Maremma - The Real Bistecca Alla Fiorentina !

For most people the Italian region of Tuscany is all about the city of Florence and the rolling hills of the Chianti. But the Tuscany actually offers other regions that are equally attractive for exploration. For starters, the Tuscany sports many, many miles of Mediterranean coast line with lots of little beach towns that are less known and therefore often much more authentic then the overran Lidos on the Adriatic side. But there is an other—still little known—region on the Southern side of Tuscany, that you need to know about. The Maremma; an area consisting of parts of southern Tuscany, partly coincident with province of Grosseto area and some part of northern Lazio. Grosseto can be considered the capital of the Maremma. The area around Grosseto and the coast, with Marina di Grosseto, Castiglione della Pescaia and the small villages that lie in the plain between the city and the coast, represents the heart of the Tuscan Maremma. Here it is where you will find the Italian version of a cowboy. Like in the French region of the Camargue, where you will find the Gardians on their beautiful white horses attending to the semi-wild bulls they breed, the Maremma is populated by the Butteri—Italian cattle-breeders who use horses with a distinctive style of saddle and traditional driving sticks to manage their livestock. The Maremma is definitely one of the most beautiful and still unspoiled regions in Italy where ancient traditions have survived and Tuscan culture is preserved to this day. Whilst there may be a romantic and touristic side to the Butteri driving their cattle, a little know fact is that this is where the beef for the original "Bistecca alla Fiorentina" comes from. The Butteri breed two sorts of cattle—"Razza Chianina" and "Razza Maremmano"—both which are amongst the oldest breeds of cattle in existence today. It is from the ox of either one of these two breeds, that a Porterhouse steak is cut to prepare the true "Bistecca alla Fiorentina". Amongst the Foodies you will find a wild argument, whether a "Bistecca alla Fiorentina" is made from a T-Bone steak or from a Porterhouse steak. The Italians really do not care much about these English steak cut terms. What I can tell you for sure is that nowhere in the Maremma will they serve you a "Bistecca alla Fiorentina" which is not at least two and a half pounds and they sometimes get as big as four pounds. The T-Bone cut comes from a part of the loin where the tenderloin side of the steak is rather small and in order to make it up to size, this steak would have to be cut way too thick. The Porterhouse comes from the part of the loin where the strip and the tenderloin part are at maximum diameter and therefore just perfect for a real "Bistecca alla Fiorentina". Another myth associated with the preparation of a "Fiorentina" is the believe that the meat needs to be drenched in olive oil and seasoned it with Rosemary, garlic and salt. If you ever want to prepare one of these all you need is a charcoal grill, as hot as you can possibly get it. Leave the steak out for at least 6 hours to bring it up to room temperature. Just before you put the meat on the grill, you give it a good hand of large grain salt on both sides. Some will argue, that salting the steak before cooking will draw moister out of the meat. Whilst that might be true in other cases, this does not apply to the "Fiorentina". Both, the Chianina and the Maremmano beef are very low in fat content. Therefore a "Bistecca alla Fiorentina" is always cooked fast, short and served rare. Maybe medium-rare, but that is as far as this goes. The meat is put on an extremely hot grill and literally is charred on both sides only for a very short period of time. It will be only turned over one time. Therefore the salt will help the fast caramelisation that is very important for this steak. Charred and dark on the outside and rare on the inside is how you want this steak to be served. Once it comes off the grill only a premium extra virgin olive oil is applied too it and that's it. Please do not put things like garlic and Rosemary on it. These things will overpower this delicate steak and ruin the pure enjoyment that otherwise makes this the unmistakable "Fiorentina" experience. Give the meat a good rest. Then cut both sides of the steak off the bone and cut them against the grain. Put the meat back together with the bone and serve it on a plate. Thats how the "Fiorentina" magic will come out. Traditionally only "Fagioli Cannellini all'Olio" (white beans) and 'Insalata Arugula" (rocket salad)are served with this steak. The best place to eat one of these is actually in the Maremma. It is a magical place!

Guilin China - Young Man Go East !

