Where to Stay in Santiago

I just returned from a trip to Santiago, Chile. Although this particular trip was for a vacation, I stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton in the upscale Las Condes neighborhood and I highly recommend it if you're ever in Santiago for business. The rooms are quiet and comfortable (as you would expect from a Hilton property), and you get a perfect view of the Andes mountains if you get a room facing east or the San Cristobal Hill, if facing west. The neighborhood is great for getting out for a walk if you have a few minutes with a lot of shops and restaurants. There's also a short paseo (La Pastora) between Avenida Aprquindo and Isidora Goyenecha with ten sculptures made from stone, bronze and steel.
The best thing about this hotel though was definitely the warm, friendly staff. They made sure we felt welcome, gave us great information about the area, tips on restaurants and hints of places to visit (time permitting). I've stayed in a lot of hotels throughout my travels and I think the staff at this DoubleTree was among the best I've ever encountered. Kudos to the whole team and to the management for obviously providing great training!

Let me know if you've ever stayed at this hotel and what you thought. Or have you stayed somewhere else in Santiago for work that you would recommend for your fellow biz travelers?

DoubleTree by Hilton

Av Vitacura 2727, Las Condes, Región
Santiago, Chile 

Thai One On

I just returned from a trip to Chicago and realized that I haven't yet mentioned one of my favorite restaurants that I go to regularly when I'm in town. It's called Dao Thai Restaurant and Noodle Palace conveniently located just east of Michigan Avenue on Ohio.
They have terrific food and service, but one of my favorite features of this restaurant is a row of tables down the center aisle that just have pads as seats with an opening for your legs. I break my own usual pattern of eating at the bar when alone to sit at one of those.

Dao Thai Restaurant and Noodle Palace
230 East Ohio Street
Chicago, Il 60611

My faves:
Pad Thai with extra tofu (fried) and peanuts and the Crab Rangoon Wantons

Buona Caccia

Eataly is an indoor Italian market/restaurant/cooking school/wine shop/all around fun place to hang out. The original is located at 200 5th Avenue (at 23rd) in NYC and has become one of my new favorite places to spend time in Manhattan when I find myself with a bit of spare time on my travels there.

Last time I went, I entered through the small door on 23rd Street that led into the huge open space humming with 100's of people perusing the markets filled with gorgeous fruits and veggies, mozzeralla cheese, pasta, rice and fresh baked breads,coffee and gelato, and sitting at tables or standing at long wooden counters after ordering from one of the dozen or so restaurants that are housed in this fantastic space. According to its website, the goal of Eataly is to "challenge the idea that quality products are accessible only to a select few"

It's fun just to wander through and look and get caught up in the crowd of people and the buzz of the markets, but if you can find a table or space at a counter and have time for a meal or a snack, it's also fabulous for the solo diner (I can't image that you'd be alone for long.) I've been to Eataly many times and every time I go, I find something else to love about it!

There are now several Eataly markets throughout the US. including 2 in NYC, Chicago, Boston and coming soon to LA. Have you ever been to Eataly? If so, let me know what you think.

Take a Peek Into the Industrial Revolution

With the Miami Beach Convention Center currently undergoing a $615-million state-of-the-art transformation that will be ready in 2018, you can bet more of us business travelers will likely be heading down to South Beach (SoBe)for meetings and conferences. 

If you are one of the lucky ducks who has a conference in SoBe and you find yourself with a spare hour or so, think about heading over to the Wolfsonian- Florida International University Museum. It’s right in the heart of the city, just blocks from the Convention Center at Washington and 10^th and its permanent and rotating exhibits dating from the Industrial Revolution through the end of the Second World War are fantastic.

The building itself, the Washington Storage Company, was expanded and renovated in 1992 by architect Mark Hampton in collaboration with architect William Kearns to convert it from a storage place for Mitchell Wolfson, Jr.'s large collection of rare books and objects on modern design, architecture and decorative arts into a museum and research center. The modernist lobby, museum café and shop are just a prelude to the exhibit space for permanent and temporary galleries dramatically arranged around light wells, 

The museum is open various hours every day except Wed. and it’s just $10 to get in (or free on Friday nights from 6-9 if you happen to be there then) So if you're in Miami Beach for work and find that elusive bit of time that we business travelers sometimes get, head down to Washington and 10th and poke into the Wolfsonian-FIU and get lost in a whimsical "blast from the past" 

Wolfsonian- FIU
1001 Washington Avenue
(corner of Washington and 10th)
Miami Beach, FL 33139

http://www.wolfsonian.org. 

