Fork: a gourmet but comfortable restaurant

Fork is the kind of place to go when you want gourmet food, but you also want to be in a relaxed, casual environment. While those dining in Fork will be seated in chairs, there’s also the bar — and couches — for the drinking crowd, adding to the overall cozy and welcoming atmosphere of the place. Like many higher end restaurants, the menu is clearly carefully attended to, only focusing on a few dishes — like a heavenly chicken burger — but all are sure to please your palate. Not sure what to get? The servers here are notoriously friendly and helpful, and will lead you in the right direction.

Fork is located at 4600 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL 60625. Phone is 773-751-1500. Visit forkchicago.net/ for more information.

Cellar 56

Cellar 56 features a delectable menu created to complement the flavorful selection of wines. We work with local farms and dairies to bring the best and freshest ingredients to the table. Every palate is accommodated with small plate choices like the Grilled Flat Iron with chimichurri, and the Macaroni and Cheese with green chiles and prosciutto. Plates range from $5 to $7.

Wine is an obvious focus for Cellar 56, as the name comes from its 56+ options. Of these selections, many are sourced from boutique wineries on small allocation to bring Spectator rated 90+ wines to the consumer starting at an amazing $24 a bottle and by the glass at $3 half and $6 full. The remaining wine choices are available by the bottle and include many favorites at various pricing. Visit cellar56.com for more information.

WEEKLY EVENTS:
Mondays: $16 Bottles of Any Wine Carried by the Glass
Two for Tuesdays: Buy One, Get One Free Small Plates
Wednesdays: $12 for 4 Half Glasses of Wine from Three Flight Option

Centennial Olympic Park: Year Round Fun for Everyone

This glorious 21-acre park, in downtown Atlanta, originally used as gathering place during the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games, is a must visit on your trip to Atlanta.  With various events taking place year round, one of the favorite hot weather past times is playing in the Fountain of Rings. Cool off and enjoy the water show, where you’ll see synchronized water frolic to your favorite music, with the added bonus of unique lighting and sound effects. The FountainSide Café offers delicious food and beverages, while the Visitor Center can help you purchase a Centennial Olympic Park souvenir. One of the coolest features here is the many thousands of special bricks, each with inscriptions, purchased for $35 a piece, to help construct the park. In the colder months, take advantage of the ice-skating rink, and then warm up with a hot chocolate.

CNN Center

Journey into the heart of CNN Worldwide for an exciting glimpse of news and broadcasting in action! The Inside CNN Studio Tour takes you behind the scenes of the Global Headquarters of CNN in Atlanta.Journey into the heart of CNN Worldwide for an exciting glimpse of news and broadcasting in action! The Inside CNN Studio Tour takes you behind the scenes of the Global Headquarters of CNN in Atlanta.

Admission Prices
Inside CNN Studio Tour

Adult $15
Senior (65+): $14
Student: $14 (13 – 18, or with valid college ID)
Child: $12 (ages 4 – 12)
Group $13 (per person with 20+ people)
Youth Group $9 (per person, ages 4 – 12, 20+ people)
Military Free with Active Duty ID

Tour operators call 404.827.2300 for pricing information.

Buy your tickets online through MuseumTix
Specialty Tours

Inside CNN VIP Tour $35 Purchase Tickets
Morning Express Tour $49 Purchase Tickets

Reservations: Reservations are highly recommended and can be made Monday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. by calling 404.827.2300 or toll free at 1.877.4CNNTOUR. Buy Tickets

Tour pricing and availability subject to change without notice.

Eclipse di Luna

Eclipse di Luna, opened in January of 1997, is a funky and festive restaurant and tapas bar which features Spanish influenced cuisine served in an artsy warehouse setting. Live latin music fills the restaurant and patio every evening. The restaurant has two locations. One is at the end of the Miami Circle antique and design district off peidmont road in Buckhead at 764 Miami Circle, Atlanta GA 30324. Phone is 404-846-0449. The other is in Park Place at 4505 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta GA 30346. Phone is 678-205-5862.

