VOYAGE GOURMAND IN PARIS

Just when you would think that every conceivable type of vehicle to tour Paris had been exhausted, a new ingenious one has hit the streets aka the Bustronome a unique food tour on a restaurant style gourmet bus!!

 OVERVIEW

Ascent on-board an incredible large glass-roofed double-decker bus for an memorable food tour of the world’s most romantic city, and take the jump from Bistronomy to Bustronomy as you discover the highlights of Paris while indulging from a menu that offers multi course gourmet lunches and dinners created by master chef Vincent Thiessé.

THE EXPERIENCE

We chose the Lunch tour, which started at 11: 30 Am and arrived at Avenue Kleber right off the Place Etoile/Charles De Gaulle to board the bus. Looming high it looked like a gorgeous shiny black behemoth. We embarked the bus and were revealed to the stylish dining room on the second floor. The tables were set with fine china and in the middle of the table was a Lucite arrangement to hold the glassware so that the drinks didn’t tumble while the bus was moving, which put some of my qualms to rest. Once seated began our gastronomical journey literally as we enjoyed restaurant style service that united the ease and friendliness of a typical Parisian bistro with spectacular views of architectural treasures along the way with prudently selected music in the background.

We were instantly offered a glass of Champagne and made comfortable before the bus took off, taking in the view of the Arch de Triomphe from the 360 degree view from the panoramic glass enveloped terrace above and beside me. The bus left at 11: 45Am and unhurriedly dispersed the streets at a leisurely place so that it never felt bumpy, even though the glassware rattled somewhat on the cobblestone streets and my worry that the bus would make a short stop and a something would land on my lap was now a passing thought. An extremely considerate feature about the service was as an alternative of having the historical information about the sites shrieking through the speakers, on the back of the menu was a map of the various stops and we were given an electronic pointer so one could tap on each spot of the map and it would automatically dispense the history through a speaker in the pointer as we toured through the Opera Garnier, Grand Palais, Louvre Museum, Orsay Museum, Champs Elysées Avenues, Trocadero, Arch of Triumph, Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars, and Notre Dame.

The meal was a perfect combination of traditional French culinary style with contemporary overtones. All in all, I think Bustronome is a comfortable and hassle-free way to see the city and I especially liked the Lunch tour because it was great to see the sights in broad day light with interesting hustle and bustle on the roads.

MUST KNOW

The routes are created on the famed sites in Paris, but can be altered to integrate key events in the ‘City of Lights’ calendar.

Tables are offered for up to 8 people.

Menus change seasonally.

The chef offers a specimen menu of his wisely selected products, a selection of 4 dishes for lunch or a series of 6 dishes for dinner, served with wines by the glass specially chosen for each meal.

This menu must be reserved at least 48 hours in advance of sitting.

Available seven days a week at 11:45 AM for lunch or 7:30 PM for dinner.

Children under 4: free of charge; Children (4-12 years old): reduced price only for the option with included beverage.

The good news is Bustronome can prepare a vegan menu and can also do private or customized tours. 

FAST FACTS

Bustronome, Place Charles De Gaulle - Étoile 75016 Paris

Phone:  + 33(0)954 444 555 

Website: http://www.bustronome.com 

How to get there:

Public transports

RER A: Charles De Gaulle-Etoile / Metro Lines 1, 2 and 6 / Bus lines 22, 30, 31, 52, 73, 92, 341

Car park: Kleber

My story first published in TLF Magazine

LOVELY LYON

There is more to Lyon than just the affluent frontage! Away from the exorbitant boutiques and restaurants of the Peninsula bound by the Rhone and the Saone, this is a city of clandestine passageways, concealed alleys, and famed puppet theatre, silk and above all great cuisine…. 

Lyon Lyon Lyon…..France’s second major city, and an epicure’s paradise. I had heard about this metropolitan numerous times, and so I decided that this year for my summer vacations, I must include Lyon in my itinerary, So much so, that an undertaking was made, ‘I would visit Lyon’. And as the good girl that I am, I did precisely that….And what a weekend we had!

SOME HISTORY

I enjoyed strolling down the narrow cobblestone streets of Vieux Lyon, aka the Renaissance-era ‘old town,’ and was mesmerized by the French way of life. I stopped by at the Cathedral St. Jean-Baptistes a UNESCO World Heritage Site most famous for its 14th century astronomical clock built by the monks to calculate their feast days; apparently the clock is a manufacturing masterpiece. It’s as precise as our up-to-date day clocks but was designed to last only 700 years, so by 2019, it will stop working. That done, we headed to one of Lyon’s most prominent landmarks, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, which is a two minute funicular ride from near the cathedral and this astoundingly constructed church gets two million visitors annually. The most remarkable time to visit is during the Festival of Lights, The Basilica multitudes choir and organ concerts, and is well-lit by candles and lights all around. In fact  whole of Lyon is lit up in each and every possible corner and the city systematizes nightly light shows. And of course you can sip warm mulled wine on the streets with the other happy revellers.