For my generation the dream definitely was to go West to eventually land in the US of America. Although I'm not old--by any stretch of the imagination--the directional indicators for dreams, opportunities, a new life and undiscovered lands have changed dramatically. If you are young and eager to explore the world there is no way that you can ignore China any longer. Slowly but surely we have become used to the "Made in China" on the back of more and more products. It is safe to say that we have grown accustomed to a consumer lifestyle that without the products from China would simply not be sustainable. Despite this tremendous influence in our daily lives China has managed to remain this far land that is out of reach for most of us. The physical distance, the cultural disconnect, the language barrier and the communistic system have created an air of unapproachability that keeps China off most peoples list of desirable travel destinations. In reality China is a must-item for all of us. The economical explosions that are taking place in China today--and will still for many decades to come--make this the "young man go West East" of our young generations. Maybe one of the best ways to get started is by making China a legitimate travel destination. Hollywood may help to make the argument here. The region of Guilin recently stood in as the central backdrop to the epic Hollywood adaptation of the classic 1920’s Somerset Maugham love story "The Painted Veil". Reputed by the Chinese to be the ‘finest place under heaven’, the Guilin region has provided inspiration to poets and painters for centuries. At the center is Guilin, one of the most scenic city in China. The real highlight is the the stretch of Li River that connects Guilin with the Yangshuo County. Along the Li River you will find the most awe-inspiring landscape of deep gorges and towering mountains, crystal-clear waters with reflections, serene pastoral views of rice paddies and water buffaloes. It certainly feels like walking into a traditional Chinese painting. The stunning scenery of Guilin and its surroundings could be the perfect start to get to know China on a personal level. Keep in mind; There is a good chance that your children at one point will be considering to take up Chinese as an additional language. After all we won't be able to stop the dragon, so you might as well embrace him! Marco Polo did it a long time ago and started the Republic of Venice on one of its most prosperous runs!

Kluge Estate - A Premium Virginia Winery !

Talking about vineyards on the East Coast is becoming less and less of an eyebrow lifter as more and more quality wines come from that region in the US. Off course the main spotlight is and remains on California for a long time to come. That I find myself talking about a premium winery estate in the State of Virginia is still surprising to me. Established in 1999, the Kluge Estate Winery and Vineyard has aspired and quickly become one of the East Coast's most prestigious wineries. Patricia Kluge, the founder, owner and chairwoman of Kluge Estate Winery and Vineyard, planted her first vine in 1999 at her estate, Albemarle House. Her dream was to create a world-class winery in Charlottesville, Virginia and also to develop a genuine wine region. Today, Kluge Estate Winery and Vineyard has become one of the largest wine making facilities in Virginia. The Monticello Appellation, particularly Patricia’s corner of Albemarle County, is also making a name for itself on the global wine map. The Kluge Estate benefits from excellent natural conditions as a result of reliable seasons and the geographical lay of the land. The quality of the soil, position of the vines and their exposure to the sun produce a high quality crop. Harvesting is done by hand.Adjacent to the vineyards is a beautiful farm shop, offering Kluge Estate's fine wines and delectable foods. Offerings include some of Virginia's finest agricultural produce and products. Their Executive Chef highlights the seasons of Virginia with delectable American cuisine using locally grown produce. For sweets, executive pastry chef Serge Torres is on hand to create exquisite desserts, baked goods, chocolates, confections, preserves, and chutneys, homemade with fruits from the Albemarle House orchards. The Kluge Estate is certainly a place to visit and hang out for a while. Meeting all the interesting people that Patricia has assembled around her to build this beautiful venue. And after all lets not forget that this Estate produces great and interesting quality wines.

The Kluge Estate 2002 New World Red is a Bordeaux-style blend made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. It is smooth, round and soft, with notes characterized by toasted oak, currant and black cherry. The finish delivers a flourish of mocha and coffee.

The Albemarle Viognier 2005 is made Condrieu style and is 100% Viognier, aged for 8 months in French oak barrels. The result is a beautiful sphere of complex aromas and flavors: floral and mature exotic fruits on the nose and palate; a balance of ripe and dried apricots, notes of guava, lychee, and spicy flower perfumes blend with light smokiness, vanilla, and fresh tobacco from the French oak.

JK Palace - The New Ori Kafri Event On Capri !

