Tanjong Pagar Centre. Credit: Tanjong Pagar Centre

This week’s news updates in the travel world include some of those luxuries most of us only ever read about, but it makes for great reading.

 Airline News

This week’s biggest airline news is all about adding luxury for those flying in Business or First class:

• Thai Airways now offers fully-flat seats in first and business class on board revamped B747-4002 on London to Bangkok routes
• Singapore Airlines is serving an optional traditional English afternoon tea on board select flights from London to Singapore
• KLM will offer fully-flat business class seats on board new B747-400s beginning this summer

 Hotel News

There are more new hotels sprouting up in the newly-opened Myanmar and another Asian country proposes a super-tall luxury hotel and residential building. Read about this and more in this week’s Hotel News:

• A report came out this week listing the cheapest rooms at the most expensive hotels in New York City – check out the top 20
• Singapore’s tallest building, The Tanjong Pagar Centre, will include a luxury hotel as well as high-end apartments and retail space
• Hotel Group Accor announces three new hotels in Myanmar
• Base2Stay hotels in London rebrand and open a new location in Soho

Check out all the news in the travel world.

Penthouse Terrace views at Hotel Vitale. Credit: Hotel Vitale

The 200-room Hotel Vitale is located in the midst of San Francisco’s Embarcadero renaissance across from the Ferry Building Marketplace, near the financial district. The luxury hotel is ideally situated for those seeking everything from fresh seafood to fresh flowers from one of twenty farmers markets and specialty shops across the street. Amtrak, trolley service, Alcatraz, Treasure Island, Fisherman’s Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge and AT&T Ballpark  are all close by.

Arrival

San Francisco is serviced by San Francisco International Airport (SFO), with flights throughout the US, as well as gateways to Asia and Europe. I flew in from Phoenix and, with ten direct flights daily by several airlines, San Francisco is a great two-hour get away.  It only took me about 20 minutes to get to the eight-story hotel by car from SFO (although I understand rush hour can substantially add to that journey).

Hotel Vitale lobby. Credit: Hotel Vitale

If you choose to go to the hotel via Super Shuttle the cost is $20, while a taxi ride will make you dig a little deeper at $45 to $50, excluding tip. Also, for those on a tight budget and/or carrying few bags, BART (San Francisco’s light rail rapid transit system) will take you directly from the airport to the Embarcadero Station – a brief stroll from the hotel.

I was greeted by cheerful check-in staff on my arrival, which quickly processed my reservation and directed me through the spacious, “post-hip boutique” styled-lobby to the elevator and my third floor room.

My Room

A potpourri of restrained lavender, blue, green, yellow, and brown, accented by wheat and grasses artwork (Hotel Vitale’s interiors were designed by Colum McCartan), reflected Hotel Vitale’s “luxury, naturally” theme. The floor-to-ceiling windows offered gorgeous first-impression views of palm trees, San Francisco Bay, and the Marketplace. The spa-themed bathroom was spacious and “naturally” cheerful.  The towels were thick and plenteous.

Circular suite with bridge view at Hotel Vitale. Credit: Hotel Vitale

The room had one of the best stocked honor bars I have seen in a while and the pillow-topped king bed was especially comfortable with 440 thread-count sheets with a combination of two feather/down  pillows and two foam ones. If the honor bar doesn’t satisfy you, 24-hour room service should fill the gap. My room, as do all rooms at the Vitale, came with a flat-screen TV, complimentary WiFi and CD player with a collection of discs offering several music genres.  Two thick full-length robes are also provided in each room. While not offered in my room, the hotel tells me their circular suites offer 180-degree views of San Francisco Bay, which you can also enjoy from the soaker tub or your bed.

The highlight of my stay in the room was the Bay Bridge $8-million, 25,000-bulb LED light display that flashed on at dusk.

Sadly, for all its amenities, my room was not equipped with a coffee maker.

Services and Amenities

Hotel Vitale offers a plethora of amenities for both casual and business guests.  A business center and boardroom complement 1700 sq. ft. of indoor conference space . Conference rooms have expansive rooftop event spaces with inspirational views of the Bay and surrounding area.   The hotel also offers something called “Green Meetings packages” that incorporate “eco-friendly practices” for events or meetings.

The hotel provides complimentary car services to downtown and Old San Francisco. My driver was professionally attired in dark suit and tie, courteous and very knowledgeable about San Francisco and its history. For instance, did you know Amtrak used to own much of the land surrounding the hotel?

Spa soaking tub at Hotel Vitale. Credit: Hotel Vitale

A penthouse day spa provides two outdoor rooftop soaking tubs situated in the midst of a bamboo forest and it too offers stellar views of the Bay and surrounding area. The spa offers everything from facials to organic massages but requires at least 24 hour advance notice for an appointment.

Located just off the lobby is the Italian themed Americano Restaurant and lounge. Chef Kory Stewart, who attended the California Culinary Academy, offers what he calls “robust Italian cooking” that changes frequently with the seasons.  Americano incorporates products purchased daily from a nearby farmer’s market as well as from Bay area artisan producers. For lunch I sampled Kory’s superb house pasta del giorno spaghetti alla punttanesca, with tuna conserva, calabrian chili, and bottarga. A crisp glass of 2011 Stags’ Leap Napa Valley chardonnay perfectly complimented the pasta/tuna combination.

Americano at Hotel Vitale. Credit: Randy Law

The following morning, my breakfast included some house-made yogurt and granola–with local wildflower honey – a wild mushroom scramble with grana-padano cheese, truffle oil, chicken apple sausage, toast and coffee. However, great food in the “Golden City” doesn’t come cheap: tax and tip for lunch and breakfast was around $40 each.

The restaurant features a trendy outdoor patio and “aromatherapy” garden.  The enclosure faces the waterfront and caters to up-and-coming financial district executives, tourists, and those who just want to be part of the hip crowd. In fact, I was amazed just how quickly the patio started filling up at about 3 p.m. with young professionals during my mid-week visit .  By 5:00 p.m. it was jammed.  I asked one of the young business-attired execs sittings next to me if it was like this every day and he answered in the affirmative. Happy Hour might have had something to do with it: It runs 3 – 6 p.m. Saturday to Wednesday with wine and cocktails offered at $5 per glass; bottled beer at three bucks.

One unique feature of the Americano is that staff will temporarily store a hotel guest’s fish and food purchases in a dedicated area of a walk-in refrigerator if they’ve over indulged at the market. Morever, for what I think is a reasonable $15 to $35 charge, the restaurant will cook your procurements to order.

Overall Stay

Hotel Vitale in San Francisco. Credit: Hotel Vitale

Recently, US News & World Report rated Hotel Vitale as one of San Francisco’s top hotels (http://travel.usnews.com).  I concur.  And although the hotel doesn’t equal the splendor of The Fairmont, for example, it offers large, relaxing rooms, a restful sleep, and a very well-stocked honor bar.

