Travel Department is 20 years old!

Travel Department celebrated its 20^th year in business in style on April 13^that Fiorentina Restaurant on Parliament St, Dublin. In keeping with the theme of one of Travel Department’s most popular destinations, we were treated to an authentic evening of Italian food, wine and hospitality. Founder Bob Haugh entertained guests with tales from the early days and friend of Travel Department, broadcaster Marty Whelan, reminisced about his many Italian opera trips to Italy, Berlin and Prague with the company.

Bob and Marty.

Julie Anne, Zara and Me!

Guitarist Alan Byrne provided ambient background music while we chatted over starters of Polpete, wild boar meatballs and crispy gorgonzola salad, and mouth-watering mains of Bistecca 35 dry-aged steak and sea bass. The dolci were especially delicious – diners had a tough choice between decadent chocolate and olive oil tart, sumptuous lemon and passionfruit tart and comforting brioche bread and butter pudding.

Twink and Nuala looking fab!

It was great to catch up with RTE’s Nuala Carey who I hadn't seen since Edward Smith's fabulous 30th Birthday Party on a barge!  Nuala has travelled to several locations in France and Italy on the company’s escorted holidays. Twink was there too with her good pal Andrea Smith and she wooed us all with photos of her amazing cakes. She is a multi talented lady! Model and DJ Daniella Moyles was also in attendance as she prepares to launch her new travel website in the coming months. 

We all went home with goodie bags filled with exclusive 20^thanniversary Travel Department red wine, hot-air balloon shaped handmade cookies, a voucher for founder Bob Haugh’s new beauty salon, Oslo, and one lucky person even went home with a trip in Travel Department’s own hot-air balloon.

Happy 20^th birthday Travel Department – and here’s to 20 more!

Valentine's Day Deals Around Ireland

Are you stuck for somewhere to bring your loved one this Valentine's Day? Have no fear The Novel Traveller has been seeking out the some romantic deals countrywide and I will list my top three favourites picks on the Midday Show on TV3 this Friday 5th February so watch out for my next post...and the chance to win a special prize!

 - Europa Hotel Belfast - Valentine's Sensation Dinner, 

B&B at the Europa Hotel from £100 pp                                                                                                                        

Celebrate the magic of Valentine’s Day and treat your loved one to a romantic break at the luxurious Europa Hotel, Belfast. At the Europa Hotel we have created a very special range of Valentine’s Day packages that are full of the romance and magic required to help create a memorable occasion for you and your loved one!  The all-inclusive Valentine’s overnight package is valid from Friday 12th February – Sunday 14th February 2016 and includes:
- A romantic dinner for two in the Causerie Restaurant
- A glass of Prosecco on arrival
- A luxurious overnight stay
- Full Irish breakfast in the morning
- Hastings Welcome Love Slate and Love Duck in your room on arrival 

The Lovebomb at The Twelve Hotel


The Twelve boutique hotel in Bearna has a uniquely fun and quirky take on the world. It’s no surprise then that their attitude to romance is as generously dramatic and over the top as their approach to everything else, and the Valentine’s Lovebomb Surprise package from The Twelve is a loved-up treat, packed full of 12 different romantic elements! Beginning first with a gorgeous suite, with petals strewn across the bed and bubbles beside it, there are also two boldly red iced muffins from the Pins Bakery, a delicious packed picnic perfect for a romantic stroll inclusive of a bottle of pink prosecco, a candle-lit dinner in lovely West, pampering in-room spa treatments, Love Potion cocktails in The Pins bar, a discount gift voucher for Hartman’s Jewellers (just in case the need to drop to one knee suddenly presents itself!), a wrapped rose on checkout… And number 12 of the romantic notions squeezed into this Lovebomb package? Well that’s the wonderful Twelve itself and all that it entails! The Lovebomb package is available on February 13^th or 14th at a cost of €470 per couple, with the option of staying two nights for an extra €140 per couple.

