Best Fried Chicken in San Francisco

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One of our culinary quests has always been to find the best fried chicken in any city that we visit. When we heard rave reviews about the golden bird at Brenda’s French Soul Food restaurant, we knew that we had to check it out. It had been featured on a local food program where diners critique restaurants in the San Francisco Bay Area. According to a recent census, San Francisco has more restaurants per capita than any other city in the United States; so there is a myriad of dining options.

Since San Francisco is only a 50-minute drive from our home we decided to venture over one Monday for lunch. Parking in that city is always at a premium, so we when we found a space right across the street from Brenda’s we knew that this was a good omen.

It was obvious the moment we walked in, that this was a serious eating establishment. A quick scan of the dining room showed diners very engrossed in their meals. Although we arrived in the midst of the lunchtime rush, our wait was only 5 minutes. As we were led to our table we couldn’t help but notice the delectable dishes and mouth-watering aromas that filled the room.

Since Brenda is originally from New Orleans, the menu offers a variety of Cajun selections; gumbo, red beans & rice, muffalettas and even hush puppies. Although the other choices were tempting, we stayed true to our goal – fried chicken – and ordered the BFC (Brenda’s Fried Chicken). It did not disappoint. The two perfectly browned chicken breasts were served with crispy fries, coleslaw and a huge light-as-air biscuit. We also ordered sides of creamy grits and hush puppies. The chicken was perfectly prepared –piping hot, crispy on the outside yet moist and flavorful on the inside. The cole slaw was fresh and crunchy with just the right balance of sweet and tangy. The grits were a bottomless bowl of buttery goodness; and the creamiest we’ve ever had. The hush puppies were served with a chipotle remoulade and were as good as any we’ve ever tasted – even in New Orleans.

The service was quite good; attentive without being intrusive. The staff moved about the compact dining room with precision and ease. The atmosphere was busy without being frantic.

We look forward to returning in the VERY near future to try some of the other menu choices. One that particularly caught our eye was the Sloppy Josephine, a sassy version of a Sloppy Joe made with turkey and served on a warm toasted bun. However, it will be difficult not to order the BFC again – perhaps we’ll take one to go.

If you are a fan of good fried chicken, Brenda’s should be at the top of your list.

Hotel Review: Olivia Plaza - Nice Hotel, Nice Location

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After a recent transatlantic cruise we decided to spend a few days in one of our favorite cities, Barcelona Spain. There are many hotel choices in that exciting city so it took some time to make a selection. We wanted something that was close to Las Ramblas, modern and moderately priced. The Olivia Plaza Hotel met all of our criteria, so we decided to stay there; and we’re glad we did.

Our ship docked early on a Saturday morning, and after a brief cab ride we arrived at the hotel. Although it was too early to check in, we were warmly greeted by the doorman and front desk staff, who, thankfully, spoke English since our Spanish is limited. They immediately checked us in and offered to store our luggage until our room was ready. The lobby, though small was quite cheery and welcoming. The décor was modern with splashes of bright red accents. There was also a lovely floral aroma that we noticed each time we entered the lobby. We also appreciated that the hotel entrance was quite secure. The door is locked at all times, so guests are only admitted after being screened by the ever-present doorman. So there is no danger of people just wandering in or loitering in the lobby.

The customer service is top notch. Whether we were asking for directions or assistance with printing boarding passes, the front desk clerks were always pleasant and efficient.

One of the best features of the hotel is its location on the Plaza Catalunya, just steps away from the end of Las Ramblas. So it was very easy to get to tour buses, shopping and any number of restaurants. The back of the hotel borders the Gothic Quarter. As a matter of fact from our second story room we had a perfect view of Santa Anna Church, a beautiful, historic church that was founded in 1140. So gazing out the window was like traveling back in time.

The hotel restaurant was easy to access and offered a nice menu. It also offered alfresco dining on a quaint little patio.

Like the lobby, the décor of the rooms is modern with a minimalist design and decorated with red accents. The beds are firm with good quality linen. The closet is open and quite small, not designed to hold large wardrobes. The vessel sink is modern, but not very practical since the water splashes out onto the counter and floor. The room did not have an iron or ironing board, so we had to request one from housekeeping – and sign for it. Bath and hand towels were provided, but there were no washcloths.