Vitale’s location is a huge bonus as is Americano’s outdoor bar. My gripe about the lack of a coffee maker was later addressed by management who state, “Hotel Vitale provides complimentary coffee in the lobby and coffee makers in the room by request. The overall feel of the room is meant to be serene and comforting, with relaxing lavender, Hotel Vitale’s nod to a welcome wreath, greeting guests at the door. Some people do not enjoy the smell of coffee and they found it to be intrusive in the room for some, which is why a coffee machine is offered upon request.” Either that, or pack one before you head out the door.

If you can get to either the 7th or 8th floor roof decks from July 4, 2013 to September 21, 2013, you’ll catch some great views America’s Cup “Summer of Racing.”

Click here for additional hotel profiles on WanderWithWonder.com. 

Contact:

8 Mission Street,
San Francisco, CA 94105
415.278.3700
www.hotelvitale.com

About Randy Law:

A former news reporter, editor, producer, and commercial pilot Randy is a freelance writer who has authored reviews and articles under various pseudonyms on everything from autos and aircraft, to computing “tips for dummies” for organizations such as IDG Press, Microsoft, the Boeing Company, and Examiner.com.

Airline News

The biggest news in the airline industry recently has been the merger of US Airways and American Airlines, but there’s plenty of other news in the airline industry:

• KLM started charging for bags
• Air France introduced discount fares within Europe
• British Airways has its own signature tea
• Heathrow London’s Terminal 2 will open as the new home for Star Alliance (check out the photos of this gorgeous new terminal)
• Delta unveiled new Business Elite Class upgrades
• EVA Air’s Royal Laurel Class offers some great perks

Click here for details on updates to airline routes announced so far in 2013.

Beer, Wine & Spirits Updates

The beer, wine, and spirit world is gearing up for hot summer months with some unique new flavors:

• Blue Moon launched its Agave Nectar Ale
• Thatcher’s offers a new prickly pear liqueur
• Bendistillery, from Bend, Oregon, introduced a Sweet Ginger Vodka
• Wine lovers can sample new wines from Calendar Girl Wines: Bodacious Brunette and Buxom Blonde

Hotel News

JW Marriott Marquis Dubai. Credit: Marriott International

Hotels seem to be popping up almost daily all around the world and some of the world’s most renowned hotels are undergoing major renovations:

• JW Marriott opened the world’s tallest hotel in Dubai
• Rosewood Hotels is returning to London in late 2013 at a restored hotel on High Holborn
• Marriott is opening chic budget chain Moxy Hotels in late 2013
• Indianapolis art hotel causes a stir
• Several Hyatt properties across the US receive multimillion dollar renovations

What’s New

Be sure to stop in regularly to see what’s happening in the travel world. While you’re exploring WanderWithWonder.com, check out the new Product Review pages. I’ve added a page of suggested online retailers as well as reviews of some of my favorite products. There will be more added regularly.

Do you have any news you’d like to share? Please email me with your suggestions.

Schnitzel and risotto

Food defines a place. When I travel, I seek out local eateries because they help define the culture. I love it when I discover a dish and can get the recipe for it. It’s fun to return home and see how close I can come to duplicating the meal.

There are a handful of dishes I’ve discovered during my travels that I continue to make at home. I thought I’d share one of my favorites – Schweineschnitzel. This pork schnitzel recipe belonged to my landlord when I lived in Germany, back in the mid-1980s. I’ve enjoyed this recipe countless times during the three decades since. I hope you’ll enjoy it as well. Of course, it’s never complete without a glass of German wine. (If you click on the Recipe Magic button below, you’ll be able to see the complete nutritional information for the recipe.)

I hope you enjoy bringing a little bit of Germany into your home.

Thoroughbreds graze in the field near Lexington KY. Credit: Susan Lanier-Graham

Thoroughbred horses. Kentucky Derby. Bourbon. Those five words define classic Kentucky. A place like no other, Kentucky lives and breaths horses.

Next week, horse lovers around the world will tune in to watch “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports” – the Kentucky Derby – when a field of thoroughbreds make a run for the roses around the track at Louisville’s Churchill Downs. The horses shown above, hopefully future Derby competitors, were grazing in the fields near Lexington, Kentucky in summer 2012. Lexington, like its neighboring Louisville, lives for the horse industry.

Come Derby Day (May 4th in 2013), the entire state comes to a stand still during those two intense minutes when millions of dollars worth of horses – and the lifelong dreams of so many – circle the track in hopes of winning the first of the three big races on the road to the Triple Crown. I was in Lexington one year during the Derby and it was the next best thing to sitting at Churchill Downs. The racing facilities at Keeneland in Lexington are a perfect mix of classic race tradition and modern amenities. The day was filled with a variety of local races, along with the big races broadcast on the track’s massive screen.

Even if you can’t be in Kentucky for Derby Day, plan to visit Lexington and stop by the track at Keeneland. Be sure to inquire about visits to local horse farms. Seeing these exquisite animals up close and personal is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Click here to see other featured Photos of the Day.

Somerset Meadow products. Credit: Crabtree & Evelyn

As I travel, one of the things I take with me and try to remember, are the particular smells of a place. It completes that sense of place for me. I’m acutely aware of smell, so when I look at body products – such as lotions and shower gels – I often go for things that have almost no fragrance. I have, however, often made an exception for products from Crabtree & Evelyn. Somehow, they manage to create scents that are so fresh and clean you almost visualize a physical setting. (See my review here on the brand’s Citron products.) They’ve hit gold again with their new Somerset Meadow collection, coming May 2013 – just in time for Mother’s Day.

Somerset Meadow is a light floral fragrance that is designed to remind you of the meadows of Somerset in England. I’ve never visited Somerset, but I do know it takes me to a fresh spring day, when everything is clean and in bloom. It’s not overwhelmingly floral, balanced with notes of bergamot, blackberry, ivy, and fern. It’s a little bit floral, but a little bit earthy at the same time.

Sunset Meadow Bath gel. Credit: Crabtree & Evelyn

I was fortunate to get some advance samples so I could try them out and I love the products. The bath and shower gel, which sells for $22 for a 6.8-ounce bottle, has water lily and ivy touches. It foams up nice in the bubble bath, but using it in the shower is perfect. It is not sticky and the smell isn’t so strong that you end up feeling as if you’ve bathed in perfume. It’s a light gel that makes you feel clean and fresh. A perfect way to start the day.

Sunset Meadow hand therapy. Credit: Crabtree & Evelyn

I also sampled the hand therapy cream, which comes in a 3.5-ounce tube and sells for $19. I love the texture, which is a blend of macadamia nut oil and shea butter. It’s not thick and greasy and I could even use my iPad after I’d put it on my hands. It also has water lily and ivy extracts, along with vitamins C and E and a touch of myrrh that is good for the cuticles. My only regret is that it happens to be a half ounce over the 3-ounce limit at the airports. This one will have to stay by my bedside.

Somerset Meadow Eau de Toilette Credit: Crabtree & Evelyn

Finally, I tried the eau de toilette. I must admit I was a little skeptical of this one. I only use one scent at those rare times when I do use a perfume. It’s not flowery and costs considerably more than this bottle (Somerset Meadow Eau De Toilette sells for $40 for 2 ounces). However, I was pleasantly surprised. It is floral, but because of the notes of bergamot and the earthy smells of ivy, fern, and blackberry, you end up with a nice fruity-floral scent that is simply pleasant and fresh. It makes me feel good when I use it.

