Portofino, Italy: the idyllic, pastel-colored town on Italy’s western coast that just drips with Old World charm. The once-sleepy fishing village has evolved into one of the Italian Riviera’s top destinations, thanks to its picturesque harbor, pristine fish and shellfish just plucked from the Med, and the Belmond Hotel Splendido — a former 16th-century monastery turned into a luxury hotel that was a favorite of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.

Portofino, Italy: the idyllic, pastel-colored town on Italy’s western coast that just drips with Old World charm. The once-sleepy fishing village has evolved into one of the Italian Riviera’s top destinations, thanks to its picturesque harbor, pristine fish and shellfish just plucked from the Med, and the Belmond Hotel Splendido — a former 16th-century monastery turned into a luxury hotel that was a favorite of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.

Whether you’ve been lucky enough to experience la dolce vita at Splendido for yourself or have it in your sights for next summer, you can dine on one of the hotel’s signature starters. Sear up some sweet and tender scallops, set them atop a crisp frisée and vegetable salad, and add a drizzle of classic Bois Boudran sauce. Best yet, once you master the versatile sauce, you’ll have it in your repertoire to finish shellfish dishes, fish, roast chicken, and veggies.