Archive for The Best:
Mooo…ve Over, XV Beacon Has Boston’s Best Steakhouse!
Over the past week I’ve discovering the best hidden restaurants in Florence, Italy! As you can imagine, the food was amazing, almost everywhere we went. But who would’ve guessed that one of my favorite meals, would have been the one I had the night I returned from beautiful Tuscany on my stop-over in Boston! Not me, for sure. Here’s the story.
After 12 hours of air travel, only to land in a freezing cold New England blizzard, we just wanted a hot shower, a warm meal and a comfy bed . The closest that we were getting to being home, was my home in Beantown, XV Beacon. Rob and I had plans to hit one of Boston’s great restaurants, but we were exhausted. We knew that Chef Jamie Mammamo co-owns some of our favorite Boston restaurants like Mistral, Sorelina and Teatro and he also co-owns the hotel’s restaurant, Mooo. To make things easy, we decided to just walk downstairs and grab an early dinner at Mooo.
The first thing that struck us was the decor. As in all of their restaurants, they keep it modern without losing that intimate and elegant feel that you desire when you are out on the town with special someone. Our table, tucked in a cozy corner in the back of the restaurant had two oversize chairs that made us feel like royalty being shielded from the paparazzi at the next table.
First we glanced at the drink menu. We saw an exceptional list of great wines, definitely known as one of the best in the city; however just coming straight from the grape fields of Tuscany, we opted for one of the seasonal specialty cocktails. For me, the pumpkin pie martini was calling my name. When it arrived with a dollop of whipped cream, I knew it would not disappoint!
Once we had our drinks, an absolutely sinful pan of freshly baked rolls arrived! This is when I knew we were not just ‘grabbing a bite’. This was going to be amazing.
Now for the main menu. The only problem that we had was making a choice! How can you with items like Kobe beef dumplings and main lobster bisque to start off, followed by choosing the perfect cut of steak. Would we choose be the perfectly seasoned filet, the crowd favorite Delmonico or possibly the 100% Kobe Kagoshima Prefecture from Japan. By the way, Kobe is now “in fashion” in many steakhouses across the country, however, not all Kobe steaks are created equal. Many steakhouses promote “Kobe-style” beef, taken from domestically-raised. This is not the same as real, Kobe that is flown in from Japan and served in restaurants like Mooo. Once we’ve decided on our steaks, for me the lean eight-ounce filet and for Rob the Delmonico, it was time to choose sides. I prefer vegetables with my steak, like the nice exotic mushroom mix, but honestly, the Moo mac and cheese with lobster was calling our name! So, we decided on both.
Then, the dessert menu came. I should have never looked. With items like the S’More, Bananas Foster and Bailey’s Hot Fudge Sundae for Two, this dessert menu is sure to bring you right back to your youth (with an adult twist of course).
After we ate as much of the insanely decadent bananas foster as we could, we paid our check and went upstairs to our room and crawled into that comfy bed that we were so desperately needing. Yes, we ordered way more food than we could have ever eaten. We did not finish most of it, but we definitely do not regret our choices!
The Best: Restaurants in Scottsdale
Scottsdale has always been a “convention” kind of town, but lately it has become a hot-spot for leisure travelers looking for a little desert sunshine and fun! You’ll be surprised at how hip Scottsdale has become. Scottsdale now has chic hotels like the Mondrian, burlesque nightclubs like Jack Rabbit Lounge & Supper Club and surprisingly amazing shopping in The Mixx. Another thing that I found to be consistent in Scottsdale is fantastic restaurants with unique ideas like Martini’s & Manicures or live table-side fashion shows.
Here’s a list of my favorite place to chow down and get a chill bite around the red rocks of Scottsdale:
The X-Factor: Where fashion meets food. Unique martini’s like the Strawberry Mint.
The Grub: A wide variety of salads, sandwiches and lots of fresh fish. If you don’t mind spending a little extra, try the “30 Dollar Sandwich”.
The Vibe: Imagine eating dinner while various runway shows from the past few decades are surrounding you. Hang around and maybe you’ll catch one of the live runway shows on the restaurants weaving multi-color illuminating runway.
The X-Factor: Hip place to start with happy hour and end with dinner.
The Grub: Think Mediterranean meets California, amazing handmade pastas, great wines and delicious desserts.
The Vibe: Dim lights, chill music during dinner, with a DJ taking over after dinner and into the evening. Sit outside around the fire pits with friends and enjoy a great bottle of wine or a cool cocktail.
The X-Factor: Natural ingredients, great service, yummiest breakfast in town.
The Grub: Fresh squeezed juices and incredibly delicious traditional breakfast fare. They have the best and lightest waffles I’ve ever tasted!
The Vibe: You’ll see everyone trying to soak up the previous night’s cocktail with carbs. There is usually a 30-60 minute wait on the weekends.
The X-Factor: The see and be seen place for dinner on Friday or Saturday night.
The Grub: Shared plates of Asian inspired chicken, meat, fish, fried rice and veggies with an Asian-Cuban twist.
The Vibe: All white, dripping chandeliers and a martini sipping crowd.
The X-Factor: Innovative twist on the classic breakfast and lunch fare.
The Grub: Jalapeno pecan pancakes, strawberry pancakes, freshly made syrups and fresh OJ.
The Vibe: Looks like a dive but tastes like heaven.
The X-Factor: Perfect spot to stop for lunch, but save room for a dessert of turtle sundaes and ice cream sandwiches to bring out your inner kid.
The Grub: Yummy salads, sandwiches, burgers and tacos.
The Vibe: Upscale yet casual. Not trendy but definitely a fun place. They’re known for cool and unique tacos.