The line also includes a body lotion ($24 for 6.8 oz) and a new parfum gel ($18 for 0.4 ounce). The little atomizer of parfum gel would be ideal for traveling. (One note: I would never recommend wearing a scent while on a plane. Be mindful of your fellow travelers and possible allergies and hold off on the fragrance until you land and head out for dinner.)

Overall, this is a perfect choice of a fragrance, lotion, and body wash that makes you feel fresh, alive, and ready for the day. It would be perfect for mom on Mother’s Day – or any day. You’ll be able to get the products at any Crabtree & Evelyn retail outlet or online at www.crabtree-evelyn.com. Check out the company’s Facebook site at www.facebook.com/CrabtreeandEvelyn.

LEGOLAND Hotel. Credit: LEGOLAND California Resort

I generally don’t write about places I haven’t visited. How are you supposed to know a place and “feel” it if you’ve never set foot there? I’m making an exception this time to share news of the much-anticipated opening of the new LEGOLAND Hotel in Carlsbad, California on April 5, 2013. They say the hotel and the adjacent adventure park are designed for kids from 2 to 12, but I’m pretty darned excited about it myself. I mean, LEGOs, right?

Every time I hear about the hotel and the adventure park (I’ve never been to the park, either, in the spirit of full disclosure), I hear my 6-year-old grandson’s voice, pierced with a heavy sigh (this is as his 5-year-old sister jumps up and down and tells me she wants to visit Paris): “I just want to go to LEGOLAND.” So, perhaps my excitement is wrapped up in the fact that I am determined to get him and his siblings to LEGOLAND this year. But, I really do think this sounds like the best family stay ever. Take a look at what waits at the new LEGOLAND Hotel.

The essentials

Adventure-themed room at LEGOLAND Hotel. Credit: LEGOLAND California Resort

The 250-room, 3-story LEGO-themed hotel will have bright colors, a pool, lounge, interactive Castle Play area, and a family restaurant. Kids can choose from one of three themes when they have their parents book the rooms: Pirate, Kingdom, or Adventure. Both rooms and larger suites are available. Every individual room has a separate sleeping area for up to three kids, with bunk beds and a pull-out trundle bed. There are two TVs in each room (three in the suites), so that kids can watch movies and play games in their rooms (it’s vacation, after all). Rooms also feature at least eight LEGO models, a treasure hunt with gifts in the room, and complimentary WiFi. Parents will love that the room also includes a mini-fridge, coffee maker, hair dryer, and free toiletries. There are six pirate-themed rooms with terraces (every pirate needs a look out spot).

Public areas

Reception area at LEGOLAND Hotel. Credit: LEGOLAND California Resort

The hotel is a giant LEGO play land  with more about 3,422 LEGO models located throughout the property, created using more than three million LEGO blocks. There’s a smoke-breathing dragon at the hotel’s entrance and a bubble-blowing dragon on the patio – all made, naturally, of LEGO bricks. The Castle Play area features a moat, pirate ship, and interactive castle. Every child’s fantasy hotel. When you first check in, be sure to check out the 6,000 LEGO figures behind reception.

Food and drinks

Bricks Family Restaurant inside LEGOLAND Hotel serves breakfast and dinner buffet, complete with a special kids’-sized buffet for the little guests. Mini’s Lounge, for adults, is adjacent to the Castle Play area. The Skyline Café serves up food amid a fun LEGO setting.

Pool for all ages

The pool area is designed for guests of all ages to enjoy. You can sip an adult beverage while you watch the kids play in the gradual incline 5-foot-deep pool.

The extras

The hotel has plenty of bells and whistles (literally). Step into a disco elevator and enjoy lights pulsating in beat with the music. Work out in the fitness center on the first floor. You can even stage an event at the hotel. Of course, the best part is that the hotel is at the main entrance to LEGOLAND California and hotel guests will have exclusive early morning access to the park.

The hotel is booking now for dates beginning April 5, 2013.

LEGOLAND Hotel in California. Credit: LEGOLAND California Resort

Castle Play area at LEGOLAND Hotel California. Credit: LEGOLAND California Resort

Dragons greet guests at LEGOLAND Hotel. Credit: LEGOLAND California Resort

Splash Zoo at LEGOLAND California. Credit: LEGOLAND California Resort

Miniland Las Vegas Excalibur at LEGOLAND. Credit: LEGOLAND California Resort

LEGOLAND Water Park at LEGOLAND. Credit: LEGOLAND California Resort

California in MiniLand at LEGOLAND. Credit: LEGOLAND California Resort

Star Wars at LEGOLAND. Credit: LEGOLAND California Resort

LEGOLAND Hotel
One LEGLOLAND Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
760.918.5375
www.legolandhotel.com

InterContinental Montreal. Credit: InterContinental Montreal

The InterContinental Montréal is a 4-star luxury hotel situated between the conference/business district and Old Montreal. Even though it’s a large hotel, with more than 350 rooms, it has a boutique feel with an intriguing mix of colors, textures, and design. The hotel adjoins the Montreal World Trade Centre and is close to the Convention Centre. There are two subway stations a few minutes walk away (Place d’Armes and Square Victoria), which make this an ideal hotel for both business travelers and tourists who want easy access to all of Montreal.

Arrival

Escalator to the lobby. Credit: InterContinental Montreal

The InterContinental Montréal is a little more than 12 miles from International Airport Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau, which is about 20-30 minutes travel time. The hotel doesn’t have a shuttle, but it’s easy to get a taxi. All taxi drivers at the airport must have a license and there is a flat fee of $40 (Canadian dollars) from the airport to downtown. You’ll simply need to follow airport signs to the taxi waiting area. No reservation is required. When I arrived at the hotel, I was immediately greeted by friendly bell staff who offered to take care of my bags. I declined and made my way up the escalator toward the lobby.

The ride up the escalator offers a glimpse of what you’ll expect at the InterContinental Montreal, with walls lined in alternating wood and fur, shimmering lights overhead. The front staff desk, after a cheery “Bonjour!” greeting, were all fluent in several languages, including English, and quickly checked me into my room. I had a packet of information waiting with the concierge, so the young lady at the desk directed me to the concierge desk, in a small room just off the lobby, before wishing me a great stay in Montreal.

The concierge was the perfect mix of friendly but polite and efficient. He found my package, which was tucked securely behind his desk, and had me sign for it and show my identification before handing it over to me and I was off to my room.

My Room

Deluxe King Room. Credit: InterContinental Montreal

I had what the hotel calls an “Irresistible” or deluxe room. It was a nice-sized room with a king bed. I loved the modern feel of the room, but with dark woods and accent colors that still made it feel warm with a nod to Old World styling. My view was great–I looked out across the St. Lawrence River and the port to the Biosphere dome. I know there are some rooms that face directly into another building, so ask for a room with a view. You might also want to consider paying the upgrade for a corner room. It wasn’t a dramatic price difference.

