Archive for the ‘Travel’ Category

thompson les eats

December 30th, 2011

We are usually those overnight suburban visitors who just settle for a hotel in midtown because it’s convenient to Grand Central Terminal. With an unusual 3 nights in Manhattan, we wanted to explore a new neighborhood and set our sights on the Lower East Side. We found the perfect match on Jetsetter, a 500 sq [...]
 


We are usually those overnight suburban visitors who just settle for a hotel in midtown because it’s convenient to Grand Central Terminal. With an unusual 3 nights in Manhattan, we wanted to explore a new neighborhood and set our sights on the Lower East Side. We found the perfect match on Jetsetter, a 500 sq ft room at the Thompson LES (190 Allen St). I was attracted to the Lower East Side because it is home to so many great restaurants (we also ate at wd~50 and Frankies), but I had no idea how many eateries would be within 2 block radius of our hotel.

First stop after check-in: Meatball Shop (85 Stanton Street)

It’s a cozy spot with a simple menu, but it features some incredibly appealing comfort food. We walked in on a weekday at 2pm and were able to immediately get a seat at the bar. Even mid-afternoon, the entire restaurant remained full. The Meatball Shop is open until 4 am, so if you’re also in business if you happen to get a late night craving!

My surprise favorite of the sliders: chicken with Parmesan cream sauce

Classic beef meatballs with tomato sauce and provolone on an Il Forno baguette

No trip to NYC in your future? There’s a cookbook and right now the copies in the shop are signed.

It is a rare day that I will eat ice cream, but this was worth it. D initially announced he had no room for dessert, but I dare anyone to turn down caramel ice cream, sandwiched between 2 chocolate chip cookies.

I had no idea Prune (54 East 1st St) was so close! After reading Gabrielle Hamilton’s memoir earlier this year, we took a chance as walk-ins for a weekday lunch. There are no reservations for weekend brunch and I heard you need to be prepared to wait in line. This Rock Shrimp Roll was so delicious I would take it over a lobster roll (hot or cold) any day! I cannot stop thinking about it. PS: Old Bay French Fries. Why have I never had this before?

Grilled Hamburger with Sharp Cabot Cheddar on an English Muffin. Our lunch looked deceptively simple, but the food at Prune was so perfectly balanced I was won over and have dropped my grudge about being squished like a sardine at our table. It was quite easy to overhear neighbors raving about the shaved kale salad.

If you’re staying overnight, of course you’ll need breakfast. I wanted to return to Russ & Daughters (179 East Houston St) for more Scottish smoked salmon. There’s no indoor seatting, just a bench out on the sidewalk, so having a hotel room around the corner really comes in handy.


What do you eat before a 15-course lunch at Ko? Nothing! Just stick to a macchiato at Bluebird (72 East 1st St).

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flying a hawk – manchester, vt

December 27th, 2011

This post goes all the way back to May when we were in Manchester Vermont when I attended a planning session at The Equinox. No one would ever say that I’m an outdoorsy-nature type, but for some inexplicable reason after combing through the activities list at the Equinox, I was filled with one wish. I wanted [...]
 

This post goes all the way back to May when we were in Manchester Vermont when I attended a planning session at The Equinox. No one would ever say that I’m an outdoorsy-nature type, but for some inexplicable reason after combing through the activities list at the Equinox, I was filled with one wish. I wanted to fly a hawk at the British School of Falconry.

Upon arrival the handler will give you a tour of the barn and its inhabitants. You also check the board for weigh-ins (above). This allows the handler to see who’s hungry. A hungry bird is motivated to work in exchange for food. A full bird, not so much.

After a bit of instruction, you’ll be given your glove which is when things start to get real.

Next step, you’ve got a hawk on your hand, with its leather straps secure between your fingers. The birds also have radio transmitters in case they decide to make a break for it, but they ‘re looking for the easy meal and are waiting for the trainer to leave a return reward - a little morsel of meat- on your fist.

You do have a bird of prey that is directly eye-level, occasionally pointing a fierce looking beak right in front of your face. It’s intimidating, but mostly exhilarating to see these birds up close.

