Columns
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Train from St. Petersburg to Helsinki
by
Rebecca Jennings
You're speeding by frozen lakes, snowcapped mountains and frosty evergreen forests on your journey to the White City of the North- if your thoughts immediately jumped to Game of Thrones, a) you would be mistaken, and b) consider yourself a total nerd.
Fortunately, there's a better way to traverse the scenic Scandinavian tundra that doesn't involve dragons or worse, White Walkers. Forget horseback, the new, high-speed Allegro train now offers…
in Inside Scoop
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Ice Hockey World Championship
by
Rebecca Jennings
It's the biggest annual winter sports event worldwide - nope, not indoor soccer. From May 4-20, the 2012 IIHF World Championship will be held in Helsinki, Finland and Stockholm, Sweden, where the world's top teams will compete for the highest title in hockey.
This year, the IIHF will debut its new championship format in which the 16 teams will be split into two groups of eight. Each team will play…
in Inside Scoop
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Helsinki Week
by
Rebecca Jennings
Each year, summer in Finland is heralded in by the celebration of the capital city's founding in 1550. Helsinki Day, which over the years has burgeoned into a weeklong outdoor festival, invites travelers from all over the world to engage in picnics, concerts, theatre and street shows.
Since 1959, Helsinki Day has been a favorite of locals and tourists alike because of the wide range of activities offered and the…
in Inside Scoop
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The Magic of Marimekko
by
Darlene Gillard
If you've ever traveled to Finland more than likely you've shopped, seen, or heard of Marimekko. Admired by fashion lovers and interior decorators alike, the company designs and manufactures high-quality clothing, textiles, tableware, and a bunch of cool accessories.
Known for its strikingly inventive patterns and clever use of colors in prints, Marimekko was first a phenomenon in 1951 when it was founded, then a lifestyle throughout Northern Europe and…
in In the Bag
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Helsinki's Michelin Dining
by
Thom Meintel
Chez Dominique
A two star Michelin rating is a big deal in any country but in Finland it's even bigger. It's understandable that thoughts run toward France and the UK as far as award-winning cuisine, but who knew that Finland had ante-d up? I found out when I stepped foot into Chez Dominique that memorable night that Finland has raised the bar as far as 5 star dining. If you…
in Taste of the Town
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Helsinki Festival 2012 - Night of the Arts
by
Rebecca Jennings
What began as a series of classical music concerts in the 1950's has transformed into a midsummer romp in the heart of Finland that includes contemporary pop and world music, dance, theatre, cinema and exhibitions. From August 17th to September 2nd, feed yourself the arts at the 24th annual Helsinki Festival.
One of many worldwide "White Nights" events, the Helsinki Festival celebrates the long days and nearly nonexistent nights at…
in Inside Scoop
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Feasting in Finland
by
Lysa Allman-Baldwin
It’s not Your Momma’s Cuisine!
Wild reindeer terrine with tart lingonberry jam. Earthy trumpet chanterelles in a wine reduction sauce over seasoned trout. Crispy buckwheat blinis with Russian pickles, honey and sour cream.
It's enough to give any culinary enthusiast warm and fuzzy goose bumps. Yet that's what makes dining in Finland such a delightful experience.
Simple yet sophisticated, anticipated yet surprising, locally grown, hunted and snared fare derived from…
in Eating Around
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Helsinki Samba Carnaval
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Aimee Lam
Are you ready for some samba, you know, colorful costumes and feathers in every color of the rainbow? No, I'm not talking about heading to Brazil, that's way too predictable. Everyone knows that Brazilians are experts at the samba - skimpily clad dancers and lots of hip swaying - but have you ever seen the Finns do it? Now you can, because just in case you miss the February 18th…
in Inside Scoop
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New York, NY
by
Thom Meintel
DohYO @ YOTEL
Settle in on a cushy banquette at DohYO with a mango-ginger martini at arms length and study the playful murals that invite diners to experience the joyful energy at this one of a kind hotel restaurant. It's 10 p.m. and the place is buzzing with the who's who visiting New York City for the weekend. Their rendezvous this evening is the hotel du jour in Manhattan, Yotel,…
in Taste of the Town
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Denver, Colorado
by
Billie Frank
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa
Photos by Steve Collins
From the minute you pull up to The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa and are greeted by the impeccably uniformed doorman, you know you are in the lap of luxury. The pampering at this Four Star, Four Diamond property starts at the door and continues throughout the stay.