Prime Steakhouse

Only one steakhouse in Atlanta features the cuisine of an Internationally renowned chef and a traditional sushi bar. Prime pairs the finest steaks available with sophisticated sushi in an elegant and modern atmosphere. When hosting business meetings, private functions or intimate occasions, Prime’s private dining room, known as our New Castle Room, is available for lease. The Private Dining Room seats up to 22 guests. It is separate from the main dining room, offering the privacy and seclusion that certain gatherings may require. Prime’s Atrium Court, located adjacent to the restaurant, is the perfect venue for large party dining and cocktail receptions. It is available to lease in half or in its entirety. Seating capacities for lunch or dinner are up to 30 guests for half the Atrium area and up to 55 guests for the entire Atrium. The Atrium can also accommodate up to 100 guests for reception style events. Click here for more information.

Fogo de Chao

Fogo de Chao is an authentic Brazilian steakhouse. In 1979, Fogo® began sharing the gaucho way of preparing meat in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Today, our gaucho chefs still expertly grill each of our 15 cuts of meat and offer you continuous tableside service.
We invite you to enjoy the delicious preparations of our gaucho chefs along with our gourmet salad bar, authentic Brazilian side dishes, and award-winning wine list. Click here for more information.

Prohibition

Prohibition is probably the closest Atlanta comes to the current style and substance of “speakeasies” in other big cities. Located below Stout Irish Pub in the funhouse labyrinth of Andrews Square, the atmosphere is clubby and classy. There’s oak paneling, a burnished honey-colored onyx bar top, a glowing hand-painted drop ceiling, and vintage ’20s decorations. Leather sofas and a fireplace create cozy seating nooks. But the bar is where the action is.

Owner/ bartender Steve De Haan calls his cocktails “prescriptions,” offering them up with a steady stream of barkeep banter. De Haan compounds drinks with giddy precision, using historical recipes and old-school techniques, top-shelf liquors, fresh-squeezed juices and garnishes, while chipping ice off a 300-pound block. Smoking is not only permitted, but celebrated, with a house humidor room filled with fine cigars. A concise food menu includes snacks such as lamb lollipops.

How do you find the secret number? That’s a really good question. But during a recent visit, several friendly bystanders were eager to share. Visit prohibitionatl.com for more information.

Prohibtion is located at 56 East Andrews Drive in Andrews Square.

Piola’s Pizzas Bring a World of Flavor to ATL

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Hidden next to RA Sushi, across the street from the Loews Hotel, Piola is truly one of Atlanta’s best kept secrets. Part of a worldwide chain originating in Italy in 1986, Piola has a laid-back, fun, international vibe. Cozy and colorful, Piola is great for unwinding alone, with friends or with a special someone. The warm and inviting atmosphere just takes the edge off the day.

Grab a seat at the bar and make a request forPicture 4 the fabulous Coconut Mojito, which is not necessarily on the menu. A must try is also the Sgroppino Al Limone, or simply lemon ice cream (well gelato) and vodka; it’s a signature drink for a reason. Happy hour is from 5pm-8pm and there are always some free appetizers to sample.

Venture past the bar for more extensive dining. Pizza- thin, brick oven style – really is the thing and the Margherita is always a winner, but it’s far from the only pizza option. Piola has Featured Piola “Pizze,” like the Rio de Janeiro with chicken, catupiry cheese, parsley, tomato sauce and mozzarella; Classic Pizze, like the Margherita; and Le Pizze Bianche, or White Pizza, which is are the classic pizzas without tomato sauce. Piola is also known for its gnocchi and hosts monthly, all-you-can-eat “Gnocchi Day.” And, for dessert, you can’t go wrong with a classic tiramisu.

When it comes to having a laid-back good time, Piola truly knows what makes the world go round.

Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Orchid Daze

Orchid Daze: Surreal Beauty delights with surprising juxtapositions of fanciful flowers and playful objects inspired by surrealist imagination. Experience a funhouse gallery frolicking with the fantastic forms of “Dancing ladies”, Persian Violets, slipper orchids and more! The Atlanta Botanical Garden is at 1345 Piedmont Ave. 404-876-5859. Orchid Daze runs from February 9 – April 14. Visit www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org for more information.

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Gift New York at The Room Mate Grace Hotel

New York City winters can be the pits. How about going for a swim? That’s right. Gift New York is just about as hot as it gets in the winter. Gift not only features a pool, but a swim up bar. Water games in the winter just got a little more interesting.

