Dining & Nightlife

A few weeks before the holidays I was introduced to Dig Inn, a market to table “fast food” restaurant that New Yorkers might categorize as a “work day lunch spot.” Having been a freelancer for a while now working from home, I’d kind of fallen out of the loop with lunch spots for office professionals and was eager to check it out.  As it turns out, Dig Inn is the reincarnation of Pump Energy Food, a lunch joint that I did used to frequent while I was working an office job.  Pump was originally created for the New Yorker that craved healthy and nutrient rich foods- but the flip side was that it actually had that healthy (no butter, low sodium etc)  taste.  Dig Inn also serves healthy fare- but with the philosophy that being healthy doesn’t mean depriving yourself- but rather eating dishes prepared with fresh, high quality, wholesome ingredients and making smart choices.  In other words, the food at Dig Inn taste delicious but are still made with a conscious effort to be good for you.

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Everyone’s been asking, “What are you doing New Year’s Eve?” Well, chances are I’m going to ring in 2012 at my favorite haunt of late: Bodega Hollywood. It’s one of the few stylish spots in the heart of Hollywood that will have no reservations, no dress code, no insane prices and no obnoxious clientele. Instead, it will have a DJ and a complimentary midnight round of champagne (yay).

Not your average wine bar, Bodega Hollywood is one of the few places in the area that successfully combines an uptown look (think The Standard) with a downtown vibe (your friend’s loft apartment). Two blocks south of the W, it’s a place where you can sip one of 12 reds or whites on the menu and groove to the sounds of Radiohead’s Reckoner while Sixteen Candles is silently projected on a wall in the background. (more…)

Most travelers to Portugal no doubt have Lisbon on their list of must-visit cities. But it’s actually in Lisbon’s outskirts that lies the real gem of the country. Sintra, located just forty minutes or so away, has long been the summer and vacation destination of centuries of Portugal’s monarchs- and for good reason. Nestled between the Sintra Mountains and the Atlantic Coast, this colorful city- also a UNESCO World Heritage site- boasts a charming downtown and centuries of rich culture and history all set amongst a lush natural setting. And it’s this jewel that Penha Longa Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort calls home.

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Last night, I caught a glimpse of the always-gorgeous Jamie-Lynn Sigler with Joe Jonas, as well as Dominic Monaghan, while sipping champagne at the ultra-chic, intimate Sayers Club in Hollywood. The occasion: a private celebration of the GQ November music issue and the new GUESS online miniseries with the fashionable, Brooklyn-hip-hop-style-inspired Theophilus London, who gave a special live performance. Also in attendance were TV stars and hosts galore, such as 90210′s Shenae Grimes, and of course GQ Luxury Advertising Director Brendan Coolidge Monaghan.

Check out the miniseries exclusively on the GUESS Facebook page. And thanks to GUESS for inviting us to this amazing event!

Much like people, certain cities have an indescribable indie cool-factor.  Austin, Texas is one of those cities, with serious street cred for the live music scene, its fervent support for local artists, friendliness, and laidback vibe. Mention Austin to anyone and inevitably the response will be, ‘OMG, I LOVE that city!!’ or ‘Is that where Friday Nights Lights is filmed?’ The answer is yes, and clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose. I took the opportunity to form my own opinion  for New Year’s, trading NYC and its overpriced, crowded, cold bars for breezy Spring temps in the midst of January, let’s-just-have fun demeanor, and uniqueness.  I wish I had gone for South by Southwest, but there’s always Austin City Limits! Below, some of my favorites from checking out the town: (more…)

San Francisco is one of the best dining cities in the country so almost every time I visit, I’m always looking for a new place to try. While there are new trends and restaurants constantly opening in the city, I think there’s something to be said for a true classic- an oldie but goodie. That’s why during my last trip, I made a point to visit One Market, a Michellan starred restaurant located at one of the most recognizable addresses at the top of the San Francisco Embarcadero. (more…)

Tucked away in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen, the Ember Room is my answer to the inevitable question asked of NYC residents by non-NYC dwellers: “I’m going to see (insert name of show) tonight, where should I go eat pre/post dinner?” With its clubby atmosphere, sleek décor, and smooth pan-Asian/fusion menu created by celebrity chefs Todd English and Ian Chalermkittichai (of Kittichai fame), it’s a great way to give your guests the experience of a chic, Meatpacking-ish restaurant without having to venture all the way to 12th avenue.

I’d request to sit upstairs, where you can gaze at the hundreds of shiny, brass Chinese temple bells hanging from the ceiling as you sip on Asian-inspired cocktails and tease your appetite with starters like the Thai Pastrami meatballs–a slightly sweeter take on the traditional salty beef meatball with a tamarind glaze, coconut and dash of thick yellow, Chinese mustard. (more…)

Big Sur, California is one of the most amazing, awe inspiring places I’ve ever been to and a must visit for anyone traveling to San Francisco, Los Angeles or anywhere in between.  I’ve been meaning to visit ever since my best friend from college did the drive down Highway 1 years ago- so when I was in California earlier this year, I decided to plan my entire trip around the same route. At the advice of one of my friends, I decided to check out Ventana Inn & Spa, an iconic property located right above the waters of Big Sur.

In so many ways, I feel that Ventana Inn embodies the rugged, organic grandeur of the town in which it resides. There is a certain authenticity to the property- from the way the buildings coexists with nature, to the genuine love of the area that their employees have, to the local ingredients used not only in their dinner menu but also in their spa menu, to the overall ambiance of wellness and peace.  There is nothing engineered or over the top about this place- but rather a resort that is truly in line with their motto- the essence of Big Sur. (more…)

It’s really difficult for me to pick a favorite Ritz-Carlton property as I’ve had such a spectacular experience at every one I’ve visited, but if I had to call one out for being exceptionally amazing- it would have to be the Ritz-Carlton at Powerscourt in Ireland. Nestled among the lush gardens and rolling hills of Powerscourt Estate just 30 minutes south of Dublin, The Ritz-Carlton provides the ideal setting for visitors who want to immerse themselves in the romance of Ireland. Having long been a Ritz-Carlton fan, I decided to check in, and check out, the hotel when I was in Ireland last month. (more…)

The Fairmont Peace Hotel, located at the prestigious junction of Nanjing East Rd and The Bund in Shanghai was one of the most unique properties I’ve ever visited. Walking inside immediately transports you to the city’s most glamorous decades- the 1920s, 30s, and 40s where lavish galas were hosted almost every night at the hotel. The Peace Hotel recently underwent an extensive renovation before reopening in 2010 under the Fairmont brand. The renovations preserved much of the authentic charm of the original property, while incorporating modern touches and conveniences.  As someone who has always been very attracted to Shanghai’s old school glamour, I decided that the Peace hotel was a must visit! (more…)