Vitamins... July 15

 

Do you want to know what moves me? Here's some of my inspiration for the month of july.... I also like to call them vitamins for the soul! Fruit, flowers, cocktails, shoes... it doesn't really matter, as long as it's special and colourful.

1. Blueberries on a plate by Riviera Maison
2. Lavender and thistles by florist Ton Hofman
3. Flowers, raspberries and earrings (a gift)
4. Vintage jewelry, Creed perfume and Vita Coco drink
5. Pool party with my friends
6. Shopwindow with casmere throws
7. Summer bouquet
8. Friendship bracelets by Barong Barong, Paris Loft, from Peru
9. Macarons by Sandri, Perugia
10. Hugo cocktails by Absolut Lounge, Brixen,
11. Fallen leaves
12. Carnation
13. Homegrown rose
14. Ecuador roses and Etro pillow
15. Raspberry cheesecake icecream by Grom
16. Strawberry Bellini by Bistrò al Forte
17. Homemade fruit salad
18. Drinks at Caffè del Teatro Morlacchi
19. Shoes by Michael Kors, Comme il Faut, Canfora and Via Uno

Bistrò al Forte, Franzensfest-Fortezza, Italy

Have you ever been to a restaurant in a real fortress? As far as I can remember, this was my first time. Bistrò al Forte – Bistro Festung is located inside the fortress of Franzensfest-Fortezza, a very impressive architectural structure… big… huge… and grey… The exact opposite of the atmosphere that awaits you inside… romantic… cosy… and elegant.

The extreme contrast between exterior and interior is what makes this restaurant so impressive I think. That, combined with a wonderful cuisine! Although Bistrò al Forte is located in South Tyrol, the dishes are typical italian.

We were welcomed with strawberry Bellinis, which was a lovely surprise. They were so incredibly good! For starters we had prosciutto e melone, caprese salad and muscle soup.

Then instead of the usual pasta as a first course, we had risotto with zucchini, zucchini flowers and shrimps. The main dish was sea bass, served with zucchini crust, potatoes and vegetables. I had a wonderful cheese platter with salad and mostarda (spicy jam) instead.

We almost passed on dessert… until we saw what the chef had in mind for us…. a grand dessert including a strawberry pie! We finished in style with coffee and limoncello.

Bistrò al Forte is open only during spring and summer, for à la carte dining as well as private parties. In fact, when I was there, a smashing birthday party took place in the room next door. I can't think of a better way to celebrate your birthday.

For more information, please visit:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bistro-al-Forte-Bistro-Festung/388392698014121

Catch of the Day... Blue Vintage Goodies

 

 

Last weekend I went antiques hunting... and guess what I found? These blue and turquoise vintage goodies! I absolutely love the flower etched liqueur glass.... it's probably from the 1930's. And how about the turquoise vase? Well vase... it's big enough for just one flower. The earrings are also very special. And you know what? I only paid €12 for it... all together!

Want to read more about the antiques market in The Hague? Please continue here: http://tarasdolcevita.blogspot.it/2014/08/the-hague-art-antique-days.html

More of... Strandclub Doen, Scheveningen

Strandclub Doen is one of my favourite beachclubs along the Dutch coast. Some of my regular readers will recognize it from my previous articles. Strandclub Doen keeps making small and big adjustments every year in order to improve their service, menu, interior decorating, etc.… and I have to say they never disappoint me.

In 2015 the position of Doen stayed the same (the majority of beachclubs in Scheveningen are built up from scratch every spring and taken down every winter), however the new owners decided to rearrange the layout of the terrace and outdoor area. The colour scheme and -more important- the atmosphere have stayed the same!

Want to read more about this beachclub? Please continue here: http://tarasdolcevita.blogspot.nl/2011/09/beachclub-doen-scheveningen.html