There is a small work desk and best of all, WI-FI is fast and free.

This is a good hotel for a business trip or weekend getaway. It is more suited to a short stay than a long vacation stay. It worked nicely for our 3-day post-cruise stay, but I would not recommend it for a longer stay.

A London Love Story

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“Where do I begin to tell the story of how great a town can be”?

This variation on the opening lyrics to the song “Love Story” definitely describes our experience as first-time visitors. We had heard that London is one of the world’s most visited cities, and it didn’t take long to find out why.

We arrived at London Heathrow airport early on a Monday morning and were immediately swept up into the pace of this bustling city. We felt like VIPs when our smiling driver, who displayed our name on his iPad, loaded us into his BMW sedan. He whisked us through the morning commute traffic, telling us the story of how he and his family had moved to London from Romania. He gave us a mini-tour of the city as he took us to our hotel in the Kensington district. Our hotel was the Holiday Inn Kensington Palace.  It was a good mid-range hotel with small rooms and very small closets. The onsite restaurant served a good buffet breakfast. The hotel is frequented by tourists and business travelers and is functional, if not fancy. The hotel staff was friendly and provided good customer service. Since it was too early to check in, we stored our luggage and struck out to acquaint ourselves with the city.

You’ve probably heard the adage, “When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping”. That’s exactly what we did. We hopped into one of those famous Black Cabs and headed for Harrods, the world’s most famous upmarket department store. To describe it as massive would be an understatement. It boasts floor after floor of wonderful merchandise; from the scandalously expensive to the delightfully kitchy. The store personnel were quite helpful and gave us much-needed maps of the store. The highlight for us was visiting the Food Halls – several massive rooms chock full of beautifully displayed food from all over the world. Choices included meat pies, seafood, cheeses, charcuterie, desserts, olives, pate, caviar and much more. We wandered from room to room snapping pictures and looking every bit the tourists that we were. I can still vividly recall the delicious aromas that emanated from the freshly baked pastries.

After leaving the Food Halls we visited the Egyptian Escalator with its beautiful Egyptian artifacts. It is also the location of the memorial to Princess Diana and Dodi Al Fayed, since Dodi’s father, Mohammed Al Fayed, once owned the store.

As we returned to the hotel, we noticed the beauty of the Kensington and Chelsea districts. The architecture of the homes is charming, like something out of a movie. There are also many little parks and green spaces.

After checking into the hotel and resting a bit we began making dinner plans. We wanted our first meal in London to be at a traditional English pub. Our hotel concierge was quite helpful and suggested Bumpkin Pub in South Kensington. It was every bit the charming establishment that we had hoped it would be. It was warm and welcoming with a cozy atmosphere, cold Guinness and of course fish & chips. The food was just OK and I must admit that I have had better fish & chips in San Francisco. But it was a nice experience.

The next day began bright and early with a short tour of the city that included St. Paul’s Cathedral and watching the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. St. Paul’s Cathedral is a beautiful structure and Sir Christopher Wren’s design is awe-inspiring. It was amazing to walk where Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer were married. Since it is in such a busy area of the city, it was interesting to watch all of the Londoners and tourists dashing to and fro. During the noon hour, many people sit on the expansive front steps to enjoy their lunch. Dining choices in the area are plentiful and we ate at a tasty little Japanese noodle house on nearby Paternoster Square.

Changing of the Guard - Although I had seen it on television, I was not fully prepared for this amazing ceremony.  There were literally thousands of people who had come to see it also. Besides people, the front of Buckingham Palace was filled with rows and rows of beautiful flowers. Also in front of the palace is St. James Park, a huge public park with acres of lush green grass, verdant vegetation and peaceful ponds. It is also a good place to find public restrooms.  Luckily our guide had the bus drop us off at the right time and guided us to a great location. We saw the St. James Palace detachment march, along with the excellent band up to Buckingham Palace where the change actually occurs. The Guardsmen were resplendent in their red jackets, black slacks and bearskin hats. However, since the temperature was in the 70’s I can imagine that they were quite warm. But the Changing of the Guard is British pageantry at its best.

