The newest Ritz-Carlton, Moscow lies at the edge of the famed Red Square — site of countless coronations, conflicts and celebration — is now ready to show off its $350 million face-lift. Granted the rooms look gorgeous… and well they should since prices start at $1,000 per night. But the real reason I want to…
After what seems like years of hammering, pile driving and stopping traffic, Barneys New York opened today in San Francisco’s most famous shopping area, Union Square. It takes over the iconic I. Magnin Builiding at 48 Stockton Street, one block from the Powell Street Cable Car, with 60,000 square feet over six floors. Barneys New…
Introducing Hovercraft, the latest in lightweight luggage by Eagle Creek Rolling Underseat Tote. It has a wide U-shaped opening, side pockets, an organizer panel for boarding pass, mobile phone and portable electronics, and a slip strap for easy transport on top of larger bags. It’s designed to fit perfectly under most airplane seats and has…
Fed up with security lines that crawl? Tired of missing flights because you’re still stuck in line? Would you even pay a extra to eliminate the hassles? Meet a new site — FlyClear.com — that promises you can “Fly Through Airport Security” faster and with less hassle. You’ll enjoy a more consistent and stress-free airport…
There are dozens of city dining guides for restaurants. The best-known is Zagat’s for major cities. Now, Hungry? is publishing city guides for Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, and now, San Francisco. I’m proud to be a contributor to the latter for a number of restaurants in Marin County, north of the Golden Gate…
Since I have already made MY reservations, I will now reveal an incredible Spa Happening! If you haven’t participated in Spa Week before, you are in for a Major Treat! I wouldn’t miss this for the world, and now that it’s gone nationwide, I can take advantage of it wherever I might end up. It…
We were in Newport Beach about two months ago to take a tour of “The Breakers,” The Vanderbilt Mansion, one of the most exquisite examples of turn of the 20th century architecture from the Gilded Age. It was so spectacular, it made you shake your head from side to side to marvel how these folks…
BOLD wines, BIG flavors, and an extremely talented new chef, whose skills and enthusiasm are BOUNDLESS! As a culinary tourism writer, I am often on the road scouting out new restaurants, chefs, wineries, markets — you name it. Which means that sometimes I miss out on the latest food happenings right here in San Francisco….
I’ve had the luxury of viewing Québec’s spectacular fall foliage in three different regions: Charlevoix, the Eastern Townships and most recently in the Outaouais. What, you’ve never heard of Outaouais? Pronounced ooo-tah-way, it’s located at the southwestern tip of Québec along the Ottawa River. I started my journey in Montreal, taking a two-hour train ride…
Several years ago I made my first visit to Sonoma County Wine Country. It was autumn, and it was beautiful. The crowds were gone, the leaves were turning and the temperatures were just right. This year, Wine Country Inns of Sonoma County have put together Experience the Harvest Adventures including fall menus, special winery tours,…
THE SET-UP: It’s hard to imagine a world before refrigerators or a time when explorers traveled with bone china in order to prepare four-course meals in remote destinations. In celebration of these expeditions, Redwood Creek Wines and The Explorers Club is launching The Culinary Revivals Tour, a national series of adventurous food and wine events…
The Joy of Sake´is the largest sake tasting event outside of Japan. Join them to taste 300 great sakes, including many labels not currently available in the US. Presented by Betelnut, Ebisui, Hana, Hime, Kiku of Tokyo, Kirala, Kyoya, Memphis Minnie’s Barbeque, Namu, Ozumo, Poleng Lounge, Roy’s, Sanraku, Sushi Ran, as well as Beau Timken…