If you can’t dine with the rich and famous, breakfast with them

In these tough economic times, creativity is the name of the game. On a recent trip to Italy and Lake Como, I visited the world famous Villa d’este. Wow! It’s exquisite old world charm, the location on the lake, and the pure unadulterated elegance wraps itself around you and makes you feel like royalty. Dinner was out of the question for our budget. But breakfast…the presentation of the cappuccino alone made it worth the price. More later. But check out the website: www.villadeste.it

This villa is a sanctuary from the bustle of Como. But if you want to leave, boats are available to the city of Como, Bellagio, and all points of the intensely blue lake.