Entries from March 2009 ↓

Seäsonal

Opening: December 2008

Location: 132 West 58th Street
Bet. 7th Avenue & 6th Avenue
New York, NY 11002

Telephone: 212.957.5550

Website: www.seasonalnyc.com

Email: eat@seasonalnyc.com

Partners: Wolfgang Ban, Eduard Frauneder & Walter Dostmann (leading a small group of German Investors)

Executive Chefs: Wolfgang Ban & Eduard Frauneder

Cuisine: Contemporary Austrian/German Restaurant & Weinbar

Seating: Total (65)
Main Dining (40), Wine Bar (9), Semi-Private Dining (16)

Opening Hours: Monday thru Friday: 11:30 AM to Midnight
Saturday: 11:30 AM to Midnight
Sunday: Closed

*All Major Credit Cards Accepted * _________________________________________________________

Review By Nancy Walman

Seäsonal has elegant décor with a modern European touch. The clean, brilliant white walls set the stage for a revolving collection of contemporary Austrian and German art. Diners luxuriate within leather clad cubby seating and wall to wall natural wood floors. The dining room is illuminated by a celestial ceiling with lights in the shape of branches, creating a glowing canopy over Seäsonal’s signature elliptical wine bar. Seäsonal is designed to be a truly innovative departure from your typical dining experience.

Seäsonal offers New Yorkers a fresh, new perspective on “traditional” Austrian & German cuisine, challenging the long standing expectations that many believe are true. Consistent with its name, Seäsonal uses the freshest ingredients from the time of year and locally sourced products when preparing their dishes, ensuring the finest in their Austrian & German fare. Not only does Seäsonal pride itself in maintaining the utmost quality in their cuisine, they ensure the presentation matches by designing each plate with an artistic elegance.

Specialty Dishes include Schweinebauch, Pork Belly Confit with Braised Baby Leeks and a Riesling Caraway Jus, a dish so wonderful, it could be a main event and worthy of a visit in itself. Jakobsmuschel Rote Beete,
Diver Boat Sea Scallops with Red Beet Tagliatelle, Black Trumpet Mushrooms and Fresh Horseradish is an amalgamation of flavors and textures that must be tasted at least once in everyone’s lifetime and even the much abused Wiener Schnitzel (Breaded Veal Cutlet) arrives with a knockout Crescent Potato-Cucumber Salad and homemade Lingonberrie Compote.

Fish lovers are also well served at Seäsonal with such lovely creations as Kurbis Barsch, Pumpkin Seed Crusted Black Sea Bass with Butternut Squash Sauce and Black Truffles and Eierschwammerl Gulasch, Line Caught Grouper with Chanterelle Stew, Bell Peppers, Pearl Onions and Fresh Marjoram, which was not on the menu the night of our visit, but sounds delicious. What was masterful: Slowly Braised Milk Fed Veal Cheeks with Quark Chive Spatzle.

Seäsonal’s owners personally select distinct and outstanding Austrian and German wines from renowned and emerging young winemakers. The wine list will boast exclusive offerings to introduce new and exciting wines that perfectly pair with Seäsonal’s dishes. Seäsonal focuses on indigenous and typical varietals like Riesling, Rivaner, Grüner Veltliner, Blaufränkisch (known as Lemberger in the United States), Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), Zweigelt, Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris), Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc) and yes, Chardonnay. Cocktails are also creative (Spiced Bourbon) and terrific (martinis). Desserts are inventive and challenging as in a Goat-Cheese Vanilla Cream with Port-Fig Sauce and Fleur de Sel.

Seäsonal offers wine pairing menu suggestions in the main dining area, bar, and semi-private dining room to enhance the full flavors of specific dishes. There is also a good list of wines by the glass and a sprightly French Champagne (is there any other) for just $17 a flute.

