Tag: Historic

JW MARRIOTT HOTEL MEXICO CITY POLANCO TRANSFORMS PUBLIC SPACES TO REDEFINE THE MODERN TRAVELER’S JOURNEY

Adventure, Gastronomy, International, JW Marriott, Luxury, Mexico City, Polanco District, Resort

 JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City Polanco, situated in the heart of Mexico City’s luxurious Polanco District is pleased to share the completed renovations of the entrances and lobby, as well as new culinary concepts including a bar and mezcal room alongside 929 sq. ft of re-designed meeting spaces all of which are rooted in the social, physical, and historical elements of Polanco, the exclusive business, entertainment and upscale neighborhood. This is the final stage of a renovation that started in 2021 with the full refurbishment and modernization of its 269 guest rooms and 45 suites. Beyond this tangible change, the hotel is opening its doors to new experiences, serving as a platform for local talent with special events and offerings inspired in the great culture, gastronomy, and traditions of Mexico.

Originally opened in 1996, the Mexico City property was the first JW Marriott hotel outside of the United States and now, with redefined interiors, is ushering in a new era of luxury for the brand. The evolution of these spaces provides a timeless design that creates the perfect ambiance for meaningful connections and a purposeful travel experience for both business and leisure guests. The JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City Polanco offers an unparalleled location overlooking Chapultepec Park with proximity to some of the city’s most visited sites, including the Museum of Anthropology, National Auditorium, Zócalo central square and the Palace of Fine Arts. Its impressive structure acts as a window to Paseo de la Reforma and is considered a landmark, fully rooted in the urban fabric of the Polanco district.

“Our storied hotel has gone through both a physical and emotional transformation, evolving to meet the needs of today’s discerning travelers,” said Ramon Diago, General Manager of JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City Polanco. “We are delighted to offer guests the perfect place to connect with themselves, each other and the magic of Mexico City, all in an elegant and beautifully modern space.”

A Grand Entrance into Luxury

The entrance of the JW Mexico City Polanco has been transformed to welcome guests and in turn, sets the tone for their entire stay. The lobby serves as a connector, much like Pasaje Polanco of the past, linking various elements of the hotel and guest experience seamlessly. It’s not just a transient space but a vibrant hub where guests from diverse backgrounds converge, creating an atmosphere that honors the area’s heritage while embracing its present cosmopolitan allure of the surrounding neighborhood. Whether guests are there for leisure or business, the lobby becomes a reflection of the vibrant pulse of Polanco, inviting them into an immersive experience that intertwines history, culture, and contemporary luxury. 

Expanded Culinary Offerings and Experiences 

The expanded culinary concepts at the JW Mexico City allow guests to embark on an enticing gastronomic adventure that intertwines exquisite flavors with the history and culture of Mexico City. The program acts as a passageway through a captivating array of dining and cocktail experiences, meticulously curated to complement the essence of the vibrant neighborhood. The new spaces include:

  • Sendero Polanco – Delve into a culinary odyssey that celebrates the richness of the gastronomy of Mexico and Latin America. At Sendero Polanco, a welcoming atmosphere is created that fuses history, tradition, and creativity, inviting everyone to enjoy an experience for the senses. The restaurant will offer a breakfast, lunch and dinner service and aim to provide guests with authentic ingredients alongside, an array of contemporary flavors. 
  • ESTACION 29 Cocktail and Wine Bar – Inspired by the inaugural Mexico City railway in Polanco, ESTACION 29 Cocktail and Wine Bar allows guests to step into an era of nostalgia while enjoying meticulously crafted cocktails and select wines. It serves as a dynamic hub for local talent, showcasing live performances while also highlighting regional offerings through brand takeovers and collaborations. This vibrant space embodies the fusion of nostalgia, diverse cultures, and a celebration of local creativity in both its ambiance and offerings.
  • Tahona Mezcal Room – This carefully crafting space was designed to allow guests the chance to immerse themselves in an exclusive, intimate encounter with the enchanting world of mezcal. The beverage programming provides the opportunity to dance through a carefully curated selection of premium, handcrafted mezcals from revered masters across Mexico in a captivating space up to 8 guests.

Additionally, the hotel is pleased to share an additional three culinary experiences are set to debut this spring. Among these eagerly awaited venues are Corsi, an open kitchen concept focused on pasta and seafood, conveniently located at the Andres Bello entrance, and Archiebald, an American Steakhouse situated at the Campos Eliseos entrance. These unique establishments, the third of which will be announced at a later date, will all aim to enrich the lobby level with diverse dining options that will guide guests through a gastronomic journey.  

More information about the hotel, its amenities (including an outdoor pool and deck, spa, health, and fitness club, and best in class meeting space), and reservations is available here.

About JW Marriott

JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio of brands and consists of beautiful properties and distinctive resort locations around the world. JW Marriott is a tribute to the founder of Marriott International, J. Willard “J.W.” Marriott, who prioritized his own well-being so that he could take better care of others. Inspired by his approach to life and rooted in holistic well-being, JW Marriott properties offer a haven designed to allow guests to focus on feeling whole – present in mind, nourished in body, and revitalized in spirit – through programs and offerings that encourage them to come together and experience every moment to the fullest.

Today there are more than 100 JW Marriott hotels in more than 35 countries and territories worldwide that cater to sophisticated, mindful travelers who come seeking experiences that help them be fully present, foster meaningful connections and feed the soul.

Visit JW Marriott online, and on Instagram and Facebook. JW Marriott is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

Step Back in Time To An Authentic, Wild West Winter Wonderland

Adventure, Family Excursions, Historic foodways, Holiday dining, Holiday events, Holiday Travel, Resort, Winter, Winter sports

A sleigh ride through the snow and woods underneath a starlit Montana sky, a storytelling and singing cowboy, a shot of honey moonshine, a classic Montana prime rib meal cooked over a century-old railroad stove, dining by candlelight, rosemary popovers, crème fraiche mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and huckleberry cobbler–it’s all part of the Sleigh Ride Dinner at  Lone Mountain Ranch.