Although everybody--in one way or another--has heard about Capri, only few have ever been there and I still consider it a insider tip. I have been going to Capri since I was a little boy. I simply love this little but majestic Italian island. Surrounded by stunning azure sea, just off the coast of Naples, Salerno and the world famous Amalfi coast, this most beautiful rock on the Italian coast is blessed with a very mild Mediterranean climate, peaceful charm, semi-tropical vegetation and great history. Besides the natural blessings, this island prides itself of great luxury hospitality, incredible spa's, great culinary options and fabulous shopping. This is a place where a couple can spend a great time getting away. In the past I have been a die-hard QuiSiSana client. It is one of the greatest old world hotels that you will ever find. Now there is an alternative on the the island that cannot be ignored. Ori Kafri came to the island to open an outpost to his most precious JK Palace in Florence, Italy. Perched on the cliffs about 15-minute walk from the Marina Grande, the new JK Palace Capri makes the most of the beautiful Capri breezes overlooking the Capri bay and harbor. In classic boutique hotel style the JK Capri sports spacious rooms that are very individually furnished, mixing colorful, contemporary design with soft, luxurious materials. Fine Italian and Mediterranean cuisine can be enjoyed in the restaurant, or outside on the terrace. The JK has a beautiful foyer, decorated with framed black and white sketches just next to a a comfortable sitting room with fireplace. Here guests can enjoy tea or coffee as well as freshly baked pastries in the late afternoon. This is definitely a cool place that I will be checking out on my next visit to Capri. Everything that Ori Kafri touches is truly good. The Hotel Londra Palace in Venice is part of his little group too. I only hear the best about his hotel gems.

Spain - The Best Tapas Place In Barcelona !

There are four culinary treads from Spain that I personally treasure. A real Paella Valenciana, Pollastre E Llangosta a l'Ampurdan (a sensational Catalan dish that combines chicken with a lobster sauce), Jamon Serrano "Pata Negra" (hands down the best air cured ham from Spain) and last but not least what the Spaniards them selfs consider "junk food"--the Tapas.


Tapas is the name for a wide variety of appetizers size little plates and bites of Spanish specialties. They may be cold, such as cheeses, raw and cooked seafood, mixed olives, vegetables and spreads, or warm, such as battered fried baby squid, little pots of soups, budinos and sweetbreads. Originally the Tapas were given as free appetizers at bars before people sat down for dinner but over time have evolved into have evolved into an entire cuisine of their own. You can now find real famous Tapas places in Spain where patrons may order many different small Tapas, form hundreds of choices and combine them for a full meal.


The worlds capitol for Tapas (according to me!) is Barcelona. With a roster of iconic Tapas places in Barcelona, like Pinotxo and Quim in the Boqueria market and the world famous Cal Pep, just to name a few--it is hard for any Tapas bar to get above the radar. Paco Meralgo distinguish themselves with sensational Tapas fares and they are open every day of the week. That is almost unheard of in Spain. Even more amazing is that Paco Meralgo manages to offer fresh seafoods even on Sundays and Mondays. The quality at Paco Meralgo's so superior that it is really safe to eat raw seafood at Paco Meralgo. When indulging at the joint you will run into all sorts of local, Barcelona's rich and famous. Even the guys that run the other Tapas bars in town hang out at Paco Meralgo for their own Tapas fix. That tells you how good that place really is!



What to eat when there? Well, the thing not to miss is the salt cod salad Esqueixada, served with tomato, olives and olive oil. They also offer a delicious Pa amb Tomàquet--a Catalan bread rubbed with tomato. From their raw bar get plump oysters and the juiciest Razor clams you'll ever have. For lovers of all things fried; go for the fried artichokes and the tempura-style fried Calçot, a milder, sweeter variety of spring onions. The fried Calçot is served with a nice bowl of Romesco sauce. Also do not miss out on the Chipirones, little baby squids with delicious peppers. There is simply too much good options to mention. If you make it there, try a bottle of Albariño with a perfect level of acidity--pairs just just perfectly with the Tapas. If you never make to Barcelona, or Spain for that matter--give a Tapas bar near you a try. They are popping up all over the world these days.


