Found 50 posts tagged as "Urban Travel"
 From cupcake ATM’s to vampire-themed restaurants, we’ve put together a list of some of the quirkiest food establishments in the world.
Beverly Hills, California
Sprinkles Cupcakes bakery in Beverly Hills, one of the first cupcake bakeries in the city, recently launched into foodie fandom with its cupcake ATM machine. Located on South Santa Monica Blvd., the machine offers cupcakes at $3.50 per cupcake, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for when you really need a cupcake. The cupcakes aren’t made inside the ATM, but taken from a stock of cupcakes made that day.
Taipei, Taiwan
It’s a bit of a rage in Asia but can you stomach it? Modern Toilet restaurant, located in Hong Kong, Japan and Taiwan offers diners the unique experience of a toilet-themed restaurant. Seats are made from toilets, the walls are covered with bathroom décor like showerheads and plungers and yes, you even eat out of a toilet.
 New travel website and your “concierge to Canada,” Vacay.ca, recently announced its inaugural list of the Top 50 Restaurants in Canada, inspired by similar lists like San Pellegrino and Acqua Panna’s World’s 50 Best.
With the aim of celebrating Canada as a culinary destination, here’s a quick review of Vacay.ca’s top restaurants in Canada and where you can find them.
Vancouver, BC
The number one restaurant in Canada according to Vacay.ca is Vij’s, known for its contemporary Indian cuisine. Also in Vancouver, L’Abbatoir at #7, the newly renovated Hotel Georgia’s Hawksworth restaurant at #21 and Ensemble at #23 featuring chef Dale MacKay from Top Chef Canada fame.
Toronto, ON
Coming in at #2 is Langdon Hall, just 1.5 hours from Toronto in Cambridge and offers local-centric tasting menus by chef Jonathan Gushue. Stay the night in the cozy country manor and be sure to visit the spa.
 Just a few weeks ago, the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list (sponsored by San Pellegrino and Acqua Panna) was released. If you’re looking for the eating experiencing of a lifetime, then here are some of the top destinations to experience the world’s best restaurants.
Copenhagen, Denmark
For the third year in a row, Noma restaurant has taken first place on the world’s 50 best restaurants list. Helmed by Rene Redzepi, Copenhagen is also chock-full of restaurants opened by protégés of Noma so if you can’t get a reservation to Noma, then be sure to try Herman, Geranium 2, Fiskebaren, Restaurant AOC or Restaurant Relae.
New York City, United States
Per Se, located in Columbus Circle, overlooks the south west corner of Central Park and was ranked 6th in the world’s 50 best restaurant list. Also in New York City: Daniel Humm’s Eleven Madison Park, located just steps from the Flatiron building, Italian food mecca Eataly and one of the original Shake Shack locations.
 Although European cities like London and Paris are known for their cuisines, you may be surprised to discover that the United States offers some of the best restaurants in the world. Here are some of our top picks of the most exclusive restaurants in the U.S.
Rao’s, NYC
When it comes to exclusive, Italian restaurant Rao’s in New York City is it, with no available tables or reservations for the average person. Tables are bought annually for $1k to $25k by the likes of Bill Clinton or Martin Scorsese, like season tickets for our favourite sports team. And even if you had the cash, you still probably wouldn’t get a table unless you knew someone (who knows someone, who knows someone).
Next Restaurant, Chicago, Illinois
Like Rao’s, chef Grant Achatz’s Next Restaurant in Chicago sells tickets that must be purchased and paid for in advance for your meal. This year, Next, which changes its cuisine concept regularly every month, sold season tickets for all three concepts (El Bulli, Sicily, Kyoto) this year through an online ticketing system – so at least most of us had a chance. Last-minute tables for 15+ course dinners can be had via Next’s Facebook Page but they go quickly!
 When it comes to art and architecture, Amsterdam is great place for art and history lovers of all kinds. Here are ten of the must-sees!
1) The “big three”: Van Gogh, Rijksmuseum, Hermitage
If it’s your first time visiting, don’t miss the Van Gogh Museum for works of the celebrated Dutch painter; the Rijkmuseum for Dutch art from the Dutch Golden Age; and the Hermitage for Dutch-Russian works.
2) Stedelijk Museum
Located on Museum Square next to the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk offers classic modern art and contemporary art and design – a reflect of the original red brick structure of the museum and the new extension.
3) Electric Ladyland Fluorescent Art Museum
