he wasn't even looking at me and he found me
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Hotel Review: Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort
Hotel Review: Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort
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Clothing Review: Clothing Arts Pick-Pocket Proof® Shirt and Pants
Clothing Review: Clothing Arts Pick-Pocket Proof® Shirt and Pants
Have you had issues with petty theft while out for the day? When I lived in China the first time, I was part of a large group of recent college graduates, teaching throughout Shenzhen’s schools. Unusually, it seemed as if a number of them had some belongings stolen, whether in their apartments, or while out on the town. Now, if I had to conjecture, a fair amount happened due to drunken behavior.…
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ILast week, I was invited by the affable Rob McKay of the Queens Economic Development Corporation to attend an eating and press tour of Flushing, New York’s One Fulton Square mixed-use development. The aim was to promote dining in a COVID and post-COVID world, as well as to showcase the variety of cuisines available at One Fulton Square.
Wesley Sin, of the F&T Group, a joint American-Chinese property developer, helped showcase One Fulton Square, their newest property, which combines a Hyatt Place hotel, condominiums, and numerous eateries focusing on food from throughout East Asia.
Long story short, in spite of periodic spells of rain, the temperature was pleasant, the atmosphere convivial, and the food plentiful and tasty!
First, let’s take a look at the One Fulton Square property, located just a few minutes walk from New York City’s third busiest intersection of Roosevelt and Main:
One Fulton Square, Entrance Sign
One Fulton Square, Flushing, New York
Indeed, it might look more crowded in the photos, but that’s due to indoor dining temporarily being prohibited in New York. Otherwise, there would be enough space to walk around and enjoy the aromas of Sichuanese cuisine, bakeries, and Korean fried chicken.
So, what about the food?
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I’ve decided to add in photos of my three favorite dishes from the spread, plus sushi for good measure.
Living in Shenzhen, China opened my eyes up to the breadth of regional cuisines – it’s basically China’s version of New York, but with internal migrants contributing to its diverse culinary tapestry. Normally, I entirely ignore Chinese food in the US…but these restaurants cater in larger part to folks from China and other parts of East Asia, so I’m down with them.
All in all, it was an enjoyable night with the QEDC and the F&T Group at One Fulton Square, and I look forward to future food tastings in Flushing!
Review: One Fulton Square, Flushing, NY (USA) ILast week, I was invited by the affable Rob McKay of the Queens Economic Development Corporation…
Restaurant Review: Eat Me, Bangkok, Thailand
Restaurant Review: Eat Me, Bangkok, Thailand
Disclaimer: In exchange for a review, I was invited by the lovely Ann at The Marcom Pro to enjoy dinner and cocktails at this restaurant.
Eat Me Entrance
Located at 16 Convent Road, slightly detached from the major expat and nightlife scene in Silom, Eat Me stands out for its design and its cuisine.
2nd Floor Dining Room
1st Floor Courtyard
Since its founding in May 1998 by Darren and Cherie…
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Disclaimer: In exchange for two nights, I am writing this review. Additionally, I would like to specifically thank Ann at The Marcom Pro for helping to arrange this review, and Jern, a marketing manager at this hotel, for meeting with me.
The Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok, Sukhumvit 15 (though completely Marriott-owned now)is located in the Asok neighborhood of the Thai capital, very close to the BTS Asok (skytrain) station, Sukhumvit MRT (metro) station, and a short taxi ride/metro ride from the Makkasan Airport Express station. Among the nearby attractions are the Terminal 21 shopping center and significant nightlife, and the hotel is a short BTS ride away from other popular shopping malls such as Emporium, Siam Paragon, and the MBK Center. As a bonus, the hotel offers a free tuk-tuk service to both the MRT Sukhumvit station and Terminal 21.
Furthermore, it is close to many businesses and embassies, and as such, sees significant numbers of business travelers availing themselves of the brand’s more affordable comfort.
Hotel Lobby (Stock Photo)
The Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok has two wings – the Pool Wing and the Garden Wing – totaling 249 rooms and 19 suites. Also, there are four meeting rooms with 3, 810 square feet (roughly 354 square meters); guests of the suites have complimentary access to the meeting spaces for a period. The whole of the hotel prohibits smoking, and there is wi-fi available throughout the property.
Check-In
After exiting the Asok BTS station (closest to station exits 5 and 1), I easily found the Four Points Bangkok, thanks in part to the descriptive hotel name. At the front desk, Mariaa and Best were nice, and briefly explained to me some of the features of the hotel, as well as the hours of the breakfast buffet.
6th Floor Corridor
I made my way up to my 6th floor corner room, though as luck would have, neither room key worked. Leaving my bags at the foot of the door, I asked housekeeping to contact reception to bring new keys, but she at first told me to do it myself. Sigh. Eventually she caved in, and Best brought over the new (functioning) keys.
Room
My first impression of my Deluxe Room was one of simple comfort. The interior was mostly wood paneling, with a sizable work desk and two large nightstands. All rooms at the Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok have floor-to-ceiling windows, although you wouldn’t stay at this hotel for the city views.
Part of the work desk had jacks into which both USB and HDMI cables could connect to the tv, clearly a nod to business travelers aiming to finesse their presentations and/or other documents. The minibar was well-stocked with your usual drinks and snacks, and the luggage storage shelf was conveniently placed.
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The HVAC system had an easy-to-use wall panel, and one light switch at the bedside controlled almost every light in the room, in addition to offering many places to charge standard electrical and USB devices.
The bed was easily one of the most comfortable I have slept on in recent memory. I can’t begin to describe how much of a treat it was. I don’t take naps, but this bed makes them rather difficult to pass up.
Lastly, the bathroom had that bizarrely East Asian-quality to it, in which it opens up for a view of the bedroom…yet the shower is somewhat frosted.
