Once the residence of an aristocratic Venetian family this charming property is now a welcoming hotel. Enjoy breakfast out on the veranda, which overlooks the garden.
Hotel Pausania is an interesting property that dates back to the 14th century. Upstairs you will find a bright and spacious sitting room. On the ground floor you can connect to the internet for free.
Each room is complete with free WiFi, a TV and air conditioning. Outside in the garden you will find an original well and space to relax in after a busy day sightseeing in Venice.
Your room rate includes 1 free entrance to the Venice Casino and a free tour of a glass factory in Murano.
The Pausania Hotel is close to the church of San Sebastiano and to the Maritime Station. It is easily reached by Vaporetto (water bus), getting off at Ca'Rezzonico stop.
On Sunday December 5, CNN broadcast a stunning Rome episode of Parts Unknown in which Anthony Bourdain and Asia Argento go to a trattoria, which they do not name. It’s Settimio. Sorry for the spoiler but I don’t believe in depriving Mario and Teresa of business through exclusion Watch the episode it is brilliant.
I vividly remember my first visit to Settimio al Pellegrino. It was in 2007 and my friend Jess and I had gotten a hot tip from a regular that a short walk from Campo de’ Fiori sat an uber-authentic trattoria serving simply dressed fresh pastas, meaty mains, and seasonal vegetables. We made a booking but when we showed up for dinner the door was locked. We were already off to a rough start. One of us noticed a button next to the door and after a sustained buzz, chef and owner Teresa opened the door a crack and said something to the effect of “chi siete”, who are you?
If that doesn’t sound like a warm greeting, it wasn’t. But at Settimio, warmth isn’t doled out frivolously. Warmth is earned. If you turn up without a reservation, there’s a real chance you will be sent away, whether they are booked up or not. It’s the kind of place where the possibility of a regular rolling in late leads Teresa and her husband Mario to set aside tables for such an occurrence. And even calling to reserve well in advance doesn’t guarantee a table. On that note, if you don’t speak Italian, have your hotel ring for you. And if all this sounds too fussy, don’t read on. Settimio isn’t for you.
ANTHONY BOURDAIN
PARTS UNKOWN - ROME
PARTS UNKNOWN - ROME
With ABEL FERRARA & ASIA ARGENTO
I have to be honest: arbitrary seating policies give me agita. I grew up in restaurants and treasure hospitality. I want to connect with the people who make and serve my food, not be rejected or dismissed. Yet I was determined to win over Teresa and Mario. That night, Jess and I ordered every course, including my current go-to, polpette, scorched yet delicious meat patties. We cleaned our plates, admired the eclectic decor (framed posters and paintings gifted by Settimio’s clients, which include plenty of artists and film makers) and watched as Mario worked the room, taking orders and doting on regulars. Teresa emerged from the kitchen occasionally to clear plates and pinch cheeks. Man, did it feel bad being an outsider at Settimio that night.
Jess and I apparently didn’t make much of an impression because I went back on my own a few days later for lunch and was given the same suspicious treatment. After a few more visits, however, I was totally in, cheek caresses and all. This is good news if you live in Rome or visit often. You, too, can become a doted-on regular. Otherwise, visit knowing you won’t be pampered by the service but you’ll definitely walk away having witnessed a Roman relic.
SETTIMIO PELLIGRINO
ROMA
That is to say, a lot of what’s appealing about Settimio is the attitude and atmosphere. Some regulars have been going since the place opened in the 1930s, others a decidedly shorter length, but all are given special attention. In that way, the place is not unique. The attraction to countless other local joints is the experience and the relationship with the owners, even more so than the food.
I don’t think anyone with Roman dining experience would say the food is flawless. Like many places in town, it makes sense to stick to certain things like those meatballs or the onion-rich vitello alla genovese. At Settimio, comfort food reigns: fettucine with meat sauce, gnocchi with tomato sauce (Thursdays only), trippa alla romana, and involtini (meat rolls). The handmade pastas pass muster, but you won’t write home about them. The pillowy, super sweet, candied chestnut-studded Montblanc, which they do not make in house, is another story. I dream about it sometimes. Usually right before I go to the dentist. I am also very into the mela cotta (baked apple). I’m a sucker for overcooked fruit.
Second only to the struggle of winning the owners’ affection is the wines, which range from undrinkable to painfully undrinkable. While it’s charming that regulars leave unfinished bottles in the fridge for their next visit, I can honestly say that the only wine worse than the wine at Settimio is day-old wine at Settimio. It’s not what you’ve come for anyway.
The Palatine Chapel is theRoyal Chapel of the Norman Palace in Palermo, Sicily. This building is a mixture of Byzantine, Norman and Fatimid architectural styles, showing the tricultural state of Sicily during the 12th century after Roger I and Robert Guiscard conquered the island.
"EREMITI"
PALERMO
San Giovanni degli Eremiti (St John of the Hermits) is an ancient former monastic church located on Via Benedettini #19 in the ancient quarter of Albergariaof the city of Palermo, region of Sicily, Italy. It is about two blocks south from the Palazzo dei Normanni, adjacent to the church of San Giorgio in Kemonia. While the interior is virtually devoid of decoration or furnishings, the red Norman-Byzantine domes, the medieval cloister ruins, and garden make this small church a symbol of ancient Palermo.
The church is notable for its brilliant red domes, which show clearly the persistence of Arab influences in Sicily at the time of its reconstruction in the 12th century, the Arab-Norman culture. In her 1882 Diary of an Idle Woman in Sicily, Frances Elliot described it as "... totally oriental... it would fit well in Baghdad or Damascus". However, the Red color of the domes are not original, as they were painted in this color by Patricolo who found pieces of red plaster on the domes and therefore decided to paint all the domes in red.
The church lies with a flank on a square construction. The church is on the Latin Cross plan with a nave and two aisles and three apses. Each of the square spans is surmounted by a dome. The presbytery, ending with a niche, has also a dome.
Elegant Accommodations: Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok offers luxurious rooms with air-conditioning, private balconies, and modern amenities. Guests enjoy garden or river views, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Exceptional Facilities: The hotel features a year-round outdoor swimming pool, spa facilities, sauna, fitness center, sun terrace, and a lush garden. Additional services include yoga classes, fitness classes, and cycling.
Dining Experience: A variety of dining options are available, including a family-friendly restaurant serving Chinese, French, Italian, Japanese, Thai, and international cuisines. Breakfast options include continental, American, buffet, vegetarian, vegan, and Asian.
Surrounded by tropical grounds, Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui - SHA Extra Plus is situated on the island’s northwest tip, a quiet oasis on Laem Yai Bay. Windsurfing, golf and a spa are featured.
Each room is equipped with a private infinity pool, private bar and iPod dock. Guests can enjoy views of the grounds or Gulf of Siam on the outdoor day bed. The bathroom’s glass doors open onto the private deck for an open-air bathing experience.
Chilled towels are offered at Koh Samui Four Seasons’ beachside infinity pool. Guests can recharge with a game of tennis, a variety of beach sports or a workout at the fitness center. A large book and DVD library is provided.
The hotel’s SIAMSEAS cruising boat offers access to Marine National Park and a variety of other locations. The resort is about a 30-minute drive from both Big Buddha and Koh Samui International Airport.
The Four Seasons’ restaurant serves fresh local seafood seasoned with exotic herbs from nearby grounds. Both Thai and international cuisine are offered. The Beach Bar serves a variety of tropical cocktails.
