CITYHOUSE DEBUTS AS MANHATTAN’S NEW DINING EXPERIENCE AT THE PARK CENTRAL HOTEL

Hotels, Restaurants, Steak No Responses »

Aug 302010

cityhouse is open from 6:30am to 10pm and located at 870 Seventh Avenue at the corner of 56^th Street. For reservations please call 212-707-5500.

Website: http://www.parkcentralny.com/dining/dining.cfm

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Technorati Tags: New York,Hotels,Restaurants. New York,Steak

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Manhattan’s sleek new contemporary steakhouse, cityhouse, has opened its doors at the Park Central Hotel, offering a diverse menu of modern American classics and the best cuts of USDA prime beef.

The spacious room is attractive with its minimalist black color scheme, including sleek tables and banquettes, sans cloths, set with eye-catching glassware and small vases sprouting calla lilies. The floor to ceiling windows offer sweeping views of Seventh Avenue and a colorful cast of tourists, local characters and all the Theater District activity.

Executive Chef, Fabio Capparelli, a budding culinary talent, formerly of the acclaimed BLT Steak at the Ritz-Carlton in Westchester, has crafted innovative signature plates for his latest venture.
Melon Salad (Above)

Dishes include a sublime lobstertini, succulent slow braised tomahawk short ribs (below) and enchanting pistachio crusted diver scallops. Flawlessly prepared steak entrees from the cowboy rib-eye to the first rate veal chop are accompanied by a vast choice of outstanding sides from Capparelli’s mac n’ 5 cheeses and peerless truffle fries to the hen of the woods mushrooms and creamed spinach.

Seared Scallop with Purple Cauliflower Espresso (Above)

Chilean Sea Bass (below)

Service is very helpful and seamless and with a few tweaks, cityhouse could prove to be one of midtown’s more pleasant dining options. Lighting is muted and the soundtrack in kept low (but a less obtrusive selection of music would be more fitting than the hip-hot tracks played on our visit). Also, a tad of communication between the kitchen, waitstaff and menu would avoid, some minor disappointments, such as avocado, which was described as a component of the lobstertini and cobb salad, but , alas was conspicuous by its absence. The cobb salad was delicious, but purists be forewarned: it is a deconstructed version.

Rack of Lamb with Summer Grits (above)

The grilling is an absolute high point and meats were properly aged 28 days, thus avoiding the all-to-often encountered gamey flavor so many steak houses are proselytizing these days.

There is a terrific Mint Julep here and the always dependable Pommery NV Champagne offers the best choice at $16 the glass on a mostly American wine list that is fairly priced.

Desserts like the Key Lime Cheesecake and Lemon Blossom Vanilla cake are stylish and delicious, as is the iced Cappuccino.

Chocolate Lava Cake (Above)

Conveniently located near Central Park and just steps away from Carnegie Hall, cityhouse is the ideal spot not only for power business lunches and chic dinners but also pre-theater dining with generous prix fixe menus for both lunch and dinner. cityhouse is the perfect place to enjoy weekend brunches and signature cocktails such as the refreshing bellatini, made from a unique blend of premium tropical juices, fine French cognac and a touch of ultra premium vodka shaken to a chill and garnished with fresh squeezed key limes.

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Luxury Boutique Hotel The Betsy in South Beach Invites You to Spice Up Your Life

Hotels, South Beach, Travel No Responses »

Aug 262010

Enjoy A 2 Night Stay and Dinner for 2 at BLT Steak During Miami Spice Starting at $569

Summer officially ends on September 23, but the joy of warm weather continues at The Betsy in South Beach. Not only can you hit the beach to work on retaining your golden glow as we move into the Fall season, you can take the time to “Spice Up Your Life” with a veritable feast of dining options throughout the city. “Miami Spice” is a mouth-watering summer restaurant city-wide promotion that showcases the very best of Miami gastronomy created by world renowned chefs. So pack your bags, and enjoy a two night stay that includes one three-course dinner for two from BLT Steak’s Miami Spice menu, continental breakfast daily, an umbrella, beach chairs and plush towels, New York Times delivered daily, Wi-Fi access, and taxes.

