Macaroons inspired by designer John Galliano's latest fragrance.Julian Schlosser/Takaproduction
The hungry traveller: the sweet, the drink, the event
THE SWEET: FOOD MEETS FASHION
Influential designer John Galliano has joined forces with Ladurée, the famous French patisserie, to release a line of rose- and ginger-flavoured macaroons inspired by the designer's new fragrance, Parlez-moi d'Amour. The macaroons went on sale in Ladurée stores in France, Britain, Switzerland, Monaco, Ireland, Italy and Japan this month.
THE DRINK: JAPANESE WINE WORTH DRINKING
The Japanese have been making wine for years, we just don't hear about it because most of it is terrible. Koshu - the primary grape - is notoriously difficult to ripen and tricky to ferment so great quantities of sugar are often added, making the wine sickly sweet and characterless. There's a concerted effort under way, however, to change that. Producers such as Grace, Katsunuma and Jouzou are treating the pretty pink grape seriously and producing quality wines with export potential. The Budo-no-oka wine centre in Japan's Napa Valley, an hour outside Tokyo in Yamanashi prefecture, offers more than 150 brands to sample.
THE EVENT: SUPERSIZE THAT RING
And they say romance is dead. Beginning in January, McDonald's franchises in Hong Kong will start offering wedding packages. The entire event: ceremony, reception, wedding cake and catering for up to 100 guests will cost about $400, but there won't be any champagne toasts as liquor is not permitted. Adding to the romance, stores will remain open to regular customers while the ceremonies take place. There's no word yet on whether Mayor McCheese will be available to officiate.
Special to The Globe and Mail