As you know from my story last week, I was “gallivanting British Columbia” to uncover all fantastic things – mostly epicurean.

One of my notable foodie experiences in Vancouver came at the contemporary restaurant Hawksworth. Chef David Hawksworth and his culinary team feature modern Canadian cuisine, orchestrated with wine pairings by wine expert Terry Threlfall and sommelier Jay Whitely. Kicking off the five-course tasting menu – spot prawns with northern divine caviar – followed by a yellow fin tuna ceviche complimented by avocado, crispy amaranth, pecan and cilantro. Most impressive was the evening’s main course, a pan roasted pacific sablefish with chanterelle and chayote in tom yum broth.

After dinner, we whisked ourselves through the Rosewood Hotel’s art deco lobby and up to its rooftop lounge, Reflections.

The vibe is ultra cool; the people are ultra chic; and the drinks, with names such as Smoking Maria, Moscow Mule, Penicillin and Between the Sheets, makes one think 1920′s speak-easy while gazing at an ultra-modern outdoor space.

A must try cocktail is Robyn Gray’s Mexico Fix. A spin on the margarita, the drink is a blend of sweet tequila, green chartreuse, pineapple syrup, maraschino liqueur and lime juice, giving it a tangy taste.

Paying homage to the hotel’s history, drinks are all handmade the old fashioned way with fresh ingredients, such as the popular “Hotel Georgia,” the signature drink. Brad Stanton of Hawksworth Bar & Lounge recreated the historic tipple with a little more of a modern twist. He was kind enough to share the recipe with all of you! Cheers!

Hotel Georgia Cocktail circa 1945

Ingredients: 1 egg white, 1¾ oz. Plymouth gin, ½ oz. orgeat, 3/4 oz. lemon juice, 6 drops orange blossom water.

Method: Beginning with the egg white, combine all ingredients in a mixing vessel. Shake mixture briefly (without ice). Add ice and shake vigorously for around 20 seconds. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled cocktail glass. Grate a little fresh nutmeg onto the surface of the drink. Enjoy!

(Miami, FL)  – May 15, 2012 – SeaDream Yacht Club’s SeaDream I & II, rated as the top “Boutique Ships” in 2012 by Berlitz Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships, has introduced its 2013 Amazon pre and post- voyage Land Adventures to Machu Picchu.

SeaDream II will sail the Amazon River beginning February 10, 2013 departing from Barbados. Offered as a 20-day voyage; Barbados to Iquitos, Peru, or two 10-day voyages; Barbados to Manaus, Brazil or Manaus to Iquitos. New in 2013 are two 7-day Upper Amazon voyages sailing from Iquitos, Peru roundtrip. SeaDream is nimble enough to go upriver, deep into the Peruvian rainforest.

In total, SeaDream has eight Amazon voyage options in 2013. James Cabello, Manager of SeaDream’s Land Adventures said “our land packages have been tailor-made to include comfort and authenticity. I’ve scouted out the best experiences with highly qualified guides.” Voyages 21308, 21310 & 21311 offer a 6-night or a 4-night pre-voyage program. Voyages 21307, 21308 & 21310 offer a 5-night or a 3-night post-voyage program.

Highlights of Pre and Post Voyage Adventures to Machu Picchu:

• Visit Urubamba Valley, the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
• Get up close with llamas, fall in love with alpaca, and see ancient weaving techniques still in use.
• Enjoy a gastronomic feast at Wayra Ranch, hosted by Chef, Pedro Miguel Schiaffino.
• Watch stunning equestrian demonstrations of the Peruvian Paso horses set to Marinera music.
• Tour the fortress of Ollantaytambo.
• Take a spectacular 3 ½ hr. ride aboard the Orient Express luxury train, the Hiram Bingham (brunch served while the spectacular Andean scenery passes by).
• Relish the views while having afternoon tea at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge Hotel.
• Watch the sunset with only a handful of others at Machu Picchu, where you’ll stay overnight.
• Wake up in Machu Picchu and experience sunrise from your elegant, peaceful hotel.
• Tour Cusco (“Archaeological Capital of the Americas”) and its Inca walls.
• Visit Cusco’s Pre-Columbian Art Museum by night, dining at the Museum’s restaurant featuring Novoandina cuisine.
• In Lima, savor an authentic Peruvian lunch followed by a panoramic tour of the “City of the Kings”.

Chic and stylish, SeaDream’s 56-stateroom yachts are favored for their elegant informality, state-of-the-art facilities, personal service provided by a crew of 95, inclusive open bar and gratuities, ocean view accommodations, luxury spa and world class cuisine.