Comment by the editor:
I have published this post originally with some pictures/content that belongs to a blog called "Chez Pim". I did not make proper attributions to "Chez Pim" for their work. I have immediately corrected this situation. I do apologize to "Chez Pim" and its readers! "Chez Pim" is a popular food blog on Typepad. Like VONCIGARS, "Chez Pim" operates its blog under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 License. That means that "Chez Pim" allows for its work to be copied, distributed, transmitted and/or adapted or changed if proper attributions are given.

Aubaine - Breakfast In London !

When the owners of Aubaine's came to London, they couldn't find the Parisian breads they liked, so they built their own boulangerie. Aubaine is a sophisticated, but relaxed re-invention of a French classic . They offer you the best breads and cakes money can buy in London. Their motto, Man certainly cannot live by bread alone, but, on the other hand, wouldn't want to live without it. Once you step into their store its all Paris; full of flair and light, fresh flowers and the delicious smell of freshly baked goods. French country furniture is mixed with urban, industrial finishes. In summer, the glass frontage folds back so Aubaine becomes a part of pavement life. It is like old Paris, but in the middle of London. And their is one more feature about Aubaine that you need to know about; Breakfast! This is one place you want to go for breakfast. The smell of freshly baked bread, a buttery croissant, that very first cup of creamy coffee, sturdy white porcelain and a newspaper--simple pleasures that make any morning a luxurious experience. Aubaine's breakfast follows the formula of butter croissant, pain aux chocolat, baguettes with home made jams and country butter, a grande crème or a mug of unctuous chocolate. Nothing better than starting an exciting day in London in a French bakery!

April 2007 - Miami Beach Polo World Cup !

After its previous success in the past two years, Miami Beach will once again be the host to the international polo scene from April 13 – 15, 2007. Players from Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, USA, Switzerland, Canada and Germany, as well as 80 Argentine polo ponies, will participate in this three-day event. The games will take place on the famous sands of South Beach just steps from the Atlantic Ocean, which brings some of the world’s finest polo to one of its most breathtaking backdrops. The arena will be directly on the beach, between 20th and 22nd Streets, behind The Setai. There is a VIP tent with some good stuff and also expect to see some attractive ladies!

hitchsters.com - Share A Ride Versus Hitch A Ride

Hitchsters.com is catching on fast. Started out in New York (where else?) and is now spreading very fast. It is an easy-to-use web-based system which conveniently connects travelers so they can share taxis (and thus split the fare) to and from an airport. In many places taxis are the most convenient form of transportation between metropolitan centers and airports, but they are expensive, too. The hitchsters.com matching system (patent pending) makes riding in a taxi more affordable, more environmentally friendly and more fun. You first look for a potential co-rider by checking out the list of users who have already signed up. If you don’t see anyone with whom you can conveniently connect, you can enter in you own information and wait to be matched. Once a match is made, you will be notified with both a text message to your cell phone and an e-mail containing the first name and cell phone number of the other co-rider (nothing else is shared with the other co-rider). As an additional safety feature, we preserve the phone numbers of all of the successful matches. You then contact each other to arrange to meet to share a cab. If you are sharing a ride to an airport, then you will only be matched with someone else who is leaving from your area to go to the same airport. If you are sharing a ride from an airport, you will only be matched with someone who is on the same flight (no worries about late flights) and going to the same area you are. Use it if you can and always remember; You heard it here first!

The Greatest Auto Race 2008 - New York To Paris Via Mongolia !

"I like people who do something, not the good safe man who stays at home" Theodore Roosevelt once said. According to Julie Fenster’s Race of the Century: The Heroic True Story of the 1908 New York to Paris Auto Race, Roosevelt delivered his speech to a crowd of 250,000 New Yorkers that had assembled in Times Square to witness the commencement of the longest race in the history of the then-fledgling automobile industry. Officially, it was called the "Greatest Auto Race on Earth." Six cars from four different countries competed in the contest, and only half would eventually cross the finish line in Paris some 22,000 miles (35,000 km) down the road. In an age before the interstate highway system, simply driving coast-to-coast would have been an extraordinary feat. The goal was to prove the “newfangled” combustion engine powered automobile was not only a practical, durable machine, but could also meet the demands of a future on the move.

