Photo uploaded by biskuit The drinks just got a bit more interesting at the Chicago Hilton with the launch of a new beverage initiative at Hilton Hotels in Austin, Chicago, New York, New Orleans, New York, and San Francisco. Tony Abou-Ganim, aka The Modern Mixologist, has created 20 new cocktails inspired by his jet-setting travels across Thailand, Mexico, France, Brazil, and more. Some of Tony's most famous drinks include the Sao Paolo Samba and Road to Hana, but his signature cocktail is the Cable Car, which he created for the Starlight Room in San Francisco. Now when you're hitting the hotel bar after a full day of sightseeing, you'll have more exciting options than a G & T or the house red. Cheers! … [Read more...]
North Beach Voted Best Place to Discover Italy
October 29, 2007 By Leave a Comment
Photo uploaded by bitacoreta Recently we shared with you 5 ways to explore San Francisco's Asian-American heritage. Now we're uncovering another side of San Fran: North Beach, where intimate bistros and quaint coffee shops evoke the sights and smells of the Old World. USA Today recently listed North Beach as one of the top American "places to discover Italy," along with New York's Little Italy and Boston's North End. Local tastes of the City Tours offers a special North Beach tour that lets you savor the flavors of North Beach, from cannolis to cappuncinos to crepselle. Mangia Italiano! … [Read more...]
Cheap Eats in Maui
October 29, 2007 By 1 Comment
Photo uploaded by howie221 If you're a traveler on a budget who wants to get the most out of your Hawaiian experience, these local favorites for cheap eats are perfect for your trip! For breakfast... The Kihei Cafe is well-known for wallet-friendly meals and very large portions. Enjoy some banana and macadamia nut French toast with coconut syrup or a unique breakfast burrito. With a wonderful open-air setup, you can enjoy the sun while you eat. At Java Jazz & Soup Nutz, you can enjoy their wide range of coffee and espresso drinks as well as a Hawaiian style omelet with a signature smoothie! For lunch... As the New York Times raves, Aloha Mixed Plate is "paper plate meets million dollar views." Two scoops of rice and one scoop of macaroni salad are traditional plate partners with Kalua pig, Lomi Lomi salmon, or coconut prawns. If you want to fit in with the locals, this is the … [Read more...]
Hotel Guide to Oahu
October 29, 2007 By 1 Comment
Sheraton Waikiki Photo courtesy of Hotels.com Whether you’re traveling with your briefcase or with your three kids, we’ve got your bases covered on finding the right hotel in Oahu. For family... At the Sheraton Waikiki, families can have a fabulous Hawaiian experience with activities to please everyone. There are nightly pool parties for the whole family, involving activities ranging from a Hula Night to Ukulele and Tahitian nights. Also be sure to check out the Diamond Head Crater Hike, the Hawaiian Ocean's Outrigger Canoe Ride, and Hawaiian Ocean's Surf Lessons! For romance... Known as the "Pink Palace of the Pacific," The Royal Hawaiian takes couples back to the romance of a bygone era. Spend your day lounging on the beach right outside your door and top it off with a visit to the Abhasa Waikiki Spa where you can rejuvenate your body and spirit. There's also an oceanfront luau … [Read more...]
Welcome to My Neighborhood!
October 29, 2007 By Leave a Comment
Jamie meets Spike, mascot of Spike's Hot Dogs! As a new resident of Cambridge/Somerville, I love exploring the neighborhood in my spare time. This time of the year is perfect for taking long walks, making time for tea, and enjoying all the autumnal scents and stunning foliage. I simply love living in a place where there's always something to do and it's no more than a walk away. I hope you enjoy these highlights of my life on the Red line! Proclaimed a "fiercely independent" bookstore, Porter Square Books is a great local spot with tons of personality. The shop is small, but brimming with an eclectic selection, including wonderful "staff picks" sections and impressively obscure literary magazines. Grab a spot of tea and a vietnamese spring roll and cozy into a seat for one of their weekly readings. The upcoming reading schedule can be found on the events calendar. Ready for a hot … [Read more...]