For more details about SeaDream’s Amazon voyages and associated Adventures to Machu Picchu contact your travel professional or SeaDream Yacht Club at 1 800 707-4911

Having traveled to Vancouver, British Columbia 13 years ago versus a trip that I’m on currently, exploring all things epicurean, I realize just how much the city has changed. From the best in dining to new hotels, such as the stunning two year old Shangri-la Hotel in Downtown, and the new Fairmont property and the Pacific Rim in the Waterfront area, Vancouver is a town to be reckoned with, even rivaling that of San Francisco, New York and Paris.

The easily manageable walking city is sparkling clean and safe. An easy going friendly atmosphere, people seem happy here. Of course I land into one of the first sun soaked weekends, where locals are out shopping in trendy Yale town, dining at outdoor cafes next to blooming tulips, or partaking in the 26-mile marathon around the city.

Vancouver is alive! It’s springtime, the birds are flying across crystal clear blue skies, views of emerald colored mountains topped with the last of winter’s snow capped peaks rise from Vancouver’s busy port – visually, it’s simply breathtaking.

A favorite day trip is taking one of the several tour buses around the island, touching upon favorite tourist destinations like Stanley Park, home to the Vancouver Aquarium, rose gardens and the famed Tea House Restaurant set amid towering pines, and rolling lawns at one of the many parks within the park.

Take the Aquabus off Yaletown’s pier and head over to Granville Island to experience a touristy hot spot, but also a local’s hangout, with one of the best markets I’ve ever experienced anywhere in the world. The Granville Island Market is best navigated by taking the Pacific Institute of Culinary Art’s tour with the enthusiastic Chef Julian as he winds guests through mounds of fresh vegetables, cheese areas, bread shops, culinary specialty shops in a Plugged in Tour. His enthusiasm about food is contagious, and one can’t help but learn a tip or two about buying organic, whether buying fresh versus frozen is advantageous, how to break an egg the chef way, or simply what to look for when purchasing sustainable products.

There is so much to share, it simply can’t be covered in just one story. So, I’ll be breaking down the people I’ve come across, the experiences I’ve had, and the best destinations to discover when visiting this dream destination called British Columbia.

Story originally appeared at Exclusive Resorts

When thinking of Peru, one can’t help but think of Machu Picchu, the ominous and ghostly site of the ancient Inca who disappeared mysteriously so long ago. A site so mystical, there have been pilgrimages by every nationality from around the world – all to experience, ponder and tick off “a must-do” from bucket lists.

There is another reason to experience the mountainous region en route to Machu Picchu. Inkaterra, a luxury resort located on 12 acres of unspoiled Andrean Cloud Forest, sits at the base of Machu Picchu Mountain, and is home to hundreds of beautiful orchids. A collection of 372 orchid species has been touted by the American Orchid Society, as the largest collection in the world of native orchids to the area.

The Inkaterra Association, Inkaterra’s NGO, and the Machu Picchu property, have given various teams of scientists and researchers the opportunity to study the Peruvian orchids. Information collected by not only ITA, but also guests, has brought forward seven new orchid species, lending to important published reports on the biodiversity of the 12-acre site.

The Orchid Trail is open to hotel guests gratis, and to the public for a small fee. Walk the orchid garden on a personalized guided tour by a nature specialist, or by special request, ask for Inkaterra’s resident chief biologist and co-author of the ‘Orchids at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel’ book, who will point out the largest orchid flower in the world, the Phragmipedium caudatum and tiny flowering specimens, which can only seen by a magnifying glass.

When Exclusive Resorts members traveled on a Once in a Lifetime journey in 2010 to Peru, they enjoyed the beautiful accommodations at the Inkaterra.The luxury resort features an 85-cottage luxury hotel and 12-acres of secluded natural bliss.

Duration: ¼ day

Difficulty Level: 1

Daily Schedule: Mornings and Afternoons

Machu Picchu Village Railroad
Cuzco (0)1 610 0400

From the US: (866) 242-2889

Article also at Exclusive Resorts

New State-Of-The-Art Outdoor Kitchen and Herb Garden Harnesses the Four Elements of Chi

Aspiring chefs will delight in the opening of One&Only Palmilla’s new Outdoor Kitchen and Herb Garden for Mexican Culinary Classes and private dining. Home to the upcoming Mexican Culinary Festival November 7-11, 2012, the One&Only Palmilla Herb Garden served as the location for daily cooking demonstrations led by celebrity chefs Enrique Olvera from Pujol, Daniel Ovadía from Paxia, and Edgar Nunez from Sud777 during the inaugural festival last fall.