As it turns out, D is better at casting hawks.

You’re flying a hawk (not a falcon) for a reason. These Harris hawks are incredibly well-trained. They put up with clueless visitors who have no idea how to cast or communicate with them, inquisitive close-up stares, cameras… Follow the rules and they are not spooked.

The hawk perches on in the side of your hand. You make a fist with your thumb straight out and keep your thumb upwards towards the sky. Every landing is extremely gentle and graceful on your gloved hand.

Towards the end of our session we got a taste of the next class, the hawk walk. In it, the hawk flies along the treeline and follows you, returning (when called) to your gloved fist.

Don’t worry! This is just a decoy used to show how quickly the hawk can strike its prey. You never want to come between a hawk and its lunch!


Photography note: if there are no ‘spectators’ in your group, this is definitely a point and shoot kind of camera gig. I was so thankful to have my G10 because there is no way you can shoot with your dSRL on manual and have a hawk on your other arm. The handler will also take a few photos for you.

Now that I finished writing this post, I remembered what started the whole bird of prey obsession.
Mordecai in The Royal Tenenbaums. I love Wes Anderson.

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the broadmoor – colorado springs

December 9th, 2011

I’m not sure if I mentioned it, but this was my first visit to Colorado. Why Colorado Springs? I was attending a conference at the Broadmoor. If you’re a regular on the conference circuit, you probably know about The Broadmoor. Every mention of this resort and those in the know will comment on the beautiful [...]
 

I’m not sure if I mentioned it, but this was my first visit to Colorado. Why Colorado Springs? I was attending a conference at the Broadmoor.

If you’re a regular on the conference circuit, you probably know about The Broadmoor. Every mention of this resort and those in the know will comment on the beautiful property and its well-earned reputation as a destination that will impress. Set in the foothills of the Colorado Rockies, The Broadmoor features over 700 rooms, 3 golf courses, pools, spa… on and on. It’s family-friendly and pet-friendly (easily evident by the number of furry four-footed guests I saw during my daily travels). While the photos below will reveal the grand scale and natural beauty of this property, I was most impressed by the service. No matter how great the hotel, I find exceptional service is what leaves the most indelible impression.

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penrose room – colorado springs

December 8th, 2011

Perched at the top of the Broadmoor is Penrose Room, the only 5 star / 5 diamond restaurant in Colorado. When you step out of the elevator, a panoramic view awaits. The Penrose Room offers dinner (and dancing) set within a classic fine dining experience that you just don’t see much anymore. A jazz trio presided over [...]
 

Perched at the top of the Broadmoor is Penrose Room, the only 5 star / 5 diamond restaurant in Colorado.

When you step out of the elevator, a panoramic view awaits.

The Penrose Room offers dinner (and dancing) set within a classic fine dining experience that you just don’t see much anymore. A jazz trio presided over the dance floor for our entire Saturday night meal.

…and the adjacent Penrose Lounge: Even if you aren’t dining in Penrose Room you can still ascend for before or after-dinner drinks.
Just remember to dress the part. Gentlemen, jackets are required.

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garden of the gods – colorado springs

December 7th, 2011

There never seems to be much free time when you’re attending a conference, but I still checked a few guidebooks out of the library. On the plane, it was immediately obvious that Garden of the Gods is REQUIRED stop in Colorado Springs. I made sure to visit the very first day we drove into town. There [...]
 

There never seems to be much free time when you’re attending a conference, but I still checked a few guidebooks out of the library. On the plane, it was immediately obvious that Garden of the Gods is REQUIRED stop in Colorado Springs. I made sure to visit the very first day we drove into town. There are numerous family tourist attractions in this area, but this park of towering red rocks (up to 300′) is positively breathtaking. Even better, there is no entrance fee and you’re allowed to wander freely between and onto some of these sandstone formations.

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Manhattan & Hermosa Beach

August 12th, 2011

I feel like I’ve been blogging about this West Coast trip for months! This will be the last California post, I promise.  With an extremely early morning flight out of LAX, Manhattan Beach made for a convenient and beautiful final stop. Below is a chandy in the lobby of the Shade Hotel. We attempted check-in, but [...]
 

