LYRA MAG.

Off season travel-to the typical summer hot spots-are enjoyable NOW, especially mild winter destinations. Always popular Italy  is convenient to get to from this side of the Pond-via the country's signature airline, Alitalia . Direct flights from the USA East coast are frequent with this year's addition of flights from  Dulles/DC adding 5 weekly jaunts (to+fro') in May 2019. Currently attainable seasonal fares for the leisure travel sections and the awesome plush premium business class, are available to Rome or Milan area airports. BONUS: Getting to the city centers are hassle free too- via user friendly efficient trains connections- in addition to other flights/train connections-to many domestic + exotic intercontinental locales like  the holiday bucket list go to-the Maldives. And -no hassle meaningful stopovers are easy to arrange. CHECK OUT: Tuscany-off season doesn't mean off  -as the beautiful countryside near Florence-always beckons with scenic by...

The (new) modern/conceptual art destination PRADA Fondazione -designed by star architect Rem Koolhaas Open seven days a week ...former distillery plus new buildings...featuring site specific and collected conceptual/modern art, sculpture, videos...  The wine-Italian grape-100% Nebbiolo DAMILANO Barolo   Riserva Cannubi "1752"intense ruby garnet, dry robust -red fruits cherry-licorice-cocoa-leather-tobacco intense flavors The eats-hunks of Parmigiana and fresh fruit or...Nutrella Grilled Cheese -at Bar Luc e (Prada Foundation designed by film director Wes Anderson, seriously ) The footwear...high glamor sneakers by luxe wedding dress designer  Antonio Riva Milano ...comfortable enough for all day walking...  or limited edition drops-Adidas Falcon (if/when)

Executive Chef Vito Gnazzo Shares His Exclusive Holiday Recipes From  Il Gattopardo and The Leopard at des Artistes FINALLY---t wo recipes for hearty and flavorful dishes from two of our favorite restaurants...   The Leopard at des Artistes ’  Christmas Salad Of Clams, Mussels, Shrimp, And Octopus In A Fresh Lemon Dressing  and Il Gattopardo’s  Artisanal Lobster Raviol i -  that add Italian flavors to holiday feasts. AND will dazzle the tastebuds of guests-as well as leave time to enjoy their bon mots too! Courtesy of Leopard at des Artistes' Executive Chef Vito Gnazzo...who conjured up probably one of the best meals we have ever eaten anywhere. ( Review )

33 West 54th Street, Midtown Manhattan, NYC Even walking at an uncharacteristic for midtown Manhattan  leisurely pace, it's easy to miss the small windowed street front to Mozzarella E Vino . However-past the entrance -a big hearted casual eatery, and a welcoming staff- attributes for a fine dining experience for solo eaters-or a crowd- wonderfully exists ...tempting enthusiasts of Italian food  willing to forgo showier dining non-essentials in order to concentrate on the most delicious 'rustic' cuisine, delivered professionally.

Contemporary Italian Southern Cuisine- A Midtown Oasis of Culinary Art-Traditional Hospitality New to us but a neighborhood staple (est. 2001) ...the special midtown Manhattan hideaway,  Il Gattopardo -located in an historic Rockefeller townhouse across the street from MoMa--- is a worthy dining establishment that begs a return visit. ASAP. Yes, that good. "SE VOGLIAMO CHE TUTTO RIMANGA COM'È BISOGNA CHE TUTTO CAMBI." “If we want things to stay as they are, things will have to change.” - Tancredi Falconeri, Il Gattopardo by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, 1958  (and for cinema fans...the Visonti classic)...printed on the menu-- summarizes this modern trattoria's pasionate'mission' of serving satisfyingly 'simple' dishes of southern Italy-interpreted in the most contemporary sumptuous ways...as the top tiered restaurants do ( or should )...allowing the finest ingredients deftly presented in a seasonal menu-to shine through -flavored ...