Etiquette Tips for Dubai Holidays

Posted By Admin ISK on December 1, 2011

My husband and I were leafing through brochures, planning our forthcoming vacation when we came upon some adverts for Dubai holidays and spotted some great cruise deals. Since neither of us had travelled to Dubai, or indeed any of the countries in the United Arab Emirates, the idea appealed – Dubai holidays would be our next vacation choice.

When we had booked our vacation, I spent some time reading about social etiquette and behaviour in Dubai. More than 80% of the population of the United Arab Emirates are Muslim, and this means that some things which are acceptable in the UK have the potential to offend locals, or even land you in trouble with the police. Dubai holidays have become increasingly popular with travellers from the United States and UK, which has meant that many of the rules have been relaxed to allow visitors of all faiths and cultures to discover the rich history and culture in comfort. However, it remains important for tourists who are planning Dubai holidays to at least be aware of the expected etiquette and be guided by it when visiting the city. The following tips are all ones that we found useful to know during our Dubai holidays and will be handy for anyone planning to travel there.

Dress Code for Dubai Holidays

One of the more difficult things to get used to on Dubai holidays is the strict dress code followed by most people in the city. The word to bear in mind is modest, both for men and women. Generally, it is best to keep your arms, legs, back and shoulders covered – showing off lots of skin is a really big no-no.

Most of the male tourists in our group wore shorts and t-shirts, although some found loose-fitting trousers and shirts to be most comfortable in the heat of the city. For women, a long skirt or loose trousers is the preferred option, with a top that at least covers the upper arms. It should be noted that if you are planning to visit religious sites, men will have to wear long trousers, and women will need to wear a headscarf.

Having planned ahead for our holiday, these rules weren’t a great inconvenience for us, but there were several other women travelling in our group who had only packed skimpy clothing and ended up having to purchase more appropriate items in the city.

Alcohol &  Kissing

Although alcohol is served in licensed bars and restaurants, getting drunk and behaving in an unruly manner is more than frowned upon – tourists have been fined for this in the not too distant past. With regards to what are usually described as “public displays of affection”, remember that kissing and fondling in public places will not be accepted. Married couples may hold hands, but anything more than that will cause offence.

Sitting

It may seem silly to Westerners, but sitting in an informal, slouched position could offend local people. Always keep your feet firmly on the ground and avoid crossing your legs, as it is considered to be very rude to show the soles of your feet.

Hand Gestures

Hand gestures are not used in the United Arab Emirates, and using your hand to attract someone’s attention could seriously upset them. Also remember to eat with your right hand, as the left hand is considered unclean by Muslims.

Luxury Cruises Beat Staying at Home

Posted By Admin ISK on November 25, 2011

Is seems pretty obvious to say that going on a luxurious cruise is better than staying at home. In fact, it is a bit like saying that eating caviar and truffles is more exciting than feasting on some soggy bread and butter.

Fair enough, but just because something is really obvious doesn’t mean that everyone pays enough attention to it. We all know deep down that living the high life on the high seas is a great choice of holiday but how many of us have actually done it? Let’s look at the points one by one to see if we can see just how much better than sitting in front of the telly it is.

See Lots of Places

I must confess that I want to see as many parts of the world as possible, and this always makes the choosing of a destination difficult. For example, last year I was torn between Morocco, Rome and Cornwall. There is just no sensible way to choose between such different places when you know that they are all wonderful. I chose Rome in the end by the way, with Cornwall being put on the back burner until next year. Anyway, with luxury cruises you can see loads of places in one trip. If you have got a reasonable amount of time off work then you could easily fit in a trip with four or five different stops in the Mediterranean. For those of you with more spare time for seeing the world a trip to the Caribbean would let you see some amazing places.

