Best Italian Restaurant in India

One of the great joys of Authentic Luxury Travel is wandering off the beaten path and discovering hidden gems.

Actually, I have to confess I didn't really discover Diva, the best Italian restaurant in India. A friend in London told me about this jewel in Delhi - but if I hadn't been traveling independently, I wouldn't have had a chance to follow up on her recommendation. http://www.diva-italian.com/

Owner/chef Ritu Dalmia fell in love with Italian cuisine when she went to Carrera on behalf of her family's marble and granite business.

Subsequently, she introduced Italian wine to India and has become a major importer of vino di Italia. And here's the best news: Some wines that cost $350 a bottle a block from the winery in Italy can be enjoyed at Diva for $180 because the mark-up is lower in India than anywhere else in the world.

Diva's 14-page list also includes wines from France, Australia, Chile, Argentina, South Africa, New Zealand, Spain, California and - yes - India. Wine Spectator says Diva "offers one of the best lists in the world."

The tony, minimalist restaurant, which opened in 2000, has also won numerous food awards. Some of the dishes come from the wood-fired brick oven visible at one end of the dining room.

We started with sliced crispy duck with white balsamic glaze, rucola, and pecorino shavings. Our next course - porcini risotto - was made without cream so it avoided that common too-rich downfall. John Dory and giant prawns starred in our main courses - and all of the flavors were exquisite.

In addition to Diva, Ritu owns and operates Le Cafe and caters all the meals at the Italian Cultural Center in Delhi.

However, I think the greatest proof of her success was sitting next to us at dinner: an Indian family with two kids, mom in a sari, thoroughly enjoying their Italian meals.

Victoria, BC – Beyond the Obvious

Ask the first time visitor to Victoria on Vancouver Island what they are going to do and the answer is nearly always “have tea at The Empress.” The grand old hotel has become a Mecca for the uninitiated, who apparently don’t mind waiting in line and paying dearly for a pretty unimpressive ho-hum experience.

First, I have to confess that I had afternoon tea at The Empress the first time I went to Victoria, but nowadays I waste no time in heading 45 minutes down the road to the little waterfront town of Sooke.

Here, Sooke Harbour House, a white clapboard country inn, awaits with charming quarters. Each offers an ocean view, a balcony or terrace, private bath, wet bar, and comfortable sitting area in front of a wood-burning fireplace. http://www.sookeharbourhouse.com/

As appealing as the rooms are, it’s the food and wine that draw guests from all over the world. Under the watchful eye of Sinclair and Frederique Philip, the menu changes on a daily basis, but always reflects their food philosophy. Much like Alice Waters in California, Sinclair was the first in Canada to focus on fresh local produce.

“About 95 percent of what we serve comes from the immediate vicinity of the inn,” Sinclair explains, “so we know it’s fresh. Fresh food tastes better and has a higher nutrient value.”

The wine cellar, overseen by Sinclair, has been the recipient of the Wine Spectator Grand Award since 2000. In addition, Sooke Harbour House was voted one of the top three hotels in Canada by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler.

In addition to the scenic location, innovative food, and great wine, this country inn has added the Sea-renity Spa, where fresh herbs and natural seaweed are included in the treatments.

From my point of view, Sooke Harbour House is a prime example of authentic luxury travel.

If you go, will you share your experience with other readers by posting a comment?