A great option for theater district dining, Seäsonal offers a welcome respite from New Yorkers’ standard French/Italian/Asian venues and is highly recommended for delightful dining experience at a surprisingly affordable price. That’s A Major on The Walman Report

Dinner Menu

appetizers

BLattsaLat Mixed Fall Greens, Bosc pears, spiced pecans in an austrian pumpkin seed Oil sherry Dressing 9
zieGeNKÄse saLat Goat Cheese salad with salt Baked Baby Beets in an elderflower Dressing 11
MariNierter LaCHs Wild King salmon Carpaccio with poached Quail egg and Honey Mustard Cream 13
GÄNseLeBer terriNe Hudson Valley Foie Gras terrine with Lingonberry-Mandarin Confit and Brioche 18
KÃœrBissUppe Hearty styrian pumpkin soup With pumpkin seed Oil 9
JaKOBsMUsCHeL rOte Beete Diver Boat sea scallops with red Beet tagliatelle, Black trumpet Mushrooms and Fresh Horseradish 15
KÄrNtNer sCHLUtzKrapFeN austrian High altitude Cheese ravioli with smoked Chanterelle Mushrooms, Baby spinach and Harvest Corn sauce 12
sCHWeiNeBaUCH pork Belly Confit with Braised Baby Leeks and a riesling Caraway Jus 14
WOLFsBarsCH Branzino Fillet with savoy Cabbage, Bacon Leaf and Brussels sprouts 14
18% gratuity will be added to parties of 6 or more

__________________________________________________

Entrees, Click the link below.

http://www.seasonalnyc.com/mpdf/entree.pdf

Seäsonal

Opening: December 2008

Location: 132 West 58th Street
Bet. 7th Avenue & 6th Avenue
New York, NY 11002

Telephone: 212.957.5550

Website: www.seasonalnyc.com

Email: eat@seasonalnyc.com

Partners: Wolfgang Ban, Eduard Frauneder & Walter Dostmann (leading a small group of German Investors)

Executive Chefs: Wolfgang Ban & Eduard Frauneder

Cuisine: Contemporary Austrian/German Restaurant & Weinbar

Seating: Total (65)
Main Dining (40), Wine Bar (9), Semi-Private Dining (16)

Opening Hours: Monday thru Friday: 11:30 AM to Midnight
Saturday: 11:30 AM to Midnight
Sunday: Closed

*All Major Credit Cards Accepted * _________________________________________________________

Review By Nancy Walman

Seäsonal has elegant décor with a modern European touch. The clean, brilliant white walls set the stage for a revolving collection of contemporary Austrian and German art. Diners luxuriate within leather clad cubby seating and wall to wall natural wood floors. The dining room is illuminated by a celestial ceiling with lights in the shape of branches, creating a glowing canopy over Seäsonal’s signature elliptical wine bar. Seäsonal is designed to be a truly innovative departure from your typical dining experience.

Seäsonal offers New Yorkers a fresh, new perspective on “traditional” Austrian & German cuisine, challenging the long standing expectations that many believe are true. Consistent with its name, Seäsonal uses the freshest ingredients from the time of year and locally sourced products when preparing their dishes, ensuring the finest in their Austrian & German fare. Not only does Seäsonal pride itself in maintaining the utmost quality in their cuisine, they ensure the presentation matches by designing each plate with an artistic elegance.

Specialty Dishes include Schweinebauch, Pork Belly Confit with Braised Baby Leeks and a Riesling Caraway Jus, a dish so wonderful, it could be a main event and worthy of a visit in itself. Jakobsmuschel Rote Beete,
Diver Boat Sea Scallops with Red Beet Tagliatelle, Black Trumpet Mushrooms and Fresh Horseradish is an amalgamation of flavors and textures that must be tasted at least once in everyone’s lifetime and even the much abused Wiener Schnitzel (Breaded Veal Cutlet) arrives with a knockout Crescent Potato-Cucumber Salad and homemade Lingonberrie Compote.

Fish lovers are also well served at Seäsonal with such lovely creations as Kurbis Barsch, Pumpkin Seed Crusted Black Sea Bass with Butternut Squash Sauce and Black Truffles. They may “read” exotic, but Slowly Braised Milk Fed Veal Cheeks with Quark Chive Spatzle are masterful and luscious.

Seäsonal’s owners personally select distinct and outstanding Austrian and German wines from renowned and emerging young winemakers. The wine list will boast exclusive offerings to introduce new and exciting wines that perfectly pair with Seäsonal’s dishes. Seäsonal focuses on indigenous and typical varietals like Riesling, Rivaner, Grüner Veltliner, Blaufränkisch (known as Lemberger in the United States), Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), Zweigelt, Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris), Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc) and yes, Chardonnay. Cocktails are also creative (Spiced Bourbon) and terrific (martinis). Desserts are inventive and challenging as in a Goat-Cheese Vanilla Cream with Port-Fig Sauce and Fleur de Sel.