The Twelve Hotel
Bearna Village
Galway
Tel: 091 597000


www.thetwelvehotel.ie

-La Mon Hotel & Country Club - All You Need is Love B&B from £69pp

Treat your loved one to a little extra with an overnight stay at La Mon...All you need is love and we will provide the rest. Check into your Deluxe Bedroom which is dressed with rose petals on your king size bed and a treat of La Mon bubbly with chocolate covered strawberries to compliment. After some time relaxing or dining in the hotels facilities return to your room where your bed has been turned down and curtains drawn for the evening. Next morning enjoy a full cooked breakfast in bed at your leisure before checking out at 2pm. The perfect treat for your special someone.
http://www.lamon.co.uk/

- City Hotel Derry – Valentine’s Overnight Package of £140 per couple

·         Celebrate the magic of St Valentine and treat your loved one to a romantic break in the Walled City of Derry. This special offer includes overnight accommodation, full Irish breakfast, a candlelit dinner, a bottle of bubbly and chocolates in your room on arrival for £140 based on 2 guests sharing. Relax and enjoy our Health & Fitness club with swimming pool, gymnasium, Jacuzzi and steam room. Upgrade to one of our Superior rooms for £15 supplement per night or a Junior Suite or Executive room for an extra £50 per room per night. Live music in Coppins Bar on Fridays and Saturdays.

http://www.cityhotelderry.com/index.html

Enjoy a Starry-Eyed Break with your loved one this Valentines at 

Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa

Enjoy a twinkling, sparkling, starry break with your loved one this Valentine’s at Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa. The stunning setting of Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa overlooking the wild waves of the Atlantic Ocean and beautiful beach of Inchydoney, makes the perfect romantic backdrop in itself for your Valentine’s break, and the good folks at the hotel have added in plenty of extras to ensure an unforgettable getaway: A beautiful guestroom with your own private balcony with sea views; A candlelit dinner in The Gulfstream Restaurant overlooking Inchydoney beach; An evening kayaking adventure together under starlight in Lough Hyne; a Diamond and Gold Skin Revival Facial for the ladies and a Sensual Elemis Back Massage for the gents as well as Afternoon Tea for two. This break costs from €359 per person sharing.

There’s plenty more to do in the hotel – snuggle up in the lounge with a drink in front of the fire, take a walk hand-in-hand on the beach, or enjoy a swim in the heated seawater pool and allow the jets and bubbles to massage your muscles. Inchydoney is a place for people who value time together, so let it work its magic on you and you’re both sure to leave starry-eyed.

·      2 nights bed and breakfast in a guestroom, with a private balcony overlooking Inchydoney beach

·      Candlelit dinner in The Gulfstream Restaurant

·      Starlight kayaking with Atlantic Sea-kayaking

·      Afternoon Tea for two people

·      Diamond and Gold Skin Revival Facial for the ladies and a Sensual Elemis Back Massage for the gents

·      From €359 per person sharing www.inchydoneyisland.com

Delphi Resort a destination for romance

this Valentine’s Day

A truly unique place, set amongst some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery, Delphi Resort is one of Ireland’s most stunning venues. With incredible views across the surrounding landscape and a beautiful property etched into the picturesque mountains, Delphi Resort invites couples to spend some quality time together away from all the distractions of modern living, in truly breath-taking surroundings.

This Valentine’s Day treat your special someone to a romantic escape, they’ll never forget. Enjoy a one or two night stay in one of the beautiful bedrooms overlooking the majestic Mweelrea and Twelve Bens mountain ranges.  Spend your day hand in hand exploring the landscape, unwind together in the luxurious Delphi Spa with a range of luxurious VOYA treatments to choose from while taking in sweeping views of the landscape from the relaxation room or simply cosy up together in front of the fire over a crossword. Home to delicious dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, make some memories over a 3 –course dinner by candle light in the hotel’s 814 Brasserie or for an added €15 per person treat yourself to a unique dining experience with a  5-Course meal in The Chef's Table by Stefan Matz.

Nestled among the beautiful Delphi Valley, within 300 acres of forest, from the moment you arrive at Delphi Resort, you’ll feel as if it is just the two of you. Romance will be in the air with a trail of romantic gestures from Delphi Resort including a red rose on your pillow, delicious chocolates and luxurious robes and slippers laid out in your room. With complimentary late check out, you can savour your romantic escape for a little longer!

http://www.delphiadventureresort.com/

Valentine's Day Deals from Dublin...Fly to Lisbon, Paris and Prague.

Would you like to whisk your loved one off to one of Europe's favourite capitals for Valentine's Day? The ITAA have some great offers so snap them up quickly!