The mattress was one of my favorite brands–Simmons Beautyrest™. It had wonderful, luxurious linens, feather duvets, and a choice of pillows. My room included a soft robe (which felt great as I watched it alternately rain and snow outside my window during my stay), and Agraria bath products. The rooms were extremely quiet – I forgot I wasn’t the only person in the hotel. My biggest complaint was that there was no minibar or fridge in the room. When I returned to the room late at night, or even on Sunday afternoon, there wasn’t anything open where I could pick up a bottle of water or soda, because the little shop by the bell desk on the street level wasn’t open late and there are no vending machines in the hotel. However, considering everything else at the hotel, that was certainly a minor complaint.

The room had great WiFi, I was able to easily control the room temperature. I appreciated the great international television options, which I could view on the flat-screen TV. I loved having my own coffeemaker in the room. Having my desk situated so I could sit and look out through enormous floor-to-ceiling windows was an added plus.

Services and Amenities

Sarah B. Bar Credit: InterContinental Montreal

Although the hotel is known for its great conference amenities, I wasn’t there for a conference, so I never saw the meeting rooms. However, the hotel’s amenities seem perfectly in line for anyone visiting on business as well as leisure travelers. I loved the bar, Sarah B., which bills itself as an absinthe bar. It has an Old World charm with a secluded feel and even uses the color of the bright green anise-flavored absinthe as an accent throughout the space. The absinthe dispensers on the bar aren’t just for show – order an absinthe and watch the century-old ritual as the bartender prepares your drink. I’m not a fan, but everyone should try it at least once. No worries, the ingredients have changed from the times of Picasso and Sarah Bernhardt, so you aren’t likely to go insane from sipping absinthe in 2013. If you’re meeting a small group of friends, reserve one of the two Green Fairy Alcoves in the bar, lovely little spaces tucked behind heavy velvet drapes.

Restaurant Osco! Credit: InterContinental Montreal

The hotel’s restaurant is Osco! – French for bravo. The restaurant, under the guidance of Chef Matthieu Saunier (InterContinental’s youngest executive chef, by the way), serves up foods of Provence. The restaurant focuses on fresh, local ingredients and you can almost taste the warmth of Southern France in every dish. There are three distinct eating areas at Osco! – the main dining room, Salon Rotonde, and La Bastide. La Rotonde is a private dining area with a round table for up to 12 and offers great views of Old Montreal. La Bastide is a fun area that looks like a French kitchen. The breakfast buffet (which offers an excellent assortment of hot and cold items) is laid out in La Bastide. The chef also does cooking demonstrations in that area for special occasions. I had a great 3-course dinner for just  $29. It was part of Taste MTL – Montreal’s first restaurant week. I enjoyed the entire meal, starting with a wonderful, rich butternut squash soup, moving on to a duck entree with cherry sauce, and concluding with an incredible dessert of white chocolate mousse with fresh berries and a touch of absinthe in the mousse. Oh, I also sampled the chef’s risotto – it was probably one of the best risottos I’ve had anywhere, so I recommend ordering that while you’re at Osco!

The hotel also has a spa, pool and business center, but I didn’t use any of those services on this trip. The pool area is quite lovely. The salt-water pool is long (ideal for laps) and there are saunas in both changing rooms. There’s also an outdoor patio and you can book a massage for the spa or in the quiet of your own room. The business center is inside the Club InterContinental just off the lobby.

Overall Stay

I stayed at the InterContinental Montreal as a guest of the hotel. I completely enjoyed my three nights there and would definitely consider staying again on a return trip. It is so convenient to everything in downtown and to the subway, that it makes your stay easy. The staff is friendly, yet always professional. I had the misfortune of losing a camera one evening. When I realized it, I immediately went down to the lobby and the front desk clerk took a great deal of time with me. She called the restaurant where I’d been and spoke to them in French, explaining exactly where I’d been seated and when I had been there. She called the cab company to repeat the story. Before she went home for the evening, she left me a message asking about the camera and giving me her name should I need any additional assistance. When I went back the next morning to see if any word had been left at the desk, the morning clerk knew all about the situation and the details of what we’d done to try to track down the camera the previous evening. The hotel was extremely busy with a large group, so I was impressed at the personal service. InterContinental Montréal definitely met all my needs, but next time I would book a Club Room so I could have access to the snacks and refreshments in the Club throughout the day.

Click here for additional hotel profiles.

Want to know more about my top hotel room choices? Click here for details.

Pinot Noir grape cluster. Credit: Argyle Winery

Pinot Noir wine has a beautiful deep red color and earthy flavor usually reminiscent of black cherries and plums. Wine connoisseurs who enjoy a full-bodied Pinot Noir recognize the growing importance of Oregon Pinot Noirs in today’s wine industry.

Oregon has the ideal climate for growing and producing the Pinot Noir grapes. The climate slows down the ripening process and sugar development of the fruit, giving them time to develop that unforgettable flavor. The result is a full-bodied wine with a smooth mouth feel. You’ll find low tannin and a deep, pure flavor in the Oregon Pinots.

Some of the best Oregon Pinot Noirs were produced during 2010—some of them may prove even better than the exceptional 2008 wines as they mature. It started out, however, as a nail-biting year for the wine producers, with cool and damp weather, even during the summer months. The producers feared they would have no wine for the year. Then, they were blessed with a glorious Indian Summer in the Willamette Valley, bringing the crop to maturity in late October. The wines are some of the best in years, but there is limited supply. Don’t wait to buy them.

North Willamette Valley AVA Map

Wine Spectator magazine recently named 20 Oregon wineries at the top of the must-drink list. Below is a look at those top 20 and the information you need for a visit and the website so you can order your own bottle if you can’t make it to Oregon. Many of these are also available at local wine shops.

• Adelsheim Vineyard. Try the Elizabeth’s Reserve (2009 for $55). Tasting room open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. 16800 NE Calkins Lane, Newberg, OR 503.538.3652 www.adelsheim.com 

• Alexana Winery. Best bet is the Pinot Noir Signature (2010 is $75). Tasting room open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 12001 NE Worden Hill Road, Newberg, OR 503.537.3100 www.alexanawinery.com 

• Archery Summit. Try the wines from the Arcus and Renegade Ridge vineyards. Tasting room is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 18599 NE Archery Summit Road, Dayton, OR 503.864.4300 www.archerysummit.com 

• 

  Argyle Spirit House Pinot Noir. Credit: Argyle Winery

  Argyle Winery. Best bets are the Spirithouse (2009 is $75) and the Nuthouse (2010 is $50). Tasting room is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 691 Highway 99W, Dundee, OR 503.538.8520 www.argyle.com

• A to Z/Rex Hill. The Jacob-Hart bottlings are some of the best wines from this winery. Tasting room is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 30835 N. Highway 99W, Newberg OR 800.739.4455 www.rexhill.com 

• Beaux Frères. The best wines from this vineyard have the Beaux Frères Vineyard label (2010 for $80) and the Upper Terrace label (2009 is available in 1.5 liter for $180). The tasting room is only open seasonally. 15155 NE North Valley Road, Newberg, OR 503.537.1137 www.beauxfreres.com 

