Savvy Travel Blog
OCTOBER, 2011
'Healing Garden' Launched in Singapore
A Healing Garden, a 2.5 hectare garden showcasing an extensive collection of 500 species of plants from South-East Asia with healing properties, has been launched at the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
The largest of this scale in the region, the Garden took three years to set up and is designed to be a tranquil retreat with medicinal plants traditionally used in South-East Asia as the main focus.
Designed in the shape of a human body, the Healing Garden is laid out thematically relating to component parts or systems of the body, such as "Head, Neck, Ear, Nose and Throat" and "Digestive and Related Systems".
Dr Nigel Taylor, Director of the Singapore Botanic Gardens said, "visitors will be surprised by the plants they see in the Healing Garden because many plants that have traditional medicinal usage are actually common plants. We hope that through visiting the Garden, people become more aware of this fast-forgotten knowledge."
As appropriate for wired Singapore, an iPhone application is available for download to visitors who wish to find out more on the various plants found in the garden. The iPhone app, the first of its kind for a park in Singapore, will provide additional information on the healing properties and interesting features of the plants.
To celebrate the launch of the Healing Garden, Makino Botanical Garden from Japan has also put up an exhibition on botanical paintings of healing plants by renowned natural history illustrator, Untei Sekine (1804-1877) from the Edo era. This rare exhibition is available for public viewing till 11 November at the SBG Library of Botany and Horticulture.
JULY 2011
HOTEL REVIEW
The Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at First Residences: Grace Under Stress
35 Giza Street, Giza, Cairo, Egypt 12311 Tel. 20 (2) 3567-1600 Fax. 20 (2) 3568-1616 Within a 20-storey tower, the hotel offers 269 Guest Rooms / 43 Suites
Full Review: Click here
DECEMBER 9, 2010
HOTEL REVIEW
Fairmont Pacific Rim: A Classy Hotel Set in a Postcard-Perfect Setting
The breath-taking view from the 20th floor lounge of the Fairmont Pacific says it all. Credit: BociurkiwFairmont Pacific RimLocation:
1038 Canada Place
Vancouver, BC V6C 0B8
Phone: 604-695-5300
Email:pacificrim@fairmont.com
Rates:
$279-379 (regular to deluxe rooms)
$409-1049 (Fairmont Gold rooms and suites)
As you walk into the cavernous lobby of the chic Fairmont Pacific, you notice quickly that it stands in stiletto heels - a class apart from other hotels in Vancouver: the door staff offer warm greetings and colleagues in the lobby offer to guide you to your destination.
But what really impressed Savvy Traveller was the professional service and warm hospitality at the 20th floor Fairmont Gold Lounge. The spontaneous small touches blend with a subdued atmosphere punctuated by a seeming never-ending flow of continental breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening hors d'oeuvre and drink offerings. When we mentioned a favourite wine that wasn't available on the Lounge Floor, Supervisor Sarah Hill surprised us with a complimentary glass pinched from the lobby bar. When overhead lighting made it difficult to work on our MacBook Pro, a cordless lantern was offered.
This is one of the most high-tech hotels in Canada: rooms have intuitive controls that dim lights and close curtains. Lounge guests have access to pre-programmed iPads and a well-supplied work station. The washrooms are spacious - with deep bathtubs and separate shower stalls equipped with tropical shower heads - and also high-tech: we were especially impressed with the television sunk into the bathroom mirror. The trademark Fairmont beds live up to their promise of a wonderful night's sleep. There were occasions where we found the technology frustrating: the sink taps in the public washrooms had to be coaxed to emit water.
The 377-room hotel blends modernity with West Coast and Asian elements, while taking maximum advantage of the spectacular views. For diversions, there is the Willow Stream Spa and full fitness centre, the authentic Pan-Asian bistro, Orzu, and Giovane - the Italian-inspired deli and cafe. Architect James K.M. Cheng sculpted the building to frame the iconic, neighbouring Marine Building - said to be one of the world's finest examples of art deco.
Many visitors to the city - which recently hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics - complain of high costs of food and entertainment: guests to the Fairmont Pacific won't find much relief. Even in the Lounge (where guests pay a premium), a glass of local wine is $15 from the honour bar. Some guests complained of the exorbitant costs for cocktails and sushi at the popular lobby bar. Savvy Traveller found a $5 charge for a very small bowl of soup in the Italian coffee shop excessive. In the spa, a 60-minute sports massage clocks in at $149 (plus tax).