The 20-minute sleigh ride takes adventrueres to the historic North Fork Cabin, warmed by a wood burning stove from the early 1900’s to give it even more of a step-back-in-time feel. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that is now entering its 35th year, making it an intergenerational family experience for many and one to not forget for those doing it for the first time.

Lone Mountain Ranch, in Big Sky, Montana, has become a world-renowned destination since it was homesteaded in 1915 with 30 unique rooms and cabins, that spans over 100 years.

With the location in mind, the ranch offers guests a variety of outdoor seasonal expeditions and adventures all year round,

Chicago Inspired Gifts

Chicagoland Area, Christkindlmarket, Christmas, Gifts, Ornaments

Gifting Inspirations for this Holiday Season

Chicago 1893: The City Beautiful Tile Game brings you back in time to the eve of the World’s Exposition of 1893, where you can imagine yourself as the architect and compete with friends and rivals to build neighborhoods, rails, parks, boulevards, monuments and try to install your Alderman in the most influential Ward in the city.  Whoever can build the most impressive modern amenities and conveniences for a vibrant city will bask in the glory of establishing Chicago as the model for “The City Beautiful!” (Suitable for ages 14+. 2 – 6 players, designed by local business Transit Tees in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood. I’ve attached a press release below of this, their newest game.

Transit Tees has many other Chicago-themed games too, including:

  • LOOP: The Elevated Card Game Renovated Edition – The hit transit card game LOOP now has a standalone expansion! The new LOOP: Renovated Edition contains all new event cards, plus some new wild cards and a full set of station cards. It can be played on its own, or combined with the original edition of LOOP to double the fast-paced, chaotic fun! Ride the rails of the elevated trains in Chicago’s famous Loop! Match the line colors and stations to make your way around town, but beware of the everyday perils of signal delays, broken escalators, and unexplainable smells as you get where you’re going! (LOOP: Renovated Edition is a 10-20 minute game suitable for ages 9 and up. One deck can support a game of 2-7 players, but when combined with the original edition of LOOP you can play with up to 14 people!)
  • El The Chicago Transit Adventure Board Game – Welcome to Chicago! There’s lots to do in The Windy City, and you have a full itinerary. Make your way around the city using the famous elevated “El” trains to visit places of interest and return to the State/Lake station before anyone else. Strategize your optimal route by utilizing trains and buses, but be prepared for detour. Keep an eye out for stations undergoing renovation, and be sure to carry enough Transit Tokens to pay for your fare! And of course, you’re not the only person riding the trains. Other travelers might just throw your plans for a Loop! Pack your bag, gather your friends, and set out on your Chicago Transit Adventure! Suitable for ages 13+. 2 – 8 players. 

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Chicago shared the MCA Store Holiday Gift Guide for 2023. A one-stop shop for the gift-giving season, notable gifts include a crewneck sweatshirt featuring Pez Dispenser by Jean-Michel Basquiat, an LED neon light centering the artwork of Keith Haring, and Campbell’s Soup Cans skate decks inspired by Andy Warhol. In addition, the guide includes limited-edition keepsakes from MCA exhibitions Faith Ringgold: American People and entre horizontes: Art and Activism Between Chicago and Puerto Rico.

  • Shoppers will also find a section within the guide dedicated to Chicago artists, highlighting innovative designs from creators based in the city. Patrons can purchase pieces from watchmakers Jason Peterson and Diana Pietrzyk as well as accessories from jewelry designers Jessica Jensen, Lindsay Lewis, and Kelly Jacobson.
  • The Christkindlmarket celebrates its 27th season at Daley Plaza, its fifth year at Gallagher Way in Wrigleyville, and its second time at RiverEdge Park in Aurora.  This year, Christkindlmarket is introducing its first ceramic beer stein with a holiday-themed design ($20), as well as location-specific $8 souvenir mugs with unique designs at each market (for example: the Chicago mug shows off downtown landmarks like the City Hall building and Daley Plaza’s Picasso sculpture while the Wrigleyville mug shows off Hotel Zachary, the intersection sign of Clark & Addison, and much more.)
  • These mugs are hotly anticipated collector’s items for locals who have turned Christkindlmarket into a holiday tradition since 1996. Modeled after the 16th-century holiday markets in Germany, the free-admission outdoor bazaar is a hub for traditional German fare, delightful warm beverages and handcrafted gifts for purchase, and charming holiday vibes the entire family can enjoy. And now in its third year, another popular favorite is back – the annual Christkindlmarkt ornament, hand-painted and glass blown in Europe, portraying a market scene with holiday elements on its ice blue background ($41 at all info booths).
  • For more about the mugs:
  • While last year’s souvenir mug combined elements from all three locations, visitors can now get location-specific ones with unique designs at each market. The Chicago mug is mint green on the
  • outside and features a wine red on the interior. It shows off downtown landmarks like the City Hall building and Daley Plaza’s Picasso. The Aurora mug is a combination of mint and dark green and includes elements like the Paramount Theatre and bald eagles that can be found along the Fox River. The Wrigleyville mug is mint green and grey colored and shows off Hotel Zachary, the intersection sign of Clark & Addison, and much more. What all three mugs have in common is its
  • special shape, a round base with a tapered top. Each mug sells for $8 on its own but can also be purchased with a hot beverage from various vendors, ranging from mulled wine to hot chocolate.
  • For more on Chicago shopping, visit Choose Chicago.

