On my inbox four months ago I receive an-e-mail with the title : ” Save the Date…
hospitality
I am now on my way to ‘ El Zocalo’, right in the heart of the old city where the Aztecs first settled and afterwards the Spaniards built churches and palaces using the existing stones that were part of the Aztec pyramids . The ride is absolutely fun, At times I am under the impression to be in Cuba. The old cars, the wedding avenue, the textured baroque buildings, the gold and jewelry vendors.
have just landed at Benito Juarez International airport in Mexico City .
This time I have decided to avoid ‘chain’ hotels and explore more of an authentic atmosphere of town ,connecting with unfamiliar flavors, ) . I want to be able to experience a new sensation in a destination with strong cultural roots that preserves a local feel in the era of globalization : after all it is not a secret that Mexico City has become a cosmopolitan metropolis that is bustling with new venues and «avant garde» cultural events.
The Soho Hotel was the first “luxury hotel” to open in the area. Situated in the heart of Soho between Dean and Wardour Streets, the hotel hosts mostly the film industry, producers, directors. and contemporary art collectors.
Minutes away from the “the city”- financial centre
In the heart of London’s West End theatre district
Surrounded by some of London’s most famous restaurants and bars Within the vibrant Covent Garden and Soho shopping area, the Covent Garden Hotel is a pure charm.
One of Manhattan’s favorite Italian eateries, Il Buco, is offering foodies and skiers a unique opportunity this winter to travel with its staff to Courchevel 1850 in the French Alps for a food-and-wine getaway. From January through March, Il Buco owner Donna Lennard and her husband, Luca Boniciolli, who is a private ski guide, will host groups of eight to 12 people in private chalets for one-week vacations that combine skiing, food, wine, and other activities.
“Amangiri, ‘peaceful mountain’, is situated on 243 hectares (600 acres) in Canyon Point, Southern Utah, close to the border with Arizona. The resort is tucked into a protected valley with sweeping views over colourful, stratified rock towards the Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument.
Inaugurated on June 2nd, 1965, the years passed without eroding the very special atmosphere created by its founders. Il Pellicano quickly became a favorite destination for cognoscenti of luxury, exclusivity and secluded privacy. The extravagant and unspoiled Mediterranean coastline won Il Pellicano many admirers, not least the present owner, who came as a guest in 1974.
The bar, considered among the top 50 in the world has now reopened after enhancements to the outdoor deck area and the addition of new soft furnishings. From the spacious deck, 300 feet above the sea, one can enjoy the utterly breathtaking views of Hong Kong.
Situated in the colonial white-stucco building that was formerly the Marine Headquarters on Canton Road, Hullet House comprises and intimate densign-led heritage hotel with five restaurants and bars, and the most charming hotel. Managed by the Aqua restaurant group , Hullet House is inspired by Hong Kong’s rich and varied history over the last 150 years, with a unique blend of Chinese and British influences and mix of old and new giving guests the ‘Old Hong Kong” feel.
Recipient of 1-Michelin star in the prestigious 2010 & 2011 Michelin Guide (Hong Kong & Macau), .Yan Toh Heen at InterContinental Hong Kong has garnered internationally acclaimed as one of the world’s finest Chinese restaurants over its twenty-five year history.
Yan Toh Heen is renowned for its exquisite Cantonese cuisine by Executive Chef Lau Yiu Fai, elegant understated ambiance with signature hand-carved jade place-settings, and its beautiful harbour views, thanks to its location at edge of Victoria Harbour overlooking Hong Kong Island.
The Menu
The restaurant, which is open for lunch and dinner, features an extensive a la carte menu, plus set lunch and dinner menus and special menus showcasing seasonal Cantonese specialties. At lunchtime, guests can enjoy an extensive selection of traditional and innovative dim sum. The a la carte menus also showcase a selection of “ihealth” dishes, which are healthy variations of authentic Cantonese delicacies.
What makes the cuisine of Yan Toh Heen so outstanding? As per Chef Lau Yiu Fai, “It is the combination of refined Chinese cooking methods using the best ingredients from all over the world and the finest quality fresh seasonal produce, with a creative modern presentation.”
The Chef
Yan Toh Heen Chef Lau Yiu Fai, who has been working in the hotel’s Chinese kitchen for over twenty-three years and who has been at the helm of Yan Toh Heen’s kitchen for the past ten years, showcases signature dishes — ranging from the restaurant’s classic Deep-fried Pear & Scallop to his award-winning Lung Kong Chicken and Sautéed Wagyu Beef, Mushroom and Shishito Pepper served on a sizzling Iron Plate, which was awarded the “Best of the Best” culinary award at the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s competition honouring the best Chinese cuisine in Hong Kong. Yan Toh Heen’s Peking Duck is also highly acclaimed.
The Design
The name “Yan Toh Heen” was chosen with particular attention to the restaurant’s harbourside location. The first two characters represent an appreciation of the enjoyable view, while the third character, “Heen”, has a number of meanings including “an elegant dining establishment”. It can also signify “happy, laughing, pleasant” as well as “porch, balcony and pavilion”.
The logo of Yan Toh Heen, two fish bound together by ribbons, dates back to seventh century China and has been interpreted to mean “an augury of good fortune”. This insignia appears on restaurant decorations and exquisite jade carved table settings and is also embroidered in silk on the Swiss Linen napkins.
Table-settings are the focal point of the restaurant with presentation plates, matching napkin rings, curved spoons and carved fish (used as a chopstick “rest”) all handcrafted in green jade, a symbol of excellence and purity to the Chinese.
Yan Toh Heen features a warm and elegant décor with golden honey tones, chosen to complement the delicate green of the jade table settings. The rich hues, unusually understated for a traditional Chinese restaurant, create an ambiance of tranquility.
The restaurant also showcases several priceless Chinese antiques. At the entrance to the restaurant is a 17th century Zi Tan table contrasted by a stunning contemporary floral arrangement. Eighteenth century antique Chinese tapestries from the hotel’s original art collection, restored and beautifully reframed, adore the walls, while wrap-around windows showcase panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island. Yan Toh Heen also has its own wine cellar within the restaurant.
have been handed two keys of the largest Presidential Suite in Hong Kong at 7000 sq. feet and one of the largest Asian ‘City’ Presidential Suites. It is also one of the 10 “most expensive hotel rooms in the world” as rated by Forbes in April 2006 . To make a long story short, I am going to point you below a few interesting facts just in case you decide to book it for your next trip.
Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s innovative cooking and the imagery of the Japanese countryside where he grew up combined with the influence of water inspired by the adjacent Victoria Harbour, culminate in this intimate, yet dynamic dining experience designed by Rockwell Group for his restaurant at the intercontinental hotel in Hong Kong. Food and architecture evolve into waves of movement and serenity, with a visual vocabulary that is inspired by the ocean as well as the culture of the Japanese countryside.