A.R. Valentien was a talented 20th century California artist and is the namesake for the signature restaurant at the Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla. Many of the artist’s works are displayed throughout the restaurant. Serving regional San Diego cuisine, the timbered and elegant restaurant…
Chef/owner John Besh is a nationally acclaimed chef and a certified rock star in New Orleans. He was named "Top 10 Best New Chefs in America" by Food & Wine Magazine, won the prestigious James Beard "Best Chef-Southeast" award and is a frequent guest on The Today Show. He owns no less than nine restaurants,…
There's a reason chefs become celebrities...they start out being very good at what they do and Charlie Palmer was no exception. Trained at the Culinary Institute of America, he cut his teeth at the River Cafe where he earned 3 stars from the New York Times. He then created a new style of cooking at…
There are few chefs as accomplished as Daniel Boulud. The author of eight cookbooks and the recipient of multiple James Beard Foundation awards including “Outstanding Chef” and “Outstanding Restaurateur,” chef Boulud has also been named a Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur by the French government. He is chef-owner of restaurants…
The history of the Boar's Head Resort property dates back some 300 years and has ties to Thomas Jefferson. The 3,000-acre tract that the resort resides on was part of Virginia's first land grant in 1734, and Terrell's Ordinary, an inn for westward travelers, opened at the exact location…
Opened by acclaimed chef/owner Nancy Oakes in 1993, Boulevard is a favorite of locals and tourists alike. The restaurant has received local, national and international accolades, including The James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef in California and Outstanding Restaurant in the United States, as well…
Nearly floor to ceiling windows capture the spectacular ocean vistas from Cara's elegant dining room. White walls, striking artwork create a backdrop for coral colored chairs adding a splash of brightness. Chandeliers and candles cast a warm glow on a room with beautiful crown moldings, a marble fireplace, crisp table linens and sparkling tableware.…
The stately and elegant Castle Hill Inn is a top choice for accommodations in Newport. Slightly formal, yet very comfortable. The property sits on 40 acres of magnificent oceanfront, just a short drive from town on Newport’s renowned Ocean Drive. Perched atop a small bluff, the water views…
As you look around the bar and restaurant at Castle Hill, it is evident that this is a special occasion destination. Everyone is dressed up and everyone seems to be celebrating something. Most of the people at the bar, waiting for a table, were there for a special event.
For many, myself included, Commanders Palace is the quintessential New Orleans restaurant. I mean how can you not love a place that offers $.25 martinis at lunch. Owned since 1974 by the legendary Brennan family, Commander's Palace launched the careers of renowned chefs Paul Prudhomme and Emeril Lagasse and current chef Tory McPail was…
Wynn and Encore are sister properties in Las Vegas. They sit next to each other on the Strip and are, in many ways, interchangeable. Here are the differences; Encore is slightly newer, debuting about 3 years after Wynn opened, it is slightly smaller in terms of number…
OVERVIEW Just outside the Sante Fe city limits, Encantado is tucked away against the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The adobe style design is integrated perfectly to the stunning desert terrain and is positioned to take maximum advantage of the magnificent sunrises and sunsets.…
I never miss an opportunity to visit George’s at the Cove in La Jolla when I am in San Diego. It’s cliffside location with views of the ocean is nothing short of spectacular. It’s a great spot for lunch, for drinks or for dinner. George’s is…
There is good reason for the Gramercy Tavern to have been rated among the Most Popular Restaurant in New York by Zagat's for the last few years. First, it's not stuffy or pretentious, second the atmosphere is warm and inviting and third, well, third, is the amazing food.
