Bon Vivant

12/05/2023

12/04/2023

Did you know our niche publications, including Bon Vivant, Ultimate Family Vacations and DestinationVows, have merged and been rebranded as Range? Our goal as Ensemble's travel and lifestyle media brand is to get people thinking, dreaming, talking, sharing — and traveling. Follow our new page, Range by Ensemble 👇

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552552393045

Range is Ensemble’s travel and lifestyle media brand. Our goal is to get people thinking, dreaming, t

10/14/2022

Did you know you could trade the buzzy Strip for blissful solitude at these desert destinations within a three-hour drive of Sin City? Find out how in Lisa Kadane's latest article published in our fall edition of Vacations magazine.

https://issuu.com/ensembletravel1/docs/vacations_-fall_2022/s/16774388

Located at the pointy end of Nevada between Utah, California and Arizona, Las Vegas makes a well-situated hub for exploring the American Southwest. When you have had your fill of shows, shopping and slot machines on the Strip, drive to nearby national parks across the state line, where natural beaut...

10/12/2022

Follow writer Sarah Sekula as she explores the dramatic
scenery of the Ausangate Mountain with llamas as companions and falls for their charms. Read her story published in our latest Vacations magazine.

I lock eyes with Labrayani, a 140-kilogram llama on the trail behind me. He tilts his head and flicks his ears back. While he pauses, I get a good look at those long lashes, awkward underbite and knobby knees.

10/06/2022

Where are you headed this fall? Whether you’re travelling to a sunny destination for some extended beach time or nibbling your way through the islands of Greece, you’ll want to be equipped with the latest gear and goodies to make the most out of your trip. Here are a few things that are on the radar of our editor Michele Sponagle this season.

Where are you headed this fall? Whether you’re travelling to a sunny destination for some extended beach time or nibbling your way through the islands of Greece, you’ll want to be equipped with the latest gear and goodies to make the most out of your trip. Here are a few things that are on my ra...

09/16/2022

Summer may be almost over, but you can still find plenty of inviting, wonderful weather in destinations all over the world, from the Caribbean to Australia to Portugal and beyond. Just follow the sun on your next vacation and you’ll find some spectacular places to explore, whether you’ve got an oceanside lounger in mind or action-packed days ahead. The question remains – where should you go?

Our writers aren’t armchair travellers. They criss-cross the globe
in search of wonderful places that will inspire and captivate
readers. Read our latest edition of Ensemble Vacations here for some inspiration!

Summer may be almost over, but you can still find plenty of inviting, wonderful weather in destinations all over the world, from the Caribbean to Australia to Portugal and beyond. Just follow the sun on your next vacation and you’ll find some spectacular places to explore, whether you’ve got an ...

08/31/2022

San Miguel de Allende in Guanajuato State, Mexico, has many charms. The picturesque historic city delivers classic Mexican dishes straight up and with a twist. Travel writer Lola Augustine Brown shares bits and bites of what not to miss. Read her latest story from our Bon Vivant magazine.

6 minute readBits and Bites in San Miguel de Allendefrom Bon Vivant 2022by Ensemble Travel GroupNext Storyfrom 'Bon Vivant 2022'Food & Sun: Scuba, Snorkel, Sa...The picturesque historic city delivers classic Mexican dishes straight up and with a twistBy Lola Augustine BrownSan Miguel de Allende in G...

08/22/2022

Writer Michele Sponagle shares some tips about some of Canada’s top emerging wine-producing areas, ideal for your vacation or weekend escapes! To get all the insights, read the full story published in our latest Bon Vivant magazine.

When you see the landscape lined with rows of grapevines, you know you’ve arrived. Canada may be a northern country, but it has clearly demonstrated its prowess for winemaking with award-winning wines coveted worldwide. Most people are familiar with Niagara or the Okanagan Valley, but in recent ye...

08/10/2022

How do I love thee Switzerland? Let me count the cheeses, says
one fromage-obsessed writer Waheeda Harris ( Gone to Swan ) nibbling her way through the country. For those of us with a never-ending desire for cheese, European nations crowd the list of palatable destinations, but there’s one country which tops my list – Switzerland. Read her full story featured in our Bon Vivant magazine here:

For those of us with a never-ending desire for cheese, European nations crowd the list of palatable destinations, but there’s one country which tops my list – Switzerland.

08/02/2022

Writer Chris Ryall, a lover of spice, finds his happy place among Thailand’s cooking schools, street food stalls and Michelin-starred restaurants. Read the full story here 👇

Red Hot Chili Peppers, both the band and the spice, inspired my initiation into alternative streams of music as well as my taste sensations. My palate awakened when I started travelling internationally and tried Indian, Cajun, Vietnamese, Italian, Japanese and other global cuisines. Visits to Thaila...

07/29/2022

Jenever, the first incarnation of Gin, was named after the Dutch word for Juniper and originated in the Netherlands in the 17th century. First produced and sold for its medicinal properties by pharmacists, it was soon taxed by the Dutch government and woven into the vast Dutch trading system, once they realized its less than medicinal effects. After the ascension of the Dutch King, William of Orange, to the throne of England, an increased amount of Jenever was imported to the country. This likely led to the creation of Gin as we know it today. However, it still shares many qualities with its original counterpart including its main component, Juniper Berries.

