand Dèdale Country House, my insights!

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South Africa - Grand Dèdale Country House, my insights for you!


Grand Dédale Country House, Wellington. 


Grand Dedale Country House, outside view, view from garden



Hey guys,


today I write about our stay at the wonderful Grand Dèdale Country House in Wellington.


view from outside, Grand Dedale Country House, Entering gate


Nestled at the end of a tranquil valley below the historic Bainskloof Pass, Grand Dédale is set within an award winning Wine Estate, offering sweeping views of the valley as well as the Groenberg, Limietberge and Hawekwa mountains. The picturesque town of Wellington is a short drive away, Cape Town can be reached within 50 minutes.


Grand Dedale Countryhouse, Wellington, Terrace, View from the terrace

The exclusive and elegantly restored Cape Dutch Manor House, formerly the private residence of the owners of Doolhof Wine Estate, comprises six luxurious and bespoke rooms and suites. A separate thatched cottage is enjoyed by honeymooners or guests seeking additional privacy.


Grand Dedale Country House, view to the romantic cottage from main terrace

Grand Dedale Country House, romantic cottage, outside view romantic cottage


We stayed at the romantic cottage, which I can only recommend to you to do. You have an own cottage for yourself, as you can see in the picture it is nicely decorated and is offering all the luxury you can wish for. It has two levels and an own terrace, which makes it really private and really romantic. A must for honeymooners.  


Grand Dedale Country House, interior, inside romantic cottage

Grand Dedale Country House, inside, romantic cottage, view from inside towards steps

Grand Dedale Country House, living room, view from inside romantic cottage


Grand Dedale Country House, romantic cottage, 2 level, sleeping room


The exclusive rooms (six) are in the main house, the rooms are all different but all elegant and great styled. Every room has a own story, so it just makes you to wish for come back again soon. We stayed one night at the room "Hawequa", which is right underneath the roof top, an amazing loft room experience. 


Grand Dedale Country House, sleeping room, room at the main building

Grand Dedale Country House, bathroom, room, main building


The Country House has amazing interior. I just fall in love with it. It combines old and modern in a really inspiring way. For me it was one of the most beautiful decorated country houses I saw during my visit.


Grand Dedale Country House, interior, main building



Grand Dedale Country House, main building, interior

Grand Dedale Country House, main building, sherry, drinks

Grand Dedale Country House, interior, main building

They also offer a pool and a nice relaxing outdoor terrace, where you can sip your wine and read a book. After sightseeing and exploring it is nice to come down and relax in this wonderful hideaway for some days.


Grand Dedale Country House, view from terrace to mountains, sunset, garden

Dinner and breakfast is taking place at the amazing terrace facing the beautiful nature, vineyard and the romantic cottage. For sunset they prepare a great sun-downer pre-dinner drink on the terrace, followed by an amazing candle light dinner 4-course menu. As they only offer 6 rooms and one cottage it is really a familiar and private atmosphere, which we enjoyed really much. Also light lunch and snacks are served throwout the day.


dinner at Grand Dedale Country House, table

Dinner, Grand Dedale Country House, pasta, dish, food

Terrace Grand Dedale Country House, dinner, setting for dinner

If your into hiking and enjoying the mountains, they also help you out with a great picnic basket for your adventure. The link is as always included in the headline, if you click on it you will be forwarded to the hotel page.

For more insights about my trip to South Africa, please check below: 
Wine tour insights: http://www.melaines-insights.com/2017/03/south-africa-wine-tour-my-insights.html
Safari insights:

Cheers,
Melaines-Insights

Friday, March 3, 2017

South Africa Wine Tour - my insights for you!

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Wine is the answer, what was the question? 


delaire graff estate, outlook, entrance, view, delaire graff, nature, garden

Wine Tour in South Africa, my insights for you! 


Hey guys,

I grew up in a wine loving family, which always traveled around the world for the best wine and food places to explore.
So everybody knows me well, I'm a real wine lover. 
Planning on going to South Africa, it was crystal clear that some days have to be dedicated to wine.
For safety reasons we always had a shuttle driver booked, what I would recommend you to do.

Delaire Graff Estate

Delaire Graff estate, entrance, art, hallway

wine, Delaire Graff estate, barrel wine


An avid collector of modern and contemporary art, a world leader within the diamond industry and an equally devoted philanthropist, Laurence Graff opened the doors to Delaire Graff Estate in 2009. Having transformed the Estate into an extraordinary luxury destination.


Delaire Graff, view, nature, outside, garden

Where to start, where to end. It is for me one of the most amazing wine estates I have ever been to, one of the world- leading destination for wine. I saw a lot but this wine estate is for a reason called "the jewel of the cape winelands". Speaking about jewels, beside the fantastic art, architecture, wine, food and exclusive lodges they also offer a jewelery store integrated in this amazing estate, enter at your own risk. 


Delaire Graff nature, vineyard, nature, mountains, surrounding , garden

art, delaire graff estate, sculptures, garden

delaire graff estate, vineyards, grapes, vine, vine grapes, nature


Stepping into this fantastic wine estate, it takes your breath away. The garden is a botanical paradise in a dramatic mountain setting. I captured the ultimate feeling of escape, it was love at first sight. 