Seäsonal offers wine pairing menu suggestions in the main dining area, bar, and semi-private dining room to enhance the full flavors of specific dishes. There is also a good list of wines by the glass and a sprightly French Champagne (is there any other) for just $17 a flute.

A great option for theater district dining, Seäsonal offers a welcome respite from New Yorkers’ standard French/Italian/Asian venues and is highly recommended for delightful dining experience at a surprisingly affordable price. That’s A Major on The Walman Report

Dinner Menu

appetizers

BLattsaLat Mixed Fall Greens, Bosc pears, spiced pecans in an austrian pumpkin seed Oil sherry Dressing 9
zieGeNKÄse saLat Goat Cheese salad with salt Baked Baby Beets in an elderflower Dressing 11
MariNierter LaCHs Wild King salmon Carpaccio with poached Quail egg and Honey Mustard Cream 13
GÄNseLeBer terriNe Hudson Valley Foie Gras terrine with Lingonberry-Mandarin Confit and Brioche 18
KÃœrBissUppe Hearty styrian pumpkin soup With pumpkin seed Oil 9
JaKOBsMUsCHeL rOte Beete Diver Boat sea scallops with red Beet tagliatelle, Black trumpet Mushrooms and Fresh Horseradish 15
KÄrNtNer sCHLUtzKrapFeN austrian High altitude Cheese ravioli with smoked Chanterelle Mushrooms, Baby spinach and Harvest Corn sauce 12
sCHWeiNeBaUCH pork Belly Confit with Braised Baby Leeks and a riesling Caraway Jus 14
WOLFsBarsCH Branzino Fillet with savoy Cabbage, Bacon Leaf and Brussels sprouts 14
18% gratuity will be added to parties of 6 or more

__________________________________________________

Entrees, Click the link below.

http://www.seasonalnyc.com/mpdf/entree.pdf

Spring has finally sprung, and with it comes new travel opportunities and great offers! Take advantage of the special offers from US Airways, starting their new Oslo route on May 21, directly from Philadelphia. Norway’s stunningly beautiful nature-our spectacular fjords & mountains, mixed with culturally enriching and exciting cities with a cosmopolitan flair, is truly a match made in heaven for your next vacation. Culture and history blend seamlessly together with a youthful atmosphere in Norway. Get connected-with Norway now.

Visit www.visitnorway.com/us, for travel offers and detailed information about where to go, where to stay and what to do in Norway. Also, please make sure to join us on these social media sites: Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube for exclusive daily updates about the very latest news.

Innovation Norway, New York, March 2009

US Airways to Oslo; New Philadelphia–Oslo route starting May 21
The Oslo Region is an almost perfect balance of city and country. You’ll enjoy the culture and history characterized by Oslo’s 50 museums, many art galleries, opera house, Nobel Peace Centre and world-class dining and shopping. Visit nearby Lillehammer, scene of 1994’s Winter Olympics, the resort of Trysil or immerse yourself in the nature and scenic wilderness of Hedmark. In celebration of this new service to Oslo, the airline is giving you 5,000 bonus miles when you book your trip in Envoy, their transatlantic business class, or 2,500 bonus miles if your trip is booked in Economy: www.usairways.com/oslo

New sightseeing trips on the beautiful Rauma Line
Discover one of Europe’s most spectacular train journeys this summer. The Rauma Line gives you beautiful highlights of the Norwegian nature, from the fjords to the majestic mountains, in only one hour. During the summer months, all trains at the Rauma Line will run as sightseeing trips with onboard audio-guiding and printed information in English. At the most spectacular sights, trains will run at reduced speed and there will be photostops. To book your trip go to www.nsb.com

Oslo by Helicopter—Not only for Millionaires!