Relax and Soak It up

We all love a bit of luxury now and then, don’t we? You can get as coy about this point as you like but I am guessing that you wouldn’t be completely averse to being waited on hand and foot. Big, tasty meals, lots of leisure options and loads of helpful staff members all add up to make this an ideal type of holiday for anyone who wants to really chill out and let the world slip past them as they relax. Anyone who works hard and needs a complete break should consider this sort of cruise for recharging their batteries.

Meet New Friends

It has to be said that luxury cruises are also great for letting you meet new people. With all that free time to kill you will find that many interesting conversations get struck up over a leisurely cocktail around the pool. After a couple of days in this sort of environment you can get to know someone better than by spending months sitting beside them at work. You might end up making some lifelong friends this way, and even if you don’t you can still pass the time very pleasantly with some interesting people from different places and walks of life. If you are planning on getting away on a romantic break with someone special then this means that you will be more than happy to take advantage of all of this leisure time to enjoy each other’s company rather than seek out other people.

Do Family Holidays Have to Involve Tears and Tantrums?

Posted By Admin ISK on November 25, 2011

If you dread the thought of going away with your family every year then you aren’t alone. What should be a fantastic trip away together often turns into a horror show with screaming kids, sulking teenagers and stressed parents.

Thankfully that are a few simple measures you can take to enjoy better family holidays, and here are some of the best ones.

Take Everyone’s Opinion Into Account

Ok, so the kids want to go to Disneyland, the teenagers want to go to a Spanish beach resort and the parents only have enough of a budget for a local holiday. It might sound like an impossible situation but this is where calling a family meeting can solve the problems. You need to make it clear that everyone’s views are valid at this family brainstorming session. After you make it clear how much the budget is there may be some howls of protest but it is in everyone’s best interests to find a good solution. Try piling some brochures with affordable holiday ideas onto the table and see if you can get a top idea out of the group.

Make the Journey as Easy As Possible

The actual  trip can be the worst bit of the whole journey. Taking some games and some snacks along will certainly help the whole family’s mood as you travel. It is also worth finding the simplest way to get to your destination quickly and without any sort of fuss. If you are driving a long way then planning enough stops to eat, rest and go to the bathroom is a very good idea.

Make the Right Food Choices

This is a tough one, as some members of the family might think that going on holiday is about eating loads of unhealthy and expensive food every day. One way round this is to give everyone their spending money every morning and make sure they know that it covers all their food for the day. Another is to eat together all the time and ensure that it is healthy stuff at least some of the time. Otherwise, going on a picnic a few times is a good way to eat healthily and save some money, but not everyone might be so keen on this idea.

Great Things Together Plus Some Independence

You also need to work out how many things you are going to be doing together as a family and how much time to do things independently there will be. All of you will no doubt want some time alone, and there is no point dragging youths along kicking and screaming to a bingo night or a crazy golf game if they want to go to the beach or the shops. What you can make sure is that the time you spend together is among the best moments of the trip. This means checking up on the internet in advance to see what the top attractions of the area are. Getting the whole group together to do something exciting every second or third day can be a brilliant way of gaining some shared memories of the time away.

Lake Garda Holiday

Posted By Admin ISK on November 24, 2011

Our family just came back from an amazing Keycamp Lake Garda holiday and we have never regretted our decision to spend precious bonding moments there this year. My husband and I manage our food catering business almost 24/7 and we always promise the kids we would make up for lost time the first chance we could get away.

Choosing Lake Garda was not an easy thing to do. When we decided to go to Europe this year, there were so many equally fabulous choices like Nice, Tuscany, England, historical Rome and the ever romantic Paris. It seemed like every family member had his own idea about where to go – we might as well go on separate vacations!

Bella Italia, Lake Garda and Keycamp: Perfect Partners

For families travelling with kids and a grandma, there is no better deal than Keycamp. Friends who had gone on a similar holiday enthusiastically told us about their wonderful experiences – and savings! Knowing that we were only being charged for “couple accommodation” made us decide very quickly to bring not just the kids, but my mother as well. We had never gone camping outside the U.S. before but knowing that Keycamp has been awarded several times over as the Best Tour Operator gave us confidence. When you have young children and a grandma in tow, you need a compromise between fun and safety. We had that and so much more.