My two biggest complaints were the finicky internet connection, which logged me out every now and then, and the single-use plastic containers in the shower. However, I’m going to be thinking about that bed for a long time, especially when in China where I’m subjected to “concrete” mattresses.
The Eatery
The Eatery is the primary restaurant at the Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok, offering both buffet and à la carte options.
I made my way down to The Eatery at around 06:00, but it was a bit busy even at that point. One waiter served me both Earl Grey and peppermint tea, so the drinks were set.
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My hotel contact, Jern, mentioned that the chef was particularly proud of their Thai dishes, and you know what, that food was pretty good. Other choices included a few Japanese, Western, and Indian selections, a salad bar, omelette bar, noodle bar, fruit, breads, and yogurt. Having no expectations coming into the buffet, I was pleasantly surprised. Also, Meya, the only waitress who stopped by after I had sat down, provided good service throughout the restaurant.
My only complaint was that there was no “sneeze guard” to cover most of the foods.
Operating hours of The Eatery are 06:30-10:30 (weekdays)/06:30-11:00 (weekends), and 11:00-23:00 for lunch and dinner.
Amenities
Hotel Pool and amBar (Stock Photo)
In addition to a 24-hour gym, the hotel pool on the 8th floor (of the pool wing) is open daily from 07:00-22:30. Interestingly, the pool also has the distinction of being the first location for a pool party in all of Bangkok. It is held on the first Saturday of every month.
On the pool level, there is also amBar, a cocktail bar open for dinner nightly. If you’re craving pub food and nightly live entertainment, check out The Irish Pub Bangkok, open everyday for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Overall, I would stay at the Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok, Sukhumvit 15 again for its quiet rooms, comfortable beds, and decent buffet. Although the immediate neighborhood is not for me, it’s convenient public transit-wise, and it’s close to many restaurants of diverse cuisines.
Hotel Review: Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok, Sukhumvit 15 Disclaimer: In exchange for two nights, I am writing this review. Additionally, I would like to specifically thank Ann at…
Disclaimer: In exchange for a two-night stay at this #BangkokCityHotel, I am writing this review.
The Pullman King Power Bangkok is located in the Phaya Thai neighborhood of the sprawling Thai capital. It is near to the transportation nexus of Victory Monument, from which one can take buses to both Don Mueang Airport and Suvarnhabumi Airport. Furthermore, the #PullmanKingpower is very close to the Phaya Thai BTS station, and the Phaya Thai (Suvarnhabumi) Airport Express train line.
#PullmanKingpower Main Entrance
Although the #PullmanKingpower is operated by the France-based Accor Hotels group, this particular hotel is directly associated with Thailand’s largest duty free company King Power. In fact, in the same complex as the hotel is the headquarters for King Power, as well as its largest duty free store in the country. In addition to chits for select hotel services, in-house guests receive discount coupons for the duty free shopping experience:
The #PullmanKingpower has 354 rooms and suites – ranging between Superior Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, Deluxe Rooms with Balconies, Executive-Level Rooms, and Suites – twenty meeting rooms, and two ballrooms with capacities of up to 600 people.
Check-In
Alighting the Airport Express from Suvarnhabumi, I saw that the #PullmanKingpower was within walking distance of the terminus. However, I ended up walking the long way around (my advice for those taking public transit, look for Exit #4, then there will be a shortcut by way of pedestrian bridge). With luggage in this constant heat, it was no fun, especially as the closest intersection has a nearly interminable traffic light.
At the front desk, Milk, a jolly and helpful trainee, and Pai both helped with check-in, informing me about the King Power duty free store across the way, and about the Accor Hotels membership program. Thereafter, Milk walked me to my room, and shared with me that I had access to the Executive Lounge.
Indeed, for those guests expecting a higher level of service, the Executive Lounge, which can be found on the 20th floor, is accessed by a simple swipe of one’s keycard in the elevator.
20th Floor Executive Lounge
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Salad and Fruit
Drinks
Breads and Kitchen
Croque Madame with Smoke Salmon
The Executive Lounge is open daily from 06:00-23:00, and offers both breakfast and a happy hour with canapes from 17:00-19:00. It also offers one meeting room, ample seating, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Kan, the executive lounge manager, Music and North, two floor attendants, were pleasant to chat with, and helpful in suggesting lesser-known (to non-locals) places to visit in Bangkok.
Room
I had a Deluxe Room on the 11th floor, fortunately (for me) located in the corner. The hallway had a muted aesthetic, and like every other public area at the #PullmanKingpower, it was quite clean.
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The Deluxe Room was in good shape, and nothing looked worn. My biggest issue was maintaining a stable connection to the internet – though there was no problem with connectivity anywhere else in the hotel. Another negative was the presence of small, single-use plastic containers; even at Accor’s Ibis properties, showers have large, easily refillable containers. Nevertheless, the bed was comfortable, the corner location of the room made it quieter, and the water pressure in the bathroom was good. Two water bottles were offered daily, since water isn’t potable in Thailand.
And what Southeast Asian hotel would be complete without a pool and gym? Many, but not this one.
Hmm, merely thinking of physical activity is making me hungry…
Food & Beverage
Before getting into detail about the restaurants available at the #PullmanKingpower, I’d like to emphasize that the hotel has received an official HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) certificate, offered by the Swiss-firm SGS, a group that recognize companies excelling in food safety and quality, as well as in the reduction of food loss and waste.
At this #BangkokCityHotel, there are three primary restaurants, two bars that serve cocktails and snacks, and a co-working space that combines a café with a new-age bar.
Cuisine Unplugged
The first restaurant that I tried is called Cuisine Unplugged. Although it also offers an à la carte option, it is most popular for its buffet. However, in a crowded field of hotel buffets in Bangkok, does this one stack up well with the rest of the lot?