Celebrate the Holidays in Chicago: Great Happenings

Chicago Architecture Center, Chicago restaurants, Chicago River, Chicagoland Area, Christmas, Drink, Entertainment, Family Excursions, Great Lakes, Historic foodways, Holiday dining, Holiday events, Holiday Travel, International, Lake Michigan, Regional & Ethnic, Uncategorized

Running now through January 7, 2024, Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden (located in Glencoe, Chicago’s North Shore) returns for its fifth season with an illuminated outdoor trail dazzling with brand new installations from around the world and beloved returning favorites such as the Winter Cathedral and a reimagined version of the Fire Garden.New works from international artists include Lilies, from UK artist Jigantics (illuminated 5-foot lilies float elegantly on water, providing a mesmerizing view from the bridge above and igniting a sense of warmth and excitement), Night Lights, from French artist TILT (delicate lamp-shaped lights that extend nearly 19 feet high amplify a cozy atmosphere with a display of soft ambient colors) and Sea of Light, from UK artist Ithaca (thousands of individually controlled balls of LED light make Evening Island sparkle and dance their way to a bespoke soundtrack in multiple patterns and colors). Tickets sell out quickly so it is recommended to book your time and date in advance; advance tickets for adults (non-members) begin at $34 and children (ages 3-12) at $19. 

The Christkindlmarket celebrates its 27th season at Daley Plaza, its fifth year at Gallagher Way in Wrigleyville, and its second time at RiverEdge Park in Aurora.  This year, Christkindlmarket is introducing its first ceramic beer stein with a holiday-themed design ($20), as well as location-specific $8 souvenir mugs with unique designs at each market (for example: the Chicago mug shows off downtown landmarks like the City Hall building and Daley Plaza’s Picasso sculpture while the Wrigleyville mug shows off Hotel Zachary, the intersection sign of Clark & Addison, and much more.) These mugs are hotly anticipated collector’s items for locals who have turned Christkindlmarket into a holiday tradition since 1996. Modeled after the 16th-century holiday markets in Germany, the free-admission outdoor bazaar is a hub for traditional German fare, delightful warm beverages and handcrafted gifts for purchase, and charming holiday vibes the entire family can enjoy. And now in its third year, another popular favorite is back – the annual Christkindlmarkt ornament, hand-painted and glass blown in Europe, portraying a market scene with holiday elements on its ice blue background ($41 at all info booths).

  • Admission to the market is free but food, beverages, and handcrafted gifts all must be purchased. All markets open on November 17; Aurora and Chicago locations close on December 24 and Wrigleyville on December 31. 

Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light at the Museum of Science and Industry (running through January 7, 2024) is a beloved annual tradition that began in 1942 with a single tree. Today the Museum features a four-story floor-to-dome Grand Tree, surrounded by more than 50 trees and displays decorated by volunteers to represent holiday traditions from cultures around the world.

This year the museum will also be celebrating the wonders of snow, with an exhibition in the Lower Court featuring intricate photographs of snowflakes taken by Caltech physicist Ken Libbrecht.

Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum (Though January 6, 2024) invites visitors to celebrate the holidays and marvel at how light transforms a magnificent landscape. Journey along a 1-mile paved walking path (that is fully ADA compliant for guests with limited mobility), amid festive music and lighting effects, explore exciting new features and immersive installations. Afterwards, warm up by a cracking fire and roast marshmallows for s’mores, or stop in one of the concession tents for a snack and beverage. Ginkgo Restaurant in the Visitor Center will serve dinner guests view the display’s finale on Meadow Lake. The Arboretum Store will also be open for holiday shopping; gifts include a special temperature-activated, color-changing ceramic mug that will be available for purchase during all Illumination dates. Tickets start at $28 per person for nonmembers. 

People ice skating at the McCormick Tribune Plaza Ice Rink in Chicago’s Millennium Park; December 2021.

The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park offers ice skating all winter, through March, weather permitting.  Admission is free, but online reservations are required and skate rentals are available. You’ll be surrounded by the downtown skyline, with magical Christmas lights from the City of Chicago Christmas tree reflected in ‘The Bean’ / Cloud Gate sculpture. OR, head over to Maggie Daley Park, right next to Millennium Park, to the picturesque Skating Ribbon that meanders around snow-dusted pine trees and whimsical play spaces. The path is twice the length of a lap around a traditional skating rink. 

The Immersive Nutcracker: A Winter Miracle (November 24 – December 31, 2023) at Lighthouse Artspace Chicago brings cutting-edge technology to meet the artistry of ballet dancers. This mesmerizing 30-minute immersive experience, set to Tchailkovsky’s music, weaves the classic tale of Marie and her toy nutcracker. Join them, on their magical adventure through the Land of Sweets, brought to life by renowned ballet dancers and innovative projection mapping technology. Pricing begins at $29.99 per person. 

  • While you’re here… Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago is bringing a new pop-up bar experience, Bar Humbug, to reign in the holiday season. The ArtSpace will be transformed into a winter wonderland with wall-to-wall holiday scenes. A lot like traditional German beer halls, there will be long tables and plush banquettes for groups to gather. Bar Humbug will present live musicians and DJs playing the holiday classics. Guests must be 21 to enter.

ZooLights Presented by ComEd and Invesco QQQ will include new and exciting LED light displays,  photo ops, and interactive programming including a never-before-seen garden-themed light show on the zoo’s South Lawn. Festive photo ops will dot the zoo, as well as costumed characters and Victorian carolers on select nights. Food and beverages including festive cocktails and hot cocoa will be available at Edie Levy’s Landmark Café. Snowy’s Sprits & S’more and various snack stations around the zoo. Check the calendar for special events such as sensory-friendly nights, a family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration, and adults-only evenings. General admission ZooLights tickets are $7 per person. Tickets on Fridays, Saturdays, Thanksgiving Eve (Nov. 22), and New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31) are $10 per person. As part of the zoo’s ongoing commitment to accessibility, general admission is FREE on Mondays. Ticket sales from ZooLights directly support the zoo’s world-class animal care, global conservation efforts, and innovative learning programs and help keep the zoo free to the public 365 days a year. ZooLights will run through January 7, 2024. 

For more information on Chicago holiday happenings, visit Choose Chicago.

