Selina and I have been friends for years.
We’ve had so many adventures together but not one of them has been on foreign soil. We’ve both been bitten hard by the travel bug and knew that we’d have to plan a trip eventually…
Coming to the end of a bucket load of her law exams seemed like the perfect opportunity for a little jaunt to Italy.
We nipped over to Lake Como for a couple of days.
Leaving England in glorious sunshine, we were just a little disappointed to arrive under cover of drizzly clouds… so decided to check in right away and head to the spa.
We dove into fluffy robes and padded our way down in slippers three times too big. Stopping off for a quick pit stop at the candy bar.
Had a little nose around the garden.
And finally sank happily into the jacuzzi.
(Heidi Klein onesie for those interested!)
The Grand Hotel in Tremezzo boasts some of the most charming staff I’ve ever come across.
Smiley, chatty, happy to help with anything from directions to your Italian.
We followed two of them into the belly of the spa for much needed, post travel, massages. Got completely slathered in ESPA oils and melted into two puddles of bliss.
After lounging with cups of camomile tea, we headed back to our room, which meant another irresistible walk past the glistening jars or sweeties.
I showed my usual restraint, and filled both pockets.
Back in the room we called home and enjoyed the spectacular views.
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Before eventually conceding that it was probably time to put some clothes on.
I’m in my treasured Topshop dress (which has finally come back into stock, although apparently just online). It’s built of tough stuff and looks far more fancypants than it actually is, which is always nice!
Supremely flattering, it seems to pull in at all the right places. I’m about 5ft8 so wouldn’t call myself “petite” but found this fit better than the regular version.
Worn with All Stars, a Prada tote and an Aunt Sponge necklace.
My ever glamorous date rocking an olive maxi.
Across the water Bellagio glowed in the evening sun and gave us the sneaking suspicion (and aching hope) that tomorrow might be sunny after all!
We retired to the terrace for drinks.
A classic bellini for me and a radioactive martini for S.
When suppertime rumbled up on us, we jumped in a car with Pasquale (the hotel driver) and headed up the hill to a quaint, local restaurant, “La Fagurida“.
Once you step over the threshold into the little stone house, you’re greeted by a beaming Italian mama who bustles you through to your table on the terrace.
Here she fusses around you good naturally, chattering away in Italian, suggesting where to sit for the best view and rattling through the menu.
She quickly explains that there’s strictly no pizza or pasta in her house. They’re not traditional, so she doesn’t serve them.
I fall instantly in love with her and decide I never want to leave.
This feeling is only helped by the spectacularly good house white, which comes in a cold terracotta pot.
Which we sipped happily with a mezze of nibbles.
And watched the sun put on its final show, by turning the snow-peaked mountains totally pink.
To follow the nibbles we went for mixed grilled meats.
Veggies.
And the most ludicrously decadent, delicious, mindblowing; polenta with cheese, butter and garlic.
Come on, it deserves another close up.
The rich, gooey cheese goes perfectly with the toasted garlic and smooth polenta.
I honestly don’t think I’ve ever tasted anything like it.
… I wonder if we could create something similar with cauliflower?
The cool evening drew in around us. Mama vehemently insisted that we have pudding, so we caved and shared a mammoth helping of proper, local, thick, heavy, Italian, lovingly made tiramisu.
And espressos.
While drinking in the ever-changing view.
If you’re planning a Como adventure, put La Fagurida at the top of your to-do list.
It’s half the price of anything you’ll find on the water, mind bogglingly excellent and truly authentic. You’ll love it!
More Italian adventures tomorrow, Io prometto.
