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VAU Restaurant, Berlin -
Germany |
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Annona Restaurant, New York -
USA |
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SWISS A340 FIRST
Class |
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Ammende Villa, Pärnu -
Estonia |
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Ammende Restaurant, Pärnu -
Estonia |
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NEXT: Grand Hotel Europe +
L'Europe &
Caviar Bar, St. Petersburg - Russia |
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NEXT: The Ritz Carlton Moscow
+ Jeroboam Restaurant - Russia |
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| Berlin, Germany |
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| 6 Stars and 5 Stripes |
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| With its location on the Gendarmenmarkt, noted in guidebooks as
“one of Europe's loveliest squares”, VAU has consistently attracted
the cuisine aficionado to its hallowed grounds for Internationally recognized
food and affectionate hospitality. The impetus behind the simple philosophy of
fresh, seasonal products - where possible from the Berlin area coupled with the
feeling of “eating with friends” is the brainchild of Executive Chef
and owner Kolja Kleeberg. One of our first impressions, as we entered the
restaurant on this cold March evening in Berlin, was of Restaurant Manager
Petra Kleeberg smiling sweetly as she greeted us and then led us past a perfect
row of tables. Upon each was placed a precious living Phalaenopsis Orchid,
elegantly bending from the weight of its radiant white flowers.
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| It was time to press on with the dinner arrangements and soon we were
escorted to our table in the Salon Rahel, offering large windows onto the
stylish Jägerstraße. Our server and sommelier for the evening,
Claudia Albrecht, sought to put us at ease with her charming recantation of the
nights specials, thereby conjuring up delicious visions of Chef Kolja's
world-renowned creations. We were introduced to his repertoire with the first
course of Roasted Lobster with Black Salsify, Blood Orange and Almond paired
with a classic Austrian wine from Südsteirmark, Sauvignon Blanc, Erwin
Sabathi 2007. This was a standout in terms of creative flavor profiling
coupling the 'artichoke-like” suggestion of the salsify with the sweet and
mellow notes of the blood orange.
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| Seven Stars and Stripes Inc. now offers, for the first time, this
extraordinary, custom designed ‘His & Her’ Seven Stars
Cufflink set. Limited Edition. |
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| A340 FIRST Class |
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| 5 Stars and 5 Stripes |
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| It was now time to board the plane, but first class passengers get
personally escorted through security and to the gate by a host. Upon entering
the cabin, a 'Maitre de Cabin' named Urs, ushered us into the front of the
Airbus 330 offering Jaquart Cuvee Allegra Champagne, orange juice, bottled
water or mimosas. It seemed more like a social gathering than a aircraft
boarding as everyone in First class were standing around with a cocktail
happily chatting in preparation of departure. ewspapers in several languages
were offered and I sank into the comfortable large leather seat sipping
champagne and reading the latest business news. 'Maitre de Cabin' Urs, now
returned to personally greet each and every First Class passenger all the while
making us feel comfortable knowing that any reasonable request would not go
unnoticed.
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| Swiss A340 John Lomitola First Class |
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| I was offered a 20yr old Port to go with my dessert of Chocolate Cake
and Strawberries, but I decided to test them with a request for Fernet-Branca,
a bitter Italian herbal digestive liquor to see if they could comply. To my
surprise a few minutes later, a small glass of the dark brown aromatic spirit
appeared on my table. My compliments to the hospitality of the Swiss! I tried
to focus now on the Swiss in-flight entertainment system and became a little
fatigued trying to figure out the slightly antiquated system. I am told that a
serious cabin up-grade is in the works before the end of the year, which will
add a more up-to-date multimedia center along with an improvement in privacy
for the individual sleeper. I slept like an Olympic athlete going for the gold.
My bed was made in a few minutes while I washed-up in
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| Restaurant |
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| Pärnu -
Estonia |
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| 5 Stars and 5
Stripes |
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The ambiance was captivating and at the same time serene, white starched linens
reflecting the romantic flickering candlelight, highlighting the interesting
land décor and the elegant china. The Ammende features three dining
rooms in the right wing; the Red Dining Hall is the most intimate in size after
conversion from an old kitchen, at one point in time. A priceless tiled oven
complimented the dark walls, and the precious blue velvet covered antic chairs.
Napkins were quickly folded into our laps; and the breadbasket was offered
instantly by our waiter for the evening, Mikk Lankots. We started with Roasted
Lamb Liver Noisettes, drizzled with a daring Blackcurrant Sauce, paired with an
interesting ruby berry, vanilla nosed Chianti Classico Brolio 2005 Toscana,
Barone Riscasoli - offered by Monika Raudkivi, our sommelier.
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| The roasted lamb liver salad was very good and created with an
eggplant-truffle puree and balsamic sauce. Next, Seafood Ravioli with
Arugula-Parsley sauce stuffed with fresh eel, caught at local Lake Vorsjarve
and presented with a Barbera d'Alba, Superiore 2005 Piemonte, Rivietto. The
intermezzo was served in the form of a refreshing, light Cantaloupe Soup. Our
main course, A Steamed Pike Perch with Pumpkin Risotto, was a sensuously
delicious fine food, again, well paired with a classic Blanc Faiveley Mercurey
Clos Rochette 2002. We were told that the Pike Perch was caught by Chef de
Cuisine Margus Sarev's friend Indrek Pekko, from the waters of
‘Pärnu’. We will be eternally grateful for Indrek's good luck
and the chef's talents. Paired with a Chateau Belingard 2005 Monbazillac,
France - a powerful wine for a great dish, clear with a nice fruity bite.
