Wine and Spirits Travel

I don’t usually write about hotels I haven’t been to, but when the Ritz Carlton PR rep approached me with New Year’s Specials and unique drinks at her hotels, I couldn’t resist passing the information along – especially since she’s sharing yummy cocktail recipes! Happy New Year, everyone! from the The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia Ten Arts by Eric Ripert “Green Tea White Chocolate Martini” Created by Steven Diaz 2 oz. green tea mint infused Godiva White 2 oz. vanilla vodka 1 oz. white crème de cocoa House made green tea mint simple syrup Swirl the green tea syrup and green tea mint infused Godiva White around a martini glass Add vanilla vodka and white crème de cocoa Garnish with a strip of white chocolate. from the The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington, D.C. Degrees Bar & Lounge “The Sparkling Melange” Created by Christine Moore Veuve Clicquot Champagne St Germain Elderflower liquer Mix and serve up in champagne flute. from the The Ritz-Carlton, Washington,...

Between my trips to far off locations like Punta Cana and Champagne , France, I often receive invitations to check out events and places within the two states I am in most – New York and Illinois.   What I didn’t imagine when I headed into New York City a few weeks ago was that I would really be heading into another worldwide adventure. I visited the Hotel Elysée a few months ago.  I loved it, but I didn’t get a chance to experience all it had to offer.  I was determined not to do the same at its sister property, Casablanca Hotel .  The Casablanca offers a whole different atmosphere than the Elysée, with a Moroccan flair and a more laid back feel.  It is literally a stone’s throw to Times Square, in fact, I probably walked by it 100 times in my life and didn’t realize all that was being offered inside.  They offer mini-suite rooms, with a separate living area, perfect for couples and families, but singles like us can also get two queen beds, with ...

My last morning in Mazatlan couldn’t have gone any better, with a relaxing room service breakfast at El Cid Castillo on the balcony overlooking the Pacific Ocean.  I was a bit concerned that the Midwest storms would upset my travel plans, but Delta assured me that all my flights were running on schedule. Or, so they said. Maria Elena of the Mazatlan Hotel Association  and Abraham of Pronatours  picked me up at my hotel for my final ride in the van with them.  (I can’t say I will miss climbing in and out of that van!) We were at the airport in 20 minutes and I went to the Aeromexico desk to check into my Mazatlan flight to Mexico City.  The clerk then advised me that the flight was running FIVE hours late and I would miss my connection.  In the next half hour she proceeded to tell me that there wasn’t a way she could get me home in the next two days unless I wanted to fly to Guadalajara and hope I could get on a morning flight!  I was fortunate t...

Abraham of Pronatours and Maria Elena of the Mazatlan Hotel Association picked me up first thing in the morning and I sadly left the Riu Emerald Bay .  I was quickly smiling again as I checked into the All-Inclusive Elite VIP area of the El Cid Castillo .  My junior suite was ready and I only had a short while to enjoy it before I was heading across the street to the El Cid Country Club. The Country Club has three golf courses and eight tennis courts for use by the guests of all El Cid’s properties.  For anyone who has the All-Inclusive Elite Package, unlimited golf and tennis comes at no extra charge.  Gustavo was waiting for me at the courts for my private lesson.  I have spent much more time watching (and photographing tennis) the last few years than playing it, but I always enjoy the chance to hit some balls.  I had a great instructor and definitely worked hard out there, picking up a few pointers for my strokes. After tennis, there was just eno...

I happen to really like Mexican food, but I did enjoy the opportunity to check out the Riu Emerald Bay’s incredible breakfast buffet Saturday, settling on a good old-fashioned American omelet with some banana bread and hash browns.  I was then on my way with Maria Elena of the Mazatlan Hotel Association and Abraham of Pronatours to Huana Coa . Before she was faced with a family emergency, my friend Theresa (aka, The Local Tourist ) was accompanying me on this trip and she had elected to go zip-lining through this Mazatlan excursion.  It was not something I was interested in doing, but we did decide to head over the anyway, hoping to catch somebody in the action.  We were a bit too late, but I did get a chance to speak with a Canadian couple who had a blast gliding through the Blue Agave plants (more on that in a minute) and riding the ATVs back to the starting point. There is a lot more than zip-lining in this area of Mazatlan.  It’s home to Los Osuna , whic...

It was one of those days where I couldn’t possible deny that I have a fun job and Mazatlan is the perfect place to have some fun! We’ve had a bit of fog that comes and goes, blocking the sun a bit, but it’s still in the 70s with absolutely no chance of rain (or snow, like they are having back home), so I am not about to complain about not perfect weather.  My trusted guides Maria Elena of the Mazatlan Hotel Association and Julio of Pronatours took me to the Cenaduria La Regional, where I had an authentic Mexican breakfast of Panqueqes, a rolled pancake with cinnamon and sugar, and Chilaquiles Rojas, fried squares of tortillas in a sauce with salsa and cheese.  It was tasty and definitely filled me up for our trip to the aquarium. The Mazatlan Aquarium is tiny by the U.S. standards, but they are currently under construction in a number of areas, including a large shark exhibit.  We enjoyed the sea lion show and walked around a bit, checking out the turtles, alligato...