Tag Archives: classic

Experience The Essence of Washington At The Hay-Adams

For a true taste of Washington plan your stay at one of DC’s most cherished landmarks, the acclaimed Hay-Adams Hotel.  Nestled in Lafayette Square, right across from the White House, the Hay Adams lays claim to an esteemed, central location as well as significant historic roots. hayadams

Built in 1927, the Italian Renaissance-style hotel received its namesake from previous residents John Hay (private secretary to President Lincoln) and Henry Adams (descendent of former presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams).

With a recent $20 million renovation by famed Washington designer, Thomas Pheasant, the Hay-Adams showcases classic luxury with intricately carved ceilings and lavish fireplaces.  In addition to numerous accolades, including the AAA “Four Diamond Award” for 24 consecutive years as well as Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best 500 Hotels” (#1 for DC), the Hay-Adams has lodged choice travelers such as Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh.

Aside from a comfortable stay, the hotel offers award-winning dining facilities.  Enjoy a leisurely brunch at The Lafayette Room dubbed “One of the Nation’s Top Four Power Breakfast Spots” by the Wall Street Journal.

Insider Tip: Wander down to the hotel’s bar, Off The Record (named by Forbes.com as one of the “World’s Best Hotel Bars”) and order a cocktail from John Boswell, named best bartender for four years by the Washingtonian.  Hailed as “Washington’s place to be seen but not heard,” you’ll definitely rub shoulders with some Washington power players.

Experience True American Ballet with the San Francisco Ballet

As America’s first and oldest professional ballet company, the San Francisco Ballet is a must-see for anyone looking to truly experience the American style of ballet. It is among the world’s leading dance companies and one of the three largest American ballet companies, and is the company responsible for premiering ballet staples like Swan Lake & Nutcracker to American audiences.

The company presents more than 100 memorable performances annually, from new works by today’s most prominent choreographers to new interpretations of classic full-length productions. Led by world-famous Helgi Tomasson, the company consists of a diverse international repertoire that is always presented with finesse and elegance.

The company is currently based in the beautiful 3,146-seat War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco. With its elegant lines, vaulted ceiling, marble foyer, and sweeping balconies, the opera house complements and completes the breathtaking experience that is the San Francisco Ballet.

Harlow

Harlow

New York City is home to some of the hottest restaurants, hotels and nightlife in the world and no one knows that better than Richie Notar. The Queens native started his career in the hospitality industry as a busboy at Ian Schrager and Steve Rubell‘s Studio 54. After working as a chef in some of the city’s top restaurants, he served as the General Manager of the original Nobu — and only two years later, became the company’s Managing Partner for the past 17 years.

Notar recently partnered with Jim Pallotta, Jon Krasner and Michael Barrett to create Harlow, a full-service restaurant, parlor and café in midtown Manhattan. Located at 56th and Park, the European-inspired restaurant features a grand oyster bar, an interior wall of ivy in a conservatory that is flooded with natural light and contemporary art installations. The main dining room retains the original stained glass windows and chandeliers from the 1930’s, when actress Marion Davies used the space for personal entertaining.

Visit harlownyc.com for more information

The Varsity – The World’s Largest Drive-In

The Varsity is the world’s largest drive-in restaurant, serving customers in Atlanta since 1928. People from all over the world come to experience The Varsity because there is nothing like it anywhere!

varsity

The original Varsity, located at 61 North Avenue, near Georgia Tech, opened in 1928 on a 70′ X 120′ lot with a white picket fence by a man named Frank Gordy; a man with a $2000 nest egg and “million dollar taste buds.” Through his dedication to freshness, superior quality, advanced technology and serving the best food fast, he gained a reputation that is known worldwide. The Varsity has hosted well known people from the entertainment industry, the sports industry, the Governor’s mansion, the White House, as well as visitors from all over the globe. Through Frank Gordy’s determination, the original Varsity has grown into a two-story “Lunching Pad” and there are now 7 sister locations. The Varsity has become an Atlanta institution known and loved by all.

There are now 7 locations in and around the Atlanta area. Stop by for some amazing food. Click thevarsity.com for more information.

