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

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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!

m.a.x.

While Chiasso is not usually considered a tourist destination here in Ticino, you will find at least one very special place there that is definitely worth a visit. The m.a.x. museo is only a short walk from the station and can be easily combined with a trip to Como, Milan, the swish Hugo Boss head office in Mendrisio or even the soul-less but addictive shopping centre Fox Town nearby.

Opened in 2005 by Aoi Huber-Kono, widow of the renowned Swiss graphic designer Max Huber, the museum offers inspiration to budding designers or established artists alike.  One of those "not-to-be-missed" type places.

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We like to keep up with stuff. So now you can find us on Twitter, too! Bet you're delighted! Stick with us, we know all the best places...

a pool and so much more...

There's no need to write much as the pictures really do speak for themselves. Enough to say that we went this morning for a taster and felt we'd gone on a 2 hour Spa holiday. The service was superb and we got an awful lot of extra attention from staff that were ever so eager to ensure everything was 'just so' (more to do with my beautiful friend than anything else, I'm sure, but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt). You may think the photos are amazing but they don't come anywhere close to the real thing. Sheer bliss. The Locarno Lido's (very) long-awaited grand opening took place on 24th October 2009 and now there really is no looking back - this is the future and we shall enjoy it as much as we possibly can! Click here for further information and more pictures!

We even tested the waterslides...! Not just thrilling but also fun and full of funky flashing lights and music!

we know JUST the place....

A wonderful new Bed & Breakfast is opening on 1st November in the delightful village of Verscio, a mere 10 minute drive from Locarno and Ascona. This is an ideal base from which to enjoy the wonders that are on offer in this beautiful part of Ticino. If you'd rather not use the car, Verscio is on the famous Centovallina railway line so you can head either down to Locarno in less than 15 minutes or in the other direction towards Italy. For further information on the B&B (pictured above) simply click here. You will be hosted by the warmest and most welcoming family and guaranteed impeccable service and hospitality.

seven asia

Today we are off to the official opening of SEVEN ASIA. Sushi- and Teppanyaki-lovers will embrace this new addition to the ever-growing Seven empire. Finally something to get excited about here in these quiet backwaters. People don't really know it yet, but there's SO MUCH POTENTIAL for modern, cutting edge glamour! Hopefully Mr Breuer will inspire existing and new entrepreneurs within the restaurant/hotel/lifestyle sector. What to wear, what to wear?

The above photo is taken from the current Seven Asia website.