• Bergström Vineyards. The best wine value is Old Stones (the 2011 is $30), but for a fabulous Pinot Noir go for the Homage (2010 is $100 if you can still find it in stock). Tasting room is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. 18215 NE Calkins Lane, Newberg, OR 503.554.0468 www.bergstromwines.com 

• Bethel Heights. This winery produces a delicate Pinot Noir and their best is the Casteel Reserve (the 2010 is $60). The tasting room is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday (only open on Saturday and Sunday during the month of January). 6060 Bethel Heights Road, NW, Salem, OR 503.581.2262 www.bethelheights.com 

• Brick House Vineyards. The two best best from this vineyard are “Les Dijonnais” (the 2010 is $49) and “Evelyn’s” (2010 is $60). Tastings are available by appointment Thursday through Saturday. 18200 Lewis Rogers Lane, Newberg, OR 503.538.5136 www.brickhousewines.com 

• Chehalem. Try the Stoller Vineyards (2010 is $48). The tasting room is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at 106 S. Center Street, Newberg, OR 503.538.4700 Winery tours are available by appointment at 31190 NE Veritas Lane, Newberg, OR 503.537.5553 www.chehalemwines.com 

• Domaine Drouhin Oregon. The must-try wine from this vineyard is the Laurène (the 2009 is $65). The tasting room is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 6750 Breyman Orchards Road, Dayton, OR 503.864.2700 www.domainedrouhin.com 

• Domaine Serene. Try the Evenstad Reserve (2008 for $65). The tasting room is open Wednesday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 6555 NE Hilltop Lane, Dayton, OR 503.864.4600 www.domaineserene.com 

• Elk Cove Vineyards. Elk Cove has several vineyards and gets grapes from a variety of other vineyards. Try the La Bohème (2010 for $48) and the Roosevelt (2009 for $75). Tasting room is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 27751 NW Olson Road, Gaston, OR 503.985.7760 www.elkcove.com 

• Erath. Erath was purchased by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates in 2006. The star is the Prince Hill Pinot Noir (try the 2010, $50). The tasting room is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 9409 NE Worden Hill Road, Dundee, OR 503.538.3318 www.erath.com 

• Evening Land. Evening Land has vineyards in Oregon and California. For the Oregon Pinot Noirs, try the Seven Springs La Source (2010 is $60). The tasting room is open only by appointment. 572 Patterson Street NW, Suite 170, Salem, OR 503.395.2520 www.eveninglandvineyards.com

• 

  Tasting Room at Ponzi Vineyards. Credit: John Valls & Ponzi Vineyards

  Penner-Ash. Try the Estate Dussin Vineyard (2010 is $60) and, if you are fortunate enough to get one before they sell out the Pas de Nom. The 2010 Pas de Nom was especially good, but is extremely difficult to find. Tasting room is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and winery tours are offered on Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. with reservations. 15771 NE Ribbon Ridge Road, Newberg, OR 503.554.5545 www.pennerash.com

• Ponzi Vineyards. There are three great Pinot Noirs to try from Ponzi. The Vineyard Select (the 2009 is $75) and Reserve (2009 is $60) are both great choices. For a splurge, try the Ponzi Aurora (2010 is $100). The Aurora label is from the LIVE Certified Sustainable Aurora Vineyard and all fruit is hand-sorted and destemmed. In 2010, there were only 200 six-packs produced. The tasting room is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 14665 SW Winery Lane, Beaverton, OR 503.628.1227 Ponzi Vineyards also has a wine bar and bistro. The Ponzi Wine Bar, on the corner of Highway 99 and 7th Street in Dundee, is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 503.554.1500 www.ponziwinebar.com The Dundee Bistro is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 100-A SW Seventh Street in Dundee. 503.554.1650 www.dundeebistro.com www.ponziwines.com 

• St. Innocent Winery. This winery produces small batches of wine, so they sell out quickly. Wines from the Zenith Vineyard (2010 for $36) and Temperance Hill (currently sold out) are exceptional. Tasting room is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday in January). 5657 Zena Road NW, Salem (Eola-Amity Hills), OR 503.378.1526 www.stinnocentwine.com 

• Soter Vineyards. Two winners at Soter Vineyards are the Mineral Springs Ranch Pinot Noir, which is from the estate vineyard (the 2010 is $50 or splurge for the 2009 white label for $85), and the North Valley Pinot Noir which is a blend of grapes from vineyards throughout the North Valley (2010 is $30). The tasting room is by appointment only, daily at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. 10880 NE Mineral Springs Road, Carlton, OR 503.662.5600 www.sotervineyards.com 

• Ken Wright Cellars. The two stars from Ken Wright Cellars are the Savoya, from the Savoya Vineyard in Yamhill-Carlton (the 2009 is $55), and the Canary Hill Eola-Amity Hills (the 2010 is $53). The winery is not open to the public, but the public can taste the wines at the Tyrus Evan Tasting Room from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 120 N. Pine Street, Carlton, OR 503.852.7010 www.kenwrightcellars.com

For a perfect spot to stay while you explore the Oregon wine country of the Willamette Valley, check out my review of the beautiful Allison Inn in Newberg.

Knudsen Vineyards at Argyle Winery. Credit: Argyle Winery

Hôtel de Glace, Quebec. Credit: Susan Lanier-Graham

Quebec’s Hôtel del Glace (Ice Hotel) rises from the ground up each winter, painstakingly built on the site of an old zoo about 10 minutes from Old Quebec. The hotel has been a tradition in Quebec since 2001; this season’s hotel is open January 5 through March 24, 2013.

I took the photo above as I entered the ice hotel, with the beautiful carved ice columns and chandelier overhead, lit with colorful LED lights. My favorite part was huddling around the bar drinking hot chocolate. I had a great time exploring the Hôtel del Glace—and enjoying the outdoor Nordic area afterward—but I didn’t have a chance to stay overnight.

You can book your own room or suite for a stay inside the Ice Hotel. Each room is themed with different ice carvings and decorations and some have their own fireplaces (no, it doesn’t offer any heat, just ambiance). One room even has its own en-suite spa. You do get a sleeping bag for the evening, along with a hotel room in the city as a backup plan.

Fun facts about Hôtel del Glace:

• Made entirely of ice and snow
• 500 tons of ice and 15,000 tons of snow
• 32,000 square feet
• 19 foot ceilings
• 36 rooms and themed suites
• Ice bar
• Ice café that’s also used as a wedding chapel
• Grand Ice Slide
• Outside Nordic area with hot tubs and sauna

Hôtel de Glace
9530, rue de la Faune,
Québec (Québec)
G1G 5H9
Phone: 418.623.2888 
http://www.hoteldeglace-canada.com 

Collecting water from the sand in Haiti. Credit: Water.org

What’s better than giving back and winning great prizes that send you around the world in the process?

Most people in the “developed” world take turning on the faucet and getting a drink of water for granted. Long hot showers, loads of clean laundry and a flush toilet are things most of us consider necessities. For many developing countries around the world, however, water is a luxury more precious than gold. That is where a group of travel bloggers are hoping to help with this year’s Passports with Purpose (PwP) fundraiser.