The award winning BLT Steak offers a delicious three-course dinner menu for two as part of the Miami Spice special promotion. The delicious selections satisfy meat and fish lovers as well as vegetarians. Dinner always starts with the delivery of Laurent Tourondel’s freshly baked popovers and a jar of warm pate. Your first course may consist of the refreshing Heirloom Tomato-Watermelon Salad or the perfectly Charred Portuguese Octopus. Considering your selection of entrée, you might choose the 5 Pepper Crusted Black Angus Steak or the Grilled Red Snapper. Round out your meal with either a side of Jalapeno Mash or Spicy BBQ Corn and further tantalize those taste buds. And, for dessert, the local mango cheesecake and the Pina Colada Sundae are options for a melt in your mouth food finale. Afterward, to enjoy the star filled sky, visit The Deck at The Betsy offering sweeping views of The Atlantic. Is it the end of summer? Maybe, but it is the beginning to a perfect evening.

Rates start $569 with your arrival from Sunday through Wednesday. If you arrive from Thursday through Saturday upgraded take advantage of the BLT Blackboard Special at a rate of $729. Rates include all taxes, resort fee, and high speed internet access. Extend your stay with additional nights, available at prevailing rates. For reservations dial toll-free 866-792-3879 or 305.531.6100, or make your booking at www.thebetsyhotel.com and use special access code SPICE. This offer is valid based on availability and is valid from now through September 30.

SAIL AND SPA AT BADRUTT’S PALACE HOTEL

Europe, Hotels, Travel No Responses »

Aug 142010

VIEW ST. MORITZ FROM ONBOARD THIS SLEEK NEW VESSEL

What better way to view the spectacular Alpine scenery of St Moritz than from Badrutt’s Palace Hotel’s sailboat, recently acquired for guest use. The Badrutt’s Palace, a sleek new 26-ft Blu26, can be chartered with a skipper or without, to sail Lake St Moritz. New for summer 2010 Badrutt’s Palace Hotel has created a three-night Sail and Spa offering, combining the sailing experience with a spa treatment at the brand new Palace Wellness luxury spa.

Sailing on the 1.6 km long and 0.6 km wide Lake St Moritz throws in the additional challenge of the Maloja, a thermal wind that blows across the Engadine around midday, adding excitement to any sailing excursion. At 6,000 feet above sea level and surrounded by towering peaks, sailing in St Moritz is an exhilarating pursuit.
After adventures on the lake, guests can head to Palace Wellness, the new luxury spa and wellness centre, for a 50-minute full body massage, and time to relax in the Wet Zone’s saunas, mist rooms and steam rooms, or dip in the pool with a view. Dinners (two are included) can be taken in cosy Chesa Veglia or one of the Palace’s many fine restaurants. Tickets are included for all mountain railways and public transport in St Moritz and the surrounding area, adding plenty of opportunity for sightseeing and alpine adventures.

Badrutt’s Palace Hotel’s new vessel adds sailing to the activities that the Palace offers to its guests. In a resort town known for its outdoor adventures and gorgeous scenery, experiencing the Engadine from the waters of St. Moritz Lake shows off the Swiss Alps from a fresh perspective.

Badrutt’s Palace Hotel is a celebration of style, sports, cuisine and fashion, with discreet service and traditional elegance evoking an atmosphere of pampered luxury for all. An ideal destination in both winter and summer, the hotel is located in one of the most challenging ski areas in the world and offers a host of summer alpine activities. Badrutt’s Palace Hotel has 159 guestrooms, including 38 suites and junior suites, is a member of Leading Hotels of the World, Swiss Deluxe Hotels and Swiss Historic Hotels. Badrutt’s Palace Hotel opens its doors to guests this summer from 25th June 2010 to 11th September 2010.

Willow Club Offers Revolutionary Private Membership Club in NYC

Hotels No Responses »

Aug 142010

Revolutionary private membership club debuts in new york city

Willow Club, a first-of-its-kind revolutionary New York City private membership club, today announced its official launch. Combining the ultimate in benefits and privileges with upscale lifestyle hotels in the city’s best locations, Willow Club allows members to experience the best of New York City – and the world – with exclusive insider access and ease.