On Wednesday we spent the afternoon at the Tower of London. For an English history buff this is a magical experience. It was amazing to actually walk where these famous people lived – and died.  It is much more than a tower, it is a walled city. Like other attractions it was filled with tourists. It is well laid out and easy to navigate. Even with the throngs of people, it never felt crowded and the lines moved constantly and smoothly. The Beefeaters are readily available to help with directions and offer information.

One of our favorite areas was the Wardrobe Tower, which is FULL of weapons of every description - battle axes, swords, muskets and full coats of armor – all artfully displayed.  Touring the Wardrobe Tower requires lots of walking. The entrance is located at the top of a steep staircase and once inside there are 3 more flights to climb since the weapons are displayed on different levels. Please note that once you enter, you must tour the entire tower – there is no turning back.

The highlight of the tour was viewing the Crown Jewels.  It is difficult to find the words to describe these opulent riches. The size of the jewels alone defies description. But there are also cases full of the dishes, utensils and even the elegant robes used at coronation. There are no pictures allowed, but none are needed. Those sights are unforgettable.

No visit to London would be complete without a cruise on the Thames River. For just a few Euros, you can ride one of these open-air boats and enjoy the sights of London as you sail by. There is a guide who narrates the tour and describes each iconic building. Our cruise ended at the London Eye, another London must-see. Although the line was extremely long, it was worth the wait.  Each of the pods holds approximately 25 people. Note, that the ride is constantly moving, so when it is time for you to step onboard, you need to move quickly. Since we were there at sunset, the views of the city were spectacular.

Although we were only in London for a few days, it impacted us greatly. The food scene, like the population is very diverse and goes way beyond what has been referred to as “traditional English fare”. It is a fast-paced city, full of life – and traffic. But taxis are plentiful and public transportation is easy to navigate.

Our time in the city was much too short and we look forward to returning to continue our love affair with London.

Coffee, Tea or Fee?

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As a longtime traveler I have enjoyed traveling the world for many years. As a longtime travel professional I have seen many changes in the industry - especially with regard to air travel. Long gone are the days when air travelers could enjoy a pleasant in-flight experience at a fair price. The airline industry has become completely fee-driven, and it has worked very well for them, adding billions of dollars to their profits. In 2013 alone $23.7 billion in a la carte fees for food, beverages, baggage, seat preferences and more. However, this windfall for the airlines has taken a real bite out of consumers' budgets. Most of the services that used to be included in the price of a ticket now come with an additional fee.

• If a change is made to a reservation, there can bee a fee in excess of $150
• If there is a passenger name change, there is a fee - even to correct a misspelling.
• If you book the reservation over the telephone there is a booking fee.
• If you want to select a particular seat, there can be a fee. Even with an Economy class ticket, some airlines charge a fee to sit in a particular seat in that section.
• On domestic flights there can be a fee for the in-flight meal. I have a real problem with paying for food that is barely edible.
• Baggage fees top the list, ranging from $25-$100 per bag. And if the bag exceeds the weight allowance, expect to pay an additional fees. So be sure to check your airline's baggage fee schedule before you fly.
• Depending on the airline, fees can also be assessed for carry-on bags, WI-FI, headsets, extra legroom, early boarding and printed boarding passes.

Why do they get away with this highway robbery? Because they can! And with the recent airline mergers, it doesn't appear that this will change anytime soon. So when planning airline travel, be sure to count the cost very carefully. Buyer, beware.

Flight or Fright?

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Do you remember when rock was young? Do you remember when airline travel was fun? Neither do I. As I write this blog I am crunched up in the coach section of a B767-300ER plane on a 10-hour flight from Istanbul to New York, trying to make the best of a bad situation.  Since I’m returning home from a fabulous luxury vacation I really can’t complain. So I’ll just share a few random thoughts about airline travel in the 21^st century.