Take a sip of Gin and start dreaming of the Netherlands. When the time is right, we can help you visit in person.

07/29/2022

In the French region of Armagnac, timeless traditions continue with the production of a luxurious local brandy, complemented by confit, foie gras and other local delicacies. Well, that sounds like a perfect destination for any gourmet!

Read the full story from travel writer Timothy D. Fowler 👇

The fountain pen scribble in my travel notebook under the heading “Café de la Poste, Marais, Paris” takes me back to the time when I first discovered Armagnac. My travelling partner and I had enjoyed an incredible dinner at an authentic French bistro we’d stumbled upon. To end our meal, I had...

07/28/2022

"Danish for "apple slices" even though it's made with peaches, Aebleskiver is the perfect warm snack for you to indulge. Think about pancakes, except with warm peaches and topped with confectioners' sugar.

When you're ready to have authentic Aebleskiver in Denmark, our travel advisorsare here to take care of your travel planning from start to finish. But in themeantime, here's a recipe for you to have a taste of Denmark at home:

https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/aebleskiver/

07/26/2022

Cruise lines are upping their culinary game by partnering with some of the world’s best chefs and cooking schools from Le Cordon Bleu to Relais & Châteaux. It’s no wonder passengers are keen to sign up for tasty learning experiences during their holiday at sea.

No matter which experiences you choose, you can expect top-of-the-line workstations and all the essential tools you might need. Participants receive personalized instructions from experts and classes are designed to appeal to a wide range of tastes and aptitudes, from beginners to experienced cooks.

Here is a sampling of what lessons are being served up for cruise guests 👇

Regent Seven Seas Cruises Oceania Cruises Holland America Line Silversea Cruises Viking

Cruise lines are upping their culinary game by partnering with some of the world’s best chefs and cooking schools from Le Cordon Bleu to Relais & Châteaux. It’s no wonder passengers are keen to sign up for tasty learning experiences during their holiday at sea.

07/21/2022

Celebrate the world’s best food with ‘noseworthy’ festivals –
from nature-rich Peru to glitzy South Florida. To dive into the fantastic culinary scene these sunny locales have to offer, mark your
calendars for these extraordinary foodie events

Mistura The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival

By Franca Iuele

07/20/2022

Recognized mostly for the Pisco Sour cocktail, pisco is a colorless or yellow- to amber-colored brandy developed by 16th century Spanish settlers. There’s a large debate overwhere the liquor was invented – some say Peru and some say Chile. Both countries claim pisco as their national drink, and the controversy is so embedded in the culture, there is a special agreement of protection prohibiting branding that suggests country names.

Take a sip of pisco and start dreaming of South America. When the time is right, we can help you visit in person!

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07/19/2022

Dishing on what’s next for Chef Alex Quaretti in his new role at Oceania Cruises, trending global cuisine, what he likes to do when not sailing and his favourite places to eat. Here's our interview with the Chef. 👇

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Oceania Cruises has a reputation for its standout culinary offerings. Behind every great meal is a team working its magic in the galley. In February 2022, the cruise line announced the appointment of chef Alex Quaretti as its director of culinary programs and development. He is no stranger to Oceani...

07/11/2022

Happy National Mojito Day! Travel to Cuba using your taste buds. This classic cocktail was made famous by Ernest Hemingway. Take a sip and start dreaming of the beautiful white-sand beaches, living museum of old cars, vibrant music and delicious seafood.

When you’re ready, we’ll help you go from dream toreality. Because we’re here for you — before, during and after your travels.

07/09/2022

In our latest Spice Routes story, a globetrotting couple, shares their favourite places around the world to buy authentic, locally sourced spices

We have always been fascinated by spices and their history. Whenever we travel, we’re always on the lookout for authentic spices to bring back home, and when we use them their aroma brings a rush of memories. Here are some highlights:

07/08/2022

Spain is the perfect foodie destination! Its thriving food scene is famous around the world because its cuisine is full of flavor and creative, yet also health with a variety of options. Prepare this traditional paella recipe and imagine yourself enjoying the tastes of Spain. When you’re ready, we’ll help you travel with your taste buds by planning a fully customized culinary itinerary:

https://www.spain.info/en/recipe/paella/

07/07/2022

It's almost Happy Hour! We invite you to raise your glass to Peru with this traditional Pisco Sour recipe. The nearly 100-year-old cocktail has stood the test of time and attracted people to its birthplace, Lima, because ... well, frankly, it’s sensational. Some call it the world’s best drink!

07/07/2022

Are you looking for great read to tantalize your taste buds?

From a celebration of African bibis’ cooking to Ukraine’s little-known summer kitchens, here are four of our favourite cookbooks to tempt your palate in anticipation of your next vacation.



https://issuu.com/ensembletravel1/docs/bon_vivant_2022/s/16123608

British-Indian food writer and chef Romy Gill shares the story of Kashmir and Ladakh’s unique cuisine and heritage with over 80 delicious recipes and stunning travel photography to bring readers on a journey through one of India’s most delectable food regions. Set against the backdrop of the sno...

