CULINARY PEARLS DURING MY EUROPEAN GETAWAY...
Each time I have a chance to travel to Europe - I am trying to discover new places with unique atmosphere and...taste...
For those of you who follow me here - last year I was sharing with you my impression about fashion&lifestyle in London, England.
This year, I spent lots of time with my closest family&friends. During our getaway, there were two places that caught my attention who I really wanted to explore and give you my feedback.
While we were residing in a beautiful small city at the Baltic Sea, called Wladyslawowo, one of my activities- besides running- was biking - with one of the most enjoyable trip through the Hel Peninsula - a 35-km-long sand bar peninsula in northern Poland separating the Bay of Puck from the open Baltic Sea.
After we got to the tip of the Peninsula, small town called Hel-we were recommended to try one of the most authentic restaurant there - Kutter (http://www.kutter.pl/).
One of the first thing that was appealing to me was welcoming outside in the traditional style - lots of wood, fireplace, live music every day, servers in a specially designed outfits and of course-menu with wide selection of different kind of dishes. Although Kutter specialize mostly in fish courses - everyone can find something that will satisfy their stomach:-) From meat, pancakes to grilled dishes and traditional soups.
It was quite difficult choice to make, however after deliberation - for the main course, I decided to try grilled zander with home-made salads. All I can say is "wow" since the very first bite - beautiful presentation and very well balanced combination of spices and herbs.
On the top of that, I cannot forget to mention delicious salmon soup and as appetizer - we shared one of Kutter's specialty - herrings in a sweet, creamy sauce with raisins.
Everyone who is looking for culinary extravaganza and authentic Kashubian flavours - Kutter is the best choice for that, place where tourists not only from Poland but also from outside of country trying to make a reservation in advance to secure their chance for a memorable experience.
Me together with lovely ladies who're serving delicious food at Kutter Restaurant
One of the appetizers - herrings in a sweet, creamy sauce with raisins
Halibut with selection of home-made salads
I have to admit that I am sushi lover:-) it is part of my lifestyle and sushi is regular in my weekly menu back home, in Canada.
Since the moment I introduced my parents into this type of Japanese cuisine - they became addicted as well.
This year is definitely a year with many celebrations - my parents 30th wedding Anniversary and my 30th Birthday that is coming soon (not sure if I should be happy about that though;-)
Before my departure back to Canada, I wanted to surprise my parents and take them for a sushi dinner to Poznan. However I didn't want to go to a random sushi place - I did my research to find best sushi place in town (also by checking customers reviews & opinions) and decided to have our special surprise dinner at...Kyokai Sushi Bar (http://www.kyokai.pl/)
Located in a beautiful settings of restored red-brick building complex - I was impressed with the outside look since the arrival.
I called the restaurant in advance and lovely manager, Mrs. Ania Jezierska, suggested to make a reservation at the sushi bar instead the regular table settings.
We were welcomed right after we enter Kyokai place and have been given menu with outstanding selection of sushi(maki, hosomaki, futomaki,gunkanmaki, nigiri, kizu, inari and...many more together with wide choice of appetizers as well).
My dad, who usually order sushi by looking at the final result of making it - was grabbing plate after plate from the sushi bar that was just in front of us.
Personally, I love to discover new flavours - so thanks to suggestions from one of the sushi chefs - Marcin Kaczmarek, I started creating my own menu.
My first course was - of course-appetizer and I chose wakame salad accompanied with cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots and cucumbers. The portion was surprisingly big - perfect to share between three of us! Very fresh and tasty!
Chef Marcin Kaczmarek preparing one of the customized sushi
One of my favourite sushi rolls was definitely Maki Sashimi Roll with two pieces of salmon inside - raw and cooked together with avocado, shitake mashroom and gourd- everything wrapped in fish rice paper. Beautiful flavour combination between sweet and spicy!
If you are looking for great culinary experience & you love sushi - I would highly recommend Kyokai Sushi Bar where exceptional food meets tradition mixed with creativity and passion!!
For those of you who are in constant rush - Kyokai also offers catering service!!
