Aurora Takes a Holiday: 07/17/07

Aurora Takes a Holiday!?!

Beginning July 22 – July 30, Avner and I (and the rest of the family) are going to do something unheard of for the Samuels – we are going to Europe for VACATION! Of course, it’s impossible to drag Avner away from the kitchen too long, so while we are there, we are going to check out the latest and greatest in "New French" cuisine. And since food is such an important part of the Samuels' life, we would like to share our experience of traveling through what we know best -- food. So check out our daily blog to see the world through Avner's eyes.

PLEASE NOTE: Aurora will be closed July 22 and reopen July 30 for dinner.

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

The Itinerary

We are busy preparing for the trip as well as handling our usual busy schedule at Aurora, however, thoughts of Paris lights are making this week’s tasks a little more rewarding to complete.
The itinerary at this time is as follows:

Sunday – Depart for Paris

Monday – A fantastic day in the city…and a surprise dinner reservation Avner has planned (more on that later.)

Tuesday - we depart Paris for Nice via the TVG (train à grande vitesse, French for "high-speed train").

While in Nice, we are staying in one of my favorite places in the world, St. Jean-Cap-Ferrat, at a villa owned by our friends called Cuccia Noya. (Actually the villa’s history dates back to the Moors.)

Of course we plan for many great stops along the way that I will share with you! (Oh the joys of technology that allow me to post to the blog through my phone.)

Tuesday - Home again to Dallas.

About Chef Avner Samuel

Chef Avner Samuel is a super chef. It’s a moniker attributed to him by journalists and foodies that have followed his 35-year culinary journey. Perhaps it is his passion and charisma. Or, the years of training he spent in Jerusalem, London and Paris. Perhaps it is sheer talent. Whatever it is, there is something uniquely special about Chef Avner Samuel. In Dallas, his contribution at The Mansion on Turtle Creek and the Fairmont Hotel is the stuff of legends. Just ask any Dallasite about The Mansion’s renowned tortilla soup. They will tell you. Today, Aurora stands as the expression of Chef Samuel’s love and passion for exquisite food and wine. But, don’t just take our word for it. Experience it for yourself. Learn from him during a cooking class. Attend a wine tasting. Visit for dinner. Meet Chef Avner Samuel, and you will experience an element of genius, and you will have met one of Dallas' finest.