OVERVIEWThe Hotel Bel-Air opened its doors in 1946 and quickly became a favorite of the Hollywood elite including Grace Kelly, Cary Grant, Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn. Purchased in 2008 by Dallas businesswoman Caroline Hunt, the hotel became a member of the esteemed Dorchester Collection…
Every serious traveler, foodie and oenophile has dreamed of owning their own place, but few of us, have the resources or the experience to pull it off. Annapolis, Maryland and Houston businessman Doug Bosch and his wife Jennifer had both the resources and the passion to…
There is much to enjoy in Charlottesville, but it will be a struggle to leave the confines of the exquisite Keswick Hall, located just outside of town in the rolling hills of Virginia hunt country. In fact, with its beautiful rooms, wonderful dining, great golf course and spa and excellent…
Built in 1929 and recently renovated, L'Auberge Carmel has only 20 guestrooms that surround a charming brick courtyard. The white stucco building with arched doorways, green trim and flower boxes filled with red flowers has the look and feel of an…
When I lived in the Washington area in the late 70's L'Auberge was one of the highest rated restaurants in the DC area and amazingly after over 40 years, it still is. They are now celebrating their 64th year. What a testament to Monsieur Francois and…
It would be hard to find a better setting for a romantic weekend away than L'Auberge de Sedona in Arizona. From the spectacular Red Rocks to cozy creek side cottages to private dining beside the rushing waters of the creek, a weekend here will rejuvenate an…
Sadly, the era of the formal, traditional French restaurant seems to have passed. Lutece and my old favorite, La Cote Basque are just two of the standards who are no more. Happily, however, La Grenouille remains and flourishes. For a glimpse of old New York/Park Avenue money, this is the place to go. Everyone…
Chef/Owner Ken Frank came to love French cooking while living in France as a teenager. He first achieved national acclaim in 1977 when he was Chef of La Guillotine Restaurant at age 21. He was the original Chef at Michael’s in Santa Monica, considered the Los Angeles…
Lacroix is the signature restaurant of the wonderful Rittenhouse Hotel, but it is as far from a "hotel" restaurant as you can get. There's so much to like here. Let's start with Bar 210, sophisticated lounge perched above the dining level that offers an amazing…
I am kind of a stickler when it comes to seafood. If it has been frozen, I can tell with the first bite and I am done with it. That makes Lakeside at Wynn the perfect seafood restaurant for me. Lakeside serves Hawaiian seafood, line-caught by…
If pedigree means anything to the success of a restaurant, then it explains Les Nomades perch atop the list of Chicago restaurants. Owner Mary Beth Liccioni and her husband Chef Roland spent a portion of their career working with acclaimed chef Jean Banchet at Le Francais…
Set in an old townhouse and tucked into a corner of the North End, Mamma Maria is one of my favorite Italian restaurants, in a town of excellent Italian food. I like everything about this place; it's location on a square, its elegant decor and small,…
The Time Warner Center has become a mecca for New Yorkers seeking the hottest restaurants and shops. Occupying floors 35-54 of the Center, the Mandarin offers stunning views of Central Park, the Hudson River and the City and its bars and restaurants are the “in” places to be seen.
Marcel's is a favorite of the Washington elite, whether you are a Congressman, lobbyist or someone with a niece in town. Robert Wiedmair's flagship restaurant never disappoints. First stop is the sleek and sexy lounge that embraces the color of white chocolate with a crisp white palette, bar stools and chairs covered in white…
There was a time when hotel dining was a last resort, but that has changed. Today, many hotel restaurants can hold their own against the best in their city. Such is the case of Meritage which can actually stake its claim as one of Boston's best.