We chose to stay at Bella Italia, one of the 3 sites to choose from at La Garda. Quite obviously it means beautiful Italy and it was truly that! Camping at La Garda isn’t your typical scout experience. In fact, it is closer to a hotel experience with the modern conveniences and amenities thrown in. Luxury camping without the hassle means that you are free to enjoy your time abroad sans the worries. We enjoyed the lakeside view and took a breather from cooking when our kids took over the chores. Catering is our family business but this time the kids surprised us with the meals they whipped up – apparently, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

What We Liked Best

What’s not to like about the beautiful outdoors of La Garda? We chose the classic midi home which comfortably housed our party of 6. The truth is, we were not that far from the “real” world since we had wi-fi, Internet and even banking services. Aside from having direct access to the lake, Bella Italia at Lake Garda has the following to offer Keycampers:

ü  Waterslides and watersports (including dinghy and canoes)

ü  Football, tennis, golf and other sports

ü  Gym

ü  Disco, shows, fireworks

ü  Kids’ Club and Playground.

ü  Bella Italia also has a shopping center as well as restaurants and bars when you want a night about town.

Discounts and Privileges

Aside from not being charged extra for the kids’ and my mom’s accommodation, we got a huge discount for booking early. Next year, we intend to go on another trip and enjoy the 5% discount offered to returning clients. We’ve worked so hard to earn the vacation we deserve. Keycamp makes it possible.

The Czech Republic – An Introduction

Posted By admin on November 21, 2011

Are you wanting to know more about the Czech Republic? Maybe you’re planning a visit there, or studying the country for a school project. Read on for some basic information on the central European country.

The country of Czechoslavakia was founded at the end of World War I, after Czechs and Slovaks joined together following the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian empire. The newly founded state was to exist until 1989, spending the time after the Second World War under Communist control, behind the so-called Iron Curtain (a term first popularised by Winston Churchill).

The peaceful “Velvet Revolution” of 1989 saw Czechoslavakia free itself from Soviet control. Two years later, the Czechs and Slovaks were to go their separate ways, seeing the foundation of the Czech Republic (with its capital city, Prague) and Slovakia (capital city: Bratislava). This separation is often referred to as the “Velvet Divorce”.

In 1999 the Czech Republic became a full member of NATO and 2004 saw the state join the European Union (EU). This maintains the position of the Czech Republic at the very heart of Europe. Indeed, the land-locked country is bordered by Germany, Poland, Austria and Slovakia.

Of the 10 million inhabitants of the country, more than one million live in the beautiful capital city of Prague, which has become such a favourite for international visitors. Other significant cities include Plzen, famous worldwide for its beers. It is the countries beers that are just one feature that ensures that the country is such a popular destination: leading brands include the likes of Budvar, Pilsner Urquell and Staropramen.

The country’s largest export area is in machinery and transport equipment – the ecoonomy thus remains largely dominated by the industrial sectors.

The beautiful Agios Konstantinos

Posted By admin on November 12, 2011

Agios Konstantinos is a destination situated within central Greece, within the region of Attica, to the north of Cape Sounion, and at about 50 kilometers from the southern side of Athens. This spot, also known as Konstandinos or Ayios Konstandino, was formerly called Kamariza and then Maronia in ancient times. Those tourists who visit this region of Greece should try to stop at this place and enjoy its beautiful environment since it would allow them to relax and renew their energies.

Agios Konstantinos has a very small amount of inhabitants spread throughout its territory. This destination is very appealing and interesting due to its general characteristics, the landscapes it offers, the life style of its inhabitants, the natural elements it has, the amazing landscapes surrounded by mountains, and several other reasons which cause it to be a unique spot.

