Hotel Tour

Tbump, boom, boom…

I waited, confused as to why the secondary embarrassment-controlled part of me didn’t fear this beefy 20-year-old who bellowed something deep in French about a king and his food.

Maybe it was because I had a few deep glasses that I didn’t mind, but I suspect the real culprit was where I was: the lavish dining room at the resort’s very first hotel. Versailles.

It is therefore fitting that this hotel, which has just opened its doors this summer, Le Grand Contrôle, is the last selection in our series of exciting new hotels, The New Room with a View. The Grand Contrôle is housed in the mansion designed in 1681 by Mansart and last occupied before the Revolution by Prime Minister Jacques Necker. It’s located next to the Orangery, which you can find by standing on the Grand Canal in front of the palace, turning left and going down the steps.

If the location appeals to you (it really is the only true luxury hotel in the region), the decor will enchant you. The hotel is an Airelles property (the group also owns properties in Courchevel, Saint-Tropez and Gordes), so the design was overseen internally by Christophe Tollemer. Fortunately, it is more Louis XVI than XIV and therefore although still opulent, it is far from being garish.

In fact, despite working within historicist constraints and at a time when so many luxury hotels all look alike, the decor is imaginative, transporting and, in a way, comfortable. The underground swimming pool, which is part of a spa managed by Valmont, is a special gem.

Each of the 14 rooms and suites (which start at around $ 2,000 a night) are appointed differently. I was in the Foucquet Suite, which had the original 18th century gilded mirror frames and a spectacular Polish four-poster bed. But the details throughout the hotel are worth noting – textiles recreated from historic motifs by Maison Pierre Frey, technology hidden in leather boxes, worktops in limestone from Saint Maximin, side tables in wicker – who made the place, well, chef’s kiss.

Most of the year, but especially during the high summer tourist season, Versailles is extremely busy. This means not only long queues, but also trips to state rooms, apartments and the Hall of Mirrors with crowds of people. Of course, if you go on weekdays from the first hour or if you stay straight until it closes, you might get a bit of a break. But, included with your stay at Grand Control is an after-hours palace tour where the only other visitors are other guests, meaning you won’t have to download an app to edit the people in your photo. of the Hall of Mirrors. (Or, if you’re on the next level as a woman who stays while I was there, you can get ready in a fairytale dress for your quick photoshoot in the empty lobby.)

You also get a private tour of the Petit Trianon, the miniature palace complex built by Madame du Barry and occupied by Marie-Antoinette.

Additional experiences not included in the rate range from lighting the Hall of Mirrors for you at night, to Marie-Antoinette’s outfit for the day, to macaron tastings and dinner in the French Pavilion.

While this is not one of the “experiences” hotels talk about, one of the most magical things I did while I was there was to go for a run in the park right. at the opening of the palace park. There was something truly surreal about panting on the manicured paths with 21st century athletic wear in a place that was once the world’s pinnacle of fashion and prestige. (He also joins the Exorcist The steps and the Rocky Steps are one of the coolest places to make stairs.)

During your stay at the hotel, however, it is impossible to forget the history of the place where you are staying. Not only because of what’s right at the window, but also because the staff (very handsome by the way) are dressed up in period costumes.

Which brings me back to this young man in a suit tapping on a big stick in imitation of the announcements made at the king’s ceremonial dinners. The dining experience at the hotel is overseen by none other than Alain Ducasse, a man drowned in Michelin stars. Everything is as fabulous as expected (and breakfast, prepared by him, is included), but dinner is done with part of the pageant. Normally I would hate this stuff, but I can’t help but think that if there’s a place in the world you’re gonna be additional with all the pomp and theater, it’s Versailles. It gives you a little taste of the absurdity of court life. (However, I did not accept the hotel’s offer to have a royal wake-up call for guests.)

If Airelles does as well with Le Grand Contrôle as I think it will, it will likely be a novelty for American luxury travelers who often spend a few days in luxury hotels in Paris before heading south. Now they could just head to Versailles for a night or two for a little taste of that royal life.

There are elements of Oaxacan life that are wonderfully intrinsic: tlayudas (large flatbreads with blue corn); calendars (joyful and impromptu street parades); and the region’s iconic black pottery. And then there is the mezcal. The tangy and slightly sweet spirit is a mainstay of Oaxacan culture. Walk into any family home and you’ll find a bottle (or three) on the dinner table. It is even served at religious events, such as funerals and baptisms. In Oaxaca, drinking mezcal is not just about getting drunk. It’s quite a state of mind.