Passports With Purpose

In 2008, four travel bloggers — Debbie Dubrow (Delicious Baby), Michelle Duffy (WanderMom), Pam Mandel (Nerd’s Eye View) and Beth Whitman (Wanderlust and Lipstick) — saw a need to help others in the world they experienced through their travels. Passports With Purpose unites the online world of travel bloggers in its annual fundraiser. I want to encourage all of my readers to get involved as well.

Who does Passports With Purpose benefit?

This year, the fifth year of raising funds for worthwhile causes, 200 travel bloggers have signed up to participate. The pledge is to raise at least $100,000 for five wells in Haiti through a partnership with Water.org, the organization founded by Matt Damon and Gary White. Each of these five wells will serve approximately 370 people and will save countless lives through access to clean drinking water.

The PwP project for 2012 is off to a good start with help from this year’s sponsors: Expedia.com (platinum sponsor); TripIt (gold sponsor); TBEX (silver sponsor); HomeAway (bronze sponsor); Travellerspoint (bronze sponsor); Hostel Bookers (bronze sponsor); and Go With Oh (bronze sponsor). Be sure to watch the gauge on the WanderWithWonder.com home page for updates on the progress.

How to participate

The best part about PWP is that everyone benefits. For each $10 tax-deductible donation to Water.org, you enter to win some fabulous prizes. Who doesn’t want a 26-day journey through Central Asia, a couple of nights in Maui, an Amazon River cruise or even a new backpack? For a full list of prizes, visit Passports With Purpose here. No prize is worth less than $100, some are worth thousands, and all proceeds go directly to Water.org.

Hurry, though. You need to DONATE NOW! The deadline is December 11, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Winners will be announced on December 18, 2012 — just in time for Christmas.

Bid on a prize now and remember that every dollar helps supply clean water while it gives you a chance to wander to your dream destination. Click here to check out the full list of all 200 participating bloggers.

Haiti water supply. Credit: Water.org

Savannah, Georgia is a city unlike any other, a dose of Southern charm tossed with a bit of quirk and mystery. The city is filled with history, but the food scene is cutting-edge and the town has much to offer art lovers as well. Check out Old Savannah Tours for some great get-away ideas.

Savannah, GA is an old Southern city filled with mystery and charm. Credit: Susan Lanier-Graham

Lexington, Kentucky is a city that makes me immediately want to pull up stakes and move. I always feel at home in Lexington. It’s one of those places where everything seems to come together to offer an ideal vacation spot — bourbon, great food, beautiful rolling hills, folks with that lovely Southern drawl, the most amazing horse farms in the world and the excitement of horse racing. For this horse lover from the South, it’s always a place that beckons. For more on Lexington, visit their website at http://www.visitlex.com.

Bourbon barrels at Woodford Reserver near Lexington, KY Credit: Susan Lanier-Graham

Red Giant at the famed 3 Chimneys Farm in Lexington, KY Credit: Susan Lanier-Graham

The Burgundy region of France is one of the most beautiful places in the world, but not a place for someone looking for an active nightlife. This part of the world is all about good food, even better wine, incredible cheese and bread and quietly enjoying it with friends. Cruising through the region’s famous canals is one of the best ways to experience the quiet medieval settings and some of the best meals anywhere. I recommend European Waterways for an unforgettable Burgundy Canal Cruise experience.

European Waterways’ La Belle Epoque anchored in Lezinne, France. Credit: Susan Lanier-Graham

Paris, France is the complete opposite of the Burgundy region in many ways. Yes, it has incredible food and wine, but it is busy and no one ever seems to sleep. Traffic is horrible and sounds on the street don’t quiet down until the wee hours. Yet there’s a fascination about Paris that makes it one of the most incredible cities in the world. Walking along the Seine, gazing at the Eiffel Tower, wandering among famous buildings and museums, or simply sitting in a sidewalk cafe sipping a coffee seems magical. I stayed at the Radisson Blu, Ambassador Hotel, Paris Opera while there and I thought it was in an ideal location, offered comfortable rooms and the staff was helpful and friendly.

EIFFEL TOWER FROM THE PONT DE INVALIDES BRIDGE OVER THE SEINE RIVER. Credit: Susan Lanier-Graham

Greer, Arizona is one of those places that holds some sort of magic for me. I can’t describe it, but I feel something in the air there that makes me simply happy. In 2011, Greer, along with much of Northern Arizona, was threatened by a massive fire. The flames came within feet of the town, yet it survived (thanks, of course, to fearless firefighters who put in days and days of grueling work). This summer, Greer was alive and kicking and the famous Molly Butler Lodge was serving up great food and drinks. I stayed in one of the cabin’s at Molly Butler and escaped from the world for a weekend. The reminder of the fire, however, will remain for years to come. The fire line so close to town brought tears to my eyes — tears of sorrow that the damage is there, but tears of joy that the town survived.

Greer Arizona in summer 2012 from Molly Butler’s patio Credit: Susan Lanier-Graham

Tucson, Arizona is just a couple of hours south of Phoenix and it offers an incredible mix of opportunities. One of the most unique outdoor attractions in the state is the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Part botanical garden, part nature preserve, part zoo, this is a beautiful area of the state and you can walk through some of the best examples of the Sonoran desert. Another favorite in Tucson is the Tanque Verde Guest Ranch. On the opposite side of Tucson from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tanque Verde provides another look at Tucson life. This working guest ranch offers visitors a chance to get out into the beautiful surrounding mountains on horseback, bikes or on foot. You can enjoy trail rides, sit by the campfire, savor some incredibly good food and drinks and relax in a variety of comfortable rooms and casitas.

Hiking trail at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson. Credit: Susan Lanier-Graham

Tanque Verde Guest Ranch in Tucson. Credit: Susan Lanier-Graham

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Kansas City, MO is one of the most impressive buildings I’ve seen anywhere. The fact that Kansas City so embraces its arts and theater is incredible. The people of Kansas City should know they are incredibly fortunate to have such wonderful opportunities. This new building houses the symphony, the opera, the ballet and a variety of other events throughout the year. It is a work of art in itself.

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City, MO. Credit: Susan Lanier-Graham

Zambia was one of the most amazing places I have ever traveled. It is a country of such extremes. I saw things I had only imagined seeing. I saw four of the “Big 5″ and only missed the fifth — rhinos — because they are extinct in Zambia. Watching the elephants lumber along, the zebras running, the lions lazing in the sun, or listening to a leopard through the dark at night were experiences I will never forget. The photo at the top of the article is the sunset over the Zambezi River in Zambia. I stayed at the lodges with Norman Carr Safaris in the Luangwa Valley, at the Stanley Safari Lodge at Victoria Falls in Livingstone and at Chiawa Camp in Lower Zambezi National Park. I recommend all of them.

Male lion waiting out the heat in the Lower Zambezi National Park near Chiawa Camp, Zambia. Credit: Susan Lanier-Graham

Baobab tree, Lower Zambezi National Park near Chiawa Camp, Zambia. Credit: Susan Lanier-Graham

Elephants in Zambia. Credit: Susan Lanier-Graham

Oxnard, California might not be as exotic as Zambia, at least to someone from Arizona, but it is a great California coastal town that has pretty well slipped under the radar from most tourists. It has a beautiful beach and harbor, some great new restaurants, an up-and-coming wine scene, a quaint little historic downtown and the most beautiful produce anywhere is for sale at its weekly Downtown Oxnard Farmers Market.

