Tag Archives: Leisure

Croatia: Le Mandrac, The Gourmet Restaurant in Opatijia

Posted on March 12, 2015 | Leave a comment

Croatia-Opatija-Le Mandrac-8-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2013

After my long visit of Opatija

with Zé under a blazing sun, we follow Lungumare (a paved path along the sea with a beautiful view) to Le Mandrac, a gourmet restaurant. We are in a small cove with a backdrop worthy of the golden age of the Italian cinema. It feels like home… and also reminded me of the Marseille’s Calanques and a distant dinner at Chez Fonfon (a famous restaurant in Marseille).

I love the scenery, I’m blown away! The view from our table is just WOW (picture 1)! Impeccable service. The black bread looks like the one I tasted in South Tyrol (picture 4). Excellent starters (pictures 2 & 3), followed by a perfectly grilled fish with olive oil (pictures 6 & 7) and a chocolate cake, with in the middle some hot chocolate and garnished with a lemon sorbet … OMG and beleive me, I am not at all a dessert person (pictures 8 & 9). After the second starter, I wasn’t hungry!

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The chef Denis Zembo

Honestly, I think it must be a nightmare to have lunch with me. Each dish is carefully photographed before and sometimes even after, as below, LOL! Here everything is so flavorful and tasty that between the main course and dessert, I improvise a quick meeting with the talented chef and owner of Le Mandrac, Denis Zembo (picture above): 

– How would you describe your cooking? – Mediterranean cuisine with a twist. Unpredictable and surprising. 

– What kind of ingredients inspire you? – Only some Mediterranean herbs and garlic found in the mountains. I like to use different techniques, such as caramelize. The presentation is half of the dish too. 

– What traditional Croatian dish would you recommend to someone who comes for the first time in Croatia? – The risotto, all made pasta, scampi. My avant-garde interpretation of traditional fritaja (fritaya), with scrambled eggs and local ingredients: wild asparagus, truffles and mushrooms. 

Thank you Denis Zembo.

Croatia-Opatija-Le Mandrac-3-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2013Croatia-Opatija-Le Mandrac-4-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2013Croatia-Opatija-Le Mandrac-5-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2013Croatia-Opatija-Le Mandrac-6-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2013Croatia-Opatija-Le Mandrac-12-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2013

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés. 

Informations 

Le Mandrac : Obala F. Supila 10, Volosko, 51410 Opatija – Tel +385 51 701 357. Opatija Tourist Board & www.visitcroatia.be  

Follow my whole trip in the CROATIA section. ENJOY! I was hosted by the Office National Croate du Tourisme and as usual all my opinions are mine.    

Related posts : DESTINATIONS, LIFESTYLE & HOTEL REVIEWS 

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Algarve, Portugal: Anti-stress Massage @ Vila Vita Vital

Posted on March 3, 2015 | Leave a comment

Vita Vila Parc-Algarve-Portugal-1-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2014

Long weekend in an amazing location in the Algarve, 

South of Portugal: the superb Vila Vita Parc, part of The Leading Hotels of the World! Exceptional retreat to reconnect with the elements: blue for the sky and the ocean, and green for the beautiful gardens (bougainvillea, hibiscus and a thousand other trees, plants and flowers)! Bathed in an incredible brightness.

Vita Vila Parc Spa-Algarve-Portugal-1-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2014

As I take a break at the spa, 

I check out the “Anti-stress 50 minutes” massage done by Margarida. While I am lying on stomach, the therapist diagnostic all my old tensions and chronic contractions. She starts by getting the muscles and tissues of my back by so-called movement “Swedish massage”, more and more strong.

Then she alternates different movements: kneading, stretching, pressure, muscles friction and effleurage movements becoming stronger all over the back. At times that’s a little painful. But much less than Thai or Martine de Richeville massages!

Vita Vila Parc Spa-Algarve-Portugal-2-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2014

To eliminate the pain and continue the massage 

with higher pressures, Margarida applies to my back a hot wet towel twice. And my back, shoulders and arms muscles start deeply relaxing. I lightly dozed. 

Change of position,  I turn on the back for the foot massage with reflexology pressure and work on points related to the back and shoulders and those connected to stress, to extend the relaxation effect. When the massage is finished I’m half asleep! My upper back is much more fluid and flexible and I can again turn and tilt my head! Thank you Margarida.

Vita Vila Parc Spa-Algarve-Portugal-3-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2014

An anti-fat miracle machine? 

