Saturday, September 18, 2010

Cooking Holiday on the Amalfi Coast


" A lovely experience. Thank You Happy Hours "



Hong Kong celebrity model Callie Roberts took a Happy Hours Cooking Holiday in Positano, on the Amalfi coast. Check out her story.

" Situated along the Amalfi Coast, Positano is a little gem of a town hidden on the edge of the front boot part of Italy. The car journey was a blissful 'coast' around the mountains scaling high above the shimmering emerald sea. "



"We stayed at the Alcione Residence- a well-kept family run B&B with outstanding views, situated less than a 5 minute amble from the beach. Surrounded by restaurants, quaint cafes, shops, churches, old cobblestone paves and artisan studios, Alcione Residence was wonderfully situated in a prime location. "


"What's more, we were greeted with hospitable warmth (as in true Italian fashion) which continued throughout our stay."


"Our room was large and colorful with a terrace overlooking the sea. Breakfast was served here every morning- a selection of warm freshly baked pastries, Italian smooth coffees and conserves"



"Included in the progam were two cooking classes at a Trattoria Restaurant. Renowned Chef Salvatore and his family humbly welcomed us (a group of six hungry tourists) to their 'home'. Two hours were spent prepping the ingredients, taking turns to 'have a go', learning fascinating things about the area, it's traditions and cultures, listening carefully to what Mamas secret ingredient's were in her recipes, laughing, munching on a never ending pile of morning-baked biscotti, frequent toasts with glasses of sparkling Prosecco, pertaining to childish flour fights, licking bowls (yes, with fingers), and finally being served up a storm to the adjoining outdoor Restaurant."



"We learnt how to cook soulful but simplistic Italian staples such as authentic Antipasti, Stuffed Cheeses, Rustic Bread, Risotto and Home Made Taggiatelli. Followed by a heart-attack prompting Tiramasu, mercilessly washed down with copious amounts of various Italian liquors.. of which I cannot for the life of me remember the names of. Just the colors. "


"A lovely experience all in all. Thanks to Happy Hours "
Callie Roberts

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Cooking Holiday in Sicily

Happy Hours launches
SEVEN DAYS IN SICILY
Cooking Holiday + food&wine tour at the base of a volcano



Your own apartment in a beautiful old farmhouse set amidst lush vineyards, cooking classes with Sicily's most famous chef, vineyard and winery tours, delicious Sicilian food and wines. At the foothills of Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe.

~6 Nights 7 Days
~Single / Double rooms or an entire apartment
~Chef's Welcome Lunch
~Daily Breakfast
~Daily Wine Tasting
~Guided Tour of the Vineyard and Winery in the farmhouse
~Hands-on cooking classes with Eleonora Consoli, the doyenne of Sicilian cuisine

For a PDF file with all details, mail happyhours.hk@gmail.com




Learn to cook authentic Sicilian dishes from Chef Eleonora Consoli in her 200 year old home






Take a break during easter or summer. Stay in this stunning vineyard at the foothills of an active volcano in Sicily. Soak in the distinctive Sicilian atmosphere and culture. Enjoy delicious food and wine and learn to cook authentic Sicilian dishes.

happyhours.hk@gmail.com

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Gourmet Italian Olive Oils from the Amalfi coast



Artisanal olive oils from Cooking Vacations.
First time ever in Hong Kong, exclusively from HAPPY HOURS.


DOP oils produced by the Gargiulo family on the Sorrentine Peninsula, Amalfi coast, Italy, using olives grown under perfect conditions ~ warm mediterranean sun, rich volcanic soil and salty sea winds.



Extra Virgin Olive Oil, first-pressed
250 ml
Pure yellow-green colour, rich and floral flavour, with slight peppery notes



Limone ~ Olive Oil with Lemon Peel
250 ml
Made with the world's best lemons from the Amalfi coast
Lemony taste overlaid on the rich, floral olive oil




Arancia ~ Olive Oil with Orange Peel
250 ml
Made with the world's best oranges from the Amalfi coast
Orange overtones, pure olive oil flavour




Puttanesca Oil
250 ml
Extra Virgin Olive oil infused with pepper, garlic, basil, parsely, onions, tomatoes and capers



Napolitano Oil
250 ml
Extra Virgin Olive Oil infused with garlic, parsley and peppers




First time in Hong Kong
Exclusively from HAPPY HOURS

To taste or to buy, contact

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Artisanal production methods dating back to the ancient Greeks and Romans


Gourmet Cooking Holidays in Italy

Friday, November 27, 2009

Olive oils produced according to ancient tradition on the Amalfi coast

The Gargiulo family has been growing olives and producing artisanal olive oils for generations




History of the Region
Peninsula Sorrentina is one of the few areas in Italy where in such a relatively small corner of land, agriculture provides not only a setting for its natural beauty, but also a range of high-quality products such as lemons, olive oli and cheese, all acknowledged for their excellence at both national and European levels.
In the higher areas olive trees abound; these have always grown here, as their age testifies. It is said that in Greek times, sacrifices were made to the Goddess Minerva using local oil. The oil produced here has a characteristic taste and aroma which distinguish it and give it its high market value. The European community recognises this product as D.O.P ( Denomination of Protected Origin) thanks to its unique qualities.


History of the family
The Gargiulo family has grown olives for generations, and continues to produce high quality D.O.P Extra Virgin Olive Oil. This oil summarises the family's dedication to quality and wholesome products. The oil is green with light golden highlights. It has an intense fruity flavour with hints of lemon, from the close plantings of the lemon trees, and a pleasant aftertaste of artichokes and rosemary. It is excellent drizzled over grilled salmon or halibut, cooked with other seafood or to dress any salad. Also great served on its own as a dipping sauce for bread.


The Gargiulo family's D.O.P Olive Oils are available in Hong Kong exclusively through HAPPY HOURS

To taste or to buy, contact

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