Celebrate the Christmas Holidays at the Majestic Hotel & Spa in Barcelona

Architectural, Barcelona, Historic foodways, Historic Restaurants, Holiday Travel, Hotels, Seaside

Barcelona is a blaze of lights up during the holidays making it the perfect time to explore the city’s stunning architecture including the famed works of Antoni Gaudi-– the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and Casa Batlló. Barcelona, with its Mediterranean climate, makes it the ideal destination during the holidays.

For those who love iconic historic architecture and the ambience of luxury and opulence, the award-winning Majestic Hotel & Spa is the perfect place to stay while enjoying all that the Barcelona, a stunning seaside city known for its gastronomy, culture, vibrant neighborhoods, museums, and so much more including myriad holiday celebrations.

Europe’s Most Vibrant Holiday Spot: Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona

The five-star Majestic Hotel, located in the heart of Passeig de Gràcia, considered to be the city’s most expensive and stunning boulevard, is a vivid part of Barcelona’s holiday celebration, a vivid tapestry of colors, flavors, and festivities, features an array of exclusive offerings. With its spa, outdoor plunge-pool on the rooftop and amazing views of the city, guests are at the heart of the holiday activities including the start of the festivities—the illumination of Passeig de Gràcia, which this year celebrates in 200th anniversary.

“At Majestic Hotel & Spa, we believe in creating magical moments that linger in the hearts of our guests. This holiday season, we invite you to immerse yourself in the splendor of our offerings, where luxury meets tradition, and every detail is designed to enchant,” says Pascal Billard, General Manager at Majestic Hotel & Spa. “It is our pleasure to be part of your celebrations, ensuring a season of joy, warmth, and unparalleled experiences.”

In line with the city’s captivating ambiance, the hotel will serve its traditional holiday program of dinners and brunches and exhibit the next edition of the Wine Dinners, an intimate bi-monthly wine dinner based on a selection of wines from a prominent winery. Majestic Wine Dinners defies the conventional dinner setting. Following the delightful evening with Castell d’Encus, the hotel has already scheduled the next Wine Dinner in collaboration with the Pere Ventura Winery, set to take place on November 16th.

In addition to this, Majestic Hotel & Spa invites guests to savor the magic of the holiday season with specially curated festive menus to elevate the dining experience. Under the culinary expertise of renowned chefs, the following delectable https://majestichotelgroup.sirv.com/majestic/navidad/menus-individuales-en.pdfholiday menus on a set schedule:

Christmas Eve Dinner:

When/Where: Christmas Eve dinner will be served at SOLC Restaurant from 8:00 PM until 10:30 PM.

Cost: The dinner is priced at €120 per person.

Christmas Brunch:

When/Where: After a morning of gifts, it’s time to dine at Majestic’s SOLC Restaurant and enjoy its traditional Christmas Gourmet Brunch served from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Cost: €145 for adults and €60 for children.

St Stephen’s Day Brunch:

When/Where: On December 26, the celebrations continue with the traditional St. Stephen’s Day lunch, a unique lunch at SOLC Restaurant served from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM

Cost: €105 per person.

New Year’s Eve Dinner: Celebrate the beginning of 2024 with a choice of outstanding culinary options.

Option 1:

When/Where: Salon Mediterraneo from 8:30 PM until 3:00 AM

Cost: €385 per person.

Option 2:

When/Where: SOLC Restaurant from 8:30 PM until 3:00 AM

Cost: €585 per person.

New Year’s Brunch:

When/Where: To start the new year on the right foot, indulge in culinary delights at SOLC Restaurant from 11:30 AM until 2:30 PM.

Cost: €75 for adults and €45 for children.

Pop-up Oyster Bar:

When/Where: Enjoy an evening of oysters, caviar, and drinks at Terraza La Dolce Vitae from 6:00 PM until 1:00 AM.

Cost: different options including oysters, caviar and drinks starting from 120€ up to 420€

About Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona

“In the world of great luxury hotels, the old is now the new,” is the perfect description of hotels with such stunning traditions and histories as the neo-classical French style Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona which recently underwent a five-year renovation led by interior designer Antonio Obrador. Since its opening in 1918, the five-star hotel owned by the Soldevila-Casals family has played an exemplary role in Barcelona’s architecture, society, and lifestyle. Its guests included such notable guests such as American writer Ernest Hemingway and Spanish poet Antonio Machado.

With a privileged location in the heart of Barcelona on the ultra-stylish Passeig de Gràcia, the 271-room property is home to an outstanding 1,000-piece art collection with works by artists such as Antoni Tàpies and Josep Guinovart. Under the direction of Michelin star Chef Nandu Jubany, a robust gastronomic offering is highlighted by the Majestic Breakfast Experience, named Europe’s Best Breakfast in 2018 by Prix Villégiature. Additionally, The Leading Hotels of the World, a prestigious organization representing independent luxury hotels from around the world, recognized the property with the Remarkably Uncommon award in 2018; the hotel has been a member of the organization since December 2014. Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona is also home to the city’s largest suite, a 5,000-square-foot penthouse with capacity for six, a dining room, two panoramic terraces and access to a personal butler and chauffeur. www.hotelmajestic.es.

Halloween Monster Mash at the Egyptian Motor Hotel

Hotels, Phoenix, Restaurants

Not to be missed this Saturday, October 28th, is the Halloween Monster Mash at the 250-seat outdoor entertainment venue and cocktail garden at the Egyptian Motor Hotel in downtown Phoenix’s historic Grand Avenue, a cool and contemporary remix of what is one of the city’s oldest streets and once a thoroughfare dating back to the city’s founding in 1872. Back in the day, Grand Avenue connected Phoenix to Wickenburg and the mines in that area but now it’s now a hip strip of urban re-imagination.

And the Egyptian Motor Hotel is one of the stars here. Established over 70 years ago, it was recently written up in Sunset Magazine as “resurrected as one of the coolest boutique hotels that Arizona has to offer” and in its first brick-and-motor location, the motor lodge’s restaurant Chilte, long a favorite pop-up recently ranked on Bon Appetit’s “Best Restaurant Openings of 2023” list. To make it even more impressive it was the only Arizona restaurant to make the list and that one of the chef/owners, Lawrence Smith recently competed on “Chopped.”

