1770 House is a magnificently restored 200 year old white clapboard inn with black shutters, a white picket fence and lush gardens located in the heart of all the activity in East Hampton. An acclaimed restaurant, a cozy pub and luxurious rooms make this a very special weekend retreat.
Without a doubt 1770 is one of the most romantic restaurants in the Hamptons. The small elegant and intimate dining room has beamed ceilings and fans and thick crown moldings above walls half painted beige and half covered with a subtle grass cloth. Wall sconces and antiques clocks adorn the walls and the dark…
Set in a renovated Federal house in Georgetown, 1789 has always been a favorite of locals and tourists alike. Six separate dining areas are decorated in wonderful American antiques, equestrian and historical prints. My favorites are The John Carroll Room and the Pub. The John Carroll…
Can a steak house be romantic? If it's 22 Bowen's it can be. A waterfront setting with great views, soft lighting, small dining alcoves, beamed ceilings, white linens, sparkling crystal, with great food and an amazing wine list, all add up to a superb experience. I…
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…
Addison, at the Fairmont Del Mar Resort, is San Diego’s most acclaimed restaurant earning two Michelin stars, AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star Awards and Wine Spectator’s Grand Award. Chef William Bradley is a Grand Chef of Relais & Chateau and was the winner of…
Conceived by the Ken and Joan Austin and managed today by Waterford Hospitaliy, Allison Inn is destined to be one of the best in the country and certainly the best in the Northwest. Located at the north entrance of Willamette Valley wine country and set on 35 lush acres, the…
The mood at The American Hotel is set with crisp linens, sparkling silver and crystal, soft candlelight and fresh flowers in four elegant rooms decorated in Empire and Victorian antiques and furnishings. What's nice about this place is when you eat alone here, it has the…
Located in a quaint, waterfront village, with just 8 rooms, an excellent restaurant with a spectacular wine list and a bar everyone seems drawn to, the American Hotel is what I would want my hotel to be like if I owned…
On my last visit to the Vineyard I was pleasantly surprised to find a new restaurant in Edgartown, the Atlantic Fish & Chophouse down at the end of Main Street. The ambiance, food, wine and entertainment were so enjoyable that I ended up eating there twice during my short
The Auberge setting may be the best in the Valley, high atop a hill overlooking neighboring vineyards. It is the perfect place to watch the setting sun each day. I'm not sure which meal I enjoy more here. The food, wine and panoramic vistas lend themselves to long leisurely meals.
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…
Baron's Cove was built in the 1950's as the first resort development in Sag Harbor. It quickly became a hub for the creative community and enjoyed visits from a diverse group of celebrities and artists like John and Elaine Steinbeck, Paul Newman, Art…
"In every day French life, it is the Bistro that is woven into the daily pattern of meals and celebrations. The Bistro is that little neighborhood restaurant where they know who you are, greet you warmly, and serve you satisfying foods that change with the seasons and define regional homey French cuisine."…
Few places can match the beauty of the 4200 acre Blackberry Farm. Add exquisite accommodations, exceptional food, an amazing wine cellar and near perfect service, and you have a weekend like few others. It's rolling hills are bordered by sparkling white fences, there's…
Temporary closed for renovations. Scheduled to re-open in 2023.
OVERVIEW of Blantyre
In 1902 Robert Paterson built Blantyre as a model of his mother's ancestral estate in Blantyre, Scotland. Complete with towers, turrets and gargoyles, the grand property served as the family's summer and…
Housed in the Park Hyatt Hotel, the Blue Duck Tavern is a lively and comfortable spot for an after work drink, some delicious apps (their resident Cheese & Charcuterie Specialist will custom prepare a cheese platter for you) or a wonderful dinner. We have also enjoyed…
With spectacular harbor views, excellent service, an award winning restaurant and a wonderful outdoor entertainment arena, it is no wonder the Boston Harbor Hotel is a favorite of many travelers, myself included. This is not a cookie cutter chain hotel. It…
'A meal in Provence' is how Café Sole describes itself and that is a very apt description. The setting and the wonderfully prepared seafood with a French influence can transport you to the French countryside. Owners John and Judy Correa have created a very special place that is will be a highlight of your trip to…
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.
