Mountain climbing enthusiast Duncan Souchon shares some of his passion for high places in Africa in the recently published Mountains of Africa (International Publishers Marketing,$29.95), a 191-page hardcover book. A combination of color photos, historical tidbits and quotes, the book transports armchair travelers, most of us unwilling or even unable to visit and climb the summit of these natural treasures, to the mythical heights of the Dark Continent.

Photos from 19 sources grace the pages of the book displaying the peaks and distinctive areas of 15 mountains: Table Mountain, The Ruwenzoris , Mont Cameroon, Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, Namib Desert Peaks, The Ethiopian Highlands, Mount Kenya, Mount Elgon, The Atlas, Mulanje, Ol Doinyo Lengai, Virunga Volcanoes, Tsodilo Hills, and Ukhalamba-Drakensberg.

Souchon has sought peaks and adventure for the past 16 years. He has traveled across Africa and visited some of the continent’s highest mountains. His previous book, Serpent Spires, discussed mountaineering in the Ukhalamba-Drakensberg mountains.

*Photo: International Publishers Marketing

Click here to buy Mountains of Africa

Scottevest Women’s Travel Vest*

As a frequent adventure traveler, I have long felt the need for a multi-purpose lightweight vest with roomy, secure pockets to organize my travel necessities (a secret additional airline carry-on bag of sorts); and one that would substitute for my day pack once I got to a destination. I wished it comfortable to wear, light enough to double as a windbreaker, and inconspicuously stylish. No bulges to advertise where I stowed my valuables, please! My new Scottevest Women’s Travel Vest delivers it all.

With its discretely tapered waist, the hip-length vest is flattering enough for casual wear, while its lightweight brushed cotton blend water-repellent outer shell makes it well suited for sport activities. Its 21 pockets come in a variety of sizes and purposes to keep things organized and easily accessible in a variety of situations. For instance, a pocket just the right size for travel documents piggybacks on a larger pocket intended for reading material.

Once in the wilderness, these same pockets turned out to be perfect for carrying camera lenses and accessories, while two separate tiny Velcro-secured slots on either side of the front zipper, intended for MP3 ear buds, were just right for camera memory cards. Best of all, the thoughtful design and placement of the pockets allows for comfortable distribution of weight of the items carried, while the no-bulge pockets keep a streamlined look. Click here to read more about the Scottevest Women’s Travel Vest

*Photo courtesy Scottevest

Beaumont House is in a residential area on the outskirts of Cape Town

The pool at Beaumont House

On our team’s last visit to the Cape Town area they discovered a five room property that shone for its luxury features, sophisticated international clientèle and foodie orientation. The lovingly restored historic home sparkled with thoughtful touches including beautiful landscaping, WiFi Internet access, a fabulous breakfast, and an honor bar well stocked with wines from the region.

“This was always our dream when Peter retired,” said Gill Deering, one of the owners and managers who dedicated countless hours to the refurbishment of the house.

The entrance hallway at Beaumont House

“It’s all about managing people’s expectations. And, I’m and bit of a foodie. We try to provide an opportunity for guests to indulge,” said Peter Deering, an enthusiastic wine lover who co-manages the property with his wife Gill.

Peter Deering is also the property’s concierge, procuring restaurant reservations, personalized city tours, and winery tours with ease and vicarious pleasure. Click here to read our dedicated feature on Beaumont House.

The entrance to the Restaurant Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée

On a trip to Paris, our team revisited the famed Alain Ducasse at the Plaza Athénée Hotel. They were delighted. The service was warm, the dishes were outstanding and the overall experience was festive and elegant.

“Alain Ducasse lays out the broad strokes. It’s up to me to fill in the lines,” said Chef Christophe Moret, who apprenticed at the Louis XV-Alain Ducasse in Monaco, became sous-chef at 59 Poincaré, then chef at Spoon food & wine in Paris.

Royale de Tomate araignée de mer, émulsion coraillée

Alba truffle flavored chicken with Madeira port, a house specialty

Lunch at Restaurant Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée was remarkable thanks to a combination of deeply satisfying tastes, beautiful sights, and the staff’s attention to detail as well as the overall harmony of the event. Some may want to book a table to impress a client, celebrate a special occasion or just as an out-of-the-ordinary gourmet treat.

While not for everyone and not for everyday, the Alain Ducasse restaurant at the Plaza Athénée set the stage of what a superlative meal can be. For a sumptuous over-the-top dining experience few can compare with this restaurant. Click here to read our most recent dedicated feature on the Restaurant Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée.

The Michelangelo Towers and pool

Our team liked the Michelangelo Towers hotel accommodations in Johannesburg. Conveniently located next to an upscale mall and convention center in one of the city’s ritzy neighborhoods, this property may appeal to safety conscious visitors and those planning an extended stay in Southern Africa’s largest city.

The kitchen of one of the Michelangelo Tower’s suites

Two towers, side by side, offer condominium living for local residents, and luxury hotel accommodations for visitors wanting the added space of a one bedroom suite and the facilities and amenities of a hotel. The hotel has an on-site restaurant and spa and easy indoor access to shopping facilities and many restaurants. Click here to read our detailed article about The Michelangelo Towers.