The lobby lounge has become a popular hangout for local socialites, though there are complaints of the bad acoustics, making casual conversation difficult. Free WiFi throughout the hotel is a huge plus - and a refreshing departure from the policy of other gouging hotels in Vancouver.
The Fairmont Pacific had its soft opening during the February 2010 Olympics - a brave move by any measure by general manager Randy Zupanski and his team. It has done very well since then, selling out on a recent weekend. The harbourside location - connected to the new Convention Centre and seaplane terminal is incomparable.
Despite our minor complaints, we give the Fairmont Pacific a Savvy Traveller 4 Pillow (out of 5) ranking.
Crisp Mascioni linens, Stearn & Foster beds, iPod docks and Nespresso machines in rooms
DECEMBER 6, 2010
RESTAURANT REVIEW
4th & Swift Swiftly Becomes Number 1 Foodie Haven
By Dee DoanesOne Girl. One Fork. Lots of Food.
4th and Swift
Location:
621 North Avenue, N.E.
Atlanta, Ga. 30308
Phone: 678-904-0160
Hours:
Sunday – Thursday 5:30 PM until 10:00 PM ; Friday & Saturday 5:30 PM until 11:00 PM
Reservations highly recommended
After going to 4th and Swift I went to bed and dreamt of delightful food, much like kids dream of Santa on Christmas Eve. Now I’m in need of a 12 step food addiction program because my withdrawal symptoms are really bad! This Midtown foodie retreat gets the full “Five Fork” Savvy Traveller Restaurant Award. The restaurant has great modern décor and ambiance, attentive wait staff, and creatively crafted cuisine.
Appearance
Monday was a slow day so there was plenty of time for me to check out the interior. The low lighting, open ceiling and cream colored brick walls make for a modern and cozy décor. Side note: They have a really cool “4” logo outside the door of the restaurant, that they implement on the menus and the website.
Cocktail and Wine Menu
The cocktail menu is entertaining, creatively named, with great combinations. It took me 15 minutes to check out the many great choices. My very attentive waitress, Maria, recommended a Cinnamon cocktail with egg. Another cool sounding drink on the menu is the Smoke and Flowers Margarita and I will definitely try it the next time I come in two weeks. They don’t have their wine list on the website. The selection was a good mixture of Old World and New World wines. I had a 2006 St. Emilion Cheval Blanc Grand Cru that went well with my meal.
Food
The menu is seasonal featuring small and large plates, artisanal cheeses and cured meets, sides, and desserts. Chef Jay Swift is the master conductor of this symphony of gastronomical delights. I tried the Maine Diver Scallops with radicchio jam, spiced carrot puree, and parsnip ribbons. The radicchio jam was an unexpected flavorful delight. Radicchio is not as popular in the U.S. as it is in Italy, where it is usually grilled with olive oil or mixed in risotto. I was pleased to see it used so well in the appetizer. Maria directed me to try the lobster appetizer with dumplings which danced on my taste buds. The sauce was light and the dumplings were perfectly shaped and succulent. The dumplings were so good that they could have been a dish on their own.
Now on to the entrées…drum roll please! I ordered rabbit and my guest had the pheasant. I’m not much of fan of either of these meats, but 4th and Swift have converted me completely and with much glee! The rabbit was tender served with mushrooms that were smooth and buttery. My favorite was the Tanglewood Farms pheasant breast with sweet potatoes macaire, stir fried rapini, pheasant ragout, and lingonberries. The meat was bursting with flavor and the sweet potatoes macaire were presented in the shape of squares. Rabbit is at the top of the fine dining experience in Eastern Europe. So anyone with a Ukrainian or Russian palette will appreciate that dish on the menu.
Dessert
Maria suggested the chocolate cake and sticky toffee pudding with toffee sauce and pink grapefruit cloud. One word: Yummilcious! The chocolate cake was smooth and a must have for chocolate lovers. The toffee cake was rich, the combination of flavors made for a unique taste. Not one drop was left on my plate.
Service
The service was outstanding. I got lost on the way there and the hostess was patient on the phone. And I loved my waitress Maria, with the flashing dimples. She was quick to make great suggestions and didn’t hover around the table when she saw me in conversation. I look forward to going there in two weeks and trying something new.