I feel like I’ve been blogging about this West Coast trip for months! This will be the last California post, I promise.  With an extremely early morning flight out of LAX, Manhattan Beach made for a convenient and beautiful final stop.

Below is a chandy in the lobby of the Shade Hotel. We attempted check-in, but there was booking error and we found ourselves re-settled in a beautiful room at The Beach House – Hermosa Beach.

On the pier in Hermosa Beach

I already mentioned how much D loves jumping on a beach cruiser.

We could see a bike shop from our room and the inn offered a discount on hourly rentals.

We rode north for about 6 miles.
It was a gorgeous Monday afternoon. Despite the perfect weather, I suppose most people were at work because it was rather quiet on the Strand.


Many thanks to our California hosts: Ed, Tatsuko, Bill, Darrilyn, Steven, Nancy, Geoff, Andrew, Jeff, Erin, Penn, Wendy and Brendan. Our trip wouldn’t have been the same without you.

If you want to catch up on all the posts from our Southern California vacation, you can start here >>

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north end caffe in manhattan beach

August 4th, 2011

This post is about North End Caffe, but I’m going to digress for a moment. Encouraged by Leeanne of Fun with Carbs, I fully intended try my first ever IN-N-OUT burger. And with over 200 locations in California, it didn’t seem like an urgent issue after touching down on the West Coast. At every stop [...]
 

This post is about North End Caffe, but I’m going to digress for a moment.

Encouraged by Leeanne of Fun with Carbs, I fully intended try my first ever IN-N-OUT burger. And with over 200 locations in California, it didn’t seem like an urgent issue after touching down on the West Coast. At every stop on our vacation I conducted a little research, polling locals about exactly what to order. I will admit the thought of ordering ‘animal-style’ anything struck me as awkward. I quickly learned that Californians are passionate and opinionated about burgers. Sort of like Connecticut folks when you mention pizza.

When I was down to my final opportunity to try IN-N-OUT, D suggested lunch at the North End Caffe. This casual spot a few blocks from the coast in Manhattan Beach was featured on Diners, Drive in and Dives. Turns out our local guide Brendan lives nearby and knows the chef. At that point, I gave up on IN-N-OUT. Leeanne, I am here to say, this was a worthy diversion.

KPs. Kalua Pig Monte Cristo Egg Rolls
First and foremost, these actually tasted like Kalua Pig, as in the smoky-pork-goodness that accompanies any legit meal that claims to be Hawaiian. Who gets excited about an egg roll? Not me, but these were not your usual greasy take-out food apps. Finally, an egg roll worth ordering!

Trio of Dawgs
Another thing that doesn’t usually excite me?  A hot dog.
But not here. D wisely selected the trio of dawgs. In another first, my favorite was the dog WITHOUT bacon:

  • Creole: bacon wrapped hot dog with swiss creole, mojo, crystal hot sauce, tomato onion, zatarain’s salt.
  • Opie: hot dog with american cheese, mustard, pickle, onion.
  • Tijuana: bacon wrapped hot dog with chipotle mojo, avocado, mustard, hot sauce, onion, tomato, cilantro

One of the specials: Short Rib Po Boy with swiss, pickle, and creole mojo with fry

Cubano: black forest ham, turkey, swiss, creole mojo, mustard and pickle.


As you might imagine, I spend a lot of time researching restaurants when we plan a vacation. Completely undermining my best laid plans, lunch at North End Caffe was an unexpected delight and one my favorite meals of our trip to Southern California.

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newport beach

August 3rd, 2011

Brendan’s reputation often precedes him. To know us, is to know we always have a house guest at Thanksgiving. Every November Brendan comes back to his hometown for an annual dose of family and friends, but this time the tables were turned. As we entered the ‘non-family’ portion of our California vacation, Brendan guided us [...]
 

Brendan’s reputation often precedes him.

To know us, is to know we always have a house guest at Thanksgiving. Every November Brendan comes back to his hometown for an annual dose of family and friends, but this time the tables were turned. As we entered the ‘non-family’ portion of our California vacation, Brendan guided us through Newport, Hermosa & Manhattan Beach.