OVERVIEW Leave it to the government to appropriate a setting so amazing, but that’s what happened at Fort Baker, an army post created in 1866 for the defense of the San Francisco Bay. Located at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge, the views of the bridge…
Cape Cod is the body of land that extends from Massachusetts into the Atlantic like a beckoning finger. Its year round population of 200,000+ explodes in the summer as Bostonians seek to escape the city and…
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…
There may be no more perfect restaurant in New York for a very special occasion than Daniel, Daniel Boulud's eponymous Upper East Side salon. Earning near perfect marks for food, decor and service from Zagat, Daniel stands at the top of a very impressive list of world renowned New York restaurants. If you are…
Del Posto is an exciting collaboration between restaurateurs Lydia and Joseph Bastianich and Mario Batali that in 2010 received a coveted 4 stars from the New York Times. DP is the first Italian restaurant to receive 4 stars from the Times since 1974. This was as near a perfect dining experience as I can…
The magnificent 249-room luxury San Diego resort, Fairmont Grand Del Mar, captures the elegance and comfort of an old-world Mediterranean estate with an enviable Southern California locale. Its design honors the indelible style of visionary architect Addison Mizner (1872-1933)…
For over 200 years the Fearrington property, located in the beautiful countryside between Pittsboro and Chapel Hill in North Carolina was a working farm, passing from generation to generation until it was purchased by RB and Jenny Fitch in 1974. Today, the property includes homes, specialty shops…
Another New Orleans institution, Galatoire's, has been open in the heart of the French Quarter since 1905 when Jean Galatoire came to New Orleans from a small town in France. He brought classic French cooking and married those techniques to fresh ingredients from Louisiana. Now the fifth generation of Galatoires and their descendants continue…
Gary Danko is one of the most award winning restaurants in San Francisco. It has garnered Five Stars from Forbes, Four Diamonds from AAA, a Michelin Star and has also earned several James Beard Awards, including Best New Restaurant, Best Service and Best Chef – California.…
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…
Every so often we come upon a property that is so exceptional that we just can't wait to tell everyone about it. Such is the case of Glen Gordon Manor in Huntly, Virginia. This is our best find thus far in…
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.
La Jolla is our favorite part of San Diego and The Grand Colonial is the ideal base for your activities in the area. The hotel is a wonderful and warm European style boutique hotel steeped in history, but perfectly…
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…
Set in the heart of Amish country in Lancaster, PA, the Inn at Leola Village is a female owned and operated historic property. The original buildings date back to 1867 and served as farmhouses, a tobacco farm and a carriage house. This is a wonderful…
Every once in a while, you come across an experience so sublime, you feel the need to tell everyone about it. Such is the dining experience at the Inn at Little Washington, about an hour and a half outside of Washington in the Virginia countryside. This…
In the late 70’s Reinhardt Lynch and Patrick O’Connell had a successful catering business but dreamed of creating the perfect inn and restaurant. They found an old gas station in the sleepy little village of Washington, Virginia nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah…
Soaring ceilings and huge hand cut timber beams, massive iron chandeliers decorated with antlers, enormous stone fireplaces and floor to ceiling windows overlooking the wooded area beyond create a dramatic, luxurious and rustic setting for a meal at Kanu that you won't soon forget. Twig style Adirondack tables and chairs sit atop beautiful Oriental…
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…
In the rolling countryside of Northern Virginia sits an absolutely charming French country inn, L'Auberge Provencale, that seems to have been plucked from Provence and set down here. Just an hour and a half from Washington, the Inn is the perfect place…
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…
Fish is not usually my first choice for a meal when I dine out, but that may be because I had never experienced Eric Ripert's cooking before. This is unlike any seafood you have ever had. But, I'll get to the food in a minute. I knew…
We never miss Le Languedoc Bistro when we are on the island. Eating at the downstairs bar is like coming home to friends. Give me steak frites and a good bottle of red and my trip is complete. There are a number of dining choices here;…
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…
Built in 1929 by the Dorn Family and used as a retreat for family and friends The Lodge at Glendorn began welcoming guests in 1995. Today it is owned by Cliff and Tracy Forrest, former guests who purchased Glendorn when the Dorn family put it…
Set high above the crashing waves, overlooking Carmel Bay, Pebble Beach Resorts is world renowned for its golf courses which host the annual AT&T Pro-Am PGA event and has been host to 5 U.S. Open tournaments. Golfers the world over are familiar with this amazing setting. Playing…
Set on 6 1/2 acres beside the famed Torrey Pines Golf Course and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Lodge at Torrey Pines is one of the most dramatic settings for a resort in the country. The beautiful Torrey Pines State Park with its beaches,…
Like many, the movie, “On Golden Pond” is one of my favorites and this is where it was filmed. The area is as beautiful as you remember it from the film. A boat tour will allow you to revisit the…
In 1979 H. William Harlan was searching for land on which to create a wine estate when he was introduced to Meadowood, which had been founded in 1964 as a private country club. The property wasn't ideally suited to grape growing, but Mr.…
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.
