In March 2017, Guerlain Spa relocated from the Waldorf Astoria to the Plaza hotel in New York City. Just a few weeks after relocation, I booked a facial for an afternoon pick-me up spa treatment and to check out the newly open location.
Continue reading “Guerlain Spa Review at the Plaza Hotel New York City”
Tag: fine dining
Exploring the Champagne Region of France
Champagne is my go-to beverage for celebrations, Sunday brunch, a quiet night in, and every other occasion that I can think of.
In February 2002 I spent a week in Reims, France to explore part of the Champagne region. The main purpose of my visit was to enjoy as many varies of Champagne as I could! I called to reserve my cellar tours (before online reservations), booked my hotel (through a travel agent), and rode the TGV train from Paris Gare de l’East to Reims. My hotel was a short walk from the train station, and I stopped at a local café for dinner and pastry.
Between Champagne tastings and cellar tours, I managed to visit the Palais du Tau and nearby cathedral of Notre-Dame de Reims. I walked to most places with the occasional taxi ride. Exploring the city as a solo female traveler was easy and safe.
The down side of travelling solo all those years ago (before smart phone with built in cameras) is that I have a fuzzy memory and very few, poor quality photos. Admittedly, the photos were made even worse by the massive amounts of Champagne consumed during operation.
My friend Lisa recently went to the Champagne region, and was kind enough to share her experience and photos.
During a recent trip to Europe to visit family, my husband and I snuck away to France for just a couple of days. We thought about visiting Paris, but then I ruled against it… I wanted to go to the Champagne region instead.
St Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico Review
The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is the only Five Diamond resort property on the island of Puerto Rico. And that is exactly what I had in mind for a luxury getaway break.
I have been to the St. Regis Bahia resort Spa several times, but this was our first overnight stay at the property. I booked a 4 day, 3 night reservation over Thanksgiving weekend, which also happens to be our Anniversary. November is still considered off-peak for tourist season, which officially kicks off mid-December through April.
One (Little Piggy Goes to) Market, San Francisco
Recently, my friend Jack was travelling for work and asked for restaurant recommendations in San Francisco. Years ago, I spent considerable time there for work. Based on the location of his hotel and the style food that he likes, I recommended One Market for a short walk and delicious dinner. Here is Jack’s review of One Market. Enjoy!
I arrived at One Market in the Embarcadero District of downtown San Francisco at 6:45pm on a Thursday night and asked the hostess for a table for one. She looked me up and down — fat man dining alone. “I think we can squeeze you in, sir.”
I’d hoped for a half bottle of rose, but nobody ever sells rose in a half bottle. I compromised and ordered a full bottle of 2014 Archery Summit Pinot Noir Rose from the Williamette Valley. The color was almost ruby, with a full bodied (for a rose), dried fruit taste. There was nothing sweet about this rose, and at that moment, I resigned myself to drinking the whole bottle.
The food menu was somewhat limited, with starters capturing my attention far more than entrees. Of particular interest in the starters column were thinly sliced lamb tongue, a pan seared foie graas, grilled octopus, and ocean trout. My waiter recommended the ocean trout with an enthusiasm that indicated that the item was either fantastic, or on its last day in the walk-in. I decided to order the lamb tongue, grilled octopus, and ocean trout, foregoing the foie graas as I was unsure of the penalty for consuming it in the State of California. The last thing I need is to be part of some weird televised foodie sting.
The amuse bouche was a new potato puck topped with domestic monkfish caviar. Whatever. I was not all that amused. Continue reading “One (Little Piggy Goes to) Market, San Francisco”
The Breadfruit Restaurant Review | Caribbean Dining in Central Phoenix
Downtown Phoenix is home to the Breadfruit & Rum bar, a little spot for Jamaican cuisine and beverages. Walking distance, or a short pedi-cab ride, from the Phoenix Symphony, the Orpheum Theater, and downtown Phoenix attractions.
Each dining experience at the Breadfruit is better than the last visit.
Continue reading “The Breadfruit Restaurant Review | Caribbean Dining in Central Phoenix”