Talk to any commercial airline pilot—the Oslo approach is among the world’s most beautiful, often described as the blue, the green, and the city in between. Nestled at the end of the 62-mile-long Oslofjord, in a natural crib between the mountainous north and the eastern and western green hills, this small yet great city is a spectacular view from any point—and according to CEO and helicopter pilot John-Erik Sogn of HeliWing the very best is from above. www.visitoslo.com

Fjord Tours gives you: Geiranger & Norway in a nutshell®
This tour enables you to experience three of Norway’s most famous World Heritage areas in one trip: the Geirangerfjord, the Nærøyfjord, and the Bryggen area in Bergen. Additional sights are the Rauma Railway with Kylling Bridge and the Trollveggen cliff face, the Art Nouveau city of Ã…lesund, a journey with Hurtigruten and the popular Norway in a nutshell® trip from Oslo to Bergen. From Apr 15–Sep 14, duration 3–4 days. For booking and more information, please visit www.fjord-tours.com

Free Air & Shore Excursions with Hurtigruten
There’s no time like now to step aboard Hurtigruten—and into adventure! Our unique upscale cruises along Norway’s majestic, rugged coast and through its magnificent fjords, known as the “World’s Most Beautiful Voyage,” are legendary. Book select 12- and 7-day Norwegian Coastal Voyages departing May 1–Aug 31, 2009 and receive free air from New York plus 3 free excursions when booking a 12-day and 2 free excursions when booking a 7-day. For more information www.hurtigruten.us

Explore the Top of Fjord Norway – Enjoy a genuine Fjord Magic round trip
An incredible journey offering highlights as the Raumabanen Railway, Trollstigen Road, Geirangerfjord, and the lovely Art Nouveau town of Ålesund. We recommend a return trip with the Hurtigruten ship to Bergen or bus Ålesund–Åndalsnes and railway to Oslo. Season: Daily Jun 15–Aug 31, 2009. Price: NOK 1,750 and children 4–16 years 50% off. Duration: 1–3 days or more. For more information and booking see www.62.no

Travel Offer at Fretheim Hotel
Fretheim Hotel, located in FlÃ¥m, with the impressing Sognefjord and the famous FlÃ¥m Railway as its closest neighbours, offers two nights’ stay with dinner and breakfast from The Conscious Kitchen® including exciting activity packages. Cycle the poular Old Native Road through amazing mountain landscape, hike down the dramatic FlÃ¥m Valley or kayak on the longest fjord in the world, now on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Rates starting from NOK 3,095. Book your hotel package at www.fretheim-hotel.no

Magical Sognefjord Cruise
This relaxing 2-day cruise will take you deep into the Sognefjord, with its steep mountains, waterfalls, picturesque farms and villages. Cruise during the day with shore visits for sightseeing and opportunity to meet locals and learn about life in Norway! Taste traditional Norwegian food and participate in outdoor activities such as a short mountain hike and fishing in the fjord. Your overnight is in a fjord hotel. The tour begins in Bergen, and ends in either Bergen or Oslo. For more information www.bortonoverseas.com

The Nobel Peace Center presents “The Broker”—a portrait exhibit
Peace Center presents Alfred Nobel, the Nobel Peace Prize laureates and their work. Permanent and varying exhibitions provide insight into topics such as war, peace and conflict resolution. Guided tours and films together with a varied program of events, invite reflection, debate and involvement, for both young and old. In 2009 we present “The Broker”—an exhibit on Nobel Peace Prize laureate Martti Ahtisaari by Jonas Bendiksen/Magnum Photos, and “The Dream of Europe,” by photographer Rune Eraker. www.nobelpeacecenter.org

Affordable accommodation in Central Oslo
In the heart of Oslo, Anker has specialized in affordable accommodation for tourists. Anker has a Best Western 3-star hotel with newly renovated rooms, as well as a hostel for backpackers. Both the hotel and the hostel are situated in the city center, close to the Central Station. Walking distance to all major attractions. www.anker.oslo.no

Sognefjord in a Nutshell
An express boat takes you along the west coast from Bergen to the Sognefjord, where you are transferred to a boat that sails up the narrow Dalsfjord. This fjord has a history dating back to the Viking Age. The tour continues from Bygstad to Balestrand via Førde and the National Scenic Route across the Gaularfjell mountains, which are also known as “Waterfall Country.” Continue down breathtaking hairpin bends to the Sværefjord and Balestrand. After a good night’s sleep, you continue on the Sognefjord in a Nutshell tour to FlÃ¥m, and along the famous FlÃ¥m-line by train to Bergen or Oslo. Season: May 15–Aug 31. For more information www.sunnfjord.no

