Foie Gras a luxury delicacy

 

 Foie Gras is a luxury delicacy made from the liver of a duck or goose that has been specifically fattened. This technique dates back to as far as 2500 BC when the Egyptians began fattening birds by force-feeding them. It is very popular among connoisseurs of the finest luxury foods and is considered a delicacy in France. Foie Gras has a flavor that is buttery, rich, yet very delicate, unlike traditional goose or duck liver. Head chefs use Foie Gras in a variety of ways, it is often prepared in a luxury mousse, parfait or as pâté. It is typically served alongside steak or other items of food in some of the world’s very best restaurants. France is the largest producer of the delicacy, although Foie Gras is produced and eaten worldwide.

 

 Along with the Egyptians, the Roman and Jewish communities have played a role in the history of luxury Foie Gras and its development. While few recipes have survived, cookbooks with some of the very best recipes involving Foie Gras appeared in France during the 1500s. One surviving cookbook is "The Art of Cooking" which dates back to the fifth century and contains two excellent Foie Gras recipes. During the nineteenth century, some of the very best chefs in France used recipes with Foie Gras, including "La Chappelle, Pierre Delune" and "La Verenne". Many of the very best Foie Gras businesses in France bloomed at this time, some of which remain in business today. Choosing Foie Gras de Canard (Duck) or Foie Gras D'Oie (Goose)Duck Foie Gras is often cheaper than goose due to it taking less time to fatten ducks than geese and it is of the same quality. If you enjoy a milder and creamier taste, you will enjoy duck Foie Gras. If you prefer a more gamy taste, stronger in flavor, with a more intense flavor, then Goose Foie Gras may be more to your liking. Luxury connoisseurs have endless debates as to which Foie Gras are the most succulent treats and the more luxurious products. The goose Foie Gras has a texture that is very silky, smooth and some say a very rich but subtle flavor. Duck has a more rustic texture with an earthy flavor and is usually the choice when served with hot foods. Today there are many freshly prepared Foie Gras products available for purchase. These include Foie Gras au torchon, terrine de Foie Gras, pâté de fois gras and mousse de Foie Gras.

Along with the Egyptians, the Roman and Jewish communities have played a role in the history of luxury Foie

When purchasing the very best Foie Gras one has to bear in mind there are different grades. Grade A is the finest money can buy, grade B may have some small blemishes and grade C, typically unavailable on the retail market, is used in the production of sauces and mousses. Foie Gras is not one of the easiest words to spell; in fact, it is one of the most common misspelled words in the world. However, it does not really matter how you spell or pronounce it, lovers of fine gourmet delicacies always understand you are talking about one of the most luscious and luxury delicacies in the world, Foie Gras.

Majestic Pink Diamond 6.053Million Euro

 

 

One more impeccable pink diamond has just entered the market, but through a non-auction format. This time, it’s about “Majestic Pink Diamond” – a 12.27 fancy pink diamond, that is being offered by M.S. Rau Antiques in New Orleans. The cushion-cut diamond is mounted on an 18k rose gold and platinum ring, with an asking price of 6.053million Euro ($7.85 million)

Majestic Pink Diamond has characteristics VVS1, Type IIa designation, which make it most sought among collectors. The VVS1 designation translates to “Very, Very Slightly Included,” denoting very high clarity—rare for a colored diamond of this size. Type IIa designation means that diamond is devoid of any imperfections, and is famous for its color.

This 6.053million Euro ($7.85 million) worth pink diamond ring will go on display online on the 1stdibs.com website beginning August 8. For all you who prefer to view it personal, it will be on display at the Baltimore Summer Antiques Show, August 23 – 26.

Porsche 911 Carrera S PDK

 

 

You may not see it when you first cast a glance at it, but the Porsche 911 Carrera S PDK flaunts quite a few design changes. Reinventing the iconic 911 is never an easy task, mainly because all changes have to be made in a manner that allows the new version to stay true to the 911 legacy. With that purpose in mind, Porsche completely upgraded the exterior of the car (almost all components were re-developed or re-designed).