“You get a great mole plate with grated chicken and rice; maybe quesillos, tortillas, tlayudas. And you sip mezcal, ”says Fausto Zapata, co-owner of Casa Silencio, a new six-room boutique hotel on the outskirts of Oaxaca city. “It’s just heaven.” Zapata and I sit at his hotel’s outdoor dining table, nestled in a lush valley prone to frequent rainstorms. For now though, the sun is breaking over the valley floor and I can see dark silhouettes of distant mountains illuminated under bright, fluffy clouds. We just finished lunch: a simple spread of pan amarillo tlacolula sandwiches, green salad and tostadas with creamy guacamole. On the table, a few bottles of his own “rare agave” spirits, which surprise me with aromas of chocolate, spices and fresh papaya. I’m generally a whiskey drinker, if I drink at all, but this alcohol is more subtle and more floral than its corn-based cousin. It also helps that I’m sitting a few feet from the room where they make the stuff.

Zapata is a fan of the Mexican concept of sobremesa. There is no direct English translation, but it does refer to the act of lingering at the table long after a meal, talking, sharing stories, laughing, and (yes) sipping mezcal. It’s a perfect ritual for a hotel that also serves as a production site for Zapata’s international mezcal line, El Silencio. Right next to the dining room is the palenque (distillery), where a tahona, or half-ton stone grindstone, crushes the agave hearts into a vinegar pulp; the fibers are then placed in giant wooden barrels to allow the sugars to turn into alcohol. The process, like anything worth doing, takes patience. And eating next to these slow-fermenting plants reminds me of how good it feels to linger in one place. After all, I am in Mexico. What is the rush?

Indian cricket team wicket keeper batsman Rishabh Pant is back with the team for the next round of testing in England on Thursday after recovering from COVID-19.

Pant was due to undergo COVID-19 and cardiac tests on Monday after completing his 10-day isolation period under UK guidelines. Pant tested positive for the virus during the team’s 20-day break after the World Testing Championship final against New Zealand in Southampton.

“Hello @ RishabhPant17, nice to see you again #TeamIndia,” BCCI tweeted with a photo of Rishabh Pant.

Pant, who had not stayed at the team’s hotel during the 20-day break, tested positive on July 8. He was under close surveillance by the BCCI medical team and was on the verge of recovery.

“He will be able to join the team in Durham after making two negative RT-PCR tests,” BCCI said in a statement.

The BCCI medical team had also identified Bharat Arun, bowling coach, Wriddhiman Saha and Abhimanyu Easwaran as close contacts of Dayanand Garani (masseur projection specialist), who was at the team’s hotel when ‘he tested positive following RT-PCR testing on July 14.

The four staff members are undergoing 10-day isolation and will stay in their respective rooms at the team’s hotel in London. The entire Indian contingent, including traveling family members and guards, received the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine earlier this month in London. To mitigate any additional risk, the Indian contingent passes the lateral flow test daily.

(ANI)

Also read: India on the verge of setting world record, aim for win over SL to overtake Australia and Pakistan

Australian singer-songwriter Bob Evans is one of the many musicians who currently perform the COVID-report-gig dance.

After completing a series of shows in NSW and the Victoria area in June, Bob has now been forced to postpone the remainder of the tour to August and September.

“Well, the dates of Merry-Go-Round of Tomorrowland’s never-ending tour continue to keep us all on our toes, so be careful,” says Bob.

“Unfortunately, due (surprise, surprise) to COVID 19 restrictions on venue capacity in Queensland, we are moving shows to Brisbane, Noosa and Kingscliff to the first weekend in August.

“Once again, my apologies for the constantly changing dates and thank you all for your patience and continued support as we do our best to navigate these times.”

The alter ego of ARIA-winner Jebediah singer Kevin Mitchell, Bob released his sixth studio album “Tomorrowland” in April.

“I feel like this tour is going to celebrate not only ‘Tomorrowland’ but also the joy of being able to go to shows again and feel that strange eternal love that we all have for a sticky mat, maybe a drink or two and someone on stage singing songs and telling great stories, ”Bob said in April.

Tickets on sale. More information.