De Historiske Hotels
De Historiske is a unique membership organization containing many of Norway’s most charming hotels and restaurants. The group consists of 37 hotels and 18 restaurants which are members of the group. One of the best ways to discover Norway is to travel across the country, between fjords, mountains, towns and the countryside. If you combine this with the possibility to stay and/or have your meals at De Historiske, we can promise you a wealth of experiences. For travel suggestions and reservations www.dehistoriske.com

Photo credits: Courtesy of Erik Jørgensen; Courtesy of F.W./VisitOslo.com; Courtesy of Trollveggen, NSB; Courtesy of Helliwing; Courtesy of Geiranger, Per Eide/Fjord Norway; Courtesy of Hurtigruten; Courtesy of Fjord Norway; Courtesy of Fretheim Hotel; Courtesy of Fjord Safari, Borton Overseas; Courtesy of Jonas Bendiksen/Magnum Photos; Courtesy of Anker Hotel; Courtesy of Huldefossen, Terje Rakke; Courtesy of De Historiske

FEINSTEIN’S AT LOEWS REGENCY

PRESENTS

THE RETURN OF TONY AWARD WINNING BROADWAY LEGEND

BARBARA COOK

IN HER NEW SHOW

“HERE’S TO LIFE”

AN EXCLUSIVE THREE WEEK ENGAGEMENT

FEATURING LEE MUSIKER AND AN ALL-STAR FIVE PIECE BAND

APRIL 14 – MAY 2

FEINSTEIN’S AT LOEWS REGENCY, the nightclub proclaimed “Best of New York” by New York Magazine, and “an invaluable New York institution” by The New York Post, continues its 10th Anniversary season with the return engagement of Tony Award winning Broadway legend BARBARA COOK from April 14 to May 2 in her new show “Here’s To Life.” In an exclusive three-week run, Ms. Cook will perform selections from the worlds of theater, swing, pop and jazz. Songs include “What A Wonderful World,” “Written In The Stars,” “I Want To Be Happy” and numbers from her newest CD, Rainbow ‘Round My Shoulder. The show – featuring Lee Musiker heading an all-star quintet – runs at the Regency Hotel (540 Park Avenue at 61st Street).

BARBARA COOK – considered “Broadway’s favorite ingénue” during the heyday of the Broadway musical – then launched a second career as a concert and recording artist soaring from one professional peak to another. Her silvery soprano, purity of tone, and warm presence have delighted audiences around the world for more than 50 years.

Whether on the stages of major international venues throughout the world or in the intimate setting of a New York nightclub Barbara Cook’s popularity continues to thrive – as evidenced the celebration of her 80th birthday in the Fall of 2007 with three sold out concerts with the New York Philharmonic at Avery Fisher Hall, her solo concert debut at the Metropolitan Opera (which made her the first female pop singer to be presented by the Met in the company’s long history), and a succession of six triumphant returns to Carnegie Hall where she made a legendary solo concert debut in 1975. Miss Cook’s ever-growing mantle of honors including the Tony, Grammy, Drama Desk and New York Drama Critics Circle Awards, as well as her citation as a Living New York Landmark, her induction into the Theatre Hall of Fame and Musical America’s 2007 Vocalist of the Year award.

A leading star during the Broadway musical’s “golden age” of the 50’s and 60’s, her many Broadway credits include the creation of three classic roles in the American musical theatre: Cunegonde in Leonard Bernstein’s Candide, Marian the Librarian in Meredith Willson’s The Music Man (Tony Award) and Amalia in Bock and Harnick’s She Loves Me (Drama Desk Award).

FEINSTEIN’S AT LOEWS REGENCY will play the following schedule: Tuesday through Thursday at 8:30 PM. The weekend schedule presents shows on Friday evenings at 8:00 PM, and Saturday evenings at 8:00 PM and 10:30 PM. Please note: there is no show on Thursday, April 16 and an extra show on Sunday, April 19 at 8:30 PM. All shows have a $75.00 cover with $95.00 premium seats, both with a $40.00 food and beverage minimum. Jackets are suggested but not required. FEINSTEIN’S AT LOEWS REGENCY is located at 540 Park Avenue at 61st Street in New York City. For ticket reservations and club information, please call (212) 339-4095 or visit us online at feinsteinsatloewsregency.com and TicketWeb.com.