The X-Factor: Sexy intimate dining, the infamous Martini & Manicure Mondays
The Grub: Italian antipasti, pizza, pasta, fish and meat dishes all prepared with the freshest ingredients. Unique cocktails and yummy martinis.
The Vibe: Choose the dining room, lounge or bar all designed with a modern yet comfortable feel. I love the over sized blush booths.
See what the hotels, restaurants and nightclubs are really like in the Jet Set Life: Scottsdale Video.
Find out where to stay, eat and play in Scottsdale with, The Hit List: Scottsdale.
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Next weekend Rob and I are going to have some fun in the sun as we explore South Beach’s sexiest hot spots.
The Best: Buenos Aires
Hot off the plane from Buenos Aires I thought I’d give you my favorites. The List: Buenos Aires will be available by the holidays, but here are the places that are going to top that list, hands down.
The Best Boutique Hotel: The Home Hotel
This boutique hotel found in Palermo Hollywood is perfectly named. Owners Tom & Patricia’s genuine kindness and hospitality has trickled down through their staff. The hotels rooms are perfectly styled and casually chic. The bathrooms are large and they even will lend you a curling or flat iron! The drinks at the bar are amazing, think green apple with a dash of basil, during happy hour you’ll find the hottest heads in town, possibly some celebs like Bono grooving to the tunes of the in house DJ. When partying has taken it’s toll, head to the intimate spa for some relaxation and rejuvenation. And don’t be surprised if you receive the best massage of your life as owner, Patricia sets the spa bar high by looking to Asia for inspiration.
The Best Unique Store: Ateneo Book Store
This grand theater turned bookstore is something to see. You’ll be amazed by the books, DVD’s and other odds and ends lining every inch of this magnificent building. The stage has even transformed into a coffee and pastry shop. This place will have you saying “Starbucks who?”.
The Best Tango Show: Faena “Rojo Tango Show”
Tango is the national dance of Buenos Aires and no one showcases it better than the Faena Hotel & Universe. With the high priced ticket, you’ll receive transfers to and from the Faena Hotel (mainly b/c it’s in East Bumf%*k), a delicious dinner and bottomless champagne and wine. Once your belly and your glass is full, the house tango dancers, singers and band take you on a journey through the most passionate and dramatic of all dances, the tango.
The Best Local Sporting Event: Football in La Boca Stadium
Football (soccer to those in the US) is the national pastime of Portenos. Ask which team they prefer and they all will answer differently, yet somehow with the same reasons for hating the opposing team. Getting into the La Boca stadium during a home game is an experience in itself. These fans are crazy, but not crazy about tourists. So, if English is your only language, keep your trap shut until you’re inside the stadium walls. Then buy a t-shirt for 30 pesos ( about $10US) and enjoy the chanting, hollering and of course those South American cheerleaders!
Interesting Fact: Coca Cola sponsors the La Boca stadium. Since La Boca’s rival team’s colors are red & white, Coke had to change their colors to black & white for the stadium!
The Best Lunch Spot: Bar 6
The hippest lunch spot in town is Bar 6. If you’re lucky you’ll get to dine at one of casual couch tables with mismatched chairs. The food is simple yet delicious. With options like brown rice and stir fried vegetables even the visiting vegetarians will go home happy!
The Best Place to Indulge Your Sweet Tooth: Florencio
Located in Recoleta, this tiny hole in the wall pastry shop is to die for! With only four tables, two of which are outside, this pastry shops delivers up the best sweets in the city. With apple pie, dolce de leche chocolate cake and Illy coffee, you’ll probably find yourself here more than once.
The Best Hidden Dinner: Casa Felix
When you need a break from the Argentine beef, head to Casa Felix. Diego Felix stumbled upon something spectacular with his “Chef House” concept. Three nights per week chef Diego Felix opens his home to a dozen diners at 9:30pm. He gives a tour of his home, his kitchen and his girlfriend-the herb garden. Chef Felix’s menu changes weekly and is dependent on what’s in season and fresh. He pairs each meal with the perfect wine. The cost is so reasonable you’ll find yourself telling him to raises his prices!
The Best Dinner w/ a Scene: Casa Cruz
If you’re looking for the who’s who of BsAs, look no further than the tables of Casa Cruz. As you pass through the velvet curtains into the dark, give your name and take a seat on the plush leather couches that surround the oval shaped bar until your table is called. Enjoy a martini, glass of bubbly or browse the extensive wine menu. The food is delicious however, the staff is apparently aware of the restaurants social status and the servers can feel a bit snobbish.
The Best Local Bar: Ocho-7-Ocho
This spot is so in the know that some locals may not even be able to point you in the direction of this hot spot. 878 is a truly hidden bar. When you arrive, you’ll think you have the wrong address. Just ring the doorbell and wait for the tall wooden doors to part. If you look up to par, you’ll be invited into the underground scene of BsAs. The bar itself is simple in decor, but boasts the largest variety of libations in the city.
The Best Dance Till 6am Club: Crobar
The South American sister club to the NYC & Miami hot spots is the top party headquarters in BsAs. Our suggestion is to avoid the velvet ropes and book a VIP table. It’ll cost you about 450 USD including about 300 USD in alcohol. This gets you in quickly and above the crazy mess with a booth overlooking the dance floor. Just be warned that the no one arrives until 3am and they stay till the sun comes up at 6:30am!
The Best Place to Pay for a Chick: Blacks
South American countries look at prostitution in a different way than Americans. Blacks is a high-end “strip club” that is really a place to find a Latin-hottie for the night. Ironically, Black’s is found on the Ave. Alvear (BsAs version of Rodeo Drive) Black’s can be found above Cartier and across from the Alvear Palace Hotel. The sign for Black’s is only illuminated late a night for those…umm….looking for companionship.
80°F Sunny & No Humidity
Next Trip: 