Bob Evans tour date 2021

Thu August 5 – Black Bear Lodge (Brisbane)
Friday August 6 – Villa Noosa (Sunshine Coast)
Sunday August 8 – Kingscliff Beach Hotel (Northern Rivers)
Thu Aug 12 – The River (Margaret River)
Fri Aug 13 – Rosemount Hotel (Perth)
Sat Sept 4 – Northcote Social Club (Melbourne)
Thu Sep 23 – Grace Emily Hotel (Adelaide)
Fri Sep 24 – Grace Emily Hotel (Adelaide)
Sat Nov 6 – Meet Me on the South Coast (Mollymook, NSW)
Sat March 12 (2022) – Port Fairy Folk Festival

Maui News

A campaign to encourage residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19 launched a second round of giveaways on Monday, adding incentives that included electric foil rides off Sugar Beach and a $ 1,000 gift card to Foodland.

The #HIGotVaccinated campaign announced the grand prize winners each week, with a handful of Maui residents receiving rewards such as 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points and round-trip tickets on Southwest Airlines.

On Monday, the campaign kicked off Round 2 and announced new awards, including:

• Aloha Efoils, package for four riders at Sugar Beach.

• American Savings, three cash prizes of $ 5,000 each.

• Blue Note Hawaii, four show tickets plus a club and hotel dinner in Waikiki for two.

• Mother Earth, $ 1,000 gift card.

• Giovanni Pastrami, $ 1,000 gift certificate.

• Hawaiian Financial Federal Credit Union, $ 1,000 cash prize.

• Marché international / Michael Mina Strip Steak, $ 1,000 gift certificate.

• Stay at the Kaimana Beach hotel, value of $ 2,200.

• Kualoa Ranch, 2 hour Raptor ATV tour for up to 10 people.

• Pacific Guardian Life, $ 1,000 in gift cards.

• Polynesian Cultural Center, Exclusive Ali’i Lu’au Package for six.

• Razor Sports & Rainbow Shave Ice, private race track, access to the village hall and unlimited shaving ice (value of $ 1,450).

• Meubles Valyou, $ 1,000 gift card.

Residents who have entered round 1 are automatically registered for round 2.

For more prices and discounts, or to register, visit higot vaccinated.com.

The Texas State Democratic delegation that fled Austin for the District of Columbia to deprive the state legislature of a quorum to vote on election integrity legislation looks less like Republican abolitionist Frederick Douglass – to whom Vice President Harris compared them – and more to Fred Flintstone, Greg Gutfeld noted Monday on “The Five.”

Gutfeld said the outing went from a self-proclaimed historic occasion to a “Super-Spreader Tower” after three fully vaccinated Democrats tested positive for COVID-19 in Washington, shortly after meeting with officials like Harris and the majority leader in the Senate. Charles Schumer of New York.

An unidentified member tested positive on Friday but was asymptomatic, while another, state representative Celia Israel, D-Travis, said in a statement that she had mild symptoms and would be put on in quarantine pending further testing. A third also tested positive on Saturday.

That number then rose to five positive tests on Monday, Gutfeld reported.

During the Texans’ encounter with Harris, she called the group “brave” and compared them to Douglass, a runaway slave, scholar and prominent Republican figure of the second half of the 19th century.

“The Democrats’ voting stunt is now turning into a super broadcast tour. It sounds like fun. But the media is nowhere to be found,” Gutfeld said.

Gutfeld postulated that if the parties were reversed and it was a Republican delegation fleeing to Washington and testing positive after meeting federal officials, they would be pilloried as potential murderers and general dangers to the community. society.

“There is no widespread outrage, condemnation or even claim that these Democrats are going to slaughter Americans.”

On “The Five,” Gutfeld added that the ordeal essentially made the delegation stupid, noting that Harris equated them with Douglass:

“What’s great about these Democrats, they thought they were Frederick Douglass but they looked more like Fred Flintstone,” he said. “They really turned into a cartoonish take on what they thought they were going to be.”

Speaking in Alexandria, Va. On Friday, Texas State Representative Senfronia Thompson, D-Harris said her caucus “refused[s] being a hostage “and compared Texas officials threatening his arrest to the act of arresting escaped slaves in the 19th century.

“I am ready to be arrested,” she said. “What do you do to a slave if you do nothing but stop him when he runs away?” “

“The Five” co-host Ainsley Earhardt added that Harris warned Americans to quarantine if exposed to the coronavirus, but stressed that she met the Texas delegation on Tuesday and that she had not done so yet:

“When asked by the media if you were going to quarantine, her spokesperson said she didn’t need to,” she said, then citing a Trafalgar Group investigation showing that the The vice president’s public endorsement continued to grow, with 43% of Democratic respondents saying she is not ready to be president.