For something even more contemporary, discover the Electric Ladyland Flourescent Art Museum. The only museum of its kind in the world, visitors can stroll through the completely fluorescent room or view other works of art and naturally florescent minerals.
Ten incredible hotels with a view in the best cities in the world.
Rio 180, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: The name says it all. At the Rio 180 hotel, located in the history Santa Teresa district, guests can get panoramic views of Christ the Redeemer and Guanabara Bay below.
Trump International Hotel & Tower, New York City, USA: Towering on the Upper West Side near Columbus Circle, enjoy unparalleled views of Central Park and the Upper East Side.
Ritz Carlton, Hong Kong: Now this is a view. Opened in March 2011, the Ritz Carlton Hong Kong is the tallest hotel in the world, occupying the 102nd to 118th floors of International Commerce Center in Kowloon, Hong Kong.
Burj Al Arab, Dubai: One of the tallest buildings in the world and certainly one of the most stunning, the Burj Al Arab in Dubai offers a 225 square metre Panoramic Suite that offers floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai below.
One&Only Cape Town, South Africa: Located in Cape Town’s busy harbour, the One&Only in Cape Town offers views of the harbour and bustling city below and the famous Table Mountain the background.
Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, Los Angeles, California, USA: Located in L.A.’s Financial District, the Bonaventure’s 34th floor features a revolving cocktail lounge for one of the best views of the city.
Hotel Plaza Athenee, Paris, France: You’re in Paris and you just can’t get enough of the Eiffel Tower? Head to Hotel Plaza Athenee, where rooms like the Terrace Eiffel Suite offers an unobstructed view of the tower from the comfort of your 1,400 sq. ft. suite.
Hotel Eden, Rome, Italy: Known for its stunning views, Hotel Eden offers guest rooms with spacious windows with views of the Eternal City and the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica below as well as Bar La Terrazza and outdoor garden (Il Giardino dell’Eden) with panoramic views of the city to go with your cocktail.
my hotel Bloomsbury, London, United Kingdom: A fun, hip but luxurious boutique hotel, my hotel Bloomsbury offers fifth floor rooftop penthouse suites named “myplace” that offers views of the city on your own, private terrace that equally romantic as it is picturesque a la Mary Poppins.
Mondrian, Miami, Florida, USA: Located on West Ave., the Mondrian’s pool is as luxurious as it is inspiring with its view overlooking Biscayne Bay and the downtown Miami skyline.
Gizelle is a freelance writer & photographer in Toronto, specializing in travel, food and lifestyle. Follow her on Twitter @TorontoEats or on the Urban Travel Blog on Sympatico.ca for more on the world's great cities.
 For wine lovers, there’s nothing like enjoying a glass of wine on location at the vineyard where it was produced – experience the land, see and touch the grapes, meet the winemakers and really come to appreciate what’s gone into a glass of pinot noir.
The same goes for tea lover turned tea master, Daniela Cubelic, owner of Victoria, B.C.’s Silk Road tea shop, who has travelled far and wide to taste, experience and understand the millennia-long culture, history and tradition of tea. “There’s a core feeling around tea that’s retained no matter where you go – the idea of meeting with friends, gathering, sharing, contemplation and escape,” she explains.
Cubelic believes that one can tell a lot about a culture by their tea traditions, especially in Asia where much of it originated. Today, tea lovers and travellers have a handful of fantastic options where they, too, can enjoy, appreciate and experience tea at its source.
Here are a few of the top cities for tea in the world, as per the tea master herself.
 So just how can you while away time on a Friday in Las Vegas?
On the weekend's eve, you can almost start feeling the already energetic city of Las Vegas gearing up for a night of fun. Hotel lobbies are busier with patrons checking in for the weekend and reservations at the hottest restaurants and nightclubs are sought. Notepads and buffet pants at the ready, we set out to experience a bit of the city’s past before we powered through two amazing meals and then moved on for a night of live entertainment.
First stop was The Neon Museum that should be the top of everyone’s itinerary. A dedication to the most recognizable art form coming out of Vegas, the ‘boneyard’ delves into the past of the city when it was still finding its feet. From the oldest sign to the largest, it’s a treat to walk through the site and get a close-up of some of the city’s most iconic signs.
 
