I’ve sipped the Frrrrrozen Hot Chocolate for $8.50 at Serendipity 3, a restaurant and kitschy gift shop in Manhattan. I’ve perused their menu and noticed the Outrageous Banana Split for $20, the Caviar and Sour Cream Omelette for $14 and the Caviar Burger for $17.50. But their Golden Opulence Sundae, priced at $1,000, is in…
Famous for its quality wines and exquisite chateaux the lack of tourist activities and luxury accommodation is all set to change. Billionaire Bernard Magrez a Bordeaux wine producer said “Not enough is done at the very top end of the tourist market.” So he’s opening his own tour agency. From September luxury short stays in…
When we were in London last December, we were mildly shocked at having to pay about US$7 for a cup of coffee at Starbucks. After all, we’d been there in 2004, too, and already had experienced sticker shock. But after reading the latest story from Forbes Traveler entitled “World’s most expensive cup of coffee,” my…
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. recently announced that its renowned and ultra luxury St. Regis brand will be added to the rapidly growing city of Dubai. Scheduled to open in 2012, The St. Regis Dubai and The Residences at The St. Regis Dubai will introduce an unrivaled dimension of luxury and service at one…
These new and quirky finger food rings will be the talking point of your Cheese and Wine or Champagne and Strawberry soiree. The one size fits all rings are ideal for small hors d’ouevres. Not ideal for the hand gesturing individuals but no more balancing a glass and plate while trying to talk on the…
Last December when I was in Roma, one Euro was the equivalent of $1.45 in my US dollars. Today, it’s worse — about $1.58 — which is excessive sticker shock to traveling Americanswho are also paying higher airfares and fuel charges. So one hotel company with 41 properties is running a new promotion to ease…
If you’ve never visited a Prada Store, don’t dare call yourself a luxury shopper. We toured their store on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills last year. It’s part modern art museum, part boutique, and all Italian style. Now, Prada has opened its luxury retail store in a stylish building honored by the American Institute of…
To call this a typical restaurant opening would be like saying American Idol is just a talent show. Both are phenomenon’s that defy description. American Idol garners more votes than a presidential election, and I can’t recall being this excited about a meal since my first dinner at Chez Panisse, 25 years ago. I was…
Before the 1970’s cava was known as Spanish Champagne, that was before the E.U ruled that only wine produced in that specific area of Champagne in France could go by the name. It all started in the 1870’s, with a healthy intention of producing a sparkling wine to rival the French champagne but grown on…
If you’re looking for a place that sells some top notch wine & liquor, while offering the kind of personal service that is rather rare these days…look no further than Aligra Wine & Spirits. This fall they are also offering a luxurious trip to Chile & Argentina. 1. What interested you in having your own…
As a native-born son, I enjoy walking around the different neighborhoods of San Francisco with 40 hills and bay views. Each has its own personality. But I’m not the only one who loves the streets of this city. The city is the most “walkable” in the nation, according to rankings released by WalkScore.com, a service…
Riverdene Lodge, is situated at the world renowned Shamwari Private Game Reserve near Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa. It has been voted the best game reserve in South Africa for ten consecutive years. Riverdene Lodge provides a resort for families, with its newly renovated accommodation and its educational activities for children. By mid-July 2008,…