If you’re a baby boomer you remember the good old days when air travel was a much different experience. Airplanes were spacious and comfortable and they even cleaned them between flights. Imagine that! These days,  passengers are packed in like sardines and there is so little time between flights that when you sit down, the seat is still warm from the previous passenger. I shouldn’t give the airlines any ideas or they will start charging a fee for “pre-warmed seats”. Nowadays there are additional fees for practically everything. The Department of Transportation reported that in 2010 one airline made $952 million in baggage fee revenue; almost twice its 2009 take of $481 million. So now, in attempt to avoid paying those fees, everyone tries to cram as much as possible into their carry-on luggage. I was almost hit on the head by a lady who was attempting to hoist her carry-on bag into the overhead bin. Although it was the allowable size, it clearly weighed as much as a Volkswagen Beetle.

The flight attendants of yesteryear were quite glamorous; impeccably coifed and dressed to the nines in their tailored uniforms. Some of them still are – others not so much. But I can’t really blame them. Those ladies and gents perform nearly impossible feats in very confined spaces. Their job requires them to have the flexibility of gymnasts and the strength of sumo wrestlers. Today’s flight attendant uniform should probably include a hardhat, weight belt and steel-toed boots.

The crew on this flight has passed down the aisles several times, offering what they refer to as “food”.  I’m not sure what it was, but it was reminiscent of what high school students who to eat in the cafeteria call “mystery meat”.  Today’s offerings included “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Chicken” and “Pseudo Pasta”. The snack was “Something Like Pizza”…. I did not partake. At least the beverages were plentiful – lukewarm, but plentiful. I wont’ even elaborate on what I’ve read about the questionable quality of the ice cubes and drinking water. Besides, the more you drink, the more you need to frequent the restrooms, which are tiny and usually “occupado”.

Experts issue warnings about the dangers of what sitting too long does to leg circulation. They advise us to get up and move around every hour or so. Move around, are they kidding? Obviously those experts have not been on a plane lately. There is no room for line dancing or the electric slide. And for those of us who are on the “hippy” side, sashaying down the aisle is not an option either.

I don’t mean to sound so cynical, but it’s hour 9 of this 10-hour sojourn and I’m getting a little stir crazy. I’m actually very thankful for the aviation experts and all that they do to keep us safe while we’re flying the friendly skies. There is a safety information brochure in the seat pocket of each seat that provides detailed instructions on what to do in the event of an emergency. I sincerely hope that I’ll never be faced with an emergency situation, because knowing that my seat cushion can be used for a flotation device is not very reassuring. The fact that the light on the life vest will come on automatically when I hit the water doesn’t provide much comfort either.

The captain has begun the descent so I guess I should wrap this up. I am about to be amazed by another phenomena that occurs at the end of every flight. As soon as the plane touches down everyone in coach will stand up immediately – even though the doors are not open yet. Now here’s the deal; we will exit the plane from front to back. So for those seated in rows 25-35 I’d like to say, “Sit down! It’s going to be a while.” Besides, standing in the aisles only increases your risk of suffering a concussion from one of those 2 ton pieces of carry-on luggage.

Even though I may sound cynical I’ll still continue to fly. For traveling long distances it’s the fastest way to go. So as I prepare to deplane I ask myself, “Was it flight or fright”?” The truth is, it was a little bit of both.

L.A. Live

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Recently our insatiable thirst for travel led us to Los Angeles, California, commonly referred to as L.A. As our plane approached LAX, we were greeted by one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, the Hollywood sign. After landing we proceeded to find ground transportation that would take us to our hotel. Unbeknownst to us it would take an additional 30 minutes to get out of the airport because our shuttle driver was determined to get maximum capacity in the van . Needless to say, it was a cozy ride. It was a beautiful spring day and the skies were surprisingly smog-free. So we enjoyed a mini-tour of the city while en route to our downtown hotel. Upon our arrival at the Westin Bonaventure we were warmly greeted by the hotel staff, who were very professional and provided excellent customer service. Our room was located on the 36^th floor of the Green Tower and featured a view of the aforementioned Hollywood sign.  

After checking in, we dropped our bags and took a taxi down to L.A. Live, one of the city’s most exciting attractions. It has been described as a one of a kind entertainment campus and a world-class sports and entertainment destination. It is comprised of apartments, ballrooms, concert theaters, movie theaters and wonderful restaurants.

