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October 14, 2007

France: Jean-Robert style

The Travel Authority is always advertising exciting vacation trips, but this upcoming package hits a little closer to home -- both for the travelers and their host.

Cincinnati residents might be piqued about the upcoming vacation package that entails visiting Paris and the French countryside; the trip becomes more intriguing because it will be hosted by Cincinnati's own Jean-Robert de Cavel.

According to The Travel Authority, "Chef Jean-Robert's enthusiasm for fine food and wine is legendary. Now you can experience, first hand, his native France. As Jean-Robert's guest, you will spend two nights in Paris and four nights in the famed Champagne region, where you will why they say, 'Drinking Champagne in Epernay is like listening to Mozart in Salzburg,'."

Jeannie Houston, a consultant located in The Travel Authority/American Express office in Mariemont, said there has already been a great interest expressed from people wanting to take the trip.

"I've already had people calling me to be sure there is still availability on the vacation," Houston said. "There will be a smaller, more private trip. The people will be treated to wine tours, private cooking demonstrations and tastings by Jean-Robert. It will be more intimate."

The Travel Authority has even teamed with Local 12 in advertising the package.

Some of the highlights of the trip, which will be from March 28, 2008, to April 4, include:

An orientation tour of Paris and sites such as the Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees, Montmartre and the Louvre
A day Paris Viste Pass, allowing unlimited use of public transportation
An orientation tour of Epernay, including a visit to the Cathedral Notre Dame
Private cellar tours and tastings in Reims and Epernay
Exclusive lunch and champagne tastings
Gourmet dinner at a selected restaurant of Jean-Robert

Travelers will also spend four nights in Vernay, and stay at the Hostellerie la Briqueterie, a four star country inn and member of the Relais and Chateaux Collection.

Pictures of the locations can be found by visiting www.TheTravelAuthority.com

To make reservations, call the agency at 513-272-2887.

Posted by johnston at 11:24 PM

October 07, 2007

New patio open for National Exemplar

The past few months have seen much work being conducted along the sidewalk of the left wing of the Mariemont Inn. The work has been completed, and the fruits of the labor come in the form of a new patio for The National Exemplar.

The new patio has five tables that seat four patrons each, and people are served outside during the same hours of operation for inside seating.

"We have had a lot of positive feedback from customers," Lisa Hopkins, spokesperson for the National Exemplar, said.

The patio opened Sept. 26, but not without Murphy's Law intervening: It rained.

The National Examplar is located 6800 Wooster Pike. For more information, call 271-2103.

Posted by johnston at 01:19 AM

Dilly Deli hosting huge wine presentation

Dilly Deli owners Chuck and Robbie Warriner agree that once you know a little bit about the families that make good wines, well, "... the wines taste even that much better."

On Thursday, Oct. 11, the Dilly Deli will be hosting another one of their widely popular wine tastings with Connie and Patrick Allen, owners of United Estates Wine Imports. According to the Warriners, the Allens love of wine impelled them to become independent wine importers and are eager to share some of their product here in America.

They will be here to share the stories of the people and places behind the wines. The Dilly Deli chefs have crafted a menu that will highlight the nuances each wine possesses. A reception will be held at 6:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 7 p.m. Cost is $75 per person, all inclusive. Reservations are required and space is limited. Call 561-5233 to reserve a spot.

Posted by johnston at 12:05 AM