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| Dear Friends, |
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| We wish you a happy and inspiring spring, reminding us
that Mother's Day is celebrated in many countries in the month of May. It is
the ideal time to invite mom on a trip and let her choose from our long list of
'Seven Stars' resort and hotel award recipients. Our Seven Stars and Stripes
teams have traveled around the world and reviewed these fine establishments,
making sure that they conform to the high standards that make them world-class.
They are now displaying the Seven Stars and Stripes award not only with great
pride, but with the assurance that they are certified to receive your mothers'
utmost attention. Travel 1st class with us and your family around the world,
and experience the real 7*Star Red Carpet treatment. Trust is essential when
you take mom out for dinner. This month we discovered the delightfully chic
'Annona' Restaurant in the Hamptons of NY, hidden above the latest Ferraris and
Porches on display in the exotic showroom, below. Or the always worthwhile
'VAU' Restaurant - another reason to visit Berlin. Experience the ever exciting
culinary showcase menus of Chef Kolja Kleeburg. Or, fly with us 'Swiss First'
to Europe. You may want to discover Estonia and reside at the historic Art
Nouveau style Ammende Villa. Until next month with 'Greetings from
Russia', |
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| I am yours truly |
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Thorsten Buehrmann |
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| Watch the Seven Stars and
Stripes |
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| Award TV Show on |
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| Hamptons Televisions WVVH
World-Wide |
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| New York, USA |
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| 5 Stars and 5 Stripes |
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| Those who choose to eat within the confines of the restaurant are
afforded a spectacular view of the sky, and the garden through the restaurant's
floor to ceiling glass windows. The tables, chairs, banquets and bar area were
chosen with great care and expense in this very luxe venue. The spectacular bar
area is set under a glass rotunda, and is 40 feet long and S shaped topped with
blue Venetian glass. Seated around the bar area are plush leather couches and
chairs where patrons may sit and view the gorgeous Lamborghinis, Bentleys and
Aston Martins below while indulging on Annona's unique fusion of cuisine and
coupés.
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| No dining experience would be complete without a sampling of some
delicious homemade deserts. We sated our appetites with Crepes topped with an
orange glaze and whipped cream, Caramelized Apple tart with vanilla gelato, and
a Chocolate Hazelnut (cake-coco fiore di latte) and chocolate coulis. But the
highlight of the finishing touch came in the form of Raspberry Napoleon; a
total visual and stylized assault on the senses with stunning colors and
textures in a well-structured three layered crispy, flaky mille-feuille.
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| Seven Stars and Stripes Awards for: |
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| Pärnu - Estonia |
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| 5 Stars and 4 Stripes |
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| We flew in from Hamburg, Germany, landed at Riga Int. Airport (RIX)
and arrived three hours later in the charming coastal resort town of
Pärnu, ideally located in close proximity to sandy shallow bay beaches.
One hundred and seventy years ago, heated seawater baths were here and open to
the public. The healing properties of Parnu's seawater was discovered and
scientifically proven at that time. Historic, charming Parnu is the most
popular spa resort destination of Estonia. As we look around Parnu, an area
rich in folklore and fairy tales, we were transported back in time to the days
of explorers and bay men. There are still charming cobblestone streets, and
natural spas and restaurants at every turn. Each street revealed neat little
shops just waiting to be discovered. We had come to discover Estonia's hidden
gem, and most fascinating hotel…Ammende Villa.
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| The splendid Ammende Villa, lovingly restored, is one of the most
precious historic landmarks of Parnu, sparkling from afar, in well maintained
park like garden, walking distance to an amazing beach. The hotel was built in
1904 by wealthy merchant Hermann Ammende for his daughters wedding reception.
The architecture features are stunning with striking wooden staircases, hand
painted ceilings, and large spacious sitting rooms that help create a
traditional atmosphere. Our check in was quick and within minutes we were
escorted to our splendid accommodations. Ammende Villa has a wonderful
oversized living room where one may read a book, meet other guests, or have tea
or a cocktail. We adored the Red Salon with it old parquet floors, the Blue
room (dining room) with its unique green tiled stove and sparkling chandeliers
and the exquisite blue hand-painted art nouveau ceilings with their historic
significance and splendor.
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| Congratulations to all, from your Guests and from Seven Stars and
Stripes: |
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- For your visible commitment to excellence.
- For your willingness to be recognized for your latest
innovations.
- For your devotion to your staff and company.
- For your ability to receive.
- For your decision to raise the bar.
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| Our Seven Stars and Stripes™ book - 2003 to 2006 world-edition,
is
still available. Over 300 pages - featuring only the finest
establishments and fascinating cuisine art images from around the world. All
beautifully compiled in this full-color collector's edition.
ISBN# 1-4259-4267-9 |
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| In Next Gazette: |
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| * Grand Hotel Europe, St. Peterburg -
Russia |
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| * Caviar Bar & L'Europe, St.
Petersburg |
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| * The Ritz Carlton Moscow - Russia
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| * Jeroboam Restaurant, Moscow - Russia
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| In The Press: |
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| * Gala Dinner at Ammende Villa with
VIPs |
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