MOMA For Free

If you're ever in NYC over a Friday and you find yourself with some open time in the evening, you can head to the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) for UNIQLO Free Friday nights from 4:00pm - 8:00pm. You can't buy tickets in advance so you have to go there and get in line - but I promise, even if it looks monstrous, the line moves pretty quickly once the doors open (or you can just get there a little later and miss the opening "rush")
It's terrific to be able to go and wander through the different galleries - Or you can just choose one exhibit or just walk around the building and admire the architecture. You can even get a free headset if you like to hear excerpts about some of the pieces that you're looking at. And because it's all free,(usual cost is $25), you don't have to feel guilty if you don't have a lot of time to spare and just want to visit briefly.
It's a great way to while away an hour or so without spending a dime.

MOMA
11 West 53rd Street
New York, NY
212-708-9400
http://www.moma.org/

Note: There is another location in Queens

Tip: If you can't get to the museum on Friday evening, you can go to the MOMA design/gift store directly across the street anytime for free (44 West 53rd Street) It's a great place to browse and find jewelry, furniture, accessories and gifts that reflect pieces from the museum.

Zaytinya - A Taste Treat in DC

When I'm in DC for work, I always try to make my way over to Zaytinya - which means "olive oil" in Turkish - for lunch or dinner at least once. It's an easy walk from the Convention Center if you're there for a conference, or located directly across from the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro stop on the Red, Green and Yellow lines.

The inside of the restaurant is sleek and modern and it has a great outdoor patio for al fresco dining (weather permitting) However, as much as I love the atmosphere of Zaytinya it's the food that keeps me coming back whenever I'm in town. World-traveling chef Jose Andres and his team have created a menu of fantastic small plates (mezze) inspired by the cuisine of Turkey, Greece and Lebanon (my mouth is watering as I write this just thinking about it!) Smaller portion plates are particularly great if dining alone or fun to share if you're in town with your team or clients.

Head to Zaytinya if you want a break from the steak or seafood restaurants that are plentiful in DC - and have an order of delicious baba ghannouge for me!

Let me know if you go and if so, what's your favorite dish? Or do you have another favorite restaurant near the convention center?

Zaytinya
701 9th Street NW
Washington DC 20001
Corner of 9th and G Streets

A Walk in the Park

If you're in NYC for work and you happen to be above about 56th and find yourself with that elusive 1/2 hour or hour before your next meeting or dinner, take a walk in the park. Central Park is haven away from the frantic bustle and noise of Manhattan and no matter where you enter, there is something wonderful to explore.

If you enter more toward the south end of the park you can wander to the carousel which has been a park attraction since 1861.

Toward the center of the park - you'll find the Belvidere Castle with its two balconies giving you a birds eye view of the Great Lawn, Turtle Pond and Delacorte Theater

 That Imagine mosaic (honoring John Lennon) is located in Strawberry Fields near 72nd on the West side and if you're way up in the Upper East side, you can roam the Conservatory Gardens.

There are hundreds of things to see in the park but you don't need to have an attraction in mind, just get out of the hotel, put on your walking shoes and enter the magic of Central Park. Wherever you roam, you'll feel like you're a million miles away from your hectic day and be prepared for the next meeting.

What's your favorite site in Central Park?

Get Outside in Vegas

Sometimes when I'm working at an event that takes place at one of the casino/event centers in Las Vegas, I almost feel like a prisoner. The event and conference space is connected to the hotel and colleagues and clients often just want to meet at restaurants or bars located on the property and there's even shopping and entertainment to be had without ever having to step out the door. Trying to just get outside for the few minutes that I might find myself with is nearly impossible - I know I, (and probably you), don't have time to wait in the cab line to try to get out somewhere and feel the sun on my face and it makes me crazy!

Finally, last time I was staying and working at Mandalay Bay, I found that if I made my way to the lower floor (pool level) I could get outside and there was a walkway that lead down a lovely path lined with palm trees all the way to the conference center. Prior to finding this piece of heaven, I would make the almost 1/2 mile hike inside the dark casino halls, over an indoor "bridge" which was lined (cruelly) with large windows that allowed me to see, but not experience,the beautiful, sunny skies. Finding the path that let me do that same walk outdoors felt like a great little secret way to start and end my long days otherwise spent in the sunless caverns of the event center and evenings at restaurants located in the hotel.

So, next time your event/meeting takes place inside the windowless depths of a Vegas casino,and you don't have a lot of time to try to get outside, take a look and see if you can find your own "secret passage" that lets you get outside, get in a little walk and breath a little fresh air.

If you've found your own great little secret walks (indoor or out) at any of the casinos, please let me know!

