Philadelphia

Philadelphia, Cradle of Cool

Fiercely proud of its starring role as the birthplace of the U.S., Philadelphia, long lauded for its historical significance, is practically a cultural goldmine.  Forget that Rocky famously put it on the map years ago running through its gritty Italian market and up the Art Museum steps. Today, the Mummers … Read more

Hotel Monaco, Kimpton’s Surprise

Put your sunglasses on before entering the Hotel Monaco.  Or better yet, take them off.  A rainbow of hues greets you in the lobby – powder pink and sky blue then orange, fuchsia, aqua, rose, deep yellow and magenta, all popping off white paneling, black furnishings, emerald green drapery and … Read more

A Literature Buff’s Travel Guide

Whether you’re an aspiring writer or just a fan of great writing, there’s something fascinating about traveling to places that shaped literature as we know it. Sometimes it’s fun to experience the world the way your favorite author intended so check out one of these five destinations overflowing with literary … Read more

Who’s That Shrink in the Kitchen?

It’s no secret that food culture is now practically synonymous with entertainment, as cooking channels with their celebrity chefs are becoming a part of pop culture. People love the drama and energy of a kitchen and the personalities working within them. Entertainment aside, though, working in the restaurant industry requires … Read more

The Ritz Carlton Spa, Key Biscayne

Warm coral walls accented by soothing sand beige drapes are immediate eye candy as the scent of mango candles and the sound of a soothing water wall almost put you in a trance at the entrance to the Ritz Carlton Spa on Key Biscayne, Florida.  Every detail here has been … Read more

Bangkok

Bangkok, A Foodie’s Paradise!

I was reluctant to visit Thailand thanks to its reputation as a haven for sexpats – old geezers with their drooping, chicken skin arms around the shoulders of girls and boys forty years younger.  But when I realized how much I loved the spices of Southeast Asia, and legitimate massages, I … Read more

Weekends Away from the City

Weekends Away from the City!

While residing in one of America’s five most populous cities certainly has its rewards (museums, shopping, entertainment, and awesome food), space to spread out is not one of them. For the cost of a three bedroom home on Long Island, NY, you’d barely net a decent studio apartment in downtown … Read more

Setai Grill, Miami Beach, Florida

The Setai brand is known for turning heads when it comes to hospitality and in that sense singlehandedly brought a sense of refinement when they arrived on Miami’s South Beach scene some 10 years ago. One of the last of a series of new construction projects along the famous white … Read more

Izakaya, Atlantic City, New Jersey

The Squire says, “You gotta Borgata!” Izakaya, a modern Japanese pub, has definitely redefined Atlantic City’s dining scene.  Inspired by his time living in Japan, Chef Michael Schulson’s first restaurant endeavor, offers guests a unique combination of Japanese cuisine and a dynamic social scene. “Opening my first restaurant at Borgata was a natural decision for … Read more

MC Kitchen, Miami

It took a few twists and turns for the Miami Design District to become the white hot neighborhood it is now, boasting high end home furnishings showrooms like Fendi Casa and Luminaire as well as the likes of Cartier and Louis Vuitton. However, the dining landscape in the past had … Read more

Israel’s Miraculous Galilee

Israel’s Miraculous Galilee

Mention “Galilee,” and, for many, miraculous tales of Jesus Christ and his disciples come to mind.   But this legendary destination, about two hours’ drive north of Tel Aviv, is also where Jewish “Men of Deeds” performed miracles in ancient Roman times, and where rabbis developed the Kabbalah, a branch of … Read more

Valentine’s 2013: Escape for the Weekend

Still stuck in that flowers and chocolate routine for Valentine’s Day? This year February 14th falls on a Thursday so instead of rolling with the crowd, get away from it. There’s no excuse not to take off Friday and whisk your sweetie away on a weekend adventure he or she … Read more

What’s In Your Bag? Travel Essentials

We don’t know about you but here in New York City the cold weather has us dreaming about spring break and summer vacations. Let’s face it; we should all get outa’ town and head straight for Key West or catch a flight to some dreamy warm destination. How about Trinidad … Read more

Norway Celebrates Munch with a Scream

Ever wonder what made the man in Edvard Munch’s painting, The Scream, scream? On the 150th anniversary of the artist’s birth this year, Visit Norway thinks they’ve found the answer: Norway itself!  This February marks the start of Norway’s official Munch Year, and to celebrate, Visit Norway is releasing a … Read more

Artful Baking in Miami

Rain is pounding the parked cars while the wind rips through the tall palm trees lining scenic South Pointe Drive. Their ominous swaying in the gutsy breeze becomes a riveting scene for the few folks brave enough to be out on this awful day.  A pick-up truck with protruding surfboards … Read more