Dubbed "Great Race World" the event will again commence in Manhattan on February 12 - Lincoln’s birthday - of 2008 and end some 80 days later at the Eiffel Tower. To reach their destination, the cars will need to travel approximately 400 miles per day across rugged terrain. The circuitous route, the details of which are still being finalized, will wind its way westward through San Francisco, then cross the Pacific by container ship to Shanghai, China, and then proceed to such exotic destinations as Ulaanbaatar and Irkutsk. From Beijing to Berlin and Prague to Paris, the Great Race World promises the ultimate in automotive adventuring. Despite many changes over the last century, teamwork, determination and ingenuity are still required to finish, let alone win. Not every vehicle will make it, as even the slightest human error or mechanical malfunction can end a team's chances of finishing. To celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the Greatest Auto Race, two divisions will compete in this special event. In the Innovation Technology Division, race teams can use the latest alternative fuels and automotive engineering to create reliable, innovative solutions that may propel next generation of automotive travel. In the Classic Division, racers will drive street legal classic automobiles, manufactured in 1969 or earlier, as they follow in the tire tracks of the original adventurers’ quest. Unlike other motor sports events, anyone can enter and win GREAT RACE WORLD - private teams, manufacturers, and educational institutions are welcome to apply. The deadline to submit your application to enter GREAT RACE WORLD is February 2007. Only 40 teams (20 in the classic division and 20 in innovative division) will be allowed to enter. The entry fee for a two-person team is $65,000 for the classic division or $40,000 for private entries to the innovative division ($75,000 for corporate). But the rewards far outweigh the risk: namely, a $1 million innovation - vehicle prize and a $500,000 purse for the classic division. But to finish is to win - if for no other reason, President Roosevelt—no stranger to adventure himself - would like you for it.

Dim Sum - Pasteis De Belem !

I don't know about you, but every time I go to a Dim Sum place almost anywhere in the world, I find these little sweet egg tarts. Everybody tries to get them and if you are not careful they are out of them before you can get one. They are so not Chinese and so sinfully good that I needed to find out about them. These egg tarts came originally from Portugal, where they are known as Pastéis de Nata or Pastel de Belém. These small egg tarts can be found throughout Portugal's pastry shops and cafés. It is believed that they were invented before the 18th century by Catholic Sisters at the Jerónimos Monastery of Belém, in Lisbon. The Casa Pastéis de Belém in Lisbon was the first place outside the convent to sell this creamy desserts. Since 1837, locals have come here to get them warm out of the oven and sprinkled with cinnamon and powdered sugar. These egg tarts were also the sweet chosen to represent Portugal in the Café Europe initiative of the Austrian presidency at the European Union, on Europe Day 2006. A Briton named Andrew Stow modified the recipe of making Pastéis De Nata with techniques of making English custard tarts and started selling the modified version at his Lord Stow's Cafe in Coloane, Macao, as Portuguese-style egg tarts. They have since become available at numerous bakeries all over Macau and are even served in the Hong Kong branches of the KFC restaurant chain. The craze for these Portuguese-style egg tarts ran through Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Taiwan and so it is today, that almost every Chinese buffet or Dim Sum restaurant on this planet offers these little treats for dessert.

Corner Bistro - New Yorks Best Burger !

If in New York and up for a real burger you need to go to the Corner Bistro. It is the last of the bohemian bars in West Greenwich Village. It has been serving customers since the earlier part of this century. The original ambiance is pretty much unchanged. It keeps late hours and serves cheap, casual fare. Greasy but tasty burgers, and fries. A friendly spot, Corner Bistro caters to a diverse crowd of downtown denizens, as well as the college types who party on Bleecker Street. It is cash only, but at these prices you should have no problem paying the bill. The jaw-stretching Bistro Burger is one of the tastiest and messiest things you’ll ever wrap your hands around. Eight ounces of flame-broiled ground chuck are topped with gooey American cheese, a tangle of crisp bacon, and a thick round of raw onion. This massive burger keeps the smoky tavern packed seven nights a week.