The municipality of Agios Konstantinos counts with an important amount of mountains in such a way that it is surrounded by mountainous landscapes at each one of its borders. Besides these mountains and rocks, this spot also counts with important extensions of grasslands and beautiful green areas in which tourists can breathe amazing fresh air and observe beautiful landscapes.

The economy of Agios Konstantinos is mainly based on agriculture, mineral rock derivates and farm products. This spot shows many agricultural plantations and farms spread throughout its entire territory and which provide it with a very special and charming appearance. Traditions and country side life style predominate in this area in such a way that visitors could meet many of the same cultural aspects it had centuries ago.

The municipality of Agios Konstantinos is also famous by the mineral rocks that can be found in it. This area is rich in mineral rocks such as chalcoalumite, austinite, adamite, and azurite among others. These minerals can be found at some points in Agios Konstantinos as well as towards Lavrio, an interesting neighboring town. Those tourists whovisit Lavrio should always try to meet Agios Konstantinos as well and relax surrounded by a very attractive natural environment which combines mountains, green areas, and traditions in a very peculiar way.

Where to go for a long weekend – Europe’s Top Destinations

Posted By admin on November 8, 2011

One of the benefits of living in Europe is that as many of the countries are so close together, you are able to break the monotony of a working week and enjoy long weekend in one of the many historical and beautiful cities mainland Europe has to offer.

Europe is awash natural beauty, historical edifices, cultural learning’s and many other facets make its cities an ideal place for that long weekend.

Rome:

A city that is bursting at the seam with history, Rome is a true feast for the senses. Iconic sights such as the old coliseum, the Trevi Fountain and the Vatican are all must sees. The tourist destinations provide for Art enthusiasts who can gaze in wonder at the Sistine Chapel and food fanatics can indulge at a number of first class restaurants serving both traditional Italian dishes as well as modern cuisine.

Venice:

Not fulfilled with one Italian weekend jaunt, why not make a trip to the watery labyrinth of Venice. The city can be explored either by Gondola taxi as you are serenaded by the operatic tones of your gondolier or you may opt to take a romantic walk through the maze of cobbled streets, stopping off in a tratoria to enjoy a glass of wine whilst watching the sun set. Home to the annual Venice film festival, the city is fashionably expensive and the prides itself on its film star good looks, historical architecture and delicious restaurants.

Prague:

After emerging during the past decade as one of Europe’s most desirable city breaks, Prague is bustling metropolis of incredible gothic architecture and historical monuments. Stroll through the old fashioned cobbled streets by day before taking in the vibrant night life on offer. Popular with stag and hen do’s, the riverside location of the city also makes it a romantic getaway and delightful in both the summer and winter months.

When being whisked off on an impromptu weekend away to these destinations, it is easy to get caught up in the excitement and forget about travel insurance. Accidents can happen even on weekends away and although a European Health Insurance card will cover you to a certain extent, it is always wise to purchase holiday insurance online so you are covered for any eventuality.

Thailand(Heart Of Asia) Holidays

Posted By admin on November 6, 2011

HEART OF ASIA
One of the world’s most popular cuisines. Beautiful beaches and islands. Friendly, charming people.Warm weather all year round.Cheap prices for most things.Colourful, enchanting temples.An exotic culture preserved through the ages in a country that has never been colonised.Where are we talking about? Thailand, of course!

WHY THAILAND
You can travel to Thailand, if you want to experience lovely smiles and gentleness of Thai people and scenic & cultural treasures of Thai land. Thailand certainly is the land of smiles, which can make you smile, too. Its really is enamoring and exotic country, known for its inviting people, culture, scenery, cuisine, and overall lifestyle.

A FREQUENT CHOICE IN INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
Located in the heart of Asia, Thailand has been captivating foreign visitors for decades. Previous visitors return year after year and as the word spreads, first-time visitors come flooding in. The number of foreign visitors to Thailand continues to increase and year after year, records are broken as international visitors flock to this fascinating country.