For the most part, I wouldn’t say so.
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As usual for buffet days, I woke up to be at the restaurant as soon as it opened, so as to take photos with less human traffic. Although the presentation of the food and seating areas was clean and welcoming, there didn’t seem to be much staff until about an hour later, ostensibly because more diners had showed up.
Although the Thai breakfast section – two different types of porridge with various toppings – was one of the more positive notes, and the fruit and sugar-free “detox” juices also stood out, the main prepared dishes were just satisfactory.
Moreover, when I stopped by the night before to reserve a specific table, the woman at the Cuisine Unplugged reception gave me a hard time, not to mention the duty manager warned me to “be on time,” as if 06:00 was the usual peak period. Nice try.
Cuisine Unplugged open weekdays for breakfast from 06:00-10:30, and weekends from 06:00-11:00. Their lunch buffet lasts from 11:30-14:30, Grand Ocean Seafood and Barbecue Dinner Buffet runs between 18:00-22:30, and the Grand Sunday Brunch with Free-Flow Beverages goes from 12:00-15:00.
Tenshino
On the second night, I had dinner at the Japanese-French “fusion” restaurant Tenshino. Although most dishes use ingredients shipped straight from Japan, some cooking styles and finishing touches, as well as much of the ambience of the restaurant, reflect French inspiration.
Private Dining Room
Although Tenshino was busy that night, Nancy, the manager, and two of her waitresses, Baitoey and Cake, showed that they were well-trained, and enjoyed chatting about the seasonal menu and sake selection at their restaurant.
Speaking of the seasonal menu, I was quite eager to try the autumnal flavors of Japan, in spite of being in a city whose coldest temperatures are found either in a fridge, or a shopping mall.
Let’s have a look!
First, choose your chopsticks and hashi oki (chopsticks rest).
Kanpachi (greater amberjack) otoshi (Japanese amuse-bouche) with ponzu sauce at the top, and maguro (tuna), madai (sea bream), and kanpachi sashimi with salmon roe. All very fresh and clean tasting, even though it all made it to Bangkok – direct from Toyosu Market in Tokyo – by plane.
The only miss of the evening, the pumpkin croquettes were uninspired, and I feel would have paired better with tempura sauce than the more savory tonkatsu sauce.
The highlight of the night was also the main dish. Grilled kanpachi with houjicha (black tea) sauce served with chestnut steamed koshihikari rice. The sea bream was very well cooked, lightly salted, and paired expertly with the slightly bitter and sweet houjicha sauce.
Chestnut parfait with a coconut cream base. Another delectable course in one of the 4-course fall menus. The earthiness of the chestnuts balanced well with the tropical sweetness of the coconut cream. This dish obviously borrowed a bit from Japan, France, and Thailand; I wish there had been more of this mix scattered throughout the menu!
Paired with carefully selected sake, each bite of the seasonal menu transported me to a rural part of Japan, as if I were peacefully gazing at fall foliage while enjoying the delicious kanpachi. Save for the croquettes, I would gladly return to Tenshino for another meal, and for the good service common to restaurants in Japan.
Other eating options include Tenko, a Japanese restaurant known for its omakase (let the chef decide), The Junction at Pullman, a co-working space, the Glen Bar with its private mezzanine and modern Thai eats, and the Pool Bar on the 4th floor.
At the end of the day, the most important factors in a hotel for me are peace and quiet in the room, ease of access, and a stable internet connection. The #PullmanKingpower hits the first two marks, but my room had very spotty internet throughout my stay, requiring me to re log-in numerous times. Of course, that may vary depending on which room you’re in, and not everyone stays at a hotel to use the internet, but it’s a necessary evil these days.
Except for Cuisine Unplugged, service was friendly throughout, and facilities looked clean and taken care of. The hotel works for shoppers, business people, and people on short trips transiting between the two airports. I would stay here again, but would feast at another Bangkok buffet instead.
Hotel Review: Pullman King Power Bangkok, Thailand Disclaimer: In exchange for a two-night stay at this #BangkokCityHotel, I am writing this review. The…
Disclaimer: In exchange for two nights in a Hollywood Double room, I am writing this review. Photos are my own, and from the Hotel Tavinos Hamamatsucho.
Tokyo-based Fujita Kanko’s newest brand, Hotel Tavinos, was opened to the public on August 1st, 2019, in the Hamamatsucho neighborhood of the Japanese capital.
Hotel Tavinos Hamamatsucho is located close to the Asakusa and Oedo subway lines at Daimon station, the Tokyo monorail at Hamamatsucho station, and the Odaiba monorail at Takeshiba station. Further benefiting those flying from/to Tokyo Narita and Tokyo Haneda, the Asakusa subway line at Daimon can take you nonstop to both airports. Additionally, nearby tourist spots include Shiba Park, Tokyo Tower, the Hama Rikyu Garden, and ferry piers.
It’s not particularly central to the usual tourist attractions, but given the excellent (though not 24-hours) public transit in Tokyo, guests are not more than a 25-minute train ride to the hotspots. That said, staying somewhere as perpetually busy as Shinjuku or Shibuya might not be for everyone, so the quieter location can also be considered a positive.
In theory, the 188-room hotel was designed with millennials in mind, as it incorporates touchscreen maps in the lobby, borrows from manga in its room designs, and has a sleek, minimalist aesthetic.
But, how does this traveler feel about the property?
Ground Floor
My first impression was not good, for three main reasons.
One, I disdain hotels that lack lobbies on the ground floor. At least, in this hotel, the same elevator can take you between the 2nd floor lobby, as opposed to transferring between elevator banks. Think about it, if it’s a hotel created for a younger audience, why couldn’t we just check-in/check-out through an app, and completely avoid the lobby?