One of my favourite cities in the world
and possibly the most romantic
Perfect for Valentines Day

Valentine’s Day Deals

This week we have rounded up a selection of the best offers available

Luxury Valentine’s Break in Lisbon, 3 nights, 12^th to 15^th February, from €226 pps

Treat the one you love this Valentine’s Day with a luxury romantic break in Lisbon. Spread across steep hillsides, overlooking the River Tagus, the city of Lisbon has something on offer for all its visitors. With its Roman and Moorish ruins, white-domed cathedrals, narrow cobblestone lanes and grand plazas with sun-drenched cafes, it is the perfect place to plan a romantic getaway.

Take a tram up and down the steep hillsides, try some delicious freshly baked Pasteis de Natain (custard tarts) in Belem or listen to fado singers perform in Alfama's back streets. Portugal’s capital is the perfect mix of old and new, with it combination of beautifully maintained ruins and new bohemian bars, and is set to be a top city destination for 2016.

Price includes: 4* Accommodation and Return Flights. T&Cs apply. Subject to availability.

For more information on this deal available from Travelnet.ie visit:

http://itaa.ie/2016/01/27/valentines-break-lisbon

Sintra is a short bus ride from Lisbon and well worth a visit as a Unesco Heritage site.

Take a trip out to the Devil's Mouth only a short
 walk from the beautiful seaside town of Cascais

 

I love Lisbon here I am with Fernando Pessoa one of Portugal's best regarded writers!
He can be seen outside the famous coffee house A Brasiliera

Valentine’s City Break in Prague, 2 nights, 12^th – 14^th February, from €279 pps

ClickandGo.com has the perfect Valentine’s Gift for the special person in your life with this city break to Prague. Located right in the heart of Europe, Prague has been considered as one of the most beautiful cities in the world since the Middle Ages. With its impressive architecture, magnificent cuisine and bohemian art scene, it is a diverse and vibrant city.

Under a minute's walk from a tram station, the stately, art nouveau style 4* Union Praha hotel is just around the corner from Charles Bridge and a short walk from Vyšehrad castle. It is the perfect spot from which to discover the city’s labyrinth of winding streets, majestic chapels, colourful markets and quiet bars. From the moment you cross the impressive Charles Bridge or step into the beautifully preserved Old Town Square, you are sure to fall in love with this amazing city.

Price includes:  2 nights’ accommodation with breakfast inclusive and flights

For more information on this deal available from ClickandGo.com visit:

http://itaa.ie/2016/01/26/valentines-break-prague

 If you do decide to go to Paris then make time for The Bateaux Parisiens for an unforgettable dining experience and great views

Valentine’s Day in Paris, 2 nights, 12^th – 14^th February, from €399pp

Escape to one of the most romantic, stylish and exciting cities in the world this Valentine’s Day. Hugging the banks of the River Seine, each district is distinct with a unique atmosphere and share of interesting attractions. From the medieval charm of Le Marais to the bohemian Left Bank, the quaint artists’ quarter of Montmartre to the ultra-fashionable Saint-Germain-des-Près, the blend of ancient and modern in this beautiful city is seamless.

From your base in the 3* Grand Hotel du Havre, discover the classical paintings of the Louvre, enjoy candlelit drinks in one of the many wine bars or take a boat ride along the Seine at sunset. The opportunities for romance in the City of Love are endless.

Price includes: 2 nights’ accommodation (room only) and return flights from Cork

For more information on this deal available from Dawson Travel visit:

http://itaa.ie/2016/01/27/valentines-break-paris

Other travel deals:

For more great travel deals check out - www.itaa.ie/offers

Royal Caribbean are teaming up with the World Wildlife Fund

It's good to see a travel company working with the environment. This is a positive step in sustainable tourism. Well done Royal Caribbean!

The partners will set measurable and achievable sustainability targets that will reduce Royal Caribbean’s environmental footprint, raise awareness about ocean conservation among the company’s more than five million guests, and support WWF’s global oceans conservation work. 

The targets announced today focus on supply chain sustainability and emissions reductions through 2020. Royal Caribbean and WWF are also working together to develop targets aimed at strengthening the company’s sustainable sourcing strategy and its destination stewardship and sustainable tour operations platforms.