VACATIONS, MADE MEMORABLE ONES
Arguably the most exotic destination in South East Asia, Thailand offers travelers and holidaymakers a huge range of vacation possibilities. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a budget traveler wanting to explore a foreign land on a tight budget, or a well-heeled traveler who wants to be pampered and experience the very best, Thailand has something for you.It is still quite possible to find a pristine stretch of beautiful white sand beach that you can have all to yourself. Lazing away the days on a hammock under a palm tree on a mile long beach, without anyone else in sight,swaying in the breeze under a cloudless sky as the waves gently break against the soft white sand.Such an experience can still be had. Welcome to Thailand!

MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS
This page could largely be separated into two separate sections. The first part gives general information about travelling in Thailand while the second part goes into detail about some of the places to visit and some of my feelings about them and experiences there.

Bangkok
Phuket
Ko Samui
Ko Samet
Pattaya
Hua Hin
Isaan
Historic Places
Ko Chang

LEGAL LENGTH FOR YOUR STAY IN THAILAND
Visitors from most Western countries to Thailand get 30 days permission to enter Thailand upon arrival. This is not a visa per se. If you really like Thailand you can exit the country and re-enter immediately thus getting another 30 days. You cannot do this indefinitely and after spending 90 days in Thailand in a 180 day period you cannot return for 90 days, unless you apply for a visa at a Thai embassy or consulate outside of the country first. (There is more on the whole visa issue in the living and working section.) Holders of South Korean, Brazilian and Peruvian passports get 90 days permission. A lot of developing countries get permission to enter for a shorter period of time and visitors from some countries may have to apply in advance for a visa.You can apply in advance for a two month tourist visa which can actually be extended in the country for another 30 days at any Immigration office. The extension costs 1,900 baht.I believe that you may be able to get a multiple entry tourist visa although I personally believe that strictly for tourism purposes, three months is plenty.

LANDING IN THAILAND
Most people arriving in Thailand fly into Suwannaphum international airport in Bangkok. Your first time in Thailand, which may be your first time in Asia, can be more than a little confusing. You are more than likely jumping off the plane after a fairly lengthy trip and probably want to get to your hotel as soon as possible.

ACCOMMODATION
No matter what your budget, you can find something to suit. Thailand and indeed Bangkok has a huge range of places to stay. Whether you want the opulence of the Oriental Hotel, the filth of a Khao Sarn Road backpacker hole or somewhere in between, you will be able to find it in Bangkok. And right throughout Thailand, you will be able to find something to suit your needs, at least most of the time in most places.Bangkok’s top end hotels continue to rate extremely highly. The Oriental Hotel, The Dusit Thani, The Peninsula and The Shangri-La are often mentioned when you hear the top hotels in the world being talked about. These are five star hotels in every sense and should suit the most demanding of travelers Throughout Thailand, you have all of the big international hotel chains like Marriot, Sheraton, Regent, Hyatt represented. You also have some very good Thai hotel chains like Amari. And then you have got a lot of stand alone hotels. At the lower end of the range you have guesthouses. I gather that camping grounds are available in some places but having seen one snake show too many, I think I’ll give that one a miss, thank you.Of the beaches and islands in Thailand, the most popular spots like Pattaya, Phuket and Ko Samui are oozing with a variety of accommodation options. But this is not always the case at some of the more off the beaten track type places. It should come as no surprise that the further off the beaten track you get, generally the harder it is to find quality accommodation. Even in some of the islands the quality of accommodation is not always that good – and sometimes the prices, while cheap by international standards, can be expensive by local Thai standards. Places like Ko Samet and Ko Chang are classic examples where, in my personal opinion, accommodation prices really are higher than they should be.