Two, there are no stairs that can be readily used. Save for older Japanese business hotels, I’ve found this to be a common problem at other national (e.g. Toyoko Inn, APA) chains, too.
Hotel Tavinos Hamamatsucho Lobby 1
Hotel Tavinos Hamamatsucho Lobby 2
Three, I didn’t understand check-in. Nobody greeted me, and once someone did, everything was (slowly) processed at the computer terminal next to the front desk. What’s modern about that? If someone still needs to be present, time will inevitably be wasted.
Free Luggage Storage
Since I was too early to check-in, I stored bags in the free luggage storage locker room. However, it was mentioned to me that an add-value train card (such as Suica or Pasmo) was required to use the lockers, so fortunately I had a couple of them. Again, I wish that both check-in/out and the lockers could take place on the ground floor.
Interactive Touchscreen Map
For those less familiar with Tokyo, there’s a giant interactive map on one of the lobby walls, available in Japanese, English, and Chinese.
After returning from another entertaining day in Tokyo, I went to the lobby to get my room key. This time, a more cheerful woman helped me out, and explained that every morning, there are free snacks, mostly bread, water, and coffee, to enjoy.
Typical Hotel Rooms Corridor
Hollywood Double Room
The artist Roy Liechtenstein immediately came to mind after checking out the design of the Hollywood Double room. It was very clean and compact- as Japanese hotel rooms tend to be – though with the large window in the center, it didn’t feel so limiting. I wish that there had been a small refrigerator, and that the air conditioner didn’t aim directly for the bed, but overall, the room was comfortable.
Regarding the bathroom, I felt that it was slightly larger than the average Japanese chain, though didn’t have enough hooks. Regardless, there was ample body soap, shampoo, and conditioner, and the water pressure was great.
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Double Room 1
Double Room 2
In all, although I found some issues with my stay at the Hotel Tavinos Hamamatsucho, the room was clean, luggage storage was easy, and for those transiting to either Tokyo airport or a boat, the location is good.
In other news, the Tavinos brand plans to open a second hotel in Asakusa in May 2020, just in time for the Tokyo Olympics next summer.
Hotel Review: Hotel Tavinos Hamamatsucho, Tokyo Disclaimer: In exchange for two nights in a Hollywood Double room, I am writing this review.
Disclaimer: In exchange for two chocolate buffets, I am writing this review.
Although a few Thai desserts come to mind, when I’m traveling to Bangkok, my mind is set on the spicy mains, the soups, and exotic juices.
However, if you’re in town for a while, sometimes you want to take a break from all of that delicious street food, and delve into the Western world of cakes, pastries, and…chocolate.
The Chocolate Buffet at The Sukhothai has been delighting patrons for more than 20 years. It was the brainchild of Swiss-born Executive Pastry Chef Laurent Ganguillet, who jovially will prepare you whatever he can with his array of chocolate buttons from around the world…including Mexico, the native home of cacao.
Already booked a table? Then let’s see what’s in store for you–
What have we here? Cakes with passion fruit, chocolate-covered bananas, vanilla marshmallows, truffles, chocolate tarts, and much, much more! Grab yourself a glass of milk, pace yourself, and grab another glass of milk.
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But we haven’t even seen the chef in action.
Wait for It.
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Now we’re talking! Chef, let’s start off a hot chocolate with cinnamon and almond shavings.
Beautiful! But I’m also feeling a bit peckish. What do you have in the food department?
Churros with chocolate fondue (no doubt paying homage to the chef’s Swiss roots) and housemade whipped cream? You shouldn’t have!
But, did you know that in Spain, churros are served with hot chocolate?
And just like that, I had another hot chocolate to my right…
As well as a Thai Iced Tea, for when I needed a short break from the chocolate.
That said, in spite of its tempting name, The Chocolate Buffet isn’t just for the sweet tooth in you.
Preparing the blinis for my caviar plate
On the other side of the hall from the desserts were fruit, caviar, savory snacks, and canapés intended to be eaten alongside tea. Overall, I’d stick with the sweets, but I did quite enjoy some tropical fruit, caviar, and a sampling of sushi.
Intrigued readers can visit the chocolate buffet every Friday – Sunday, between 14:00 and 17:00. Now if you will excuse me, I have some hot chocolate demanding my attention.
Restaurant Review: The Chocolate Buffet at The Sukhothai, Bangkok Disclaimer: In exchange for two chocolate buffets, I am writing this review. Although a few Thai desserts come to mind, when I'm traveling to Bangkok, my mind is set on the spicy mains, the soups, and exotic juices.
Restaurant Review: The House of Smooth Curry at The Athenee Hotel, Bangkok
Restaurant Review: The House of Smooth Curry at The Athenee Hotel, Bangkok
Disclaimer: In exchange for a review, I was invited to lunch at The House of Smooth Curry. Photos are both my own, and of the restaurant.
In Bangkok, one is never bereft of choices. Hotels pop up left and right, street food is seldom more than a block or two away, and no matter which taxi you take, the driver will…often choose not to use the meter.
So many choices.
But, if you’re only in town…
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Event Review: 2019 New York Summer Fancy Food Show
Event Review: 2019 New York Summer Fancy Food Show
The Specialty Food Association’s 2019 New York Summer Fancy Food Show took place at New York‘s Javits Centerfrom 23 – 25 June. The membership-based Specialty Food Association was established in 1952 to foster interest in specialty foods companies in the US, although currently there are vendors from all around the world. The Fancy Food Show has been an annual event since 1954; furthermore, in…
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Disclaimer: In exchange for this hotel review, I received a one night-stay at The St. Regis Mexico City, Mexico in one of their Deluxe King rooms.