Dating from 1892, the lobby of the Italian Renaissance building is richly…
in En Suite
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Beaver Creek, Colorado
by
Billie Frank
The Osprey, A RockResort
Beaver Creek Resort is the perfect place for discerning travelers headed to the Colorado Rockies. The gated, luxury resort community offers a plethora of amenities for mountain getaways. Beaver Creek’s appeal is broad. The resort prides itself on its safe, family-friendly environment and variety of activities and programs for the younger set. Perhaps you’re looking for a place for a romantic weekend, a business-related event, a…
in En Suite
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Yantra Mat
by
Darlene Gillard
Who hasn't experienced trouble falling asleep? We all have and then there's that awful feeling of fatigue. Coupled with the normal stress of every working day, it's a combo we want to avoid. Now there's a fast solution so you can be alert and ready for early morning meetings, which for me sometimes involves exhausting fashion shoots. But how about just getting through the day? The answer is a Yantra…
in Inside Scoop
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Australia Rail Travel
by
Rachel Petzinger
The Ghan Wins “Best Train Journey in Australia”
No need to travel by kangaroo anymore when you visit Australia! The Ghan, an Australian transcontinental passenger railway has recently been crowned the "best train journey" in Australia by the Australian Traveler's Magazine Readers Choice Awards.
Named after the Afghan cameleers who once traveled this route, the Ghan begins its journey in Darwin and runs from the tropical splendor of the north…
in Inside Scoop
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Marionette Play in Central Park
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Victoria Brooke Markus
Sometimes we look back on our childhoods and hear nursery rhymes as clear as day, only to realize how truly old we are once new renditions of these classics debut. Remember when Little Miss Muffet sat on her tuffet? Well, now her great-great-great-great granddaughter is doing some of her own sitting - that is, babysitting ... for monsters.
Young-at-hearts and children of all ages will gather round to see "Little…
in Inside Scoop
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Direct Flights to Puerto Vallarta
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Victoria Brooke Markus
Margaritas, a mariachi band, and the sweet sunshine of Mexico. That's what the inaugural passengers enjoyed with Virgin America's first ever direct flight from San Francisco to Puerto Vallarta, and they didn't even have to board the plane to get the booze and music. The San Franciscan gate-side fiesta celebrated the airline's newest nonstop service to two of Mexico's hottest vacation hotspots, Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit. Begun on December…
in Got You Covered
Thom Meintel
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Le Club Chasse et Peche
It's obvious when a restaurant's got the buzz and the very trendy Le Club has it! Situated in the red hot old city of Montréal in a building that's of another era, its entrance is marked by a wordless iconic sign decorated with a discreet coat of arms-like design. A few steps down lands you in a cavelike setting, standard we learned for many old city historic joints in the Old Port neighbourhood but LCCeP is definitely a stand-out among them. Indeed, it does look like a private club but one from the here and now.
Gun metal grey walls diffuse the subterranean feel while whimsical animal lighting by Antoine Laverdiere adds a quirky edginess to the low-ceilinged space. A fantastic patterned ceiling provides a stimulating visual while waiting to be seated. We have Bruno Braën to thank for the overall sexy supper club look and feel with comfy leather captain's chairs and tables set with the restaurant's signature service. Opened since December, 2004, Le Club has been consistently wowing its regular patrons and visitors alike. Check out Nicolas Baier's haunting digital photographs while sipping a cocktail and prepare to be dazzled by Chef Claude Pelletier and Hubert Marsolais's short but innovative menu which changes weekly and features top-notch Canadian ingredients.
Start with the seared scallops with fennel puree in a lemon confit, perfect golden brown baubles and a signature of the house that's a must try. Pair them with the oysters with charisma, luscious with a celeriac velouté, crème fraiche and Breviro caviar, a true rarity. Canada's oysters are in a place all their own, especially in prime season, and it would be foolish to pass on a preparation so beautifully orchestrated. Order a bottle of the Lou Coucardie, 2004, a complex white from the Costieres de Nimes' Michele Gassier and consider a pasta course to complement it. Le Chasse has made a name for itself with Claude's suckling pig risotto, a staple at his former restaurant, Cube, and served with foie gras shavings that melt in your mouth with the slightly nutty wine.
Claude's dishes will have you eagerly awaiting the next course but take my advice and share the signature Chasse et Peche for your main course and leave room for dessert. The new take on surf and turf pairs two of the chef's choices, from rack of lamb and a lovely, lightly broiled tuna to a roasted duck and a Gaspé char served with black trumpet mushrooms, fingerling potatoes and sea urchin. Give in to the chef's whim here, you won't be disappointed.
