Best Wine Bars in London

Published on Europe Up Close on 26th June 2015:

Barrafina Frith Street by Qin Xie

Where are the best wine bars in London? London, for wine lovers, is a true Aladdin’s cave. It’s a city that embraces all wine from all regions and leaves none behind. Indeed, there are few other places in the world where you can find both traditional wines made in Georgian Qveris and shiraz from New Latitude regions, such as Thailand.

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Ten photos from Grand Hotel dei Castelli

Published on Life in Luxury on 4th June 2015:

Jenever in The Hague

Published on Roads & Kingdoms on 26th May 2015:

Jenever and herring by Qin Xie

“You don’t like maatjes? Well, have another shot of jenever and try it.”

This, according to Fleur Kruyt, is the way to get maatjes, or Dutch soused herring, into your diet.

I’m at Van Kleef, The Hague’s oldest—and only—surviving distillery, to learn about jenever. Originally founded in 1842 by Lambertus Theodorus van Kleef, the distillery is now a museum in the heart of a largely residential area. Kruyt, our knowledgeable guide on this occasion, has been sharing her insight into this esoteric spirit.

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Genoa on Foot – Cultural Immersion the Quick Way

Published on Europe Up Close on 11th May 2015:

For many visitors, Genoa is a portal to the Mediterranean. It’s the largest seaport in Italy and the first stop for many cruise passengers. In fact, as you step off the plane, a queue seems to form automatically, which funnels passengers from immigration straight to the cruise ships. But if you make time for a short walking tour through Genoa’s old town you’ll be rewarded with an immersive insight into this culturally rich city.

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