MECCA OF GASTRONOMY

It’s no hush-hush to foodies that Lyon is known for its culinary custom, the city is home to a notable twenty two Michelin stars. Here you can dig into lyonnaise specialties such as ‘boudin noir’ which is a dark blood sausage, ‘quenelles’ which are basically flour and seafood dumplings and ‘tarte aux pralines’ an interesting sugary, electric pink dessert or sip the many varieties of Rhône river valley wine. Food-wise, I would recommend sticking to Bouchons, which is how restaurants serving lyonnaise cuisine are called. The most famous specialty food market is Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse. Paul Bocuse is one of France’s most renowned chefs, a local hero and also namesake to a significant cooking school and the world culinary competition known as the ‘Bocuse d’Or’.

FAST FACTS

Best Place to stay: The Royal Lyon hotel on 20 Place Bellecour is a preferably located, graceful boutique hotel from the MGallery collection, a stone’s throw from the Saone, the Rhone, and the cobbled streets of Old Lyons

Best way to Reach: Lyon is a 2 hour high speed train ride from Paris. From the train station, you can take a tram or bus into the city. You can book your tickets online from http://www.raileurope.co.in/

For More Information: Log on to http://in.rendezvousenfrance.com/

 my story first published in Statesman

VIBRANT VICTORIA’S TOP 7 MUST DO’S

Talk about a long amazing holiday to beat the Delhi heat. Since I had never been to Australia before and the country is beautiful, it seemed just the place to go. My first stop was Melbourne of course, which is absolutely picturesque; the people are gorgeous, exceedingly helpful, and friendly with a great sense of humour. There is a general upbeat atmosphere to the town, with music spilling out from the pubs and people walking about. Anyways, my tale is about exploring the state of Victoria in all its glory and here is my list of the Top 7 Must do’s when in the State of Victoria….

HIDDEN SECRETS TOUR

The best way to explore any city is by foot so off we set for the ‘Lanes and Arcades’ tour. Soon I discovered that Melbourne has such a unique character with all the hidden arcades, lovely little street cafes and quirky shops. Our guide did a great job mixing history, fun facts and typical Melbourne stories! Interestingly there were even a few locals on the tour who kept saying ‘I never knew this was here!’ What caught my fancy was the Block Arcade a 19^th century heritage shopping centre and a small lane between Bourke street and Little Lonsdale street called ‘Hardware’ which housed many restaurants and cafes that served local food and I especially fell in love with the cupcake shop.  The guide traced our walking route on a little map which came in handy for my backtracking trip to many of the great shopping opportunities! Truly this tour is a wonderful way to get your bearings in Melbourne!

FAST FACTS

Hidden Secrets, PO Box 1280, Melbourne VIC 8006

Tel: +61 3 9663 3358

More Info: www.hiddensecrettours.com

YARRA VALLEY CHOCOLATIERE & ICE CREAMERY

Just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, Set on 16 hectares, it combines striking architecture with a unique food experience amidst picturesque valley views. I absolutely enjoyed watching the art of chocolate making from hand crafting to hand packing, and the best part was the abundant free tastings besides indulging in decadent desserts and ice creams and exploring the landscaped garden, orchard and wetlands. Six qualified chocolatiers especially recruited from Belgium and France hand craft from the best produce. The 150 different varieties of chocolates feature truffles (showcased in a specially created cabinet to house 2 500 truffles), pralines, chocolate bars, nut clusters, rocky road, nougat, macaroons, fudge, biscuits, chocolate sauces and spreads. Giant chocolate freckles, choc coated jelly snakes and chocolate baby animals have been created for the younger and young at heart visitors.

FAST FACTS

Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, 35 Old Healesville Rd (corner Melba Highway), Yarra Glen Victoria

Timings: 9am -5pm every day (except Christmas Day).

Entry- Free with generous complimentary tastings in the showroom. A café serves breakfast, morning tea; light lunch an afternoon tea, with sweet treats and ice creams a specialty.

