Entries from October 2007 ↓

T-BAR STEAK & LOUNGE

Location: 1278 Third Avenue
NY, NY 1002
212-772-0404
www.tbarnyc.com

"We’re more than a steak house," said legendary owner of the uptake remake of his previous venue. May be, but those two steaks we devoured were some of the most perfect specimens in town. What I think Mr. Fortuna means is that T-Bar is so hip and miles above the stodgy steak house standard that he doesn’t want to be labeled.

And why should he be when appetizers, breads, sides, seafood and desserts are way out of the steak house league. What plump fried oysters and such an inventive crabmeat salad with just a touch of mayo and a garnish of avocado and pineapple.

There’s great branzino here and a potato-bacon-Gruyere cake that’s to die for. But save room for desserts that took Fortuna, who is a confessed addict, a month to create. The strawberry number (shown) is terrific, but eclipsed by a banana parfait that lies somewhere between a French coupe and an English Trifle. Trifle indeed. It’s worth the price of dinner. Cocktails, wines and service are all in tune and T-Bar is a delight from start to finish.

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National Geographic Adventure Names Abercrombie & Kent “Best Luxury Outfitter”

National Geographic Adventure magazine has compiled the first guide to the world’s top adventure tour operators. “We believe the most important decision you can make about an adventure travel trip is not where to go, but who to go with,” writes editor in chief John Rasmus. “As part of the National Geographic Society, we have a unique take on travel. We appreciate fine meals and high thread counts, but we also want to know who’s teaching their clients about the places they visit, who’s pushing the frontiers of discovery and adventure, and who’s giving back to the planet.”

Over the past several months, the magazine surveyed over 200 outfitters and scored them on education, sustainability, quality of service, and spirit of adventure. They also interviewed travellers about their experiences.

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JET AIRWAYS TO COMMENCE JFK-INDIA SERVICE OCTOBER 28
Launch Adds Airline’s Second Daily Flight to New York

Jet Airways, India’s premier private sector airline, will commence daily service from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport to India on October 28, it was announced today by founder and chairman of Jet Airways’ Naresh Goyal. The JFK flights will be the airline’s second daily flight connecting New York and India: on August 5, Jet Airways launched its first ever transatlantic service with daily flights to and from New York’s Newark Liberty International Airport. On September 5, the airline also inaugurated service from India to Toronto.

“I think it’s fair to state that in the history of aviation,” observed Goyal, “no airline has ever launched three new long-haul routes in a span of three months, and I am immensely proud of the dedication of the Jet Airways team that has made this possible.”

All Jet Airways’ transatlantic flights are routed through the airline’s efficient hub at Brussels International Airport that enables travelers to fly seamlessly to and from JFK, Newark and Toronto directly to and from Delhi, Mumbai (Bombay) and Chennai (Madras). “It’s a fine-tuned operation,” says Goyal, “that has three wide-bodied aircraft from three cities in India landing virtually simultaneously in Brussels, and departing after a short layover simultaneously for three cities in North America – and vice versa…with passengers, and their luggage, switching effortlessly to the destination of their choice.”

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FIAMMA

Fiamma (206 Spring Street at 6th Avenue; 212-653-0100)

http://www.brguestrestaurants.com/

Dinner
Monday: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday – Thursday: 6:00 PM- 11:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Saturday: 5:30 PM – 12:00 AM
Sunday – Closed

Contact
212.653.0100
206 Spring Street
Between Sullivan St. & 6th Ave.
New York

Award Winning Website, Punchin-dot-com, features the Walman Report and reviews of restaurants, travel, wine and theater.

Since its opening in March 2002, multiple three-star reviews have established Fiamma as one of the top Italian restaurants in New York City. With the introduction of Chef-Partner Fabio Trabocchi’s, new direction, Fiamma presents a menu steeped in regional Italian traditions recast with modern vision.

The jewel in the crown of Stephen Hanson’s B.R. Guest properties, Fiamma offers three, five or seven-course tasting menus, (matched with wine if one desires). Walman chose the seven course affair and was overwhelmed with such creations as Scottish Langoustines , Chilled Fennel Soup, Dover Sole with Razor Clams and Celery Root, Organic Risotto with Pears, Grappa, and Cheese, and a knockout Suckling Pig with Pickled Radish.

Desserts include a fabulous Chocolate Torta. The wine list features 600 selections and 20 wines by the glass, and the room has been given a glowing makeover.

Fiamma, 206 Spring Street, Between Sullivan St. & 6th Ave., is one on Manhattan’s best Italian restaurants and rates A Major on the Walman Report

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JET BLUE COMING TO ST. MAARTEN

Philipsburg, St. Maarten, October 12, 2007 – St. Maarten’s Commissioner of Tourism Roy Marlin confirmed today the Caribbean island of St. Maarten has reached an agreement with JetBlue Airways for air service from New York commencing January 17, 2008.

In making the announcement, Commissioner Marlin said, “On behalf of The Island Territory of St. Maarten, I am pleased to welcome JetBlue Airways as the newest travel partner serving the Little Caribbean Alliance which includes Anguilla, St. Barths, Saba, St. Eustatius and St. Maarten/St. Martin.

“I am sure the many JetBlue passengers will soon discover that St. Maarten is the best leisure destination in the region, offering 37 beaches, over 400 restaurants with Gold Award Winning Chefs, exceptional entertainment and nightlife as well as a myriad of accommodations to fit any lifestyle, all in a safe, friendly, cosmopolitan environment.”

Commenting on the announcement, Marty St. George, JetBlue’s Vice President of Network Planning, said, “Customers have been asking for more JetBlue flights to the Caribbean and today we’re pleased to add service to St. Maarten, one of the most beautiful spots in the region. With JetBlue, customers enjoy award-winning inflight entertainment, generous name-brand snacks, and top-notch customer service — all at some of the lowest fares around. We think the flight should be as good as the destination, so on your next trip to the Caribbean, we invite you to experience all that flying should be.”

About St. Maarten

St. Maarten, known as “the culinary capital of the Caribbean”, is the smallest island in the world shared between two nations, France and the Netherlands. Here guest are welcome to discover the islands 37 spectacular beaches, more than 350 restaurants, duty-free shopping, numerous activities and attractions and the island’s unparalleled nightlife. Whether staying in a luxury villa or spending the night in the casinos, guests will experience the only Caribbean island with grand sophistication and European flair. For more information on St. Maarten’s growing tourism industry, please visit the website at www.st-maarten.com.

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