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

The Porter is a Pub With Beer on the Brain

Throwing its proverbial hat in the gastro-pub scene ring is The Porter Beer Bar. The Porter boasts a beer menu of some 300 bottles and 30 more on-tap. In the kitchen, headed by Nick Rutherford (formerly of Seeger’s, Quinones at Bacchanalia, and the Chocolate Bar), pub grub is served up with gourmet style. Try their legendary wings served three ways:  Chipotle BBQ, Traditional Buffalo and Teriyaki.

The Porter also has a “Hair of the Dog” brunch on weekends featuring peach-covered waffles, biscuits and  sausage gravy, and a smoked salmon scramble.

The Porter Bar is located in the heart of Little Five Points.

Visit theporterbeerbar.com for more information.

Park Grill: 4 Seasons of Fun

Millennium Park bustles with tourists and locals in the soutdoor-summerummer gawking at art installations, music concerts and taking summer strolls while the winter hosts bundled up cuties of all ages circling the ice rink with their best moves. All seasons, this park swarms with action and the perfect place to tuck in to rest your feet in between park time is where else, but the Park Grill, found in the center of it all.

Lunchtime heats up with local business power lunches while happy hours revel in drink specials while dinners are posh yet classsic, top notch yet not over the top. In other words, Park Grill is always a safe bet and has been since it and the park’s debut in ’03.

The Georgian Terrace is the Grand Dame of Atlanta’s Hotels

Built in 1910, The Georgian Terrace holds a special place in Atlanta’s history, with its rich heritage and elegant charm. Once dubbed Atlanta’s “Paris hotel,” the building’s nineteen-story design features stunning architectural details, floor-to-ceiling Palladian-styled windows, white marble columns along with crystal chandeliers, making it the grand dame of hotels in the city’s glamorous midtown district.

Saunter the Italian tiled floors to your spacious, luxurious suite with classic furnishings and modern amenities including full kitchens, pillow-top mattresses with Picture 16300-thread count cotton bedding, 37-inch flat screen HD TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi. Feed your soul inside the hotel’s Livingston Restaurant and Bar, where guests can dress up for a four-course evening at the restaurant or dress down for cocktails and a light supper at the bar, while surrounded by classic architecture and early 20-century glamour.

Whether you’re a local in need of a “staycation” or visiting from out-of-town on real vacation, there’s an exclusive package catered to your specific needs, such as the Pampered Girlfriends or Romance Special.

While The Georgian Terrace first opened its doors a century ago, it still remains a notable Atlanta landmark located on the corner of Peachtree Street and Ponce de Leon Avenue across from the world-renowned Fox Theatre. It also accommodated the likes of American Idol winner Fantasia during her time in the city as the star of The Color Purple Broadway musical.

Another Starr: Butcher & Singer

Channeling a time when martinis at lunch were the norm and no self-respecting woman left the home without her coif in full pompadour, Butcher & Singer serves steak and seafood in Picture 14high fashion. If you are one of those that agree there can never be too much Mad Men in our lives, Butcher & Singer is your opportunity to walk right onto that set and light up a cigarette.

The stars at this Starr restaurant are steaks and seafood, just as any classic steakhouse should. Prime steaks are prepared a la carte from the beautiful open kitchen. Seafood highlights are cold-water lobster, classic surf and turf, freshly caught fish and Lobster Newberg. And for lunch, the Butcher Burger has won Philadelphia battles with its grilled onions, English cheddar, and homemade Russian dressing serving the knockout punch.

Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s Modern Music

For over a century, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra has been bringing sweet sounds to the masses and putting Dallas on the map with thriving musicians. Working with greats like Tony Bennett, John Legend, Kenny Rogers, LeeAnn Rimes and even Ben Folds Five, the DSO dabbles inPicture 4 a little of every genre. Whether its Mozart & Handel or indulging in the DSO’s compilation of 50’s Dance Party classics, the DSO has a friendly, helpful staff to guide you along the way if you’re new to symphonic scrutiny.

Educational programs and community concerts are two offerings that are not to be missed-The Dallas Symphony Orchestra “believes that with the proper training and education, every child has the potential to be the next Mozart or Beethoven.” The Dallas Symphony Orchestra has a special arm, DSO Kids, that includes special events and even training to let the music become a family affair.

An organization of this caliber with such rich history receives patronage from Dallas’ finest, and when you experience the otherworldly sounds of the DSO, you’ll be oh so glad you turned off your iPod to experience it firsthand.