The Public House at The Venetian will change the way you perceive and experience beer. With over 200 choices of ales, lagers, stouts and IPAs available, it would be hard not to please any beer connoisseur. The highlight was the food and beer pairing that included grilled octopus, country pate and the amazing short rib (pictured) that was brined for 40 hours in Black Butte Porter and cut like butter.
 
If you ever need to escape the bright lights of The Strip, stop off at the Mandarin Oriental for the civilized experience of afternoon tea. With a sweeping view of Las Vegas Boulevard, relax with a signature cup of Mandarin Orange blend, delicate scones with house made jam and one of the best egg salad sandwiches I’ve ever tasted. If you’re feeling extra festive, you can sip on some Veuve Cliquot bubbly instead.
 
A visit to the legendary Wynn and its sister property Encore, is like a trip to the art museum. At Botero (named after artist Fernando Botero) you have a chance to view one his most famous sculptures and other creative works while dining on Dungeness crab agnolotti and crip skinned branzino. Don’t make the mistake of leaving without trying the s’mores brioche doughnuts (pictured) that were voted the best in town.
We finished with a front row seat at La Reve by Cirque du Soleil at the Wynn and then had a laugh at the Brad Garrett's Comedy Club at the MGM Grand.
Performance art, live music, comedy, the cabaret - what is your favourite kind of entertainment in Las Vegas?
 It’s true Las Vegas has something to please everyone. Dining, shopping, night life - every trip can be tailored to reflect your current mood and state of mind.
Day two in the city brought a whole new range of surprises for us.
A quick recap of what we did:
We got a peek at the new, art-deco inspired The Smith Center, a performing arts center that's destined to be one of Las Vegas’s main cultural hubs. One word: gorgeous! Featuring Broadway shows to cabaret jazz performances, the centre offers reasonably priced dinnertainment that’s a great alternative to the flashing neon lights of The Strip.
 
At Spago, celebrity chef, Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant we were treated to a delightful, spring meal of asparagus salad, pan-seared sea bass and strawberries with Hawaiian honey pannacotta. This was not before the tantalizing tuna prepared two ways served in an igloo - isn’t that a work of art? The restaurant celebrates 20 years in Vegas this year . Our advice: Don’t miss it.
What trip is complete without a little retail therapy? And Town Square set across 100 acres doesn’t disappoint. With a great collection of stores and restaurants, this outdoor shopping paradise allows for plenty of time to browse, dine and relax. We loved that you could devote a whole day to updating your wardrobe.
In true Vegas style, we ended the day with a show and dinner at the legendary Mirage. It was the frist time watching Cirque du Soleil in action at Love, which celebrates the great musical talent of The Beatles. If that wasn’t impressive enough, we dined like royalty at Japonais with sashimi, smoked kobe beef and organic chicken. My favourite was the innovative octopus-stuffed sushi rolls topped with tuna tartare (pictured).
Day three of the intinerary includes a trip to the Neon Museum and a brand new gastropub, which we can't wait to share with you.
 There is only one time to arrive in Las Vegas – after sunset, when The Strip is at its luminescent best. As the plane descends I find my lips curling involuntarily into an ‘O’. Bright neon lights are flashing and suddenly legendary hotels like the MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay come into view. We’re here, in Sin City to experience the ‘dinnertainment’ scene. As we drive through a maze of towering hotels, I have to pinch myself to digest the fact that these aren’t the glossy images from a travel magazine. My Las Vegas virginity has been plucked – and how.
I lived in Dubai, nicknamed the Las Vegas of the Middle East, for four years. You get used to the boldness and super luxe nature of the hotels and resorts there. I thought that would have prepared me for Vegas. Not so much. Like a little girl, I can't stop staring at the dancing Bellagio fountains that are right outside my hotel room window at The Cosmopolitan at Las Vegas. Caesar’s Palace is twinkling bright and there is a continual surge of human traffic meandering down The Strip en route to dinner or a show. The energy is contagious and you soon realise that Las Vegas is one heck of a charmer.
Obviously we're not complaining. We’ve got a lot packed in to the next four days. So here’s a peek at what we did on day one:
 
Salmon lunch at Fleur by Hubert Keller at Mandalay Bay consisted of small plates of appetisers like burrata and tuna tacos, polished off with light mains like the salmon and rock shrimp with orzo. Suitably fueled up it was followed by a trip to the Minus 5 ice bar where we lounged in furry coats and sipped cocktails from ice carved glasses.
 
Mixology demonstration with Mariena Mercer at The Chandelier bar at The Cosmopolitan opened our eyes to a variety of unusual cocktails pairings. We tried (clockwise from the top) the the Fire Breathing Dragon, Verbena and Out of the Blue. My favourite was The Dragon that starts with Bacardi Dragonberry and is spiced with lemongrass syrup and Thai chilli along with a pink peppercorn rim - delicious and classy!
Dinner at Scott Conant's modern Italian restaurant Scarpetta started with the chef's selection of salumi and cheeses. Definitely a venue that wows guests, the meal followed with Conant's signature tomato and basil spaghetti and black cod with caramelized fennel. Our tip: Don't ever leave without trying the vanilla pudding with salted caramel - pure heaven!
Post the show Absinthe at Caesar's Palace we caught the Bellagio fountains dancing to Michael Jackson's Billie Jean. The perfect night cap to the first impressive day in Las Vegas. Today we are visiting legendary restaurant Spago by Wolfgang Puck and touring The Smith Center.
Tell us - What is your favourite activity to particiapte in while in Las Vegas?
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