Pastry chef, Masami Waki's enchanting world of inventively original desserts may tempt you to order a bottle of the ice apple cider. Even if it isn't summer outside, go for it. Sip this nectar of the gods while you savor every morsel of the maple caramel cake with a poached apple and vanilla ice cream. You're in Québec after all and you won't get off without eating something maple!
Le Club Chasse et Peche
423 rue St.-Claude
Vieux Montréal
514-861-0666
www.leclubchasseetpeche.com
Save to Martinique with Summer Spectacular
Martinique is treating your wallet this summer with the Summer Spectacular promotion offering the sixth night of your stay free at a choice of ten hotels! The Martinique Promotion Bureau/CMT USA is running the promotion for its second year beckoning travelers to relax on the silvery sands of this beautiful island.
Along with hotel savings, American Eagle is offering new sale fares on flights to Martinique from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Select flights have been discounted up to fifty percent for trips through August 22, 2011. American Eagle has two flights daily from Martinique with exceptional connectivity to flights from the mainland US.
The hotels participating in Summer Spectacular include:
Cap Est Lagoon Resort & Spa
Bakoua Hotel, Member of the M Gallery Collection
La Batelière
La Suite Villa
Carayou Hotel & Spa
Hotel Frégate Bleue
Karibea Baie du Galion Resort
Karibea Sainte-Luce Resort
Le Panoramic Hotel
Hotel Plein Soleil
After landing in Fort de France you'll ease into an island groove viewing breathtaking sights and of course, white sand beaches. Martinique is a slice of France with tropical toppings landing titles like "Top Caribbean Island for Delectable Dining" in 2009 and "Best Caribbean Destination" in 2010; the island is, how you say, magnifique!
See Martinique for the first time and use the bucks saved to spring for that bottle of champagne on the last night!
Contact:
American Eagle Airlines
www.aa.com
For Summer Spectacular promotions, please contact:
Martinique Promotion Bureau USA
212 745 0956
email
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Booking deadlines and available travel windows for the individual hotels are:
Cap Est Lagoon Resort & Spa
www.capest.com
Booking Deadline: 8/15
Travel Window: 6/1 to 8/28
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011-331-537-52238
Bakoua Hotel, Member of the M Gallery Collection
www.hotel-bakoua.com
Booking Deadline: 12/22
Travel Window: 6/1 to 12/23
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011-596-596-660-202
La Batelière
www.hotel-bateliere-martinique.com
Booking Deadline: 9/15
Travel Window: 6/1 to 9/30
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011-336-891-07356
La Suite Villa
www.la-suite-villa.com
Booking Deadline: 9/15
Travel Window: 6/1 to 9/30
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011-336-891-07356
Carayou Hotel & Spa
www.hotel-carayou.com
Booking Deadline: 10/15
Travel Window: 7/1 to 10/30
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011-596-596-661-935
Hotel Frégate Bleue
www.fregatebleue.com
Booking deadline on request
Travel Window: 6/1 to 9/30
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011-596-596-545-466
Karibea Baie du Galion Resort
www.karibearesort.com
Booking Deadline: 9/20
Travel Window: 6/1 to 9/30
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011-596-596-586-530
Karibea Sainte-Luce Resort
www.karibearesort.com
Booking Deadline: 9/20
Travel Window: 6/1 to 9/30
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011-596-596-621-191
Le Panoramic Hotel
www.lepanoramic.fr/en/index.html
Booking Deadline: 11/15
Travel Window: 6/1 to 8/31 and 10/1 to 11/30
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011-596-596-500-185
Hotel Plein Soleil
www.hotelpleinsoleil.com
Booking Deadline: 9/15
Travel Window: 7/1 to 9/30
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011-596-596-380-777
The Anacaona aims to herald a whole new kind of Caribbean hotel with plans to turn the hotel into the cultural entertainment center of Anguilla. That means nightlife will go beyond the usual with carnival evenings, dinner theater and even lighthearted but informative encounters with local historians and folklorists. Several promotional programs are also planned that make the low rates even more appealing. These will focus on niche experiences including wellness, cooking, adventure, and crafts for couples and small groups plus some especially tailored for solo travelers.
Full details at www.sirenaresort.com or www.anacaonahotel.com after October 15