Together with chefs - Marcin Kaczmarek(right) and Adrian Kiersnowski
My special "Thank you" note to the Kyokai management team for wonderful time we had at your place!!
MAYBELLINE NEW YORK HAS THE NEW FACE OF THE BRAND - DANIELA DE JESUS!!!
One of the latest news I received from Maybelling NY PR team - stunning, Mexican born beauty Daniela de Jesus is joining Maybelline New York as a new global face of the brand!!!
Born in La Paz, Mexico, Daniela’s career took off after having competed in Mexico’s national beauty pageant, Nuestra Belleza Mexico. It did not take long before Major Model Management recognized her talent, signing her in 2005. Since then, Daniela continued to leave her mark on the most prestigious, high-fashion international runways - having walked for Jean Paul Gaultier, Giambattista Valli, Vivienne Westwood, Marchesa, Mara Hoffman, Betsey Johnson, and Alexandre Vauthier, just to name a few.
Inspired by the boldness and vibrancy of New York City, Daniela’s eclectic style and dynamism will no doubt make her Maybelline New York debut electric, just like the brand itself.
Do you agree??
CONDOR AIRLINE IS TAKING THE AMONG EUROPEANS' LEISURE CARRIERS...
CONDOR AIRLINE IS TAKING THE LEAD AMONG EUROPEANS' LEISURE CARRIERS...
Condor—who since the 1991 was a wholly owned charter subsidiary of Lufthansa—pioneered business class service on tourist flights. Originally offering only increased seating comfort and higher quality in-flight service, Condor’s ‘Comfort Class’ has evolved into a full business-oriented product.
Since 2009, Condor is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Thomas Cook - one of the world's leasure companies. What was very appealing to me is the fact that in a customer satisfaction survey conducted by the German Institute for Service Quality (DISQ) in December 2012, Condor came out first and was the only airline to be awarded the seal “very good”.
Since 2009, Condor is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Thomas Cook - one of the world's leasure companies. What was very appealing to me is the fact that in a customer satisfaction survey conducted by the German Institute for Service Quality (DISQ) in December 2012, Condor came out first and was the only airline to be awarded the seal “very good”.
With its seasonal (northern summer), thrice-weekly service from Calgary to Frankfurt, Condor offers various destination links between Canada and Europe—also, from Calgary:-)
This year, I decided to book my flight to Poland via Frankfurt through Condor Airline. Offering three different services: Economy, Premium Economy and Comfort Class (which has evolved into a full business-oriented product), I had a pleasure to try their top class.
Since the very beginning my journey with the airline was very pleasant - there are separate check-in stations for each class type. I had to admit that the line-up for Economy class was quite long, so I was lucky to be able to drop off my luggages right beside-with no waiting time.
Boarding started with inviting passengers on wheelchairs as well as families with small children, follow up with Comfort Class passengers, Premium Economy and finally - all other travellers who had to pass through the forward cabin to reach their seats towards the back of the plane.
There are 24 seats available in Comfort Class, in a six-abreast layout (2+2+2). Condor has recently upgraded its forward cabin seats, and these have a pitch of 49in (1.25m). The seats proved comfortable throughout longer flight and the fact that all seat functions have to be operated manually was no detraction.
A wardrobe service was offered upon entering the cabin, together with a welcome drink - of course my favourite glass of champagne.
Right after departure, flight-attendant offered English- and German-language newspapers and magazines, earphones and menu cards - so I have enough time to decide, and to be quite honest-the selection was quite impressive. Hot towels were offered before dinner.
The meal service started with different kind of appetizers followed up with a choice of three main courses: roasted tenderloin of beef with rosemary jus, carrots, fine green beans and "Panaderas" potatoes; salmon filet with sauce Creole, leaf spinach and Mississippi-rice or their vegetarian speciality - ravioli stuffed with Ricotta cheese combined with white wine sauce and sundried tomato slices. As a side dishes - there was vide selection of bread, assorted cheese and finally - dessert ( unfortunately, I had to skip that part) made of fruit mousse tartlet with chocolate sauce and whipped cream. On the top of that, Condor offers quite impressive wine selection (including one of my favourites - Anura 2011 - Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon, Limited Release).
