MSC Cruises launch a new round of European gourmet voyages

Leading cruise line MSC Cruises will really whet the appetite of foodies with their recently launched luxury European cruises, on board the MSC Splendida, MSC Fantasia and MSC Lirica. There is an exciting new series of gourmet voyages planned which will feature the creations of some of Europe’s highly acclaimed celebrity chefs, including two-time Michelin Star winner, Spain’s Paco Roncero, the UK’s “celebrity chef” Antony Worrall Thompson (pictured) and Germany’s highly rewarded Kolja Kleeburg. Italy’s equally commended Mauro Uliassi and Frenchman Gilles Epie, awarded a Michelin Star at a youthful 22, will also weave their magic on the cruises, and all will be putting on demonstrations and tastings of European cuisine to make for a truly gourmet experience in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

To complement two of these cruises, MSC Cruises (Australia and New Zealand) has created a 19-night Italian Gourmet Fly/Explore and Cruise package from Australia, priced from $5359 per person twin share from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide, from $5169pp twin share from Perth.

Departure from Australia is on January 24, 2012, and includes return Qantas economy class airfare, a meet and greet with the tour manager at Milan Airport, two nights’ stay in Lake Como (including daily breakfast and one dinner), sightseeing with entry to the Cenacolo Vinciano museum to view Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Last Supper” and a cruise on Lake Como visiting Bellagio.

Guests will then transfer from Lake Como to the beautiful Piedmont region with wine tasting and farmhouse village lunch before having an overnight stay in the stunning city of Turin with breakfast and sightseeing. En route to Genoa to board MSC Splendida for the first of two back to back seven-night cruises, there will be wine tasting in Monteferrato. It's a truly sublime trip, filled with history, culture, and some seriously good wine and food!

During the cruises, which include ports Barcelona, Casablanca, Gibraltar, Valencia, Marseille, Valetta, Tunis and Civitavecchia (Rome), there will be demonstrations from Michelin star French chef Gilles Epie (Jan 28 until Feb 4) and UK Michelin Chef Antony Worrall Thompson who will “inspire our healthy side” on the cruise between February 4-11. Airport taxes, fuel charges and port charges are included. 

For more details you can phone MSC Cruises in Australia on 1300 028502 or check out their website. 

THE TASTE OF SPAIN

Have you ever been to Spain? If you are one of the lucky travellers to experience this amazing country, you would be well familiar with the gastronomic delights that await you, from the smallest tapas bar to the rustic country kitchens and the finest restaurants. And one of the best things about Spanish cuisine is just how much it is designed for sharing - making this one of the best cuisines of the world to adapt to dinner parties and long table dining with friends and family. We were blessed to spend an incredible week in Barcelona last year, and are counting down the days for a much longed for return to the city and our own 'gourmet pilgrim' out in to the rest of this beautiful country. But for now, we have this gem of a cook book to bring the taste of Spain in to the home.

The Gourmet Pilgrim series is a favourite for cookbook pleasures, because of the well researched and tantalising recipes and stunning visual journeys in to the different cuisines of countries around the world. Last year we spent hours lovingly preparing Italian treats that mama would be proud of, thanks to Gourmet Pilgrim 'Italy'. This season, it is the food of Spain that has our mouth watering, and our eyes looking larger than any belly could ever be! 

The second book in this extraordinary culinary adventure series explores the unique food from the regions of Spain, and features over 184 recipes compiled by expert food writers and chefs, along with beautiful photography and cultural references about this captivating cuisine and the passionate Spanish lifestyle. And all bound in the signature Gourmet Pilgrim collectable galletas tin ... something to treasure for the avid gourmand. 

Gourmet Pilgrim: Spain can be found through all good bookstores ($69.95) and through the Gourmet Pilgrim website.

It's 'Sea to Plate' at Lord Howe Island's first food & wine week

Travel two hours off the coast from Sydney and you arrive at a little hidden gem,  the World Heritage listed Lord Howe Island. There's no mobile phone coverage and limited cars on the island but, rather, life here is at a much slower pace and priorities shift to nature. Bush walking, golf, swimming, fishing and bird watching take up the days here. And this July sees the first of many tailored events at the island's popular Pinetrees Lodge, with the Food & Wine Week welcoming food and wine lovers from Monday 25th - Friday 29th July. 

Executive Chef Warren Farrugia and his chefs will host a 2 hour cooking workshop and demonstration. Warren’s knowledge of European and Asian cuisine is exceptional, and his blending of flavours and textures creates dishes that are relaxed, clean and fresh. Supporting the 'Sea to Plate' focus are the local fishermen who supply Pinetrees Lodge every day with top quality kingfish from what is the world’s most southern coral reef ecosystem.  

And guests will be able to indulge in a selection of wine tastings every evening by the open fire, based on a range of James Halliday's favourite wines and exploring variations in style and character from different Australian wine regions. 

Pinetrees Food & Week will culminate in a ‘secret box’ of ingredients and 30 minute challenge for guests to test their cooking skills and take home the coveted ‘Island MasterChef’ title.

A five night package for Food and Wine Week starts at $1065 per person, excluding flights.  To book, you can call Pinetrees Travel on (02) 9262 6585.