Michael's is the most romantic restaurant in town and one we never miss when we are in the area. You enter the old converted farmhouse down a stone walk bordered by colorful flowers (or snow!). The living room, has comfortable seating while waiting for your table and it's where a pianist entertains behind a…
Wow, inadequately describes the view from Mister A's 12th floor restaurant overlooking the in downtown SD. You’re so high up, planes are actually landing below you at the airport. Whether you are there for lunch (Fridays) or Brunch (Sundays) and sitting on the delightful patio, or…
Perched on a bluff above the mighty Pacific Ocean with the rugged coastline below, the Montage Laguna Beach is a stunning property set on 30 beautifully manicured acres halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego. The gorgeous lobby has massive floor to…
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…
Perched high on a bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Ocean House opened originally in 1868 and became the “summer home” to the rich and famous for 135 years before falling into disrepair and closing in 2003. A group of local sentimental investors bought the property and…
In a lush valley surrounded by the Topatopa Mountain range lies the tiny town of Ojai California. Just a two hour drive north of Los Angeles, this laid back country town is a remote yet supremely accessible haven for those looking to…
Perched on a plateau 4118 ft above sea level in the hills of western North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounded by pristine mountains, lakes, and waterfalls Old Edwards Inn is the perfect weekend getaway. The resort is located…
Two friends, Chef Edwin Claflin and Jon Tancinco, who met in culinary school, took over the reins of this island institution in 2016. Oran Mor has been an island favorite from the time Peter Wallace opened it and Chris Freeman continued the tradition. The transition has been seemless and the restaurant remains an island…
Las Vegas is less than 10% the size of NYC, yet it has only one less Five Star restaurant than the Big Apple. This is a foodie town! The point is, there are lots of choices for an over-the-top meal, but Picasso is my favorite for…
They had me at bacon.. Sat at the bar before dinner and lo and behold one of the apps was a bacon bar; Double-Cut Nueske's, Wisconsin Snake River Kurobuta, Idaho; Durham Ranch Wild Boar, Wyoming, Benton's,Tennessee, Candied Hobbs, California. You can buy them individually or do a tasting for $22. I just…
I don't know anyone who doesn't love a good steak and in New York a new steakhouse pops up virtually every day. The pure male bonding haunts still draw them in, but a new breed is emerging that keeps the basic tenets intact, but adds some nuances that expand the appeal to a larger audience.…
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…
Just across the Brooklyn Bridge, a short cab ride from Manhattan, is the magical River Café and the best view of any restaurant in New York. Go an hour before sunset and watch the skyline transform itself from daylight to evening. Sun splashed buildings give way to a twinkling light tableau. It is quite…
We are always so impressed when a new hotel or restaurant opens and it is clear that the owners have put a lot of thought into their new venture. Such is the case of the Royal Blues Hotel in Deerfield…
Tucked away in the coastal hills of Santa Barbara, San Ysidro Ranch is a quick drive from the freeway through a mélange of upscale neighborhoods landing you at the ornate entrance to the property. A long cobbled drive bordered on either…
Sea Island is everything a great resort should be and more. It is the most awarded resort in the country earning Forbes Five Stars for lodging, dining, and its spa and AAA Five Diamond awards for lodging and dining. Beautiful rooms, terrific food,
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…
The American Club is testament to what one man can do if he has the resources and a vision. Built in 1918 to house immigrant workers for the Kohler Company, the Tudor style building with slate roofs, dormers and red…
When I want an excellent meal, but something a little less formal, I head to the Boarding House. You have three choices on where to eat; in the romantic candlelit wine cellar, on the patio or at the lively bar. Weather permitting, I like to eat outside and do a little people watching. This…
The legendary Breakers Hotel, located on 140 oceanfront acres on Palm Beach Island, was first built in 1896, burned down twice in the early 1900's and today is one of the few grand hotels left in the country. The opulent Mediterranean style…