For entertainment, two feature movies, plus several features, were shown on the monitors,with addition of different radio channels ( also with classical vibes that helps me falling asleep).
Ninety minutes before landing more hot towels were distributed, followed by a substantial breakfast:fresh sliced fruits; genoa salami, smoked turkey breast, roast beef and camembert; cheese omelet; fruit joghurt; selection of bread with butter/jam/honey and of course-morning coffee/tea.
I have to mention that during my flight - I received 100% attention from flight-attendants who were asking every once in a while if I had everything I needed.
Although I really wanted to highlight the highest class - I would like to share with you my opinion about Premium Economy Class (the middle class-right after Economy one).
It is quite rare to find such choices while flying with different airlines. The main difference between the first two classes-is seat's size as well as the menu.
Everyone who chooses Premium Economy Class receives menu with food description at the beginning of the flight. The menu doesn't give options to choose (I mean variety for the main course), however there is variety of different kind of food for everyone.
Comparing my previous trips using different airlines - Condor is definitely in my "top 3" choices. The flight was very pleasant experience with high-quality service. Bearing in mind the modest fare (average of $1400 CAD for return flight in Economy Class), Condor’s Comfort Class offers very good value. I would highly recommend it to everyone who either flies frequently or is looking for a memorable journey..
For more information about destinations and rates - visit Condor Airline website at
My personal "Thank You" note to Condor Corporate Communications Team in Frankfurt, their Representatives in Calgary as well as "in-flight" crew for making my flight a very enjoyable trip!
EXCITING FALL2013 WITH L'OREAL BEAUTY BRAND....
Although we are just facing summer season now-all makeup&beauty lovers always looking ahead what's going to be at the beauty counters for the upcoming season.
This Fall2013 will be so interesting when it comes to L'Oreal world, including YSL, Giorgio Armani and Ralph Lauren.
The new YSL Fall2013 collection has its inspiration in the urban vibe of old European cities. The new eyeshadow palettes come in classy shades of nudes but also in stylish color of blue and yellow green.
We can also expect to see amazing colours for lips ( Rouge Pur Couture), beautiful blush shades as well as new lip pencil colours and of course - nail polish!!
Moreover, Yves Saint Laurent is going bare this Fall with a brand new range of radiant nude shades in the innovative Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Vernis à Lèvres ($36 CAD) glossy stain formula. These eight new vibrant, never-boring nude shades will be available August 2013.
One of the the beauty items I can't wait to test myself is going to be the newest addition to the Youth Liberator Serum family … a featherweight foundation - Youth Liberator Serum Foundation.
I am sure each of us will find ther favourite one-as it comes in different shades and will be available at the stores in September 2013 ($72CAD).
I am always looking forward to see what's new at Giorgio Armani counter. This Fall2013 the brand will bring new products in new colors and textures.
There will be a new Maestro Compact Foundation with a creamy texture, available in 8 shades. The compact foundation will also include a fan-shaped brush which is a must for applying this new foundation with a matte finish and medium to full coverage but which feels lightweight on the skin.
Next things - EYES!!! In the Fall collection we will be surprised with new quarto palettes that are to die for!!
And of course - Giorgio Armani will also feature 6 new shades of Rouge Ecstasy lipsticks in bright coral, rosy nude, red and plum shades. Along with these new lipsticks will be released 6 new nail lacquers in nude and dark shades.
One of the most exciting announcement is going to be new effortlessly feminine fragrance - SÌ - with the face of beautiful Cate Blanchett.
And when we talk about fragrances - Ralph Lauren is going to introduce new addition to the POLO cologne line up - POLO RED - inspired by Ralph Lauren’s personal, extremely exclusive car collection.
JEFF B. WILKIE BIRTHDAY PARTY IN SUPPORT OF LITTLE WARRIORS
Beautiful evening at Jeff B. Wilkie Birthday Party in support of Little Warriors -
a national charitable organization, based in Canada, focusing on the education and prevention of child sexual abuse. Little Warriors teaches adults how to help prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse.
It was definitely place (Belgo, Calgary) filled with so many stylish guests who dressed up in theme of James Bond's series...
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