07/06/2022

Our newest magazine is off the press! Read the 2022 edition of Bon Vivant, an issue dedicated entirely to the love we share of food and travel. Our writers have been all over the world exploring a wide range of cuisines and the stories they tell, from San Miguel de Allende and Armagnac, to Quebec and Thailand. The result is our tastiest magazine of the year. We hope you’ll savour every
delicious story featured on its pages.

Let’s be honest… A big motivating factor behind where we choose to travel is food. When someone returns from a vacation, it’s one of the first things that you talk about when sharing your experiences with friends and family. That’s why we are always so excited to bring readers Bon Vivant, an...

07/03/2022

Alto Douro (‘the high Douro’) is the world’s oldest wine-growing region. Along Portugal’s Douro River, wine has been grown for centuries. Even the Romans realized the area’s ideal dry-hot climate condition and planted vines in the region. Alto Douro is the first ever protected wine-growing region with its borders officially defined in 1756, and it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. The region is home to the famous Port wine, and it’s also well known for its dry reds. But it’s the focus on history and tradition that makes Douro so magical. In fact, when visiting, you might see grapes being picked by hand since the hills are too steep for machines, or you may even be able to take part in crushing the grapes by foot, just as it has always been done.

Take a sip of wine and start dreaming of Douro. When the time isright, we’ll help you visit in person!

07/02/2022

Are you looking for culinary experiences to live closer to home? You can learn to cook with French flair in the Magdalen Islands with a nod to its cultural roots. Gourmande de nature offer immersive dining and hands-on experiences.

Tourisme Îles de la Madeleine

Johanne Vigneau secures the corners of two large sheets of parchment paper to her countertop with eight dots of sticky, reduced balsamic vinegar from a squeeze bottle, then drizzles both sheets with the gooey dark liquid. I join the other participants of her Hommage à ma mer cooking class in buildi...

07/01/2022

Happy Canada Day! Did you know Montreal, a 379-year-old city, created its official cocktail on four years ago? The “Montreal Cocktail” was created by 15 Montreal bartenders in 2017 commemorating the city’s 375th anniversary. Their goal was to inspire the citizens of their city along with communities around the world to give life and embrace the new cocktail as a modern-day classic.

Take a sip and start dreaming of Montreal, the largest French-speaking city in both Canada and North America. When the time is right, we’ll help you visit in person!

06/30/2022

Potatoes mixed with greens, scallions, butter and cream – what’s not to love? Colcannon potatoes, one of Ireland’s most beloved dishes, dates back to the 1600s and 1700s. Potatoes, cabbage, and leeks were considered food for the common people so, unsurprisingly, this dish combines all three. Colcannon is so adored in Irish culture, there are even songs written about it. But, take note: If you’re going to indulge in this potato heaven, make sure to save room because the dish is very rich and filling.

Are you a foodie who loves to travel? Our team of travel advisors specializes in culinary journeys around the globe. When the time is right, we’ll help you plan a trip, but for now, get a taste of Ireland with this authentic colcannon potatoes recipe.

https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/colcannon/

06/30/2022

We love Greece . We love the land, the people and the history. It’s deliciously different from anywhere else on Earth. Some special magic emerges from the quality of the light, the aromas, the food, the warmth of the people and the complex interweaving of civilizations that have laid such a rich patina over the land.

So where to go to get off the beaten path, soak up the atmosphere and best enjoy the authentic Greek experience? Go to Kalamata, where the famed dark purple olives come from. Visit Greece

I love Greece. I love the land, the people and the history. I have been visiting Athens, the mainland and the islands for many years. It’s deliciously different from anywhere else on Earth. Some special magic emerges from the quality of the light, the aromas, the food, the warmth of the people and...

06/29/2022

Did you know? Hand-harvested salt was first cultivated in Noirmoutier by Benedictine monks in the 5th century. They turned the wetlands into salt marshes.

Discover the story of the sometime island off the Atlantic coast of France in the Vendée that appears and disappears with the changing of the tides. 👇

Avast swath of sand, clay-coloured from the seawater still clinging to it, is stippled with figures poking in tidal pools. Barefoot with pants rolled up and buckets brimming with shellfish, clusters of clam diggers and families wander in the sodden landscape on either side of the Passage du Gois, wh...

06/23/2022

With millennia of agrarian history under their belts, a new gener ation of Irish chefs are serving up historic flavours with modern ideas and can’t-miss food experiences. Discover for yourself why the Emerald Isle has become a rising culinary destination worth y of your attention

Tourism Ireland Discover Ireland

Irish fare is often miscast as the culinary “plain Jane” of Europe. But over the past few years, Ireland has seen a food-focused renaissance. Meat and potatoes and hearty stews are making room for gourmet tapas, aperitifs, and sweet chili coconut stir-fries. And for one small town on the souther...