A Taste of the "Mini-Apple"

Because I travel from Minneapolis to other cities, I forget that some of you might be traveling to Minneapolis and want to know of some fun, interesting things there are to do here. So if you're business travels bring you to the "Mini - Apple"  Here are three things that you can do if you find yourself with an hour or two.

 1) Walk the skyways - According to Wikipedia, "Minneapolis skyways connect various buildings in 69 full city blocks over 11 miles of downtown Minneapolis, enabling people to walk in climate controlled comfort year-round."  (Great news especially if you're here in the winter!)
It's not only just kind of fun to wander through the skyways from building to building, but there are restaurants and shops throughout these passages as well.

2) Wander down Nicollet Mall - Nicollet Mall is 11 blocks that run through the heart of downtown Minneapolis with shops and restaurants for every taste. Take in a few shops and then stop and head up to the "rooftop lawn" (weather permitting) at Brit's Pub for a pint.

3) Walk along the Mississippi - Yep, "The Big Muddy" runs right through downtown Minneapolis (it's why Minneapolis was know as the flour mill capital of the world and how it got its nickname "Mill City") There's a great walking path all along the Mississippi - and depending on where you go, you'll see the Guthrie Theater, Mill City Museum, the Stone Arch Bridge, St Anthony Falls, and many other landmarks. If you get a nice day/evening and can get there, the Riverfront is a fantastic way to get out of the hotel for a stroll and some fresh air

Enjoy Minneapolis if you come!

Orlando - Who Knew?

Like many business travelers (especially those of us that do lots of trade shows and conferences), I end up in Orlando a lot!  I've always kind of thought of the area as a cultural wasteland (chain restaurants and Disney-themed and other touristy shops) So last time I was there, I thought that I'd do something different and I headed downtown Orlando. What a great surprise! I found a fantastic restaurant (Kasa Restaurant and Bar) on Orange Street, got a taste of the local nightlife and actually made my way back over one afternoon to the quaint neighborhood of  South Eola. This historic downtown neighborhood was a complete surprise to me with cobblestone streets (historical - not Disney-made), large shade trees dripping with Spanish Moss and bungalow homes. The best part of the area was Lake Eola Park where a fantastic Farmer's Market was underway, locals were gathering to do yoga in the large lawn, and swans swam in the lovely lake which was ringed by a .9 mile walking path that included small gardens, a swan boat rental dock, and several sculptures.
It was such a delightful surprise (I love it when that happens!) You'd better believe that next time I'm in Orlando for a conference or convention and I find myself with a little extra time, I'll be heading downtown to visit Lake Eola Park, or explore another new, interesting Orlando neighborhood.

Have you ever explored downtown Orlando?

Faves:Farmer's Market at Lake Eola Park
Restaurant: Kasa
Area - Lake Eola Park

Discover Atlanta - At the Airport?

Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson airport is huge and most people consider it just a hub to get to their next destination. However, if you want to (or if you're stranded and looking for something to do), you can actually walk the entire length of the concourse underground (where you typically catch the trains)- which I recently did. I found three delightful things in doing this: 1) It's very quiet and can be relatively quick as there are moving sidewalks and very few people (quite a departure from the chaos going on just above your head in the main concourses) 2) Whether you use the moving sidewalks or not (as I generally don't), you can actually get a little walking workout. Which is nice if you've been sitting in a meeting all day and are getting ready to board a plane and sit for several more hours. 3) There are some interesting and beautiful art and history installations between several of the concourses. Even if you don't take the entire pedestrian walkway, consider walking between a couple of the concourses to see some of these exhibits. - Between the terminal and concourse A is a permanent collection of twenty contemporary stone sculptures from Zimbabwe. This collection debuted in 2001 and is one of the largest publicly owned and exhibited collections of its kind. - Between concourses B and C you can take a "Walk Through Atlanta History" According to the website this is a multi-media installation that provides a glimpse into the rich history of the City of Atlanta. Approaching from Concourse B your journey starts with a section devoted to the Native Peoples who lived here for thousands of years, progresses through six key time periods, and ends with Atlanta’s entry onto the global stage. These are just two examples of interesting exhibitions that you can find at the Hartsfield-Jackson airport - So, if you're ever stranded or are not literally "running" to catch your flight, take a look at the website (offered free) ,type "art" or "Atlanta history" into the search box and go on a treasure hunt to find the permanent and rotating art exhbitt that this airport has to offer.