Beautiful tomatoes at the Oxnard Farmers’ Market. Credit: Susan Lanier-Graham

Clearwater Beach, Florida has one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve seen. One of  the places I find most relaxing is the beach. I love to see different beaches around the world and I find each one relaxing in its own way. However, the beach at Clearwater Beach has incredibly white sand, the most amazing sunsets, a beautiful harbor and some fabulous restaurants. I stayed at the Hilton Clearwater Beach and it was an amazing stay. Right on the beach, beautiful views, across from the harbor and within walking distance of everything. I loved that I could call Florida Free Rides and they would be there within minutes to take me anywhere along the beach for free, right from my hotel.

Relaxing at the Hilton Clearwater Beach. Credit: Susan Lanier-Graham

Thank you for coming along to share my journey this past year. I’m looking forward to some great new experiences in 2013 and hope you’ll join me. Of course, I still have many great stories to come from my 2012 travels, so be sure to keep reading.

NYPD Pizza at Sky Harbor Airport. Credit: Sky Harbor Airport

It was once difficult to find anything more than a cold sandwich or fast food burger at an airport. Today, airports across the globe have embraced gourmet cuisine and a who’s who list of celebrity chefs have jumped on board to open establishments. Just as I was about to feature the great new dining options at the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, I received a list of the top 31 airport restaurants around the world from The Daily Meal. Given that this is Thanksgiving week — the busiest airport week of the year — it seemed a perfect time to share both Phoenix and international airport restaurant favorites.

New Phoenix Sky Harbor restaurants

While folks arriving in Terminal 2 (the smallest and oldest terminal) on Alaska, Great Lakes or United still don’t have many dining options and those arriving at Terminal 3 (home to Frontier, Sun Country and Delta) don’t fair much better, those arriving into Terminal 4 (US Airways, Southwest, WestJet, Aeromexico, Air Canada, AirTran and British Airways) — roughly 80% of all passengers flying in and out of Phoenix — are in for a real gourmet treat.

The renovation is scheduled in three phases, running from 2012 through 2014. Some of the Phoenix classics that are now open in Terminal 4 and located outside of security include:

• Chelsea’s Kitchen is an Arizona roadhouse with the original location in Phoenix’s Camelback corridor. Food is fresh, local and full of flavor  There are several gluten-free options on the menu.
• Sauce is a restaurant from Fox Restaurant Concepts, which has establishments throughout the Valley. Sauce serves fast, fresh Italian food from pastas and salads to pizzas. At the airport, Sauce is also open for breakfast.

After you clear security, there are many options available to travelers. Despite the illusion that gates are separate, once inside security, you can access all gates in Terminal 4 (A, B, C or D) from any security entry point. Everything is connected by a series of moving sidewalks and long walkways. The longest walk, from the A gates to the D gates, would take about 10 or 15 minutes. If you have a long layover, or if you get to the airport early (who ever though I would be suggesting you arrive at the airport early just to eat?), some of these restaurants are worth the walk.

HMSHost is the airport concessionaire that handled this first phase of renovations at Terminal 4. It has a smartphone app, B4 You Board, that lets travelers place orders for pickup or delivery to their gate. The restaurants in Phoenix will be added to the mobile app on December 5, 2012.

Restaurants at the A Gates

The A gates offer most of the new dining venues, including:

• Blanco Tacos + Tequila, another Fox restaurant known for authentic Mexican street-style food (try the barbecue pork tacos) and great margaritas and Mexican beer.
• Modern Burger is — you may have noticed a trend here — another Fox restaurant. The original Modern Burger is in Scottsdale Fashion Square, adjacent to the fine-dining Modern Steak. The burgers are cooked to order and if you’re in the airport early, the restaurant offers breakfast sandwiches.
• Dilly’s Deli is a gourmet sandwich shop that has been in the Valley for almost 20 years. They make their own bread and use fresh ingredients in every sandwich. The shop at Sky Harbor is exclusively a Grab & Go location with sandwiches pre-packaged and ready for you to take on board your flight.
• Olive & Ivy Marketplace is — you guessed it — another Fox restaurant. The original Olive & Ivy is on the Waterfront in Scottsdale. The airport location serves a fast casual menu of breakfast items as well as lunch/dinner options, salads and desserts.

The B gates have a few new venues and are expecting more in the coming months. Those currently open include:

• NYPD Pizza, a Valley favorite that started in Scottsdale before expanding serves great New York-style pizza.
• Cowboy Ciao is a downtown Scottsdale restaurant with an eclectic menu, though it is pricey. They offer a nice wine list and the Stetson chopped salad is one of the dishes that has made this a local favorite.
• Press Coffee Food and Wine sells coffee, daily soups, paninis, and wine by the glass.

The C gates will see more new offerings in 2013, but for now, the one offering is a Tucson classic:

• Sir Veza’s Taco Garage serves Mexican and American street food such as burgers, tacos, tamales, burritos and its famous Nitro Nachos along with beer, margaritas and tequila. The owner is a tequila aficionado and his mother, the restaurant’s chef, is owner of Tucson’s famed 90-year-old El Charro Cafe.

The D gates offer two of the largest new venues:

• Barrio Café is a Phoenix classic with a funky attitude. Since its establishment in 2002, the restaurant has been serving authentic southern Mexican cuisine and airport prices are exactly the same as those you’ll find at the local Barrio Café.
• Le Grand Orange is owned by LGO, which also owns Chelsea’s Kitchen. The venue at Sky Harbor, located right next door to Barrio Café, reflects the style of the local Arcadia-neighborhood eatery, serving burgers, sandwiches, beer and wine along with breakfast items such as egg dishes, pancakes, yogurt, oatmeal and their signature English muffins.

Upcoming Phoenix restaurants

Terminal 4 at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix. Credit: Sky Harbor Airport

SSP America is handling the next phase of the renovations, from January through December, 2013. The restaurants slated to open during 2013 include:

• America’s Taco Shop
• Cheuvront Restaurant & Wine Bar
• Four Peaks Brewing Company
• Joe’s Real BBQ
• Lola Coffee with Tammie Coe Cakes
• Lo-Lo’s Chicken and Waffles
• Matt’s Big Breakfast
• Peet’s Coffee & Tea with Tammie Coe Cakes
• Pei Wei
• Sweet Republic
• Tammie Coe Sandwiches, Salads and Pastries
• Wildflower Bread Company
• Zinc Bistro

Best Restaurants Around the World

Dutch Kitchen Bar & Cocktails, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol Credit: Dutch Kitchen

Wherever you are flying, you might want to check out the list of the 31 best airport restaurants around the world. The list was developed over six months by The Daily Meal’s editorial director Colman Andrews, an 8-time James Beard Award winner and international food and wine authority. I’v had a chance to eat at a few of these and am looking forward to trying some more.