Located on Mexico City’s primary thoroughfare Paseo de la Reforma, in front of the Diana the Hunter fountain, Reforma district, The St. Regis Mexico City is also a less than fifteen minute walk from the Sevilla metro station. The 31-story hotel boasts 189 guest rooms and suites; moreover, all rooms are smoke-free. The immediate neighborhood doesn’t have much to offer, save for the excellent Chapultepec Park nearby.
Ground Floor Waiting Area with Access to Residences and Hotel Lobby
Generally, when I check-in to a hotel, I like to be able to do so right away at the main entrance. However, at this hotel, you have to first ascend to the 3rd floor, from where there is a separate elevator bank to the rooms. In this case, it wasn’t a problem, as elevators were efficient (they only stop at a few floors).
3rd Floor Main Lobby
Check-in was fast and courteous; when it was completed, I was introduced to my butler, Mario, who would also help in taking bags up to the room and unpacking them, pressing clothes, and preparing tea/coffee. Omar, a room manager, was there to supervise Mario, and chatted with me about Lebanese/Syrian immigration to Mexico.
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A common theme at The St. Regis Mexico City seemed to be cleanliness. The hallways, restaurant dining rooms, lobbies, and my guest room were all nearly spotless.
My Deluxe King room had, among other things, a well-stocked minibar, Nespresso machine, very comfortable robe, even more comfortable bed, and an umbrella. The shower unit had both a handheld and “rain” option, and the bathroom came with St. Regis-amenities by Laboratoire Remède. Right by the guestroom door, I didn’t find that it was well-soundproofed, but as soon as I hit the relaxing bed, I passed out, in spite of the weekend revelers.
There was also a master control panel by the bed, for air conditioning, lighting, and DND (do not disturb). However, it didn’t control the curtains, which I was slightly surprised about. Nevertheless, I didn’t spend much time in the room – i.e. when in Mexico, eat everything! – so it also wasn’t a big deal.
Soon after taking a peek at my room, I went down to the St. Regis-original King Cole Bar.
Being a New Yorker, I have certainly walked by the storied St. Regis hotel, located at 55th St and 5th Ave. However, until staying at The St. Regis Mexico City, I had no idea that the New York location might possibly have been the place where one of my favorite cocktails – the Bloody Mary (in Spanish, Sangrita Maria), fka Red Snapper – was created.
Another aspect of the hotel that I quickly noticed was that service on all fronts – food and beverage (f&b), room, guest help, concierge – was excellent. Hotel staff weren’t just there to help sort out a problem, but they also wanted to chat about life in the capital, their favorite foods, and where else they have worked. Service had a humanside, and I appreciated the chance to speak with a variety of employees about their life and the St. Regis.
Standing on the border between the King Cole Bar and Diana Restaurant
Back at the bar, I was eager to sit outside and enjoy the cool Mexico City nighttime temperatures. However, a big no-no for me was that the outdoor terrace – which the King Cole Bar shares with the Diana restaurant – is that smoking was allowed. Isn’t it a smoke-free hotel? Consequently, I sat inside, which turned out to be fine.
In any event, let’s start checking out the food!
Above, we have a Sangrita Maria, guacamole with seasoned chapulines (grasshoppers), and a diverse set of totopos (tortilla chips). Locally-inspired bar snacks, with one of my favorite drinks? Count me in!
At one point in my conversation with one of the waiters, I mentioned that the next day, I would have to leave the hotel before lunch, since I was meeting friends. Just then, he suggested that I try one of the more famous The St. Regis Mexico City meals, an avocado pizza, baked at the Jean-Georges Vongerichten concept restaurant J&G Grill:
All that was missing was…another sangrita maria.
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J&G Grill Pre-dawn
J&G Grill Post-dawn
As for the J&G Grill, I was there the next morning from 06:30 until about 10:00, talking with Cesar, the f&b manager, Alberto, the head chef, and other restaurant staff. In fact, the J&G Grill isn’t generally open for breakfast (lunch and dinner, yes); though, since it was Mother’s Day, they had a special morning buffet. (Diana is the standard breakfast buffet and Sunday brunch restaurant, that also offer lunch and dinner.)
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While Cesar and I were talking about Mexico City, every once in a while Chef Alberto would stop by, suggesting various dishes to try. (It might be time to say that thus far, my three favorite countries for food – tied for first place – are Japan, Turkey, and Mexico. In other words, when I’m in Mexico, and a chef is asking me “what would you like to try next?,” I get that child in a candy store feeling.)
So, what’s next?
OK, I cheated a bit. Lately, I’ve been trying to recreate the classic New York breakfast – Novy (smoked salmon) with cream cheese on a bagel -wherever I go. To “localize” it a bit, I added avocadoes. Yep, I’m already sold.
Next up, refried pinto beans with cotija cheese, eggs with chorizo verde (hailing from the nearby city of Toluca), and chilaquiles, basically warmed-up tortilla chips doused in salsa roja (red chile sauce), topped with onion and crema. I could eat that green chorizo everyday, but then I’d have to…exercise.
One of the late-morning dishes was eggs with machaca (dried beef, popular in the north of the country), avocado, refried pinto beans again, and salsa roja. Just another in a long line of delicious Mexican meals, all due to the expertise of Alberto and his kitchen staff.
—
After becoming completely stuffed, I had to check-out, again at the 3rd floor lobby. The process was anything but, and after about thirty seconds, I was already in the elevator, awaiting the reunion with my friends. Overall, this was one of the better stays I have had in recent memory, with everything from staff hospitality and maintenance of public spaces and my room to quality and taste of food being on-point. Thank you again St. Regis Mexico City for such a pleasant stay!
Hotel Review: The St. Regis Mexico City, Mexico Disclaimer: In exchange for this hotel review, I received a one night-stay at The St. Regis Mexico City…
Disclaimer: In exchange for this hotel review, I received a one night-stay in Singapore in one of the Conrad Centennial Singapore’s Executive Twin rooms.
