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Do you have wanderlust?

THE JOURNEY IS THE DESTINATION

High season! At the Italian beach resort, along the Basque Atlantic coast, at the boulodrome in southern France – everywhere, people are trying to catch a glimpse of holiday bliss. But, as Goethe once said, ‘Why wander far away? See, the good is so close.’ We have a cure for wanderlust – without traffic jams, jellyfish and other summer nuisances – that will give you more enjoyment than a six-week holiday.
Bright table setting with a white porcelain plate on which lies a foil-wrapped chocolate sardine. Next to it is a small plate with more silver-blue wrapped sardines, silver cutlery, a light blue napkin and a piece of baguette in a paper wrapper on a light blue background.

VIVE LA FRANCE 

French holiday resorts sound like a promise: Saint Palais-sur-Mer, Les Baux de Provence, Mimizan are music to the ears – and a feast for the senses. Time is defined differently here: people kiss each other – twice, three times – on the cheeks. La Bise automatically brings people closer than a quick ‘hello’. Boules is played at a leisurely pace, and even picking up the balls becomes an elegant pas de deux with magnets on a string. The apéro is celebrated with drinks whose amusing names alone promise pleasure, such as Rinquinquin (peach wine) or Godinette (a Breton strawberry cocktail). This attitude to life can also be established on this side of the border: a crispy baguette, a few small délices and Françoise Hardy or Charles Aznavour on the turntable – and you can surrender to the sérénité de l'âme. That's what the French call the mixture of peace of mind, tranquillity and cheerfulness.

A white porcelain plate with three cantuccini, next to it a white cup with black coffee on a saucer and spoon. In the background, two red vases with small white flowers, as well as a postcard with a drawn beach scene and a pen on a light blue background.

CIAO, BELLISSIMA

The recipe for that Italian feeling is: take passion and joie de vivre, add lots of gestures – there are said to be around 250 with specific meanings – and even more words. Apparently, 7.08 syllables per second bubble out of people's mouths. Of course, this leaves more time for eating, because the day is structured around enjoyment. You start with a tiny biscotto with your caffè. At lunchtime, there are simple, quick dishes that become amazing culinary delights with just two ingredients (fennel and orange, artichokes and Parmesan, pasta and breadcrumbs). In the evening finale, the tables bend under the weight of bowls and platters of primi, secondi and dolci. In between? Ah, si fa! After the first espresso, everything will somehow work out.
Table set with a large white porcelain plate with three cooked prawns on it. Next to it is a small plate with two slices of baguette, a glass vase with a red flower, a glass of sparkling wine, a knife on a white napkin and a bowl with more prawns on a dark wooden table.

TOPA!

Stars are not only found in the sky in the Basque Country. A wild coastline, green hills and a unique gastronomic scene characterise this Spanish region on the Atlantic coast. Only Kyoto has more Michelin stars than San Sebastián and its surroundings, which currently number 18. These are often based on pintxos, small snacks that were originally served in bars as a light bite to help you enjoy the cava. Today, they have evolved into sophisticated works of art, with flavours and textures that elicit a blissful ‘Hmmmmmm’ from guests. Or how about grilled scallops in an ajoblanco, accented with coffee vinaigrette? Langoustines in martini sauce? Prawn ceviche? If you want to bring the Basque Country into your home, you don't have to serve up exquisite dishes. The most important thing is the quality and freshness of the products. The only thing you need to practise is the authentic way of pouring white wine: Txakoli is poured into the glass in a high arc. Fifty centimetres is the minimum. Then it's ‘Topa’ – cheers. 

PORZELLAN MANUFAKTUR NYMPHENBURG
NÖRDLICHES SCHLOSSRONDELL 8, 80638 MUNICH, GERMANY

© 2025Porzellan Manufaktur Nymphenburg
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