The new intimate garden venue will now serve as the location for weekly complimentary cooking demonstrations and Iron-Chef-style culinary competitions led by visiting Mexican chefs and resort experts. Able to accommodate up to 12 guests, each weekly culinary seminar begins with a guided tour of the herb garden that boasts a variety of fresh produce including a collection of indigenous chilies such as habanero, pequin, and poblano, and herbs such as cilantro, epazote, sweet basil, and hibiscus tea plant. Each demonstration will be paired with a Mexican wine or tequila selected by Head Sommelier Manuel Arteaga.

“We know our guests are passionate about food, so we have taken elements from the Mexican Culinary Festival and transformed them into a weekly curriculum to be enjoyed throughout the year,” says George Sotelo, Resident Manager. “My hope is that guests walk away with a new appreciation for the techniques and flavors of Mexican cuisine that they can then recreate at home.”

In addition to weekly culinary classes, the new Herb Garden will also play host to Iron-Chef-type competitions pairing teams of four guests with one chef against another like team in a light-hearted cook-off. Winners will be awarded a complimentary dinner at the Chef’s table. Similar style culinary classes and competitions in the Herb Garden will also be made available for teens ages 14-17.

Designed to incorporate the four elements of Chi – water, fire, earth and wind – the One&Only Palmilla Herb Garden featuring an authentic Mexican fountain and torch also presents guests with an exclusive new venue for private dining and celebrations.

It is two hours before I’m to meet Chef María José San Román at her Michelin-starred restaurant, Monastrell, when she calls. “Would you meet in the foyer now for a quick restaurant tour before our dinner later?” she asks apologetically, explaining that the Spain versus Portugal soccer game will begin shortly and she must meet up with her daughter at a party.

Downstairs, in the lobby of the Hospes Amerigo, wafts of splendid kitchen aromas override the mayhem ensuing outside on Calle de Rafael Altamira– a mix of car exhaust, honking and soccer fans running to catch the kick-off.

My attention turns away from the street and onto the entrance’s wall, where chef superstars’ images hang– close friend Chef José Andrés and French actor and restaurateur Gerard Depardieu are just a few of the notables. Hanging with these famous luminaries is nothing new for this world-class Spanish chef, whose entre into the restaurant business started with investments in several of Spain’s famed eateries. Graduating from investor to owner, San Román now runs six of her own acclaimed restaurants in Alicante.

While leaving for her party, she hands me an address to her latest venture, La Taberna Del Gourmet– an upscale delicatessen-meets-wine-bar just around the corner. Grabbing a seat at the boisterous gastro bar — better known to global foodies as the best tapas bar in Spain — I sample small plates of baked goat cheese with herbs and honey paired with white sangria, and Santa Pola Bay squid grilled to perfection.

After the game enthusiastic crowds pour into the streets while I make my way back into Monastrell. San Román, now attired in chef jacket and toque, is settled into where she’s most comfortable, the kitchen. In between succulent pumpkin lasagna with sage, paired with Trico wine and a phenomenal brioche sandwich of squid with caramelized onion emulsion, we both get a reprieve — me, from gorging on impeccable gourmand, and San Román, with a break from her magnificent cookery.

When I ask her about being a woman restaurateur amid Spain’s male dominated restaurant world, she replies, “It’s an advantage and it is changing,” while opening a book about Spanish chefs from the Alicante region. Pointing out her own chapter, plus five other chapters on female chefs, she notes, “Not bad, six females among thirteen chefs in total.”

She chooses to cook what she feels, and for tonight’s meal puts her spin on traditional Valencian classics. “Never follow the rules,” she smiles, “and when I create something, I have to make sure it’s executed, because trees don’t always let you see the forest.” San Román trusts her team implicitly and luckily for me, this allows her to spend time at my table sharing restaurant tales, family photos and her new luxury toy, the iPad.

Quickly whipping back and forth between foodie images, and talking with San Romána about her trips to Jordan and the White House where she took to the podium to support Michelle Obama’s healthy eating campaign, I sit quietly listening and savoring my last course–arroz con leche y manzana caramelizada.

Turning back to her iPad, San Román asks if I’d like to see something “incredible,” and pulls up a piano keyboard app. While cooking up a tune as her fingers pluck at the screen, I can’t help but ask her one last question. “Is this how you have fun as the kitchen boils down at the end of an evening?”

Still tapping the digital keyboard, she looks up smiling. “I don’t ever feel like I’m ‘working,’ the best fun in life is now, and it’s amazing!”

Original Story posted on Exclusive Resorts.