The spa has the Hypoxy, a “revolutionary” new machine for body sculpting, slimming and toning. Depending on your specific needs, the therapists of Vila Vita Vital can make you a program. From what I understand, the principle is to eliminate localized fat on the waist, stomach… (lower body) alternating high and low pressure to stimulate the circulation of blood to improve the removal of fat. 

Do not dream: for great results, the Hypoxy program must be associated with a hydrocarb free diet to burn your old (buddy) fat. Forget bread, flour, potatoes, pasta, rice, and tutti quanti …! But the results may be quick, visible and lasting! Now I am convinced this machine was made for me (LOL!). If I have the opportunity to try the program, I’ll let you know about the bikini body! ; )

Photos : Mademoiselle Le K – copyright 2014, tous droits réservés. 

Informations

www.vilavitaparc.com & Vila Vita Vital 

Related posts: 

BEAUTY, HOTEL REVIEWS & DESTINATIONS 

I was invited by the Vita Vila Parc and as always these are my opinions. Many thanks to the whole team.

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Club Med Val Thorens Sensations: Great Restaurants & Bars

Posted on December 10, 2014 | Leave a comment

Club Med-Val Thorens Sensations-France-Epicurious-Panoramic View-1-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2014

What about a ski weekend in Val Thorens?

Sorry for the long silence, I had some technical issues on the blog. And I just returned from a wonderful ski weekend at the new Club Med Val Thorens Sensations 4 tridents (in Savoy, France), where I was invited to the inauguration. I haven’t set foot in a Club Med for ages (yes I was DJ in another life)!

Still the same winner formula: as soon as you are in the Club, you feel good. Arrived around 11:30 p.m. (after a trip with 3 hour bus), my first discovery was the main restaurant. 

The Main Restaurant

Club Med-Val Thorens Sensations-France-Main Restaurant-Breakfast-1-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2014

User-friendly graphic Yurts

I really discovered the main restaurant at the breakfast, the next morning of my arrival (above photo montage). 

Big crush for the yurts scattered in different rooms of the restaurant. They create a sort of intimate cocoon, where I really like to eat and chat under a subdued light.

The dishes are nicely presented. And as always there is many choice and something for everyone. During my short stay, I really enjoyed fresh or dried fruits, ice creams and Kusmi Tea. Shame on me : )

On the photo montage below: No. 3, fish stew in a small red pot, so chic! No. 2, a set of starters elaborated by star chef Edouard Loubet. No. 1, owls gallery at reception and No. 4, the bench of the Canadian (woodcutter) cousin at the gourmet lounge Epicurious. 

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Breakfast At The Epicurious, Gourmet Lounge

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Cozy Atmosphere At The Epicurious

When I finished my first ski lesson in the late afternoon, I joined a part of the group for a drink at the Gourmet Lounge: Epicurious. The outdoor terrace offers panoramic views of the snowy peaks (first photo).

Almost sleepy in a comfortable armchair, while listening some music (photo 7) … when I notice that there’s a live musician and not a soundtrack (LOL!). The space is dedicated to the restoration and local products, including a really nice wine cellar. 

The Epicurious restaurant and wine cellar are decorated by Sophie Jacquemin, in charge of the interior design of the whole Club Med Val Thorens Sensations. The tasting dinner is designed by the chef Edouard Loubet, a native of Val Thorens, with 2 Michelin stars, 5 Gault & Millau toques and chef of the year in 2011.

The morning of departure, I take a late breakfast with a view of the mountains. There is less choice than in the main restaurant, but it’s the quieter and more exclusive, with a great service. On the photo montage below: a plate made of cheese, smoked ham and fresh cereal bread. 

Club Med-Val Thorens Sensations-France-Epicurious-Gourmet Lounge-1-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2014Club Med-Val Thorens Sensations-France-Epicurious-Gourmet Lounge-3-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2014Club Med-Val Thorens Sensations-France-Epicurious-Gourmet Lounge-2-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2014

Tea time At The Main Bar

Club Med-Val Thorens Sensations-France-Main Bar-Tea Time-Macaroons-1-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2014

Yummy break at the main bar: few snacks after skiing! We’re lazily laying in the lounge, with a choice of excellent macaroons, chocolate cakes etc … Before getting ready for dinner, LOL!

Photos : Mademoiselle Le K – copyright 2014, tous droits réservés.

Informations   

Club Med Val Thorens Sensations  

Related posts :  

  

HOTEL REVIEWS, DESTINATIONS & LIFESTYLE 

Many thanks to all the team of Club Med for this invitation and as always these are my opinions! 

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