Delaire Graff Estate offers a rare chance for art aficionados to view some of Laurence Graff’s personal art collection in an outstanding setting. Frequently named one of the world’s top art collectors, Laurence Graff’s collection at the Estate is a carefully curated showcase of some of South Africa’s finest contemporary artists.

The estate is offering 10 luxury lodges all overlooking the Stellenbosch Valley. Welcome to a place where luxury, tranquillity and service combine. The lodge we stayed was just fantastic, with great light-filled interior and all decorated in neutral contemporary colors. The lodge also offered a private heated plunge pool. 

pool, lodge, delaire graff estate, stellenbosch, dinner

dinner, delaire graff estate, vineyard

delaire graff lodge, inside the lodge, living room

delaire graff estate outside view, lodge view outside, stellenbosch

delaire graff vineyards, nature, wine, grapes, mountain


If you don't want to use your own private pool, they also have a fantastic 22 metre infinity pool with an integrated jacuzzi. The view is unbelievable.


delaire graff estate, pool, outside, view, delaire graff infinity pool, pool area

infinity pool, delaire graff estate, pool area


They also offer a great spa, with all the exclusive service you can wish for as a world traveler. 

When your planning a day trip make sure you place a reservation at the terrace restaurant, as it is very popular to sit outside as you are overlooking a sea of vineyards and olive groves planted on the Simonsberg, the views from the terrace span all the way into the Banhoek Valley. It is just an amazing experience, we spend hours there having great food and great wine and enjoying the fantastic view into the Stellenbosch Valley. 


delaire graff terrace, terrace view, delaire graff estate



delaire graff terrace, delaire graff estate restaurant, delaire graff outside

delaire graff restaurant, delaire graff outside, delaire graff dinner, lunch

Delaire Graff Lunch, Delaire Graff Food

Delaire Graff, Delaire Graff wine, Delaire Graff sitting area, wine tasting

Delaire Graff lunch, Delaire Graff french fries, pommes, Lunch


They have a great food philosophy, it is committed to beautiful and local food - which means they offer you the best regional food for each season. The food and the service is unbelievable good.

Come to a place where luxury and service are of the utmost importance, where every day is tailored to be a world-class experience.

Kleine Salze 

We made a lunch break to this award-winning wine estate.
The setting, under ancient oaks, is both refined and relaxed, with a view over the Kleine Zalze golf course and surrounding gardens and vineyards. The serene atmosphere is ideal for the enjoyment of fine food and excellent wine.

The kleine Zalze is a family run wine farm, that has risen to prominence both in South Africa and internationally thanks in particular to its award-winning Chenin Blanc and Shiraz.

The restaurant is called "Terroir" - food from the earth. I think it is food from another world. It was just an amazing experience we had. 


Kleine Zalze, Kleine Zalze lunch, Kleine Zalze food

Kleine Zalze, Kleine Zalze Lunch, Kleine Zalze food

Kleine Zalze, Kleine Zalze Lunch, Kleine Zalze Salad, food


After lunch we took a walk threw the park, a friend of mine told me that once he visited this estate he saw Pierce Brosnan underneath one of these ancient oaks drinking his glass of wine :-) Good choice I would say. 


Kleine Zalze Park, Kleine Zalze, Kleine Zalze Garden

Kleine Zalze, Kleine Zalze Park, Kleine Zalze Garden


They offer also a lodge to stay. De Zalze Lodge is the farm’s very own Cape Dutch style country house overlooking the lush vineyards and breathtaking Stellenbosch mountains. Nestled against the first fairway of the Kleine Zalze Golf Course, this luxurious four-star establishment provides relaxed yet pristine accommodation with an array of leisurely pastimes guarantee.ed to unwind the stresses of modern day living.
Peter Falke Wines

Peter Falke is famous in Germany for his socks. What some don't know is that the Falke family was doing business in South Africa since 1969.
One of his big dreams came true, when he acquired Groenvlei estate in 1995.


Peter Falke Wines, Peter Falke, vineyard, wine tasting, grapes


I can say they did a great job with this estate. 
It is nestled against the majestic slopes of the Helderberg mountains in the heart of Stellenbosch.


Peter Falke Wines, Peter Falke wine tasting room, vineyard, grapes


His wife, Danièle is French and an interior designer. She is known to have designed Legrand in Paris, Galerie Vivienne, a world reputed wine bar and meeting place for wine makers and connoisseurs. Her taste and talent is expressed in the smallest details at Groenvlei.


Peter Falke Wines, Peter Falke vineyard, Peter Falke wine tasting, Peter Falke farm garden, Peter Falke park


The Cape Dutch buildings of the  wine estate a dating back to the 18th century. They estate has a "boutique" winery, contemporary wine tasting room and a luxurious outdoor lounge.

In this luxurious outdoor lodge we tasted the great elegant Peter Falke Wines.


Peter Falke Wines, Peter Falke Wine Tasting, Peter Falke vineyard, Peter Falke outdoor lounge


I integrated all the links in the headlines, so by clicking on them you will be forwarded to the pages. 


Cheers,
Melaines-Insights