Wine and Spirits Travel

As I prepare to leave for Champagne on Air France (who is offering some great fares right now), I just wanted to take a moment to ask you to visit my sponsors when possible.  Like everyone else, I need to make a living and money from this blog goes into my ability to write more blog posts.  I wouldn't ask anyone to do anything I wouldn't so I'm trying to fill with sponsors that are worthy and useful to me and, hopefully, to my readers... I love to order trial size products before a trip from Minimus .  They will even deliver (free of charge with a $20 purchase) so you can have all your items waitng for you at your hotel; If you do any shopping online, Mr. Rebate is a must. Not only do you get cash back on purchases, but most of the places (and he's got just about every store on there) also offer coupons for free shipping and discounts; Travel Smith has great clothes that stay wrinkle-free and are easily washed. You can also get some terrific bargains at their...

When you pull up to the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, it appears to be just another hotel in the Windy City.  The great location between the shops and museums of Michigan, close proximity to the theater district and Starbucks at the entrance certainly make it seem welcoming, but you can’t really get the full experience until you step into the lobby. I’ve been to beautiful places throughout the world and only a few have made me stop and go, “Wow.”  The Palmer House in Chicago is definitely one of those.  Even though the influence for this hotel came more from the French than the Italian, the lobby’s painted dome ceiling was nearly as beautiful as the Sistine Chapel and the décor reminded me quite a bit of the Rome Cavalieri Hilton . The lounge area, which includes a bar, was welcoming enough to be the home of conventions, weddings and other social events. The Palmer House Hilton is more than just a pretty place.  I had the pleasure of a delicious breakfast i...

I’ve wanted to go on a trip with my mom for awhile and was waiting for just the right opportunity to come along. That happened this weekend and it all began with dinner at Harry Caray’s Tavern on Navy Pier and a Desperate Housewives premiere party with hunky James Denton (a.k.a. Mike Delfino). It was my first trip to any Harry Caray’s so before the festivities even began we sampled some drinks and food.  The drink menu is extensive, including a large selection of beer and wine by the glass, as well as some signature cocktails.  We started with something sweet with Mom sipping Egon’s Ecto Cooler, a combination of Effen Black Cherry Vodka , Midori, Pineapple Juice, Crème de Cocoa and club soda that she said tasted like a bubbly fruit punch. I went for Levin’s Howling Wolf, a mix of Hpnotiq Liqueur , Malibu Rum and Pineapple Juice. The food menu at Harry Caray’s Tavern really has something for everyone, whether you are looking to snack or have a full meal.  We starte...

When I did my story on flavored vodka a few months ago, there were a few that arrived too late to be included.  I figured I’d give my readers (and myself) a little vodka break while I anxiously stared at two very different brands with unique offerings – Firefly and Van Gogh .  The day finally came when I sat down with the bottles and my daughter/photographer/favorite fellow taster.  Sam was more than willing to help me with the Firefly tastings.  She has been a fan of the brand since 2008, when Jim Irvin and Scott Newitt decided to combine their love of Sweet Tea and vodka into a spirit like none other.  It all started in South Carolina, where it is still made today. I’m not exactly sure why I never did end up in front of a glass (I do like Sweet Tea and, obviously, vodka), but when I was contacted by their PR rep asking if I wanted some samples, I couldn’t say yes fast enough. The Van Gogh story and flavors are very different.  The vodka is produce...

While I was in New York City for Taste of Tennis , a yearly charity event that features top chefs and top players, I had the pleasure of spending a night at the Hotel Elysée .   It was my first experience at an HK Hotel , a chain of boutique properties in Manhattan that consistently receive the top ratings on Trip Advisor . Hotel Elysée was a perfect preview of my upcoming trip to France.  Everything about the hotel, including the dedication to artwork, flowers, food and drink, screams European.  My room, full of quaint furniture, had a beautiful balcony.  If I didn't let my eyes wonder past the cute table and chairs to the Manhattan skyline, I could have easily believed I was in Paris! Beyond the rooms and the attentive staff, you will find special touches at the Hotel Elysée that I’ve never seen offered without extra charge at a hotel in New York City.  For example, the high speed internet is free of cost.  Guests are given a complimentary even...

After a preview tasting of some of the new offerings and more than two weeks of eating many other items, I think I’m well-qualified to talk about what there is to eat and drink at the U.S. Open . I know it’s supposed to be about the biggest sporting event in the United States, and you will never get me to say tennis isn’t important, but attending the U.S. Open is about the entire experience.  The experience here is about “cooks” like Executive Chef Mike Lockard, Spiaggia Chef Tony Mantuano, Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, Border Grill Chef Susan Feniger, Carmen the Restaurant Chef Carmen Gonzalez, RM Seafood Chef Rick Moonen and New York’s infamous Jonathan Waxman, winner of the 2010 US Open Master Chef Charity Competition. The new chefs and additional offerings by Levy Restaurants have transferred into some great dishes.  The South Plaza Café, which still offers the great Panini’s, now also has an assortment of other menu items.  I hear (I’m allergic so I didn’t try it)...