Although it is always an exciting place to be, the excitement was heightened by the fact that it was March 17^th, so St. Patrick’s Day celebrations were happening throughout the complex. It was a festive atmosphere filled with live music, dancing and lots of beer. This area’s color scheme is normally dominated by purple and gold, the colors of the world champion Los Angeles Lakers. But due to St. Patrick’s Day, green seemed to be the dominant color. It didn’t take us long to find out that green is always a dominant color in L.A., because it takes a lot of “green” to take advantage of all that the area has to offer. Los Angeles can be an expensive vacation destination.

Like many other cities, L.A. offers a plethora of dining choices, from street food to fine dining. One restaurant that we really enjoyed was Yang Chow, and judging by the celebrity photos on the walls and the long line out the door, it is an area favorite for many. The portions were quite large and we highly recommend the slippery shrimp. We look forward to dining there again.

Although we were only in town for three days, we managed to see a lot of the area. We spent a great afternoon on Venice Beach enjoying its eclectic vibe. There were street performers, artists, musicians, dancers and of course the beautiful coastline. From there, one of our good friends took us on a whirlwind tour where we cruised Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood Boulevard, and the Melrose District.

Later that night we returned to L.A. Live where we attended a party at the Grammy Museum. It was sponsored by the L.A. Times Travel and Adventure show and guests included Samantha Brown, Rick Steeves and other travel celebrities. We’ve all heard the much-used phrase, “Party like a rock star”, but that night, we really did. The party was catered by Wolfgang Puck and it was open bar. Needless to say, a good time was had by all.

On our last day in town, we took time to enjoy a leisurely brunch at the hotel. As we dined, we began to notice some unusual sights. We saw a number of people entering the lobby and they all had several things in common. They each were dressed in athletic attire, they were moving slowly with great difficulty and appeared to be in a great deal of pain.  After about 10 of these individuals crossed our path, it donned on us that they had been participants in the L.A. Marathon. Earlier that morning we had watched the beginning of the race on television and we’d even seen the male and female winners at the end. So we had seen the thrill of victory. Now, 6 hours later, we were witnessing the agony of defeat. What a sight….

Would we go to Los Angeles again? You’d better believe it. L.A. is LIVE!

A San Francisco Getaway

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Saturday afternoon found us driving into San Francisco, one of our favorite cities. No matter how many times we cross the Bay Bridge, the city skyline never ceases to energize us. It is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. As we entered the city we were once again spellbound by the magic that is San Francisco. It offers beautiful architecture, shopping, dining, cultural activities and the seemingly endless number of sights to be found around every corner. 

We had ventured into the city to attend two major events, the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition at Fort Mason Center and the Chinese New Year’s Parade at Union Square. For a short itinerary, we had no time to waste. Our hotel of choice for this weekend was the Handlery on Union Square, which allowed us to be only steps away from the parade route. We could see that Union Square had already been transformed into a VIP viewing section complete with bleachers and television reporting locations. The very atmosphere was electric in anticipation of the evening’s events. After all, this parade has a 150-year history and is the largest Chinese New Year’s parade outside of China.

After checking into our hotel and grabbing a quick lunch of minestrone soup and an organic hand-ground chicken sandwich we hopped into a cab and headed to our first event at Fort Mason. The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition features more than 300 wineries, all medal winners who bring their offerings to the Festival Pavilion to pour for more than 5,000 people. Very few events deliver this much wine in a single setting. In spite of the cold rainy weather, the event was well attended by a very jovial crowd who was quite hesitant to depart at the end of the afternoon. Finding a cab to take us back to Union Square proved to be challenging. After waiting 35 minutes for a cab, we decided to start negotiating with a limo driver. A deal was struck and we were off – on the ride of our life. Our driver handled the limo like he had the pole position in the Indy 500. We knew that he was in a hurry to deliver us and come back for more passengers. His concern was profit – ours was survival. After a wild ride across the city (and I do mean wild), we paid the driver, kissed the ground and counted our blessings.