————————-

FEINSTEIN’S AT LOEWS REGENCY

UPDATED WINTER-SPRING SCHEDULE

MARIN MAZZIE AND JASON DANIELEY

“Opposite You”

Now through April 7

LESLEY GORE

May 5 – 9

TYNE DALY

with John McDaniel

May 12 – 16

FREDDIE JACKSON

“For Old Times Sake”

May 19 – 30

——————–

FEINSTEIN’S AT LOEWS REGENCY

SUNDAY-MONDAY SERIES

MAGICAL NIGHTS AT FEINSTEIN’S

New York’s Top Magicians come to Feinstein’s

Sunday Nights, March 29 – April 5, April 19-26

JOHN TARTAGLIA

Monday, March 30

SUTTON FOSTER

Monday, April 6 and Monday, April 20

KATHRYN CROSBY

“My Life With Bing”

Monday, June 15

TRISHA O’BRIEN

Monday, June 22

JACK NOSEWORTHY

Monday, June 29

Spring has finally sprung, and with it comes new travel opportunities and great offers! Take advantage of the special offers from US Airways, starting their new Oslo route on May 21, directly from Philadelphia. Norway’s stunningly beautiful nature-our spectacular fjords & mountains, mixed with culturally enriching and exciting cities with a cosmopolitan flair, is truly a match made in heaven for your next vacation. Culture and history blend seamlessly together with a youthful atmosphere in Norway. Get connected-with Norway now.

Visit www.visitnorway.com/us, for travel offers and detailed information about where to go, where to stay and what to do in Norway. Also, please make sure to join us on these social media sites: Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube for exclusive daily updates about the very latest news.

Innovation Norway, New York, March 2009

US Airways to Oslo; New Philadelphia–Oslo route starting May 21
The Oslo Region is an almost perfect balance of city and country. You’ll enjoy the culture and history characterized by Oslo’s 50 museums, many art galleries, opera house, Nobel Peace Centre and world-class dining and shopping. Visit nearby Lillehammer, scene of 1994’s Winter Olympics, the resort of Trysil or immerse yourself in the nature and scenic wilderness of Hedmark. In celebration of this new service to Oslo, the airline is giving you 5,000 bonus miles when you book your trip in Envoy, their transatlantic business class, or 2,500 bonus miles if your trip is booked in Economy: www.usairways.com/oslo

New sightseeing trips on the beautiful Rauma Line
Discover one of Europe’s most spectacular train journeys this summer. The Rauma Line gives you beautiful highlights of the Norwegian nature, from the fjords to the majestic mountains, in only one hour. During the summer months, all trains at the Rauma Line will run as sightseeing trips with onboard audio-guiding and printed information in English. At the most spectacular sights, trains will run at reduced speed and there will be photostops. To book your trip go to www.nsb.com

Oslo by Helicopter—Not only for Millionaires!

Talk to any commercial airline pilot—the Oslo approach is among the world’s most beautiful, often described as the blue, the green, and the city in between. Nestled at the end of the 62-mile-long Oslofjord, in a natural crib between the mountainous north and the eastern and western green hills, this small yet great city is a spectacular view from any point—and according to CEO and helicopter pilot John-Erik Sogn of HeliWing the very best is from above. www.visitoslo.com

Fjord Tours gives you: Geiranger & Norway in a nutshell®
This tour enables you to experience three of Norway’s most famous World Heritage areas in one trip: the Geirangerfjord, the Nærøyfjord, and the Bryggen area in Bergen. Additional sights are the Rauma Railway with Kylling Bridge and the Trollveggen cliff face, the Art Nouveau city of Ã…lesund, a journey with Hurtigruten and the popular Norway in a nutshell® trip from Oslo to Bergen. From Apr 15–Sep 14, duration 3–4 days. For booking and more information, please visit www.fjord-tours.com

Free Air & Shore Excursions with Hurtigruten
There’s no time like now to step aboard Hurtigruten—and into adventure! Our unique upscale cruises along Norway’s majestic, rugged coast and through its magnificent fjords, known as the “World’s Most Beautiful Voyage,” are legendary. Book select 12- and 7-day Norwegian Coastal Voyages departing May 1–Aug 31, 2009 and receive free air from New York plus 3 free excursions when booking a 12-day and 2 free excursions when booking a 7-day. For more information www.hurtigruten.us

