RISTORANTE ALLA CANTINA

Questo venerdì, 8 ottobre 2010, al Ristorante alla Cantina a Tegna, ore 19.00

Conferenza-concerto Gastronomia e musica

"Il rapporto fra il cibo, il vino e la musica conta una lunga e prestigiosa tradizione, 

questo quanto cercheremo di mostrare nella nostra conferenza concerto.

Attraverso un percorso narrato alternato a dei brani musicali eseguiti dal vivo, 

andremo idealmente a spasso per la storia, alla ricerca di alcune situazioni 

particolari in cui il cibo, il vino e la musica hanno stretto un legame speciale."

I quadri storico-musicali saranno 

alternati alle portate gastronomiche

Eros Rizzoli, relatore

Amanda Rougier Appignani, voce

Andi Appignani, pianoforte e organo

Trevor Appignani, chef de cuisine

Gino Fontana, sommelier

Conferenza concerto, cena e vini

Fr. 65,-

Posti limitati, è gradita la riservazione

091 780 75 57

athletix city 2010

Time again for all you athletes and parkour-fans out there to head sharpish down to Locarno's Piazza Grande. If you were there last year no doubt you'll be back but for all you newcomers, be sure to participate in this year's edition of Athletix-City! As last year, killer events and cool prizes promise a fantastic action-packed day. Barefoot running on the cobbles, flying over obstacles and hurdles - you know, the usual stuff... We're counting down the days and are really looking forward to seeing you there!

tempted again

We just spent another memorable evening (it's becoming a bit of a habit...) at Ristorante Tentazioni in Cavigliano. If you haven't been already, do go during your stay here in Ticino. Matthias is a fantastically passionate chef and incredibly welcoming and friendly. His team of staff are equally professional. I have to mention the very special risotto that was prepared for us, as a one off, made with 'ciccit' (a typically local delicacy - sausage made with goat meat) - by far the best risotto we had ever tasted. Desserts were of course sublime, thanks to Elvira, Matthias' wife and confisier.

Below is just one of the many culinary (and visual) delights that appeared before us.

                                                

Using their 20 years plus experience in restaurant, hotel and retail interior design, Wallner & Soar is a refreshing addition to the local business community here in Ticino.  A creative and dynamic couple previously based in England but with Swiss roots, is serving up plenty of ideas and bringing exciting opportunities to the hospitality and retail sectors. Perfectly placed between Ascona, Losone and Locarno, they offer no obligation consultations and a great track record. Check out their website here.

Tentazioni

Hats off to owners Matthias and Elvira Althof Solér of Tentazioni in Cavigliano. We cycled along there in the late afternoon sun to be greeted by keen and eager-to-please waitresses bearing elderflower-infused proseccos and a beaming chef serving up spectacular bites in quick succession. The owners mingled professionally and quietly after giving us a much appreciated guided tour of the upstairs quarters. 

Here is a couple with vision and guts (read up on their professional pedigree here); embarking on a project such as this outside of Ascona is not something that you often see round these parts. Say what you will, but stretching the boundaries, doing the "not so obvious" always appeals so much more. The location is Ticino-picturesque at its most stunning, especially on a day like today when the mountains are bursting with green foliage and the sky is electric with blue - all  this is offset rather beautifully by the purple, mahogany and pale grey colour scheme that defines the interior of Tentazioni. If they deliver what they promise and if all is maintained, then I am sure this will take off well and proper with locals and tourists alike! 

So to recap: it's a restaurant and hotel (boutique hotel, as they like to call it). Rooms start at CHF 180 a night including breakfast and the restaurant's menu is beautifully uncomplicated in its structure - prices range from CHF 45 for 2 courses, to CHF 85 for 5 courses - and if you're really starving then you can go for the sumptuous 8 course menu at CHF 120. The beauty of this menu is that you choose your course (or "temptation") as you please. The price is fixed and you just need to decide how many courses you can manage...

As yet we are unable to judge on the chef's creations, although the apetizers this afternoon were creative and seriously  delicious. Our aim is to return soon for a proper "degustation". Watch this space.

are you tempted?