Havana in Chicago

Just returned from a biz trip in Chicago and found a new restaurant (Havana) that I think is perfect for the business traveller dining solo or a spot to take colleagues or customers that want something a little different than the many tourist spots in the magnificent mile area. Havana is a small restaurant on Clark (easy to walk to from many of the hotels in the area)that specializes in, what they call, Cuban and Pan-Latin inspired food and drinks, and I could tell that the place catered more to the local neighborhood and regular patrons than the tourists that were just steps away at the always crowded, 1-2 hour wait, Frontera Grill. The food was very good and the attentive and friendly waitress told me that they're known for their great Mojitos (which I didn't try but assume they're probably good)But it was the atmosphere of the place that won me over. They offer some outdoor seating right on busy Clark Street, but I suggest sitting inside. The dark wooden bar, tables and booths are warm and inviting and the ceiling fans give the place a decidedly tropical feel. All the while, soft Cuban music plays in the background, never overpowering the conversation I was having dinner with my colleague (Admittedly, we were there quite early on a Saturday evening, so I assume it does get much louder once the live music that they promote on their website starts - which could also be fun) All in all, Havana is a restaurant that I'll keep on my list for when I'm in the Windy City. I love finding these little "hidden" gems. Menu: Reasonably priced Cuban and Pan-Latin inspired food and drinks Havana 412 N. Clark Street Chicago IL 60654 Phone 312-644-1900

Miami Beach: A Quiet Walk in a Busy City

Amid the chaos of club music pouring out of every door and the sun-baked tourists walking up and down the beach and in and out of the shops and restaurants on Lincoln Road is the Holocaust Memorial. Located not far off that bustling road, directly behind the convention center at 1933-1945 Meridian Avenue, this quiet oasis with sculptures, photographs and a reflecting pool, offers a destination that you can walk through and pause at to reflect on this poignant moment in history. According to the website, the four-story bronze arm tattooed with a number from Auschwitz rising from the earth and stretching toward the heavens, represents those who died in concentration camps thinking that no one would care or remember.  If you're in town on business and find yourself with a few minutes between meetings or dinner, make your way to this quiet and beautiful memorial. It's open 9 a.m. to sundown daily and there is no charge for admission.

Just Like Marrekech

I just recently visited NYC and found a fabulous little Moroccan restaurant called Zerza. It's tucked away on Sixth Street between 1st and 2nd Avenues which is a street that I'd recalled in years past, had been mostly made up of Indian restaurants of which there are still quite a few. But Zerza caught my attention. With it's enticing aromas (I love Moroccan food!) and cozy atmosphere I was transported back to Marrakech - a place I had the great fortune to visit back in 2010 - as soon as I walked through the door. With advice from the people at the table next to us (New Yorkers are the best!)I ordered the braised short rib with prunes and almonds and was not disappointed. The meat fell off the bone and the lovely sauce was to die for. We finished off dinner with some fig ice cream which was heavenly. One of the best things about this place, aside from the delicious food, is that the background music is truly in the background and there is not one TV in the place! If you're ever near the East Village (or are willing to take a ride down there) I highly recommend Zerza - You won't be disappointed. Zerza Moroccan/Mediterranean Restaurant 320 East Sixth Street New York, NY 10003 212-529-8250 My Faves: Braised Short Rib Cozy Atmosphere and No TV!!

Tin Fish Anyone?

In San Diego, right across the street from the convention center, there's a great little outdoor cafe called the Tin Fish. It's on a little tree-covered boulevard practically in the middle of the street just as you head into the Gaslamp District. You can smell the fish frying all day and I promise you, if you ever have one of their fish tacos, you'll be spoiled for life. The place is always busy and it takes a while to get through the line to order your food - so don't go if you're in a hurry. But it's served fresh and hot and well worth the wait if you do! It's a great spot to sit outside in the beautiful San Diego weather and enjoy great food (They do also have some tables indoors)
I'm lucky because there's A Tin Fish located here in Minneapolis too - There are also locations in other CA cities, WA, FL and IN - Try it, I know you'll like it!

Menu
Burgers, chicken, soups and of course seafood (fried or grilled options)

My Faves: Fried fish tacos and fish and chips
Note: This restaurant sits right in the shadow of PetCo Park, so if there's a Padres game it will be especially busy.

The Tin Fish
170 6th Avenue
San Diego, CA

Table by the Window

I just had dinner at a delightful restaurant in Montreal. It's located on the cobble stone street of Rue St Paul, just on the edge of Old (Vieux) Montreal which is a great area to wander and poke into antique shops, boutiques and other novelty shops (Although things close fairly early - many by 6:00pm - It's still fun to window-shop.)

