Thom Meintel 
A steep winding climb from the town square of Oia leads to the magic of Skala, hugging the sea in this tiny village on the island of Santorini. Verticality is part and parcel to this island where hotels and restaurants seem poised to fall into the ocean. Not Skala. The … Read more
Of the many restaurants that line the main drag of Santorini’s famous town of Fira in the Greek islands, Sphinx stands out. The flamingo pink color of the entire restaurant which is situated on numerous levels leading down to the sea, each one different from the other, is unmistakable. Pink … Read more
Vinsanto, the restaurant at the Vedema Resort, knows a thing or two about making an entrance. Housed in a former 19th century winery, it’s (hands down) a world away from anything else on the island. Situated in the tiny town of Megalohori, 15 minutes’ drive from Fira on the island … Read more
The music at the pool bar is in a deep eighties groove. From David Bowie to the Thompson Twins, Alpha Ville to Bananarama, the sounds of the era of excess are taking center stage at the Aressana Hotel’s pool, that is, along with a gurgling waterfall and the occasional clink … Read more
Wow, talk about an entrance. After a breathtaking drive over the Rickenbacker Causeway out of Miami to Key Biscayne, the landmarked Rusty Pelican creates big drama. Like most restaurants hugging the water, the approach sets up expectations for a true waterfront dining experience. As one of the Florida Keys … Read more
EDGE, Steak & Bar @ The Four Seasons Hotel A Zen waterfall greets you as you pull into Miami’s Four Seasons Hotel. It’s a welcoming touch … water soothes the body and the soul especially in a tropical destination like this. Past a massive female sculpture by Bottero that leads … Read more
It was almost summer in Finland and our plan was to spend the longest day of the year in Helsinki. The line from Great Gatsby flashed in my mind when Daisy plaintively asks Jordan and Nick, “What shall we do on the longest day of the year?” Take my word … Read more
A lilting riff on a grand piano greets the lucky guests that enter the temple of design and culinary excellence that is Savoy. Clearly a place where deals are made and hearts are won, Savoy is one of those experiences that’s talked about. Perched on the 8th floor of … Read more
Stepping into Sky Ounasvaara, it was crystal clear that the International Style had an impact on Finland. Even a Lapland hotel set deep within the woods, high on a hill overlooking Rovaniemi, Lapland’s capital, had bought into the architectural movement which epitomizes Modernism in a big way. It was … Read more
Chez Dominique A two star Michelin rating is a big deal in any country but in Finland it’s even bigger. It’s understandable that thoughts run toward France and the UK as far as award-winning cuisine, but who knew that Finland had ante-d up? I found out when I stepped foot … Read more
Settle in on a cushy banquette at DohYO with a mango-ginger martini at arms length and study the playful murals that invite diners to experience the joyful energy at this one of a kind hotel restaurant. It’s 10 p.m. and the place is buzzing with the who’s who visiting New … Read more
This is a test excerpt to see how it works. Also to determine what it looks like in the widgets.
… More about Rome in Winter
Hotel Mediterraneo Let’s start with the view. In the glass enclosed dining room and on the flowered terrace of La Terrazza, the Roof Garden on the top floor of the Hotel Mediterraneo, you’re treated to a sweeping panorama of all of Rome. Not a city where skyscrapers are the norm, … Read more
If you crave being in the vortex of the SoBe (South Beach) scene when you’re weekending in Miami, then head to Quattro. Don’t even think about what came primero (first), segundo (second) and terzo (third), Quattro, although 4th in name should be first in mind. Quattro, the restaurant of “gastronomia … Read more
Few hotel lobbies have the theatricality of Morris Lapidus’ Eden Roc in Miami Beach. Upon entering the eye instantaneously meets a stage set for drama. A sheer curtained circular bar is the nucleus of the scene surrounded by undulating elliptical columns and softly lit by a galactic chandelier and sexy … Read more