Bonnie Carroll's Life Bites - Chef & Hotel Profile

Grand Hotel Rimini, located at Parco Federico Fellini in Rimini, Italy celebrated its 100th anniversary this year, and in 1994 was declaired a national monument. It was the favorite hotel of Maestro Federico Fellini, and

was a location used in several of his renowned films. Fellini was born in Rimini, and would escape his hectic shooting schedules in Rome at this peaceful elegant resort destination.

The hotel, rooms, and grounds more than validate the hotel name. This is old world elegance at its finest. The graceful high ceilings, artistic Grand Hotel Rimini

mirrors and priceless antique decor create a feeling and ambiance that is so appreciated. With 117 rooms and suites, the hotel is just the right size, and offers a beach front area for families to sun, swim, play volleyball, have spa treatments, dine, and enjoy musical entertainment. But, this is not just a beach destination. This venue maintains a standard of elegance that transforms lunch at the beach into an unforgetable experience as you enjoy your Italian vegetable soup that is served from a tureen by your waiter, while your troubles slip away and all you see is the Grand Rimini Hotel beach kissing the azur sea.

Dining at the hotel is also a flash from the past. Formally trained servers, wearing full tuxedos move through the room as if on ice skates, smiling Grand Hotel Rimini

and responding to every whim. The Chef Claudio di Bernardo is creating picture perfect plates that taste better than they look. There is also a pool that I'm sure former guest Sharon Stone held court in during a recent visit.

On our last eveing, as guests of Riviera di Rimini, the Italian Goverment Tourist Board Director Western US, and Succi & Partners, we were treated to a gala dinner honoring the late Federico Fellini. It began with an actress imitating the Anita Eckberg Character from La Dolce Vita being chased on the patio by two Papparazzi, accompanied by a Dixie Land Band playing approprite tunes. The dinner featured screenings of Fellini films. This was a night to be remembered by all.

I really do not have words to describe the sweetness of the staff at this property. The hotel was recently acquired by the Batani family, and I was told to expect some great and wonderful new changes when I return; perhaps a new spa building in 2009, and so Grand Hotel Rimini

me major renovations yet to come in 2008. My hotel room was beautiful. It had a sitting room and a jacuzzi bath. If you are planning a visit to the Italian seaside do visit Riviera di Rimini. Please visit:www.grandhotelrimini.com - www.riviera.rimini.it.