The marvelous Goodstone Inn & Restaurant in Middleburg, Virginia, in the heart of hunt country, is set on 265 exquisite acres of rolling countryside. Originally a private country retreat, it has operated as a luxury inn since 1998. The original carriage house and the…
Baltimore as a weekend destination has much to offer; the Inner Harbor area with its dining and shopping attractions , Camden Yards and the Baltimore Orioles, the football Ravens, historical venues and a vibrant cultural scene. But until recently, it has lacked world class accommodations that add…
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…
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,…
Joining the Ritz Carlton at the top of the list of Philadelphia hotels is the Rittenhouse Hotel located on beautiful Rittenhouse Square in the heart of the City. This serene park is my favorite in Philadelphia and is surrounded by some wonderful cafes that spill out onto…
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…
The Surrey, the only Relais & Chateaux property in NYC, is an utterly charming hotel just a block from both Central Park and Madison Avenue and is everything a sophisticated hotel should be. Built in 1926 as a residence hotel, the original…
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.
The Virginia Hotel, is a landmark building circa 1879 and located in the heart of the historic district, just a few blocks from the beach. Wraparound porches and a delightful outdoor dining patio beckon in warm weather and a lively bar…
An acclaimed Relais & Chateau property (the only one on Nantucket), the Wauwinet is located about 9 miles from town at the northeastern part of the island and if you like inn accommodations, this would have to top any list. The rooms…
Topper's is our go-to restaurant for a special occasion dinner or a delicious, luxurious lunch overlooking the Great Lawn and Nantucket Sound. The dining room is the most refined on the island. White raised panel walls adorned with softly lit oil paintings, wall sconces, plaid fabric…
You’re not at Triple Creek Ranch long before you notice the breeze whispering through the Ponderosas, the water rushing down the creek and the soft whinny of the horses in the stable. A kind of serenity descends upon you before you…
Troquet on South combines three of my favorite things in a restaurant; ambiance, wine (an extraordinary wine program) and excellent food. Let's start with the wine because that is what sets Troquet apart from other restaurants. Troquet on South is acclaimed for offering rare and hard-to-find…
Union Square Cafe has won five James Beard Awards and also earned Zagat Survey’s #1 ranking as New York’s Most Popular Restaurant an unprecedented nine times. Pretty amazing. USC, was Danny Meyer's first venture in the City, he then went on to open Gramercy Tavern, Eleven…
Nestled in a mountain meadow, amidst the towering redwoods, oak and bay laurel of Big Sur and 1200 feet above the Pacific, the Ventana Inn and Spa is a tranquil and serene refuge that will calm the soul of even the most…
Vetri may be the toughest table to get in Philadelphia, partly because there are only 10 tables, but mostly because everyone in Philadelphia wants to eat here. The time on the phone to get a reservation, however, is well worth the effort. This is a most…
The White Barn Inn has long had a reputation as one of the finest in the country. A member of the prestigous Relais & Chateau group, the Inn exhibits all the wonderful traits savvy travelers have come to expect from…
Minutes from the center of town and sitting on the edge of the harbor is the elegant White Elephant Hotel, a sophisticated luxury hotel with 53 guest rooms and suites and 11 garden cottages. Personal service, as evidenced by the high staff to guest ratio, is important here and…
Developer Joe Barile set out to recreate the grandeur of the great Adirondack camps, but with a modern touch to it and he has certainly succeeded. The Whiteface Lodge is a magnificent facility destined to take its place along with other great…
Willows Lodge is a terrific weekend getaway located next to the Sammamish River in the heart of Western Washington’s wine country, just 30 minutes from Seattle. With a climate similar to France, the eastern part of Washington State has become one of the top wine-producing regions in the world.
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…
Generally the description “hip and trendy” for a hotel translates into a minimalist, ultra modern décor that has about as much warmth as, well, a glass and chrome table. XV Beacon manages to be hip and trendy without succumbing to that styling found in so many boutique hotels, particularly in…
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