“Our mantra at Royal Caribbean is ‘Continuous Improvement,’ and this partnership with WWF represents a great opportunity to make a big step forward in meeting our special responsibility to protect the oceans,” said Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “It is also gratifying to see that our determination to make a meaningful difference is shared by our employees and our guests. This new partnership aligns all of us at RCL with WWF’s mission to conserve the world’s oceans. Together we are setting aggressive goals and together we will start implementing them right away.”

“The threats that are facing the ocean are greater than ever – in the last 30 years, some ocean wildlife populations have declined by nearly 50 percent. If we are going to reverse the downward trends, we must take serious steps to repair, restore and protect the oceans,” said Carter Roberts, WWF-US President and CEO.

“This initiative centres on two core concepts: first, committing to specific and measurable targets to reduce carbon emissions, increase sustainable sourcing and build destination stewardship; and second, comprehensively engaging their millions of travellers to learn about the ocean and then act to help save it."

Royal Caribbean Cruises and WWF jointly developed new 2020 environmental sustainability targets for the company that include:

Carbon Emissions 2020 Target:

·         Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35 percent by 2020.

Sustainable Seafood 2020 Target

·         Responsibly source 90% of its wild-caught seafood by volume from MSC certified sustainable fisheries, fisheries in full assessment for MSC certification, comprehensive Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs), and/or sourced from International Seafood Sustainability Association (ISSA) member companies.

·         In North America and Europe operations, responsibly source 75% of its farmed seafood by volume from ASC certified responsible farms, farms in full assessment for ASC certification, and/or comprehensive aquaculture improvement projects.

·         In addition, by June 30, 2016, RCL will set specific traceability goals with targets for obtaining MSC and ASC chain of custody.

In addition, Royal Caribbean and WWF have agreed to develop and announce new targets by June 30 that will address destination stewardship. As part of this, WWF and RCL will collaborate to strengthen RCL’s destination sustainability assessment and selection process.

Royal Caribbean also will financially support WWF’s global ocean conservation work through a $5 million philanthropic contribution during the partnership, and will collaborate with WWF to build global awareness about ocean conservation issues among its millions of passengers.

The organisations made their announcement at an event in Donsol, Sorsogon, Philippines that is home to a model community-based ecotourism program. At the event, RCL also made a separate, $200,000 donation to WWF Philippines in support of conservation programs in the Donsol area.

Amazing January deals from Expedia to get 2016 off to a great start!

Winter weather getting you down? Plan a cheeky January getaway and soak up some winter sun with these great deals from Expedia.ie

Book in a sun holiday in January and start 2016 off on the right foot with great options from Expedia.ie for sun holidays around the world depending on how far you want to get from home!

Andy Washington from Expedia.ie suggests taking advantage of low season deals; “January is a great time to go on holidays as most hotels and airlines have better deals in their least busy season. Couple this with the savings you make when you book your flight and hotel together as package through Expedia.ie, and you can save and spend your money in amazing activities while on holiday” 

Option 1: Miami, Florida south-beach-miami click here to see video

Return flights for two adults and a seven night stay in the 4-star Surfcomber Kimpton Hotel start from €1724 per person, including taxes and fees, a saving of €484 altogether when you book this flight and hotel together through Expedia.ie. For this deal fly from Dublin to Fort Lauderdale, via New York JFK on Friday 15^th January 2016, returning on Monday 23rd January 2016.

Option 2: Arrecife, Lanzarote

Return flights for two and a six night stay in a 5-star Hotel Volcan Lanzarote from €508 per person, including taxes and fees, a saving of €50 per person when you book this flight and hotel together through Expedia.ie. For this deal fly from Dublin direct to Arrecife on Saturday 23^rd January, returning on Friday 29^thJanuary.

Option 3: Pattaya, Thailand

Return flights for two and a six night stay in the 5-star Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya start from €705 per person, including taxes and fees, save €60 per person when you book this flight and hotel together through Expedia.ie. For this deal fly from Dublin Airport to Bangkok via London Heathrow with on Friday 15^th January 2016, returning on Friday 22nd January 2016.

The Charlemont - An Exciting New Place to Eat in Dublin

Charlemont Bar & Bistro is the latest addition to the Dublin food and drink scene, located overlooking the canal on Charlemont Place. Following an almost €1m investment that has created two settings brought together by the common themes of design, style and vibe.