Some of these changes include a new aluminum-steel composite body which is 40 kg (88 lbs) more lightweight than its predecessor’s, a 100mm longer wheelbase, remodeled and re-positioned wing mirrors (on the upper edge of the door panels),  slit-eyed LED tail-lights, a lower stance, shorter overhangs, smaller engine cover, and new headlights which even though seem to be round, they have a slightly elliptical shape.

(c) Passion4Luxury 2012

Mini Cooper tuned by CoverEFX 252HP

 Mini Cooper Works by CoverEFX with 252 HP

Clearly inspired by Louis Vuitton’s signature pattern, the German tuning company CoverEFX from Erftstadt Fahrzeugfolierer have created a unique tuning package for your otherwise simple Mini Cooper. Covered in black leather and embellished with thousands of gold elements, this is a car for the wealthy. Is oozes luxury and sophistication, and we expect it to come with a prohibitively steep price.

(c) Passion4Luxury 2012

Kouros boutique hotel Mykonos

The best celebrity chefs of the world

Chefs have recently become increasingly popular. And being a successful chef no longer means just spending several hours in the kitchen, sweating over the hot stove and commandeering an army of obedient staff. So what makes a good chef the best in the world? There is a lot of speculation around this topic, and several culinary experts wish to have a say in who is allowed access to this coveted Olympus. We introduce some of the best celebrity chefs of the world, Alain Ducasse, Beatrice Segoni, Christian Sinicropi, Gordon Ramsay,Heinz Beck, Heinz Winkler, Jacques Lameloise, Jean-George Vongerichten, Joel Robuchon, Lionel Rigolet,  Nobu Matsuhisa, Stratos Kalathakis, Sotiris Evangelou and many others the Best chefs in the world. Well, cooking skills aren’t really enough: talent, imagination, creativity and training are all must haves. And those get you Michelin Stars. Greatness is, therefore, elusive, and it has blessed those chefs that had more than whimsy and skills. It blessed those chefs that were able to make food entertainment and passion, beyond the ephemeral experience of food, gaining industry and customer recognitio.

Diamonds are for ever By Benetti yachts

 Just like her name says, Diamonds Are Forever is a luxury yacht, inspired by James Bond. Actually, its owner Mr. John Staluppi, who is a big fan of James Bond, christened yacht and made it fit for 007 agent himself. This 61m (200-foot) long Benetti Custom motor yacht, that was built last year,

 is now available for chartering!

V8 Car Hotel Stuttgart

 When visiting Germany, all car lovers should passy by unique V8 hotel that offers unforgettable experience.

North Island Lodge in the Seychelles

 I’m sure we can all agree that the Seychelles Archipelago is one of the most jaw dropping places in the world. The North Island, part of the Farquhar group of islands in the Seychelles, is the location of the magnificent North Island Lodge.

A mere 15-minute helicopter from the Seychelles International Airport, the North Island greets guests with incredible views, a palm-covered mountain to the left and a rocky mountain to the right, as you approach the luxury resort – a magnificent entrance for someone as important as the resort’s guests.

 

It consists of 11 handcrafted villas, distributed all along the main beach of Ille du Nord eco-reserve. They are raised above the ground, so that tourists can feel the extremely fine Indian Ocean breezes and feature private gardens and miles of pristine beaches. There are plunge pools and outdoor showers available as well, fitting this private corner of civilization with everything you might need.

In addition, you can opt for scuba diving among the gorgeous coral reefs hidden by the waves, take part at deep-sea fishing adventures or embark on a sunset cruise towards Silhouette Island. There’s more, as the villas are equipped with mountain bikes and golf carts, to facilitate access towards other parts of the island.

 

And, above all, there’s the Sunset Beach Bar, a place of beauty and relaxation, where you can enjoy the finest cocktails in a calm, breezy atmosphere. Brutus, a 160 year old tortoise, is one of the main attractions on the island. Who knows, maybe your grand-grand-grandparents played with it while it was young.

This extremely high-rated resort’s nightly price tags start at €1,835. The tropics await you splendid arrival!

More info & Online booking

(c) Passion4Luxury 2012