Rarely have I stayed at a hotel where nearly everything was enjoyable. By and large, I’d have to say the 487-room, 25-suite Conrad Centennial Singapore – located a stone’s throw from the Suntec City shopping and convention complex – scored very high marks.
Though I don’t recall a single employee once holding the door for my colleague and I, once we were checked-in, staff were quite pleasant and eager to help.
The owner of the hotel incorporated into the lobby design the five elements of feng shui— water, fire, earth, metal, and wood. In this photo, one can imaginatively count three of those attributes; the (red) representing fire in the sculpture, a drop of water causing “waves” into the lobby floor, and up above, the metallic “Christmas tree.”
Nik, one of the hotel manager, gave us a tour of the property. She was charismatic, very easy to chat with, and seemed like a genuinely fun person to be around.
Although my colleague and I had a swift check-in downstairs, being that we had an Executive floor room, we could have also checked-in on the 31st floor. In my opinion, one cool feature about the Conrad Centennial is that they have two Executive Lounges; the one for guests of all ages, placed right next to the pool on the 4th floor, and the 31st floor lounge for guests 12 and up.
4th Floor Executive Lounge Bar
Hotel Pool with Cabanas
31st Floor Executive Lounge
Guests staying in Executive Level rooms also can have a buffet breakfast, afternoon tea, evening drinks with hors d’oeuvres, and are able to use the 5th floor business center for two hours per day, among other amenities. Personally, I didn’t avail myself of the meals in either lounge, because my colleague and I had our hearts set on the main hotel buffet restaurant Oscar’s. More on the food later!
First, let’s visit the room:
A welcome surprise of macarons, camouflaged chocolates, and fruitFor me, two of the most important aspects in a room are controllable air conditioning units without a musty, smoky smell- at least in this part of the world – and suitable internet speeds. Both passed the test with flying colors. And check out the view!…
Never mind those competitors in the foreground, the Conrad Centennial clearly has the superior views!
The dual shower heads were a bit finicky at first, but the pressure was quite nice.
Ultimately, the room was very comfortable, and came with the requisite robes and slippers. My one main gripe is that I only noticed one rubbish bin, in the bathroom. Perhaps it was a small oversight on housekeeping’s part? It also would’ve been nice to be able to open a window, but the hotel erred on the side of safety, which is fair enough.
On another positive note, whenever I called to get something replenished/ordered room service, it was quickly actioned and attended to. I don’t always have the best success with room service, but the Conrad Centennial did it well.
Speaking of eating…
The Conrad Centennial has a few eating choices. Golden Peony serves Cantonese food with a Singaporean touch, and counts a celebrity chef among its crew. The Terrace is the fast option, with sandwiches, baked goods, and coffee.
Then we have the Lobby Lounge, specializing in gin-based cocktails. I tried something called Death’s Door, because the menu mentioned that it had a spicy finish:
But for us, we were keen on Oscar’s, the international, all-day buffet/á la carte restaurant.
For lunch, Yanping, the hotel’s Director of Marketing and Communications, joined us. He was another amicable member of the hotel staff, cordial, and eager to please. Nik, Yanping, and Senior, a Les Clefs d’Or Concierge member, all appeared to me as if they were truly happy to be working at the Conrad Centennial. Kudos to the hotel HR team!
All of that reading is making me hungry. What is for lunch?
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However, due to both my colleague and Yanping not having much of an appetite, I greatly benefited from their ordering. Each dish tasted clean, with a variety of flavors, and warped me throughout South and Southeast Asia with every bite.
So, they’ve got the á la carte thing down pat. But how about the lunch buffet on the following day?
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Needless to say, just about all of the foods we tried were quite tasty. That said, service was rather slow, in spite of us sitting right next to a few waiters. The restaurant wasn’t even that busy for the majority of the time we were there, so I was a bit disappointed in the service. Nevertheless, I went back for seconds for many of the dishes…and I’m still feeling full one week later.
— If you’re looking for a reliable, clean hotel with mostly friendly staff and good eats, I’d highly recommend the Conrad Centennial Singapore.
(Review photos courtesy of Adam Wynn)
Hotel Review: Conrad Centennial Singapore Disclaimer: In exchange for this hotel review, I received a one night-stay in Singapore in one of the…
Disclaimer: In exchange for a one night’s stay in the Raffles Room with dinner at the Raffles Jakarta, I am writing this review.
My colleague was interested in visiting the Indonesian megalopolis, so as a former resident, I was glad to show him around. On previous visits, I would stay closer to the main tourist drag, also known as Jalan Thamrin. However, what better way to explore more of the city than to choose a new neighborhood? Hence, I bring you, the Raffles Jakarta, part of the Singaporean Raffles hotel enterprise.
Located in the commercial and shopping district known as Kuningan, the hotel also forms part of the Ciputra World mall and dining complex. Due to travel issues, we arrived in the early evening, but we were very glad to be leaving the crazy traffic for the welcoming calm of the Raffles Jakarta.
Lobby
After passing through the harmless security check at the front (it’s the standard for nice hotels and shopping centers in Jakarta), the first thing I noticed about the lobby – and the hotel in general – was that it was warm. I’m not staying at a hotel in this part of the world expecting the temperature to be on par with the outside temperature at the time of the day!
Also, I found some of the works of art – curated by the hotel owner, Ciputra and his family – to be unappealing and lewd. One of the bellhops also pointed out that many things also had a golden hue, as if to signify wealth. That was another tacky choice on the part of the owner…but being familiar with East Asia, I wasn’t at all surprised.
Elevator Bank
Though, I must say that all public areas, as well as the room and main dining room were very clean and well-maintained.