Brendan’s friends, Penn and Wendy have a super sweet guest house on the peninsula in Newport Beach. What a great place to crash.

Now I know why D is always trying to plan trips to visit Brendan. He looks right at home on Penn & Wendy’s patio, doesn’t he?

In the word according to Dorney, when visiting Newport Beach you must  jump on a beach cruiser and ride along the beach. Here he makes fun of my purple bike. Does it actually say Cheetah on there?

The purpose of this bike ride was to visit one of D’s rugby pals who bartends at 21 Oceanfront.

I also need to pause and give a shout out to nearby Seaside Bakery which puts out a pretty awesome jalapeno ham and cheese croissant.

How do we know it’s late afternoon in this California photo? The sun is actually shining!!

Last photo on the right, it’s back to the morning June Gloom.


There’s one more stop on our CA trip, where we’ll be  inching our way closer to LAX and our return flight back to the East Coast. D selected our last hotel room, our 5th accommodations during the 7 day trip. A booking snafu netted us a sweet room in Hermosa Beach. Check back soon for the rest of the story.

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sunny skies ahead

July 27th, 2011

June Gloom. The nickname exists for a reason. Like clockwork, each day in California started off quite chilly, with a thick layer of clouds overhead. I called it “Eeyore Gray” (after the sad, mopey donkey in Winnie the Pooh) because each morning on the coast was a bit of a downer. “Gloomy” really was an [...]
 

June Gloom. The nickname exists for a reason. Like clockwork, each day in California started off quite chilly, with a thick layer of clouds overhead. I called it “Eeyore Gray” (after the sad, mopey donkey in Winnie the Pooh) because each morning on the coast was a bit of a downer. “Gloomy” really was an apt description for the morning state of affairs. While I was told to anticipate June Gloom, I didn’t expect my outlook to be influenced by a ceiling of gray clouds. You don’t fully realize what’s going on until you are jubilant when the sun finally makes an appearance. A typical timeline for one of our days in Southern California went something like this:

10 AM: Post breakfast at the Cottage, we check out the shoreline of La Jolla

Pretty, but everything felt gray, flat, chilly and a bit unwelcoming.

11:30 AM Next stop: Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego. The sun is trying to break through, but there are just fleeting pockets of blue sky.

1:30 PM Finally. The sun breaks through when we reach the shores of Del Mar. Is it any wonder this is one of my favorites places from our trip?

Warm sunshine (just like bacon) makes everything better.

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cocktail interlude: l’auberge del mar

July 14th, 2011

This cocktail interlude it brought to you by way of Darby Kelly. Faced with our only free evening of the whole trip, we looked up the best place for a drink in the Del Mar area and read about this mixologist who hails from Las Vegas Wynn, where he was Lead Bartender. Maybe I’ve spent [...]
 

This cocktail interlude it brought to you by way of Darby Kelly. Faced with our only free evening of the whole trip, we looked up the best place for a drink in the Del Mar area and read about this mixologist who hails from Las Vegas Wynn, where he was Lead Bartender. Maybe I’ve spent too much time in NYC, but I always appreciate seeing the mixologist in motion. Below you will catch him in action at the lobby bar of L’Auberge Del Mar. Once Darby saw my camera, he even adjusted a few of my garnishes to make my cocktail more camera-ready.

The list of cocktails on the menu is quite short, so I advise chatting him up and getting a recommendation. The problem with posting a month later is I no longer remember the name of these cocktails. I left my card with him, perhaps one day he’ll find this post and let me know…

If you read my last post, you know I had only good things to say about the Hilton La Jolla, but if I hadn’t been traveling with family, I would have considered a night or two at L’Auberge Del Mar. I loved the small village feel of Del Mar and I got a good feeling the second I hit the lobby.

We only had time for a few drinks and it was off to dinner at Market Restaurant. It was a very nice meal with wonderful service, buy I’m not sure if we ordered the wrong things. I’m still wondering how this restaurant got a food rating of 29 in Zagat.

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