Photo: Diana Edelman

Flagship aircraft features Lufthansa’s newest in-flight products in every class – Initial routes focus on United States and India

East Meadow, NY, May 1, 2012 – Today Lufthansa officially received delivery of the first Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental passenger aircraft.  Lufthansa is the first airline to operate Boeing’s new Jumbo jet, which is one of the carrier’s flagship aircraft, marking yet another milestone in the more than half century partnership between the two industry leaders. The official handover took place during a ceremony at Boeing’s Everett, WA, facility outside of Seattle, where Carsten Spohr, CEO of Lufthansa German Airlines; Pat Shanahan, senior vice president, Airplane Programs, Boeing Commercial Airplanes and more than 100 company executives, employees, media and local dignitaries gathered to celebrate the momentous occasion.

“We are excited and thrilled to welcome the 747-8 Intercontinental to our fleet. With its lower noise, lower fuel burn and lower emissions, the 747-8 Intercontinental will help us meet our strategy of environmental protection and sustainability, underpinned by investment in innovation. And our passengers will love the new interior, which includes our all-new full-flat business-class cabin,” said Carsten Spohr.

Later today, the new aircraft will be flown to Lufthansa’s Frankfurt base, where it will be prepared to enter service in just one month, on June 1^st. The inaugural route will be Frankfurt (FRA) to Washington, D.C.’s Dulles International Airport (IAD) with flight LH 418/419.  Later this year, Los Angeles, Chicago O’Hare, New Delhi and Bangalore will be added to the route network.

“We are very proud and pleased that Lufthansa is the airline launch customer for the 747-8 Intercontinental,” said Boeing’s Pat Shanahan. “Lufthansa has been a trusted partner for many years and has contributed greatly to making the 747 a truly beloved airplane around the world. We are excited for Lufthansa’s passengers to experience the incredible new Intercontinental — it is truly a Queen of the Skies for the 21st Century.”

Lufthansa currently has 20 Boeing 747-8s on order and is expected to take delivery of five more this year. “This investment by Lufthansa is a significant contribution to U.S. exports, bolstering our National Export Initiative and sustaining U.S. jobs in innovation and manufacturing by showcasing the excellence of The Boeing Company as a global leader in aerospace. I applaud this vital and successful partnership,” said Francisco J. Sanchez, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade.

The Boeing 747-8 is a brand new aircraft designed on the well-tested base of the 747-400. It features new state-of-the-art wings with improved aerodynamics and raked wing tips; new fuel-efficient, U.S.-manufactured GEnx-2B engines that contribute to a reduction in fuel burn, emissions and noise and thus give airlines the lowest operating costs and best economics of any large passenger airplane; and fly-by-wire technology.

The aircraft generates a 30 percent smaller noise footprint than the 747-400 and brings double-digit improvements in fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions per passenger, making it one of the industry’s most fuel-efficient aircraft and key to Lufthansa’s commitment to sustainable reduction of carbon dioxide emissions.  The 747-8 fuselage is 250 feet 2 inches long, which is 18 feet 4 inches longer than the 747-400. Lufthansa will operate the 747-8 with a configuration of 362 seats (8 First Class, 92 Business Class and 262 Economy Class). The stretch also provides Lufthansa with 26 percent more cargo volume.

Brand new Business Class product with innovative “V” seating concept

The aircraft interior includes a new curved, upswept architecture that gives passengers a greater feeling of space and comfort, while adding more room for personal belongings. In addition, passengers of the Lufthansa 747-8 Intercontinental will enjoy the carrier’s most up-to-date cabins in all three classes, and will be among the first to experience the airline’s new Business Class product, including a completely redesigned seat that meets the comfort and privacy desires expressed by customers during an extensive research process. At the push of a button, the seat converts to a full-flat, horizontal sleeping surface measuring 6’6” in length (1.98 m). Ergonomically improved cushioning ensures a high degree of comfort in a sitting or horizontal position, and adjustable armrests provide more space in the shoulder area when lying down.

Another unique attribute of the new Business Class cabin is the innovative seating arrangement in the form of a “V” whereby two neighboring seats are angled towards one another along a central axis. This solution enables Lufthansa to fulfill one of the main wishes expressed by customers – to sit or lie facing the direction of travel, while at the same time enjoy virtually double the distance between two neighboring seats at shoulder level, which now gives Business Class passengers greater privacy and more personal living space.

The public can track the progression of the 747-8 into Lufthansa’s service via a dedicated 747-8 micro site that showcases product features along with 3-D models of the aircraft and interactive games.

