by Editor | Aug 11, 2008 | New Articles, Products
By Josette King
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
by Editor | Aug 4, 2008 | Accomodations, New Articles
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.
by Editor | Jul 28, 2008 | New Articles, Restaurants and Food
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.
by Editor | Jul 21, 2008 | Accomodations, New Articles
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.
by Editor | Jul 7, 2008 | New Articles, Restaurants and Food
By Josette King
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.
by Editor | Jun 30, 2008 | New Articles, Restaurants and Food
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.