At check-in, we were introduced to our butler, which I wasn’t expecting. That said, my preferred level of service is “let me ask you when I need something”, as opposed to “contact me if you think I need something.” Anyway, we were told that the butler could unpack our bags, make us tea and coffee, polish our shoes, and press clothes. Nice touch, just like at its flagship Singapore property (or so I’ve read).
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The room was spotless, hospitable, and spacious. I wish that I had more time, because it was one of the three highlights of the Raffles Jakarta. The shower had good pressure, the wifi never cut out (which is still an issue in Jakarta/Indonesia), and the robe…I should have asked to buy one! Different color, of course…the Raffles Room was also quiet, and had nice views of the surrounding Kuningan area, as well as the Sudirman central business district (I apologize, as I accidentally deleted those photos).
Before eating, I wanted to check out the pool; that peaceful area turned out to be the second highlight of the Raffles Jakarta:
Although the water was a bit cool, in the steamy Jakarta climate, it was a brief but delectable swim. It was around closing time, so no one was at the pool, which might’ve added to my positive opinion of the space, but for that moment, I felt blissfully removed from the giant city at the hotel’s doorstep.
Now, let’s finally move on to the food, at the Arts Café…
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On second thought, let’s move away from the food. It was mostly disappointing, save for the local and Western desserts, which were actually surprisingly tasty.
The “show kitchen,” in which three different dishes are churned out on a daily basis, were almost flavorless across the board, and the Peking duck lacked the best part, the duck skin, as well as had very small portions. To sum up the buffet, if it didn’t have to be cooked, it was good. If it was a dessert, it was good. Anything else, give it a pass.
Though, more irritating was the service. At first, a waiter would stop by our table, asking if we needed water or anything from the show kitchen. However, after about fifteen minutes, two different tables of business people (i.e. in suits) were seated, and all of the servers’ attention shifted to them. I tend to think there was an elitist air about the Arts Café that was also diffuse among lobby staff.
But, it’s also time to move on to the third highlight (of three) at the Raffles Jakarta, The Writers Bar. The name evokes the colonial era in Singapore, when authors such as W. Somerset Maugham might have been sipping a cocktail while contemplating their next opus. It is located next to the main hotel entrance, and often has a pianist in tow.
Though I’m not a big drinker, I like to sample local/regional ingredients where possible. You might be thinking, but Jakarta’s the largest Muslim city in the world’s most populous Muslim country?! Yes, but calm down. It’s a very open, cosmopolitan place, with international business people, and a significant Indonesian-Christian population, too. With that out of the way, let’s have a look at the menu…
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Penicillin?!
The newer menu
Novita, one of the affable and pleasant waitresses, was telling us about house specialties, in addition to imploring us to try the Jakarta Sling. I’m a big fan of passion fruit, but had mixed feelings about the star anise; nevertheless, the combination went well. So well, in fact that I drank it all before remembering to get a photo if it.
No matter, for I also tried the Bramble. The lead bartender, Rick, and Novita came over with their bar trolley to make the drink:
The Bramble has a base of gin, with Javanese mulberries and citrus juice.
Bramble cocktail
The Writers Bar was a nice place to spend a couple of years, relaxing (without the ubiquitous-in-Indonesia kretek, or clove cigarette smoke made it that much better), and chatting with bar staff. They also have an outdoor section for smokers, and a small library with books about Ciputra and Raffles lore.
— All in all, I’d return to the Raffles Jakarta for the room, The Writers Bar, and the pool. Whereas there was a hint of smugness in the air, that all but disappeared in the The Writers Bar. I’d also like to especially thank Novita, Rick, and the rest of the bar personnel for their kind and attentive service, and the staff who helped us to our room.
(Review photos courtesy of Adam Wynn)
Hotel Review: Raffles Jakarta, Indonesia Disclaimer: In exchange for a one night's stay in the Raffles Room with dinner at the…
Disclaimer: In exchange for this hotel review, I received a stay in Bangkok, Thailand in one of the Hotel Nikko’s Premier Corner rooms.
Though I’ve visited Bangkok many times, I haven’t changed the location of the hotel much. Generally, I try to stay near Nana, the de facto Middle Eastern neighborhood, because it’s close to both the BTS (skytrain), metro system, supermarkets, and uh, everything. But, staying somewhere familiar doesn’t promote further exploration of the Thai capital.
Consequently, I was glad to receive an offer to review the Hotel Nikko Bangkok, a newish property in the Japanese-centric district of Thonglo. Indeed, the majority of the clientele at this Okura Nikko Hotel property come from Japan; there’s even a large, mostly Japanese shopping center nearby in Ekkamai.
The Nikko Bangkok is a very short walk from the BTS Thonglo station, though the first time I walked by, I didn’t notice any obvious signs for the hotel (apparently, it’s written in Thai). Thus, I walked through what appeared to be an office building, rounded what turned out to be the Curve 55 lobby lounge, and made my way to check-in:
Check-in staff generously let me go quite early to the room, which sounded great after flying for roughly 24 hours + a long layover in Tokyo. It was at reception where I also noticed the main entrance for the hotel:
First impressions of nearly every facility and space was that the Nikko Bangkok was kept very clean; you might chalk that up to the fact that the hotel was only a couple of months old, but I’d say Japanese management played a big role in that.
…but how about my room?