Willow Club is unique in that it offers members entrée to events and lifestyle experiences typically inaccessible or cost prohibitive. Examples of club benefits include: season tickets to all major New York sports teams, including the club’s luxury suites at select venues; use of the club’s private yacht; the club’s tickets to premier Broadway shows and performing arts; insider access to New York Fashion Week; use of limited-edition, luxury and high-performance cars; complimentary entry into New York City’s most celebrated and internationally-noteworthy cultural attractions and museums; member golf and tennis; and insider shopping and fashion experiences with personal stylists. Members have the very best New York has to offer, all in one place, and all included within the price of membership.

“In creating Willow Club, we drew upon our extensive understanding of travelers who visit New York City to secure and acquire an incredible and unparalleled selection of benefits for our members – including great hotels – the outcome was the creation of a private club product never seen before,” said Willow Club President John Yoon. “Every benefit was selected to provide members with the ability to enjoy some of the most sought after city experiences, with the flexibility to enjoy the world."

Willow Club is a points-based membership whereby members redeem points to reserve club benefits and amenities, which include hotel and international exchange benefits at an unprecedented value.

“Willow Club is a completely new product resonating with sophisticated consumers who understand both luxury and value. The club already has generated a tremendous number of membership inquiries and pre-sale reservations,” said Jay DiGiulio, Managing Director of Membership Sales. “Willow Club offers premiere access to the finest New York experiences through a single membership – truly an “Urban Country Club” in the world’s greatest city.”

Members can choose from lifestyle hotels in premiere locations throughout New York City, as well as hotel and resort stays internationally, with no additional room night charges. Willow Club’s New York City hotel properties currently include The Mansfield on 44^th Street and The Shoreham on 55^th Street, both located just off Fifth Avenue, and The Franklin, on the Upper East Side at 87^th Street and Lexington Avenue. Willow Club members also become preferred members in an international travel exchange program, allowing use of Willow Club points to stay at more than 2,500 properties in 75 countries.

Willow Club memberships and membership preview packages are currently being offered on an introductory basis. For more information call (877) 330-9650, visit willowclub.com on the Web, or visit the club’s interactive and technologically-advanced membership gallery at 33 West 55^th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues in New York City.

Carlson Hotels

Hotels No Responses »

May 292010

Carlson Hotels, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, today announced the opening of its 14th Park Inn property in North America and the second of two hotels joining the brand in Texas. The opening of the Park Inn Dallas Fort Worth South, Texas, and a second hotel which opened recently in Houston, are part of Carlson’s Ambition 2015 growth strategy.

"Park Inn, a leading, award-winning mid-scale brand in Europe and the Middle East, has great potential in North America," said Steve Mogck, executive vice president for Park Inn. "The strong visual identity and contemporary design of the brand provide a fresh approach to the mid-scale segment."Internationally the brand has achieved major milestone recognition. In 2009, J.D. Power and Associates rated Park Inn number one in Europe for guest satisfaction in the mid-scale segment. With 110 hotels in operation globally and 60 hotels currently in development, Park Inn provides affordable accommodations that are efficient, uncomplicated, practical and comfortable.

THE PALMER HOUSE HILTON OFFERS VALUE-DRIVEN PACKAGES AND SUMMERTIME FUN IN THE WINDY CITY

Hotels No Responses »

May 292010

The centrally-located hotel offers a true taste of Chicago with personalized service, top-notch amenities and value-driven packages

Visitors to the Windy City can look forward to a host of new and exciting ways to spend their springtime and summer getaway in Chicago. The Palmer House Hilton, the country’s longest continuously operating hotel, is pleased to offer a diverse set of warm-weather packages this season. Conveniently located in Chicago’s Loop neighborhood, the hotel is within walking distance to Chicago’s famed cultural, business and shopping destinations.
With its $170 million restoration complete, the 1.7 million-square-foot Palmer House Hilton remains an icon, with its roots dating back to 1871. Combining modern amenities and old-world grandeur, the hotel features 1,639 beautifully appointed guest rooms, 44 deluxe suites, 10 hospitality suites and one lavish 3,700-square-foot penthouse. With something for everyone-girlfriends, families and couples -spring and summer package offerings include:
Historic Package -With roots dating back to 1871,the Palmer House Hiltonis a true architectural and historic gem. One of the United States’ 26 remaining grand palace hotels, the Palmer House Hilton is a destination for history lovers. From the world famous lobby to some of history’s greatest inventions – including a special dessert invented during the World’s Fair of 1893 – the guided tour lasts just over an hour and ends with a small memento to take home. The Historic Package must be booked a minimum of three days prior to arrival and is based upon availability. Available seven days a week through December 31, 2010. Rates start at $209 and are based on double occupancy for one night.

