Laudree
Paris, London, Geneva, expanding…

If you live in Europe, you undoubtedly have popped one of their colorful macaroons in your bouche. Laudree’s sensational macaroons are baked from the finest organic ingredients and come in over 20 delicious flavours, including pistachio, rose petal and chocolate. New flavours emerge seasonally. Luckily, in most locations, this famous patisserie is open early hours of the morning to cater for the many fans who have a sudden urge for a delicious scoop of ice-cream or a mouthwatering slice of tarte-tatin in the middle of the night. The first London location at Harrods is simply gorgeous - one of my favorite spots for tea!

www.laduree.fr
commercial@laduree.com
+33 1 53 75 33 94

Hacienda Zorita
Wine tasting/ course
Salamanca, Spain

Sumptuous hacienda. This was originally a Dominican convent, but is now one of a group of chic wine hotels, where you can learn how wine is produced and do as much tasting as you like. Located in the Duero valley, 10km from Salamanca it is a destination in of itself - but a great mix to see this famous university town. Doubles from 120 euro.

www.vintagespain.com/zorita.htm
info@vintagespain.com
+34 902 109 902

Books for Cooks
Notting Hill (W11), London, UK

A London institution for great books, I was recently informed by a great chef friend, Estanis, that their workshops are fab and well-priced. Mediterranean, Indian, Thai, light salads… they teach a diverse range of classes, some on a Saturday afternoon but plenty during the week in evenings and daytime too. Cozy, great neighborhood feel and often the authors themselves are teaching students directly. Great gift - perfect for a rainy saturday afternoon! Range from £30-£90 per class which includes the yum meal you just made!

www.booksforcooks.com
info@booksforcooks.com
+44 207 221 1992

Fru Fru
London, UK

This year those in the know are sending boxes of cupcakes. And Fru Fru make some of the most yummy and pretty in the business. They come in chocolate and vanilla flavors with lashings of chocolate ganache or buttercream frosting. Get them personalised for an extra special touch. Why order boring blooms from far flung climes when you can have cute cupcakes baked fresh every day in London? Go on make ‘em break Lent… Delivery London-wide.

www.frufru.co.uk
info@frufru.co.uk
+44 7974 101 818

Fran’s Chocolates
USA

This online store sells some of the most divine candy Rebecca and Larry Moset (foodie friends) ever tasted. Fran’s truffles are delish - but I hear her Gray and Smoked Salt Caramels are completely irresistible . These award-winning yummie are dipped in 56% dark chocolate and sprinkled with sea salt from the Brittany coast… Treat a sweet-toothed friend or yourself… Delivery available US-wide.

www.franschocolates.com
orders@franschocolates.com
+1 800 422 3726

Los Cedros, Arturo Soria
Well worth the journey to the northern suburbs; delicious rustic-modern Spanish food in an unpretentious setting. You can’t go wrong with food this simple and well-cooked: order the artichokes with clams or Fried hake a la marinera. The meat section is worth a try too, such as the carrillera- meltingly slow-cooked beef in sherry. Understated, traditional cooking at it’s finest.
Allendesalazar 4, 28043 |  +34 91 4 515 2200

Casa Lucas, La Latina
La Latina is the best neighbourhood for local restaurants and this is one is its best. The atmosphere is lively and the menu features modern tapas and Mediterranean favourites.
30 Calle Cava Baja, 28005 | +34 91 365 0804

Zalacain Restaurant, Salamanca
Zalacain is known as one of the very best restaurants in Madrid. Some of the fabulous dishes include stew of scampi in cider sauce, duck in red wine, and lobster salad. If you can’t decide, you have the option of a sampler menu for a fixed price. Don’t leave without trying one of their desserts, such as the delicious Chocolate Volcano!
4 Alvarez de Baena, 28006 | +34 91 561 59 35

Taberna Bilbao, Plaza de la Paja
This is a split tapas bar and restaurant on the pretty Plaza de la Paja. It serves authentic Basque dishes; cod in all it’s forms is its specialty, try it a la vizcaína (onions and red peppers) or al pil pil (olive oil and garlic). On Fridays and Saturdays, go for the superb Alubiada (white bean stew feast).
8 Costanilla de San Andres, 28005 | +34 91 365 6125

Viridiana, Salamanca
Unique, intimate spot. Chef Abraham has been heading Viridiana for thirty years and still greets guests personally and enjoys experimenting with ingredients of the highest quality. Expect contemporary takes on traditional recipes, such as baby squid with curry served on a bed of lentils or roasted lamb served in puff pastry with fresh basil.
14 Calle Juan de Mena, 28014 | +34 91 523 4 78

Asiana, Chueca District
This little restaurant is very exclusive with only ten tables- so make sure you book ahead! Designed by internationally trained Jaime Renedo, the menu changes weekly with inspiration drawn from many global cuisines. A truly special culinary experience.
4 Travesia de San Mateo, 28004 | +34 91 310 0 965