Editor's note: Let's bring this post from two years ago back up to the top of the list, as it's a great collection of helpful posts to get you started with your summer Stresa planning.

Recently we ate at Ristorante Lo Stornello, another new restaurant in Stresa; this one new in the sense of a new owner, just since this winter, and a new look. At one time it was a part of one of the hotels on via Cavour; now it is an independent restaurant in a good location in the center of town, between via Princepessa Margharita and via Roma. The interior, which had looked dated and uninviting, now looks fresh, clean, and more open, redone in shades of cool grey and white. The only pops of color are the thick water glasses; each table has a variety of bright, jewel-toned ones, an interesting and creative touch.  The exterior, at least for now, is unchanged. But the entire front is glass, making the inside changes instantly understood.                                                        

(   continued ...  )

And so, if you don't mind a bit of self-promotion (hey, we are super proud!) here are some photos of La Lombarda. So far on websites we have posted a photo of the entrance side, let's call it the front. It is painted a deep red and at night is lit with very striking LED lights. The opposite side of La Lombarda, by contrast, is painted orange and has a very different look. You wouldn't know they were the same building, if shown side-by-side, and in my opinion, the orange side is the more interesting. The orange side has an unusual, asymmetrical shape, the terraces (as it is the side that gets all the sun), and the orange side has retained much more of the look of the old building than this front, red side. Let's look at some details... 

I had heard that people were talking about the new entrance at the Hotel des Iles Borromees, and so one sunny day I took my camera and walked over to there. Approaching on the sidewalk you can first see a couple of new columns reaching into the sky.... 

The 5-start hotel is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, and among many other festivities to commemorate the occasion they have decided to design this new entrance to the existing driveway leading to the parking area. It's been built during this past winter, and finishing touches were being put on when I visited to take these photos.      

(   continued ...  )

My favorite wine bar in Stresa is now even better. There have been some changes over at Buscion. Massimo's been busy during the winter. Some of the changes are subtle and a couple are rather obvious. The obvious change one first notices are the two large quotations painted on the ceiling. I love this! When your walls are covered with wine bottles, and the only clear space to paint is the ceiling, well why not! The effect is great. Surprising and classy and fun. 

The painting begins on the wall behind the bar, with a prosecco bottle being popped open, and the resulting spray continuing onto the ceiling, carrying the eye to the quotation. 

(   continued ... )

Buona Pasqua, Happy Easter, from us to all of you. 

Count your eggs and your blessings,

(   continued ... )