OUTDOOR TERRACE

Charlemont also features a canal-facing outdoor terrace, which is walled and lined with mature shrubs and for which general manger, Paul Flavin, expects high demand due to the paucity of good outdoor dining spaces in the capital and in spite of Ireland’s inclement climate.

Whilst Charlemont is part of Hilton Dublin, Paul Flavin explains how it has been designed as a stand- alone bar and bistro to appeal to new audiences. “One of the features that we feel will attract visitors to Charlemont is that it can be accessed from street level.   Obviously we hope that hotel guests will enjoy Charlemont Bar & Bistro but we really want to offer an experience that is somewhat separate from the hotel, creating an ambience and environment that will tempt people  who might not traditionally consider a night out in a hotel bar.  Charlemont is different and we think that anyone dropping by will be pleasantly surprised,” said Paul.

Charlemont was designed by Dublin interior architecture and design company Millimetre Design, which was involved in all aspects of the fit-out from interior architecture, design, procurement and project management.

PHASE ONE TRANSFORMATION

Both the bar and bistro were designed using materials such as rich stained oaks, dura stone and antique mirrors and colours such as dark powder blues and warm beiges.  The new sophisticated look and feel gives a new edge to the front of the property and is the first phase of a major capital investment programme at Hilton Dublin.  Phase two will see a full bedroom refurbishment.

“This really is a new chapter for us and the timing feels absolutely right,” said Paul Flavin. “There is a buzz around the city centre that extends into great spots such as Ranelagh, Rathmines, Rathgar and Donnybrook and we are really well positioned between them all.  We have a great new offering and a brilliant and committed team and we hope that people like what we do, because we are loving doing it.”

THE MENUS

Executive chef, Alan Brady has placed an emphasis on great quality ingredients done simply and done well and the provenance of the ingredients is paramount to his menu design.

Charlemont’s menus include fresh Kilkeel mussels, Chulchoill goat’s cheese and Kilmore Quay scallops.  Its beef is from nearby Clonee and the sharing cheeseboard includes Wicklow blue, smoked Gubeen, Tipperary brie and Cooleeny.

Lunchtime salad choices, which are priced from €12 include quinoa & avocado with soya beans, broccoli florets, baby spinach, pumpkins and a citrus vinaigrette; poached pear & feta with caramelised walnuts, red onion, arugula and cherry vinaigrette or a smoked trout and beetroot salad with horseradish and dill dressing.  

Guests can also enjoy Gorgonzola & walnut ravioli; gourmet burgers or a selection of sandwiches including pan fried wild mushroom & thyme focaccia or poached salmon & dill.

The sharing platters are already proving popular and priced from €15 include an Antipasto of Milano salami, pastrami, Serrano ham, sundried tomatoes, marinated olives and rustic bread or a seafood platter of calamari tempura prawns, fish fritters and citrus aioli and a sweet sesame and soy dressing

The evening menu includes seared Procanar duck breast served with wilted greens, mange tout, sweet potato puree and a crème de cassis jus (€22) and pan fried sea bream with broad beans, asparagus and new potatoes (€23).

THE DRINKS

The good news for lovers of wine is that there are a dozen wines available by the glass, with prices starting at €6.50 for a crisp Australian Chardonnay (The Pick) or a fruity Spanish (Marques De Plata).  Charlemont’s Champagne is the delicious Pannier and the wine list extends to include a selection that will appeal to different palettes or occasions including:

• Domaine Del Sol, Picpoul, 2013 (France) €8.50 / €30
• Peter Schweiger, Gruner Veltliner, 2013 (Austria) €38
• Lupe Cholet, Chablis, 2012 (France) €42
• The Edge, Pinot Noir, 2010 (New Zealand) €38
• Don David, Malbec, 2011 (Argentina) €9 / €33
• Il Bucco, Montepulciano, 2013 (Italy) €8 / €26

Cocktails are a house speciality and reasonably priced from €8. The cocktail list includes classics such as Espresso Martini, Mojito and Cosmopolitan and each week the bartenders will devise a Charlemont Surprise, which, this week is an Autumn Whisper made with Chivas Regal, 12 year old Grand Marnier and ginger ale.

Charlemont is open seven days a week from 7.00am serving food until 10.00pm.  Reservations are not essential but for enquiries telephone 01 4029988, check out Charlemont on Facebook or on Twitter at @The_Charlemont  

Ho Ho Ho Santa is hitting the high seas with Stena Line for Christmas!

