The Hyper Localist

There’s still time to order our gourmet gift sets in time for Mother’s Day next weekend! Order with express shipping by Wednesday night for delivery before the weekend 💝🎁
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We’re back from a (much needed) little winter break. After a busy December month it was time to disconnect and recharge. And to reflect back on 2021 and look ahead at what’s in store for 2022.

Whilst it was great to switch off for a while, social media has been a wonderful source of inspiration over the past year. We’ve come across so many marvellous products and places - some of which we hope to experience first hand in this new year.

One of those is Restaurant Onkel Taa in South Tyrol, in the German-speaking part of Italy. Hidden away in the historic spa town of Bad Egart, this is more than just a restaurant. Entering Onkel Taa is like walking into life-size ‘Wunderkammer’ - a cabinet of curiosities. The cosy wood-panelled place is filled with the most wonderful and weird items, from corkscrews to fossils. An entire section is dedicated to the Habsburg Emperor Franz Joseph I.

Onkel Taa was founded by Karl Platino, known locally as the snail king, because of his love of snails. They’re not just on the menu, but also in the garden’s snail farm. And in the decor. These days it’s Karl’s daughter Janett who runs kitchen of Onkel Taa. Janett is on a mission to revive the traditional cuisine of Tyrol. Local flowers and herbs take centre stage in many of her dishes. The most famous one of which is arguably the white wine soup with artichokes, truffle and saffron flowers served in a fondue pot. It’s said to have been Emperor Franz Joseph’s favourite soup...

What a legendary place. We definitely hope to go here in 2022.

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Alpine vibes galore at Hotel de la Poste. Since 1835, the Manaigo has been welcoming guests here in Cortina d’Ampezzo, the glamourous ski resort in the Italian Dolomites.

Initially built as a post office in 1804, the wooden chalet-style building became a stable and tavern before it was turned into a local inn by the Manaigo family. Since then, many local and global high profile visitors have walked through the doors, either to stay the night or to have a drink at the legendary Bar del Poste. Among them Ernest Hemingway (a regular back in the day), Liz Taylor and European royalty.

With its wooden beams and panelling and antique furniture in traditional local Ampezzano style, Hotel de la Poste feels timeless yet full of history. Which is why it’s probably so popular spot to meet, have a drink and socialise, not just among visitors but locals alike. It could easily be said that we wouldn’t know Cortina as it is today without Hotel de la Poste, and vice versa. A must-experience when in Cortina...
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