Dining & Nightlife

Campy? Yes. Forced? At times. Entertaining? You bet.

Recently, I got a sneak peek of “Burlesque,” courtesy of Sebastian Professional, the official hair product used in the movie. (Plug: See the beautiful limited-edition box set below.) Sebastian Professional Re-Shaper is my favorite heavy-duty hairspray, so of course, I had to see what they did with the hair in the movie … asap.

I hate to have gone into the theater with low expectations, but frankly, the track record for these star-driven vehicles is not exactly well, stellar. (Remember “Crossroads” and “Butterfly”?) Surprisingly, with Christina Aguilera’s voice as the true star of the movie, I managed to ignore the film’s flaws — mostly rushed, unrealistic scenes or bits of dialogue, although there were some really witty lines and touching moments in there, too — as I anticipated her next song-and-dance number. I mean, imagine having a front-row seat and a zoom lens during a Christina Aguilera concert, complete with multiple wardrobe and hairstyle changes, and flawless makeup … priceless, right? (more…)

Perched right over the water on Newport’s Easton Beach, The Chanler at Cliff Walk, a warm and luxurious boutique hotel, gives travelers a reason to visit the city all year round.  In fact, for some, like myself, The Chanler is in itself the destination- a magnificent chateau that embodies all the history and graces of Newport, Rhode Island. Originally built in the 1860s as the summer mansion of New York Congressman John Winthrop Chanler and his wife Margaret Astor Ward (of the Astor fame), the home served as the socialite couple’s entertaining hub for almost 50 years, welcoming noteworthy guests such as poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and president Theodore Roosevelt. Since leaving the Chanler family, the mansion has served a multitude of purposes from being a girls school to housing Navel officers. In it’s latest reincarnation, the mansion underwent an extensive renovation and reopened in 2003 as the preeminent hotel property in Newport. And outstanding it is- The Chanler was ranked first this year in Conde Nast Traveler’s Reader Choice Awards in the “United States Small Hotel Category” and and number 54 in “Top 100 Properties in the World.”

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A few weeks ago in San Diego, I had the chance to eat at Grant Grill- the fine dining restaurant of the US Grant Hotel and I loved it!  The venue is  beautiful in a Mad Men-esque, 1950s glamour way- so much that San Diego Magazine described it as a place Audrey Hepburn would be seen. I’m still working on a full review of the restaurant but couldn’t not let all the San Diegans and visitors know about their special menu tonight to celebrate the centennial of the iconic hotel.  Starting from 7:10pm onwards, cocktails that are regularly $12, are now only $1.91 and we’ve got the preview menu above to show you!

So be sure to channel your inner Holly Golightly and raise a glass to the US Grant tonight!

A couple months ago my boyfriend, a former resident of San Francisco, took me to some of his favorite places in the city and surrounding areas.  Despite having traveled to SF a few times, I always find new favorite discoveries every time I visit.  This time, it was even better having a (once) local show me the non-touristy spots. (more…)

There are few things more refreshing after a long flight than to walk into a luxurious hotel suite that feels like it could be home. Well, that is, if my home were a swanky pad furnished with custom Italian furniture, floor-to-ceiling stone wall spa bathrooms, Brazilian walnut hardwood floors, and the most luxurious bed adorned with fine linens and down pillows. That’s how I felt last Friday night- as if I had walked into a chic dream apartment, when I checked into the Sè San Diego after a six hour flight from New York City.

Located right in the heart of downtown, the Sè San Diego is just a few minutes away from the airport and within walking distance to most of the city’s attractions, restaurants, clubs and shops.  The building is rather unassuming on the outside, but the moment you walk through the 9000 lb bronze pivot door, you’re transported into a luxurious world of art, design, comfort and decadence. If I were to pick one word to describe the hotel it would be sensual- as the entire experience is designed to envelope all five senses. (more…)

In all the years I lived in Seattle and on all my subsequent trips, I always thought that the city was getting younger, trendier, and less “sleepy.” Certainly in the past few years as more and more young professionals, taste makers, and trend setters have moved to Seattle, I feel like I’ve watched the city evolve to keep up with the demand to stay fresh and sophisticated. On my recent visit, I decided to check out (and check into) Hotel 1000, a relatively new boutique hotel, that to me, really embodied the newer, younger, Seattle- sleek and modern ambiance meets luxurious and uncompromising service. (more…)

Editor’s Note:  Starting this month, we’re bringing you a new feature series which will highlight some of our favorite place in our own cities or cities we travel to.  We’re kicking off August with TDO Editor Carolyn’s current obsessions in New York City. Hope you enjoy and let us know what you think! (more…)

Usually when one thinks of San Francisco- there are certain must-visit attractions that come to mind- The Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghirardelli Square, Palace of Fine Arts Theater- just to name a few.  A few weeks ago on my most recent trip to the city, I discovered, while spotting tour groups walking through my hotel lobby, that the Fairmont San Francisco also makes the list, and deservingly so! Situated atop the beautiful Nob Hill, the Fairmont is one of the city’s landmark hotels and a true local icon.  It’s deeply steeped in history- both as the original Fairmont Hotel- and as a historic building in the city of San Francisco. (more…)

Every summer I inevitably find myself spending some weekends “out east” (in Manhattan vernacular) or heading to the Hamptons, an idyllic consortium of towns located on the eastern tip of Long Island and a popular hangout for young professionals to socialites. Some people go for the “scene” bar-hopping, party-going, bash-throwing, while others go simply go to get away.  Earlier this summer, I spent a long weekend out in Southampton for the latter reason, a little trip to rejuvenate me after months and months in the city.

While I’ve spent multiple summers before in Southampton, it’s always been at a friend’s house or a summer share, which isn’t exactly conducive to relaxing. So this time, I checked into the Southampton Inn, a casual chic inn located just around the corner from downtown Southampton, and a free shuttle away from Cooper’s Beach. Nestled on five acres of manicured lawns, the Inn houses 90 simple but spacious and charming rooms, a new pool and OSO, the property’s first restaurant. The country style décor exudes laid back Hamptons charm and the friendly staff helps you feel at home right away. What I love about this place is that the inn is completely unassuming and unpretentious, a welcome relief amongst the typical Hamptons scene. That’s not to say, however, that the inn doesn’t provide top of the line amenities.  Each room is equipped with Gilchrist & Soames toiletries and super comfortable Tempur Pedic® mattresses. In fact, the Inn’s balance of privacy and luxury makes it the lodging of choice for a number of celebrity clients every summer and the stylish grounds made it the location for the filming of upcoming Kate Hudson movie, Something Borrowed. (more…)