Earhardt also noted Harris’ Sunday visit to Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

Although no explicit link was made between the two situations, Earhardt said it was strange for someone to have a “routine check-up” with their GP on a Sunday.

She went on to note other questionable dynamics regarding the Texans’ travel, as a lawmaker decried their alleged difficulty in having to wash in a hotel sink, posting a photo of laundry hanging in the bathroom. bath; while the entire delegation appeared to be maskless on their private charter to Dulles International Airport, despite FAA regulations imposed by Biden and contrary political urges from the left.

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“They say sacrifices when they have to wash and hang their wet clothes, sometimes their underwear, in bathrooms, and they tweet about it,” she said.

Gov. Gregory Abbott, a Republican, warned Democrats would be arrested on their return to Texas, telling Austin affiliate ABC he had the power to detain them and have them “shed in the Texas Capitol. “until they fulfill their legislative functions.

The Grand Tour is back with a special episode – The Grand Tour Presents: Lochdown – and will see Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May get into classic cars and take off for Scotland. The third feature film which is part of the fourth season of The Grand Tour was filmed in the UK due to coronavirus restrictions, which meant international travel was banned. Nonetheless, in the trailer, James promises “the best ride we’ve ever done.” But what was it like working alongside the host trio and producing the episode? Andy Wilman spoke about the unique dynamic that Jeremy, Richard and James have with each other.

Discussing the filming of the special in Scotland under covid restrictions, Andy said it could get “pretty miserable”.

“You sit at the bar at night, you have to book the whole hotel and you all have to sit about 10 meters from each other, which is not really conducive, ”he explained.

“Then the bar closes at nine and you return to your room.

“All that stuff and then you have all the finesse rules you have as a film crew for Covid. “

READ MORE: Road Trip Antiques expert ‘regrets’ buying item after small profit

“How are the children? “They’re mean, they’re unfair, they’re hopefully funny and charming with it, but they’re going to fuck themselves,” he told BT.com.

As for what viewers can expect from the new episode, the trailer gives plenty of clues.

Richard’s car is seen smoking, as Jeremy tries to squeeze through the back window of his classic vehicle.

They are also tasked with building a bridge – somewhere in the Outer Hebrides – that James’ car ends up getting stuck on.

The pandemic finally seems to be running out of steam. Vaccinations are on the rise across the country, infections are down and the travel virus is rampant.

After a year and a few months spent in the shelter at home with minimal interaction, it makes sense that we are craving fresh air and new experiences. But as people prepare to travel, prices are skyrocketing. Demand for hotels, rental cars, and airline tickets means post-pandemic travel plans may come at additional costs.

Fortunately, there are still ways to travel on a budget. I was recently able to take one of my trips on the to-do list – a road trip on the Pacific Coast Highway in sunny California.

If you are planning to explore the California coastline, here are some tips for doing so without completely disrupting your personal finances.

1. Plan your trip as far in advance as possible

If you plan to take a trip in the next few weeks, you will likely be paying top dollar for your flights and hotels. But by planning a getaway now several months into the future, you will find that the prices are much easier to bear.

Keep in mind that for a trip like this you may be planning flights and accommodation in multiple cities. For example, we chose to fly to San Diego and spend five nights in different cities going up the coast. We then flew home from San Francisco.

Your travel plans may also involve flights to and from one airport. And you’ll likely need to find accommodation in several cities along the way. Having everything planned well in advance will give you peace of mind while you are traveling.

2. Collect rewards by credit card for flights and hotels

If you’ve got rewards credit cards, now’s the time to splurge. Redeem your airline miles for a few coach tickets. With the right rewards program, you might find that the air portion of your trip costs you next to nothing!

And don’t forget to use all the points and miles you have accumulated on your travel credit card. Likewise, if you have a hotel credit card with a lot of hidden points, you may find qualifying hotels along your route where you can redeem those points for free nights.

Or, instead of hotels, check out Airbnb. Because of the plethora of affordable options – including private apartments, entire homes, or just a room in an otherwise occupied house – Airbnb can save you a ton of money no matter where your travels take you.

3. Travel on weekdays rather than weekends for cheaper bookings

You’ve probably noticed that airline and hotel price schedules go down on weekdays and soar on weekends. Use this knowledge to your advantage and plan to do most of your travel during the week.

There are a few advantages here: First, you get cheaper prices. You’ll also find that the attractions are much less crowded during the week, with working adults and children in school (depending on the time of year).