Eric Sanchez, Director of Gift New York, says he combined the concepts of a pool bar/lounge, to become the only one of its kind in New York City. Not only is there a pool and drinks, there’s a sauna and steam room, adding to the luxurious spa atmosphere. Djs add to the hip, cool, and polished interior of Gift. And on Tuesdays, watch out! A crazy good deal of three drinks for the price of one is running. You don’t want to miss that, do you? Gift typically opens at 5p.m. and closes at 12a.m.

Looking for something different to do in the dead of winter? You need only to accept the “Gift” and all of what’s inside.

Have a Coke and a Smile at The World of Coca-Cola

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Picture 15This is Coca-Cola’s world, so we might as well live in it. Everyone who graces the grounds of the World of Coca-Cola has the opportunity to sample over 60 different products from around the world. There are worlds of options at this slick shrine dedicated to the legendary soft drink, so plan for ample time to see and do it all. You can learn everything you always wanted to know about Coke, and more, in the 60,000 square feet of space known as the World of Coca-Cola.

One of the best aspects of the World of Coke is the Pop Culture Gallery. It features artistic works celebrating Coke as a pop culture icon. With so much to soak in, don’t worry; photographs and video are welcomed, so you can easily relive your experience with friends and family.  You won’t go hungry either, relax and refuel at the in-house Pemberton Cafe. Along with requisite pizza and burgers, they also offer a vegetarian menu.  Don’t miss the Coca Cola store, either.  Apparel items, unique art pieces and recycled accessories are available for purchase.

Swim with sharks at Adventure Aquarium

So you think you’ve got guts? Well, come on down and go for a swim in Adventure Aquarium’s Shark Realm. They will brief you on what to expect, teach you about the animals you will encounter and give you a quick snorkeling lesson. Once you’ve gotten your nerves under control, you’ll enter the Shark Realm where you’ll come within inches of sandbar sharks, nurse sharks and barracuda. Once you’ve gone around the perimeter of the Shark Realm, you’ll enter the Stingray Lagoon where you can swim with and feed dozens of stingrays. You can even have your picture taken to prove to everyone that you actually did it. In addition, you’ll receive admission to the Aquarium, an adventure t-shirt, souvenir snorkel and mask, and memories to last a lifetime. (All gear except bathing suits, towels, water shoes and toiletries will be provided.)

Jon Lovitz Comedy Club

The Jon Lovitz Comedy Club features live stand-up comedy by some of the hottest national headlining comedians. The club’s 3 floors open to a perfect view of the stage and the casual tropical décor makes visitors feel as if they’re on an island vacation. In addition, the club also boasts a state-of-the-art sound and video system, as well as a full bar and gourmet menu.

Hard Rock LA

Hard Rock is a haven for fans of music, food, and great times. Whether you are down for a Legendary Burger, live music, a Classic Tee, a Rock Star Suite, or the latest collectible pin, there’s something for everyone. Every Hard Rock Cafe, Hotel & Casino, or Live around the world serves up authentic experiences that rock. Since its establishment in 1971, Hard Rock has also been committed to a wide variety of philanthropic causes and activities. Love All – Serve All.

Gladstones

LA’s most popular restaurant’s newest location is in the heart of Long Beach’s new waterfront development, The Pike at Rainbow Harbor. It’s located between the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center, and the world-class Aquarium of the Pacific. Gladstone’s Long Beach is right on the waterfront, with magnificent views of The Queen Mary and the rest of the harbor. It’s just minutes away from CityPlace and the Camden Harbour View Apartments, as well as the upscale Hyatt, Westin and Renaissance hotels.

Gladstone’s Long Beach seats 425 guests in its 9,000 square feet of dining space. The restaurant is divided into several intimate areas and offers an expansive bar and outside patio. Its large menu offers the kind of food that has made Gladstone’s the number one restaurant in Southern California, featuring large portions of fresh seafood, grilled steaks and chops, healthy salads, and eye-opening desserts.

Cleo

The menu is mostly small plates, but instead of an annoying sprawl of platters that don’t fit on the table, the delicious spreads and dips are presented in small bowls. Who wouldn’t swoon over the slurry of piquillo peppers with feta or the thick Lebanese yogurt with olive oil, lemon and dried oregano? They’re wonderful spread on warm, freshly baked flatbread.

