Armani 5.06 *

In a celebration of the beauty adorning the eternal city, Giorgio Armani staged yet another magnificent event: One Night Only Roma at Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana. Per chance, it happens to coincide with the launch of Armani's Eccentrico exhibition in Rome as well as a new store along Via Condotti.

El Celler de Can Roca *

"R you ready?

Evoking the family name with three legs,

each represents one of the three Roca brothers.

It displays the warmth of the Catalan family dynamic 
all-pervasive through and through."

World's Best Restaurant rankings were unveiled a few hours ago with El Celler de Can Roca, Girona, Spain, taking the coveted title for 2013. What constitutes "best" is left to the judgment of 900 trusted and well-travelled gourmets. Providing an annual snapshot of their culinary opinions and experiences, these international restaurant industry experts vote on the best places to eat around the globe. Though it can never be definitive, it is widely accepted as a credible indicator of palatable tastes.

This milestone is equivalent to the Oscars for movie buffs, or MTV Awards for music fanatics, in the culinary world. For me, I am still patiently awaiting the day when Osteria Francescana takes the crown. In the meantime, chef Massimo Bottura continues to be my inspiration...

Joan Roca as head chef - Jordi Roca as pastry chef

Josep Roca the sommelier

Sistine Chapel ceiling *

At the commission of Pope Julius II, Michelangelo c.1508-1512 painted this extraordinary masterpiece which represents the cornerstone of High Renaissance Art. It cloaks the mystique & secrecy of Papal Conclaves.

Back from Berlin *

When my brother returned from his exchange to Berlin,
he brought home an unique array of souvenirs...
Most were chocolates he had collected during his travels around Europe, 
yet each had an unexpected twist.

white tiramisu almonds from Belgian; earl-grey tee from Germany; 
Ladurée milk almonds from Paris; Sprungli grand cru milk block

dark truffles & rose-essence bar from Germany

(strong cocoa aromas gave an extra dark accent on the palette.

rose bar was reminiscent of an unsweetened turkish delight,

though not too keen on alcoholic centres in the truffles.)

Sprungli pralines handmade from pure Swiss chocolate

(Usually I'm not a fan of milk chocolate, but these tasted superb. 

Silky smooth texture were the defining feature for these bite-sized treasures.

Now I understand why Swiss chocolate is honestly the Best!)

Plus some new additions to my postcard & coin collection!