Ireland’s leading ferry company, Stena Line, is getting a Christmas makeover this year complete with a historic name change to Santa Line – what else! - across its European Network. 

They also celebrated by giving one of their ships in Gothenburg a festive new look for the day and are introducing a fun app which customers can use to win prizes as they journey across the Irish Sea.

What’s more, customers can enjoy great value fares from as little as €89* single for car and driver and the widest choice of routes and sailings on the Irish Sea.  And as there are no baggage restrictions they can bring all the gifts they want in their car.

Airports at Christmas are synonymous with fun-sapping queues, followed by a journey in a confining seat which can be stressful, especially when travelling with kids. Stena customers, however can enjoy a quick check in process, lots of space to relax or explore as well as great onboard entertainment that even Santa himself would love.

The fun continues onboard with delicious dining options, free festive movies and WiFi and other onboard activities. Kids will love our brand new Christmas Treasure Hunt, they simply need to download the ‘Stena Line Treasure Hunt’ app, then find the Christmas gifts onboard before collecting their prize in the onboard shop.

For more information or to book your very own Santa Line trip log onto www.stenaline.ie or https://www.facebook.com/StenaLineUKIE/ or call 01 204 77 77. Follow Stena Line on Twitter @StenaLineIE

World Tapas Day

I love Tapas and was delighted to hear that today is World Tapas Day so hurry up and get yourself something yummy and why not wash it down with a nice glass of Rioja! Even better why not visit Spain and get some winter sunshine too!

Tapas is a hallmark of Spain. Both for its unique design, small and varied portions, as well as for how it is consumed, usually standing and sharing the same plate. In every town and city in Spain there are bars and pubs –sometimes even whole neighborhoods–specialising in tapas. Another advantage of eating tapas is that they enable you to sample a different selection of local dishes in each region of Spain. These delicious combinations of miniature culinary delights cater to all tastes and budgets.

More than just food tourism, it is a means of discovering towns and cities by exploring the culture that is revealed in their kitchens –because in Spain, good food is a way of life. Gastronomy is an essential element of tourism in Spain. The term "Tapa" itself is a concept that identifies Spain internationally. Food in Spain is not simply food – it is a combination of cooking styles shaped by regional differences, traditions and customs.

Spanish gastronomy is up there with the most renowned of food cultures in the world According to the statistical data of European Baseline study, Spain is the world’s leading tourism country that ranks first as European country for gastronomical tourism. The Mediterranean diet of the East coast of Spain combined with the elements of traditional Moorish cuisine in the South, a great variety of gastronomic styles of central Spanish regions, the New Spanish cuisine led by the pioneers of molecular and new-age gastronomy, and the New Basque cuisine famous for delicious meat and fish specialities.

Spain is commonly known as one of the largest producers of high-quality wine, olives and cold meats. It also owes its fame to its “pica-pica” culture that implies having a meal consisting of finger foods accompanied by a glass of wine or beer and a spontaneous conversation. Spanish food not only meets a growing demand for “foodies” but it also complements the destination for all tourism products. The Spanish Tourist board want to promote tourism through culinary experiences. And there’s no better way to get a taste of Spain wherever you are than through its excellent tapas. A day of tapas is a unique experience to discover Spanish culture and savour the atmosphere of its bars and restaurants. Going for tapas is a habit that is lived intensely in all towns and cities in Spain where tapas are an exquisite, varied and select part of popular gastronomy. The great taste of Spain in one meal!

If you’re looking for an authentic tapas experience, but happen to not be in Spain, there are of course numerous Spanish tapas bars and restaurants all over Ireland… Join us on World Tapas Day (22nd October) and travel to the Taste of Spain!

Madrid's lovely Tapas spots - watch the video here Madrid Tapas

Come and visit Dublin

Dublin a breath of fresh air!

Tourism Ireland has made a wonderful video about my home town Dublin and I thought I'd share it with you. Click on the picture to view it.

Go to the Bronx and live like a local - New York!