The menu is fresh and appealing, the flavors big and rustic. I love the artichoke leaves, charred at the edges from cooking in the wood-burning oven. Cauliflower florets come perfumed with vaudovan (a French curry powder) and dotted with cashew nuts. And instead of the ubiquitous pizza, Cleo is serving Mediterranean flatbreads.

Pace Galleries of New York

If you are a collector or simply a contemporary art lover, you should not miss the shows at Pace Gallery. Over the last couple of years, Pace became one of the most influential galleries in the world, with incredible authority over the course of contemporary art. They represent some of the most sough artists of the day – such as Willem de Kooning, Chuck Close or Jim Dine, and their shows are always deep, shocking, and unforgettable. Some of those art pieces you see today at Pace Gallery, you might see tomorrow at the MoMA. Pace Gallery has a couple of locations in Chelsea and Midtown Manhattan.

360 West 11th Street
New York, NY 10014-2342
(212) 633-2507

The MoMA Store

The MoMa store in Soho is one of my favorite places to shop for creative items. They offer a large variety of cool, quirky objects, from toys, books, prints, to jewelry, accessories, and home deco products. It is certainly one of the best stores to shop during the gift season, as there is something for everybody. However, I highly recommend it to those who simply want to spoiled themselves and buy something ‘cool’ at an affordable price. As you can probably guess, every object is very modern, and unique, being that an electronic watch, a plastic chair, or a croc woven rug. If you are only visiting New York, I recommend the MoMA store, as highly as I recommend the Museum with the same name.


81 Spring St
New York, NY 10012
(646) 613-1367

The Beacon Theatre

The Beacon Theatre is a historical place, and today it became one of the world’s leading live music and entertainment spaces. This place is certainly a must see, firstly for the variety of shows they offer, but secondly for the beautiful architecture. Conceived in 1926 by the film producer Herbert Lubin, the theatre’s neo-Grecian interior features gigantic Greek goddesses, arches, a spectacular stage, which can rise, carrying a full classical orchestra. The Beacon Theatre is part of the National Register of Historic Places, and it features today’s most sought after artists, therefore, it should not be missed.

2124 Broadway
New York, 10023
(212) 465-6500

All Saints SoHo

When this British store finally opened its doors in SoHo New York, it was love at first sight. I would describe their style, as modern, urban, aggressive, but comfortable in the same time. Their cuts are asymmetric, sometime random, with the use of a lot of leather. The predominant colors are white, black and gray. But even is All Saints is not your fashion style, I would still recommend you to pay a visit. The store is very large, and it is decorated with metal, wood, and dimmed lights, creating a very interesting atmosphere. Expect it to be pricey; however, All Saints will guarantee you to look unique, and fashion-forward.

512 Broadway
Manhattan, NY 10012
(646) 862-1832

The Famous Waverly Inn

The Waverly Inn is a classic. If you manage to play your best cards, and get a table, you will feel part of an exclusive dinning club. No matter when you go, you will most likely be sited next to a celebrity, best-selling author or top-model. The décor is beautiful, cozy, with a lot of wood, chandeliers, fireplace, and paintings which create the atmosphere of a townhouse inhabited by English aristocrats. The food is outstanding, and the service is great. They also promise to use “local and organic” ingredients, whenever it is possible. Many consider The Waverly Inn pricey; however, for such a selective dining experience, it is certainly worth it.

16 Bank St

New York, 10014

(917) 828-1154

Veselka – great food anytime!

Veselka offers probably the best and most authentic Easter European food in New York, anytime of the day. Given their long operating hours, Veselka is great for breakfast, brunch, and late night snacks. Everybody loves Veselka for some obvious reasons: it is cheap, it is fast, it is non-pretentious, and it is absolutely delicious. I believe every New Yorker ends one day at Veselka. It can be for a very early omelet or for some pierogies at 3am. The vibe is great, and the crowd always surprising. So, do not be surprised if you get sited at breakfast next to a group of hip kids dressed as if they just stepped out of the club – because they did.

144 2nd Ave

New York, NY 10003

(212) 228-9682

The Bourgeois Pig – one sexy pig!

