Bâlehoo

If you’re looking for flowers to bring to dinner or to have delivered to that special someone, try Blumen Baumeler in Basel. Located right by the Mittlerebruecke on the cute little street near the Café Spillman (Rheinsprung), I like them because they have unique, stylish vases and a nice selection of flowers. I have often gone in and picked out specific blooms and waited while the friendly staff created a one-of-a-kind arrangement, so don’t hesitate to ask if you’re looking for something specific.

If you’re in a hurry, they also have many attractive pre-made arrangements, although most are in a more modern, spare style than a US or British arrangement might be. You can see a few examples on their website

The cost of delivery is 9 CHF in Basel Stadt. In Basel Land delivery costs depend on where you are located. For example, Riehen is 11 CHF for delivery. FYI, they do speak some English at the shop, but if there are specific flowers you have in mind, you might want to look up their names in German before you call.

Blumen Baumeler
Rheinsprung 1
4051 Basel

Tel: 061 261 36 02
www.blumenbaumeler.ch

It seems like just yesterday that I was waxing rhapsodic about the fresh asparagus at the straussis. (In fact, it was May.) But the great news is that straussies are back for their autumn appearance – and they are once again featuring some excellent local produce.

Located in Germany, straussis are actually working farms that open their doors as a restaurant for several weeks each year, usually in spring and fall. The food is regional, seasonal, delicious and cheap.

We like this one: www.fuenfschilling.de

So, head over the border in the next few weeks for some flammenkuche, a bowl of pumpkin soup, or a roasted chicken salad bigger than your head - all for less than the cost of chips and dip at La Fonda (or pretty close at least).

Yeah, yeah. We all know about the great shopping in Italy. (It really is amazing.) But whether you’re headed down to see the sights or to get fitted for your handmade Stefano Bemer shoes, don’t miss the chance to do some killer shopping before you cross the border.

I’m talking about Foxtown, Switzerland’s designer outlet mall. Sure, the name sounds like a bad 70’s gay bar, but fear not. Foxtown is so good it was featured in a July 7, 2006 article in the Wall Street Journal (WSJ)!

A 10-minute car ride from Lugano, about an hour’s drive from Milan, and - most importantly - about 3 hours from Basel, Foxtown hase 130 stores on four floors offering such brands as Gucci, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Yves Saint Laurent, Emporio Armani and Versace, all at great discount prices.

In fact, we still regret not snapping up the Ferragamo ties we saw there for 35 CHF. (Especially since I’m too embarrassed to go back to their Firenze flagship store. Damned glass doors. But that’s another story.)

Ah, well. Back in the car. Time for another trip to Florence - by way of Foxtown.

To read the complete WSJ article, entitled “To Buy or Not to Buy? We Review 8 Designer Outlets,” click here (subscription may be required).

Foxtown Factory Stores
Via Angelo Maspoli 18
Mendrisio
41-848-828-888
www.foxtown.ch

For those of us who like French wines, cheese and other specialties, the big news this weekend is the Degustha 2006!

Held in nearby Hagenthal, France, from September 1-5, this interactive expo features hundreds of winemakers from around France, who have their cellar’s best wines available for the tasting and buying. Taste the latest vintage of your favorite chablis and burgundy or try something new - a deep, berry-colored Cahor or, perhaps, a flavorful Chinon.

When you’ve had your fill of wine, you can soak up some of the champagne you just drank by sampling many other French gastronomic specialities on offer, including fois gras, rillette and other charcuterie, as well as cheeses, preserves and my favorite – “ravioles”. These ravioli-like pastas stuffed with goat cheese are a specialty from the Lyon area.

If you prefer not to snack on vendor offerings, there are approximately 30 restaurants and bistros that have set up camp at the Degustha, offering seafood, tarte flambé and everything in between. And don’t forget to browse the spice, fabric, soaps and ceramics stalls to pick up a few nice gift items. (See some great photos of the degustha here.)

There really is something for everyone at the Degustha, so designate a driver, hop in the car, and go!

NOTE: Your admission ticket is available at the door and is good ALL weekend, so head back over a few times to take in all the fun - or share it with a friend.

HA/DEGUSTHA/MAIRIE
BP 01 HK - F68220 Hagenthal (Haut-Rhin)
Tél : 03 89 68 11 12
www.degustha.fr