Nemacolin began life in the late 60’s as a private game reserve where Pittsburgh industrialist, Willard Rockwell entertained friends and business associates for hunting and fishing weekends on its then 400 acres. Today the resort is owned by the Hardy Family (84 Lumber) encompasses some 3000 acres…
Located in a townhouse in Beacon Hill, just across from the Boston Commons, No. 9 Park is on just about everyone's list of favorites. It is a small (@16 tables) and intimate spot with wonderful food and wine and near perfect service. The restaurant and Chef/Owner…
Housed in a restored carriage house once owned by Aaron Burr, One If By Land is a favorite romantic restaurant in the City. Piano music in the background, fireplaces, brick walls, French windows onto an illuminated garden and tables with a single candle and a bouquet of fresh pink roses make you want to…
From the minute you walk through the curved iron gate of the Peninsula Grill opening onto the side garden patio, you sense you are in for something special. Entering through a side door, you pass the beautiful dark bar, and reach a subtly lit, elegant dining…
Set on 45 acres of lush gardens and olive groves, the Mediterranean-inspired Rancho Valencia, is an all-suite property and recently completed a $30 million renovation including remodeled guest casitas, a brand new restaurant and new bar, completely remodeled meeting space, as…
Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, the Ritz Carlton Atlanta is a luxury oasis close to the city's attractions and minutes from Georgia Aquarium and Centennial Olympic Park, Newly renovated guestrooms make this a wonderful "home away from home." Guests arrive in a stunning lobby…
Located at the base of the Camelback Mountains, The Royal Palms Resort & Spa is truly an oasis in every sense of the word. There is a sense of tranquility here that you will find in few other places. The sprawling…
Slightly off the beaten path, downtown, the romantic Tuscan delight, Scalini Fedeli, embraces you from the minute you enter. The warmth is reflected in the greeting at the door and the vaulted ceilings, recessed lighting, soft background opera, huge Corinthian columns and hanging tapestries set the mood. The elegance of the room is further…
The setting for Spiaggia couldn't be more dramatic. Tables in the two tiered dining room face huge windows looking out on Michigan Avenue and the lake. The dark, intimate room with flickering candles and fresh flowers is the perfect place for a special occasion. Spiaggia has…
Few choices are better for a truly special occasion than the Sunset Key Cottages located on a private 27 acre tropical island, just a 10 minute boat ride from the heart of Key West.
Aspen is a wonderfully designed village with most everything contained in a 5-6 block radius. They have preserved the old buildings and blended in new ones seamlessly. Reminds me of East Hampton, NY, great design, galleries, tony shops, restaurants and bars. While…
Since opening in 1941, The Marine Room in La Jolla, has become renowned for its beachfront location, spectacular sunsets and high tide surf that creates incredible activity right outside your window. In fact, when the tides are right the restaurant offers special High Tide Dinners. All…
The Mill Room is the signature restaurant at The Boar's Head Resort, but its wonderful lakeside setting and creative menu make it a worthy stop even if you are not staying at the resort. This AAA Four Diamond restaurant offers cozy inside dining with hardwood floors,…
This is another instance, like Wynn and Encore, where there are two sister hotels, side by side, that share a lot of features. There are a few design differences, but The Venetian and The Palazzo are very similar. This is a huge resort,…
In a city with hundreds if not thousands of restaurants, how do you stand out from the pack? ....attention to detail. Seems easy, but few get it like Ralph Lauren's Polo Bar on East 55th Street. Start with the decor; just what you would expect from Lauren; wood paneling, leather booths, hunt pictures and…
Perched majestically on the shores of Kiawah Island overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, The Sanctuary is a blend of modern convenience and Southern charm. The design goal was to create a seaside mansion that seemed as if it had been there for hundreds…
In a town with great accommodations, the relatively new The Vanderbilt takes its place among the best. Originally built in 1909 by Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt, the former Vanderbilt Hall was purchased by the Grace Hotel Group in recent years and painstakingly restored…
It's not called The View for nothing. The Inn is set on a hillside overlooking Mirror Lake and the Adirondack Mountains. The view from the dining room in any season is nothing short of spectacular. The restaurant is the only AAA Four Diamond award winner in Lake Placid.
Located on The Cape (Cape Cod) on 27 exquisitely landscaped acres overlooking Pleasant Bay, Wequassett (pronounced we cwoss it) is a privately owned and operated resort that is a mecca for families and couples seeking luxurious accommodations, great food…
A $22 million renovation has restored Windsor Court to the top of the list of New Orleans hotels. All 316 guestrooms have been refurbished, the Grill Room and Polo Lounge refreshed, a Cocktail Bar has been added to the lobby and a…
Sometimes, when we visit a property it exceeds even our expectations and that was the case on our visit to the Woodstock Inn & Resort in Woodstock, Vermont. This is a beautiful resort in a wonderful town in one of our favorite…
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