When In Venice - Fritto Misto Al Gatto Nero Di Ruggero

There are certain things that one should only eat or drink in the place of their origin. Terrine De Foie Grass tastes nowhere better than in the Alsace region of France. A Rose De Provence is only great when drunk in the South of France etc. Seafood Fritto Misto is nowhere better than in Venice. To be more precise, on the island of Burano, which is part of what is commonly know as Venice. Once you find that jewel amongst the Venice islands you will understand right away that even the cats on Burano know that this restaurant is dedicated to offer the best Seafood Fritto Misto anywhere on this planet. The "Gatto Nero di Ruggero" (Black Cat) with its vivid blue facade stands out among the low, brightly colored buildings animating the picturesque Fondamenta della Giudecca. Chef and owner Ruggero's Fritto Misto is outstanding for its lightness and the incerdible variety of fresh fish. When next time in Venice, you must make a stop on Burano!

Your Business Cards - Gianni Basso Stampatore Venice !

Gianni Basso is one of these mad genius' and the oldest and most sought after printer in Venice. From business cards, stationary to personal diaries - he produces some of the most beautiful printings in the world. He operates a handset custom printing facility that offers discounts to aspiring writers in the Cannaregio area. Gianni hand prints on a old Gutenberg press using hand mixed paint. He takes no orders by phone, fax or Internet. He has no website and does not use computers at all. The only way to place an order with him, is in person. He has many celebrity clients such as Susan Sontag, Hugh Grant, Gael Greene, Toni Blair which use their stays in Venice to take care of business with Gianni Basso. Come with cash, as it's the only form of payment Gianni Basso accepts.

Calle del Fumo, 5306

Venice 30131 Italy

+39 41 523 4681

Open Hours 8:30a-12:30p & 2p-7p M-Sa

Breakfast - Great Places Around The World !

There is something about breakfast joints. Somehow I always find myself thinking of that elusive, kind of romantic breakfast joint with the great freshly baked breads and pastries and that Old World feeling. Not the standard hotel breakfast buffets or the stuff they serve at Denny's or McD's. No real breakfast in that little great joint. Most cities on this planet have this great breakfast and or brunch spot. I made the effort to summarize the few great spots that I have found, whilst traveling around. Try some of these joints when having the chance. You just may enjoy it the way I did.

Le Fumoir (Paris) This handsome bar and restaurant has a definite 'smoking room' feel. Conveniently close to the Louvre you can reward yourself for soaking up some culture with a must Sunday Champagne Brunch. The leather chairs are great to unwind in and there’s also a selection of international newspapers. You can always do the Laduree, the Deaux Magots and the Cafe De Paris, but there is no place like Le Fumoir in all of Paris. Specifically on a Sunday morning!

The Wolseley (London) At 160 Picaddilly in London The Wolseley dishes up a breakfast menu mainlines on classics-with-a-twist, so the fried eggs that come with Ayrshire bacon are duck rather than chicken, and hash is made with crab instead of corned beef. It's also one of the few places you can order waffles, which come with a choice of maple syrup, or creme fraiche and berries.

Cafe Central (Vienna) No breakfast in Vienna tastes better than one in the legendary Cafe Central, the most famous coffeehouse in a city that invented the coffeehouses. Opened in 1860 in a high-vaulted Palais Fertsel, its wood tables, tiled floors, street front windows and golden glow have attracted intellectuals, artists, writers and revolutionaries for 150 years. Amongst them Goethe, Zweig, Mahler, Beethoven, Friedell, Polgar, Kraus, Trotsky, Lenin and many more. The coffee remains the best in town and all the pastries are baked fresh on the premises.

Antico Caffee Greco (Rome) Since 1760, this is Rome's poshest coffeehouse. It is one of the three most ancient coffeehouses in the world. Casanova, Stendhal, Goethe, Keats and D'Annunzio have sipped coffee here. It was Giorgio De Chirico who suggested that this is the cafe where you sit and await the end. This the place in Rome to sit in the morning and have a breakfast in a incredible surrounding.

Gran Cafe de Gijon (Madrid) Each of the old European capitals has a coffeehouse that traditionally attracts the literati. In Madrid it's the Gijón, which opened in 1888 in the heyday of the Belle Epoque. Artists and writers still patronize this venerated old cafe for breakfast or just good old cup of coffee. Open windows look out onto the wide paseo and a large terrace is perfect for sun worshippers. When in Madrid, this is the place I hang out for breakfast.