NYC & COMPANY ENCOURAGES VISITORS TO EXPLORE THE BRONX’S ARTHUR AVENUE AND BELMONT

—Documentary Film Provides Visitors with an Insider’s Guide to the Italian Enclave and Neighbourhood Cultural Gems—

NYC & Company, New York City’s official marketing, tourism and partnership organisation, today announced its most recent effort to increase tourism in the Bronx with a neighbourhood spotlight on Arthur Avenue and Belmont as part of its NYCGO Insider Guide series. Featured in short-style documentary as part of the promotion, Arthur Avenue and Belmont offer visitors everything from authentic Italian delicacies to bucolic gardens to an animal oasis. To view the documentary and neighbourhood highlights including a map, visit nycgo.com/insiderguides.

 The Bronx

Click on this link to catch the video

“Affectionately known as New York City’s ‘real Little Italy,’ Arthur Avenue will make any visitor feel like they are in Italy with Italian shops, restaurants and specialty stores lining the streets,” said Marty Markowitz, NYC & Company’s Vice President of Borough Promotion and Engagement. “With nearby world-class attractions like the Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Garden, we’re encouraging visitors to spend a day exploring the culturally and culinary rich Bronx.”

“Everyone knows that New York’s real Little Italy is in The Bronx,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “We have the best cannoli, world-class pizza and the most authentic Italian food, bar none. Arthur Avenue is one of the shining gems of the borough and is close to wonderful attractions like the Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Garden. I welcome any tourist, from our great nation or from abroad, to come visit this wonderful neighbourhood and experience one of the great neighbourhood of New York City.”

Experience Arthur Avenue and Belmont Like a Local

• Attractions: The 265-acre world-famous Bronx Zoo has more than 6,000 animals that are housed in re-creations of their natural habitats. In addition to the year-round exhibits like the sea lion pool and African plains featuring lions, zebras and gazelles, this October the zoo celebrates Halloween with special Boo at the Zoo programming. Featuring more than a million plants on their 250-acre campus, The New York Botanical Garden is a favourite spot of New Yorkers and visitors from all over the world. On view until 1^st November 2015, Frida Kahlo: Art, Garden, Life showcases Kahlo’s work and provides a look into her childhood garden.
• Bakeries and Cafés: For traditional Italian baked goods, DeLillo Cafe & Pastry Shop sells homemade Italian desserts, including cannolis, sfogliatelle and biscotti; and Madonia Brothers Bakery is a Sicilian bakery that sells traditional Italian desserts and savoury breads in flavours like jalapeño, provolone and black olive.
• Dining: A family-style restaurant known for large portions, Roberto’s Restaurant serves country-style Italian dishes. The team behind Roberto’s also owns Zero Otto Nove, a rustic Italian restaurant around the corner. Nearby, Pasquale’s Rigoletto transports visitors to Italy with its colourful murals and authentic menu of fettuccine Alfredo, gnocchi Bolognese and more.
• Shops: The Arthur Avenue Retail Market is home to recently opened shops and third-generation establishments where visitors can find a wide selection of cured meats, cheeses, fresh fruits and vegetables and boutique goods. Nearby, visitors can find fresh pasta and ravioli from Borgatti’s Ravioli & Egg Noodles; homemade cheeses at the official mozzarella supplier of the New York Yankees, Casa Della Mozzarella; an impressive selection of fresh fish and shellfish atCosenza’s Fish Market; and a vast selection of quality meats at Biancardi’s. In addition, Teitel Brothers is a wholesale and retail gourmet Italian deli, which sells its quality ingredients, including cheeses, roasted peppers and oils to restaurants around the country.

Visitors looking to experience the Bronx for longer than an afternoon can stay at the Opera House Hotel in the South Bronx. The historic Bronx Opera House, a storied entertainment venue dating back to 1913, has been restored as a boutique hotel. The property has spacious rooms and amenities including flat-screen TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi, plus a continental breakfast. For the best available rates at hotels throughout the five boroughs, visit nycgo.com/hotels and reserve through NYC & Company’s exclusive hotel booking partner, Booking.com.

NYCGO Insider Guides: Get to know our neighbourhoods

New York City is made up of five distinct boroughs: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island. Formerly Neighborhood x Neighborhood, NYCGO Insider Guides, which debuted in March, spotlight a new neighbourhood each month. The video documentary series and editorial content take New Yorkers and visitors behind the scenes to introduce them to the character and characters that define some of New York City’s most fascinating neighbourhoods.

To view B-roll and photos of Arthur Avenue and Belmont in our media library, visit nycgo.com/press. Follow @nycgo_press on Twitter for the latest information about New York City travel and tourism.