Dee Doanes is an Atlanta socialite, unabashedly unashamed foodie, wine collector, and traveller to all worldwide places exotic. You can always find Dee at the latest restaurant opening, wine event, and luxury resort. You will know it’s her when you see the tall girl with the glass of red wine, laughing at life!
DECEMBER 3, 2010
RESTAURANT REVIEW
Sugar Plums Tea Room
http://sugarplumstearoom.com/
Location:
687 Marietta Hwy
Canton, Ga. 30114
Phone (770)-479-4050
Hours: 10a.m-4p.m. Reservations recommended
Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch **Wine not served Custom Bake Shop
By Dee Doanes
Okay, where do I start about this hidden gem nestled in Canton, Georgia? I heard so many wonderful things about Sugar Plums and finally got around to going. What a delightful treat! The food is reminiscent of European eateries with the focus being light, fresh, and totally delicious.
I did not have a reservation and they were very busy, but were able to seat me for lunch. Thank goodness since I was truly starving. Note: I highly recommend that you make a reservation - the food comes quicker on a busy days.
Appearance
The atmosphere is very relaxing as if you are sitting at home with the owners, (mother and daughter) Rowanda and Maria. Each room has a theme and is decorated with pieces of their family history, so when you visit each room you become more a part of the family too. Various teas, stationary sets, etc. are on sale. The tea sets displayed brought back memories of having tea with grandma.
Tea Menu
Historically tea is associated with Britain and Asia , as something consumed for health and great taste. Sugar Plums has an extensive tea menu featuring leaves from around the world, such as Chinese White tea and South African Rooibos tea. The menu details the characteristics, health benefits, and origins of each. Be prepared to take 10 minutes to fully peruse the many great choices. The featured “Tea of the Day” was gourmet iced black currant that I sipped while waiting for my chicken salad sandwich on cracked wheat bread. The iced tea was subtle yet tasty and refreshing.
Food
The sandwich was delicious: light, perfectly accented with grapes and pecans. For those food lovers in other parts of the world, you will appreciate the pecan nut, which is grown in North American and Mexico. The sandwich came with a small salad - with a variety of homemade dressings including raspberry vinaigrette and red pepper. I chose the latter and it was divine.
Along with my meal I had the Roobios chai tea, which the menu indicated aided respiratory problems. It worked wonders for my problem sinuses. The tea is so good that it didn't need sweetener.
Dessert
Rowanda recommended the blueberry cobbler and ice cream. I thought I died and went to Heaven! It was mouth-watering, fresh, with the right balance of ice cream. I only wish I had a 10 pound bowl of it. She also served a small tasting tray of brownies and cookies which melted in my mouth.
Service
Great. They are very friendly, attentive, and do NOT rush you - even when they are busy. I told Rowanda and Maria I’m moving in with them so they can be my personal chefs. I will be going Sugar Plums again soon, and I hope the ladies have my table in the corner ready!
Copyright Dee Doanes 2010
Dee Doanes is an Atlanta socialite, unabashedly unashamed foodie, wine collector, and traveller to all worldwide places exotic. You can always find Dee at the latest restaurant opening, wine event, and luxury resort. You will know it’s her when you see the tall girl with the glass of red wine, laughing at life!
NOVEMBER 25, 2010
RESTAURANT REVIEW
100 Days
Opus Hotel
Yaletown, Vancouver
The wall cocktail menu at 100 Days
A new dining phenomenon called "pop-up restaurants" are hitting cities such as London, New York - and now - Vancouver. The 100 Days Restaurant in the trendy Opus Hotel in Vancouver's Yaletown opened its doors recently, replacing the somewhat staid and upper-brow Elixir that was a hotel staple since Day One.
100 Days looks like a dive, one that an amateur painter designed in a few hours. Staff say it is an incredible hit with late night crowds on Fridays and Saturdays.
Savvy Traveller paid an unannounced lunch-time visit Saturday and found 100 Days almost empty. The new managers were friendly and attentive to us at the bar, however we did notice a couple at one of the tables left after receiving no attention for several minutes - even though the restaurant manager was sitting at the bar reading a newspaper. We arrived at about 2pm to find a brunch menu - however a manger agreed to let us choose from the more expansive lunch/dinner menu.
We tried the lobster and crab balls and the prosciutto bruschetta - both earned a B- rating. The bruschetta went down easily however the deep fried batter fought with the subtle flavours of the lobster and crab meat.
