Author Archives: Epicurious Travelers

About Epicurious Travelers

Ms. Margolis-Pineo created EpicuriousTravelers.com to showcase her published work and ongoing food-travel adventures. Based in Portland, Maine, she travels frequently both in her home state and north to Montreal, her favorite North American city. Although she refuses to use the word "foodie," she has an abiding interest in food and wine. Ms. Margolis-Pineo's background as a designer gives her site an edge in the oversaturated blogosphere. New contacts, "likes," subscribers and content are always welcome!

My Montecatini

Posted on February 23, 2020

Montecatini Terme is a happy Tuscan mix of art, culture, and legendary spa scene. Belle Époque is the graceful era between 1890 and 1914 when Montecatini developed its elegant spa-style. Art Nouveau bathhouses set in a verdant, landscaped parks offered … Continue reading →

Posted in Art and Culture, Food and Wine, International, Italian Travel, Off-the-beaten-track, Opera, Theater, Travel, Tuscany | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Three Boroughs, Three Olives, 33 Hours

Posted on February 3, 2020

These are perilous times, and my democracy grief is overpowering. No one is selling tickets for civility and truth, so I grab tickets to Medea at Brooklyn Academy of Music. BAM’s contemporary production is harrowing and utterly relatable. Based on … Continue reading →

Posted in Bobby Cannavalle, New York City, Off-the-beaten-track, Politics and Other Mistakes, Portland Maine, Retro-Travel, Theater | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Montecarlo

Posted on January 26, 2020

This jolly uphill street is in Montecarlo, a charming town nestled in the Tuscan Hills. The quaint historical center is surrounded by small shops and maze of city walls. Once called “Vivinaia,” Montecarlo has nearly 20 wineries — an astonishing … Continue reading →

Posted in Italian Travel | Leave a comment

Siena: Golden Light

Posted on January 23, 2020

I am honing my far niente skills in the golden light of Siena. Home is a fifth-floor walk-up overlooking the bell tower and zebra-striped cathedral of Santa Maria della Scala. Much of this quaint Tuscan town is della scala — … Continue reading →

Posted in Italian Travel | 1 Comment

Boo! Halloween in Pistoia

Posted on January 9, 2020

In Pistoia’s historic Piazza del Duomo, it’s Halloween. Patron saints San Zeno and San Jacopo supervise as children whirl and shout. Their hysteria is charmingly muted and they’re modestly costumed, with small bags of cookies from local merchants. I notice … Continue reading →

Posted in Italian Travel | Leave a comment

Florence: Fashion & Friendship

Posted on January 8, 2020

I arrive on a golden Tuscan morning, hire a car and check into centrally located Hotel Malaspina. The B&B’s cheerful staff, robust breakfasts, Wifi, rooftop terrace, cozy rooms and free valet parking (yes, I said free valet parking) make it … Continue reading →

Posted in Art and Culture, Food and Wine, International, Italian Travel, Off-the-beaten-track, Travel, Tuscany | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Eating Montreal

Posted on July 24, 2019

Montreal’s burgeoning food scene rivals any “best of” city, even my tasty little hometown of Portland, Maine. Glowing fruit and vegetables in mysterious heirloom varieties, divine buffalo mozzarella, robust cider vinegar, flinty wines, and oh, the duck! Pillowy gnocchi and … Continue reading →

Posted in Canada, East Coast Travel, Farm-to-Table, Festivals, Food and Wine, Holiday Travel, International, Jazz Festival, Maine, Maine Travel, Montreal, Music, Off-the-beaten-track, Quebec | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment