Bâlehoo

Sure it is tasty, but when the fresh spargeln (asparagus) is in at the market, the elbows start flying as little old ladies fight for the next spot in line. For a bruise-free asparagus extravaganza, head to the straussis. That’s right! straussies are back for their spring 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: http://www.fuenfschilling.de/ which opens April 19 (although rumor has it that it is going to convert to a restaurant full time so head over there quickly before it turns)

If you haven’t booked your May vacation yet, it is well past time to get planning. Luckily a great new B and B just opened along the coast of southern Spain. Casa Roja, located aproximately 90 minutes from Alicante airport (check flights at www.easyjet.com), offers three crisp and charming guest rooms (featuring either terrace or a garden or sea view), a large pool, and mouth-watering meals cooked by the owner, a professionally trained chef who previously worked in some of London’s hottest gastropubs. An American, he and his wife - who is fluent in Polish - are both fluent in English and also speak Spanish.

With reasonable weekly rates and daily prices of approximately 75 euros a night, it is sure to book up fast, so check out the website for photos and contact info and book your “vacaciones españolas” now!

http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/aguilas/2522

With restaurant name like Cantina Don Camillo, you might think you’re headed out for Spanish tapas. However, the menu at this simple-but-chic restaurant is actually modern-Swiss-meets-Asian. While it might sound odd, it is also surprisingly refreshing.

In fact, surprise is the key word for this Klein Basel eatery - starting with finding it. Hidden away in a side street and reached by what I am graciously going to call a freight elevator, by the time you’ve sussed out its location Don Camillo’s feels like a Prohibition-era speakeasy.

Fighting back the urge to knock three times and whisper the phrase “dDie Hunde bellen den Mond an,” I entered the high-ceilinged minimalist loft space. Simple, but warm decor makes for a surprisingly friendly feel, but Don Camillo’s real hidden treasure in its outdoor deck. Sitting in the sun at clean-lined wooden table and chairs, overlooking the vaguely industrial view, it has a very relaxed, unstudied “Carrie Bradshaw does lunch” feel.

When you’re done soaking in the atmosphere, the great news is that the food is good, too. With seasonal menu items such as yellow chicken curry, pasta arrabbiatta, and a fish and spinach involtini with caper sauce, you are sure to find something to whet your appetite.

Special Basel Bonus: The food not only tastes good, it looks good too. Dishes are presented with casual sophistication and even a simple mixed green salad is plated with an eye to please.

Cantina Don Camillo
Burgweg 7, 4058 Basel
+41 61 693 05 07
www.cantina-doncamillo.ch

(Closed Sunday and Monday)