Back at the hotel we noticed that the crowds were already gathering to enjoy the Chinese New Year’s parade. So we donned warmer clothing and went out to join the reportedly 800,000 spectators who had come to celebrate the Year of the Hare. The parade was a pageant, a sensory feast of beautiful colors, exquisite costumes, live music, martial arts demonstrations and larger-than-life floats.

Sunday morning found us at one of our favorite people watching spots, the window seat near the entrance of the Starbucks at the corner of  Powell and O’Farrell.  While sipping our tea, we were entertained by a kaleidoscope of humanity in every possible shape and size (and hair color). In a matter of a few minutes we saw people representing all walks of life and we were reminded of the joy of being alive and part of life in a vibrant city.

There is absolutely no place like San Francisco, the city by the bay.  Once again we were spellbound by it’s magic and can’t wait to visit again.  

4 Days in Paradise

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Lots has been said about Jamaica and all that it has to offer: beautiful landscapes, rushing waterfalls, fresh seafood, spectacular beaches, breathtaking sunsets, delicious cuisine, warm hospitable people, Blue Mountain coffee, and of course Appleton Rum.

On our recent visit to the island we found all of these things and more. We stayed at the Riu, an all-inclusive resort in Montego Bay.  Upon arrival in the lobby we were greeted by hotel staff offering an assortment of rum punches and other refreshments. Along with the refreshments we enjoyed a colorful performance by the resort entertainers. After check-in we proceeded to our suite, which blew us away.  It was expansive and beautifully decorated with a huge Jacuzzi tub and an awesome beach view. We were so impressed that we immediately made a video to capture its beauty.  Then it was time for lunch.

The resort has 4 restaurants, each with a different theme, all exquisite. Our first meal was at the Steakhouse, an open-air buffet, right on the beach. The food choices were plentiful and delicious.  The team of master chefs put together a plethora of foods including Jamaican dishes.

Later the view from our balcony, facing the ocean was a perfect place to experience one of the most beautiful sunsets imaginable. After watching the sun melt into Montego Bay, we decided to attend the evening beach party. Approximately 200 people were in attendance at this food and beverage extravaganza.  The atmosphere was festive and everyone was in a party mood. Even the sand fleas and mosquitoes came to dine – little did we know that we were their cuisine of choice.  The entertainment was outstanding.  The dancers arrived by boat carrying flaming torches and proceeded to perform a dance that paid tribute to Jamaica’s Taino and African history.  Our video of the dance can be viewed at http://bit.ly/aXGXhP.

The Riu is a perfect family vacation destination that offers activities for all ages including snorkeling, water sports, and great excursions to other parts of the island.  One of the excursions we really enjoyed was the Chukka Cove Zipline Adventure where we saw some of the most beautiful vegetation on the island. The adventure began with a rugged 30- minute bus ride up into the mountains. At the top of the mountain a team of expert guides outfitted us with helmets, pulleys and harnesses.  After a safety briefing we were led down a trail through the rainforest that consisted of 376 steps. We knew then that this adventure was not for the faint of heart, but it was too late to “tap out”.  Eventually we arrived at the first of 10 launch platforms – and the adventure began. One by one we descended from launch pad to launch pad, along zip lines that ranged in length from 300-600 feet.; but seemed more like a mile.  We whizzed past trees and seemed to be only inches away from a major collision.  There were times when we felt like Tarzan and Jane. What a great way to be reminded that you are alive!

Although we had enjoyed Jamaica before, this experience was entirely new and even more enjoyable; perhaps because we were seeing it with “second time” eyes.  Other than the sand fleas that insisted on feasting on us, it was a perfect trip. Even those little hungry critters can’t keep us from returning to this Jamaican paradise.

Tips for the Wise Travel Consumer

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Handling the countless tiny details of travel planning can sometimes feel like torture by 1,000 small cuts. Despite the glut of Web sites that offer endless flexibility and options for booking your own travel, somehow the whole process seems more grueling than ever. If you can find a good travel agent, the hassle of searching for and purchasing airline tickets can be offloaded entirely for fees starting around $35. A good travel agent can quickly filter out all the stuff you don't want and drill down to see things you can't see, such as seating charts, to find you the right flight at the right price with the right seats.