1. Porta Gaig (El Prat del Llobregat, Barcelona)
2. Salt Lick BBQ (Austin-Bergstrom International Airport)
3. Tortas Frontera (Chicago O’Hare International Airport)
4. Bubbles Seafood & Wine Bar (Amsterdam Airport Schiphol)
5. Obrycki’s (Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport)
6. Crust (LaGuardia Airport, NYC) - I love this one. The pizza has a wonderful thin crust and not too much sauce.
7. Five Guys (Dulles International Airport, Washington DC) - You have to try this one, even if you aren’t a huge hamburger fan. Five Guys started in DC and they have simple, made-to-order burgers. The fries are fabulous.
8. Custom Burgers by Pat LaFrieda (LaGuardia Airport, NYC)
9. Encounter (Los Angeles International Airport) - This is a classic (it’s the restaurant that looks like a space ship that you see when you land at LAX) and the view/ambiance are every bit as good as the food.
10. Legal Sea Foods (Boston Logan International Airport)
11. Pink’s Hot Dogs (Los Angeles International Airport) - I am not normally one to eat hot dogs, but these are really good!
12. Brasserie Flo (Paris Charles de Gaulle) - An excellent bistro, great wine and one of the few bright spots in Terminal 2. Enjoy a glass of Sancerre.
13. Plane Food (Heathrow Airport, London)
14. Tagliare (LaGuardia NYC) Also great food, but if you are going to choose Italian at LaGuardia, I prefer Crust.
15. Versailles Restaurant (Miami International Airport)
16. Piquillo (John F Kennedy International Airport, NYC)
17. Icebox Café (Miami International Airport)
18. Union Jacks Bar by Jamie Oliver (Gatwick Airport, London)
19. Kim Choo’s Nonja Kitchen (Changi Airport Singapore)
20. Airbräu Brauhaus (Munich Airport)
21. Globe@YVR (Vancouver International Airport)
22. La Moraga (Málaga – Costa del Sol Airport, Costa del Sol, Spain)
23. Cat Cora’s Kitchen (San Francsico International Airport)
24. Altitude (Genève Aéroport, Geneva)
25. Columbia Restaurant Café (Tampa International Airport)
26. One Flew South (Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International)
27. Anthony’s Fish Bar (Seattle Tacoma International Airport)
28. Tacañon (Benito Juarez, Mexico City)
29. Dutch Kitchen Bar & Cocktails (Amsterdam Airport Schiphol) - This one is insanely busy, but the poffertjes (miniature Dutch pancakes) that they cook to order are worth the crowd and the wait.
30. La Pausa (Ministro Pistarini International Airport, Buenos Aires)
31. Tadinda Anadolu (Istanbul Atatürk Airport)

To see a slideshow featuring the 31 restaurants, visit http://www.thedailymeal.com/31-best-airport-restaurants-around-world-slideshow

It is refreshing to actually have great-tasting meal choices when traveling. While airlines have slacked off in providing in-flight meals, airports and restaurants have stepped up to fill their shoes. Of course, the passengers still end up shelling out the extra bucks, but at least we have now have gourmet options.

How many of these restaurants have you visited? Do you have favorite airport restaurants?

Peligroso Tequila is a smooth spirit. Credit: Peligroso Tequila

Peligroso Tequila is a smooth but powerful spirit. For many, the mention of tequila conjures images of Old Mexico, the barren desert and rattlesnakes. Peligroso — Spanish for dangerous — offers a nod to that wild image with its name and the rattlesnake logo, but you have only to take a sip to dispel any bad myths you’ve heard about tequila.

Peligroso is an over-proof tequila with 42% alcohol by volume (most tequila is 40% abv.), or 80-proof tequila. It is made of 100% Weber Blue Agave Tequila grown on a private estate in Jalisco, Mexico then smoked in a traditional brick oven.

The company is the vision of two diving and surfing buddies who wanted to bottle the beauty and the wild side of Mexico. After recently tasting Peligroso Tequila, I found it to reflect the Mexico I love as well — the wild coast and rugged mountains, diverse people with incredible stories, and food with a connection to the land and a touch of spice.

There are three varieties of Peligroso Tequila: Silver 42, Reposado 42 and Añejo 42. I tasted the Silver and the Añejo.

The Silver 42 is a white tequila (often called Blanco) that is bottled in a crystal clear flint glass. Silver 42 has a lovely floral aroma and a crisp taste that almost has a hint of citrus. It is nice for sipping, but ideal to enhance the rich agave flavors in tequila-based cocktails. Sells for $44.99 for 750 ml size. Also available in 350 ml and a new 50 ml size, which just happens to be TSA-approved for that 1-quart bag.

The Reposado 42, which I did not taste, is aged in white oak whiskey barrels from Tennessee for 6 to 8 months. It is bottled in a rustic finished glass. Sells for $44.99 for the 750 ml, also available in 350 ml and 50 ml.

My favorite is the Añejo 42, an aged tequila that rests 12 to 18 months in white oak whiskey barrels. The bottle itself presents that “peligroso” vibe with its sleek, satin black glass finish. The Añejo 42 has a deep, smoky aroma that is a precursor for the tastes of  nuts and a bit of butterscotch with the zing that you only get from oak whiskey barrels. The tequila has a beautiful caramel color and is ideal for sipping. It is also the perfect addition to a cup of coffee on a cool evening. Sells for $59.99 for 750 ml and also available in both the 350 and 50 ml sizes.

Each bottle of Peligroso Tequila is corked and numbered by hand and comes with a metal rattlesnake charm.

Peligroso’s Bloody Maria Credit: Peligroso Tequila

If you want to sample some of the Peligroso tequila in a cocktail — make sure you sip a bit of it first — below are a few recipes courtesy of Peligroso Tequila.

For more information about Peligroso Tequila and to see where you can purchase it, visit online at www.peligrosotequila.com.

Parisian Polka Dot Butter Bell Crock. Credit: Butter Bell Crocks

There is nothing quite as good as creamy butter on a warm flaky croissant. My problem is getting butter to the right spreading consistency. I found the perfect solution in the Parisian Polka Dot Butter Bell Crock by L. Tremain.

This adorable crock, available in red, blue or black, is a modern version of the authentic French beurrier. The crock comes with a little polka dot handled spreader that slips into the handle on the side.

When I received my Butter Bell Crock in the mail from L. Tremain, I wasn’t really sure it was something I would use. Sure, it’s adorable, but is it practical? I love the idea of having spreadable, room temperature butter available, so I carefully followed the instructions to use my crock and try it out. A small amount of cold water (about 1/3 cup) goes into the crock. The bell-shaped lid holds an entire stick of butter. I let the butter soften a bit, then pressed it into the lid, leveling it out with a table knife. The lid then goes onto the water-filled crock. The water creates a seal for the butter, providing a safe storage without refrigeration. I change the water every three days to keep it fresh and I’m all set to enjoy those warm croissants. I absolutely adore this and it is definitely something I will use and recommend.

The Parisian Polka Dot Butter Bell Crock and Spreader set sells for $29.95. The Butter Bell crocks are also available in several other designs, including an antique style, white raised floral, classic Parisian bistro style and solid color crocks in both traditional colors and fun, bright retro colors. Prices range from $19.95 to $24.95. Visit online at www.butterbell.com.