Here’s what Bon Appetit’s writer, Serena Dai, said about the restaurant:

“The lively pastel interior at Chilte may match the renovation of its ’50s-era home, the Egyptian Motor Hotel, but the menu doesn’t offer the kind of reliably lovable (but sometimes a little boring) food typical of a hotel restaurant. Instead, owners Lawrence Smith (a former NFL player and Aseret Arroyo serve an impressive, constantly changing roster of ambitious Mexican dishes. Hefty tacos arrive cradling fillings like butternut-stuffed chile capped with a rustic red chimayó mole or a thick slab of tender beef tongue on a lacy, crisp layer of cheese. Even more impressive is the mole flight, a trio of sauces accompanied by charred lamb ribs. Yes, you’d be happy dipping the lamb in each sauce, but the true joy comes from trying each one with chewy, colorful, fresh-made corn tortillas. Best among the moles is perhaps the Amarillo, husky and smooth, finished with crunchy crickets imported from Oaxaca. The menu’s brevity means you could—and should—bring a few friends and order every dish.”

That’s just one more reason to don a costume and attend the Monster Mash.

The spooky extravaganza kicks off with live music from a rotation of SIX local bands, including Hookworm, Birds + Arrows, Survival Guide, and more. 

Costumes are HIGHLY encouraged at the Monster Mash as there’s a costume contest with a chance to win an array of prizes. The Egyptian offers a huge lineup of artisanal cocktails, beers on tap and draft, wine, and delicious fare from Chilte To-Go, which just ranked on Bon Appetit’s “Best Restaurant Openings of 2023” list.

Read what Sunset magazine had to say:

“The Egyptian Motor Hotel has been in Phoenix’s vibrant Arts District for over 70 years, and has recently been resurrected as one of the coolest boutique hotels that Arizona has to offer. Now, the property has 49 retro modern rooms with bunk beds (aka “stacked”) and King bed offerings, as well as an Airstream guest room stocked with throwback amenities like Marshall Bluetooth speakers and retro refrigerators. Outside, you’ll find firepits, where you can strum the complimentary acoustic guitars that come in each guest room. There’s also a 250-seat entertainment venue (pro tip: You can actually watch performances from your balcony).”

ifyougo:

Date: Saturday, October 28
Doors Open: 6:30 PM
Cost: $8 presale, $10 at the door
Location: , 765 Grand Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Spooky Halloween Events in the Windy City

Adventure, Chicagoland Area, Halloween, Hauntings

When it comes to Halloween this season, Chicago has it covered– ghostly pub tours, a chance to walk the streets where the city’s first serial killer (or at least the first we know about) once roamed, re-enactments of Victorian era seances, and a chance to explore the city with noted author. podcaster, and host of Mysterious Chicago Tours Adam Selzer at the Lincoln Park Zoo. These are just a few of the many spooky events happening in Chicago this Halloween season.

Ever read Devil in the White City, the bestselling book by Erik Larson about H.H. Holmes? Now walk in his footsteps with Chicago Ghost Tours with Free Tours by Foot (Adults-only tour departs 3×4 times per week at 6:00 p.m.; check scheduling and pay as you will), a two hour, 1-mile walking tour takes guests through downtown Chicago. Fittingly it begins when the sun is setting, the perfect time to hear some of the most gruesome and creepy Chicago stories about the Everleigh Club, the 1900’s Red Light district, and about downtown prison breaks.

For Those Who Dare: Other Spooky Opportunities Abound.

Consider these:

Chicago Ghost Tour Pub Crawl by Nightly Spirits (Attendees must be 21+; tickets start at $30 per person; purchase of alcohol not included or required).

 The Nightly Spirits Lincoln Park Haunted Pub Tour explores some of the most haunted pubs, alleys, and buildings. Stand a few feet away from where Dillinger met his end, catch a whiff of flowers as the unseen lavender lady passes by, enjoy a drink in an antique store where each item has a story of its own, and get a true glimpse of the prohibition lifestyle. Start your tour at the haunted Lincoln Station Bar while your costumed guide creeps you out with stories of murdered gangsters, local lore, and old owners that won’t vacate the nearby buildings!

Then take the 2.5-hour walking journey exploring the Lincoln Park area to meet the spirits that haunt the locals at  favorite local haunts! The tour encompases up to 3 haunted bars*–and that’s a good thing as you’ll need plenty of liquid courage (available for purchase) to face the ghostly residents of the Windy City.

Ghost Tours at the Auditorium Theatre (Tours through November 22, Sundays, Mondays & Wednesdays at 12:00 p.m., Thursdays at 6:00 p.m.; tickets start at $15 per person).

Step into the spooky world of the supernatural this October and November for this special Halloween edition of the Auditorium Theatre’s National Landmark Backstage Tours. In addition to learning about the unique architecture and history of this storied Chicago building, tours will also discover the haunted, goosebumps-inducing past. Watch your step, a 134-year-old building is bound to have a few ghosts, including a persistent disembodied whistling in the stage door alley, specters that appear and disappear in the seats at night, the ghost of a man whose funeral was held on the Auditorium’s stage, and more. The Auditorium Theatre, designed by famed architects Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler, opened on December 9, 1889, and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1975. ‘Spirited’ Thursday evening tours also include access to a cash bar.  The spooky- but not scary- tour is appropriate for all ages. Come in costume on October 29 for a special Halloween ghost tour that includes candy for kids of all ages.

Haunted History Tours at Lincoln Park Zoo (Tours run Tuesdays and Wednesdays through October at 7:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., $35 per person, must be 16+).

Join Adam Selzer, author, podcaster, and host of Mysterious Chicago Tours, for spine-tingling walkabouts that dig into the zoo’s cemetery roots and locations from throughout its allegedly haunted history.