Especially when traveling as a family or with a group, when getting seats together can be critical to a sane and safe trip, you can save yourself a lot of hassle and anxiety by having a pro put together a sensible and reliable flight itinerary.

While your agent is at it, you might have him or her look into rental cars, hotel rooms and more -- and, if the price is right, go ahead and book it. Researching and reserving these yourself usually requires visiting multiple Web sites and can take a few hours of your time, so having a travel agent book them for you can save you time ... and it may not cost you anything more in fees.

Our July 4th in Las Vegas

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The morning of July 4^th found us landing at the McCarran airport in Las Vegas. As soon as we arrived we could sense the energy of the city. Some things never change.  Although we have visited Las Vegas dozens of times, we were drawn by its non-stop excitement and our knowledge that a Las Vegas vacation can be anything we want it to be. The acclaimed dining scene, golf courses, spas and shops have something for everyone. The attractions and entertainment options continue to get better.  Headliners such Cher, Wayne Brady, and Barry Manilow are regulars on the Strip. Cirque du Soleil mounts shows in 5 different theaters. Other nightly acts include the Jersey Boys, Blue Man Group and magicians Lance Burton and Criss Angel.  There are even Broadway shows like Phantom of the Opera and Lion King.

Las Vegas is also a family-friendly vacation destination. Hotels such as Circus, Circus and New York, New York offer arcades and theme park attractions. The Stratosphere features heart-stopping thrill rides high above the Strip like Sky Jump, X-Scream and Big Shot – not for the faint of heart.

Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find in Las Vegas. With so many options, where does one begin?  We began with a slow drive up the Strip, taking in the sights that had changed since our last visit. Most prominent was the new City Center complex that includes the Mandarin Oriental, Vdara and Aria hotels. We soon arrived at our hotel, the Palazzo. Although we had stayed at the Venetian Hotel several times, this was our first visit to the Palazzo. We were given a lovely suite on the 30^th floor with a view of the Strip and 5 swimming pools. Since the Venetian and Palazzo are shared properties, guests have access to pools at both resorts. After settling in, we ate at the Grand Lux where our favorite brunch entree is their famous chicken and waffles. 

Since it was July 4^th, we had done prior research to find out the best places to watch fireworks. Little did we know that the view from our window would be the best place. We were able to see the complete 30-minute Caesar’s Palace show from the comfort of our suite; and it was spectacular.  We could also see other shows across the valley.

The following morning we went over to Caesar’s to enjoy a few hours relaxing at our favorite spa, Qua (www.quabathsandspa.com) a one-of-a-kind experience.  It has a fitness area, Roman baths, mineral pools, Laconium room and Arctic Ice room. After their workout Robert and Marcus watched a World Cup soccer match while relaxing in the gentleman’s lounge, sipping on specialty teas and organic juices. Adrienne also enjoyed the elixirs brewed by the in-house tea sommelier while reclining on a thermal stone deep relaxation chaise. What a great way to rejuvenate and gear up for a day of shopping.

We have taken advantage of the great shopping that Las Vegas has to offer for more than 2 decades. It offers everything from top designers to great outlets. We have found some of our best deals on the clearance racks of high-end boutiques. This trip was no different; the deals were plentiful.

With the triple-digit temperatures, we enjoyed our time at the pool. The water was refreshing and so was the environment.

One of the highlights of the trip was our visit to the buffet at the Wynn Hotel. The word “buffet” does not do justice to this dining experience. You have to witness it to really understand this level of culinary artistry.  It is much more than taste; it engages all of the senses. It is an international gourmet dining experience.

We left Las Vegas feeling rejuvenated and satisfied. We got what we expected – and a little more. As our plane departed heading back to San Francisco, we began planning for our next trip – to Las Vegas.  

6/23/2015 9:49:03 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

What Here2there Travel Can do for You

6/23/2015 9:49:03 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Many of our clients are realizing the value we bring to them on a very important purchase; their vacation. With that in mind, we would like to highlight a few of the benefits that Here2there Travel clients enjoy.

Customer Service: At Here2there Travel we provide unparalleled customer service. Research studies indicate that frustration with the online booking process is increasing and that consumers are actively seeking the services of a great travel consultant.