What a creative, sexy, and fabulous bar! The Bourgeois Pig brings a little bit of the Parisian chic in the heart of East Village. The décor is absolutely fantastic. The vintage furniture, the drapery, the dimmed light, and the red lamps, will make you feel as you step in the boudoir of a Parisian courtesan in the 1920s. And the French atmosphere is completed by a large selection of French wines on their menu. You will also not fail to notice a large red neon sign, which adds to the sexiness of this place. Therefore, I highly recommend this The Bourgeois Pig for a date, but a group will have just as much fun. The Bourgeois Pig is the intersection of sexiness, and mystery, with fun, and modernity.

111 E 7th St
New York, NY 10009
(212) 475-2246

The Mulberry Project

The Mulberry Project is one of Little Italy’s best kept secrets. The entrance is almost impossible to locate in Little Italy’s craziness, so it is known only by the real connoisseurs. The inside is small, cozy, dark, with a beautiful bar, and a back garden. Despite not being in the heart of Meatpacking, The Mulberry Project attracts the same people as the most popular downtown places in New York: a gorgeous, fun crowd. No matter when you go, the venue is always packed, and the vibe is perfect. One of my favorite things about The Mulberry Project is their ‘costumed’ cocktail. They can mix you a drink based on your favorite flavors, and everything is delivered with great care, and a smile.

149 Mulberry Street
New York, NY 10013
(646) 448-4536

Artefacto: Contemporary and classic home furnishings

The quality of the home furnishings created at Artefacto is unmistakable since they’ve been at the top of their game for 35 years. Their designs are a combination of contemporary and classic looks that help give their furniture and accessories lines a unique feel.

An Artefacto-decorated home is one where the homeowner is seeking to create an interior that’s personalized and reflects their personality. Value, functionality, superior design and eco-conscious products are at the forefront of the Artefacto philosophy.

Headboards combine tufted leather and wood and even wrap around the bed a bit; armchairs range from antique-looking to ultra-modern; side tables and coffee tables are available in every shape imaginable and made from a wide range of materials while daybeds, chaise lounges, ottomans and sectionals comprise the seating selection.

Knowing accessories complete the look, they make everything from lampshades and bases to trays, magazine stands and pillows. These perfectly complement their expertly made furniture.

Artefacto has just two locations in Miami-Dade County in Aventura at 19915 Biscayne Blvd. 305-931-9484  and Coral Gables at 4440 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Ste. 1600, 305-774-0004, www.artefacto.com

Cultural Fridays: Little Havana’s lively monthly festival

Little Havana is always a lively place but on the last Friday of every month it truly comes to life during Cultural Fridays, the monthly arts and culture festival held on historic Southwest Eighth Street, known as “Calle Ocho.”

Photo courtesy of Google Images

Set on the iconic three-lane, one-way stretch of road, the festival takes place  along three blocks filled with art galleries, restaurants and performance stages. There are walking tours of the historic Little Havana homes led by renowned historian Dr. Paul George, tango classes at DAF Studio, an Art Fair at Domino Plaza, salsa dancing at El Pub Restaurant and lots and lots of art for viewing.

Eat at one of the many Cuban, Spanish and Latin American restaurants and dance the night away at one of the few nightclubs along Calle Ocho.

Cultural Fridays is every last Friday of the Month on Eighth Street from between SW 14th and 17th Avenues, 305-643-5500, www.viernesculturales.org

Zoo Miami: An adventure in the jungle

Zoo Miami is one of the most unique attractions in Miami and is not your conventional zoo see, there’s no cages here, well, virtually none. Moats separate a majority of the animals from the visitors which makes it a much more natural experience.

Strolling along the pathways, either on foot, on a safari cycle, in the safari tram tour or on the monorail, is an adventure in everything wild. Monkeys climb on tree limbs and branches in King of the Jungle, while the Huon tree kangaroo, koalas and a crocodile monitor lizard hang out in the Australia exhibition.

Flamingos, giraffes, hippos, snakes, rhinos, lions, tigers, lizards, eels, spiders and more, they all live here in this massive 327 acre park. Kids can enjoy more than just the wildlife with the ever-popular Diego Zoo show, with the famous character from Dora the Explorer.

Zoo Miami is located at 12400 SW 152 St., Miami, FL 786-619-3418, www.zoomiami.org