Jane Addams Hull-House Museum Evening Ghost Tours (Select tours on Fridays October 20 and 27, at 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.; $10 per person, recommended for ages 16+).

From its inception, the Hull-House Settlement was a center of urban legends and supernatural stories, as Chicago’s neighborhoods kept whispers alive about its supposed unearthly inhabitants. Today, Hull-House is a favorite stop on Chicago ghost tours and it is often hailed as one of the most haunted places in the country.

While they are spooky and fun, these stories stem from important conversations about religious beliefs and social norms, as well as the collective consciousness of the Hull-House neighborhood. For many, Chicago was a place of great hardship, plagued by a history of tragic events that left countless ghost stories in their wake, including those of Hull-House’s infamous Devil Baby and resident Lady in White. Guests will be led through the house by a Museum Educator and will have the opportunity to learn all about Hull-House’s haunted history. 

Night of 1,000 Jack-o-Lanterns at Chicago Botanic Garden (October 18–22  6:30 p.m.–10:30 p.m.; tickets start at $19/$21 per adult, $13/$15 per child (age 3-12).

Monstrous vibes meet crisp fall evenings at Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns, where artist-carved pumpkins light your way through the Garden after dark. You’ll find costumed entertainers and live carving demos along our paved path, as well as seasonal light fare and drinks for purchase. 

Northalsted Halloween Parade (October 31, 2023; 6:30 p.m. -10:00 p.m. FREE to attend).

https://www.facebook.com/reel/344425258072613

Join the vibrant and lively Halloween parade in Northalsted, complete with creative costumes and lively participants. The free parade is a spectacle of sights, frights & spooky mayhem concluding with an Awards Show, live performance & dance party. Gear up with Northalsted’s series of Halloween events throughout the month of October including Parade after parties and contests, the Lakeview Halloween Pup Crawl, Trick or Treat, and more.

The Séance Experience at Chicago’s Congress Plaza Hotel (Saturdays through October 28; tickets start at $25 per person).

The Séance Experience is coming to Chicago and will be conducting their popular live re-creations of authentic Victorian Era dark Séances at the Congress Plaza Hotel, said by many to be the most haunted place in city and one of the most haunted hotels in America! Noted sightings at the historic hotel include the likes of former hotel residents: Al Capone, Teddy Roosevelt and Harry Houdini among others. The séances are slated at the historic downtown Chicago hotel in an area not usually opened to the public. Authentically re-created exactly as conducted in the 1800’s, séances are scheduled inside an actual room built in 1893 using antique séance artifacts also dating from the 1800’s.

For more Chicago events, visit Choose Chicago.

CHICAGO NAMED BEST BIG CITY IN THE U.S. BY READERS OF CONDÉ NAST  TRAVELER

Adventure, Art Institute, Boating, Chicago Architecture Center, Chicago History Museum, Chicago River, Chicagoland Area, Cruise, Family Excursions, Field Museum, Magnificent Mile, Museum of Science and Industry, Navy Pier

A city full of hidden gems and spectacular landmarks, Chicago is hardly a second city. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, it is an all-season destination recently voted for the seventh time as Condé Nast Traveler’s Best Big City in The U.S.

I have to admit when it comes to cities, I’ve always considered Chicago among the best having grown up in the metropolitan area and riding the South Shore, the only remaining interurban in the U.S., to Millennium Station frequently for watercolor classes at the Art Institute of Chicago. Who doesn’t love walking past those bronze larger-than-life lions flanking the entrance whose unofficial names are “On the Prowl” and  “An Attitude of Defiance” created by sculptor  Edward Kemeys in 1898?

Part of the city’s allure is its fabulous architecture and beyond the lions there’s dining in the 17,000-square-foot Walnut Room at Macy’s on State–sorry, it’ll will always be Marshall Field’s to me–which was the first restaurant in a department store in the U.S. and is famed for its  Circassian wood paneling imported from Russia and Austrian chandeliers. Also at Marshall Field’s (ooops Macy’s) is the magnificent Tiffany dome ceiling built in 1907 and crafted with 1.6 billion pieces of Favrile glass. As if one Tiffany dome ceiling isn’t enough, the Chicago Cultural Center just a short walk away from Macy’s, also boasts a Tiffany dome ceiling.

Also made of made of Tiffany Favrile glass–Tiffany patented this type of iridescent art glass in 1894–the 38,000-square-foot dome spanning 1000-squarefeet consists of 30,000 pieces of glass and is the largest Tiffany glass dome in the world. And in interesting historic aside, the glass for the dome was manufactured by the Kokomo Opalescent Glass Company in Kokomo, Indiana a company that dates back to the late 1880s. When pieces of glass were needed to replace those that were missing or broken during the renovation of the dome in the early 2000s, all it took was a call to KOG who still had the original glass recipes on file.

Among the hidden gems is a personal favorite, Green Mill Cocktail Lounge which had already been open for two decades when Al Capone and his men stationed themselves in his favorite booth so that he could see whoever was coming in and out of both the back and front entrances. A gangster has to be prepared, ya know. The Green Mill has been open since 1907 and you can still go there for live jazz every night in the prohibition-era style speakeasy. Capone’s booth is still there–how much closer to history can you get?

Chicago is a city of museums both internationally known such as the Field Museum and the Museum of Science & Industry but also small delights such as the Driehaus Museum, a marvelously restored Gilded Age home filled with treasures, Art on the Mart,  the largest permanent digital art projection in the world, and the Chicago History Museum reknowned for its more than  more than 50,000 costumes and textiles dating from the eighteenth century to the present including works by Gabrielle Chanel, Mainbocher, Charles James, Christian Dior, Pauline Trigère, and Yves Saint Laurent

Green Mill Cocktail Lounge, Chicago. Courtesy of Choose Chicago.

There are architecrural boat rides on the Chicago River and a Ferris wheel at Navy Pier known for its grand views of Lake Michigan. Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park is one of the largest fountains in the world, the Gothic Revival-style Rockefeller Memorial Chapel on the campus of the University of Chicago, and, of course, there’s Cloud Gate, nicknamed The Bean in Milliennium Park.