Khao San Road
If you’re traveling on a budget then Khao San Road is actually extremely well located for anyone visiting Bangkok as it is walking distance to the river and the most interesting and historically significant parts of the city. The must see Grand Palace is about a mile or s away, easily walk able, even in Bangkok’s oppressive heat. Thailand is not an expensive country to travel through and if you are on a real budget, you can do just fine. Let’s look at the cost of accommodation in Bangkok first. A room in the top end hotels tends to go for 5,000 baht or more a night. The very best spots, like the Oriental may even go for twice this. As I mentioned earlier, hotels in Bangkok really are excellent and the top end places are just fabulous. My pick is the Sukhothai which has a wonderful combination of Thai style with modern convenience. It is worth just going for a wander through as it really is that nice! As Bangkok can be quite difficult to get around due to the dreadful traffic conditions and the fact that the skytrain and underground only cover a small part of the city, one needs to think carefully about the area where one chooses to stay. The most popular areas are Sukhumvit Road, Silom Road, the Siam Square / Pratunam area, Banglampoo and the river The prices of ccommodation in Phuket and Ko Samui are much the same as in Bangkok. These are now big international beach resorts with many fabulous places to stay and as such the prices reflect what people are prepared to pay for them. On the other hand, Pattaya and Chiang Mai both have high quality accommodation available at prices which simply do not exist – at least what you get for that money – in Bangkok. This is one reason to visit Pattaya and Chiang Mai – you get very good value for money on your accommodation.

GETTING AROUND THAILAND

TRAVEL BY AIR
Thai Airways is the main domestic airline and airfares for flights within Thailand are fairly reasonably priced, the schedules are good with lots of flights to the most popular destinations. Further, the planes are generally in good condition. Thai Airways flies to most parts of the country, but not quite all. The notable exception of where Thai does not fly is the tropical paradise of Ko Samui. There is only one airline which flies between Ko Samui and Bangkok and that is Bangkok Airways who I believe own the airport at Samui. The fare to fly from Bangkok to Ko Samui on Bangkok Airways is more expensive than the fare on Thai to fly from Bangkok to Phuket, something which many people question, with some feeling that Bangkok Airways really stings you when you fly between Bangkok and Ko Samui. Bangkok Airways also flies to some neighbouring countries as well as operating domestic flights within Thailand, but it is the route to Ko Samui for which they are most famous. Bangkok Airways has tried to reposition themselves and now markets themselves as Asia’s boutique carrier. .

TRAVEL BY CAR
Hiring cars or even a big bike is one way to get around Thailand. The quality of the roads in Thailand is generally pretty good. Car rental is fairly cheap in Thailand which is a little surprising given that the cost of buying a car in Thailand is much dearer than in the West. Generally, driving in provincial Thailand is easy, the drivers are less aggressive, there is much less traffic – and the further you get from Bangkok, the less traffic and congestion you find. However, wherever you go, signs are generally in Thai only. In a few places, and Pattaya is one exception, some road signs are in Thai. Fortunately street signs are in both Thai and English nationwide, something which I have been extremely impressed with. Petrol in Thailand is reasonably priced and as at March 2007, the price is around 26 baht a litre for the highest grade, 95 octane petrol.

HIGH-LOW SEASONS, THERES NONE SO SERIOUS DIVISIONS:
The tourist high season runs from around late November through to mid April. At certain times, particularly Christmas, New Year, the Chinese New Year and Songkran the most popular beaches and islands can be extremely busy to the point that getting accommodation can become a bit of a problem. Hotels and even some guesthouses hike their prices – and people are willing to pay it. So if you are travelling over any of these periods it pays to book well in advance. The Songkran period really marks the end of the tourism high season for the year. There are a number of other holidays throughout the year and on some of these holidays nightlife areas and bars and discos can be closed – and the sale of alcohol is outlawed. Some bars slip the boys in brown a bit of cash so they can remain open. Generally speaking it is the Buddhist holidays and December 5th, the birthday of HM The King.

Taking The Family To Georgia For Some Fun

Posted By admin on October 29, 2011

Occasionally, there is a magical time when mom, dad and the kids all have nothing on the schedule. In such times, I highly recommend a trip to Georgia for some fun.