You could plan to leave on a Sunday and return home on a Friday night, for example. This type of schedule saves you from having to pay the bloated accommodation and travel costs for Friday and Saturday.

4. Look for the best deal on a rental car

To go up the Pacific Coast Highway, you will need a vehicle. This is another time when booking well in advance – and traveling on weekdays – is going to be your friend.

Due to the rising costs, budget more for a rental car. To help you keep your expenses under control:

• Use a website that compares the prices of several rental companies to quickly determine what your most affordable options are.
• Try a carsharing service like Turo.

My advice? You don’t need anything as extravagant as a convertible or a sports car. The ride itself will offer abundant scenery, and you will only be distracted if you can’t see the wind whipping your hair.

Another thing: don’t be afraid of car rental companies that aren’t among the big names. Sometimes these companies only operate at the regional level. But just because they’re not in your part of the country doesn’t mean they’re not a good option for your travels. If they look legitimate and the price is the best in the market, give it a try!

And if you have a credit card that rewards gas spending, make sure you take it with you. You might as well reap the rewards of all the necessary expenses.

5. Don’t spend a lot on activities

There is no way to spend money on flights, hotels and gas. But where you can choosing to go cheap is with your activities.

The Pacific Coast Highway has a lot to offer for anyone traveling on a budget. You will find many towns and landmarks to visit including La Jolla Cove in San Diego which is a must see.

The many famous beaches and tourist areas near LA, such as Santa Monica and Venice Beach, allow you to explore at your leisure. And there are plenty of inexpensive souvenir shops and tasty street food to try!

And if you have a golf enthusiast in your life, I highly recommend a visit to Pebble Beach.

You can even get by on a budget in some notoriously expensive cities like San Francisco:

• Visit Baker Beach – the view of the Golden Gate Bridge is breathtaking.
• Explore Fisherman’s Wharf.
• Walk down Lombard Street.
• Take in the city and bay views from Coit Tower.

You might be surprised at how much you can see and do without emptying your wallet. So forgo the day passes to Disneyland and focus on all the beautiful sights the Pacific Coast Highway has to offer. It might be a once in a lifetime trip, but you don’t have to be in debt.

This article originally appeared on Scout and is republished with permission.

Sharon Stephenson loosens her belt on a tantalizing tour of a gourmet mecca just an hour from Wellington.

I just invented a new medical condition known as “You can’t pick just one flavor when there is so much to choose from.” “

Okay, so I’m exaggerating the state of health, but it’s really difficult to make a decision at Schoc Chocolates.

READ MORE:
* Greytown, Wairarapa: The New Zealand town that celebrates Christmas in July
* Secrets of the Wairarapa: a spectacular road trip full of hidden treasures
* Whet your appetite at Wairarapa

This Willy Wonka’s Wonderland on Greytown’s Main Street is guaranteed to confuse and delight with its roughly 60 artisanal flavors, many of which sound so bad but are actually so good. (Curry and chocolate poppadom anyone?)

After dealing with the Friday afternoon exodus from Wellington, my husband and I arrive in Greytown in need of some heat relief. This little dot on the map is made up of pretty wooden cottages, white palisades, and the kind of housewares stores that make you wish you had paid more attention to The block.

But this is not our first rodeo. We visit the Wairarapa frequently and the first thing we do when we get to Remutaka Hill is stock up on Schoc’s sweet treats. It usually takes years due to the large variety on offer.

Owner Murray Langham was once a chef and then a therapist, but in 2002 he found a way to combine the two professions with ‘chocology’. “It’s a bit of fun deciphering people’s personalities from their favorite chocolate flavor,” says Murray, who pays homage to the sweet sweetness from a charming 1920s cottage.

He asks us to choose our favorite flavors and as we let chocolate chips melt on the roof of our mouths – the better to unleash the flavor – he tells us what our choices say about us. “The almond tells you that you are quick-witted, while the hazelnut indicates that you are a homebody,” he says of my choices. “And your love of peppermint means you believe you can do it all.”

He’s on the spot – but then he advised everyone from the BBC and Martha Stewart to British author Joanne Harris, when she was writing her famous 1999 novel, Chocolate.

We turn around and head for Martinborough, where our pants are about to tighten even more. Last year, clinical psychologist Dr Jane Freeman decided to satisfy her fondness for sweets by opening The Martinborough Sweet Shop.