The lifespan of 100 Days is due to expire December 31 and there is still no consensus what will take its place. "The world is our oyster," said one of the managers.
NOVEMBER 20 2010
For fliers not lucky enough to achieve airline top tier status that allows lounge access, there is the option of purchasing so-called day passes. Though, like the airlines, lounges are not equal. Some provide elaborate food buffets - and even a noodle bar as in Cathay Pacific's Business Class Lounge in Hong Kong - others provide little more than a quiet haven away from the busy concourse.
Check to see if airline day passes are valid for just one visit on a multi-stop routing or for any number of visits over a 24 hour period. Typically, non-US lounges offer the best perks. But one thing for sure - as airlines try to dig themselves out of a financial mess, money-making schemes such as day passes are here to stay. See Savvy Traveller's lounge reviews under the section 'Airline Lounges.'
Some airlines, such as Air Canada, price their day passes according to the purchased fare. Travellers should take care to ensure that they are purchasing the pass for the outbound and/or inbound sectors.
Some airports have non-airline affiliated lounges, (i.e. Plaza Premium) with prices typically ranging from $30 to $60.
Here is a Savvy Traveller sampling of access prices.
Finally, some airlines, such as American Airlines, offer annual memberships - a decent option for those who travel frequently but are unable to achieve status.
AIR CANADA: $35-55
ALASKA AIRLINES $40
AMERICAN AIRLINES: $50 (Valid for 24hrs at all AA lounges enroute)
DELTA: $50 (Valid for 24 hours at all Delta Sky Clubs enroute)
UNITED AIRLINES $39 ($50 at the door)
NOVEMBER 15 2010
A COOL ADDITION TO A HOTEL'S FLEET - MINI COOPERS
The Peninsula Hotels in New York and Chicago are introducing Mini Coopers to their limousine fleets. The chaufferu-driven Cooper cars are finished in "Peninsula Green," and contain mini refrigerators for drinks and cold towels, and feature iPod and iPhone connections for a fully-customized trip. Special storage boxes mounted on the rooftop are designed to accommodate luggage and shopping bags. The Minis are also part of the Peninsula fleets in Hong Kong.
OCTOBER 22, 2010
AIR RIGHTS
In the past few days there has been widespread coverage of the dog fight between Canada and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over enhanced access for Emirates Airlines and Etihad to additional Canadian airports. Canada rejected the UAE's bid for the most part, and in return, the UAE booted Canadian troops out of a small staging base in Camp Mirage.
Analysts say that Ottawa was protecting the market of flag carrier Air Canada which, together with Star Alliance partner Lufthansa, feeds significant traffic through the German carrier's Frankfurt hub, onto destinations in Europe, Africa and Asia. There is also a belief that the UAE over-reached - pressing for not only more frequencies to Toronto, but also access to Calgary and Vancouver.
Air Canada and the Canadian Government reportedly argued that very little originating traffic from the UAE is headed to Canada, and that the Emirate's carriers are keen to bolster their hubs and carry passengers to onwards destinations. So what's so wrong with that?
Air rights are customarily negotiated on a reciprocal basis: if the UAE's airlines flies to Canadian airports then Canadian carriers have the right to operate flights to the Emirate. However, Air Canada's route network in the Middle East is still very weak and the UAE should have been allowed more Canadian access to give travellers there more choice. In addition, Air Canada's network to Southeast Asia is almost non-existent - and the UAE airlines are an attractive option for travellers in eastern Canada headed to Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and other parts of the region. Few options add to up to higher prices for Canadian travellers, who are already famously weighed down bu horrendous taxes and fees.
Ottawa's handling of air negotiations has been nothing short of close-minded. It even managed last year to chase away one of the world's best airlines, Singapore Airlines, after it pressed for daily flights into Vancouver. Singapore Airlines said it regretted having to end 20 years of service to Canada. Air Canada doesn't operate services to the crucial Singapore hub, so this development was a huge loss for Canadian air travellers.
Icelandair is also reported to be seeking more access to Canadian airports.
With Ottawa's close-minded attitude towards air rights, in the end, Canadian businesses and travellers get penalized.
in June, the Western Premiers' Conference issued a statement: "The lack of Open Skies agreements is currently costing our economies hundreds of millions of dollars and thousands of jobs."
We couldn't agree more.