All this is just the start of what Chicago has to offer so its no wonder the for the seven straight year it’s been voted best city with over 520,000 votes from Condé Nast Traveler readers after a record-breaking summer travel season that saw all-time highs for hotel revenue.

Choose Chicago President and CEO Lynn Osmond proudly nnounced that Chicago honors this historic recognition and how it recognizes what brings visitors to Chicago.

“Today’s recognition of our great city as the Condé Nast Traveler’s Best Big City in The U.S., for the seventh year in a row, is proof that Chicago continues to be a force as a destination for visitors from all over the globe,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “We have something for everyone — 77 amazing communities, beautiful parks and lakefront, world class arts, culture and food, and much more. This is a distinction to be proud of, and we will continue to welcome travelers from all over the world to experience all our city has to offer and the soul of Chicago.”

“For the seventh year running, I couldn’t be prouder that Chicago has been named the number one big city in the nation,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “From our unmatched infrastructure and picturesque lakefronts to our diverse food scene, world-class museums, and, of course, the kindest people you’ll ever meet, Chicago has it all—and the world is taking notice. Whether you’re looking to take a family trip or to relocate your small business, Chicago has something for everyone and we cannot wait to welcome you home.”

For 36 years, Condé Nast Traveler has captured input from readers to determine the winners of their Readers’ Choice Awards, the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry. And every year since 2017, Chicago has led the pack as the Best Big City in the U.S. This year’s awards were based on the input of more than half-a-million readers.

“I am so proud to share that Chicago is once again the city of champions,” said Osmond. “For seven straight years, through the challenges of the pandemic and beyond, travelers have recognized the truth about Chicago – ours is a vibrant, hospitable city brimming with attractions and amenities for all types of visitors. I want to thank all Chicagoans for making our city so welcoming to visitors from around the world. I especially want to thank the Choose Chicago staff. This award validates all of our hard work selling and promoting this city we love.”

Chicago’s selection as the Best Big City in the U.S. is a recognition of the city’s incredible hospitality and tourism industries and the people that make our city so welcoming to visitors. For seven straight years, voters have recognized that Chicago is a destination unique among its peers, with something to offer every type of visitor. With 77 vibrant neighborhoods ready for exploration, best-in-class accommodations, an acclaimed dining scene, thrilling live music and theatre, world-renowned museums and cultural institutions, stunning architecture and natural beauty, visitors have endless ways to explore the seven-time Best Big City in the U.S.

“More than half a million people cast votes for this year’s Reader’s Choice Awards,” said Glenn Eden, Chairman of the Choose Chicago Board of Directors. “Clearly, those who come here are having uniquely memorable experiences that stick with them – the kind of experiences that will make them return to Chicago and recommend our city as a vacation destination to their friends and families. Winning this award seven straight years is a recognition of the resilience of Chicago’s tourism and hospitality sector and the unwavering affinity that travelers have for our city. It gives me confidence that we are going to see continued growth in our local visitor economy for years to come.”

Choose Chicago is also thrilled to release summer 2023 performance data today showing that Chicago experienced a strong summer of travel:  

  • Summer (June, July and August) hotel revenue totaled $825 million, and hotel taxes totaled $46 million, both all-time records for summer months.
  • Over one million room nights were filled each month this summer, totaling 3.24 million hotel room nights. That is 4% higher than last year and represents a 92% recovery share compared to 2019 numbers.
  • Leisure visitors in particular came to Chicago in droves this summer – buoyed by a packed calendar of concerts, events and festivals, total leisure hotel room demand increased by 8% compared to summer 2022. 
  • International visitation increased by 13% compared to summer 2022.

While it was an excellent summer of travel in Chicago, the excitement does not end now that it’s fall. Visitors to Chicago will continue to experience a full calendar of events and attractions through the end of 2023. Later this week, we will be launching Theater Season, a new campaign to promote local theaters and the over 150 productions taking place across the city. Later this month, we will celebrate the one millionth finisher of the Chicago Marathon during the 45th running of the iconic race, open some of our city’s most notable architecture for exploration through Open House Chicago, and wrap up with Halloween celebrations across the city including Arts in the Dark and the Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade. Later this year, Chicago will transform into America’s premier holiday destination, kicking off with the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and continuing with events and activations through the end of the year. 

As Chicago celebrates another Best Big City award, we are well on our way to significantly exceeding last year’s visitation numbers, when we welcomed nearly 50 million visitors. Year-to-date hotel room demand is 13% higher than the same period in 2022. 

The 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards are published on Condé Nast Traveler’s website at cntraveler.com/rca and celebrated in the November issue. 

About Choose Chicago

Choose Chicago is the official sales and marketing organization responsible for promoting Chicago as a global visitor and meetings destination, leveraging the city’s unmatched assets to ensure the economic vitality of the city, its residents and our partner business community. Follow @choosechicago on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and X/Twitter and tag #ChicaGOandKNOW. For more information, visit choosechicago.com.

Photos courtesy of Choose Chicago and the Chicago Architecture Foundation.

[The Washington Post]

Artisanal, Chinese, Desserts, Historic foodways, Home bakers, Italian Cuisine, Korean BBQ, Literary Recipes

https://www.washingtonpost.com/food/2023/10/11/national-book-month-recipes/

Fishing for the Best: Gulf Coast“Royal” Seafood Chefs Reign Supreme

Alabama, Cajun/Creole, Gastronomy, Gulf Coast Alabama, Historic foodways, Louisiana, Regional & Ethnic, Southern cuisine

October is National Seafood Month and in celebration of what’s best about Lousiana and Coastal Alabama seafood cookery get to know the chefs who continually are making outstanding contributions to the local seafood industry, put their skills and knowledge to test in culinary competitions, and walked away with a real crown. These chefs, respected leaders within their communities, are passionate about the bounties of the local waters and its impact on their region’s culture. Who are these royals? Mindy Bianca and her staff at Mindy Bianca Public Relations did the hard work of rounding up their “e-fish-cient” list. And I’m reporting on what they discovered here.