The Man Who Ate The World in Search of the Perfect Dinner book cover

Jay Rayner, a London restaurant critic, traveled across continents to enjoy a meal at the best fine dining establishments he could identify and shared his findings in a recently published 273-page paperback book, The Man Who Ate The World in Search of the Perfect Dinner (Henry Holt and Company, $25). It took him 18 months to complete his journey and write the book. His budget? $36,000.

He started at some famous restaurants in Las Vegas, Nevada and concluded his project at renown temples of fine dining in Paris, France. In between, he visited some of the most expensive restaurants in the world including well known and sometimes obscure restaurants in Moscow, Dubai, New York, Tokyo, and London. He dined out alone, with colleagues and friends and, in Paris, with his wife.

Jay Rayner, author and restaurant critic

He left ‘Vegas uncomfortable with the idea of being a guest of the restaurants and decided to pay his way as much as possible from that point forward. By the time he reached Paris he added one rule to his plan: he would order and eat the tasting menu whenever it was offered.

I found the book funny, interesting, and full of useful insights. While it is not a restaurant guidebook, there is a lot of information about gourmet restaurants and the business of fine dining. Filled with Rayner’s accounts of his dining experiences, The Man Who Ate The World is an armchair trip through the London critic’s eyes.

In the book, Rayner shares his impressions of the cities he visited, the culinary business world, some of the most celebrated gourmet chefs, his life as a paid restaurant critic for a British newspaper, the restaurants he visited, and some of the meals he was served. Although the promotional materials for the book never promised restaurant recommendations, more than once I wished he had shared practical suggestions or a summary with his recommendations.

Rayner is a restaurant critic for the London Observer where he has worked since 1996 and is on contract to write 100,000 words a year. Forty percent of the restaurants he writes about are in the fine dining category. In the United States, his articles have been published in Gourmet, Saveur and Food & Wine magazines. Prior to his work as a restaurant critic he covered crime, politics, cinema and theater. He is the author of five other books.

*Photos: Henry Holt and Company

Click here to buy The Man Who Ate the World

The Anasazi Restaurant dining room

At the Anasazi Restaurant in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the decor is a harbinger of the dinning experience: a sophisticated fusion of the cultures that shaped the area and discrete cosmopolitan touches. Stacked stone and adobe walls create intimate dining alcoves that showcase contemporary murals reminiscent of Pueblo petroglyphs.

Oyster bisque

Dessert

Formally set tables clad in starch white linen and the romantic subdued lighting complete the setting that discretely highlights the contemporary global approach of Martin Rios, the talented and imaginative head chef. On my recent visit to the Anasazi Restaurant, I especially appreciated how Chef Rios wove together continental and southwestern flavors with oriental touches to create an intriguing dinning experience.

Click here to read Josette King’s complete article about the Anasazi Restaurant.

Service at Le Grand Vefour was exceptional

Tucked away in a corner of the celebrated Palais Royal Gardens in the heart of Paris is a monument to that country’s history and fine food. It is kept alive thanks to the devotion of thousands upon thousands of locals and international visitors who over the years have found their way there in search of an extraordinary classic French cuisine experience. This cozy and elegant bastion of fine dining has been around in one form or another since before the United States was established as a nation.

A table setting at Le Grand Vefour

Windows surround the dining room

In spite of the restaurant’s advanced age, this Grand Damme remains spry and in the loving hands of a dedicated team of professionals who labor daily with pride to make guests’ culinary desires a reality.

Guy Martin, executive chef and manager, Le Grand Vefour

On a recent visit, our team enjoyed a tasting menu and had an opportunity to speak with the man who leads the restaurant, Guy Martin, executive chef and manager of Le Grand Vefour.

Click here to read our dedicated article about Le Grand Vefour. Click here to listen to the interview (in French with English translation) with Guy Martin.

The Mont Rochelle main pool and restaurant

Foodies and fine wine enthusiasts from all over the world converge in the wine region of South Africa, searching for vineyards and gourmet restaurants. In an effort to explore a little of this region located a short drive from the ever popular Cape Town area, our team dedicated a weekend to the Cape Winelands late last year. During their visit, they made the village of Franschhoek their temporary home. While in Franschhoek, they stayed at the Mont Rochelle Hotel & Mountain Vineyards, a charming small hotel.

View of the surrounding area from the Mont Rochelle Hotel

Our one bedroom suite at the Mont Rochelle

The Mont Rochelle stood out for its luxurious and spacious suite with private plunge pool, in house gourmet restaurant and magnificent views of the village and the neighboring vineyards. Click here to read our dedicated article about the Mont Rochelle Hotel & Mountain Vineyards.

Arpege Restaurant in Paris, France

Alain Passard, executive chef and owner of Arpege restaurant in Paris, has long been recognized as a one of the most creative chefs in France. Elena and Gary recently had a chance to dine at his famous restaurant and speak with him in person.

Couleur, saveur, parfum et dessin du jardin velouté de radis rose at Arpege

Millefeuille “Caprice d’enfants,” chocolate millefeuille with chocolate coulis

They were pleasantly surprised to find the chef as creative and talented as they remembered and his dishes even more satisfying. There was also an enthusiastic, young new team who added much to the dining experience. Click here to read our lasted dedicated article about Arpege Restaurant.