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My Premier Corner room was also a delight, quite clean, airy, and with good a/c (visiting Bangkok in April is hotter than other months, somehow!). That there was a “window” from the bathroom tub overlooking the bed seems to be an East Asian thing (don’t worry, there’s a shade, too). Unfortunately, I was too tired to even ask about trying the pillow menu– but if you’d like a suggestion, try Japanese buckwheat hull pillows for your home. Luckily, it was a very comfortable bed, overlooking some pretty sweet views of the ever-growing Thai metropolis:
Southwestern exposure, with the BTS (Skytrain) chugging east towards Ekkamai
The Nikko Bangkok also has a number of function/event rooms, and the Fuji Grand Ballroom with a capacity of 1250 cocktail party attendees. (I don’t have photos because the rooms were busy for wedding receptions)
Gym with cool Thonglo skyscraper views
Pool
OK, so the interior of the hotel looked solid, but how about its exterior sections? Although I didn’t swim, the pool area – which can also be used to host events – already looked worn and neglected. Not so much the pool itself, but the well-beaten tiles surrounding it. It appeared that there was a lot of wasted space, that really could be used to either have a small garden, or to add more sunbathing chairs, or for expanding the pool bar. Something, anything to distract me from the unappealing patio. As it’s still a relatively new hotel, perhaps they’re working on something.
Hungry? The Hotel Nikko Bangkok has you covered. Besides Curve 55 and the pool bar, they also have Hishou, the new neighborhood standard for Japanese fare, and The Oasis, its 6th floor restaurant specializing in breakfast, lunch, and Sunday brunch buffets, as well as á la carte dinners.
As I was busy most of the first day – sleeping and wandering, sometimes both – I only was able to try out their breakfast buffet the following day:
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It’s your typical Southeast Asian hotel-buffet, but good! I definitely paid multiple visits to the Japanese and fresh juice stations, and went way overboard on asking for everything to be made peht peht, or Thai spicy. Still, I would have been satisfied with only salmon, miso soup, rose apples, and mangosteens. Oh, and the omelette bar was particularly fun.
— All in all, I had an enjoyable stay at the Hotel Nikko Bangkok, and would like to thank Ann and Swift for their assistance and hospitality. Next time, I’ll have to try Hishou, and one of their locally well-known lobby lounge desserts!
n.b. some of you may also like to know that they are putting the finishing touches on the hotel lounge, which should be opened by the end of June.
Hotel Review: Hotel Nikko Bangkok, Thailand Disclaimer: In exchange for this hotel review, I received a stay in Bangkok, Thailand…
Bangkok, Thailand's King Power Mahanakhon Observation Deck and Skywalk
Bangkok, Thailand’s King Power Mahanakhon Observation Deck and Skywalk
A skyscraper owned by a duty free company with an observation deck, to boot? This, I’ve got to see…
Unusual “8-bit” design, with the SkyWalk shown jutting off the edge
Yes, on previous visits to Bangkok, Thailand I had been tracking the construction of this modern landmark, better known as King Power Mahanakhon. It is home not only to the Thai capital’s highest bar, but also its newest selfiesp…
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Flight Review: Air Choice One, Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Burlington, Iowa (BRL)
Flight Review: Air Choice One, Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to Burlington, Iowa (BRL)
Disclaimer: In exchange for writing a review for the airline Air Choice One, I was offered a round-trip flight between Chicago and Burlington, Iowa.
After a recent move to the Chicago area, I started to feel excited about different airlines and routes to try, albeit departing mostly from the less-than-pleasant – if very convenient by public transit – O’Hareport.
Enter, St. Louis, Missouri-based…
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Disclaimer: In exchange for my review of the New York Times Journeys – Dumbo, the New Brooklyn tour, I received one VIP ticket for the soft launch.
When I go to Brooklyn, it’s generally for making a beeline to the Russosphere – in other words, Brighton Beach/Sheepshead Bay, dominated by immigrants from the former Soviet Union. I’d buy a few things at one of the numerous supermarkets, snack along the Coney Island Boardwalk, and then…buy more food, for the fridge.
But this time, the nice folks at the New York City-based tour company Urban Adventures unexpectedly invited me to participate in their newest tour, that being focused on the youthful Brooklyn neighborhood of Dumbo. This tour was created in collaboration with The New York Times Journeys, known for their small group educational tours.
Brian was the affable tour guide for the day; you can tell he took pride in his job of chatting with the group about various points of interest, food, and trivia.
Although the acronym Dumbo stands for”down under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass,” the story behind its revitalization is an interesting one. But first, let’s hear it for the two routes connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn that add the superlative picturesque qualities to the area.
Brooklyn Bridge
Manhattan Bridge
Ah, yes, the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and the…other one, the Manhattan Bridges. These photos were taken from the roof of the Empire Stores mixed-used museum, mall, and office space. The building which houses Empire Stores was built in the 1870s for the Arbuckle brothers roasted coffee processing facility, and overlooks a waterfront promenade that formerly saw boats mooring daily. Not to mention, the first of the two bridges – the Brooklyn – was only completed in 1883, with one major reason being that when the river froze, commerce nearly ground to a halt.
Empire Stores
Throughout the tour, we stopped at a few different places for a bite. The first was a place called Smile to Go, with branches in Manhattan, too. The Dumbo location has a bakery en situ, and they adopt some seasonal flavors and ingredients to keep the menu fresh.
Banana Quinoa and Banana Buckwheat were among the options
Along with the Arbuckle brothers, Robert Gair was another prominent name in Dumbo in the late 1800s. He is best known for patenting the cardboard box. Yeah. In other words, something that pretty much every business relies on at some point in their supply chain, be it Brooklyn Roasters (another one of our stops), the Powerhouse Arena bookstore and event space, and even…
Randolph Beer, a microbrewery specializing in brews from the Tri-State area. “Beer Yourself” refers to the beer buffet; you get a stored-value card, hold it up against the computer terminal, and pour away. Though I don’t agree with their communal glass rinsing space, you might want to check them out for their own brews and foosball.
Overall, the tour was fun, it introduced me to some fascinating tidbits about historic New York, and the eats were good. Check out Urban Adventures to see what else they have in store.
Tour Review: The New York Times Journeys and Urban Adventures – Dumbo, the New Brooklyn Disclaimer: In exchange for my review of the New York Times Journeys - Dumbo, the New Brooklyn tour…