Carlson Hotels, one of the world's leading hotel companies, today announced the opening of its 14th Park Inn property in North America and the second of two hotels joining the brand in Texas

Hotels No Responses »

May 232010

The opening of the Park Inn Dallas Fort Worth South, Texas, and a second hotel which opened recently in Houston, are part of Carlson’s Ambition 2015 growth strategy.

Internationally the brand has achieved major milestone recognition. In 2009, J.D. Power and Associates rated Park Inn number one in Europe for guest satisfaction in the mid-scale segment. With 110 hotels in operation globally and 60 hotels currently in development, Park Inn provides affordable accommodations that are efficient, uncomplicated, practical and comfortable.

"The conversion to Park Inn was seamless and we are looking forward to providing the best night’s sleep in town for a mid-scale brand," said Joshua Joseph, owner of Park Inn DFW South.

ARGENTINA'S IGUAZU GRAND RESORT, SPA & CASINO OFFERS SPECIAL LOW-SEASON PACKAGES

Hotels, Travel No Responses »

May 182010

Iguazú Grand Resort, Spa & Casino, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World and the only full-service luxury resort on the Argentine side of the stunning Iguazú Falls, is now offering travelers an exclusive savings on stays of three nights or longer, through September 30, 2010.
Iguazu Grand

Guests who book a minimum three-night stay will be treated to a complimentary three-course dinner (exclusive of beverages) on the first night of their stay, in addition to a 25% discount off all food and beverage for the entirety of their stay. And with a 25% discount on all treatments in the Spa del Paraiso, guests at Iguazú Grand Resort, Spa & Casino can indulge in such signature treatments as an Aztec Iguazu Grand

Massage, a full-body "Chocotherapy" treatment or a Mate Tea facial, among other spa techniques.

For more information or to book the package, guests can call 011-54-3757-498-050, email reservations@iguazugrand.com or visit www.iguazugrand.com.

ABOUT IGUAZU GRAND RESORT SPA & CASINO
A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, Iguazú Grand is the only hotel on either side of the Brazil-Argentine border to offer a casino, gourmet dining and live theatrical entertainment. The 107-room hotel is considered the most luxurious hotel at Iguazú Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the most spectacular waterfalls on earth. For more information about Iguazú Grand, please visit www.iguazugrand.com.

Brasserie 1605

Hotels, New York, Restaurants, bar No Responses »

Apr 262010

LOCATION: In the heart of New York’s famed Theater District on Broadway between 48^th and 49^th, in the “Crossroads of the World” as Times Square is known and at the epicenter of the newly coined “Chocolate Corner,” where two American candy icons – Hershey’s and M&M – converge. Brasserie 1605 is ideally situated for Times Square explorers and the Broadway show bound.

ADDRESS: 1605 Broadway

New York, NY 10019

PHONE: 212-977-4000 ext. 6000

WEB SITE: http://www.manhattan.crowneplaza.com/brasserie-1605.html

CHEF: Christopher Smith

MANAGER: Rosa Abreu

HOURS: Open daily

Breakfast 6:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Lunch 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Dinner 4:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

PRICES: Dinner Appetizers $9 to $14

Salads $10 to $17, side and entree portions

Entrees $14 to $32

Sides $6

Desserts $9.50

Lunch Appetizers $9 to $14

Salads $10 to $17, side and entrée portions

Sandwiches $14 to $19

Pizzas $12

Entrees $18 to $32

Sides $6

Desserts $9.50

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Sleekly spacious high backed, white upholstered booths lined up and down the center of the room lend a retro element, while providing privacy for social or business tête à têtes at

Brasserie 1605

Overlooking Times Square from the lobby level of the Crowne Plaza, the only hotel in the city with a front door actually on Broadway, Brasserie 1605 offers the best seats on the Great White Way. A result of the hotel’s recent $85 million renovation, the restaurant blends retro diner chic with New York style to create an engaging, casually comfortable setting for diners seeking reasonably priced and familiar, yet intriguing, soul-gratifying food intended to satisfy a range of appetites.