Your inner child (and your actual children) will go wild in this art gallery-turned-candy store, where Jane specializes in treats from around the world, including American Jelly Beans, British Candy, and Dutch Licorice.

If you haven’t had your fill of chocolate yet, there’s an entire room dedicated to it, filled with around 150 flavors, including chocolate made from Greytown honey and Martinborough pinot noir.

Ah, wine, you had to get there sooner or later. Martinborough, a town of around 1,400 permanent inhabitants, is home to more than 40 winegrowers, half of whom have cellars.

“Martinborough represents around 10% of wine producers, but only produces around 1% of New Zealand’s total wine production,” says Nicola Belsham, who leads our Martinborough Wine Walks tour. “We’re a little splash in a little puddle.”

There is probably no one better to lead the walks. With a history as a winemaker and seller, there’s little this self-confessed “wine geek” doesn’t know about fermented grapes. We signed up for a half day excursion, which we spend walking around various wineries, meeting the producers and tasting their produce. (Martinborough is one of the few places in the world where you can walk between vineyards.)

One of these wineries is Devotus, a short distance from Martinborough’s central square. Don McConachy has been producing highly coveted Pinot Noir since 2014, although this is not a traditional route to winemaking. He worked first as an engineer, then in French and Italian wineries before finally finding his way to this 2.5 ha vineyard in Regent Street.

Don tells us about his organically grown methods and demonstrates the kind of passion that turns grapes into award-winning wine, before tasting three of his “raw” wines at different stages of fermentation.

While Martinborough will always be the poster child for wine, it’s not the only game in town. Reid + Reid is an artisanal gin distillery founded in 2015 by brothers Stew and Chris Reid in the shadow of their parents’ big old house.

Chris knows a thing or two about the beverage industry, having been a winemaker at a nearby vineyard for several years. But what started as a hobby turned into a full-time business of 15,000 bottles a year when he discovered how New Zealand’s natural flora – kawakawa, mānuka and horopito – can give gin a unique Kiwi touch.

On the weekend of our visit, the affable brothers just removed the bubble wrap from their custom built distillery, where you can sit among the vines and congratulate yourself on finding such an epic place.

Now we need to stretch out a bit, so we head to the White Swan Hotel, the graceful old building on the main street of Greytown.

If you like a side of history with your drink, you’ve come to the right place. This iconic hotel, restaurant and bar began life as the administrative block of the Lower Hutt Railways before being carved up and driven up Remutaka Hill in 2002.

We settle into the elegant accommodation, then descend to the bar, where we soak up the sun on the generous veranda (in winter, punters head for the log fire). Forget about simple pub food – this menu sins on the gourmet pub side, with offerings like paprika and herb pork belly, and mushroom and leek dumplings that spoiled me for every other dumpling.

When the bed is so comfortable and the room is so beautiful, you have the right to sleep. The sun is therefore already high in the sky when we stroll through The Offering for brunch. This 80 seat cafe run by Bevan and Jacqui Morland is famous for sourcing produce within a 200 mile radius and turning it into what turns out to be one of the best brunches I’ve ever had.

We start with the pulled jackfruit fries and move on to Funky Dogs – pork, lamb and venison sausages that come from the butcher next door and are tucked into pretzel buns with coleslaw, kūmara chips and even popcorn, if that prompts you to eat pimples (no judgment).

We spend a pleasant few hours wandering through vintage stores in cute little towns like a button of Wairarapa – Featherston, Martinborough, Greytown and Carterton – before returning to Greytown for a late lunch.

“Go to Brasserie 74,” said almost everyone we met.

So we do.

Like many young Kiwis, Chef Russell Cameron set out to explore the world. But his OE has transformed in nearly three decades, during which he rose through the ranks of British restaurants, including running his own French restaurant in Mayfair, London. Four years ago, Russell and his British partner, Louise Ballinger, bought this cafe – which was once a garage and then a grocery store – and filled the menu with dishes that you’ll still be talking about weeks later. For example, Russell’s twice-baked goat soufflé will make it all the better, while duck confit with herbed potatoes is the kind of thing you should really eat in a brasserie on the banks of the Seine.

Far too soon, it’s time to drive the car home. We leave the Wairarapa well fed and watered, and with at least a few extra pounds.

What to do

• Martinborough Wine Tours
• Reid + Reid cellar door
• Fossick in vintage stores

Where to eat

• Brewery 74
• Martinborough Candy Shop
• Schoc chocolates
• The offering

Where to stay