I just had my first ‘doctor fish’ manicure and pedicure at the new “The Original Dr. Fish” in Amsterdam.  This latest trend in the spa world started in2006 in Japan and has been spreading slowly around the world since.  Its a cosmetic hands and feet treatment where the little 2 inch doctor fish suck on your hands and feet gently exfoliating the skin and removing the superficial flakes so you come out with smooth hands and feet!

Known as ‘doctor fish’ their official name is Garra Rufa.  A freshwater fish found in the river basins of the Northern and Central Middle East, mainly in Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran, they live to be 5-7 years.  They are often used to treat psoriasis symptoms.

Dr. Fish in Amsterdam is a nice spa with 8 stations where you relax, dip your feet and hands into the cool waters, and let the fish do their work for about 20 minutes.  The fish come right up to you and start sucking.  At first its weird to see them all around and its a little ticklish.  But quickly you get used to it and it feels like little bubbles of a mini whirlpool.  They don’t have teeth so they literally just suck. As the spa attendant told me ‘your skin is like a little snack of cookies or candy to the fish.’  They’re fed real food in the morning and night.

The spa also has packages with massage and facial… no fish included here. Packages start at €29.95 for the simple fish treatment. You can also opt for the finishing of a typical mani/pedi. I had a nice massage although the rooms are a bit bright and chairs are used for both massage and facial so a bit clinical.  The reception area is very nice and relaxing… you’re greeted with a coffee or tea then after your treatments you enjoy a lovely glass of Prosecco and hors d’oeuvres.

A great relaxing afternoon and new experience I’d recommend.

Vinitalia!  This is about my favorite wine shop in Amsterdam and just turned me on to some great new Italians!

Vinitalia is a great little shop in the center of Amsterdam owned and run by Andrea. They have an exclusive collection from vineyards of Italy and their knowledge comes from years of personal experience from Andrea’s family winery in Piemonte called Goggiano & Co.

Two weeks ago I went for a wine night with my 3 best girlfriends in Amsterdam Natalie, Marijn & Jackie and boy does Andrea do a fabulous job!! In addition to hosting an amazing evening of antipasto perfectly paired with the selected wines, we tried these 4 new fantastic Italians!

We started with Monte Rossa Priva Cuvee Brut from Franciacorta. This sparkling wine is made of 85% Chardonnay & Pinot Bianco, 15% Pinot Nero which makes it very interesting. A floral and musty bouquet and full body taste from the oak aging vs the typical light Italian Prosecco. We paired it with wild boar salami, raspberries and a delicious cherry cookie.  Monte Rossa’s flavor changed with each… the raspberry pairing was my favorite. I gave this one 3 out of 4 stars.

Our 2nd white was Scaia Bianca 2007 from Tenuta Sant’Antonio.

This complex wine smells like a sweet Muscadet but tastes fresh and soft.  As Andrea says “the better the wine, the more complex.” Its made of Garganega 50%, Trebbiano Soave 30% and Chardonnay 20%. The Chardonnay grape is dried before added which gives it an added level of complexity. Wild boar sausage and mozzarella were great pairings and the grilled veggies made the wine even brighter.  4 out of 4 stars for me.

Our first red was Piasi 2006 from Andrea’s family vineyard in northern Italy, Goggiano. Its made from Barbera d’Asti grapes and aged in oak barrels.  Due to its long cellar life, strict selection process and excellent vintage, this wine can boast the title “Superiore.”  The bouquet was one of berries and vanilla with a cherry fruity taste. 3 out of 4 stars.

Last but certainly not least was Harmonium 2006 from Firriato in Sicily.  This 100% Nero d’Avola was a favorite of my friends. Andrea commented with his sip “wine is liquid music!” It has a deep dark ruby color with red fruit bouquet and black cherry caramel taste. 3 out of 4 stars.

Andrea does the wine tastings by appointment in a cute cozy room above his store. He picks out the wines with you and he’ll give you as much or as little information as you want throughout the evening’s tasting. The price is fantastic… usually about €40-50 per person. The spread is delicious with cheeses, meats, roasted veggies, breads, crackers, desserts.

Its not just a wine tasting, its a fabulous meal and always a fantastic time!

Tonight is the big night… the 82nd Academy Awards®.  After the Red Carpet walks and hours of awards, the parties begin!  The official party is the Governors Ball, immediately following the Awards, in the Grand Ballroom on the top of the Hollywood & Highland Center.

For the 16th consecutive year, chef Wolfgang Puck has designed the menu for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences official Academy Awards after party. Special events producer Cheryl Cecchetto, for the 21st consecutive year, is producing it along with her Sequoia Productions.

“The Governors Ball will fuse eclectic and innovative design elements reminiscent of the late 1930s ‘Streamline Moderne’ style.  The overall look will marry artistic originality with the Academy’s own tradition of class and elegance,” said Cecchetto.

The official Champagne… Moët & Chandon. 1,200 bottles will be on hand to make the official cocktail..

The Moët Golden Glamour

• 0.25 oz vanilla liqueur
• 1.5 oz passionfruit juice
• 4 oz Moët & Chandon Imperial champagne
• Mint sprig, for garnish

A few additional fun facts and photos to get you in the party mood.

• 1500 guests
• 900 staff in specially designed dresses and uniforms for the Ball
• 15 Pounds of Edible Gold Dust
• 4000 Mini Chocolate Oscars
• 3060 Wood Fired Oscar Shaped Flat Bread
• 18 Piece All Female Orchestra
• 10,000 Blooms used to decorate including Hydrangeas from New Zealand, Rothchild vandaorchids from Thailand, Lisianthus from Holland and organically grown roses on a VeraFlora certified farm in Ecuador
• And for the first time, winners will be able to have their statuettes personalized with engraved nameplates at the Ball

Check out The Academy’s official website for your Oscar Party Kit – ballots, games and official cocktail recipes. Enjoy the show!

* Source: www.oscars.org