About Lufthansa

One of the world’s largest and most prestigious airlines, Lufthansa currently flies to 211 destinations in 84 countries, with hubs in Frankfurt, Munich, and with the Lufthansa Group acquisition of Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and SWISS – Vienna, Brussels and Zurich. From its 21 North American gateways, Lufthansa— recently voted by Fortune as one of the five most admired airlines in the world— and its partners serve over 450 destinations in more than 120 countries. An industry innovator, Lufthansa has long been committed to environmental care and sustainability, operating the most technologically-advanced and fuel-efficient fleet in the world. Its long-haul fleet to and from North America includes the Boeing 747-400, as well as the Airbus A300 sub fleet. Currently, Lufthansa has over 160 new aircraft worth about $22 billion on order. Lufthansa is the largest European operator of the A380 and is also the launch customer for the new Boeing 747-8, the industries’ two most fuel-efficient passenger aircraft. Known for its premium services, Lufthansa continues its $105 million program earmarked for building new or upgrading existing lounge facilities across its worldwide network and will spend more than $3.6 billion in new onboard products and services by 2015. In 2010, Lufthansa re-launched its broadband wireless Internet service onboard, FlyNet. For more information or reservations, visit www.lufthansa.com.

(AP)

Look for her first story on Chef María José San Román from the Michelin starred restaurant, Monastrell located in Alicante, Spain this Weds, April 25.

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Exclusive Resorts is the world’s leading private club for luxury travel experiences, orchestrating once in a lifetime moments for it members on luxury vacations all around the world. It is the one and only Club that combines a collection of hundreds of stunning luxury homes, members-only experiential travel, immersive cultural journeys, VIP events, and world-class privileges and benefits into a single, seamless membership.

Founded in 2002, the company has delivered more than 150,000 vacations for its thousands of members. For more information, visit www.exclusiveresorts.com, call (800) 447-8988, and follow Exclusive Resorts on Facebook and Twitter.

COSTA RICA WINS BID TO HOST 2013 ADVENTURE RACING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

San Jose, COSTA RICA (April 19, 2012) – For the third consecutive year, Costa Rica will host a qualifying competition for the Adventure Racing World Series from April 21-28 in the coastal cities of Puntarenas and Guanacaste. This is the only qualifying competition in Latin America, which will culminate in a world championship in France this September. The competition will consist of several different adventure activities including mountain biking, hiking, sea kayaking, rafting, canopying and canyoning, among others. Furthermore, in order to offset CO2 emissions related to the competition, teams will plant trees and partake in other environmentally-friendly activities throughout the race.

“Adventure tourism is one of the main activities for visitors to Costa Rica,” commented Ireth Rodriguez, deputy director of marketing for the Costa Rica Tourism Board. “Seventy-two percent of tourists that travel to Costa Rica participate in adventure-related activities such as kayaking, surfing, rafting and bungee jumping, positioning us as a leader in this segment,” she continued.

The 2012 Costa Rica Adventure Race is comprised of 18 competing teams from countries such as France, Spain, the United States, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Denmark,  Italy, and, of course, Costa Rica. The teams will participate in a 326 mile trek through rural, populated and inaccessible areas throughout Puntarenas and Guanacaste, with the winning team being granted a $6,000 prize and an invitation to the finals in France. The team that comes in second place will win $3,000 in prize money, while the third place team will be awarded a prize of $1,000.

The Adventure Race World Series is comprised of 11 qualifying competitions around the world, where competitors race non-stop for up to eight days at a time. Costa Rica’s Northern Zone and Caribbean Coast were home to qualifying competitions in 2010 and 2011, respectively. In 2013, Costa Rica will host the Adventure Race World Championship between October and November, where 90 teams from over 30 countries from around the world will participate. Costa Rica was chosen for being a quality tourist destination with exuberant nature, an optimum tourism infrastructure and its sustainability practices. It didn’t hurt that the country is a long-time supporter of the race and host to three qualifying competitions from 2010-2012.

“It’s such an honor for Costa Rica to be selected as the host of the 2013 Adventure Race World Championship,” commented Ireth Rodriguez, deputy director of marketing for the Costa Rica Tourism Board. “Being chosen as the host city for such a prestigious international event showcases the country as a premiere adventure destination,” she continued.

For more information about the 2012 Costa Rica Adventure Race, please visit http://www.arworldseries.com/races/costarica.html.

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About Costa Rica

Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica is located in Central America between Nicaragua and Panama. The country represents only .05 percent of the planet’s surface but shelters almost 5 percent of the world’s biodiversity and 3.5 percent of the world’s marine life. Costa Rica is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, four types of forest, 12 microclimates and more than 500 species of flora and fauna, with more than 26 percent of its territory comprising national parks and other protected areas, making the country one of the most popular sustainable tourism destinations in the world.