SEGWAY FUN AT ROCHFORD WINERY

The tour starts with training by the experienced guides, post which one is ready to explore the vineyard on two wheels alongside learning about grape growing and wine production. For those who do not know the Segway is a two –wheeled self-balancing personal transporter that looks somewhat like a scooter. You have to stand on it and tilt it in the direction you desire to move and turn the handle bar to go right or left. Before I knew it I was cruising effortlessly and enjoying the unique freedom that a Segway provides. We finished our experience with an included meal in the Rochford restaurant surrounded by picturesque vineyards.

FAST FACTS

Timings & Cost: Tours depart Rochford winery 10: 30 Am & 2.30 pm weekends and public holidays. Group tours for other days are by prior appointment. 140 $ which includes lunch.

City Transfers: Wednesdays only. Depart Federation square 11 Am sharp and return 4-30 Pm, this costs approx. 10 $.

Tel: 1300 112 147

For more Info: www.segwayvictoria.com.au

MAX'S AT RED HILL ESTATE

Sitting high on the southern side of the serenely beautiful Mornington Peninsula, the restaurant boasts panoramic sweeping views over precision planted vines, out to Westernport bay and Phillip Island beyond. The glass walls on three sides provide optimal scenic views from each table and an open fireplace warms the room in the colder months. Suggested wines are matched to each course of the award winning Australian menu from the Red Hill Estate range. The focus here is on the finest local produce as well as Max’s own range of produce, which includes 100% Mornington Peninsula Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Morello Cherry Balsamic Vinegar, Aged Morello Cherry Balsamic and Dukkah.  With the most breath-taking views on the Mornington Peninsula, exquisite food and wine and a relaxing ambience, this truly is a journey worth taking.

FAST FACTS

Max’s Restaurant, Mornington Peninsula

Make a Booking: info@maxsrestaurant.com.au

More Info: www.maxsrestaurant.com.au

PENINSULA HOT SPRINGS

We made a  stop was the Peninsula Hot Springs, where in we had a relaxing  dip in one of its private, open air thermal pools where entering is like stepping into another world, here the mind and body are calmed by the stream, the sound of running water and the casual banter of bathers. Then we headed to a villa to enjoy a short but relaxing massage based on Australian aboriginal styles and techniques…. Aah life’s simple pleasures!!

FAST FACTS

140 Devonport Drive, Fingal VIC 3939

Tel: +61 3 5950 8777

More Info: www.peninsulahotsprings.com

TREE SURFING AT THE ENCHANTED MAZE

Home to magical mazes and gardens, giant topiary creations and over a hundred pieces of sculpture, this place is a winner. I stopped by for a tree-top nature tour like none other. The thrilling Tree surfing and Zip line allowed me the perfect aerial vantage point to experience 50 obstacles and 5 different levels. I soared through the tree tops so many feet off the ground (under the watchful eye of expert guides). I braced myself for the sensation of the flight as I Zip lined smoothly through at a speed of up to 25 miles per hour or so I guess. After all that hiking and adventure on rope bridges, strength challenges and zip lines it was time to have a hot chocolate amidst the beautiful enchanted gardens.

FAST FACTS

Enchanted Maze Gardens, Purves Road, Red Hill South VIC 3937

Tel: +61 3 5981 8449

More Info: www.enchantedmaze.com.au

A PENGUIN PARADE IN PHILLIP ISLANDS

A day trip to see the fairy penguin parade is a must. I found it rather amazing huddling up on the windy beach as the sun went down waiting for the first brave penguins to emerge from the waves to make their way up the shore to their burrows. It is quite comical yet sweet to watch. They are very unsure of things and dive in and out of the water as if deciding on whether or not to start walking up the beach to their homes. They get into little groups and make the journey up the beach and walk right past where you sit. They look absolutely adorable waddling up the beach as fast as they can and stumbling over at times. It’s overwhelming to watch them from the boardwalk as they make their way up across the sandy dunes to their burrows.

FAST FACTS

Booking: Tel:  +61 3 5951 2830 or bookings@penguins.org.au

How Much? 69 $ (INR 3900)

FAST FACTS

·Best Way to reach- Fly Malaysian Airlines to Melbourne, Cheapest and shortest and the best part is one can carry 30kg even in Economy Class.

·Visa and currency- Indians need an Australian Visa to visit Australia. The currency used is the Australian Dollar. 1 AUD equals to 55 INR approximately.

·Best Place to Stay- Park Hyatt Melbourne provides exquisite accommodation, fine dining and exceptional levels of personalised service in the cosmopolitan city centre or The Olsen Art series Hotel in South Yarra which is right near the famed Chapel street.