A Busy Off-Season for the Orlando Magic
October 29, 2007 By Leave a Comment
Photo uploaded by Doug L. Just a few hours after the Orlando Magic thought they had their coach and GM of the future, he decided to return where many of us wish we could (at least for a couple of fun filled nights)... college. After much drama, Billy Donovan opted to return to the University of Florida prompting the Magic to hire former Miami Heat coach Stan Van Gundy. The Magic did sign arguable the best available free agent in Rashard Lewis who spent the past xx season with the Seattle Supersonics averaging a career high 22.4 points and 6.6 rebounds. Lewis should be the perfect compliment to emerging superstar center Dwight Howard who led the team last season in scoring, rebounding and blocks. Dwight Howard is 21 years young and the cornerstone of this team. Plain and simple: the Magic go as he goes. Gone will be the long time face of the Magic and oft injured Grant Hill who is … [Read more...]
Lights, Camera… and the Asheville Film Festival!
October 29, 2007 By Leave a Comment
Asheville will get a taste of Hollywood November 8-11 with the Asheville Film Festival. Last year the festival attracted over 8,000 people and over a quarter of them were visitors. Here's a sneak peak at the 2007 festival: This year's festival features 93 films (14 of which were shot or produced in Western North Carolina). The Savages starring Laura Linney and Phillip Seymour Hoffman is this year's opening film. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly in French and English concludes the festival. Over the four day festival, movie pros will offer 12 professional development seminars including new technology from Apple. Academy award nominee Tess Harper will receive the festival's Career Achievement Award. Tickets to individual screenings are $7 in advance, $8 at the door (or buy a "Cinemtic 6-Pack" for $39). Click here for ticket information. … [Read more...]
Spa Experience at Grand Central Terminal
October 29, 2007 By Leave a Comment
Once again, newyorkology has tipped us off about a cool event happening in the Big Apple. Beginning on Wednesday, October 31, Spa Finder will descend on New York City's Grand Central Terminal for four days of free pampering, primping, and sampling of spa cuisine. The Spa Experience will include mini-treatments for the weary traveler, free samples from several exhibitors, discounts at stores in Grand Central Terminal, AND the chance to win one of several spa package getaways! While in Midtown, you might also visit the New York Public Library, NBC Studios, and Rockefeller Center. … [Read more...]
Fire Update for 10/26/2007
October 26, 2007 By Leave a Comment
California sunset Photo by Carrie T. As of Thursday, October 25, the California wildfires are slowing down and, fortunately, many are already contained. There are still plenty of places in the region that have not been affected at all. Most of the fires in Los Angeles have already been contained, and since the fires are northeast of most towns in LA, tourists can still enjoy the main tourist areas such as Long Beach, San Pedro, Manhattan Beach, Venice Beach, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Downtown, and even Santa Monica without any problems. It’s actually a beautiful day today in Los Angeles. Since thousands of Californians have been evacuated and many have lost their homes, help is needed to rebuild communities in Southern California. You can volunteer or donate money through the American Red Cross. Of course, another way to help rebuild the region is to plan a vacation in Southern … [Read more...]
Fire Update for 10/26/2007
October 26, 2007 By Leave a Comment
California sunset Photo by Carrie Tayloe As of yesterday, the wildfires are slowing down and many are already fully contained. There are still plenty of places to go in this area that have not been affected at all. In San Diego, tourists can still go sightseeing throughout the waterfront, Pacific Beach, and La Jolla. The air quality can be poor at times so if you are planning to visit this weekend, you might want to plan to stay indoors for a decent amount of the time. Throughout Southern California, the winds constantly shift throughout the day, but typically at worst there is haze and a very dry heat. The temperature has dropped considerably, and in addition the Santa Ana winds have died down, so things are already much better! Many people have expressed an interest in volunteering to help. If you live close by, you can volunteer through the American Red Cross. If you are not … [Read more...]
