WORLD-RENOWNED CHEF AND HOST OF OUR AUTHENTIC FOODS OF ITALY: TOUR THE ITALIAN COUNTRYSIDE BOUTIQUE SHARES HIS INSIGHT INTO THE FAVORED CUISINE

A culinary tour through Italy is all about the senses – the tastes (first and foremost), the smells, the scenery. And of course, the people who make it all so delicious. Chef Tony Mantuano (maybe you recall him as one of the most revered and beloved contestants of Top Chef Masters) hosts the tour with his wife and culinary partner, Cathy. The expedition departs Rome and journeys through Molise, giving guests “insight into a little-known region’s food, wine, and history.” We sat down with Chef Mantuano for his take on all things Italian.

Rue La La: The itinerary takes Members through several villages and home-style restaurants. What’s your one favorite meal?
Chef Mantuano: The specialty of the region is called Pampanella – delicious and unforgettable. [Editor's note: Pampanella is a pork dish, marinated overnight with garlic and ground sweet pepper.]
Continue reading “Five-Minute Pow-Wow: Chef Tony Mantuano Talks Tastes, Tours, and Italian Soul” »

CANYON RANCH GIVES HEALTHY LIVING TIPS TO TAKE INTO THE NEW YEAR

It’s that time of year again. We’re making resolutions to kickstart the New Year. If you’re anything like us, you get bogged down throughout the year (ok, by the end of the month) and those pledges get left by the wayside. But this year, we’re turning to the wellness experts at Canyon Ranch in Lenox, Massachusetts to help find ways to stick to them.

1. Find an exercise routine that you actually enjoy.
Don’t fret if running is not for you. Anything that elevates your heartbeat for a sustained period is a good cardio workout – the best exercise for you is the one you enjoy most, because you’ll keep doing it. Try classes that look like fun - indoor cycling, boxing, or high-energy dance classes like Zumba®. If you enjoy competitive sports, get your heart going with racquetball or basketball. If you prefer a solo activity, try swimming, cycling, or walking (mile for mile, walking and running yield about equal benefits). If you like to be social, go out dancing, hiking, or kayaking with friends – even a snowball fight works. Your body doesn’t know the difference between exercise and play, it just loves to be active.
Continue reading “The Crib Sheet: How to Stick to New Year’s Resolutions” »

A RECIPE FOR HOT BUTTERED RUM, THE ULTIMATE S’MORE COMPANION

The Hyatt Lake Tahoe Resort, Casino and Spa is literally chock-full of wintertime activities - from snowy sports on nearby trails to relaxing treatments at the mountain-inspired spa. But there’s one activity in particular that caught our eye: s’more roasting at the fire pits. There’s just something so classic about gathering friends and family for a night of s’mores, stories, and gorgeous lakeside scenery. And the perfect (albeit grown-up) complement to s’mores – hot buttered rum. Here’s an easy recipe for a wintery concoction to top off the toasty treats:

Ingredients:
1 teaspoon of brown sugar

1 teaspoon of stick butter

2 ounces of white rum

4 ounces of boiling hot water (enough to fill the rest of the mug)
Continue reading “Indulgent Extras: Treats for the Fireside” »

THE INSIDE SCOOP BEHIND THE STORIED FAMILY VILLA

We caught up with Salvatore Ferragamo, grandson of the iconic fashion company’s late founder, for some insider insight about their family estate that he describes as “historic, luxurious, and picturesque.” There are so many amazing details about the estate (and our Tuscan adventure as a whole!) but we’ve zeroed in on five little-known facts about the Ferragamo family, wines, and estate that get us dreaming of the dolce vita.

1. When Salvatore said the property was historic – he meant it. The estate once belonged to the world-famous Medici-Tornaquinci noble family, as well as Italian royals throughout history.

2. The estate’s library is chock-filled with the family’s private collection of books and photographs – a treasure-trove of family heirlooms.
Continue reading “5 Telling Tidbits: Salvatore Ferragamo Talks Family Wines” »