Welcome to Contessa Chats! This is the place to look for exciting announcements and general chit chat, so lets get started.
April 20, 2009 - I have recently spent time in my Toronto neighbourhood "Avenue Road and Lawrence" and thought you might have fun knowing what my life in Canada is like and some of my hangouts...for spending are! A visit to VideoFlicks is not to be missed. Joe is a great fellow who knows all there is to know about movies and films, so do drop in, and take the dog, there are doggie treats for the four legged family members! Across the street is the best family owned Fur Salon in Ontario. Kahlnert Furs has been my "splurge" stop and well worth each visit, so from fun fur, to splurge furs and reversible leather coats and so much more visit the "boys" - they are wonderful. Now, for a splurge close to every woman - In Style Shoe, great style, great prices and they have two sales a year that are oh so worth knowing about. My friend Esther in the Cosmetics Department at the new Shoppers Drug Mart is talented and is a delight to work with so do stop in and say hello! Finally - Home Hardware...best ever!!
Very Special Get Away! there is nothing that makes me happier than to introduce you to the most beautiful of Canadian getaways. When friends embarked on building a "French" inspired chateau retreat on Pigeon Lake in the Ontario Kawarthas I was inspired. On a recent visited, the results were beyond my wildest dreams. Claire De Lune, www.clairedelune.ca is not to be missed. "Claire" is your charming hostess, Claire Archambault and her partner Rod Andrews, who together are the dream team who created amazing retreat! Tell them La Contessa suggested the visit.
March 1, 2009 - I am currently in Canada and visiting many of my favorite friends and shops, which reminded me that I wanted to tell you about some of my favorites and it is all about food - yeah! Great spot for a coffee, Balzac's of course in the Distillery District, followed up by a stop at Bergo - leave your Amex at home, take the card with a limit! www.bergo.com. And lets not forget great eating, Mildred's Temple Kitchen is not to be missed. In Liberty Village, it is yet another trend spot in Toronto and please say hello to Rory or Donna for me. www.mildredstemplekitchen.com. A visit to explore the fine food from the kitchen of my friend J.J. will take you to France, at least for an evening...so don't miss the opportunity to visit www.batifole.com in Toronto, be sure to make reservations and to tell them La Contessa sent you!
FEB 26/09: I recently spent time in Milan and am thrilled to have met a plethora of exciting individuals. One of my latest finds is two-fold. Ann and her husband, Pier own the most lovely B and B Villa Magnolia perfectly located for the curious traveller..the rooms are tastefully done with a twist, so i was not surprised to find out that Ann, originally from Boston, came to Milan to persue her talents as a furniture designer. I can most highly recommend a visit to Villa Magnolia and rest assured you will have the most helpful of hosts.
I did say two-fold, and yes, Ann along with her business partner Muriel run a unique travel company which i hope you will check out...slow travel for women. doesn't that just sound like fun from the get go.
FEB. 1/09: I am delighted to launch our new website and announce our newest partner, Victor Travel. In the vacation business having a partner that understands your values and goals is paramount. Cecilia and Chiara are experts in their field and understood exactly the kind of partner I was looking for – they look for the very same qualities. Together we will bring you personal service, a quality experience and the knowledge that you have gotten the best vacation possible at the fairest price. I think that is a winning combination. I encourage you to contact them for not only your bookings for Contessa Vacations but any of your travel needs at www.victours.ca
