The Road to Middle EarthIn 2012, director Peter Jackson returned to Middle Earth for a new trilogy based on the works of beloved author J.R.R. Tolkien. An Unexpected Journey, the first installment in The Hobbit series, received mixed reviews from fans and critics alike, with many quibbling over Jackson’s decision to release the film in a controversial high frame rate format. Nevertheless, it helped spark a renewed interest in the real-life locations used in the film. Continue reading
A Hot French Classic for a Cool NightSome say that Coq au Vin dates all the way back to the times of Julius Caesar, whereas others are quick to point out that the earliest known recipe was found in a cookbook from the 1860s. This classic dish—often served during the colder months—is the very definition of French comfort food. Continue reading
On the Half ShellIn his seminal tome “No Reservations”, the late author-celeb Anthony Bourdain revealed his passion for fresh oysters. Make that incredibly fresh oysters, straight from the ocean. Continue reading
5 “Green” Restaurants Across the Country Everyone Should Dine AtThe French painter Paul Cezanne once wrote that, “The day is coming when a single carrot, freshly observed, will set off a revolution. Continue reading
The Truth About Cuban Cigars
Fall Into BarcelonaAutumn can be a tricky season in Barcelona. The phrase “the rains in Spain fall gently on the plain” isn’t a misnomer and sometimes “gently” is a vast understatement. The weather tends to fluctuate between heavy rains and periods of sun that make Barcelona glow like a mythical lost city of gold. Usually by September, thunderstorms begin to drift in off the Mediterranean Sea, pounding the pavement along La Rambla.
English EscapesHeading to London this summer? You may want to consider booking a few days at a countryside B & B or at one of the United Kingdom’s many luxury hotels located outside of London.
In the Heart of TexasSpring is one of the best times to scope out the infamous music scene in Austin. If you missed SXSW this year, there’s still plenty of time to visit renowned venues like Antone’s and the Continental Club before temperatures start climbing into the triple digits. Continue reading
A Tale of Two Truffle FestivalsThere are beer and wine festivals. There are Renaissance festivals. But truffle festivals? Those are a bit more rare in the United States and can be as tough to track down as the famous fungus itself. Continue reading
The Best of BondSpectre, featuring Daniel Craig as James Bond, and the 24th Bond film produced by Eon Productions, goes live in Theaters Nov. 6
The first James Bond film, Dr. No, was released 53 years ago this month. It was mocked by many critics following its debut on October 5th, 1962 at the London Pavilion. Time Magazine described Sean Connery as “a great, big, hairy marshmallow.” Then the Vatican decried its sexual content and the Kremlin declared 007 the embodiment of capitalist evil. Continue reading
The London Edition HotelGo to The Frieze Art Fair and Stay at One of London’s Hippest New Hotels
According to the The New York Times, “over the past 13 years Frieze has grown into one of the biggest weeks in the art market calendar.”
In Search of the Holy Grail (of Beer)Everyone in Europe seems to have an opinion when it comes to beer. On a recent Saturday night, I found myself at a pub in Rotterdam. The conversation at my table drifted from Oscar picks to Dutch politics before hitting a lull. To offset the momentary silence, I mentioned Belgian brews. Egor, a Dutch-Irishman sitting across from me, piped up: “Do you know about Trappist beers?” Continue reading
Cruising Through Corsica
Cruising Through CorsicaThis sun-drenched island sits in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea between Italy and France but it can often feel like it’s worlds away from both of them. Needless to say, you won’t find lush beaches, rugged beauty and tropical climes anywhere in Paris.
Hybrid BikesHybrid Bikes Are Now As Stylish As They Are Functional
Hills. They’re the enemy of anyone on a casual bike trip. While hardcore riders thrive on the adrenaline rush that comes with tackling an intimidating incline, the casual rider, looking to give the earth a break by leaving the car in the garage, could do without them. Continue reading
A Lofty Plan: The Story of AirbnbIt must have sounded like a crazy idea at the time but it’s since become the stuff of legend. Back in 2008, Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia were two ambitious entrepreneurs living in an expensive loft in San Francisco’s South of Market neighborhood. Continue reading
The Art of BBQIf you have a relative who lives below the Mason-Dixon Line, at some point, they’ve probably preached the gospel of “good barbecue” at you. Down south, it’s, unquestionably, serious business and less a way to kill a lazy Sunday evening than an art form. Continue reading
You’ve Come to the Rijks PlaceWill Ferrell recently visited Amsterdam in character as Ron Burgundy. In a series of sketches filmed for the MTV Europe Music Awards, the egotistical reporter from the Anchorman movies toured the city’s seedier side. Burgundy biked around De Wallen with Daft Punk, found himself in a window in the Red Light District and made the mistake of ordering a brownie in one of Amsterdam’s most famous coffee shops. Continue reading
Greenest Car: Tesla Model SWhat combines the timeless cool of the Porsche 911 with forward-thinking technology while also offering a hat tip to one of history’s most infamous inventors? That would be the much-heralded Tesla Model S. Continue reading