Chef Amanda Cusey

The Terrace in Lake Charles, Louisiana

Favorite Seafood Dish to Make: Fish and Grits

Though she grew up in the southwest United States, Chef Amanda trained and worked extensively in Europe during her culinary journey. She received her Cordon Bleu training in Surrey, England, and worked in restaurants across England and Ireland – perhaps most notably serving as head chef for a Michelin Star chef’s pop-up restaurant in Dublin – before setting down roots in Lake Charles. Her international experience shines through at The Terrace, where Italian influence meets Louisiana flavors. In June 2022, she helped break glass ceilings as she was named the Queen of Louisiana Seafood – only the second ever in the 15-year history of the Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off. Her winning dish? Pan-seared red drum over tomato polenta with a crawfish cream sauce.

Chef Jim Smith

The Hummingbird Way Oyster Bar in Mobile, Alabama

Favorite Seafood Dish to Make: Oysters – in any style!

Though he’s famous for his delicious Lane Cake, the state dessert of Alabama, Chef Jim is also known for being a voice for sustainable and local food education. When he served as Executive Chef for the State of Alabama, he focused on sourcing local Alabama ingredients and supporting farmers and fishermen.

In 2011, Chef Jim was dubbed King of American Seafood and traveled the country introducing people to the world of sustainable seafood. He has continued his advocacy efforts as he’s moved forward in his career … and that included representing the U.S. Seafood Industry in this year’s National Geographic Traveller Food Festival in London and appearances in multiple seasons of “Top Chef.” Now he’s the executive chef at Hummingbird Way, sharing his love for local seafood with every diner who walks through his doors. Prior to 2023, he was the only Alabama chef who had ever taken home the crown of King of American Seafood, which leads us to our next chef.

Chef Brody Olive 

Voyagers in Orange Beach, Alabama 

Favorite Seafood Dish to Make: Tiradito (Peruvian take on sashimi with citrus sauce) 

Home to the National Shrimp Festival, Experience the Oyster seafood festival, and other notable seafood events, the twin beach cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama, are certainly the place to be if you want to find some of the best seafood along the Gulf Coast. With more than 20 years working in the seafood industry, Alabama native Chef Brody has definitely made his culinary mark.

He continues to impress diners across the five restaurants and banquet facilities he oversees at the Perdido Beach Resort. He embraces the culinary ways of the Gulf Coast, putting the freshest and best locally sourced ingredients on every plate. Besides the numerous Chef and Restauranteur of the Year awards he has earned throughout his career, Chef Brody is now the newest “royal” in the roundup.

In August, he was crowned King of American Seafood in the Great American Seafood Cook-Off, bringing the title back home to Alabama for the first time since 2011, when Chef Jim Smith (above) earned the honor. With saltwater catfish, mole crabs and Gulf shrimp in his winning dish, how could he not wow the judges? 

Chef Nathan Richard

Adjunct Professor at Chef John Folse Culinary Institute in Thibodaux, Louisiana

Favorite Seafood Dish to Make: Seafood Stuffed Flounder

Besides the crown he received for becoming the Great American Seafood King in 2019, Chef Nathan wears many hats, including professor, private catering business owner and volunteer firefighter … which means he knows how to (safely) turn up the heat in the kitchen! Though he moved to Europe to cook in France and Italy after Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005, Louisiana remained in his heart. Chef Nathan returned to work at restaurants throughout the American South and settled back in Thibodaux, Louisiana, a few years ago, ready to embrace the Cajun lifestyle once more. When you’re surrounded by the pantry of fresh ingredients that the bayous of Louisiana provide, it only makes sense to cook what you know.

Chef Nathan’s winning cook-off dish was a crawfish and goat cheese king cake, complete with Cajun caviar.

Chefs Keith and Nealy Frentz

LOLA in Covington, Louisiana

Favorite Seafood Dish to Make: Louisiana Seafood Gumbo and Pan-Fried Speckled Trout with Capers and Lemon

Chefs Keith and Nealy, a husband-and-wife team, were forced out of New Orleans in 2005, when Hurricane Katrina hit, and came to settle in the nearby Northshore. Though they’d both held prestigious restaurant chef positions, they had always dreamed of owning their own restaurant. Thus, LOLA was born. Housed in a historic train depot with the restaurant kitchen tucked away in a caboose, this unique dining establishment keeps it local with fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers and seafood suppliers.

In 2012, the pair was proclaimed King and Queen of Louisiana Seafood. A year later, Chef Nealy placed second in the popular cooking show “Chopped.” The couple has continued to represent St. Tammany Parish and Louisiana seafood in both their culinary travel and work at LOLA.

Chef Nathan Richard’s Crawfish and Oyster Boudin

Makes 6 links

  • 1 pound crawfish tail meat
  • 1 pound oysters
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1/2 cup green onion, green and white finely chopped
  • 1 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup poblano peppers, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup jalapeno peppers, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 3 cups cooked long-grain white rice
  • 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons green onion, tops only sliced
  • 8 ounces prepared hog casings

In a large bowl, combine crawfish, oysters, salt and peppers. Set aside. In large skillet over medium heat, add canola oil, and cook onions, peppers, celery, garlic and tomato paste until softened, about 5 minutes. Add crawfish/oyster mixture, and cook 15 minutes more. Remove from heat, and fold in rice, parsley and green onion tops.

Stuff casings while filling is still hot, twisting into 4-inch links. In large pan, add crawfish boudin links, and cover with water. Cook over medium-high heat, keeping just below a simmer; cook until heated through, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain. In a large skillet, cook boudin links over medium-high heat until golden brown on all sides

For extra kick, season the bread crumbs, with salt, pepper or cayenne, if you like.