Here's something new...

Things are obviously happening round here, at the foot of the Centovalli. First the newly refurbished Ristorante Alla Cantina in Tegna and now, after much anticipation, the Ristorante/Boutique Hotel Tentazioni in Cavigliano. We'll be going to the launch aperitivo on Thursday afternoon. Watch this space.
Not forgetting to mention our meal at the Cantina in Tegna last Friday, which was without the shadow of a doubt delicious, we wish the management all the best in its endeavours to swiftly overcome some initial teething problems (electricity & the maitre-d'-issue, please!); we shall return once things have settled down.

meteo and food

Everyone knows the weather here in Ticino has been disgusting for the past 2 weeks. Unheard of in Ticino. Especially for the month of May. But people, it's snapping out of it now. Brighter days are coming and from Saturday 15th steady improvements await us. Tomorrow we are dining at the newly refurbished, newly re-opened Ristorante Alla Cantina in lovely Tegna (at the foot of the Centovalli). The chef there, a certain Trevor Appignani, is rather good. I return tomorrow or latest on the weekend with a review of our meal. No pictures as yet but if you fancy popping by, click here. For bookings call 091 780 7557.

We also went there for the reopening Aperitivo a couple of weeks ago, there's a wonderful courtyard dining area, with arches, columns and a great sense of tranquillity. 

new service in Ticino

Looking for an English course in the UK?
Courses for adults and for young learners organised for you right here in Ticino!

carnevale

You may have gathered, but then maybe not unless you actually live here..., that the Carnevale season is among us and that no weekend or weekday is complete without the dutiful and rather insane pre-Lent tradition of dressing up (adults, not just kids), eating risotto like there's no tomorrow and I suppose drinking wine must also be part of it. Well if this IS your cup of tea then swing on by and take a seat on the many wooden benches and tables and start celebrating to your hearts content. Here's a list of where to go.

For the first time ever, we have agreed to take part in the infamous Stranociada in Locarno on 12th January... there will be over a dozen of us dressed up as Sherlock Holmes, Pirates, Gangsters, Cows, Kings and Queens and goodness knows what else. What a spectacle. I still can't believe we agreed to go along and will let you know how it all went. I guess we'll see you there...

Not to be forgotten is the hugely popular Bellinzona Rabadan. The Carnival season wouldn't be complete without it.

fishing for bugatti

My friend kindly reminded me of this fascinating discovery made in the depths of the glorious Lago Maggiore, just off the lungolago of Ascona. At the time it caused quite a worldwide stir and some of you carbuffs may very well remember it. If it's news to you, you can read up on the full story here.

ski!

Our slopes are open! Come and ski at Cardada, Bosco Gurin, San Bernardino, Splügen and of course Nara!

snow!

no second chances!

Contrary to belief, the fantastic Tegna Christmas Market will be held on one day and one day only. No second chances so make sure it's in your diary and come and see all the wonderful creations and delicacies. Watch out for press in La Regione and the Tessiner Zeitung. See you Sunday!

ice ice baby

For the fourth year running now and to the delight of local inhabitants, the Locarno Piazza Grande is once again transformed into a Winter Wonderland.  Installation is almost complete and as of 3rd December you'll find us hotfooting it round the ice rink, slowly at first but by the end of December (10th January 2010 in fact) we'll be pretty smooth, assisted in part by the delicious mulled wine. If you're not really into skating but prefer to observe, there are igloo bars for that indoor/outdoor lounging experience as well as plenty of outdoor tables each with their own heating lamp. A perfect way to enhance your Christmas shopping trip. Click here for more information.

                                           

Pop this into your diaries: Sunday 6th December from 10am till 4pm Tegna will be host to its annual, delightful Christmas market - lots of creative and talented people exhibiting their wares. The creator and writer of the blog salcottroad will be there with all of her beautiful creations as well as Karin from Semplice with her new collection of knotted necklaces. Domi and Cri also return with more of their lovely ceramics after last year's huge success. Christmas refreshments and other local delicacies will make the wander through the village even more inviting. See you there!