Explore the Top of Fjord Norway – Enjoy a genuine Fjord Magic round trip
An incredible journey offering highlights as the Raumabanen Railway, Trollstigen Road, Geirangerfjord, and the lovely Art Nouveau town of Ålesund. We recommend a return trip with the Hurtigruten ship to Bergen or bus Ålesund–Åndalsnes and railway to Oslo. Season: Daily Jun 15–Aug 31, 2009. Price: NOK 1,750 and children 4–16 years 50% off. Duration: 1–3 days or more. For more information and booking see www.62.no

Travel Offer at Fretheim Hotel
Fretheim Hotel, located in FlÃ¥m, with the impressing Sognefjord and the famous FlÃ¥m Railway as its closest neighbours, offers two nights’ stay with dinner and breakfast from The Conscious Kitchen® including exciting activity packages. Cycle the poular Old Native Road through amazing mountain landscape, hike down the dramatic FlÃ¥m Valley or kayak on the longest fjord in the world, now on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Rates starting from NOK 3,095. Book your hotel package at www.fretheim-hotel.no

Magical Sognefjord Cruise
This relaxing 2-day cruise will take you deep into the Sognefjord, with its steep mountains, waterfalls, picturesque farms and villages. Cruise during the day with shore visits for sightseeing and opportunity to meet locals and learn about life in Norway! Taste traditional Norwegian food and participate in outdoor activities such as a short mountain hike and fishing in the fjord. Your overnight is in a fjord hotel. The tour begins in Bergen, and ends in either Bergen or Oslo. For more information www.bortonoverseas.com

The Nobel Peace Center presents “The Broker”—a portrait exhibit
Peace Center presents Alfred Nobel, the Nobel Peace Prize laureates and their work. Permanent and varying exhibitions provide insight into topics such as war, peace and conflict resolution. Guided tours and films together with a varied program of events, invite reflection, debate and involvement, for both young and old. In 2009 we present “The Broker”—an exhibit on Nobel Peace Prize laureate Martti Ahtisaari by Jonas Bendiksen/Magnum Photos, and “The Dream of Europe,” by photographer Rune Eraker. www.nobelpeacecenter.org

Affordable accommodation in Central Oslo
In the heart of Oslo, Anker has specialized in affordable accommodation for tourists. Anker has a Best Western 3-star hotel with newly renovated rooms, as well as a hostel for backpackers. Both the hotel and the hostel are situated in the city center, close to the Central Station. Walking distance to all major attractions. www.anker.oslo.no

Sognefjord in a Nutshell
An express boat takes you along the west coast from Bergen to the Sognefjord, where you are transferred to a boat that sails up the narrow Dalsfjord. This fjord has a history dating back to the Viking Age. The tour continues from Bygstad to Balestrand via Førde and the National Scenic Route across the Gaularfjell mountains, which are also known as “Waterfall Country.” Continue down breathtaking hairpin bends to the Sværefjord and Balestrand. After a good night’s sleep, you continue on the Sognefjord in a Nutshell tour to FlÃ¥m, and along the famous FlÃ¥m-line by train to Bergen or Oslo. Season: May 15–Aug 31. For more information www.sunnfjord.no

De Historiske Hotels
De Historiske is a unique membership organization containing many of Norway’s most charming hotels and restaurants. The group consists of 37 hotels and 18 restaurants which are members of the group. One of the best ways to discover Norway is to travel across the country, between fjords, mountains, towns and the countryside. If you combine this with the possibility to stay and/or have your meals at De Historiske, we can promise you a wealth of experiences. For travel suggestions and reservations www.dehistoriske.com

Photo credits: Courtesy of Erik Jørgensen; Courtesy of F.W./VisitOslo.com; Courtesy of Trollveggen, NSB; Courtesy of Helliwing; Courtesy of Geiranger, Per Eide/Fjord Norway; Courtesy of Hurtigruten; Courtesy of Fjord Norway; Courtesy of Fretheim Hotel; Courtesy of Fjord Safari, Borton Overseas; Courtesy of Jonas Bendiksen/Magnum Photos; Courtesy of Anker Hotel; Courtesy of Huldefossen, Terje Rakke; Courtesy of De Historiske