The cozy bistro, Les Pyrenees, specializes in cuisine from that part of the world (North of Spain and South of France.) I had cod, perfectly seasoned and pan-seared over a bed of wheat risotto with sun-dried tomatoes while my two colleagues enjoyed a fish stew loaded with mussels, squid, shrimp and vegetables,and a pasta with red sauce and chorizo. All were delicious and portions were large. There were some good choices of wine by the glass and deserts looked tempting - although we were too full from the great dinner to partake.
A short walk back to our convention center hotel made it a perfect evening.

Oh and by the way, while I happened to be out with colleagues on this occassion, I did see a woman tucked into one of the comfy corner tables dining alone and thought, "I would definitely feel comfortable eating here alone," and I probably will if I ever make it back to Montreal and don't have the company of clients or colleagues.

Menu: Bistro Fare from the Pyrenees
My Faves: The cod, zuchinni cake and the ambience
Special note: Although not as crowded as the bistro right next door, don't let that fool you. Pyrenees is worth a stop.

Les Pyrenees Restaurant
320 Rue St-Paul Ouest (Quartier des Arts)
Vieux Montreal, Quebec H2Y 2A3
514-842-5566

A Taste of the Middle East

Who would have thought that I would have some of the best Baba Ghannouge ever at a restaurant on a little side street in Baltimore?!
Lebanese Taverna is a small east coast chain and although I've never been to any of the others, this one in Baltimore's East Harbor neighborhood has fast become one of my favorite spots to eat when here for work. I sat at the bar where they had full-service and although the bartender was busy (it was a Saturday night) he was attentive and gave me his (good) opinions on some of the dishes.
For something a little different than the hundreds of touristy seafood restaurants in the inner harbor area - I recommend a little middle-east respite.

Menu:
Yummy middle east dishes
Moderate pricing
Full service in/at the bar
My faves: The Baba Ghannouge and the friendly and helpful service

Lebanese Taverna
719 S. President Street, Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 244-5533
Located on the corner of S. President and Lancaster Streets in the newly developed Harbor East!

Chain Gang in Vegas

I just got back from several days in Las Vegas for a conference and I thought I'd post a couple of restaurants that are located right on the strip that offer the comfort of familiarity. Let's face it, just because you're in a place with fabulous restaurants, sometimes you just want to stick with something simple and something you know ... and for me one night while I was there, the perfect meal was an order of lettuce wraps and a glass of wine at PF Changs ... :>)

- PF Chang's at Alladin/Planet Hollywood (ph)
- Rain Forest Cafe at The MGM Grand
- Hard Rock Cafe in The Showcase Mall (next to MGM Grand)
- Outback Steakhouse at The Coke Bottle
- Maggianos Little Italy at The Fashion Place Mall

As Easy As ABC

The ABC Carpet and Home Store in the Union Square neighborhood downtown Manhattan is one of my favorite places to hang out if I have a little bit of time to kill. From the outside, the store looks unremarkable but once through the door you feel like Dorothy stepping into Oz. Brightly-colored oriental rugs and crystal chandeliers of various size and height hang from the tall, six story ceilings in a feast for the eyes. The open construction, and separate shops spaces give the whole space the feel of an upscale, indoor bazaar. Each shop is filled to the brim with eclectic and beautiful housewares, textiles, rugs and more from all around the world. One-of-a-kind shops like ABC Carpet and Home are just one of the many things that I love about New York. At any given moment you can step through any seemingly ordinary door and you may just get to feel like you spent a few minutes somewhere over the rainbow.

The ABC Home and Carpet Store
881 and 888 Broadway
Hours: Mon-Sat: 10-7, Sun: 11-6:30
ABC Store

Bonjour Mon Ami!

Because I'm in trade show marketing, I end up in Vegas quite often. I don't really mind, since one of my favorite restaurants (Mon Ami Gabi) is located at the Paris Casino. It's one of those places again, where I can take clients/colleagues and they love it, but it's also perfect for solo dining. The decor is casual French Bistro, there are several small tables, wonderful salads and side dishes that you can make a meal of, and they have great wines-by-the-glass. And if it's warm, you can sit outside on the huge patio and have a nearly front row seat to watch the "Dancing Waters" at Belagio just across the street.
Many is the evening I've sat in that bistro or on that patio and enjoyed a plate of mussels or an order of steak frites, a glass of wine and a crusty baguette --mmm Can't wait to go back.

Mon Ami Gabi
Paris Hotel/Casino
3655 Las Vegas Blvd S.
Las Vegas, NV 89109

Menu: French bistro fare
Faves:Steak Au Poivre w/frites, mussels, fabulous wines by the glass
Other Info: They don't take reservations for patio seating, so if it's a nice day/evening and you're set on it, get ready for a bit of a wait.