Travel

There were some very unique and classy eats prepared by three Oakland, CA-based chefs (Geoff Davis, Intu-On Kornnawong and Finn Stern) at last night's @VisitOakland dinner. Held at Platform By James Beard Foundation, dishes included are what you see pictured above: 1) Chilled Razor Clams with Charred Alliums, Fermented Red Fresno Liquid, Cilantro Oil and Green Garlic Aioli, 2) Grilled…read more

My favorite thing to do on a trip to Memphis is sample both the incredible BBQ at places like Rendezvous (my favorite since my first visit to Memphis in 1990) and fine dining at places like Chez Philippe which offers an incredibly luxurious afternoon tea and seven/course price fixe dinner. In between eating, I would say that these are the…read more

I recently took a one-day staycation at the Motto By Hilton at 152 West 48th Street, right in the heart of Times Square. (There is another fabulous property in Chelsea.) Starting at $174 per night, you get incredible bang for your buck as each room has the biggest flat screen TVs that I have ever seen in a hotel (your…read more

I was lucky enough to attend a magical event for travel press and agents back on October 18, 2023, when Cunard introduced elements of their newest ship, Queen Anne. This stunningly beautiful celebratory event at the company’s former NYC offices 25 Broadway – now known as Cipriani 25 Broadway. Unveiling art by contemporary artwork that will appear on board and…read more

I have gone to events at the Dominick Hotel in Soho before including one of the Luau Nights at their memorable and well-reviewed El Ta’Koy restaurant. This resto is worth checking out for a lot of reasons and not just because it has great Hawaiian fusion fare which includes incredible short rib tacos and a Cuban sandwich that includes both…read more

Been thinking about a visit to Sullivan County aka "The Sullivan Catskills"? I just took my first-ever trip to this picturesque region of New York State and was amazed how it mixed a rustic vibe with a little bit of funkiness and kitsch thrown in for good measure! There are also plenty of luxurious yet casual accommodations that would be…read more

With a spring unlike any other, an alternative spring break might be in order—and no, we don’t mean volunteering. We mean getting outside, the best alternative to a vaxication, virtual wellness days, or travel in general. But not all U.S. cities are equally built for a good time in nature. To help Americans plan a fun but safe outdoor adventure,…read more

When the travel bans are lifted and it’s safe to travel overseas again, Europe will be welcoming American tourists looking for memorable summer experiences. While travel plans may need some adjusting during these times, as long as everybody is smart and takes the appropriate precautions, you can still enjoy a magical vacation across Europe. So for your summer getaway to…read more

I was lucky enough to attend Sir Royston Hopkin & Family's great annual New York City press lunch last week. Again, it was at the elegant private downstairs area of The Lambs Club in midtown and again I somehow got the "seat of honor" next to Lady Betty Hopkin. I got a lot of the inside scoop from her not…read more

I was lucky enough to be invited on Fathom's one-week inaugural cruise to the Dominican Republic in late April. Fathom is one of the dozen or so cruise lines owned by Carnival, which as you probably know is the biggest cruise line in the world. What sets Fathom apart is that it is the brainchild of its president Tara Russell, a…read more

OK, I will just come out and say it--my five-night visit to Spice Island Beach Resort in Grand Anse, St. George, Grenada, was my greatest island vacation ever! This Five Star AAA Diamond and Six Star AAHS Resort Award Winner--one of only seven in the Caribbean--is the only truly family-owned hotel of this calibre. Sir Royston Hopkin and family run…read more