Neo-classic American – familiar dishes re-imagined with sophisticated tweaks, some incorporating traces of the Caribbean and Hawaiian influences that are part of Chef Smith’s background. Much of the menu meets the comfort food criteria, of being robust renditions of American regional favorites that tend to make an emotional connection with diners, but have been elevated to address current culinary trends. Witness chicken pot pie made current with organic vegetables, grilled meat loaf dressed up with portobello mushroom sauce and onion rings and chicken and waffles distinguished by maple syrup infused chicken jus.

SIGNATURE DISHES: Appetizers include Braised short rib sliders, fried onions, au jus, toasted brioche bun; absolutely delicious “Firecracker” popcorn shrimp, rice noodles, scallions, chili lime sauce (we could have enjoyed them as a main course) ; steamed vegetables, red coconut curry sauce, bok choy, snow peas, shiitake mushrooms, Napa cabbage, haricots vert, white and green asparagus; Homemade 3 bean chili, cilantro jalapeno cream, brioche croutons.

Our other appetizer favorites were an outstandingly light Spring Pea Soup with lemon zest, crème fraiche and crispy lardons. Spicy Ahi Poke Tartar ahi tuna, sriracha aioli, seaweed, toasted sesame seeds, sweet soy vinaigrette and wonton crisps was also delicious.. .

If your mood turns to Salads, try the CP salad, chef’s salad with romaine, fresh turkey, smoked ham, slow roasted tomatoes, marinated artichokes, chick peas, deviled eggs, gruyere cheese, Applewood bacon, Dijon dressing; Duck confit salad, butternut squash, roasted pecans, roasted fig relish, pomegranate vinaigrette.Or if you like your greens as an entree, you’ll enjoy Asian Chicken Salad (Pictured Above), marinated chicken breast, baby tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded carrots, red cabbage, Napa cabbage, snow peas, red peppers, soy sesame vinaigrette, and candied pecans.

While a table of appetizers, soups and salads may be the ideal way to go at Brasserie 1605, Entrees are well executed and choices include Spiced Maine scallops, back bean hummus, roasted sunchoke, lemon-tahini butter sauce; Skirt steak, grilled asparagus, rainbow chard, scallions, poblana jasmine rice, adobe sauce Lump crab cakes (Pictured Below), parsnip and pepper slaw, lobster cream sauce and Braised short ribs, jalapeno-cheddar grits apricot-apple chutney.

Do leave room for Dessert: Ginger and lychee crème bruleé, whipped cream topping, biscotti and a terrific Rum And Mango Bread Pudding warm croissant, rum, mango and vanilla bean bread pudding slathered with bourbon sauce, white chocolate gelato will all please.The WINE PROGRAM: Generous selection of wines-by-the-glass, 20 choices, including five sparkling iterations, representing the most popular varietals. The compact 50-bottle wine list is an ode to American viticulture, with an occasional nod to France, Italy and Spain. Oddly, the best value (listed a the solo blend) is the ever dependable Villa Antinori, 2005. At $49 the bottle, it was soft, approachable and a fine value. Service is accommodating and helpful.

A sign outside the restaurant aptly states: “The only thing you won’t find on the menu at Brasserie 1605 is “hotel food.”

Hint To Martini Drinkers: Don’t miss one of the 10 Best In Town.

Steak Au Poivre (Pictured Below)

Technorati Tags: restaurants,Broadway,hotels,New York,Intercontinental,view

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THE PALMER HOUSE HILTON OFFERS VALUE-DRIVEN PACKAGES AND SUMMERTIME FUN IN THE WINDY CITY

Hotels, Travel No Responses »

Apr 252010

Palmer House Hilton

The centrally-located hotel offers a true taste of Chicago with personalized service,
top-notch amenities and value-driven packages

With its $170 million restoration complete, the 1.7 million-square-foot Palmer House Hilton remains an icon, with its roots dating back to 1871. Combining modern amenities and old-world grandeur, the hotel features 1,639 beautifully appointed guest rooms, 44 deluxe suites, 10 hospitality suites and one lavish 3,700-square-foot penthouse. With something for everyone-girlfriends, families and couples -spring and summer package offerings include:

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