Time Saving: We have access to numerous travel resources that allow us to price-compare quickly and efficiently. We can book the perfect vacation for the best value in less than half the time it takes the average client to do it online. In a world where time is at a premium, this is a great value. We offer clear and concise pricing information.

Comprehensive Service: We provide more than just a transaction. We deliver a complete service experience, including research and planning, support during the vacation and post-trip follow-up. We are your advocates during the entire vacation process.

Concierge Service: With more than 30 years of personal travel experience, we have a plethora of first-hand product knowledge. We have a broad knowledge of destinations, airports, hotels, resorts and cruises. We also have personal relationships with hotel managers, chefs, jewelers, tour conductors and local merchants, domestic and abroad; all readily available to our clients.

Attention to Detail:  We pay close attention to every detail. A vacation is made up of many moving parts that must mesh together to make the perfect experience. Flight itineraries, knowledge of hotel properties, seasonal considerations, local transportation, immunizations, visas, political climate and even wardrobe guidelines must be taken into account.

Client Needs: We make sure that all of our clients’ needs are addressed. These may include traveling with infants or small children, disability travel, dietary requirements, etc.  We understand that vacations, unlike tangible consumer goods, are perhaps one of the more important purchases a consumer makes. They fulfill important needs, including the need to spend quality time with family, the need to relax and unwind, and the need to create lifelong memories.

Passion:  We are passionate about travel and treat each client’s vacation as if it were our own. It is one of our goals to ensure that each vacation that we book is an unforgettable experience for our clients and that they have gotten the most of out their vacation investment.

Sausalito, a Hidden Jewel

6/23/2015 9:49:03 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

A recent day trip across the Golden Gate Bridge found us in one of the most beautiful seaside towns in Northern California - Sausalito. The weather was beautiful and the bay was filled with sailboats and yachts. The laid-back atmosphere reminded us of our travels along the Amalfi Coast in Italy. It has the perfect balance of old-world charm and upscale shops. Most of the restaurants had outdoor seating, reminiscent of Italian cafes. The city boasts a plethora of art galleries. The breathtaking scenery makes it easy to see why a number of artists call it home. It is easily accessible by land or sea. Regular ferries run back and forth from San Francisco. If in the area, we highly recommend a trip to this special hidden jewel.

Mallorca, Spain

6/23/2015 9:49:03 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

This month we will describe another destination that we visited on our Mediterranean cruise. Day 3 found us on the island of Mallorca, Spain, the largest of the Spanish Balearic Islands. The island coastline is marked by a series of small caves and beautiful beaches. It is approximately 50 miles wide and 60 miles long and boasts over 250 miles of coastline. Palma also offers everything you are likely to want from big city shopping to sightseeing and amusement. The island has been home of some famous people including George Sand, Frederick Chopin, Archduke Luis Salvador of Austria and most recently, Michael Douglas. In addition to the bustling tourist trade, farming is the chief occupation and the island grows vast amounts of almonds, olives, figs, citrus fruits and grapes for the production of local wines. We docked early in the morning and took a scenic drive along the north coast to the charming resort village of Valldemosa. The morning air was permeated with the aroma of coffee and freshly baked pastries. The outdoor cafes were filled with locals reading their morning newspapers while shopkeepers opened their doors to welcome the public. The pace of the town can best be described as laid back. Shopping opportunities were plentiful and included local wines and brandies, Spanish linens, artwork, and of course Mallorca pearls. Stores ranged from inexpensive souvenir shops to the "I wish I'd hit the lottery" designer boutiques. Valldemosa was a new experience for us and the atmosphere really captured our senses. It was a study in contrasts; a mixture of medieval structures dating from the 17th century to modern architecture. It is easy to see why it is one of Europe's favorite summer resort towns. We could envision ourselves spending several weeks there, exploring the various shops, restaurants and surrounding countryside. Is a return trip to Valldemosa in our plans? Most definitely! From Valldemosa we continued on to a 700 year old winery where we tasted the local vintages and toured the owner's private home that was decorated with beautiful antiques and rich tapestries. We ended the day at the port city of Palma, a metropolis bustling with upscale shopping and a beautiful yacht harbor.