Taking The Family To Georgia For Some Fun

The state of Georgia is known as the Peach State, and it is the place to go for a peach of a trip! Planning a trip that will amuse the entire family, children and all, can be tough – but Georgia has enough activity, beauty and charm to satisfy even the pickiest traveler. Georgia trips are memorable events that you will want to repeat again and again.

While Georgia is known for its abundant peach trees and Southern charm, there is more to do here than just stand in an orchard. Whether you prefer the wilderness of mountains such as the Blue Ridge Mountains in northern Georgia, or the big city such as in Atlanta, you will be sure to find activities for all to enjoy. If you are more of a history buff, the Historic South encompasses most of Georgia, with many stops and events to see along the way. If you prefer a taste of the genteel Southern plantation, try spending some time in the Savannah area.

The Historic South is a good place to start your trip. You can take a trek on the Antebellum Trail, which stretches from Macon to Athens, and see how the Old South really was. Antebellum means before the war, and this area has much to show for its Southern roots. You can see many restored houses from the 1800’s here, and even the town that time forgot, Old Clinton, which was settled in 1807. Strolling along the streets of Madison not only gives you a glimpse into the history of Georgia, but also a great place to go shopping!

Not into the history of Georgia? Take a trip to Athens, Georgia, which is known as one of the best music scenes in the country. Many different musical acts, including REM and the B-52 s started their careers here. Artists have come to know Athens as a great place to play concerts and hear new music – and it is more than just rock. Many African-American artists also got their start here. There is even AthFest in June, where 120 bands come to play and show off their music. The events during the day are particularly family friendly.

A trip to Georgia offers something for everyone from Mom and Dad to the teens and the little ones. Enjoying Georgias beauty and grace is something that everyone should do at least once, so book those trips today!

Ciro’s Brasserie at Grosvenor Pulford Serves up a Top Class Treat for Jean-Christophe Novelli

Posted By Admin IQY on October 26, 2011

World renowned AA Rosette and Michelin award winning chef Jean Christophe Novelli chose the Grosvenor Pulford Hotel and Spa, during a recent short stay in Cheshire, and enjoyed a sumptuous evening meal and luxurious overnight stay at one of the finest Hotels in Chester.

Master chef Novelli was performing cookery demonstrations at the Mold Food Festival in nearby North Wales and stopped in for a night at the prestigious Grosvenor Pulford Hotel and Spa in order to sample the comfort and culinary excellence of Ciro’s Brasserie at the Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa. The stunning 4 star Grosvenor Pulford Hotel and Spa made the perfect location for Novelli during his flying visit to Cheshire and Ciro’s Brasserie, under the charge of head chef Leigh Myer, was a delicious highlight.

Accompanied by Italian celebrity chef Felice Toccini, Jean-Christophe Novelli enjoyed the superb facilities and unbeatable service, capped off with dinner at one of the North West’s finest restaurants, Ciro’s Brasserie. The breathtaking, Mediterranean themed restaurant offers modern European cuisine made from only the very best local ingredients and complemented by a selection of fine wines from around the globe.

The award winning chef and restaurateur was not shy about offering feedback to the staff at Ciro’s, and to everybody’s delight, he afforded them high praise across the board, scoring the restaurant  as ‘excellent’ for quality of service, quality of food, quantity of food, ambience and value for money.

Leigh Myers, executive head chef at The Grosvenor Pulford, comments: “It was an absolute pleasure to welcome legends Jean-Christophe Novelli and Felice Toccini to The Grosvenor Pulford, and in particular Ciro’s Brasserie.  I had the opportunity to take them on a tour, and they had immense praise for the hotel, the service and the food.  It is always fantastic to receive positive feedback from our guests, and when it comes from such an influential culinary figure, it makes it all the more special.”

Jean-Christophe Novelli’s visit coincided with the nomination which Ciro’s Brasserie received from Cheshire Life’s Restaurant of the Year award, the winner of which will be announced on 25th October.