De Bakkers Winkel (Amsterdam) Breakfast, in my opinion, demands a little something sweet and/or freshly baked. You will do well when visiting this quaint Dutch bakery. Within its walls, you'll discover a wealth of treats, including cakes, tortes, turnovers, croissants, Dutch style pancakes (I call them "the phunk" in my house) and the greatest apple cakes on God's earth. All of the goods are homemade, and they frequently feature a few things you didn't even know you'd find so tempting. The greatest morning pick-me-up in all of Amsterdam.

Kaffee Extrablatt (Munich) Owned by a prominent Munich newspaper columnist, Michael Grater, this cafe epitomizes the nocturnal essence of Schwabing. The sprawling, sometimes smoky room is adorned with photographs of celebrities and features a spacious well-designed bar, but the sidewalk tables are preferable during warm weather. The cafe attracts many of Munich's writers, artists, and counterculture fans. Regulars convene here over breakfast to converse and keep tabs on who's doing what, where. This is the place for a true Bavarian breakfast, which consist of Weisswurst, Brezel and Weissbeer.

The Verandah (Hong Kong) This wonderful, veranda-like restaurant is the only reason to venture to this destination on Hong Kong Island's south side. A throwback to Hong Kong's colonial days in a setting reminiscent of an exclusive private club, it boasts a stylish yet relaxed atmosphere, with tall ceilings and whirling fans, starched tablecloths and flowers, and windows open wide toward manicured lawns and the sea. If you can, book a table more than a week in advance and arrive starving at its famous Sunday brunch. There is no other place to be in Hong Kong on a Sunday morning. Also you will be seeing some of Hong Kong's most beautiful and also most influential people. In any case, with its excellent service, great food, and wonderful ambiance, this is a very beautiful place; you'll want to linger.

Balthazar (New York) When Keith McNally's fin de siecle bistro opened in 1997, the scrum for reservations was about as well-mannered as the Oklahoma land rush. Now it's possible for an ordinary citizen to request a table without calling 3 months in advance. The space - brass fixtures, red banquettes, distressed tile floor - is handsome and welcoming. The Balthazar may be a good restaurant but you need to stop in for a particularly spectacular breakfast. You need to make it early if you want to snag a seat.

Katz Deli (New York) Simply put, a New York meal without Katz's is like a corned beef sandwich without the corned beef. Arguably the classic of all classic New York Jewish-style delicatessens, Katz's has remained virtually unchanged since its inception in 1888. The vintage joint is one massive tin and aluminum space, sort of a immigrant-grunge-chic in what used to be the quintessentially ethnic Lower East Side. Leave your pretension at the door, grab a paper counter ticket and head straight for the cafeteria-style servers. The food is traditional kosher-style, and anyone who's anyone (including former presidents, movie stars, foreign diplomats and neighborhood natives) usually orders a piled-high deli sandwich. Lean pastrami, brisket and hot dogs are of the highest order, and the corned beef - cured, slow-dried over 30 days and hand-sliced - is so luscious it'll make you convert religion.

The Biltmore (Coral Gables) There are many breakfast options in Miami and a lot of them involve great South American and Cuban fare. But there is only one Sunday Brunch option in the whole greater Miami area. The grand American Sunday Brunch tradition takes on its own signature twist at the Biltmore, combining European elegance, Latin exuberance and Miami’s very own tropical style. There is many things about this brunch but let just say this; If you have not been at a Biltmore Sunday Brunch you have not been in Miami!

Dish (L.A. / La Canada) La Canada's Dish restaurant fully lives up to the American ideal, doling out plates of cornmeal Johnnycakes and apple wood smoked sausage etc.. The breakfast here is all American literally. Dish's atmosphere is kept remarkably comfortable, with the staff dressed in khakis and painted wood tables filling the joint. If you're in the mood for a taste of pure Americana, keep Dish in mind, because nobody dishes out home-style breakfast treats, like Dish does.

Bill's (Darlinghurst/Sydney) Enjoy the best Australian breakfast as you sit at the large communal table and read the newspaper in this restaurant owned by my Gourmet Brother Bill Granger. The bright, spacious interior is the best start for your day in all of Sydney. Popular with locals and famous actors such as Nicole Kidman. Try dishes like the famous ricotta pancakes, banana, and honey or corn fritters with bacon. Expect a line most mornings.